Gingerbread Houses

So, today was my Christmas baking day. Dana came over and we decided to make gingerbread houses since I was already making gingerbread cookies. We got the kits from Michael's and a whole bunch of candy from WinCo's bulk candy section. What I thought was going to be something fun and easy turned into a fun, all day project. Dana and I didn't know how little kids could do a gingerbread house because it took us awhile and we were both exhausted at the end of it. But it was such a fun day and took my mind of my throat hurting for a little while. I was able to get my gingerbread cookies done, but I still need to make my peppermint bark and sugar cookies. Thanks Dana for a fun day full of laughs.

My house

Dana's House

I think they both turned out great. I love Dana's snowman (my mom added a hat. I hope you don't mind, Dana. She started to get creative after you left and added a chimney to mine.)

Christmas Decorations

So, I have had all of my Christmas decorations since right after Thanksgiving I just haven't got around to posting the pictures. I actually have alot more decorations up, I just didn't take enough pictures. I was bummed this year, cause our new apartment didn't have a fireplace. So I had to improvise with our stockings.

This year we ended up getting a fake Christmas tree because it would be so much easier with the cats. And it has been so easier and cleaner. I still miss the smell of a fresh Christmas tree though. Oh well!

A Little Christmas Cheer from the Cats

So I couldn't resist some Christmas pictures of Max and Buddy. They love to lay under the tree. I don't know what they are going to do when I start putting presents under the tree. Oh and the tree skirt was a disaster. The cats loved it and every morning when I would get up it would be all crumpled up because they had been playing with it all night.


Since I got Max and Buddy Halloween costumes, I had to get them Christmas costumes. Again, buddy didn't mind it too much but Max hated it. He tried to back out of it while Buddy just sat around in his.



Merry Christmas from Max and Buddy!!

I'm terrified!!!!!!

Tomorrow's the day. The tonsils are coming out and I am scared out of my mind. I don't know if I am more scared for the actual operation or the aftermath . Its going to be painful, miserable and know fun. Also, I am going to be starving and not able to eat. My surgery got switched to 1:30pm. So as of right know I can not have anything to eat or drink from this moment on, 12:30am till after the surgery. So I can not eat or drink for approximately 12 hours or more. NO FUN!!! Wish me luck and for a quick and speedy recovery.

Josh's Graduation

Josh's graduation from the fire academy was last Friday. A big congrats to him. Its been a long road since he first started at the end of May. I am so proud of him. His graduation was one of the most awesome events that I have ever been to. Of course there had to be an 80% chance of rain on the day we needed to sit outside for 4 hours. Luckily, we just had to weather a little bit of drizzle for about a half hour but it was well worth it. They started the ceremony with all the recruits marching in and the important people speeches. Next each guy was pinned with their badge and then came intermission and we were able to go and see Josh. Next they went and changed into their work uniforms and went through about an hour and half, maybe two hours of simulations. It was awesome! Josh was able to have some really good jobs during the simulations. Sorry the pictures are not in the order of the ceremony, but I tried my best; plus just between my dad and I we had over 150 pictures. Congrats to my Firefighter DeWall!!

Josh climbing the ladder to the top of the structure fire

The only picture of my family and us, not the best. My mom and Josh's eyes are closed, Bear is freezing, and my dad and I are just smiling away

The recruit class marching in after intermission

Josh on top of the engine getting the hose ready

Simulated car crash

Josh jumping out of the truck, he's the one in the front (i know the picture is sideways)

At the end of the simulations, Josh got to lead the class into to the area

Bear and I before the ceremony and before the rain started

Ken pinning Josh

Josh and I during intermission

Josh and his parents

Another killing time picture

Marching in at the beginning of the ceremony

Waiting to be pinned

Shaking the "dignitaries" hands

It was such a great day and such a huge accomplishment for Josh. Later that night, I threw a party for Josh with all of our friends and families. We had a blast and it was so nice to see Josh stress free. Today was his first shift and I can't wait to hear how it went.

Bye, Bye Tonsils!

So as many of you know, I am always getting sore throats which turns in to tonsillitis. A little cold can knock me out for a week sometimes more. So as of December 13, I hopefully won't have this problem anymore because they are taking my tonsils out. Hooray! Actually, I'm terrified but I know that it needs to be done. I'm trying to time it just right so I will be able to eat all the good stuff at Christmas because I don't think I will be able to eat solid foods for about two weeks. Wish me luck!

Meehe's Baby Shower

Last weekend I went to my friend Meehe's baby shower and since she is having a boy I felt like I should type in blue. Meehe and I worked together at Robinsons May at the cosmetics counter. She was my counter manager and an awesome one at that. It was fun to see all the girls I used to work with because I had not seen a lot of them for awhile. The baby's name will be Adam Alexander Boersma. So cute!

One of the girls made the cake. It was cute and delicious!

The proud parents: Isaac and Meehe

Playing Games

Me and Carina

Carina, Meehe, and Me

Opening presents (They are going to have one well-dressed child)

Meehe and Isaac are going to be awesome parents. They are so excited and only have to wait a little longer. Baby Adam will be here on November 30.

Crazy Cousins

So I have been really behind on my posts and I am so sorry. Things have been a little hectic around here lately but I promise I will get better. These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago when everyone was here for Kristen's memorial. I don't know what it is but when all of my cousins get together it can get a little crazy. I think after such a long and emotional day, everyone wanted to let loose a little bit.

Theresa feeding goldfish to Magnum from her mouth

I didn't want to post this picture at first because I look hideous but I thought it was hilarious with Josh sticking his tongue out in the background.

Josh was proud of his beer tower

We finally got to break out the drinking chess game. Thanks Dana, the boys had a great time.

Chess is a serious game :)

All in all, it is always fun when we all get together (the next morning is not as fun). Can't wait to see everyone again.

Veteran's Day

Today being Veteran's Day (actually yesterday was officially Veteran's Day but today is the observed holiday) I thought I would honor my veteran. I am so proud of everything Josh accomplished while he was in the Marine Corps. Here are some past pictures of when he was promoted to Sergeant right before he got out.

Receiving his certificate

Getting pinned

Josh and I

My dad and I were able to go to Josh's promotion. We are so proud of him and all the other veterans (my dad being one of them). They put themselves in danger for our well being. So today, take the time to say thank you to a veteran.