The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Although it's a little earlier than usual, James and I went and bought our Christmas tree!  It's just a little tree, but it's a perfect fit here in the apartment.  Look at all those presents already!! Ho, Ho, Ho!!!

26 YEARS OLD, damn.

Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes!  It was a wonderful day and a good way to start off a new year!

Hooray for James!

As many of you know for the past two months James has been included in the fast growing number of unemployed. But as of last night, he is back in the working world! He accepted an offer from Todd Events and starts work on Monday. He will be working as a production manager for events around the metroplex, as well as the possibility of travel.

I have to admit, living as a single income family is not easy, even without kiddos. I now understand how money becomes the root of many relationship problems and takes a strong hold on how you view your self value. I hate it, but I am human and also American, so it's incredibly hard to ignore. It has definitely opened my eyes to the small luxuries I have taken for granted and the ridiculous materialistic items that waste my time and money. Our families and friends have been a major source of support during these hectic times and we are so thankful. Whether it was 48 rolls of toilet paper, 50 lbs of ground beef, a bottle of wine or gift cards for cleaning supplies; we never even asked and you were there.

Although I am relieved that this uncomfortable period for James and I is coming to end, especially in time for the holidays, I pray that I don't forget all I've learned. Hopefully life's lessons stick with me a little bit better than college accounting. And if I do forget, you have full permission to give me a quick swift kick to the

The Parkers

How Much Do We Miss These People?  A Whole Hell of A Lot.

Please come back to Dallas, please?

Borador

I think we've finally figured out "what" Gussy is... a border collie/black labrador mix.  They call them a hybrid breed, but I think the more appropriate term for Gus is mutt.  I still stand beside the fact that he is 50% dog, 50% dinosaur and 50% pony; making the most perfect house pet ever.  Can you tell which photos are Gussy and which are pure-breed Boradors?

1 year ago today.... I became a wife.

Today is James and I's one year wedding anniversary.  

Thinking back to that amazing day brings a smile to my face.  James sent me flowers and took me to lunch, then once I got home he had remade our wedding dinner with pumpkin soup, stuffed chicken and of course our own wedding cake.  Needless to say, the dinner was amazing, but the cake.... uh not so much.  

What a year though, I couldn't have asked for a better teammate for this roller coaster of life we've been on.  

I love you James.  

OOOOOLLLLLiiiiVVVVeeeeerRRRRR

This weekend James and I had the PLEASURE of the company of Oliver Elgin.  He stayed for the weekend and entertained us immensely.  Ollie is a 4 month old Wheaton Terrier and looks like a huge cuddly teddy bear.  The only problem, he's got more energy than a lighting bug and doesn't really like to "cuddle".  He tried repeatedly to become Gussy new BFF, but Gus just really wasn't in to it.  Come back soon Ollie (maybe when you are a little more potty trained)!

Souza-Fairchild Wedding

This weekend James and I headed up to OKC for a wedding of some of our old college pals; Kellie and Josh. It was so nice to see everyone, many of which we haven't seen in so long. It was a beautiful traditional Catholic wedding with a great party afterwards, including green cotton candy! Here's a picture of all active IDK members (a secret society of OSU ID students) and our club mascot, Theodore Drab (our most favorite prof). Ohhh, Teddy.

Thesis: The Economy Crisis and it's Effects on Squirrels

I had a total epiphany last night as James and I were finishing things up at the house. There are no pecans or acorns this year on our trees. Last year there were so many we had enough to give away and decorate a wedding. But this year, there are none, zip, zero. No wonder the squirrels skinned our Halloween pumpkins clean. This whole time I was wishing death upon their swollen bellies, when they were really just trying to build up to survive the winter. I'm sorry squirrels. Please accept this public apology.

PS: I think this would be a great thesis or doctrine for a graduate student, feel free to steal my idea (as long as you site my blog). Although, my bro-in-law, a REAL doc, may disagree.

So Long, Fare Well.

Today we say good-bye to our first home as the Lynns. It was a good one; cold and rat infested; but good. It witnessed a lot of laughter, tears, arguments and love. So adios Ridgedale. It's been fun, but we're moving up and moving out.

I am Thankful

During this time of nuttiness, I have to constantly remind myself that I really don't have it that bad. It could be worse and it has. So here are 5 things I am very grateful for.

1. My husband and his calmness through-out all the chaos, especially when I freak out.

2. My dryer works.

3. I have a really good job and I am not in major jeopardy of being fired, again.

4. Big K soda taste so much like Diet Coke and is half the price.

5. I haven't seen a rat in almost a month.

Artist Way

Here is a picture of our new home, Artist Way. We move in Friday. (It's a Google Map image, so it's not the greatest, but it gives the idea.) It's a two story apartment in Addison, which is very close to my work. James, Gus and I have swallowed our pride and are moving to a master planned community in the suburbs (Addison). Times are tough, but I think it's going to work out well.

Elmo

Check out the cutest little trick-or-treater ever! ELMO!

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