Happy Holidays

Wishing everyone a safe, cozy and wonderful holiday this year!

Being Grateful

So I've been a slacker on the blog front, but did want to share some of our memories of the past Thanksgiving week. Dave and I were lucky enough to host Thanksgiving for 13 people. After having it at my house for the first time (even with lots and lots of help from mom and dad), I have to say it maybe an overrated meal. I am one of those "chefs" who likes to make the dinner look gourmet, but isn't above buying my homemade rolls, finding the shortest recipes and outsourcing to others. I'd say I'm a half motivated Martha Stewart and I definitely couldn't have done it without dad and mom in the kitchen. There is a lot of work that goes into that 30 minute dinner, but definitely some good memories. Dave and I are really grateful we had so much family to share it with. Monica, we missed you, but were glad to have Chase and Amanda there. We also had Ryan and Jodi over, as well as our good friends Tawnie, Ed and Kenzie.

Mom and Dad and Megan and Cameron came down and spent the week with us. We had a nice time mostly chilling, eating out and seeing a few movies. I'm not sure who was more excited to see Twlight- me or my mom. She even read the book again to get her in the "mood". Megan didn't find it very exciting. We also had a scare with dad. We went to breakfast and on the way, he started to act funny (slurring his words and than walking funny and stumbling to the ground). Good thing Miss PA, Megan was there. She made sure we got dad to the hospital and we found out he had a TIA aka as a mini-stroke. He's okay now, although we are all hoping dad takes care of himself so there are no repercussions from this.

As this holiday and crazy week came to a close, I realized that I have alot to be thankful for. I have such a wonderful, unselfish and giving husband with great kids. I also have a family I wouldn't trade for anyone's- chaos and all!! I realize at times like these, that love, family, good friends, and health are things we may take for granted, but I'm really blessed. Thanks to all who shared this great holiday with me.

My Latest Home Project

Before...

After...

Here is my latest home project. I'd like to say I was talented enough to actually create and sew this ottoman, but I'm not. I am however, proud to say that I was resourceful and practical enough to update this room for just a few hundred dollars (including fabric, labor and new accessories). When we moved into this house, we were planning to get another couch for this room, but I had the two chairs that I thought were cute. That and coupled by the fact that we have yet to sit in this room, I thought I'd just update it. I was able to find the ottoman on Craigs list for $15(see original creme ottoman in the top picture and the room before) and found fabric and had it reupholstered. I'm really into the kiwi green right now and wanted a fresh look in the room. While the mom's were in town, we found the vases, bamboo, etc at Z Gallerie and Crate and Barrel (all on sale) and walla, here's how it turned out. This room is great because it has windows facing the pool and view so now Dave and I may actually have to enjoy a few sunsets in this room after all.

Home Sweet Home

We've been in AZ for a year now and just moved into a larger home. We are still in Fountain Hills and since many of you saw our old house, but haven't planned any upcoming visits, I thought I would show you our new home. Our new home is in a gated golf community (yes, you golfers, we do get
discounted golf!) and has a great view of what we call mountains and the city. We're lucky enough that all the kids each have their own room and Dave and I also have our own office (that doesn't makeshift into another room). It wasn't very hard to figure out that I would get the office overlooking the pool, while Dave gets to look out his office window at the mountains. The best part of the house is definitely the yard. We have a beautiful salt water pool with a fountain, a fire pit, built in bbq and a nice lounge sitting area all overlooking the #1 Hole. Also, kudos to Dave for organizing all my stuff in the garage and elsewhere (and it's no secret I have ALOT of it). Those of you who remember my middle bedroom and storage room, know that was no easy task! Our house amazingly enough looks uncluttered....well until you get to my closet. Babysteps....

The house is open and spacious and great for entertaining. I'm currently recruiting visitors for Thanksgiving if there are any takers??? This is a standing invite to all friends and family- come whenever you can. Dave and I would love the company!!!