Girl Time

Friday night I drove down to Pueblo to spend the evening with my sister.

I have to say I don’t know how people make it without sisters; or siblings in general.

Being around one of my sisters just for a few hours lift my spirits to new highs.

I had a good conversation with one of my very best friends, Sydney, the other day about what being around positive females can do for your self-esteem & I have to say I’m feeling pretty good about our discovery.

Being a social butterfly comes easy for some people, and I have always admired the trait but haven’t ever been comfortable being “the life of the party.”  I am perfectly content sitting at a small table with a few close friends or some family.

Being down here in the southern corner of Colorado dates with a girlfriend are few and far between.

So when Jeb is gone at a show I use any excuse I can to drive somewhere to see one of them.

After talking with Sydney my beliefs that you don’t need just that ONE person are shining true.

It is part of my daily prayer that Jeb will always be the one I can’t wait to tell practically everything to, & he is I know my “person” like on Grey’s Anatomy.

BUT! He could seriously care less about a new nail polish color. Or that I found the answer to my make-up issue once again on Pinterest.

I am one of those girls who just needs a girl.

And after talking to Sydney I realized how important it is to make sure the females you surround yourself with are ones that want what is best for you, and push you to be better. They also need to know the difference between venting and nagging or a cry for help.

My sisters and closest friends have heard a lot from me lately.

I have been on a “clean eating” diet for 7 weeks now and haven’t managed to lose weight.

Until last Thursday I had applied everywhere in Alamosa and hadn’t heard a positive thing back! Nothing short of being told I wasn’t qualified to work at Maurice’s.

I will be the first to admit after Jeb shared his exciting news about a horse show in Vegas at the end of March; I was much more jealous and upset that I couldn’t go instead of being excited for him.

So a little home done pedicure and a chick flick were just what the doctor ordered.

Last year being engaged I was given lots of advice. Most was good, beneficial and still floats into my thoughts from time to time. But I seriously hated it when people would tell me how hard being married is and that I was ruining our relationship for an insurance status. But if I am honest sometimes those words float back to me as well.

I know I still have so much to learn and I hope I am never done learning. It’s like anything else I love; I should always want to strive to be better.  With hair I hope I never tire of trying new things, new ideas and learning new techniques. In my marriage I should always want to make things better, and strive to reach new heights.

This weekend has taught me that although Jeb is my first priority and my “person” I still need my girls. I still need to talk to a friend about my frustrations, have a glass of wine or a chocolate dipped, smothered in chocolate something & have us a good laugh. I still need a sister to vent about his manly habits and she can agree with an “EWW!” Light-hearted of course, Jeb is actually very good about putting the toilet seat back down! J

Anyways, I know I am not the first one to make this discovery, Sex & the City is one of my very favorite examples. At some point in one of the many episodes, one of the character’s men tells her to talk, see, and spend some time with, THE GIRLS.

As far as I know, guys need guy time, “man caves” Shoot from September to January they get to control the TV channel all weekend! (at least at my house & my parents house)

So I am not going to feel bad about wanting to simply tweeze my eyebrows next to my sister or spend $10.00 on 4nail polishes because we simply can’t decide which one looks best. Or going to get pedicures and our nails done for fun, spending time together can really make all the difference.

I thank Jesus every day for my sisters. They are truly my best friends.

I also thank Jesus for my friends that are like my sisters; the ones that I can go a week or two not talking to and pick up just like we never left off, although in my friendship with Sydney we hardly ever make it past a week.

Time with them is never wasted time. Even if it is just sitting together being totally focused on our own projects.

One of the best pluses though, is when all of us get together our guys included and we can still have a blast!

End of October

today is just one of those days.

I am sitting here kicking myself because after the weekend we had, I don't have one single picture to show for it.

Believe me it was one for the books. 

Jeb and I both were able to get Friday (and Saturday for Jeb) off so we could take a road trip up North to see all our family.

We left Friday morning so we could meet Lacy in Pueblo just as she got off of work and we hit the road!

We spent the afternoon at my cousin Kati's visiting with her and her family. She had a baby boy 3 weeks ago and I COULD NOT wait to meet him! 

They had a Halloween party to go to that night so we met up with one of my very best friends and her fiance and Jeb's brother to play BINGO!

We really did have such a good time even though none of us won any money, we went back for the "late night" round to try our hand again. Didn't win anything that time either, but got to spend some more time together!

After watching a few episodes of Duck Dynasty with my Aunt Chris we called it a night.

The next morning we left kati's house after 2 rounds of hugs and kisses from Jackson and headed to my Grandparents

Saturday was my papa Jason's 80th birthday. We spent the morning chatting with him and my grandma about the wedding and all the happenings in their lives. 

My parents and Karly made it to my Grandma's house just in time for lunch. 

Just as we were about to sit down to big plates of nachos my aunt Becca and cousin Jake brought my other cousin Matt's daughter over to spend a little time with us.

She is so cute, it took her a little time to warm up to all of us, but when Jeb and I left to head for Ft. Collins she was being passed from person to person.

My parents, sister and family celebrated my Papa's birthday that night with dinner and a scrapbook full of memories from many people in my papa's life.

We met up with Jeb's parents, brother and girlfriend at Farm House, the fraternity that Tyler is president of. They had just finished up an afternoon snack of cinnamon rolls and hot cider. Perfect for a pre-game snack.

The 6 of us stopped by 5 guys before heading to the game just to make sure we were full to the brim.

The game was so cold! But, THEY WON! it turned out to be a pretty fun game to watch!

Jeb's friend Ian met us for the 2nd half of the game and for drinks at Potts after.

It was such a fun day!

Sunday we met Jeb's brother for breakfast before his alumni meeting and then went over to Buffalo Wild Wings for more food (ha!) and to watch the Eagles loose. Boo!

We had to head south after the game because we had an appointment in Castle-rock to pick up the cutest party favor EVER!

This is Trip! He's already settled right in to our little family!

Today, I am so thankful for my family. And the family I have joined.

My cousins are always inspiring me to be better. At everything, Kati and her family are settling into being a family of 4 and seem to be loving it. Her husband Chris is such a good dad, he even makes changing a dirty diaper into something so hilarious my sides started hurting. 

My grandparents try not to miss a beat in all of our lives, my papa had lots of questions about Jeb's job and how things were going. Both were so excited to hear about all the happenings with my sisters and I.

My mom made sure to send us on the road with some home-made goodies & I have never seen my dad so rested looking and at peace. I really think this fall has done him a lot of good.

My sisters are busy as always it was so good to spend some time with them. Jeb had a good time razzing them too!

Sam and Gail were so fun to talk with. Lots of laughter this weekend and I am so thankful I married into such a wonderful family.

Tyler and Robyn are as busy as my sisters are. It was really nice to see them for the game and evening.

Today, I can't help but want to move. Closer to all of our family. I know we are putting down roots here and the people we have met down here have really made this move easy. The time with our family is always so short lived, and that is why I think I always leave wanting more.

A Week From Today....

 A week from today, I will get up earlier than I normally would to shower, shave my legs & drowned my skin in some sort of moisture rich substance.

I will spend breakfast with 60 of our closest friends and family at a local restaurant

I will kiss my cowboy on his lips one last time as his fiancé.

My nails and toes will be painted & looking very fresh.

Two of my favorite girls from Cosmo School will be on their way to our little home town to make my girls and I look beautiful.

At this exact time, 10:00 am, I’ll be spending time with my girls.

Around noon, we will be pinning curlers in our hair, painting our faces with all kinds of rich colors.

My mom and Jeb’s mom will be scurrying around finishing last minute details.

I can only imagine what the BOYS will do with a day together, after a much to long absence from each other’s company.

My cousin will drive to a neighboring town to pick up flower s to be pinned on numerous “cowboy” shirts & dresses. She’ll also pick up the flowers my two best friends & sisters will carry as they walk down the aisle.

And, she will pick up my bouquet. The one I will hold until it is replaced with my cowboy’s hands.  

I’ll slip into the dress my dear grandma spent hours and hours making just for me, and I’ll love it.

My girls will put their “grandma made” dresses too.

Then, we’ll all put on our cowboy boots!

Shalee will place my veil in my hair and spray everything one last time.

I’ll tell my mom how much I love her & we’ll wait for the photographer to tell us it’s time to take numerous pictures.

As our guests arrive I’ll wait upstairs of the beautiful Beckwith house & maybe sneak a peek or two.

The music will bellow from the speakers as my cowboy makes his way to the front with our pastor.

I’ll watch my girls’ link arms with each boy and walk down the aisle.

And I’ll look at my dad and try not to cry.

I’ll tell him how much I love him and take his arm.

I’m going to stare straight ahead at my cowboy.

Because, if I look anywhere else and see tears, streams will make their way to my chin.

When my dad and I get to the front, I’m going to hug him so tight and tell him “thank you”

And let a few tears slip.

Then I’m going to hand my sister my flowers and take Jeb’s hands.

Forever.

At the end of the day, after everyone had eaten their fill & then some,

 After the cake is cut and gone,

after the DJ has played his set,

& the photographer has had his fill of pictures.

It will just me be me and my cowboy.

We will finally, finally be married.

photo-booths aren't just for the mall anymore

Last weekend My sisters and I along with one of Lacy's closest friends, Amy went to a Bridal Exbo at their college (CSU Pueblo)

I had never been to one, and thought it might be something I for sure needed to do before my big day.

Aside from the many "congratulations," "when's the big day? OH! thats coming fast!" and "How exciting!" comments I was given throughout the day... along with the many other brides walking about, I was disapointed with what a BRIDAL EXBO really is.

All vendors in the Pueblo area set up in the CSU ball room and try to get as many bookings as they can.

So in my case I had no real reason to attend, because I have all of my vendors booked at this point.

Thats when the comments turned sour. "Oh... well, good luck..." "Well we can do lunch-ins, tea parties..." "I'm doing a private shooting this weekend for Valentines day (then turns to my 16 year old sister) Do you have a boy friend that you want to take some sexy pictures for?"

But the BEST part was this

The photographer we are using for our wedding suggested a photo booth and told me how much fun they could be. I didn't believe him until us girls took our own photo booth pictures.

Now if any extra money pops up or if our super tight budget should magically explode a photo booth will happen at our wedding.

Other news: Jeb turned 22 yesterday Woop! woop! He is in Texas for three weeks getting ready for a show next week, so I called him at 9:00 last night to see how they were going to celebrate, only to wake him up from his nap.

Wedding plans are going great. I am headed to the local print shop tomorrow to get our Save the Dates and Invitations printed. All the Save the Date envelopes are addressed and ready to be filled.

My grandma is charging full speed ahead with the dresses. Shes just waiting on me to make some color decisions.

Jeb's Family

Jeb and I flew out to PA on the 24th to spend Christmas with his family. I absolutely loved it. I dearly missed my family; I only broke down once though, in my room with only Jeb present.

But we had the best time.

Besides the fact that I sent an elbow through the kitchen door window at Jeb’s grandparents’ house.

His Grandpa is the sweetest, most comforting man. I felt so stupid, but! Kept my tears in, until he kissed the top of my head. Then the water works started.

As soon as we got back to Jeb’s grandparents’ house (Gail’s parents) we started peeling shrimp & breading oysters, shrimp & mushrooms for a BIG Christmas Eve feast!

We had the 3 fried items listed above, shrimp scampi, crab stuffed mushrooms, steaks, & sautéed veggies, with peppermint ice cream for dessert. I was stuffed!

After dinner Gail gave me 2 packages for Jeb and me from my mom. (Every Christmas Eve my mom and dad let us open one present, new pajamas and a children’s book.) I insisted to Jeb that we open them in my room alone (I balled the whole time) Gail came in and read the book I was given to each of us, just like my mom would have done & I continued to ball. I’m pretty sure I have never been so home sick in my whole life. But it was short lived.

The next morning we all woke up and had long-johns topped with rich frosting and coffee, and we all just sat around the kitchen table to talk before presents were even mentioned. I loved that.

We spent Christmas day at Jeb’s Aunt and Uncle’s house (which is BEAUTIFUL) with a mound of delicious food!  I enjoyed watching this side of the family interact so much.

Sam (Jeb’s Dad), was raised Amish, but never joined the church. Sam’s parents (Mommy & Dautie) {Grandma & Grandpa} are still Amish as is Sam’s older brother Levi and his wonderful wife Anna. They have 3 kids 2 of which are married with kids and are no longer Amish. Sadie Lynn is their youngest (my age and has already joined the church & is dating a gym who will join the church this summer. (Suspicions are that they will be married in the Amish church soon after.) Lorraine and her Husband joined the Amish church and then left, they have 3 kids all older than me, the youngest Kerry is Jeb’s age. Also, Aunt Mary was present during all the festivities; she is Mommy’s younger sister who never married.

There is so much love in that family. I just loved being there. EVERYONE was at Christmas dinner & stayed at Ike and Lorraine’s house until after all the kiddo’s bed times.

 The next day Gail and I went into Lancaster City with Lorraine and Kerry. I had a lot of fun that day as well.

Tuesday we went to Central Market with Gail’s parents, it was quite a sight

In the afternoon Jeb took me to the restaurant where his parents met to split a burger and then drove me all over to take pictures of the rainy day.

Tuesday night we went over to Levi and Anna’s house for some yummy soup and sandwiches. I also enjoyed that night, lots of catching up, storytelling and laughter. I love just sitting and listening to all the “remember when…” stories.

Wednesday, Gail and I went to this little shopping place called Kitchen & Kettle with Lorraine, it was fun seeing different stores, most with some Amish influence. We stopped by Mommy and Dautie’s house to visit with them for a little while, then we met up with Gail’s dad to do some last minute shopping for the 50^th Wedding anniversary party we were putting together for Gail’s parents on Thursday night.

Thursday we got up and started working on the party right away. Gail and her brother Kurt made all the food for 60 plus people, and were trying to do it all by themselves as a gift to their parents.

We had gotten up early the day after Christmas to snag all the good deals on Christmas décor (Gold ball ornaments for the centerpieces)

Jeb and I spent Thursday decorating the dining room. I must say that my cowboy does have an eye for decorating. He had lots of great ideas.

By 6:00p.m. All the seats were filled and we were serving salads, prime rib, canned chicken, oven roasted potatoes and fresh green beans.

Kurt did an excellent job cooking; he sure has a gift in the kitchen.

Grandma Miller had make 3 cakes for dessert which we served with THE BEST store bought ice cream I have ever had.

I love the fact that both Jeb and my parents are still married. The even crazier thing is that 2 sets of our grandparents were married on September 2^nd and both celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary this year.

Later we found out that Mommy and Dautie have been married for 60 years!

Friday we had breakfast with Grandpa Miller’s brothers and sisters at a local buffet, later just the 5 of us drove around Gail, Sam, Jeb, Tyler and me. It was fun sight-seeing all the places that they remembered from living there. Sam every once in a while would say something like: “Me, Dad, and Levi built that… and that’s where Levi taught me how to chew!” We also visited Steve and Linda’s beautiful home; I was ready to move to PA right then and there if she would have said we could have her house.

For dinner we met all Grandpa Millers family again at a Pizza Hut and then headed over to Levi and Anna’s to say goodbye to Ike and Lorraine and Levi and Anna. The night ended too soon, but we had to pack because Sam wanted to be on the road pretty early the next morning.

We drove straight through and ended up back in Westcliffe about 10:30am New Year’s Day.

I was tired, dirty and cramped from sitting in the middle back seat too long, but I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about that trip.

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.

State Fair

Labor Day weekend was the last weekend of the annual sate Fair in Pueblo.

The State Fair hosts a horse show that weekend, and Jeb got to attend with his boss.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the State Fair.

I love:

The food

People watching, (Jeb’s boss said: “If you are ever feeling a bit down on yourself, just come to the state fair” and he is right, characters galore!)

The Vendors

The Food

Sugar loaded lemonade

The food

Usually the concerts but this year we didn’t attend one because the lineup was pretty poor.

The food

Oh and… deep fried pieces of heaven with generous amounts of powdered sugar on top.

This year, since Jeb was working from Thursday to Monday, I drove down between my work shifts to spend a few extra hours with him.

What I didn’t realize was that he was going to be extremely busy with all of the show horses.

So, I drove down after work on Thursday and Friday to catch the tail end of the horse show both days and to have a fair food dinner with my man.

My sister Lacy was kind enough to let us stay at her house all weekend, so we would head over to her place after all the horses were fed and taken care of for the night. (This was usually around 11:30 or 12.)

Both nights Jeb insisted we rent a movie to watch once we got to Lacy’s place, both nights his eyes were shut before the opening credits.

Jeb had to be at the fairgrounds by 6a.m. and I had to be at work by 7a.m. So, we were up bright and early by 5a.m. for a quick trip to the gas station for a coffee, and then I dropped him off and headed back up the hill for a few hours.

After two late nights and two early mornings, my 6 hour shift on Saturday seemed to take forever. Plus, Jeb’s parents, brother and brother’s girl friend were all down at the fair, so I was itching to get down there as fast as I could.

Tyler and Robyn decided to stay the night with us at Lacy’s Saturday night so when Jeb was finished working for the day the four of us walked around the fair and rode some rides.

I just love that the four of us can do things together.

Tyler’s girlfriend is such a sweet girl. She is so easy to get along with, and she fits right in with my sisters and me.

When you grow up with two sisters, (one 16 months younger than you) you learn to share everything.

I mean EVERYTHING.

And Robyn joined right in.

 Tyler and her hadn’t planned on staying in Pueblo overnight so neither of them had a change of clothes.

Lacy had a big t-shirt that she lent Tyler, and dressed Robyn in a whole outfit. (It’s also a plus when you are close to the same size as your sisters.)

I made breakfast for Lacy and her two room-mates on Sunday morning as a “thank you”, we had “monkey bread” and “green monster smoothies.”

We spent the morning finishing the movies that Jeb had rented the two nights before and getting ready to once again head over to the State Fair.

We walked around and watching different parts of the horse show, and indulging in some more lemonade and a few turkey legs 

Lacy Tyler and Robyn went back up to Westcliffe in the afternoon, so I soaked up some sun in the bleachers.

Jeb was given the night off so that we could get some real food into our bellies, not deep friend and smothered in butter. We went to Chili’s to split two appetizers and then over to Lacy’s so Jeb could catch a few extra hours of sleep.

Monday Lacy had class so Jeb woke me up before he had to leave and I spent my Labor Day watching the end of the Colorado State Fair Horse Show.

That evening we had to go our separate ways, back to Alamosa for my cowboy and back to Westcliffe for me.

The only thing that will make next year’s State Fair better is that my last name will be Stoltzfus and we will get to go to OUR home together.

Best Week in Summer

My all time favorite weekend in the summer time is fair and rodeo weekend.
This year was no different, this year, was even better because Tyler (Jeb's brother) brought his new girlfriend Robyn to visit.

Along with Robyn visiting Jeb and my friend from NJC also came to visit.

These pictures were taken Saturday night on our way to the rodeo dance.

Karly and her best friend Sydney also joined us for a few spins on the dance floor.
Needless to say we had a blast!

I loved meeting Robyn. She is such a sweet girl, I can't wait to spend more time with her!

Negative Degrees Adventure

On Monday I woke to my room-mate whining in disgust, because it in fact, was snowing. "Mary, its snowing." She said as I sat up from my deep oh so wonderful slumber.  Which made me groan and want to pull my covers back over my head. 



 

No only did it snow here, but it was freezing! We all were layering clothes on clothes, socks on socks and blankets on blankets, and snuggling together on our futon when, we were told we were being kicked out.  Good ol' Herbie ran out of hot water and there wasn't any heat.  Crazy right?!? Jeb had a brilliant plan to book a hotel room and cram all of our friends in so that we didn't have to spend a night on someone from another dorms floor, plus what a great adventure! We had lots of fun playing Wii Party, Just Dance and watching movies.  I am however, happy to "post" that the boiler was fixed Tuesday afternoon, and we spent Tuesday afternoon layering, snuggling, and watching movies.  By dinner time Herbie was pretty warm again! I did wait until Wednesday morning to shower, so I didn't have a chill the rest of the night.

Things I Will Remember From 2010

Since 2010 is almost over I thought it would be kind of fun to recap all the things I loved this year.

*Spending a weekend at my cousin's house and having an "Eagles Party"

*Going back to NJC for spring semester with a appointment book full of returning clients most of which tipped this semester.

*Receiving my first and very beautiful bouquet of roses

*Being asked to "do" a number of high school girls' hair for the prom (two being my sisters)

*Watching my sisters compete in track, Lacy making it to the State Meet

*My sister Lacy Graduated from high school



we made these cupcakes for Lacy's graduation party



*I finished Cosmetology School two weeks early and earned my certificate of completion. (getting my license is a different story.)

*My family and I took a road trip to spend a few days with My Uncle Steve and Aunt Sally.  My cousin Rob, his wife Kelsey and their daughter Olivia also came up for a visit.  We also were very lucky to meet our cousin Jeri's fiance Ty.

*4 of my friends got marred this summer, and I was asked to "do" my friend Bethel's hair for her big day.



*My sister Karly is 15 years old this August

*I had a good steady job this summer that I am thankful for even though it took up a lot of my summer vacation.

*Jeb and I both came back to NJC, this year I got to take real classes and had extra time to hangout with friends and get to know some people from last year better.



my room-mate  Sydney and me


*My parents celebrated their 21 wedding anniversary

*Carving pumpkins in "Herbie Hall"

* Jeb and I have been together for 2 whole years!  and I still love him so very much.

 

I'm pretty blessed!