Sold!!!

Well, for those that haven't heard...we bought a house! We are really blessed, busy, exhausted, in debt, but most of all excited. We are making some repairs and improvements which is taking a large amount of our time (hence the reason this post is so long in coming). We feel very lucky and exceptionally blessed to have found a house that is everything we were looking for. And, we are looking forward to making this house our home. There is much to be grateful for this season, and this is a big one for us.

Like I mentioned, we are making some changes before we move in. So I am adding the before pictures right now, and will add the after pictures as soon as there are after pictures.

Enjoy! (I know we will).

He came into the world, even Jesus...

I can't express how much I love this season. Beyond the festivities and present giving, it is the one time of year I feel we are all a little more kind, loving and considerate of everyone, even those we don't know. And, although it should be like this always, this is the one time of year we are all a little more Christ-like.

We attended the Bentonville Christmas parade the other day. It was so much fun! Cody rode on one of the floats, playing a shepherd in the Nativity scene (I know, don't you love his get-up; he wore a wig and everything). It was pointed out that in year's past there has only been the one float representing Jesus Christ and the Nativity. And, although this year was filled with a fair share of Santa's workshops and little elves, I am pleased to say this year I counted four Christ centered floats. It was a fun event, and I am glad that all aspects of the season were represented.

Let me just say how grateful I am for the savior, for his birth and his life and the sacrifice he made for all of us. I know he lives! And, I know he came to this earth to give us all the chance to return to him someday. I am so grateful for a holiday that stands as such a poingnant reminder of his birth and life.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Countdown...

We started this year's Christmas season off by making gingerbread houses. And, before you "ooh" and "aw" too much, I should mention that when I say "we" I mean mostly Cody. I tell you this because I don't want to falsely steal credit for Cody's genius gingerbread design. He really is talented in gingerbread construction.

I have made several gingerbread houses in my time, and not one (until this day) survived the evening. Mine usually end up resembling the "Money Pit" house, with the roof caved in on the remainder of the house, basically a big pile of sugary rubble.

Now, on my behalf, I did assist with this year's creation of which I take pride. After Cody constructed the base of the structure, I applied the initial frosting base to apply the gingerbread (really, they were graham crackers, but nevertheless). I feel it was a success from the sheer fact that I touched it and it is still standing 4 days later.

This activity has assured me of two things; one, that whether my gingerbread house stands or falls, I love this season. I love the chance we have to celebrate the Savior's birthday, for he is the true reason for this all. And, two, this proves once again that Cody is my perfect match, he is strong where I am weak and together we stand stronger than apart.

Big #5

Cody and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary this past week. It is amazing to me to think that we have been together for 5 years and the time has gone by so quickly.

To celebrate we had a night away (special thanks to the Shepherds for making that possible). Cody had planned a romantic getaway evening, and it was so nice. We went to Twilight (see what a great hubby I have, he let me choose the movie-- I won't mention that he read the books and wanted to see it also...oops, hehe). We saw it opening night but during the afternoon which helped us avoid the Twilighter crowds. Then we went for a romantic Italian dinner, where we shared a meal (again, my sweet husband appeasing me- I wanted to share a meal- which I am sure for some springs to mind a picture of Lady and the Tramp sharing a romantic spaghetti dinner, but that's okay-- I still loved it!)

And then we spent the night in a beautiful hotel downtown. Now, I may be bragging on Cody too much, but he really is the romantic. He checked out a dozen different hotels to pick the best one, I mean he went there in person to see the place. He really is something, isn't he?!

To top everything off, Cody bought me a new wedding band lined with diamonds. Now I don't agree with the whole "diamonds is a girl's best friend" thing (which some may, and that is okay). Don't get me wrong, I loved the new ring, a little more sparkle is always nice, but I'll take one amazing husband over diamonds any day.