Our First Christmas 2010

Darek and I had our first Christmas as a married couple! We got to decorate our home, buy our tree (and that took a couple of days), hang lights, and argue how to trim the tree... Ya we argued about how to decorate our Christmas tree. Sounds like something stupid to fight over, but it was actually quit funny to watch I hear. Darek wanted to do certain things that I didn't agree with, and I wanted to do certain things Darek didn't agree with. But it got done in the end and was a very beautiful tree, one that got appreciated but all those who saw it.

Us arguing over something so simple was just us finding our middle ground like any other new marriage. If those didn't happen I would be frightened for one or both party's.

We are blessed so much in our lives in many small and hidden ways, especially in the Holiday Seasons. Both sides of our family live in the towns right next to each other so we rarely spend a holiday with just one family or go through the stress of picking who to visit this year. Perk? I think yes!

This year for Christmas I had no clue what to get Darek (he is one of the hardest people to shop for) because he already had all that he needed or wanted. And he was working so hard on his gift for me, I could tell it was going to be extra special. So I had to do the same for him. But what do you get for a man that always buys himself the things he wants or needs? And if you have NO budget to speak of?

A puppy that's what you get him! Darek had been wanting a boxer puppy for as long as I've know him and longer. So through tons of searching and lots of frustration I found Moli our 5 week old boxer mix. But this was a few days before Christmas so I had to hide her out at my parents place. Let me tell you it was not fun keeping that little secret from Darek.

So we spend Christmas morning at Darek's moms house opening presents and hanging out with family (all the while I'm jumping out of my skin because Moli is at my parents house). Even on the drive out I was skittish, but Darek never noticed or he was polite enough not to say anything.

We pull up to the Sartell residence and I walk into the house first and see this little wrinkly ball with a bright red bow running around. With Darek coming up behind me I'm nervous that he won't see her because she all but matches my parents hardwood floors and leather couches. But he does see the bid bright red bow.

His jaw falls opens and his eyes little up, and all he say is "is that for me?" I burst into giggles, say yes dramatically, but he is already on the ground playing with her half in love and not listening to me.

Needless to say that went over extremely well.  And all this time Darek was muttering and hiding stuff from me about my present, he was making a neckless for me. Which I absolutely love because it was made out of a dried kernel of corn  he saved from of our very forst dates more than a year ago.  Ya this is were all you women out there sigh in envy because I have an amazing husband.

Christmas that year was more than either of us could have asked for. With family right there and love just bursting at the seams we had come full circle since his proposal the Christmas before.  But that's a story for another day ;)

♥

October 2010 and I'm Pregnant!!!

No this was not planned.... But every one had bets that it would happen right away :S Can we say honeymoon baby?

Honeymoon!!! 2010

 Darek an I were blessed with the opportunity to go on our honeymoon on a Mexican Riviera cruise directly following our wedding. Ya we lucked out on this one :) Sunday morning we flew down to Long Beach, California and made the scary trip to the docks. California drivers are INSANE!!!!! But once we got to the boat we didn't have to wait very long till we were nice and cozy in our ocean view room and headed out to sea. Sadly I did get a little sea sick, but nothing that wasn't cured by some dramamine.

Darek sitting in our window at sunset.

We had fun those first to day at sea exploring the ship, getting plenty lost or turned around in those narrow swaying corridors, shopping, enjoying the on board entertainment, and eating till we rolled from the restauraunt. And can I tell you how easy it was to fall asleep of this ship. With all the rocking and sound of the water it seemed like Darek and I spent half the time sleeping.

1st Formal night!

Our first port of call was Puerto Vallarta were we went on a horse back ride throw the jungles. But if you know me well enough, you know I forgot to pack closed toed shoes so we had to run across the street to Walmart and buy some. And boy was that a pain in the butt!

Their shoe sizes are completely different in Mexico, and their feet must be really small because I spent an hour trying to find a pair only to get desperate and ware a size too small. Plus the neighborhood was totally sketchy and we all but ran back to the docks. In the end it all worked out and we made it to the bus, then the jungle and our horses.

Us on the bus waiting to make our way into the jungle.

Doesn't he just look so cute ;)

The horse back riding was fun, but if we had the choice to go again we probably wouldn't go on that particular adventure. We did see a lot of cool stuff ranging from funny looking animals (including our horses) to tiny villages. It was interesting to ride through these villages and see their way of life which made us all the more thankful for our life back in the states.

Once we got back latter that day I crawled into bed for a nap, and Darek went exploring on the docks till the skys opened up and the rain came doen in bucket fulls. Darek was literally sopping wet when he came back into our room. I just grinned.

The view from our window into Puerto Vallarta once it stopped raining.

Our second port of call was Mazatlan were we went on a guided tour of the city. We saw the historic light house and the bay it protects. The old Catholic Cathedral, the world renowned cliff divers, traditional

dancers and acrobats and the Golden Zone shopping distract.

 Once our tour was done we headed back to the ship and the little shopping mall right off the docks. And boy am I glad we stopped there because we found lots of little treasures for a really good prices (after the usually price negotiations). It was all a great experience and pushes Darek and I out of our boundaries and comfort zones.

Light House hill in the background.

Cathedral

Cliff divers in action.

Sunset fron the Lido Deck. What a sight! 

Our third port of call Cabo San Lucas and by far my favorite stop in Mexico! The ship had to anchor out in the middle of the bay and all the passengers took tender boats into the docks.  

We decided to wing it in Cabo because we heard there was so much to do. And boy 'o' boy was there. First we took a little tourist  glass bottom ship to lovers beach and the end of the peninsula to all the cool rock formations.

We saw a ton of colorful fish and a lot of sea lions. Once we got back to the docks we decided to try out jet skiing, and because I was more than a little nervous Darek drove while I held on for dear life (this was my first time ever on a jet ski). 

While out goofing off I had the luck to look in the right spot at the right time and saw a massive sea turtle. Of course Darek tried to get closer but the big boy dived before Darek or I could reach out and touch him. But we came close!

To end our last day in Mexico we wandered the streets of Cabo and did a lot of bartering for cool treasures. It was amazing how good at negotiating prices these people were, and man did  they ever want to sell their products. We were pretty sure we got scammed on more than one deal, but hey it's all apart of the experience.

Us on the tender boat headed in to Cabo.

We were sad on our last port day because it singled the end of our honeymoon. One more day at sea and we would be home in the states. But all in all we were ready to be home. I was ready to organize our little house and Darek was ready to get back to work. 

Darek says that he doesn't want to go on a cruise again, but I secretly hope that someday we get  to again. Maybe this time to the Caribbean or Asia.... Fingers crossed.

                                  CARNIVAL CRIUSE SLENDER

Bells are Ringing 2010

On Friday August 13th Darek and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Portland Oregon Temple. This was so far one of the best days of my life. Sometimes I wish I could go back and relive this amazing experience.

The temple grounds were quiet and peaceful with the spirit of the Lord soaring. I am so thankful for our families raising Darek and I in the church so we could work to be worthy to enter Gods Temple. There is no place on earth quit like it.

We had family come in from far and wide to celebrate with us (even as far as England). We were sealed in the morning then traveled down to Sweet Home area with family to set up for the reception that was going on latter that day. Man 'o' man was it hot that day and the reception was outside! I think at one point in got up into the 90's. But boy was it worth all the sweat and even some tears.

The venu was absolutely amazing, the flowers were lush and flowed over tables, the grounds and even over your head in giant Oak trees. Twinkly lights and candles danced in the twilight next to chinese lamps and floating paper cranes, while music played softly in the background. Children and parents laughed as they were swept away on a carriage ride throw the fields or danced under a pavilion next to a babbling creek. Catching up with each other around big tables pilled with sweets and cakes or just rolled around the big sloping lawns.

Darek and I could not have asked for a better day surrounded by family  and friends that we love.

But like all good things it had to end... But why not end it with a bang!

Thank you to all that have supported Darek and I in our lives. We would not be here today if not for your love, support and sometimes hard lessons. We could not have done it with out you!

Well Crap!!!

So I finally caved in and started a blog for me and my family. God help us all.... So I guess I'm going to need to go back a ways (say to Darek and I's wedding) and go forward from there. No one may like my blog or follow me, but I have decided to do this for me and my children if no one else. But if you do decided to follow me and my family please have patience with me till I can catch up to the present day.