Christmas Pics

In our new hats from Tyson's dad...
The Louie brothers...looks like Gene (Tyson's dad) is putting out the vibe...

I think we had more fun helping Mac open his stocking than our own...

He loves his new toy...

My mom requested an apron that didn't have a strap over her neck, so that's what she got. This picture doesn't do it justice...I was pretty excited about it...

Sienna prefers Uncle Tyson's shoes over her own...
Papa & Sienna...
Not the best picture, but the only one we got of the Schrepple girls...
Uncle Tyson & Deagan...

Bedroom TV

I know everyone has an opinion about whether or not you should have a TV in the bedroom. I almost always go to bed before Tyson is even tired, so we never go to bed together. Just recently, we caved & got a TV for the bedroom. As with most of our big purchases, I set a pretty tight budget & then let Tyson see if he can find the quality he wants within the budget I set...he always succeeds (for example, he found our pathfinder for a crazy good deal at dealership in Minnesota...the boy gets creative).

Here's how it has gone so far with the TV...

-Night 1: I had a little panic attack as I thought about all the research studies that show you don't sleep as well when falling asleep to TV & started worrying about how tired I was going to become in the next months. I couldn't say anything though b/c Tyson didn't even push me into getting one; I was the one who wanted one so he'd go to bed with me.

-Night 2: We read together before turning it on. I'm paranoid about making sure we don't just get into bed & automatically turn to the TV.

-Week 1: Tyson had to close at work a lot around Thanksgiving & it was SO nice to have the TV in the bedroom b/c I didn't freak out at every little sound I heard (I don't like being home alone at night).

-Right now: Tyson has to open at 4am tomorrow morning, so he's asleep, but I get to be right next to him while watching the Oregon vs. Oregon State game.

We actually haven't even had it on as often as I thought we would. Tys is a night owl & I'm a morning person...the TV is helping bring us together despite our differences (yes, I meant for that to sound cheesy). But honestly, I love going to bed at the same time...so I'm pro-bedroom TV for the Louies.

December Treat

One of my favorite treats (which is only offered in December) is Dreyer's Peppermint Ice Cream. Although I LOVE it, I'm not disappointed that it isn't offered year-round...not sure I would appreciate it as much. If you have never tried it, you're missing out. I'm pretty sure God invented it to help us focus on gratitude during the Christmas season, because I am so thankful every time I eat it! Just a hint, it's even better when served freshly baked ginger snaps.

A good day

Tyson & I have had fairly conflicting schedules for about a year now. It's not often that we get a whole day together, but it happened yesterday & made for one of the best days in awhile. Nothing too exciting, but just a good day...

-First we slept in with no alarms.
-Then we got to visit Mike & Becka & their new precious baby girl, Ellie. She is so dang cute! I could have held her for hours. Plus, it was so great seeing Mike & Becks as parents now...just seems to fit.
-Next came a little date to Rembrandts, my favorite coffee shop in Boise. We were hoping for a caramel roll with our lattes, but they were out (only downer of the day).
-On our way home, we stopped by Target to get some Christmas lights. If you're ever thirsty while shopping at Target, keep in mind that the popcorn/pop deal is just 25 cents more than a medium soda (this is my favorite snack at Target)...it just so happened that this already great deal was on sale for $1 on Saturday! Boy was I happy.
-When we got home, Emily stopped by with the kids. Deagan helped show Tyson how to plug in the Christmas lights & told him how the 'eletritsy' runs through. He also informed us that Santa gave us the lights. He LOVES lights & told Emily all he wants from Santa this year are some Christmas lights. Sienna was in fine form & wanted nothing to do with anyone...unless we had food to offer.
-Then we took Mac to the park for his always intense game of fetch. He dives so hard for each ball that he has no hair left on his belly. Love that boy...
-Since it was sunny out, we took advantage & put all our lights up on the house. I'm so excited for Christmas.
-We had a gift card to Jakers so headed there for dinner. We made it in time for 2 for 1 happy hour & had some tasty salmon & steak. Tyson can't go very long without talking about something related to flying, so he taught me the phonetic alphabet during dinner (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.). Either my memorization skills have gone downhill since college or one shouldn't drink a glass of wine while trying to memorize something, b/c it took me quite some time to get it down, but I've got it.
-We were going to go to a movie after dinner, but decided head home instead. We fell asleep pretty early...guess we're getting old, but it was perfect.

It was an all around good day & left me feeling so thankful to be married to my best friend.

I'm back

I know I haven't blogged in ages...& have been terrible about reading other blogs & keeping in touch. Sorry! I'm getting back on the saddle.

To start, here's my newest, favorite, unhealthy, easy recipe...it's for caramel corn. This is the kind you have to eat the same day (it doesn't hold very well), but it's so tasty that it will be gone within one day. It takes me less than 10 min to make.

-Pop a big bowl of popcorn (& shake out the unpopped kernels!)
-On the stove, stir:
*1/2 c butter
*1 c brown sugar
*2 T light corn syrup
*1 tsp vanilla
-Bring to boil & constantly stir for 2 min while boiling
-Remove from heat & add 1/4 tsp salt & 1/4 baking soda
-Stir until foamy & pour over popcorn

You won't be disappointed.

Becky Homecky

"Becky Homecky" is what my old boss calls me when I get in my 'domesticated' mode...apparently it was a popular phrase back in her high school days. I've been trying to learn how to sew a bit. It usually starts out fun & ends frustrating b/c my perfectionism sets in & I'm not very good yet, which makes it impossible to get any of my projects perfect. It's still fun to make home-made gifts though & hopefully the recipients just don't look too closely at the stitching :). Here's a glimpse of a few things I've made so far...

An apron...

A tote w/ pockets on the inside...

A clutch (with some American spirit)...

Another little handbag (reversible)...this was my first attempt at button holes & it tooke multiple tries & new pieces of fabric before I got it right...

Another apron, but this one is reversible...

A little skirt for my niece's 1st birthday...

Brave Bangs

Most of you know that I follow the same hairstyle pattern year after year...grow it out, then chop it off, grow, chop, grow, chop... I'm at the length when I would typically chop, but I just don't feel ready for it yet (& every woman knows it's dangerous to do that when you're not at the 'fully ready for it' stage). I had a hair appointment today & didn't want to leave with a boring trim, so I opted for a drastic change in bangs. I went for the straight across look.

I don't regret it because, if I hadn't done it, I would have regretted not doing it...but I don't know that I'll hold onto this look for long (thank goodness my bangs grow fast). Here's proof of the brave bangs. Apparently they make me look a little scary because it took like 10 shots before I got a picture without looking too scary.

This is not one of those blog entries where you should post a comment trying to make me feel better about the bangs because: (a) I know they are definitely not the best look for me & (b) I'm okay with that because it was worth a try.

Disclaimer: My hairstylist is the best ever & did a perfect job cutting them...just too bad I can't pull them off better :).