Thanksgiving & Christmas Party

WOWZA! It has been a long time since the last post. I've thought about getting on here several times, but then realized I don't have any fun pictures to document with & was just plain lazy. Now I have oodles & oodles of pics for everyone to see! Lucky me...the hubby came home earlier than expected & we got to spend Thanksgiving together!! It only gets better, my younger sister & my crazy cousin (whom I love dearly) had already made plans to visit for the holiday! I was able to spend Thanksgiving with some of the people I love most! They stayed for a week. I took them to the Naval Base to see "Ships" by they seemed to be more interested in "BOYS". Then we galavanted to Colonial Williamsburg, drove on the boardwalk down at the Oceanfront for the holiday lights, played lots of MarioKart on Nintendo DS, and made a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner. It was the first for all of us...nothing burned & we all fell into food comas shortly thereafter. PURE BLISS!!! My family hasn't visited me up here, so it was such a blessing to have them. I loved seeing them, I loved spending the holiday with them & my sweet hubby. It was the best Thanksgiving I've ever had!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Our Second Wedding Anniversary

I cannot believe it has been 2 years since Aaron & I said "I do." I think most people know our story, but I'm going to recap. During the Summer of 2006 Aaron was at Naval Dive School in Panama City Florida. My Aunt & Uncle were living in PC, so I decided to visit them one weekend. It was out of the blue that I had gotten the urge to visit. Two weeks prior to my visit I had seen them at my grandparents house & they offered anyone to come stay with them. Anyways, the weekend came I planned to visit. I had no intentions of meeting someone, it was seriously the LAST thing on my mind. We had decided to go on out on the ocean with their boat with my aunt's brother & his wife. I'm not sure who, but someone got the idea to set me up, so that I didn't have to be the third wheel :) One phone call led to another and then Aaron Christensen showed up at the docks the next day ready for this blind day date!! Yes, we were set up on a blind date & we did not hit it off. I was very quiet and Aaron could hardly get a word out of me. But in my defense I was with my family on a date...I think that would cause anyone feel awkward! Later that night he came over to dinner. Again, kinda the same scenario as the boat date. Before giving up on me, he asked if I'd like to go for ice cream after dinner. To his surprise I agreed! We got into his jeep on our way to Cold Stone & I have chatted his little ear off ever since :) We FINALLY hit it off and by our second date (a week later) I had the distinct impression that I would marry this guy. I knew it was the spirit speaking to me & my life has been blessed ever since. That entire summer we both were making trips back & forth from AL to FL. On the phone 3-4 hrs every night we were apart. By August, Aaron asked me to marry him. In September he graduated dive school & moved to Virginia Beach. We planned to wed on November 4. A whirlwind romance, I do agree with everyone on that. Looking back I can't believe how quickly things went, but I knew the entire time this is who I am to marry. It's been a magic adventure ever since that warm summer night we went out for ice cream. I love Aaron & I am so sad he can't be here with me today to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary. My Heavenly Father has blessed me with a caring husband. Aaron is my best friend & I love being with him. I am also proud we decided to be sealed as husband & wife in the Manti temple. Happy Anniversary Aaron! I love you forever!

Make a Smilebox postcard

Washington DC & Pumpkin Carving

I know it has been quite some time since my last blog, but we have been busy with the Youth temple trip to DC, my new job (YAY!!), spending time together since the hubs had to leave again, spending time with great friends who are moving soon, finding a reliable vehicle for our family, and many discussions about a possible move.....whew! There seems to be alot more, but I don't want to go on too much. Earlier in October we went to DC for a temple trip, as well as some historic sightseeing!! Since both of our callings are with the Youth we were able to participate! The temple was a wonderful experience & it was unbelievable to me that I was there as a chaperone!!!! It wasn't too long ago I was the youth, my how time flies! I felt the trip was a success & it was exciting to be in DC to visit the monuments.

We also spent Family Home Evening with our dear friends the Andersons. The activity...carving pumpkins for Halloween!!! It was so much fun and they have the sweetest children. Unfortunately, they are moving in a couple of weeks. We are so sad to see them go!! Here are some fun pictures we took!!

My Quirky Quirks

My lovely friend Mallorie tagged me to name 6 quirks about myself. I tag Norma, Jessica, Julianne, Emily, Nikkii & anyone else who'd like too : )

1. I cannot stand stepping out of the shower straight onto the bare floor!! It grosses me out, there has to be a rug to step onto.

2. Speaking of showers, the shower curtain & liner has to be touching each side of the tub wall. I hate it when cold air escapes into my nice warm shower. (Aaron can vouch for that...oops! is that too much info, haha!)

3. I do not like going to the gym on base by myself. All those macho military men scare me...i'm a whimp.

4. I always have to put lip balm before I go to bed.

5. I never usually pick favorites of things: colors, foods, music, etc. My mind is always changing & so it's just easier that way. They're things i love....but I prob wouldn't say it's my absolute favorite.

6. Usually, when we start movies after 9pm I can't stay awake. I'm used to my husband's schedule which is early to bed & early to rise.


Aren't peoples' quirks funny?!? I can't wait to read everyone elses. Mal, I loved yours!

October 1st

I love this time of the year. October is so exciting for me because I know that I will be celebrating a Holiday each month!! I love autumn....everything about it. There are so many things to look forward to. General Conference, Soups/Stews, Pumpkin Bread, Seasonal Candles (i just bought a Martha Stewart Caramel Cake candle-yummy!), the cool fall air, Costumes, decorations, family visits, warm sweaters & jackets, hot chocolate, the changing leaves...i can go on. I never could decide if Spring or Fall was my favorite, but I think after all I love fall most. Sadly, the hubby won't be around to relish in my simple pleasures (i tend to bake/cook more often in the fall). And i probably shouldn't bake since I'll be the only one around to eat it. I don't have much decorations & right now i' rather not spend alot for them, so i'll probably hit Big Lots to see what's over there. Happy Halloween Everyone!

My Sadie Bug

The other day I went over to my friend's house to watch her kids while she got some much needed rest to recover from an injury. I took both of my "children" with me! They love going to other people's homes & love playing with kids. Funny thing is Elvis & Sadie are used to sleeping whenever they want, but kids don't really allow that. We spent the entire day over there & by the time we came home that evening the doggies were EXHAUSTED! Aaron & I just kept laughing at how tired they acted. Anyways, I went to bed early that night with Elvis & Sadie right behind me. By the time Aaron came to bed this is what he saw & had to snap a picture of our drama queen, Sadie. The part I love the most is, Sadie was on Aaron's side of the bed!!! She's so human sometimes it's scary! We love our Sadie Bug, such a silly dog!

Smiles

Last Friday I was having a challenging day. Aaron came home with this beautiful arrangement of flowers to surprise me and because "he hadn't done it in a while." He didn't know I was upset, but they sure put a smile on my face. It made me remember how much he loves me & that the simple things mean the most. I am grateful for his thoughtfulness & the small ways he expresses his love for me. The flowers look stunning & our bedroom is so fragrant with their aroma!

Waitin' On a Woman

I like country music. I don't listen to it all that often, but lately i have. I am in love with a song called "Waitin' On a Woman" by Brad Paisley. Everything he sings about is show true and I can't wait to let Aaron hear it. So ok, i've been missing him alot the last 2 weeks which is why I've been listening to 'ole good country love songs. The video is so sweet, it brings back fond memories for me. Andy Griffith (from the Andy Griffith Show back in the day) is in it & I remember watching re-runs as a kid. I think anyone who watches this video can relate to it some way. It brought a big smile to my face; because I know I keep my patient husband waiting. Brad Paisley is a talented artist & sings these clever and beautiful songs. Enjoy & let your husband see the video, I think he'd appreciate it. (let me know what ya'll think)

Cascade Springs

Aaron's Uncle Dan took us one afternoon to Cascade Springs right there in the Heber City Area of UT. I told my husband about our exploration outdoors & he asked if i would like living in the mountains. You see I'm a southern girl born &raised (yes i know i don't have a thick accent), and the beach has always been my love. Before ever visiting mountain's, you could have asked me that question & with no hesitation I would have spurted out "BEACH!!" Not that I don't love the beach, i always will, but there is something so serene & calming about being in the mountains as well. So yah, I guess I'd like living in the mountains. It would take a while to get used to the snow & cold, but there is so much outdoor activities you can do. I don't know, I'm truly torn! Maybe I won't make my mind up & just enjoy both!

Just for Fun

We love to get Elvis to sing & howl! It cracks us up & we laugh everytime. I thought I'd post the video & hope you might giggle too : ) I was bored one afternoon & wanted to record our silly puppy howling. You kinda have to encourage him (you might here me), but once he gets goin' it's pretty loud & he'll just keep on. We love our sweet dogs, they always put a smile on my face!

Weddings

Last Wednesday I flew out to Utah for my bro-in-law's wedding. I had a nice time in Utah with the weddings & visiting (meeting for the 1st time) Aaron's family. Sadly, Aaron is gone right now & wasn't able to make this special event. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple Aug 15! It was my first time being inside the SLC temple! It was absolutely gorgeous! Then the reception was at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. This trip I also met most of Aaron's extended family for the very first time, without him even there. I was nervous to begin with, and truthfully a little overwhelmed. There were times I didn't know what to do with myself, but obviously I got through it. Anyways, we are very happy for Michael & Lauren. We wish them all the best! Here's a picture of the newlywed's & then one with me & my father-in-law.

Youth Conference

Last week I went to Youth Conference, I still have no idea where we were, up past Richmond somewhere (all i know is it took 3 hrs to get there). I think our Youth had a lot of fun!! We had 1 one YW and about 5 Ym come-we were small, but i felt we got to know each other well. Unfortunately, I had not charged the battery to my camera, so I was able to snap all of 3 pictures! Anyways, our first adventure was tubing down the James River. It was just like the lazy river rides at water parks, except MUCH slower & more shallow. Outta nowhere your booty would get smacked into rocks! I never checked, but I think I prob had a couple of bruises. We then drove to our campsite & set up our tents...and when I say campsite I mean a big open field with no shade. So it got scorchin' hot, but nobody hung around during the day-we were off caving & mountain repelling! We as YW leaders decided to Opt out of the caving & spent the day repelling. That by far is the CRAZIEST thing I've done!! Walking backwards down the side of a mountain...my dare devil husband would be so proud! I was extremely nervous & scared...shakey, sweaty palms, heart racing, BUT i'm glad i did it. Bishop Williams, his son Michael, & Rachel (YW pres) were all talking me through it. Then my feet just started moving & before I knew it I was hangin' off the side of the Blue Ridge Mtns!

It was a great Youth Conference & great bonding experience for everyone. I'm still having a hard time thinking of myself as the leader, but I feel extremely blessed being around these guys & serving them. The 3 pictures are of the Salem Ward making a quick pit stop at Krispy Kreme before heading off to Camp & then pictures of the Moutain & ME!

Touring the Truman

Several Weeks ago Jeffrey Rockwood, a friend from church, took us on a tour of his ship the USS Truman!! It was so much fun, cramped, but fun to walk around the huge ship. I thought I would fall everytime we walked down the stairs. We saw where everyone slept, ate, worked, & even where the Captain drives that bad boy! It was all very impressive. We toured the deck, where the jets land and take off. I know it made me appreciate the protection & sacrifice those brave sailors give. Aaron has been in the Navy for 6 years now & never attached to a ship, so I think he really enjoyed learning all we did. Jeffrey was very informative & was so nice to do that for us.

Tides Game

Aaron & I are excited about our new callings with the Young Men & Young Women! Last week, it was a combined activity & we took the Youth to the Norfolk Tides Baseball game! The weather was perfect...not too hot & a slight breeze! I think they enjoyed getting out for youth activity, I know we enjoyed the game & the company! The Tides were behind the entire game, 90% of everyone decided to leave, but a few us stayed until the end. Good thing too because THEY WON!! YEAH!! The game went into 11 innings, & the Tides pulled through the last second! It was so exciting to watch-all the others missed out : ( I'm so blessed to spend my time at church with these wonderful youth. It really was just a few years ago i was in their spot, but I hope that we become great friends. This calling has definetly made me appreciate my Youth Leaders, their sacrifice, committment, & love for me. These YW are beautiful & I love to be around them.
The pictures are of Aaron & Kendall....and then 2 of our YW! They're not the best pictures, but I was just taking snapshots!

Final Goodbyes

These pictures are for Clark. Elvis & Sadie were distraught when you left. They sat by the door for 30-45 minutes & kinda kept to themselves the rest of the day (mostly Elvis...Sadie needs too much attention). It made me sad to see them so sad! We really enjoyed having you, but are thrilled the Elkins Clan is back together. Good Luck in Idaho & We miss you all! Keep in touch!!

Elvis & Clark

A couple of weeks ago our friend Clark stayed with us in his transition from military to civilian life and before meeting up with his family in Idaho. Elvis never wanted to leave Clark's side! Rewind to the beginning of the year....before Clark left on his last deployement he hung out with Aaron & I, while his lovely family moved to Texas. So of course we thought Elvis probably wouldn't remember him, when he came to stay in June. Boy were we wrong! Elvis was estatic he was back & every single time Clark left, he would sit by the door & whine! Clark was his buddy & loved to be with him. I had to snap a picture & tempted to put one in Elvis's kennel....i'm teasin'! It made us laugh how Elvis really got attached to Clark.

Yummy Soup!

Sunday I made Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup. It was perfect for after church. I have some mental block against soup during hot summer months, but this was WONDERFUL! You can cook it on the stove in about 15 min., but I prefer in the slow cooker (low for 6hrs).

1- 2 to 2 1/4 lb purchased roasted chicken
2- 14 oz cans chicken broth with roasted garlic
1- 15 oz can chopped tomatoes and green chile peppers, undrained
1- 11 oz can whole kernel corn with sweet peppers, undrained
1- small fresh jalopeno chile pepper, seeded
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp lime juice
*I added a can of black beans to give it some extra flavor (drain the beans)

-Remove skin from chicken, Remove chicken from bone. Shred/Dice chicken up to 2 cups (or you can use all the meat)
-In large saucepan, combine broth, undrained tomatoes, corn, jalopeno, & cumin. Bring to boil, reduce heat. Simmer covered for 10 min. Stir in chicken, cilantro, & lime juice. Heat Through. Makes 6 servings
-For slowcooker, I just through everything in there & cooked it!

Crunch up tortilla chips & serve!

I hope whoever reads this will enjoy the soup

My First Blog

After much talk about me getting a blog this week, (from a number of WONDERFUL FRIENDS!) I've finally GONE & DONE IT! Here is my first "blog". I don't have much to say, but I will say I may need a lot of help from you "pro-bloggers." Ya'll just can't leave me hangin'. It needs to look cute & adventurous! I am really excited about it though. With friends moving away recently, I've thought how sad to see them go. Then my next thought...how awesome it will be to have friends all over the country & I can still keep them apart of my life. And so the Adventure Begins....ENJOY!