Birthday Part(ies)

Due to all of this holiday madness, my birthday celebration was a bit scattered, which only meant more than one!

The last Monday night dinner I had with my cousin and her family before Christmas break she made me a home-made delicious pepperoni pizza with some yummy birthday pudding for dessert. (The pudding has a very classy name… but I can never remember it.)

I enjoyed the evening so much. Full of laughter, playing “ring around the rosy” and singing our “ABC’s” My cousin made me feel very special, along with the home-made meal she made me a wash cloth and two oven mitts, with some hot chocolate and two Christmas mugs. It was great!

Then, the following Wednesday Gail came over to have dinner with my family before we all were split for the next two weeks, and I opened the gifts from my family after.

My dad finished the big chest that I had started over 2 years ago in his woodshop class for me. I was so surprised and I love that it is finished! I am so lucky to have a dad that makes (and finishes) such beautiful furniture and workings out of wood. My mom made me a door hanging that will be on our front door, wherever Jeb and I decide to call home. Lacy got me a set of make-up brushes (which I needed badly) Karly got me a cute crossing pistols ring, (I’ve worn it almost every outing since then.) I was also given a Taste of Home cookbook with 4 versions of each recipe 1. For light cooking 2. Fast cooking 3. Cooking for two 4. And a regular recipe. My mom also got me a gift card and a new stamp set (I’m so excited for it!)

On Friday Jeb and I came up to Greeley to visit my cousin Kait and her family. We had a wedding that Jeb was a part of on Saturday, and we met his brother Tyler and his girlfriend Robyn for dinner and a movie, where I was serenated an awkward “Happy Birthday” but wasn’t given my free birthday dessert (?!?) We saw Sherlock Holmes, well; Jeb, Tyler, & Robyn saw it… I slept through 3/4ths of it only waking up during the loud gun matches.

On Monday (my actual birthday) My cousin Kati invited her mom my Aunt Chris over for a Papa John’s pizza night. It was so yummy! Kati and I spent the day dyeing and cutting each other’s hair, pizza and an ice cream cake for dessert was a perfect way to end the day. My cousin got me a cute martini glass that says “if the shoe fits, buy one in every color.” & a travel size yummy smelling set from Victoria Secret My Aunt gave me the dish cloths, towels and oven mitts off our wedding registry. I am so excited to be getting things for our future home, I am so excited for what is yet to come! It was for sure a fun day.

Tuesday I went and made Christmas candy with my Grandma who gave me the rest of my cowboy towels that she started last year, with a big glass Tupperware bowl (also an item off our registry!)  My cousin took me out to dinner and some dancing, we had a great time! Maybe a little too much fun because I was useless all day Wednesday, but hey, you only live once & I knew I was in good care with Kait!

My family is so important to me; I am so blessed to be surrounded by people that love me. Now if the snow will stop I could actually see them!

Soon enough Jeb and I will be on our way to see Jeb’s extended family, and as sad as I am to not spend my last “Childhood” Christmas with my family, I am beyond excited to meet all the people who love and care about my Jeb.

Everyone out there in the www. world, Merry Christmas. I hope your holiday is filled with all the love and joy that has been a part of mine this far.

Don’t forget the true meaning of this holiday. More than ever am I thankful for the love and forgiveness that has been given to me from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

WEDDING NEWS!!!!

My Grandma finished the “pre wedding dress” dress, and she told me that we need to find the lace for my ACTUAL dress very soon!

Random Overload

This weekend was full of wonderful happenings.

Jeb was given the weekend off and was able to spend some extra time with his parents, brother & his brother’s girlfriend.

We were able to go to the Springs on Saturday and found everything I needed! (That rarely happens to me!)

My two sisters and Jeb’s brother & girlfriend met us for Breaking Dawn Part 1 Saturday night. I enjoyed looking down our half a row at some of the most important people in my life, all sitting & enjoying a movie together. That rarely happens to us anymore.

Sunday we visited both wedding locations and were able to brainstorm, plan and dream with each other and both of our parents. (This also rarely happens!)

We ended the weekend with a steak dinner and watching the Eagles win!

Lately I have been constantly reminded of how blessed I am.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner things are about to get real hectic around my parents’ house, lots of creating, cleaning, & cooking.

As I have said before I love it all.

I have made myself a vow to take every bit of it in and enjoy as much as possible.

The next few days already have full schedules and none of which include tackling the 10 or so Christmas presents I need to have done by Saturday.

But, I’m not the least bit worried. I have found that I work best in the wee hours of the morning… usually under pressure (aka: Friday night, after spending the majority of the day shopping probably starting out wayyy to early.)

Bring it on!

The past few days I have had a cute little student council camp chant stuck in my head.

“I’m a nut”

-snap snap-

“I’m a nut”

-snap snap-

“I’m crrrazzzy”

It pretty much sums up these last few days and the next month or so to come.

Most days I catch myself thinking about what I want to be doing, instead of focusing on what I need to get done.

Most days I feel like my emotions are about to run out all over me in all forms.

Tears

Laughing

Pure excitement

Frustration

Anticipation

Fear

The list would drag on forever if I let it.

I keep thinking about Bernice in Hope Floats saying: “My cup runneth over”

My Pandora stations have consisted of a mix between 60’s, Christmas and Disney.

I’ll just remind you that I am in fact 20 years old.

… I just realized I will be 21 in less than a month.

I’m blaming this holiday for bringing my “inner child” out of me.

Or maybe, this is just the effect of less than 7 hours of sleep a night for the last month.

I’m hoping my “crash” doesn’t happen until my mile long to-do list is done.

Gosh.

I haven’t visited Pinterest in over a week by the way. That is one site that could get me into a lot of trouble this next month…

I’m sort-of, kind-of half-heartedly thinking about not visiting the site until my presents are all made… too bad the patterns and guidelines I need for every single one can be found only, on that site.

Countdown to Christmas

You know those people who listen to Christmas music starting November 1^st? The same ones who watch every Christmas movie on TV starting… well, November 1^st.

I have to be honest here…

I’m one of those people.

My sisters and I last Christmas

I absolutely LOVE the heck outta Thanksgiving to January 1^st.

CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF IT

The Santas my grandpa has carved

My grandma's Christmas candy recipies

I love the whole dang process of getting ready for Christmas too.

I personally enjoy thinking about what to get my loved ones, shopping for them and wrapping the gifts.

I love making yummy foods that we save for just this time of year.

I love decorating. I think it is such a shame that lighting up your house isn’t as popular as it once was, kindof like hanging the American Flag… but that’s another story.

All the hustle and bustle, I LOVE it. Last year was the first year we ever ventured out early black Friday morning, and I must say I will be doing it again, and hopefully again and again and again.

I honestly think that this blog is not doing my excitement justice. Seriously.

Every year my family goes and purchases a permit to go cut down our own Christmas tree and decorate it together hot chocolate, soup, and carols included. Our tree is filled with memories, Santa brought my sister’s and me a new ornament each year, it usually had something to do with a memory or trip we took the year before.

Cutting down Christmas trees one year with my cousin and her husband

When we went to Disneyland one summer, that Christmas each of us got an ornament of our favorite Disney character.

The year we were baptized we received a wooden lamb that my grandfather carved for us, signifying we were children of God.

One tradition that my mom started when we were just little girls was tying red, white, and purple ribbons on our tree. Red is for God’s love for us & White represents our sins being washed white as snow when we ask God for forgiveness.

Purple, is still to this day my favorite. Each one of us only ever puts one purple ribbon on, and you have to do it yourself. So when I was away at college, my ribbon waited for me to be hung when I got home.

Those ribbons are a reminder. Before the purple ribbons are put on the tree each one of us has to think of something, or someone we want to pray for during the holiday season. Then, every time you look at the tree or a purple ribbon catches your eye, you pray your prayer.

When I was in late elementary school, my best friend had a Christmas tree that was decorated right out of a catalog with wrapping paper to match. I remember it was just beautiful, and thinking, “I wish we would do a tree like this.” I know I went home that night and told my mom exactly what I thought about our tree versus my friends. She told me that those trees are very beautiful and classy looking, but our tree has meaning and memories.

I cannot wait to start a tree with Jeb, & to build traditions with each other and our future children.

This year, has been sort-of bittersweet.

This year will be the last year that my childhood traditions will be the same.

Don’t get me wrong I can’t wait to go cut down our own tree and light up the outside of our residence (tastefully not tacky!)

But, I won’t get the infamous socks and underwear bag next year, and I won’t have to clean my room spick and span next year, because all of my belongings won’t be in that room anymore.

Jeb and I made plans months ago to fly out December 24^th to Pennsylvania to spend Christmas with his family.

Secretly, I don’t want to.

I am so excited to spend Christmas with Jeb and meet all of his family. To learn their traditions and become a part of his family, but there is a selfish part of me that wants Christmas like it has always been.

Christmas Eve with my Dad’s parents with my Grandma dressed from head to toe in Christmas and my Grandpa shaking his sleigh bells telling us that Santa is on his way. Going to bed in our new pj’s after each of us reading the new children’s book we were just given.

Lacy reading her new Christmas Book

Notice my dad is asleep in both pictures!



Christmas morning at our house with my Dad’s parents again opening our stockings from Santa and enjoying home-made cinnamon rolls and fruit salad. Then the afternoon and next few days with my Mom’s family.

one of the last christmas mornings at my grandparents house

Opening presents, snacking on home-made foods and goodies all day, playing games with my cousins, aunts and uncles; Just enjoying one another.

But, those traditions have not happened for a few years now & I know that this year is just another year getting used to the changes.

Spending time with the Stoltzfus's (this was a tradition before we started daiting!)

This year I have made the conscious effort to hand make almost every present.

Crazy I know, completing the many DIY wedding projects that are still waiting to be started isn’t enough. No, not at all. Why not throw in 10 to 15 presents to make into the mix. Ha! Honestly, I have been trying to start the presents since Halloween, but with all the recent car trouble I have had lately and the frustration that comes with not being able to find the supplies I want and need, has been a real set back.

Last week during one of our nightly phone calls I expressed my frustrations to Jeb through tears and sniffs, he calmly replied with the best plan.

This weekend he is taking me and my sisters to see the new Twilight the second night it is theaters. Then, on Sunday he is taking me to the Springs to gather the numerous supplies I need for my gifts AND fronting the bill because thanks to the automobiles in my life I have slim to no money these days.

Personally, I think any guy who is brave enough to take not only his girlfriend on a date but her two sisters as well is most definitely a keeper. Top it off with taking them to Twilight on the second night it is out, oh yeah he isn’t going anywhere!

Dang I love that boy.

Dang I love this time of year.

Dang I love that after November there are only 7 months until I become Mrs. Stoltzfus

Dang.

Wedding update: Things are getting done! I had to ask the two girls I wanted to join my sisters as brides maids earlier than I though and without the creative idea I had, because my grandma said its TIME TO START DRESSES!!!!  I’m so excited, if you couldn’t tell.

I made an appointment with the place we are going to use for flowers.

We have pretty much finalized the finger food menu for our reception!

I talked to the wonderful lady we want to make our cake, turns out when you ask your “vendors” 10 months in advance in Westcliffe, usually they are wide open!

I am 4 months behind on my list of DIY projects, and strangely very okay with that. Although I know I need to get my butt into gear!

Me, Myself, & Productive Wednesdays

Today is just one of those days…

I decided to sleep in, and go clean the house I clean every Wednesday midmorning.

I woke up at 9:30 and had a cup of Joe, watched my new addiction (Pop Up Video on VH1) very relaxing.

At 10 I gathered the 7 care packages I finished and are ready to send out. (Who is crazy enough to make 9 care packages & send 7 of them?!? This girl.)

I put on a light jacket and headed outside.

Oh and by the way, it snowed sometime between when I hit the pillow last night and when I stepped outside.

I slightly remember my sister coming in my room in the morning asking for something and telling me that there was a light dusting on the ground.

If you have ever had wonderful pleasure of dealing with my charming self sometime before 10:00am you know I am noooo morning person & if I have any conversation with you… I will remember bits and pieces if anything.

Anyways, my car has had some big time issues this last week, I’m pretty sure all month but since my car wasn’t looked at until FINALY this week by my cousins very mechanical husband he so kindly explained that my car was not drivable until it was fixed. So, I have been given “Princess” the car my sister and I drove in high school, and the car my other sister will drive the minute she gets her license… any day now btw.

I started the car this morning blasted the heat and defrost and trudge through more than a “dusting” back to the house to get my packages.

When all was well inside my little car I braved the weather and headed to town. I was about 50 yards onto the highway when I spun out and ended up in the other lane headed back to my house.

That was it, I just headed back home. I thought to myself “oh I will accomplish so much from my cozy couch!”

So far?

More Pop-Up Videos

Coffee, Coffee, and Coffee

I can’t make more wedding jewelry because I ran out of clasps.

My beloved power cords for my cell phone and computer are at Gail’s house.

Oh and… I gained 3 of the 4 pounds I lost back.

     I’m just a bit annoyed

The sinus headache that I have been fighting the last week is back.

And the wood stack inside is almost gone.

I better get movin’ cuz my computer battery is at a so sad 10%.

Good thing another NCIS marathon is on. I need my BFFS Abby & Gibbs today.

Engagment Photos

A few weekends ago Jeb and I got our engagement pictures taken, and we both absolutely love them. The gal who took them has such an eye for taking pictures and the ones she took for us deferentially show that she enjoys what she does.

 We took a bunch out at Jeb’s parent’s house with two of his horses, and then drove to these really cool red barns to take a few more.

I can’t stop looking at them and I’m even more excited to actually order some and frame them. I can’t wait.

Here are a few that my mom and sisters took on a whim after we finished taking family pictures up in Greeley celebrating my grandparents 50^th wedding anniversary.

I am equally excited to order these and frame them as well. I am so happy we have a variety of pictures because along with all the pictures Jeb and I have taken over the 9 years we have known each other, these will be scattered and very present at our wedding reception.

And these are a few we took this last Sunday during our “Christmas card shoot” (Jeb’s parents took the pictures with our digital cameras for us!) It was a lot of fun!

Wife in Waiting

This weekend I made Jeb some pumpkin cookies with maple icing.

I didn’t realize that I was going to make over 5 batches.

My original plan was to drizzle the cookies with the maple icing, but after the first batch came out of the oven, I decided that the cracker like cookie and the thick icing would make a better sandwich.

 My sister Karly made these same cookies a week ago and hers turned out fluffy and full, but I used a piping bag to dispense the dough so mine turned out flat and a little crunchy, but still soft.

Here are the recipes:

Pumpkin Cookies

From: My Grandma <3

2 cups Sugar

2 cups Shortening

1 16 ounce can pumpkin

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon all spice

2 cups raisins (optional)

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

I didn’t add the raisins or nuts.

Maple Frosting

I just Googled “maple frosting” and used the first one that came up.

8 ounce package of cream cheese

¼ cup of butter

4 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon maple flavoring

Cream together the cheese and butter.

Stir in the confectioner’s sugar and flavoring

Mix well

Thanks for the Support

Warning

I,

a)  Don’t feel well

b)  Am missing Jeb

c)   Am super tired due to little to no sleep the last few nights (for no reason other than the fact that I woke up almost hourly both nights.)

So the following might be a bit negative.

Since Jeb and I made our engagement public knowledge, and since I started wearing my ring people have been openly sharing their opinions on not only our engagement and marriage but also what we plan on doing during our “doomed” lives.

The Facts:

     I am currently 20 years old. I will be 21 when I get married.

     Jeb is currently 21 years old and will be 22 when we get married.

     I am not pregnant.

     We do not have any kids of our own (YET)

     I did not rush into this engagement; we have been dating for the better part of 4 years with one 3 month break in the first year we were dating.

     We are not getting married to “Save” our relationship.

So if anyone feels the need to let me know what a mistake I am making when you notice my ring, keep it to yourself.

Since July I have been asked.

1.    “Are you…

*Serious

*Pregnant

*sure he is “the one”

*ready to throw your life away

* Crazy

2. “Do you…

*know what you are getting yourself into

* realize that 50% percent of all marriages end in divorce

*really want to grow up that fast

And told to:

1.    Wait until I am older

2.  REALLY think about what I am doing

3.   Enjoy single life because after that it is all down hill

4.  Don’t even think about having children now or ever

I am a young adult who is engaged to be married to my best friend, whom I have known for over 10 years, (yes we grew up together) [and we are still growing.] In 10 months we will be married and it will be for life.

We will be having children in a few years, and when we decide the time is right for us, we will have as many as we want.

Thanks for all of your oh so positive support haters, I hope that when It is my turn to comment on your life, it will be on a positive note and with more class and respect than you have shown.

Oh, and if anyone else wants to tell me that Jesus is coming back soon, don’t check your coat at the door because you won’t be staying long.

Jesus is my lord and savior and I am proud to have him in my heart, but the Bible says we do not know when his return will be, we just better be ready. I don’t really want to hear your opinion on his return because I am very excited to live the life God has planned for me.

Without your Debby Downer opinion about the world’s end.