It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Maya's First Christmas

Well, I didn't have the tree up for 2 minutes before silly Maya came to investigate.

Here she is looking all innocent. Don't let her fool you...



Anyone want to take bets on how many times the tree tumbles this holiday season?

Thanksgiving Blessings

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Cake Time

To conclude our anniversary weekend we thawed out our cake top that had been in the freezer for the last year. We had our florist make a flower topper incorporating flowers used in our wedding. It's just the cutest thing! So pretty I didn't want to cut into it. We even used our original toasting flutes and cake server.

We did all the traditional things, cut the cake together, fed each other, and had a toast.

The cake was delicious! Almost as good as the wedding day. No taste of freezer burn what so ever. The cake was just a teeny tiny bit dry but other that that it was fantastic. I had wrapped it in 2 layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and boxed it up before freezing. This method worked perfect!

"Football, UFC, and wedding cake ALL day....I don't know how it could get any better!" Jonathan Speth

Anniversary Fun

We planned on staying at the historic Hotel Phillips for our anniversary.

Our plans ran into a little kink though. Upon check-in we were informed they were overbooked and were moving us to the Marriott next door. We got our money refunded, plus they picked up the tab for the Marriott. We were still upset though and spoke with the manager because I REALLY wanted to stay at the small romantic hotel not a huge "cookie cutter" convention center hotel. They agreed to give us a complimentary night stay for our anniversary next year. YAY!!

After that was smoothed out we were off to see "Wicked."

It is soo good! Even Jonathan liked it (keep in mind earlier that night he was upset to be missing the Nebraska game plus a UFC fight). The music, costumes, effects, everything was awesome. It was also so neat to see how they blended the musical with the original story of the "Wizard of Oz." It kind of gives the Wizard of Oz story a whole new spin!

The next morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast (compliments of the Hotel Phillips!) before returning home. What wonderful anniversary memories.

Anniversary Band (PLUS 100th Post!)

Jonathan got me an anniversary band for my wedding ring. It's so different than my wedding band but the look is beautiful. Very antique looking. So pretty!

One Year Ago Today...

All of my dreams came true.

Stay tuned for more details and pictures from our anniversary weekend!

My Dear Sweet Husband

Our first wedding anniversary is right around the corner (11/22). I knew Jonathan was getting me flowers for the top of our cake (the cake top that's been in the freezer for a year!). Well, I was surprised when this lovely arrangement was delivered to work today. :) The card said, "Happy Anniversary, The first of many." So sweet, I think I need to go have a good cry, lol.

Sushi Night

The party I hosted for November was sushi making! Seven of my good friends joined the fun.

I like to call my tablescape "Girly Asian." It included orchids and a pop of pink color.

Everyone mastering the art of sushi rolling.

We had some awesome sushi rolls.

We had some not so awesome sushi rolls!

Here you have the 8 sushi masters.

Everyone had a great time and lots of laughs. Each guest received their own bamboo sushi rolling mat and soy sauce bowl as a party favor.

Stay tuned for next months fun - Holiday Party.

47 Days and Counting

Well the holiday season is upon us weather we want it to be or not! I've already seen Christmas trees and lights in my neighborhood and music is playing on the radio.

Chels and I got a jump start on our Christmas shopping. We shopped for about 10 hours this weekend! It feels great to have most of my shopping complete (and wrapped) and to know I'll be missing the craziness later!

I also hunted down my FAVORITE holiday treat. Snowman Poop! I find it every year at the local mall in a store called "The Gourmet Chef." It's white hot chocolate with a dark chocolate dipped spoon and marshmallows. This is the best hot chocolate I've ever had. I picked up 5 packs and will probably be back for more.

Speaking of hot chocolate I think I'm going to go make myself one now!

Mom & Daughter Night

My mom and I celebrated our annual "So You Think You Can Dance Tour" last night! It was so fun, we look forward to it every year (this is our 3rd tour). It's so cool to see the dancers in person and the routines were exceptional! Our seats were awesome, close enough to see facial expressions. I almost burst into tears with excitement. "Nah Na Na NA...So you think you can DANCE DANce Dance dance!!!