Alex, Come Home!

So, there is some work being done around the apartments on the roof of the building (it was in need of some major work). Well, the fabulous roof workers are busy finishing up the roof, but they did forget one important fix--our dish! (It has been disconnected for over a week now). Now, I am really, well almost really, enjoying the lack of television, because it directly correlates with some positive results. Take these examples:

A. My time for reading has increased positively
B. My excuses for laziness have decreased significantly (fewer distractions, I guess)
C. My home is a tinge cleaner and dishes have managed to stay done
D. I have managed to find a ton of time for homework (which I have surprisingly LOVED)
E. Our list of recorded movies has shortened as movie-viewing has increased somewhat

Now, I noted that I have ALMOST enjoyed the lack of television. I offer my one sadness....the absence Alex Trebec from our life!




*Photo courtesy of sexymustaches.com (What a website, wouldn't you say?!)

Dane and I watch "Jeopardy" every weeknight together, our own little Battle of the Sexes. Without this show, our knowledge base and competitiveness have both decreased! Alex, come home!

A Good Little Break

The holidays are fabulous...spending time with family, thinking about what is really important, counting your blessings. It is a refreshing time, and I really wouldn't mind celebrating holidays all year around. (I say that especially as I returned to the office today!)

Instead of giving you a recap of everything, I thought I would just say that Dane and I enjoyed the time we were able to spend with our family and friends. We had plenty of comfortable spend-overs, plenty of fabulous food, and had plenty of laughs. Gratitude for our family members continues to grow and grow!

I must admit that there really isn't anything better than this though...



A night at home in your very own bed!

Though I wish the holidays would last the whole year, I am very happy to spend a few nights at my own home and am very ready to get back into a groove.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!

And this is what I found...

I came home from work one day last week, and this is what I found....

























Dane had finished his Christmas shopping, had wrapped all the presents he purchased, and was making Christmas treats for our friends when I walked in the door. (We made a ton and accidentally ate most of them before they could be delivered--good intentions, right!?)

Someone was really feeling the Christmas spirit last Thursday.

We, here at the B. Household, hope everyone has a great holiday! We hope you enjoy the time you spend with your families, the kind words exchanged, and the beautiful winter weather. We hope that the true Spirit of Christmas is easily found! We love you all and wish you a safe and merry and blessed Christmas!

A Late Introduction

I can't believe that I have waited so long to introduce everyone to our third family member! So, without further ado, I would like to introduce you to.... (dun, dun, dun-dun)

HAROLD (picture soon to follow in the post)

We are so proud of Harold, our real-life ficus tree. He is strong, needs very little water, still has his leaves even though we were told he should be "bald" by now, and produces some much-needed oxygen in our home. What a wonder this little guys is!

For Christmas the last couple of years, we have sported a very large, but very sweet loan-er Christmas tree courtesy of Aunt Jeanie. We thought we would simplify a bit with a tree that doesn't occupy 2/3 of our living room. So--what could be better that dressing up Harold with a little bling--his very own. (Am I sounding ridiculous right now?!)

So, here he is, in all of his glittery, glowing glory! He really is our Christmas tree (this fact threw my Grandma Bonnie into a bit of a loop, I think)! I hope you like him as much as we do!





Of course, I wanted to add a few close-ups of our handsome man!

I just had to...

I just saw this beauty on Hollie's blog today and couldn't resist! Tonight I will be its proud owner, just in time for the holidays!

On a side note, Hollie is amazing and incredibly talented, so I think you should all check out her mad skills!

Thanksgivings By Numbers

2 beautiful families... (and two great times)
5 pictures of Bry's croissant... (per her request)

6 tries to get a smiling picture with Kayla... (she makes some killer funny faces)
500 things to laugh at... (the best part about being with family)
3 super-cute chitlins that make me excited to be a mom... (she has a smile to die for)
1000 things I am grateful for... (that was a doozie)

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

"Twi-Letdown" or "Save the Drama for Your Mama"

First of all, tonight is Dane's first contribution to the blog! I know, a big deal! However, on a more serious note--he will clobber me if he finds out that his input was included, even if it is only in the title. We just got back from "New Moon"--more on that later. I thought I would share a few of my unsolicited opinions with you all--hope you don't mind! I asked for a good title, and Dane submitted the second title of this post. Let's keep this under wraps for a bit!

Now on to my opinions--just a few. I feel a little bad about sharing a few negative thoughts after such a fabulous, positive day. Don't worry--I don't have too many negative things about "New Moon" to share, so those of you who were impressed won't need to be too defensive.

"New Moon" Thoughts:
1. The special effects were much improved (positive note first!)
2. How about Jacob? I must say that I just love him more and more all the time--you know, in a not-so-creepy-because-I'm-married, not-quite-a-cougar-because-I-am-not-that-old kind of way. Not too bad to look at either! I am such a "Team Jacob" gal!
3. (Now for a more negative opinion--I just have to vent...) Was the book really this mushy and cheesy? For some reason I was so enamored by the book that I missed quite a bit of this.
4. (Last negative, I promise.) Coming from a true fan of Jacob, I can't help but think that Edward is just too sensitive, emotional, and fickle for my liking. I like my men tough--not too stoic though--with just a side of sensitivity.

Anyway, sorry to blab on about the movie. I am glad that I saw it--I have been waiting for quite some time. Perhaps going with Dane was a bad choice--we fed a bit off of eachother and had a few too many giggles during the movie.

*Last note: And here is an addition Dane would like to make. He now ranks "The Notebook" as the second worst movie of all time.
**This really is the last note: Taking Dane probably wasn't the best choice. In my defense, Dane suggested that we should go together tonight--it was his idea! He continually claimed that he was just being a "good husband," and he really is a good husband.