Tuesday, January 11, 2011

A Bazillion Dates to Recall & Getting Back to My Roots

Ryan and I had free movie tickets (Well, not really free, since I bought the cereal boxes, but free that night. Actually, I purchased them on Christmas Eve.), so we jumped on the movie train and broke our rules of dating--to never repeat the same date in one month.

When we left for the theater, I had plans of seeing True Grit; however, after hearing about how violent and bloody it would probably be (Is it really?), I opted for Tron. I wasn't too excited about this one either, and especially unexcited when I found out it was 3-D . . . but I quickly changed my attitude when I realized how excited Ryan was to see it. And you know what?

I liked it--A LOT. It was really good.

Didn't really get into this one. We did a random movie marathon the same night we went to the theater (bad idea with 9 a.m. church) and I don't even think that I finished this. Maybe I did. I don't know. Not a huge Tom Cruise or Cameron Diaz fan. Before this movie started, Ryan and I did an intermission: he highlighted my hair. I know. I said that I wasn't going to cover my gray and just let it all turn white. But you know what? I am only 28. I am a young 28; in fact, I am only 28 and 1 month and 1 day old. When you cannot count how much gray hair you have, because there is so much, it starts to become a bit delicate. Thus, Ryan highlighted my hair. The plan is to eventually go blond, since that will hide the gray better. Allow me to clarify: I like my hair color. I like my dark hair. However, coloring my hair dark to hide the gray does nothing but color the brown parts and expose the white parts. Thus, we see defeat of the entire process. At any rate, pics to come.

This Saturday night, we will be going here.

Not so big on this movie or the book; however, the Italy section makes me crave and practically taste the gelato from her descriptions--same with her pastas and creamy sauces, pizzas, breads, and every other carb she comes across in this book. Ryan watched it like a champ.

We spent one date night here, and I have to say, this is the best place to go when you need peace, clarity, and serenity. We had the chance to visit many dear friends from the Plano 6th ward, who happened to work that night. It really is heaven on Earth.

We met up with some friends at a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant for a sopapilla, some delicious nachos, and chips and salsa.


While in Dallas, we did a group date with Ryan's parents and siblings/spouses (minus Dallin & Stephanie, and Travis & Cami). We had such a fabulous time! We found ourselves at family dinner night at Carino's Italian, which is very tasty might I add. You can order a family platter to share for half the price. So for two people, you pay $13.00 and you take home two more meals. It was delicious.



After eating at Carino's, we worked our way over to BJ's Brewery for some delicious pizookies, compliments of Ryan's parents. AMAZING!!!

Friday, January 7, 2011

My Latest Creation

Okay, so those of you who have talked to me over the past couple of months know that I have been dying to make a wreath. Yes, I saw my friend, Monica's, and after "ooohhhing and aaahhhing" over hers I finally did it. I am super EXCITED with how it turned out! It is shiny and bright and busy and beautiful! I LOVE it!!!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Christmas Day

We had a fun Christmas. It was spent with lots of family. Many hours of running and squealing took place, new friendships were made (Tanner and Ethan, Brownie and Matthew), kids fell asleep in random places from lack of sleep, and of course, meltdowns occurred. Overall, it was a wonderful holiday. Jessica and Shea gave Tanner balloons--umm, can we say, "GENIUS idea?!" He LOVED them and so did Ethan! Also, Barbara made this beautiful table setting and all of these gorgeous trimmings for her packages. Very impressive. Anyway, lots of pics . . . beware.

















Christmas Eve

We had a very interesting Christmas Eve. As stated earlier, Jessica and I were in a car accident that ended up delaying our plans. We still decorated gingerbread houses, though, at D'Lonna and Wayne's and enjoyed goodies from Grandma and Grandpa Allred. Also, we read the Christmas story. Previously, we had planned to act out the nativity, but because of time, it never worked out. Bummer. Next year.

















Random December Moments

The three boys love to take bubble baths together. Ethan especially loves his older brothers!


My beautiful poinsettas--Ryan started a tradition last year where he buys me a poinsetta every year on my birthday. They are gorgeous. One of my friends brought me one on my birthday too.



Much of Matthew's time was spent on the couch like this after his tonsils. Man, that is a terrible surgery to recovery from. I am so grateful we are over that.

Ethan is just getting way too big! He'll be a year this month.

I bought apothecary jars with some of my birthday money to add a little bit of color to my kitchen. I LOVELOVELOVE them!!!

David LOVES to help me in the kitchen. Sometimes, though, he just wants to use his apron as a toolbelt of sorts.