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Happy One Year, To Us : )

January 27, 2014

Aaaaand that year went by fast! So fast, that the high hopes I had for planning a killer and oh so sweetly sentimental one year anniversary, just went out the window. Nevertheless, I couldn’t have planned a more fun day if I tried.

The day started with painful and embarrassing medical issues continuing to linger from the week before (YAY for going to the doctor twice last week and still not knowing what is wrong). We laughed and laughed over how awkward marriage can be as we searched for home remedies that would alleviate said annoyance. After downing a couple disgusting concoctions and shoveling my mouth with massive amounts of foods that were said to help, we continued on with a lovely relaxing french press in bed (as was our most coveted tradition)! Using our small but fancy cappuccino cups, (I like the clink of when you put the cup back on the saucer, ok? It makes it feel fancy and festive : ) ) it wasn’t long until we had finished our first small cup of coffee and were heading for the next. The only problem with small cups in bed is, you have to fill them up more often, thus increasing the probability of eventually spilling, splashing, or dropping. I ask Greg if he’s ready for another cup, all the while Bentley’s ball he’s been entertaining himself with, has found its way underneath the bed he no longer can fit under. This dog proceeds to hoist himself under the bed using his feet to kick off of the easily movable bedside table. The table goes one way, the lamp slowly goes the other, Greg starts yelling NO NO NO! STOP!!! as he trustingly continues to hold his tottering cup for his sweet oblivious wife. This wife continues pouring but gets curious and looks to see what all the commotion is about as the steady stream of delicious brown elixir continues to pour. Eyes flash back and grow wide as we both see coffee flowing over the brim of the cup into the saucer and then yes, over the saucer. Somewhere in there, I think my brain shut off and couldn’t comprehend how to make the flowing stop! The lamp is stabilized and he grabs his dripping cup, handing his saucer to me whose hands are still full of carafe and my own cup. I shove the somehow always cluttered objects on my bedside table to the side to make room, and grab his saucer, suddenly getting the brilliant idea that I can just drink the coffee from the saucer. My attempts were a bit too vigorous, aaand enter lady and more sheets covered in more coffee. We hop out of bed, throw the duvet cover into the wash and start our effort to save white fluffy, all over again.

^^he likes to help

We blame him.Ruined morning? Never! The sweetest of all husbands proceeded to whip up some delicious eggs, with chives from the garden included! He brings them to me, proudly stating – look it’s a one! The heads fly back in laughter when we look down and see the one is backwards. Still, so very dear is he. Apparently laughter came easily that day. Next on the list: show Greg a small bit of our hike. Up the mountain we went, on what seemed like the most crowded day of the year. We didn’t come close to the 6 miles but we still got to have a nice little chat, a good view, and Greg got to see firsthand how very good that dog is on hikes.

^^he’s a dog that sits in sticks

We went home to beautify ourselves and I decided with fluttering eyelashes and a please help me look, that it would be so much better to come back to a clean house. Best husband ever award. To work he cheerfully goes, making the bed, sweeping the floors, tidying tidying tidying as I did the pile-o-ever-present dishes. Clean houses make me glowy. I was practically spinning knowing we wouldn’t be coming home to a mess. Big weirdo am I. Off to our next adventure we went! To Tiffany’s we go – to get my ring cleaned of course! It sparkles again : ) Then to a long, delightful lunch with a disappointing waiter. Clearly I like food shots. And then onto our next cheesy activity of the wax museum! We hopped in our car and the big meal of pasta and drinks started to kick in. Straight ahead we stared, contemplating if it was really worth it to drive all the way to Hollywood for something so lame. Mustering up every last bit of energy we had, we slowly nodded yes, and began the drive. Creeping down Hollywood Blvd, we sighted a parking spot right in front of the wax museum, only to decide at the last minute that cake took precedence. Although our half cut up cake is still in my parents freezer, many miles away, we had a second cake at our wedding – slices of the most moist and delicious commercial cake ever. We had half an hour to get there before they closed and set out with a new purpose that enticed us so much more. Victory! Next on the list – champagne and maybe something to actually eat for nutrition, if the full feeling ever went away. It didn’t. We had cake for dinner. So although this may sound pathetic to some – cake for dinner, spending the day mostly driving and cleaning, picking up champagne and flowers at a grocery store the night of your anniversary… we had the most wonderful time. And THAT, in a nutshell, is why I love my husband oh so much. He makes life, even seemingly boring and uneventful life, fun. I feel so so blessed to get to spend my life with my best friend. And here’s to many more to come! : )

Happy 6 months my little Bentley Bear!

January 24, 2014

by hillywoohoo

comments 4

date night / hikes! / that dog Bentley / the daily life / wedded bliss

That’s right! Bentley turned 6 months old today : ) We are convinced he has stopped growing and will be this size forever. Greg is ashamed of his small dog that’s supposed to be big, but I love him. Clearly, I’m the more accepting parent. We haven’t been up to too much lately.. Less than a week from having a bagpiper in my parents living room, we saw them yet again at a coffee shop just up the street from our house. It was quite fun, albeit random, to go into the “back room” of a coffee shop to find a stage with lights and props. I kinda felt like we were looking for Platform 9 3/4 (Harry Potter reference anyone?) and stumbled upon a magical world of celtic music. Anyways, it was really cool cause they said we could bring our own wine (well now it’s a party!) and sit and have a marvelous time. Mr. Klein came with us and ended up staying the night cause if I recall correctly, other libations may have followed as well as a couple cigars from our wedding, almost a year ago.. I got to smoke my new and lovely girl cigar and they had to muster through dried out old ones. This is what happens when you save things for special occasions. Speaking of, Greg got us a divine bottle of wine to open after our first fight and… we either got through a whole year without fighting (BAH!) or each fight ended with “should we open it now? Nah, let’s wait for a REALLY big one..” Ya, there were a couple really big ones in there yet, it is still unopened. I think our biggest fight is yet to come when we realize the expensive bottle has gone to waste. Just kidding.

The next morning was filled with pancakes and bliss. The guys went golfing and I stayed home to paint. and paint and paint and paint. That’s all I’ve been doing lately. That and exercising. After all, it is a new year – that’s what everyone does in January right? These new tasks have led to a very messy house. When the house is a mess, I have less of a desire to put things away and more of a desire to see just how gross it can get before someone says something. Case in point – things are left in odd places leading to a very confused, although, accommodating little boy.
This is a classic example of how I’m not very good at the in between. I either have a super clean don’t touch anything house or an I’m close to committing suicide this is so disgusting house. The clean but livable house is unknown in this family. The last two weeks have been the beyond disgusting house but luckily I have been cloistered away in my tiny room I call a studio and haven’t noticed anything beyond that strange smell and business of flies gathering in the kitchen. Not really. No flies yet. I’ve actually have had a remarkably fun time painting regularly. Greg was so proud of me that he took me to a special dinner! I love special dinners. Isn’t he the cutest with his tie? I love boys in ties. Specifically that boy in said tie. That place was fun – they played mostly music from the 60’s (favorite) and had a big flight of stairs and an eerily-absent-of-people-alley where we had a small, two man dance party to the strangely loud music. You know that part in Shrek where he goes to the kingdom and it’s strangely quiet with no one around but there is music playing? No? Well, it reminded me of that. I love dance parties with my husband. We both suck so It. Is. Awesome.

Last weekend, since poor Bentley was neglected the previous week, we decided to take him down to the beach! It has become increasingly apparent that Los Angeles does not like dogs unless they can fit in your purse – which then begs the question, is that really a dog?? Anyways, there is one small area on one beach in seemingly all of Los Angeles and Orange County that allows such creatures. But! It was a glorious day and he got to run and socialize. He made friends with a pit bull who’s mom I heard say “that dog keeps picking on our dog!” Apparently Bentley is now considered a terror, “picking on” pit bulls. Brave boy. We threw his ball twice and it was gone. I didn’t think to bring two. Sooo that was short lived. We walked into town and had some mexican food and margaritas. He met lots of people who loved him and lots of people who didn’t. We concluded dog people are the better people of the world. It was a lovely day.On our way back home we saw an open house sign and decided to stop in just for kicks. I’m so glad we did cause it reminded us how much fun it will be when (not if!) we actually have money one day. Hope was reignited plus the guy was super helpful and answered all our obnoxiously uninformed questions. I really like it down there, although I’m glad we couldn’t live in that area because I’d probably never want to leave : ) This way we have a more likely chance of returning home one day!

The next day Greg proved his love to me by going with me to the LA art show, yes, while the Broncos were playing. He is dear. I just love to see art in person – it’s so different than in a picture or on the internet. Plus they had stuff from old masters and new stuff from some of my favorite contemporary artists and AHhh it was just quite inspiring.Apparently our jaunt in the sand that weekend did nothing for Mr. Yellowtail as he was bounding with energy come Monday morning. So, I decided to take him on a nice long, 6 mile hike. This broke me but caused him to take a nice nap and wake up with the same amount of energy. Alas, such is life. But look how happy!Cutest of dogs. Speaking of broken, I had just recovered from my little journey up the mountain (yeah, yeah, it was a couple days later..) when I got the lovely idea to do some gardening. I don’t know what I did all of yesterday but oh my. My legs have officially seized. Honestly, I look at the tiny area that I have been “attending” to in our massive dirt pit of a yard, and notice very little difference to justify such pain in thine legs. Ah well, I still had a marvelous time. Minus all those rocks. I curse our landlord for ever thinking ugly rocks were a good idea to dump out front. Andddd finally, last night Greg and I ventured out of our humble abode past 9pm (chya) to go to a couples small group. It was really fun to go to our first small group together and meet other newlywed couples. We’ve been kind of striking out on the couples friends thing – most of my friends aren’t married and most of his, well, guys don’t really keep in touch like girls do ; ) so it was nice to meet new people together! Alas, this weekend concludes our first year of married life. !!!!!!!!! Please don’t ask me what we are doing because I was supposed to plan it and, well, didn’t. It’s not like he took me to Paris for our honeymoon or anything…. We love you guys! Have a lovely weekend!!

Welcome 2014

January 7, 2014

by hillywoohoo

comment 1

family days / hikes! / terrific trips / that dog Bentley

Hmm, I’m not quite sure where to begin so let’s do highlights, shall we?

1) The day before we left for Santa Cruz was a rainy one complete with… THUNDER! ..which made Greg and I do a silent happy dance from separate rooms (considering he was on an important conference call : ) ) and sent Bentley bolting to his safe place under the bed like a scared little girl. I always suspected he was afraid of thunder considering he’s from Missouri and how terrified he is when we bring in the rumbling trash cans. Not the most manly but certainly the most dear.

2) Driving the long drive up north with these guys and having the most wonderful conversation the whole time (woah, I know) about future hopes and dreams : )

3) Getting to celebrate Christmas #1 with my family. Unfortunately, everyone involved with Christmas #1 was confused for the rest of the season — Greg kept calling Christmas Eve, New Years Eve. The enthusiasm was lost for waking up early on actual Christmas Eve. We all wondered why everyone was so grumpy on fake Christmas. It was confusing. Alas, such is life.

^^a bit biased but, best Christmas house ever??

^^yes, we still have some party tricks up our sleeves..

^^Ruari reminding Mr. Yellowhairs that all this belongs to him. So brave, Little Red, so brave.

^^kindred spirits

^^not so accidentally spit on that poor sleeping sea lion and saw it raise its little head in a “what the!?” motion

4) Getting to avoid this line of doom cause Greg’s a friend of Southwest.

Getting a high five from my husband because I reminded him of said friendship. I LOVE high fives!!

5) Getting the Indiana tour from my beloved.

^^our not so inconspicuous drive-by of Greg’s childhood home : )

6) Trying to walk over the pretty bridge but having to turn around cause it was SO. beyond. cold. That said, you can understand the forced smiles below.

But getting to experience the full potential of a warm drink afterwards : ) : )

^^Christmas drinks on Christmas eve <3

7) Playing poker with these clowns late into the night.

8) Here is a moment of pure honesty. I am not a morning person. Having that morning come three hours earlier than the normal early morning is not my favorite. At all. BUT that being said, I was so glad we roused ourselves to watch my NIECE and NEPHEW (heck yes I have those now! Taylor, you are still not off the hook) open their presents at 7am. Not to mention, that early rising came with coffee and mimosas so really, how can one complain : )

9) But for the most favorite moment of them all, as we were leaving Doug and Tami’s (where we were opening presents), it started to SNOW!!!! Not enough to stick but SNOW!! On CHRISTMAS!! Enter adults morphing into happy frolicking children.

10) Jennifer’s house – getting to stay in this cozy room with the magical lights, meeting this big dog, seeing the giant tree and playing the dancing game.

^^sweetest gentle giant

11) The snowy drive to Christina’s house. Lory and Greg couldn’t see but I was ridiculously giddy in the back seat, feverishly taking awful photos the whole time of the whiteness that surrounded : ) It was much more beautiful in person. 12) The surprise party at Christina’s house. So, in February we visited Greg’s sister, Dominique, in Florida. I was told “my family is super casual – maybe bring just one casual nice outfit just in case..” Ugh, there were like three cocktail parties and this lady showed up in a bulky sweater and faded jeans. Not this time, I thought. I packed lots of lovely things – just in case. However, to go to Jennifer and Christina’s, I was told by my dear husband, “don’t bring your whole suitcase – it’s just a lazy day at home and you can wear your pajamas on the ride home the next day.” Enter, family surprise party the first night and surprise brunch the next morning -_- Sigh. Despite being mightily underdressed ONCE again, I so enjoyed meeting his aunts and uncles and cousins outside of the wedding environment where you see about a bajillion faces within 10 minutes of going through the life shock of committing your life to someone. They were all so warm and gave spectacular hugs. I liked them a lot.

13) Getting to go to Greg’s favorite restaurant in Lafayette. It was like a proper pub with real Irish food and each thing! Big points.

14) Finishing this stupid sudoku on the plane ride home. Ya, it was that stupidly difficult. Thus, I am stupidly proud for sticking to it to the messy end. Mostly because I was pretending I was a CIA agent solving a spectacularly serious and life threatening puzzle. America and all the world was lying in my child sized hands! Cue Greg’s confusion as to why I was so despondent when failing the first time. BUT! if at first you don’t succeed..

15) The King tide!!! Minus have a jumping, pulling dog, an uneven, slippery surface, bangs in your face and a husband blowing cigar smoke in your direction — other than that, it was wonderful and beautiful and oh so happy.

16) New Years! Any day where I get to stay home and still wear my party dress is a good one.

^^holla! man in tux!!

^^the table of ghosts

17) Our little Irish night. How often do you have a bagpiper in your house? I’ve also never listened to lively celtic music whilst sitting in one non moving seat. That went against my Irish roots and stomping foot. Still fun though : ) He even played our wedding song for us!

18) Last but not least, going on a hike with this dog when we got back home. So, there was a time when Greg and Klein and Taylor and I went to Napa. We cooked dinner for the boys (like a please marry me dinner – aka good). Anyways, Klein sat there smiling and coined the phrase, “I’m so happy right now.” Anyways, all that to say, all I could say for the whole hike was, “I’m so happy right now! I’m so happy right now!” Alas, I have found my happy place and it is only a short drive up the hill from my house! And holy cow it’s gorgeous! Seriously I took so many pictures but they all suck and don’t even begin to capture how pretty. Plus, oh my. That dog. He was so good. I let him off his leash and he stayed right by me the whole time! He’d sort of run ahead and explore then run back to check on me. Ah, so good. We bonded. Mightily. Happy New Year everyone!!

^^tuckered out pup

CHRISTMAS IS COMING CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!!!

December 16, 2013

by hillywoohoo

comments 2

mmmm meals / paintings and progress / that dog Bentley / the daily life

We are SO FLIPPIN EXCITED to see BOTH our families next week! I can’t believe how incredibly fast this season is going by! I still have no idea what to get Greg. Yes, I know Christmas is next week. If you have any ideas…. : ) Luckily he never reads this so I’m sure he thinks I’m happily planning away and all ready for that lovely day to come. He loves Christmas which scares me to death cause I’m so very afraid I’ll burst his bubble of glee on this our very first Christmas together as husband and wife. Anyways, there’s always next year to recover my dignity : )

On an extra prepared note, this guys Christmas came early.

I guess I felt so sorry for him as he ran into everything with his darling little cone head, I found myself released in a store complete with goodies I was sure would cheer him up. So much for making a bed for him, oh and that little thing called our budget. It does warm our hearts to see him all snuggled up in it and cozy, though. Each day seems to cement in our heads that DOGS. DRAIN. BANK. ACCOUNTS. Maybe it’s just the first year? *she said hopefully* We did a rough estimate on what he might cost when we were frantically looking for a pup with the highest of hopes that he would make our life complete, and apparently were very much off : ) Alas, such is life. But he makes the best baking buddy anyone could ask for. In other news, my glasses finally came and I can see again! Thank the Lord.

I also broke in my new french oven with the classic french peasant meal, coq au vin, : ) shared with these lovely people!

And had this delicious wine

I must say, I was very much disappointed because the last time I made coq au vin, it was (and I don’t say this often) but oh my golly it was amazing. This time, and of course when we have people over, not so much. I wanted to try Le Creuset’s version but it turned out to not be nearly as flavorful. I can’t remember if I used Julia Childs’ last time, or Joy of Cooking. Either way, sadness filled my heart. But ^^that wine was delicious enough to make up for my all day cooking disappointment. : )

Remember this painting? Well, there were some things that bothered me like her dress didn’t seem quite right, and her chest area seemed off, her arm looked flat, maybe the background would look better dark etc.. so I kindaaaa started painting and kinda couldn’t stop and kinda may have painted over her entirely and mayyy have ruined her : ) This is the life of the painter. Greg was horrified but very understanding that this is just part of the job : ) My heart was a little sad but not really cause there was something off about her that I didn’t like in the first place, so there. Here’s right before she started to look like a claymation cave woman. That picture will not be shown : )

I went for a walk with Bentley around our neighborhood and saw this house. See now, this is what I was picturing when I was thinking LA bungalow. Small, simple, but cute tree and dramatic backdrop included : ) Pastor Rene said we should vocalize our expectations. I told him but then that would confirm how crazy my expectations are. He said that was the point. I still like to walk by it and pretend it is ours. I’ve been feeling really convicted about my bad attitude about our house lately. I am very thankful to have a place to live and even have a big backyard (albeit a dirt pit : ) ) for Bentley to roam when he’s getting antsy in the house. Our neighbors even invited us over to a Christmas party at their house. We do have the sweetest neighbors on either side of us. I can’t put my finger on what I dislike so much about this place and am aware I’m probably just spoiled and ungrateful. SO since I can’t seem to shake the icky feeling it gives me, it’ll be a great exercise in counting our many MANY blessings each day (and hour! if that’s what it takes). I have fallen more in love with my husband here than any of the lovely places we were before. He’s become my very bestest friend and for that I am oh so thankful.

We went to Greg’s Christmas work party last week at this delicious place. It was like a really nice Vietnamese restaurant with lots of experimental flavors – a lot really good, a couple hmmm.. They also had really interesting cocktails with the most complex flavors I’ve ever tasted in a drink. And let’s not forget, really good champagne. Except they served it in a wine glass which didn’t seem nearly as festive.

And then this weekend we went to the most delightful lunch and ate way too much. I love sidewalk restaurants – they call to my inner mutt-like europeaness. And oh my was it hot. It was hot for me which means it was pretty roasting since I thrive on making like a lizard and soaking in heat. My husband is wonderful and stuck it out with me because he knew, even though we were both physically miserable, my heart was singing.

This jaunt was supposed to lead to finishing our Christmas shopping but of course, it instead led to wanting to take a nap. This was diverted by a quick coffee run but ultimately, let’s be honest, no shopping got done that day.

Actually, Greg did get some new jeans (hallelujah!) All his seemed to acquire multiple rips in them for various strange reasons (bicyclist running into him and his phone ripping through his pocket from the impact etc..) so I was so very happy he was finally able to get some new ones. We also saw quite a talented street magician, bought some fresh cigars for some special occasion, and almost fell down from tiredness.

And yesterday I fixed my first sink all by myself

Booya! I felt so very handy. When Greg got home from golfing, he rewarded me with this.

Thanks mom and dad for your festive ideas : ) And this dog, turned out to love ballet. I guess the surgery DID work!

We get to see lots of you guys soon!!!! Have a wonderful week until then!!!!! Love love love you!!

My Little Bonnet Boy

December 5, 2013

by hillywoohoo

comments 2

that dog Bentley

He made it!! This little munchkin left a confident young lad and returned with a bonnet and an ashen rose colored sash. I must say, the color is quite becoming on him!

^^unassuming sweet boy ^^slightly more defeated but still oh so sweet

He is finally starting to adjust to this new way of life. He has found it to be very helpful in holding toys..Having an excuse to watch tv on the couch with mom and dad..And even sleep on their bed!I get the giggles every time I look at him. Really because most of the time, he’s running into something and not understanding why… but at least we always know where he is! We are bad parents.. using our son for endless hours of entertainment.

I do feel bad when he gets stuck in the standing position and thinks he can’t go forward. He just stands there, miserable and whimpering : [ But the vet said he did really well and that he is the sweetest boy! I love our vet cause she loves our dog. I saw her sneak a kiss after giving him a shot once and I beamed with pride that MY boy was deemed desirable to kiss ; )

^^who wouldn’t want to kiss this goof

So thanks all who prayed for him! We love and miss you all!

Balls and Christmas Balls ; )

December 4, 2013

by hillywoohoo

comments 2

home / that dog Bentley / wedded bliss

Clearly, someone must have told him : ) My little doggy mommy heart is breaking cause my yellow son is losing his manhood today. Every time I would remember, I would get all shaky and nauseous feeling and I just knew he could tell something was up. Alas, hopefully a calm, non-humping boy will return : ) But today his happy little presence is very much missed. BUT LET’S NOT FORGET IT IS CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!!

Monday night was Christmas night! I spent all day getting the house ready and making it smell Christmassy. I was oh so happy until my landlord came by to pick up the check and asked me why I still don’t have a job and why don’t I want one. Of course the house was still a mess from getting home the night before and throwing things about in our valiant effort to find something at the bottom of the suitcase, so I couldn’t really argue the case that I am a “homemaker” ; ) Actually the rooms she was supposed to see (aka the front room and maaayyyybeee the kitchen if she really peered in far) were clean but I told her our bathroom sink was clogged and she insisted on seeing for herself. Ahhh the embarrassment and humiliation as I opened the purposefully closed door to what seemed like every pair of underwear I own thrown about in the most unusual places around the room for her to see and judge (not to mention our under the sink not-so-orderliness including humiliating products we most certainly all have but don’t really want to showcase), only to come to her masterful observation that this has already happened once (before we moved in) and that Greg should try to fix it first and if he can’t then she shall call for a plumber : ) Ah well.. back to the Christmas night! We had some delicious pork chops with cranberry, port, rosemary sauce from my NEW cookbook given to us by my ridiculously sweet sister, and hot steaming wassail and each thing! We got our tree from the nicest man who gave us a big discount cause it was our first time and even delivered it and set it up for free! I love love loved decorating it with Greg cause he was so cute and carefully placed each ornament : ) : ) Honestly, I have been thinking about this day since I was a little girl.. My family has exchanged ornaments each year rather than gifts so my parents pretty much have the coolest tree ever. I was always so proud to bring my friends over cause it looked like a Christmas store. So, naturally I dreaded the day when I would branch out on my own and have to start from nothing.. BUT it doesn’t look so bad! We got some cheap glass balls and it looks rather festive! The only sad thing is, I can’t find where I safely stashed away my San Francisco ornament : ( I personally think, Greg found it and laid it to rest in it’s home in the trash : [ I was so very excited to put it up this year, but OH well.

^^they are just the cutest : ) : )

We even got half a strand of lights put up outside (we ran out of the clips and can’t seem to find any more at any of the stores we’ve gone to). I would have kept the search going, but Greg hit a pot hole on his way home from work the other day and got a flat tire, and I just looked at my cars tires last night since my low tire alert has been on for quite a while (whoops) and one also seems to be dangerously low.. Greg says it’s so low we have to take it off to take it to the station to fill it up!.. SO with two flat tires, we are stranded here until my wonderful husband comes to the rescue after work today, hopefully : )

This does mean, he has been working from home (hooray!) but yesterday was my embellishment day – the day where I was hoping to do craft projects that would make our home dazzle! Unfortunately, I went to heat up the wassail for my day of crafting and promptly forgot about it until I started to wonder, ‘how is Greg making toast? We don’t have any bread..’ aaaaand insert house full of smokey smell for the rest of the day, not to mention no wassail. I kept on with the crafting though and at the end of the day I had four ugly stars to prove my worth in life. Thus, the one day my hardworking husband works from home, he witnesses a wife that can neither cook nor craft : ) I didn’t even have a car to go get some glue and glitter so all I have to show for it are these poorly held together, badly executed, made-out-of-trash-bag, origami stars. I believe his exact words were, “DIY projects blow.” As I saw the hours ticking away, I thought, “Lina is right! If only I had a job, I could make enough in this amount of time to buy beautiful real decorations!” But the memories.. the memories. Actually, as ugly as they are, I am a bit proud that everything was free and from things we already had : ) This makes me awfully happy. I even trimmed the tree some more with ribbons saved from our wedding gifts : D So, if you bought us a big gift and put a ribbon on it, thank you. It is probably on our tree. Today I shall attempt gingerbread houses. BAH. I actually have had an awfully fun time attempting to decorate. My mom even let us borrow her guest room bedside tables so HALLELUJAH we have a place to put our coffee in the morning, not to mention a Christmas candle and small bouquet of goodness! Whelp, that’s it for now! I hope you all are having a wonderful start to your Christmas season.. and if you’re not, I know how you feel. I went into Bed Bath & Beyond the other day and four Christmas songs were playing at the same time. It made me want to strangle an elf. And then I understood why some people hate Christmas : ) Happy Wednesday and if you think of it, pray a prayer for my lil Bentley : ) He’s a really good dog!

I’m Thankful for Thanksgiving

December 2, 2013

by hillywoohoo

comments 4

family days / mmmm meals / terrific trips / that dog Bentley

To say this move has been a bit of an adjustment is an understatement. I don’t know what’s been up with me but for whatever reason, it’s been a whole lot more difficult than I ever expected. So, when Greg mentioned while we were sipping our coffee in bed that maybe we should leave today (last Saturday) instead of waiting to go up for Thanksgiving on Wednesday, oh my oh my.. how does one describe such excitement and enthusiasm : ) Out went the leisurely morning of no plans! We packed up real quick, left the house in a non mother approved state, watered the plants and took off for a week of rejuvenation and family fun. And that dog came too. And he traveled oh so well.The best part was, we only told my sister that we were coming (she was our trusty insider!) so she let us know that everyone was actually out at my aunt and uncles house and that we should just drive straight there. I love when people are legitimately surprised! This entrance was worth many more hours of driving just to see everyones confusion when they heard Hillary and Greg were at the door. I think my mom may have burst in to tears. If only everyone reacted like this when seeing each other – just think about the egos that would abound! I really didn’t realize just how much I missed my family – all of them – the aunts and uncles and cousins – and they were all there! In one cozy fire-lit room just like how we left them. We had such a wonderful time seeing everyone, introducing them to our hyper rascal, seeing him chase around Eleanor, the big basset hound. It was so so lovely. The next morning we woke up to something that made my heart sing! Red and yellow and glowy fall trees! And they were just outside our window in all their fall glory. My mom made the most delicious brunch and we got to eat outside in the briskness and enjoy : ) I can’t say it enough: my heart was SO happy. Everything was just a wash of it’s going to be ok… I’ve got you guys… It was just so nice to be surrounded by such love and well, let’s be honest, spoiling : ) after weeks and weeks of feeling so defeated. I’m so very thankful for my family. My mom and I later went down to take my two favorite dogs for a walk in the woods. They found a river. They went in. Actually, I was so happy about this because I’ve been wanting to get Bentley used to the water – I mean, he has webbed feet! He’s a water dog! And who better to show him the ropes than little red.

The next day we went down to this beautiful place for lunch. AND my Aunt Kathy and Uncle John were in town so they came along too!

It was so beautiful down there and wintery feeling. It kinda had an eery feeling too, what with all the birds and sea lions going crazy.. but it was still lovely : ) I miss the ocean so very much. But seriously, just look at all those birds!

The next day was cleaning day for Thanksgiving! Other peoples houses are so much more enjoyable to clean so it was quite fun. Greg and dad and Taylor all went golfing and mom and I stayed home to spruce. May I just say, my husband has not golfed a whole bunch but he has a rockin swing and keeps up quite well. This round he got his first bogey, his first par ANDDDDD his first birdie. And he’s only played 18 mayyybe four times in his life. He’s pretty incredible. Anywayssss the next day was Thanksgiving: Here is your Thanksgiving picture, mothers.

We finally took a family picture ; ) The dinner was delicious and again, insert singing heart here. I love meals around this long long table. And I love those people sitting next to me : )

We actually spent Thanksgiving with our pastors family so in order to get even more family time in, the next day we went up to the Legion of Honor in San Francisco to see the wonderful Zorn exhibit! I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SHOW FOR FOREVER!!! It was wonderful. Greg even let me get two prints from the gift shop : ) : ) We also had lunch looking out on this dreamy view. It was awfully weird being that close to Sausalito. I often wonder when we are going to go back home to our little house on the hill. : ]And then the next day we went back up to San Francisco to do a bit of shopping. Greg got me my dream dutch oven that I’ve been longing for for years and years! I can’t WAIT to cook something fabulous. We then dashed over to meet up with Domi and Spartico to have an over the top amazing meal with plenty of good wine. Oh my goodness they spoiled us rotten! I am STILL full. It was so nice to be able to spend some time with Greg’s family too. We are both so blessed with such fun families : ) We stopped eating around 11 and headed home to get some sleep before heading out for our planned 5am but really 9am takeoff ; ) We had such a marvelous time and left feeling so happy and hopeful. And! I think this dog actually now likes being in a car : )

Weekends and Weekends

November 18, 2013

by hillywoohoo

comment 1

home / paintings and progress / the daily life / wedded bliss

Oh dear.. I have been slacking on my documenting our first year of marriage duties… I figure you can only write about doing piles and piles of laundry so many times.. Let’s think back. When we were dating, I got so annoyed at Greg for saying he would rather pay someone to build a garden teepee for our kids than build one himself. (Apparently, these were the things that upset me in those days) I argued that these are the experiences you bond over and what makes you a hero in their eyes – why oh why would he want to deprive himself of all that fun? Well, he has certainly become MY hero for doing so many projects around the house for me. Who knew he was so very handy! Oh, what a bonus : ) We tend to get inspired at night (or at least with electrical projects).. Any creative person knows that when inspiration strikes, one must not stifle it! Thus, out came the one flashlight we own and the hope of not getting electrocuted. I must say, we do make a good team! We now have a moon floating above our dining room table, and yes, he knows me well and installed a dimmer without even being asked : ) It’s still pretty stark in there but it’ll be cool eventually! We also went to check out the Rose Bowl Flea Market at this place.It was HUGE. I don’t even think we got to half of it before realizing our exercise quota for the day was way past what is necessary and retired to rest our aging legs.

I also started my mammoth painting. The thing I didn’t think about was that my easel isn’t quite big enough to accommodate such girth. Thus, I was forced to improvise. With tape of course. Problem solved, complete with the excitement of the occasional tiiiiimbeeerrr as it crashes down onto the unsuspecting artist. Fortunately, all six times this has happened, it has moved rather slowly so I haven’t had to repair any head-shaped wounds to the canvas.
This has been especially challenging because that darn glare does not go away! I hardly know what I’m painting anymore but I do hope it will turn out eventually. Right now he’s all disproportionate : )

This last weekend, Greg’s company had it’s annual work party which was quite fun. Just look how fun. Aren’t we special. This may have led to our decision to spend all of Saturday resting and watching the entire final season of a show that I promised Greg I wouldn’t tell anyone he watched and enjoyed. As usual, we had big plans to get lots accomplished this weekend but the sleep deprivation kicked in and it was so good to rest and laze about. That dog now sleeps in a different room and the people rejoiced. No more 5am whining wakeup calls! Can you say Hallelujah. Sunday was a lovely day full of a new church that will probably not be revisited : ) , a delightful street side lunch, and a hunt for new glasses which turned out unsuccessful but still hopeful. The lawn is freshly mown and the dishes (were) gone so we were able to end the weekend with some sense of productivity. Greg even let us open a special bottle of our wine cause he thought my makeshift meal was deserving – I think it was really because half my finger got grated into it and perhaps he needed liquid courage to enjoy it : ) On that happy note, Happy Monday!

Date With A Dog

November 9, 2013

by hillywoohoo

comments 3

date night / that dog Bentley

So, if you were not aware, yesterday was International Stout Day. Naturally, this needed to be celebrated so we headed out to stuff ourselves with the food that just might go best with beer – pizza. Unfortunately, we chose the one pizza place that did not in fact, have any stouts on the menu so we were forced to use our imaginations. It’s the thought that counts. But the good news was THAT DOG got to go with us. It was his first real outing in public and I was oh so proud of him! Look how good he was while we waited an hour for a table to open up.

I must say, Greg is the best doggy daddy. He’s very good at working with him and being consistent, but most of all he’s really good at stepping in when I get overwhelmed with the cuteness. For a puppy on his first trip out with lots of new sights and smells, I do declare he did quite well. Almost every single person that went by squealed and said what a cute puppy he was. They all thought he was at least six months when he’s really only three and a half which makes me a little scared at how big he will actually be getting : ) But oh he is so good. Yesterday he was outside playing and I said real quietly, “oh that dOoog!” (I was in my studio) and his little ears perked up and he came running inside to report to duty. I love when he is obedient.

We also realized this animal is a great way to meet people. We talked to and had real nice conversations with more people in one hour than we have the whole month we’ve been living here! I think Greg is regretting his choice of not having a dog while he was single. Oh the opportunities that could have arisen.

Bentley also met a large lady of his kind. Her name was Sadie. She was not a well behaved dog (we have become self proclaimed experts on judging other dog owners cause clearly, we have everything figured out) but she knew some tricks so she can have some points back. She pretended to get along with little yellow but it was clear she was very jealous of all the attention the youngster was getting over her and her large and flowy copper hairs. Poor, big, misbehaving dog. Bentley was quite sweet to her though, keeping his distance, assisting her when she fell over, and finally just being that friend that lays beside you when forced.

Finally our name was called and we got to partake in some of the best pizza we have ever had. Probably made the top three list. And this dog continued to be good.

^^LOOK at those paws!!

The Nettles Family Blog

In sickness and in health

Happy One Year, To Us : )

Happy 6 months my little Bentley Bear!

Welcome 2014

CHRISTMAS IS COMING CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!!!

My Little Bonnet Boy

Balls and Christmas Balls ; )

I’m Thankful for Thanksgiving

Weekends and Weekends

Date With A Dog