I used to think two years was a LONG time.

Yes, it is true! John and I have been married for two years. Our anniversary was on December 20th. I used to think two years was a long time to be married, but now that is here, I can't believe it. These past two years have been the best, with my best friend beside me.
John and I two years ago where married and sealed in the Mesa AZ temple. The past two years have been quite the adventure. We enjoyed our wonderful honeymoon cruise together and then it was time to start real life.
Paying bills, living on our own, going to school, we were living the good life. I graduated from Nursing school and six months after we were married we packed up and moved across the country to good old Buffalo! Welcome to our new home!

The move out to Buffalo was for a good reason, John not only swept me off my feet but all the way to Buffalo for him to go to Dental school, I guess that is a good reason!

Our time here is not only filled with school, work and friends but also SNOW!!

These past two years for John have been extra special because he is enjoying being the recipent of a Sugar Mama. Yes, I have started my first REAL job. I tell him to enjoy it and not get too used to this! No, but I honestly enjoy me job and am so grateful for the oppurtunity in my life to work now before we start our family!
We have loved our past two years together and look forward to our lifetime together. We love just hanging out together, being with friends, traveling, and our families.


This year our anniversary was special for two reasons, one because it was our anniversary and two because it was John's last day of school. `He finished up his test, then sent me off for a nice relaxing massage. It is always nice to get pampered. That night we enjoyed a nice Italian dinner and saw We are Legend. We had not been to the movies in forever! It was a great day!

Sarah leaves John alone during finals...

I thought the best way to not be a distraction to John during a rough week of finals was to leave him, so I did. All the way back to Arizona. I enjoyed a week back in AZ while John (not so much) enjoyed his week here in Buffalo alone studying for finals. I will summarize my time in AZ with some pictures. I had a great time and was so glad to see all my family. We missed John so much, it is hard not being with them during the holidays, but at least I was able to spend some time with them.
My sister and her husband and kids came down, so we spent the week together. I have so much fun with her kids, they are so cute and are good kids. Since I have no kids, I have to brag about my cute nephews. This is Jackson, he just turned one, he loves to laugh and cuddle. Here are a few pics having fun with grandma and grandpa!

I was able to spend some time down in Tucson with John's family. Ashley my sister in law graduated with her nursing degree from UofA, I was able to go down for her graduation. Congrats!!
Here are the two cutest boys! Caden and Jackson posing in front of the tree. We went out and picked out a Christmas tree! Caden wanted the tallest one there(over 12 feet), Grandpa had to say no (which never happens), the tree was $300 dollars. Real trees can be expensive!!
We attended the annual Christmas party with family and friends. The "real" santa was there, its the same one every year. All the kids get gifts, we sing songs, he does tricks, it is quite the production. This is Caden sitting on Santa's lap, telling him he wants a Jungle book coloring book and Shrek Three.
And little Jackson who was not as excited about Santa as Caden was. He did sit there but just screamed!
Here is me with my boys, Jessika and Nick did a Chocolate fountain for my mom, so we
(my parents and I) took their boys to the party!
My mom and dad with their grandchildren posing with Santa.
My sister and her beautiful family before Church!
We hosted a family game night Sunday night after church! We had about 15 people. Lots of yummy food, great company, and fun games. We played family feud, and Guesstures. I think the boys came out ahead but they make up their own rules.(did I say that out loud)
The rest of the family and friends during our game night.
Sisters posing together in our festive Christmas sweaters!!
My sister and I with the boys on the Carosel at the mall, after getting santa pictures done!

The week was also filled with fun times in the Kitchen, baking, and cooking. A day of pampering with massages, pedicures and manicures. We also had a girls night out to see The Forgotten Carols starring Micheal McLean, and it was such a wonderful show. The songs, the show, the spirit of Christmas, WOW, it was amazing, we even got his autograph! It was nice to enjoy the sun everyday, and feel the rays of sun on you even in December!!
It was a great trip, now I am looking forward to John and my little Christmas here together in Buffalo!!

REAL Christmas Tree People

I think it is hilarious that there is a difference, some people are so set on having a fake tree and others a real tree, well a fake one is probably easier and cheaper but. . . there is just something about having a real tree that gets me so excited!
Anyway tonight John and I did a little Tuesday night FHE! We started out by watching Joy to the World. What a great movie, I think everyone should have a copy, I remember seeing that movie each year at the temple Christmas lights. Then off we were to pick us out a Christmas Tree. We successfully picked one out at Lowe's. It definately felt like Christmas time, with the snow falling, our nose's red and cold, and the scent of fresh Christmas trees. We ended the night with a yummy treat from Starbucks.
I know they are more expensive then the local Tim Horten's but OH, so much better. We sipped on some peppermint Hot Chocolate and Caramel Apple Spice. So good, it sure did warm us up! Now the tree is up, and its time to decorate it!!

Happy Birthday to the Best mom in the whole wide world!!

My mom loves to hear those words. Growing up whenever I would say that she pretty much knew I wanted something. But seriously, my mom is the best!
It is her birthday today. On December 3rd a long long time ago. . . She was born. (just kidding)
I want to thanks my mom for all she has done for me and who she is. I love to spend time with my mom, she always puts me first and makes sure I enjoy our time together. She is someone who leads by example, I have learned so much from her by simply doing the little things: scripture, prayer, FHE, temple etc.
I cherish all the memroies I have with you Mom, and I love you!!
Happy Birthday!

I love to spend time together with my mother and the family! (after seeing that picture I kinda miss my long hair!)
A great memory this summer, my mother and me kayaking in the snake river!\

The countdown begins!

Happy December to all! WOW, I can't believe it is December already, for some it may be a great thing, a time to relax and enjoy the season and for others it may be a reminder of how much there is still to do and not enough time to do it. I love this time of year, (except the dramatic drop in temperature) Christmas lights, Christmas music and knowing it is the season of Christ's birth.
Saturday we started off the first day of December with the 2nd annual Christmas party at Dick and Erica's house. All of our friends, great food, chatting and the anticipated white elephant gift exchange! We all had so much fun, and as always the gifts were great!
A few of our great friends posing for the camera.
John and Glen fighting over a favorite! A playdough dentist fill and drill kit, missing the playdough of course!
John showing off his sac-religious Christ picture found at a quality Buffalo thrift store.
Tis the season!

Paula Deans Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle was enjoyed by all at the Party along with many other yummy treats! Sorry it's an aftershot.
After the party, John and I and friends Christy and Glen decided there was still more to do. So. . . we went over to the Ashworth's home and crafted, talked, ate pomegranate seeds and watched ELF. You do not want to know what time we left, but on our way out, we noticed the huge layer of white snow over everything, as I was walking to the car in my three inch black heels, I took a big hit, yep right on the BUM! Good thing I have some extra padding, otherwise I might have gotten hurt. I guess its time to pull our the snow boots. We made it safely home, with a few donuts along the way(and not dunkin') and to bed.
Sunday morning we woke up to an even bigger layer of snow, in which John was out early shoveling our walkway and car. We are just thankful we don't have a huge driveway to have to plow each day!
Oh, the joy! I keep reminding myself that in less than two weeks I will be in AZ, a time to defrost.
John and I with our large snow coats on, ready to embrace the cold air of buffalo.
After church John came home and said he was cutting his hair, he was so sick of it, and he could not take it any longer! I think he looks better and so much younger with short hair!
John with his long hair!

Gone! Post hair cut in the Tub, John looks like a new man!!
Now I better go, since it is the 2nd of December and its time to go down and eat the chocolate that awaits me in our advent calendar!!

Yummy Cookie for the Holiday!

Such a yummy cookie. It is easy to make and taste great. A great holiday cookie!

Yummy Soft GingerSnap Cookies!

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup sugar (for dipping)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Cream shortening, brown sugar, molasses and egg in large bowl. In a separate bowl sift flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until mixed. Dough can be chilled for easy handling.

3. Shape the dough into balls the size of whole walnuts. Roll balls in sugar, place on baking sheet. Bake 8-9 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool on sheet one minute before transferring to rack

Back at Home

Well, this week was quite a nice week for many reasons. It was thanksgiving, in which John and I were able to take some time and ponder of all of our many blessings. On Tuesday we began Housesitting/Dogsitting for a couple in our ward. We were staying at their house all week. They have a nice house which is quite different from our home, we felt like we were kids playing house. John had a nice long weekend away from school so we were able to spend some time together which I enjoyed so much. I fortunately did not have to work Thanksgiving (yeah, the first and the last holiday I will not work), yes I have to work Christmas and New Year's Day! (Thanks for reminding me.) So John and I slept in, we watched some of the Macy's day Parade, we enjoyed the spirit of Thanksgiving while snowflakes were falling outside. We spent Thanksgiving dinner with some friends, The Hassell's, and the Casper's over at the Hassell's Aunt and Uncle's home. Dinner was delicious, there was so much yummy food, and the company was great. It was nice to be among great friends. We sat around and talked and played some games.
Post Thanksgiving feast. Playing a game!
John carrying around a few girls. They were all over, look one on each leg!
The whole group on Thanksgiving!
That night John and I relaxed on the couch and tried to help our ASU devils to a victory but the Devils lost. We went out and enjoyed some pumpkin pie and ice cream that night as a little nighttime snack. I am grateful for so many things in my life. I will not bore you with the list but just to name a few. . . . I am thankful for first and foremost the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and all the blessings that it brings. I am thankful for my wonderful Husband, and my family far far away. I am thankful that John and I have this opportunity to be out here in Buffalo, for John to be in school and for me to be working, and for all of the growth and opportunity this experience has brought. I am thankful for the moments of peace and comfort in my life when I take the time to sit back and remember what is really important. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!
I had to work Friday so I was not part in the billions of dollars spent on black Friday. That night after work I came out to a NOT working civic. John had taken the Maxima in that day for a few repairs, and now the civic! I swear our cars have not adjusted to the Move to Buffalo, I think they are telling us they want to go back to AZ! So John and Glen came and picked up from work. I will just tell you this much, I have never realized how frustrating it is to not have a working car! Anyway, that night John and I spent the night with our dear friends Christy and Glen Ashworth. We chatted, we were fed, we enjoyed some wonderful homemade rich hot chocolate, and we played the LOST boardgame, or attempted to at least! We had such a fun night, which explains us not getting home until 3am!!

On Saturday besides trying to catch up on some sleep, John and I had to postpone our planned temple trip due to our vechicle situation. We really hope to go within the next few weeks. John and I moved back to our little home. I started to kinda miss it, so it was nice to be back. We ran to the mall to look at video cameras, which is on our Christmas list.

We did not do anymore shopping because a Saturday night at the mall is crazy! That night John and I along with several other couples went over to our friends Megan and Bron's home for some games! We played Encore, Guesstures and one of John's favorites Mafia. We had so much fun, that we stayed late again. We did not get home until 1:30 am. It was a great long Thanksgiving weekend.
At church today John was a member of eight guys who sung a special musical number in sacrament. He did great,( his first performance in sacrament) they sang Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy. The rest of our Sabbath day has been so nice. Now that Thanksgiving is done, Christmas is almost here, and I am so not ready. It will come so fast, and I want to spend so much time enjoying the season and not running around like crazy. I better get going so I can try to go to bed early tonight unlike the past two!!

AMAZING pork in slow cooker

Recipe Monday!!
I made this for Sunday dinner and it is so so yummy. The pork just shreds and falls apart so easily. It melts in your mouth! All from doing nothing all day, beware you will smell it in your slow cooker, tempting you!! Enjoy!
1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup water
3/4 cup apple juice
3 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons soy sauce
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Place pork tenderloin in a slow cooker with the contents of the soup packet. Pour water, juice, and soy sauce over the top, turning the pork to coat. Carefully spread garlic over the pork, leaving as much on top of the roast during cooking as possible. Sprinkle with pepper, cover, and cook on low setting for 8 hours. Serve with cooking liquid on the side as au jus.

Happy FHE everyone!!

Friday Fling

Friday night was our Enrichment Friday night fling! A night full of dinner, girls, and crafts! What a night! I just signed up for a few crafts but I came away with a lot of ideas for future projects! I made headbands, and an ornament tree!
John modeling the head-band!
It was tons of fun! John went to bed early that night, me on the other hand did not even get home until midnight!
My cute lil' christmas tree!
Saturday morning I slept in, when I woke up John had already woke up did laundry, and cleaned the kitchen! Saturday was a nice relaxing day, we went to the gym together, and over to his cousins for a birthday party for their little girl!! It was fun getting together, as always! While we were hanging out we noticed outside white flakes falling, yes it was snowing!
Then off to the mall! It was very crazy with a bunch of people shopping for christmas and enjoying being indoors(out here people hang out at the mall because it is so cold outside!). We spent way too much time in the Apple store, then of course we had to go to Williams-Sonoma for me. I love everything in that store! We tried a sample of some yummy mashed potatoes, and hot apple cider!
It was a great day to be with my husband! I can't believe it is Thanksgiving this week, Christmas will come so fast! Oh, yes and normally I wait until after Thanksgiving for Christmas decorations and music but not this year, its starting today!!

Just thought I would add a classic picture of us! You know, the ones where you just hold the camera out right in front of you. . . or are we the only ones!

The best day of my life!

Thanks Megan for the wedding tag!! I love to reminisce about my wedding day. I loved planning the wedding and the day was more than I expected! I am so thankful for all my pictures and my video that I have to remember my special day! Here are a few pictures to highlight my special day!
We had a dinner the night before, instead of the luncheon on the wedding day! We were sealed in the Mesa Arizona temple on December 20th, and held our reception at the Val vista Lakes clubhouse that evening. It was beautiful and John and I had a blast!!
A classic picture of the bride and groom. Our colors were baby blue, white, silver, kinda like a winter-y wonderland theme!
My beautiful husband!
And the bride. . . .
Since we got married around Christmas time, in some of our pictures you will notice Christmas lights around the temple!
This picture snaps John and I as we are exiting the temple after getting married. What an amazing experience to be in such a sacred place with our family and friends!

John with all of his BOYS walking, talking, and laughing!
The entrance into our reception! It was so beautiful, the decorations, the food, and of course the company were all amazing!
Posing at our reception! By the end of the night my face was so tired of smiling the whole time, I felt like I had a perma-grin!
Not one but two huge chocolate fountains was one of the few items that John had an opinion about, we just had to have Two!!
The chocolate fountains added such a nice touch to our warm winter-y food. Soup in bread bowls, salads, steaming hot cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate bar and the chocolate fountains!
God Bless the Broken Road that lead me straight to you. . . Our first dance together!
Yes, you are seeing correctly! This is John and I (in my wedding dress) riding off from our reception on this little scooter! Definitely John's idea, and yes I agreed. I did not allow us to wear the small helmets he wanted, or ride far, just around the corner, then switched to our car. Needless to say, everyone loved it!!
What a great day!!
I tag my sister Jessika, Regan, and Jenny ( I don't know anything about your wedding, since we were in NY already)!!