Christmas 2011

This Christmas may have been one of the best ever.  We were so lucky to be able to spend the weekend before Christmas with Devin's family and four and a half days with my family.  It doesn't make for a very pleasant transition back to work though.  My only complaint is that the time with our families seemed to go by so quickly this year.  I feel like I did an awesome job savoring every moment and gladly traded out sleep for time with family.  But, now I'm feeling a little sleep deprived on a super grey, slow day back in the office.  So, I'm taking some time to relive the holidays.  I didn't even capture a single photo with the Stephens side last weekend.  But, I was able to get quite a few from the McCollum time.

We arrived in Parkersburg, WV on Wednesday the 21st.  We spent that evening and the next one with my Dad's brother and his wife, my Uncle Jim and Aunt Melanie.  Melanie brought us homemade lasagna the first night, and I made nacholadas for my family the next night.  The were around for our annual Bingo playoff as well.  We posed for a picture with them.

Then, with extra people around to hold the camera, we actually managed to get the annual Christmas shot with my parents in the picture, too!

On Friday evening, we had homemade pizza for dinner.  This was part of my sister's and my gift to the family as a whole.  After so much eating, we all went for a walk in the local park that had been decorated for Christmas.  We did the mile loop and took quite a few pictures.  My sisters and I joined in with some carolers.

Tanner and I narrowly escaped being eaten.

Devin and I helped this poor elf carry his candy cane.

And, we found a place to warm up for a while.

Towards the end, I was able to catch a ride.

When we got back to the front, my parents decided they wanted a photo with all of the kids by the sign.  However, this was also at the entrance and exit point for the cars that were driving the loop instead of walking.  We chose to burst out singing spontaneous Christmas carols and waving to appear less suspicious.  Then, Mom's camera stopped working.  We actually made it through a couple songs and had people waving back and thanking us.  It was a hilarious moment that may have confused a few in our group.

On Christmas Eve, Devin and I made a traditional German dinner of wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, knodel, kartoffelsalat, and rot kohl.  It's always a ton of fun to see how much people enjoy this.  We also got pictures in our Christmas costumes per tradition.  Kate has taken to wearing navy blue the past few years on mock protest claiming to be honoring the "night sky" when Jesus was born.

Kass requested a smushed face photo.

Devin also dressed up with us.

And, we got a picture with Dad.  My favorite photo with him at Christmas was taken three years ago.

Christmas morning came, and some of us were more awake than others.  I chose not to include the photo of me sitting against the wall waiting for presents.  I thought I was more awake than Devin but now doubt it after looking at the photo.

The rest of Christmas was filled with Church, games, a delicious Christmas dinner, and watching Little Nemo (not Finding Nemo) with Devin and my siblings.  I was so excited to get that movie, and we all remember it fondly from our childhoods.  I hope your Christmas was just as wonderful...and that you survive the return to real life alright!!

Haircut Advice ASAP Please!!!

Okay, so several weeks ago I made an appointment for a haircut.  I'm past due for one, but haven't decided the direction I want to go with my hair these days.  I remembered how hard it was to get a slot booked in December (as in, it never happened for me), so I went ahead and called right after Thanksgiving.  I got the last available appointment which is tomorrow at 8:15 am.  I thought, "Great!  I have weeks to figure out what I want to do even if it's the most bizarre time of day for a hair cut ever."  It hasn't worked like that, though.  I've just put off figuring it out.  

So, I need your help friends!  I have three "ideas" of cuts I've liked in the past, and they are all pretty different (at least for me).  Which way should I go?  Please advise me!!

Option # 1 - Short and Trim

This haircut debuted right after running the half marathon this past March.  I'd let my hair really grow out because it was just easier to deal with while running.  I loved this change, and it was super fun for our cruise too!

Option #2 - Medium and Layered

I've worn my hair like this a lot.  It's probably the most common variation I've done with my hair for the past decade.  But, it generally works for me.  I really like it if I take the time to make the ends flip a little.  And, my hair is pretty much the perfect length to just have more layers cut into it.  Last Christmas, I had just planned on having it trimmed up, but it still looked alright without the trim...even if the pics are bad of my face.

Option #3 - Long and Loose (Bangs optional)

I was very much owning this style when Devin and I were dating and engaged.  I wore it through the wedding and honeymoon and then got it cut off just a couple weeks later.  It is by far THE EASIEST hairstyle to manage.  And, I miss it.  It will mean I have to commit to just a trim tomorrow, though, to hopefully grow my hair out over the next few months back to this style.  It would be great to have something this easy when the baby comes, though.  If I choose this one, though, do I go with or without bangs?  If yes to the bangs, should they be short like the first picture, or longer like the second one?  Or, can I pair bangs with one of the other cuts?

Okay, there is my long winded cry for help.  Thank you friends!

A Perfect Friday Night

Friday night we had a date night at home.  It was seriously the best night I've enjoyed in a while.  We knew the weekend would be super busy and just wanted to enjoy some time together.

When I got home from work, we both put on flannel pajama pants and spent some time with the boys.  We made homemade pizza for dinner with chocolate milk and frozen yogurt for dessert.  Then, we decorated our Christmas tree!  We had our favorite collection of Christmas music playing, and there may have been some dancing going on as well.  Unfortunately, we could not manage to get a good picture of ourselves and the tree.  

First, we got too much of us and not enough tree.

Then, the tree was more visible, but we looked funny.

So, we tried to kneel with the boys.  That obviously did not go well.

Blue thought he was in trouble because we were using our stern voice.  Moose just would not hold still.

So, I guess if you want to see our tree this year, you'll just have to come by for a visit.  Thanks to the dogs, it's in our dining room behind closed doors this year, but I still love it!  And, loved the perfect date night in!

Happiness Is...

Let's Goooooo...Mountaineers!

The Holidays and Happiness are pretty closely linked in my book.  And, Happiness reflects gratitude quite nicely.  The day after Thanksgiving, Devin and I picked out our annual Christmas ornament at Hallmark.  In Hounor of the Moose joining our family this year, we selected a Peanuts ornament that talks about Happiness.  So, in light of that (and the fact I never got a Thanksgiving post up) I want to share a list of my Happiness right now.

Happiness Is...

...snuggles from your dogs after not seeing them for 3 days.

...fresh made waffles on a Sunday morning.

...a giant bin of clothes on loan from your amazing sister-in-law and switching to elastic waistbands on Thanksgiving day!

...eating at all your favorite restraunts, enjoying a huge Thanksgiving feast, and generally stuffing yourself for 4 days without gaining any weight.

...knowing that you will see your family in just over 3 weeks.

...finding a place and time to appreciate some silence and realizing how wonderful it feels.

...sleeping in and then laying in bed talking with your favorite person.

...dancing in the kitchen.

...watching your football team pull off a win.

...grocery shopping with your husband on a Saturday night because we really do enjoy it that much.

...fresh sheets and fluffy pillows when you make it back home after a few days.

...finding those moments where it feels like nothing could ever be more perfect than it is right then.

As we are now moving into the Christmas season, I hope everyone can find those little moments that define what Happiness means to them.  As Charlie Brown says in our ornament, "Happiness is one thing to one person and another thing to another person."  May this be your happiest holiday season yet!

11:11 on 11/11/11

I was at work.  I'd just gotten off the phone with my husband and was texting with my sister.

Where were you?

Stephens, MD (almost!)

This came in the mail today.  Devin and I laughed.  It was one of those "oh my goodness this is almost for real" laughs, though, and not a "haha that was a dumb mistake" kind of laughs...just to clarify.  We are now 8 days under the 18-months-until-graduation mark.  It's really for real.  He's going to be a doctor!  And, to prove it, he's passed out on the love seat right now after setting a record for the latest a student has ever been in the operating room (4 am, btw) last night.  Oh, and he mentioned doing sutures like it was no big deal.  I'm pretty darn proud of him...and so very happy every time I look at this picture!!

Just not the same...

This is what I miss about Autumn in the South...

Gratuitous leaf piles...

Throwing brothers into the pile...

Burying in the pile...

Swimming in the pile...

...and all the cool pictures that go with it.

Nine years ago my family arrived in WV in October.  The leaves were dizzying.  We had lived amongst coniferous trees and scrub brushes for the previous many autumns, and NOTHING could have been more exciting to us kids than 6 acres of grass and leaves to play in.  We were in love.

As we spent the next few days exploring, we quickly built a leaf pile that was bigger than we'd ever had before--though not quite as large as the brothers' up top--and played for hours.  Every autumn, I remember back to those magical first few days with a happy smile and a little nostalgia.

Thankfully, the leaves outside my office now are starting to change...but with no colorful pile it's just not the same.  I'm ready to get back to the country (or "out in the county" as Devin says) sooner rather than later!

Glorious Holiday Weekend

This past weekend was perfect.  Nothing could have made it better...except maybe remembering to use my camera.  Honestly, I don't remember a weekend this good in a while.  It may have just been the high of the extra sleep, minimal scheduling, and having my husband home, but I will take that any time it's offered.

Friday started with a 2 hour nap.  The dogs were cuddled up on the bed with us; I was wearing my favorite sweatpants.  I loved it.  Then we grocery shopped.  It's sooo much more fun when we get to do this together...enough so that we find it a fun way to spend a Friday night.  After some late night Taco Bell, we stayed up even later thanks to the nap.  It was great.

Saturday we got to sleep in a little.  After getting our morning tasks finished, we ended up back home cooking and watching football all afternoon.  Then, we had friends over for dinner to enjoy a spread of baby back ribs, baked beans, mac and cheese, croissants, waffle fries, and brownie sundaes.  We also got to hold our friends' brand new baby!  For just a week old, she was already providing some serious entertainment for us.  Also, we got the kitchen completely clean before bed...which we rarely do and always bothers me left undone.

Sunday morning, we woke up, looked at the clock, and we laughed.  We then fell back asleep for another hour thanks to the magnificent holiday known as "Fall Back" or "the End of Daylight Savings."  I know, you might think it's not that special.  Some may even find it annoying.  I've been counting down for quite some time, though.  We then still got up at a reasonable hour, and Devin brought me breakfast in bed.  It was cereal--but one of my very favorite, only for a splurge kinds.  After a leisurely morning and an afternoon at church, Devin made me breakfast for dinner, and we tried to watch Gnomeo and Juliet--until we just couldn't take it anymore.  Instead we watched some football highlights.  And we played with the dogs outside.  Then we got to bed at a reasonable time.

So, you may not have cared at all about the play by play of the weekend, but I loved it.  And I wanted to remember it.  And it was perfect.  I hope yours was equally as great!

The Greatest Countdown of All

I love to count down to all the exciting things in my life.  Right now, there are quite a few things to look forward to including:

22 days until my brother Chaz comes to visit...

Chaz is 17, and a genius with home repair...he's offered to help us with some of ours!

27 days until Thanksgiving...

Last year I was able to wear shorts on Thanksgiving day!

49 days until the end of Devin's semester...

Blue helped Devin study for his pre-Christmas exams last year...

54 days until going home to be with my crazy family...

This picture is many years old, but we've probably just gotten goofier...

58 days until Christmas...

We posed with Santa last year.  It was really cold outside!!

109 days until Valentine's Day...

Valentine's weekend 2010 it snowed!!

154 days until Spring Break...

We went on a cruise for spring break last year!

187 days until our 3rd anniversary...

We went to Helen, GA for our first anniversary.

236 days until our baby is expected to arrive...

This was a HARD secret to keep!!

Yes, you read that right!  We are expecting an exciting new edition to the family, and this time it's going to be another human!  My estimated due date is June 20th, but we're hoping I'm just a couple days late because Devin's third year of medical school ends on June 22.  So far, the midwife says everything looks great!!  We're so very, very excited!!!

How to Handle a Craptastic Day

You might think this post is a very useful how to guide.  It's really not.  Mostly, it's just another opportunity for me to showcase my hilarious dogs.  Anyhow, if your day is craptastic, you should do as many of the following as possible:

- Cry...it really does help.
- Receive a hilarious email from your younger brother.
- Talk to your mom...who tells you to complain and cry as much as you want.
- When you are ready to laugh, just look at this photo of my dogs in their Christmas pajamas.  (I'm working on desensitizing them so that they don't bother them once it's actually Christmastime.

- For an even better laugh, watch this video of Moose who is clearly disturbed by his attire.  I can't stop laughing...you won't be able to either.

I hope this has made your day a million times better!  I know it certainly helped with mine!

P.S. Please ignore the crappy carpet in the video...it's the boys' to mess up while we are gone (we have a nice rug that we use when we're not leaving them home alone all the time!)

IM is finally over!!

Today is a very good Friday!  Devin's internal medicine rotation ends today...woohoo!!  This means it is also the end of a test week, he isn't in the hospital this weekend, and he won't have any studying to do!  I am particularly excited for this rotation to end because Devin has been sooooo bored.  I feel bad for him, but we both realize that it is what it is.  His next rotation should be a little more fast paced, though.  And, while it means that I'll see him less (and he'll have overnight 30 hour call shifts once a week), I have a feeling he's going to be much happier in general.  Besides, every time a rotation ends it just means that we are that much closer to graduation!!

To kick off the weekend, we will be going out to eat at the newly opened BW3 here in Augusta tonight with friends.  Other than that, we don't have a lot of plans.  I'll likely plant my tulip bulbs because it's feeling like the first frost might arrive sooner rather than later.  Devin has some tilapia he wants to cook up in a fun new way tomorrow.  And, we need to get a few errands (but fun ones!) done.  I'm pretty excited about having a weekend that's not over-scheduled.  No, I'm off to get through a non-clinic day at work.  Happy Friday everyone!!  Have a wonderful weekend!!

The best part of waking up...

...is smoothie in my cup!!

Thank you Bountiful Basket for making my gray, foggy morning just a little bit better!

The Grass is Always Greener

For once, the grass really is greener on the other side!  Of course, the "other side" was planted two weeks before this photo.  The barren side was about to get it's seed right after this picture.  That's the difference 14 days can make!!

PB & Moose

Forget giving a moose a muffin, it's far more interesting to give a Moose a peanut butter jar...especially when his older brother has already cleaned most of the easy to get to parts of it.  What happens you ask?

Well, you get to see the length a Moose's tongue.

You get to witness the Moose's tenacity.

You also witness the Moose's confusion over the state of his predicament.

And, you get to laugh for quite a long time.

Thank you for the show Moose!!