'Round Here

We are super excited for spring around here! My first winter in Alamosa a.k.a. THE COLDEST SPOT IN THE US! Taught me some valuable lessons one of them being

1.        I refuse to take any part of the summer months for granted & I also PROMISE to never complain about the heat this summer.

We have a very busy schedule coming up, that includes almost every weekend until June away from our little house here in the valley.

So I decided to get a head start on the “spring cleaning” only to have it covered with a new coat of dirt from the crazy wind we have been having. Secretly I think it still counts because I DID put in the effort to get it done!

April has flown by, & I will be the first to admit that I don’t actually mind!

The faster summer gets here the better!

So to play a little “catch-up”

 we spent Easter in Westcliffe with both of our families.

Jeb helped me dye hard-boiled eggs the week before and we spent the day shooting guns, eating yummy food & laughing.

It was such a great day to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.

We also got to sneak in a little family time with my cousins. They had celebrated a special girl’s birthday Saturday morning and we got to see them before they headed back up to Greeley!

Trip has been to the Vet and decided he was not a fan. He had a body part or two removed, I was told that when Jeb went in to picked him up he ran past the vet-tech right over to Jeb peed, and then was ready to “hit the road Jack & we ain’t EVER comin back!”

I felt so bad for our little fella, but I am happy to report his is back to his normal crazy self!

                                         

Since it is warming up down here we have been leaving him in the pin next to our house while we are away at work! He seems to really like it & I think we will be investing in a plastic kiddie pool this summer for him to cool off in.

I can’t believe that this year I went home to beautify my youngest sister for her SENIOR PROM!

ANDDD

That the very same weekend, I helped my other sister celebrate her 21^st birthday!

I am so lucky and so blessed to call those two girls my best friends

I love that I am only a short drive away from them and can be around for special events.

Lately my heart has been aching, like every other American, and hoping that there is still some hope for humanity.

I know that we live in a broken world and what we all need is Jesus, so I will faithfully keep putting my trust in him.

And I will treasure what I have to be thankful for because I am truly lucky to live the life I live.

May, will bring numerous trips to Westcliffe and a few up to the northern part of Colorado for a special graduation tea, a play, 2 graduations and other fun events.

I am going to welcome all these special times with a whole new outlook and appreciation, because you honestly NEVER KNOW. But I refuse to be a hermit because of the evil that haunts this world.

I am going to live this life because God has chosen me to live it!

Tis the Season, almost!

At this time every year it takes all I have to leave all the Christmas stuff packed up and Pandora off of the Christmas stations.

I made a vow (to myself) to wait until we get home, the Monday after Thanksgiving to decorate in all things merry and bright

AND… (sigh) to keep the buzzing of Christmas carols only in my head, even though Dish Network has already added the holiday music channels to our lineup.

In all honesty I am happy to do it because I really do dislike that Thanksgiving gets trampled on by all the bru-haha that comes with “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Thanksgiving is usually by far my favorite holiday but I normally forget that fact until after Christmas.

And still this year I am clinging to the way things were all of my years living with my parents. I so badly wish we were headed over the mountain Wednesday and were able to stay til “classes resumed” Monday, but I know this is another part of growing up.

Right now at 7:00pm on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we still don’t have a clue what our plans are. AHHH!

My inner control freak is going nuts!

But, I am trying trying trying to be the quiet, understanding wife, who doesn’t nag about making plans.

Which includes pinning all kinds of Christmas “to-dos” on my Pinterest boards and cleaning.

Cleaning because there might be a chance we are going to spend Christmas here in Alamosa with both our families, and there is this little voice inside my head that thinks getting a head start on preparations will make a difference.

But let me get realistic with you for a minute,

1.   we have a 4 month old puppy who LOVES to shred paper, thanks to me, at the end of the election I got real sick of all the ads in our mailbox and started handing them over to Trip as soon as I walked in the door. Now that we have a paper box to start fires filled with junk mail we also have shards of news print everywhere.

2.  My husband is a WONDERFUL cook, and after the time change, he either beats me home or is right on my tail when I hit the driveway. So, he has been making dinner about 50% of the time or at least cooking the meat. Even though his meals are always so so tasty, the kitchen is such a disaster and a pain in my rear to clean. I love you Jeb & your cooking is the BEST!

3.  We live on a dirt road surrounded by hay fields, that are all dry and prepped for the freezing winter season, and at the back of our casa, (where we both park and where the door we primarily use is) the ground is so soft and stirs up dust flurries every time we pull in to our house.

4.  Last but not least, I hate laundry. (enough said.)

So cleaning now doesn’t change the fact that I will be doing it all again twice more before our parents come for Christmas.

Jeb finally caved in and helped me put up outside Christmas lights on our deck today; I think I hooked him by suggesting that today might be the last free day we have that is actually going to be warm.

He did make me promise not to turn them on until after Thanksgiving.

Once again I am so eager to go home. I and hoping that this time there will be more than enough time to spend with everyone. Realistically I know it’s not the case but I’ll take every minute I can get! 

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.

June

Here some pictures I remembered to capture during the whirl wind two weeks I have had.

Loved it.

 Every second.

But I honestly don’t have interesting stories to go along with all of them,

I did get to spend some extra time with this hunk during the last two weeks.

Headbands for the flower girls in the wedding, not quite sure I like them though. They might be “misplaced” before that day comes a knockin.

 

Made, or “re-made” some jugs.

Politically correct, a pickle jar & a Ranch dressing jug.

One is for change, cuz this isn’t cutting it.

 And the other is for all our “memories” ticket stubs, programs, most recently 3D glasses from Avengers

SAWOOON

  I get to marry him in 34 days.

I think that is enough for one month!

This next month is full of quick day trips to Greeley, for last minute fittings, showers & bachelorette parties.

Baseball games, Karly's State Convention in Pueblo, hair doos, cuts and colors

A little family reunion in Glenwood, a horse show, dog, chicken and house watching.

Getting my hair all ready for the big day and after June, there are only 7 days left until I will be a Stoltzfus.

BRING IT ON!!!

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.

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!