Bye Bye 2009

I don't think I've ever been happier for a "New Year" to come as I have been this year. It's been a roller coaster ride for sure. I'm not really big on roller coaster rides to begin with, much less my personal life feeling like one. Ha! But I couldn't let it just pass me by without touching on the life lessons I've learned while riding.

My faith has been tested and taken to a new level. I've learned how to believe/Trust.
I've learned I can, with God. BIG TIME!
Marriage is hard, harder than I thought it was the first year we were married. I've learned the sweetness of endurance though.
I've learned I loved Markus more than I thought I did. Miracles do happen, and ALWAYS when you least expect it.
Life goes on without you... even though you work 75 hrs+/wk...it goes on
I've learned that I was put in my calling to work with the youth and in nursery at church for a reason. I can make a difference and I'm good at it.
I've learned if it wasn't for the aforementioned above, I wouldn't have been able to keep going this year.
Manage money better. Preparing for kids.
Best friends are put in your life for a reason.
Things work out when you are faithful and have done all you can do. The Lord will carry you.
Listen to that still small voice... He's right you know!
Blessings come with paying tithes
How to cry... a lot
Praying is good for the soul... especially when you do it every day and even better more than once a day
Nauvoo is one of my favorite places I've visited... a beautiful place/feeling
Improvise... eat less food, if you don't have it any... undoubtedly it finds you
Charity really is the pure love of Christ... you can have/give it even though you don't have money
You have to want to keep love alive... It doesn't live because it wants to, it lives because you make it live
If it wasn't for my belief in my church, I would have had a nervous breakdown
I almost didn't need health insurance. Ok the good Lord spared me this year :)

Last but not least, to be grateful. I have really been blessed and just because a storm comes, doesn't mean I still haven't been blessed with so much. When it rains, it pours, but bottom line if we looks towards the Light who is our Savior and our Father in Heaven, ultimately He will clear the storms and it He will make something beautiful of it. We just have to trust Him and He will bless us in more ways than we could have imagined.

I'm grateful for this crappy year. I'm grateful I was able to learn such valuable lessons to take with me for what lies ahead for Markus and I. I'm thankful for my husband. I just had no idea what I would get when I married him. But I discovered a love I haven't seen before this year. A love that can be strengthened in the hard times and tested, but ultimately blessed with the endurance of sharing our lives together. I just never thought I would see the sweetness come from this (year), but Markus and most importantly my Heavenly Father have opened my eyes to something that was more beautiful than I imagined. I'm so grateful I can share all the good and bad times with the person I love the most in this world.

To my hunny bunny, sweet pea, love bug, sweetheart, hunny, baby, baby doll, sweets, lover and anything else I can come up with to call you, it's been a fun ride this year... but let's get on with it :) I love you more!

A Christmas Surprise

Markus did so good, don't you think? She's a cute little thing :)
P.S. This is the 2nd piece of diamond jewelry I have. Weird I know (but I'm obsessed with pearls... least they are cheaper!)

My favorite picture from Christmas 2009

I love this man. We opened what was in our stockings on Christmas Eve after we got back from his parents. It was fun to exchange gifts. We've never done it before so this Christmas was a first. I think Markus thought this was something it wasn't, but nonetheless I got the best picture of him. Look at him...HE HAS TEETH! I know some of you find that hard to believe. He is such a great man. I was so spoiled by him this Christmas. I'm happy we were able to spend so much time together and not have to worry about him being on call (his old job) and it was such a surprise that he didn't have to work Christmas Eve! He is really trying hard to finish up and I think 2010 has good things in store for us. I'm so grateful for the Christmas Season to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that you all had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Day @ The Wilsons

A Photo Collage for Esther

I made this for Sarah's new house, it's going in the guest bedroom.

She was very surprised

I love this picture of Esther. She looks so happy. Not sure who gave her the ring.

My baby in his new winter coat from Aunt Ursula & me :)

Sarah got pearls

Markus was VERY surprised at his cashmere sweater from his parents! In fact he is still talking about it, LOL

I love Aunt Ursula's cup/mug thingy.

I made Sarah a recipe book...something for starters, she wanted some of my recipes

Pete was so excited about his new desk chair for his office. I know for a fact it is comfy cause that is the one I picked out for my office at the gym.

Sarah didn't want to open my gift it was so pretty. Least that was what she said. haha

Chester was tired. Look at his nose how big!

This is about as calm as you will see this dog. He loves to jump, play and have fun :)

We had a great time with Markus' family. We played Scategories which I just so happened to have on me cause mom got it for me for Christmas. It was so funny because Sarah happened to mention while we were eating that she wished we could play a game like Scategories or something like that. She was surprised I had it in the car. We had a ball. We also had leftover blueberry cobbler I made for my sisters that turned our teeth blue. It was great fun to be with them. I'm so happy that I was lucky enough to marry into such a great family. They really are my 2nd family. I love them so much and couldn't have asked for anything better.

Christmas Day (in pictures) @ Naomi's house

The Christmas Spirit

This just gave me chills. My how children think so simply, but can teach us such profound lessons.

The Christmas Spirit

I HAVE PROOF!

I have proof that Markus will be a good Daddy. I was buzzing around in my iPhoto and found the cutest pics of Markus and some kiddos. Just thought I'd share the cuteness we have to look forward to :)

Uncle Markus & Lydia (She loves her Uncle Markus)

Cutler didn't even cry when Markus held him... crazy!

Markus & his cousin Ava...this is one of those priceless pics

Markus & his cousins... they adored him

Markus & his cousin Megan. She took the liberty of putting his party hat on & showing him how the noisemaker works. Precious!

2 MORE WEEKS!!!!!!!!

Until what you ask? THE END OF 2009!!!!!!!! Yeah pardon me if I'm a bid excited for this. You know how people have bad days? It's been one of those YEARS for me! I honestly can't wait for 2010 to come. Not to lose weight, or develop a hobby, or fix up my house, but more so for this year to go down in flames! Well last night it did. Literally. Well almost. I had to put out a fire in my trash can where I threw a match that wasn't quite dead yet. That was insane. Only smoke that filled up my whole kitchen, and everything in my trash can was ashes... Boy wouldn't that have iced the cake of 2009... my house catching on fire. Don't be jealous of my ridiculously fabulous life. It just might get better in 2010. And by better I mean it wouldn't have to go up a whole lot... but a little would be GRRREAAATTT! Not sure if I can handle any more surprises like last night with the fire and Markus' school. Oh Goody Ol' Boy!

Wordless WeDnEsdAY

21 Days Closer to Christ

I love this book. Lea-Lea got it for me a couple of years ago and I've read bits and pieces, but never the whole thing all the way through from cover to cover. In church today our lesson was on keeping Christ in Christmas. I think I'm going to finally re-commit myself to reading this and ending on Christmas Day with the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke. I know I could really use this right now, especially during this Christmas Season.

Christmas Card "Recap"

This is the "Recap" I'm putting in the Christmas cards. I won't be able to send one out to everyone, but just wanted to share. I think we will probaby go with pic #3. I would love to email this out to everyone to save money, but Markus thought I was crazy so it will be slim pickin this year. Love to all!

60 second Recap 2009
Markus continues his education at LSU (look out Summer of 2010, you might have to graduate this long-timer) Jenn got a new job...no more gym (or working 3 jobs anymore) Markus had his 10 yr. high school reunion this year hard to believe next yr. he will be 30 (Must be nice to still look 20, thanks to the Wilson genes!) Jenn is happy Markus found a job (insert happy face here Bogey is just as spoiled as ever His favorite thing is to lay on the back of the couch and rest his head on your head or shoulders Jenn finally gave up her 1st car this year, for Markus to get another hand-me-down car...it seems to be a trend with him House projects haulted this year… Masterbath still not done… maybe we will get some sinks in for year #3 Markus and Jenn celebrated 4 years of marriage...before you know it a baby will be nextDear Family & Friends, May the Spirit of Christ bring you Peace & Joy this Christmas Season and stay with you through the New Year!
Love, Markus & Jenn

O Christmas Tree

Well I got our Christmas Tree decorated. We have had it for 4 days now. So I guess it's about time to get over it and get on with it. I've never wanted to not decorate a tree so badly as I have this 2nd go round. But it's up and now I just have to decorate the mantle and the front entrance. Boy I have certainly taken much longer than anticipated. Pictures to come tomorrow.

Christmas Card Pics!

#1

#2

#3

Well tell me which one you like already? This was the best I could get with Markus. He's worse than a little kid when it comes to pictures. Trying to get excited and pumped up to work on my "quick recap" of this crappy year! Wish me luck!

Happy Bday To My Lea-Lea

She is one of the most amazing girls I know. She has this faith that most people wish they could have. It sure has a way of rubbing off on me. I'm so thankful that God has seen fit to bless me with such an awesome friend and adopted sister. I'm pretty lucky to have her as my bestest friend. We have shared many laughs, tears, sweat and craziness over the years. You know if it wasn't for Lea-Lea and her amazing self, I really would have gone into a mental breakdown at some point this year. I just wanted to dedicate a blog post to my Lea-Lea. Happy Birthday Sista Girl! We are practically sisters. haha geez we even laugh the same, that's bad. You know I love you and wish the best for you in this coming year! May God watch over and protect you and your family and keep you out of harms way! Yall got a lot in store for your fam. Can't believe her life is more exciting than mine :) Love it! But I have more drama in mine... if that counts.

The Story

I had to take a couple of days to get over my little tragedy. It was quite the emotional experience. I honestly still can't believe my Christmas tree fell over. We weren't home, so I'm not sure how it happened. But when Markus secured it in the tree stand, it didn't look good. It seemed like it was leaning and I just didn't have a good feeling about it. I even remember telling him, I'm not going to put my ornaments on this tree until it's secure. He fiddled with it some more and assured me it was fine. Of course me and my skeptism (I see now) he had to convince me a couple of times. Long story short, even after my angel MIL brought me a GC to my fav store for ornaments PIER ONE, I still didn't want to put ornaments on that tree. I refused to go through it again. So we took it back. Let me repeat, I returned my Christmas tree. They took it. And to boot, we couldn't find one that I liked. Imagine that? So I'm going to try looking for one again at lunch and see what they have at the other Lowes.

A little History: At Christmas we didn't really get much. I remember that as a kid. Every year the only thing I wanted to do at Christmas (even as a child!) was decorate the tree and the mantle. Ask my sisters, they would probably say the same thing. I was just MY thing. I love it. So no matter what we got a Christmas, as long as I had a Christmas tree and a mantle to decorate that was all I needed. Little did I know how true this would be for me/us as an adult. Markus and I never exchange gifts. Actually we have once, our first Christmas together Markus spent his whole Christmas bonus he got on Christmas Eve mind you on me. I was so surprised. He went to PIER ONE!! :) It's not because we don't want to, but because we never have the money and choose to take what little we can scrap together to buy for our families and buy a few ornaments for me. So needless to say the tree to ME stands for a lot more than just pretty. It really is the only thing I do for me at Christmas. And when it fell... it wasn't pretty. I cried. And cried. I just couldn't imagine starting over, especially knowing I couldn't by ANY ornaments this year. I even made some, just because I wanted something new/different. But I'm trying to move on. It really helped that we could get rid of that tree. On to the next best thing, I hope :)

I WAS RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENED. I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. I'VE ONLY BEEN HOME 10 MINUTES AND I'M STILL NOT OVER WHAT I CAME HOME TO. I'LL NEED SOME TIME TO GET OVER IT. BUT FOR NOW I WILL LEAVE YOU WITH SOME PICTURES. I'M STILL IN SHOCK/DENIAL!

Christmas Preview: All Through the house!

As many of you know I have been waiting to decorate for Christmas. It's pretty much one of those things I look forward to all year round. I like pretty. And that is something I try to achieve every Christmas. I've had to reinvent the wheel here as I won't have any extra to buy ornaments and whatever my heart desires for the decor this year so it has been fun! Here is a little tease until I'm done.
Dining room chandelier

Top of the tree. It needs work, but will do for now

One of my fav finds from PB

OK so I did get something new for the decor. 2 of these little trees at the dollar store. I couldn't pass it up! Isn't it pretty?

Well there you have it folks! I only have my tree up, my chandelier finished, and my arrangements for the tv stand done. I still have to decorate my mantle, put together the manger scene, figure out a centerpiece for the table and decorate my front entrance. Deep breath. haha! It's usually never a one day event in my house. But I freakin love it! It's Christmas baby :)

Thanksgiving: A Time To Be Thankful

I am truly blessed. I have seen that in more ways than one this year. I have learned so many lessons this year too numerous to count, but they have stuck with me. I won't forget them. I was pouty yesterday, but today was a new day. A better day. I made my pumpkin cheesecake AGAIN. Remember what happened LAST YEAR ? Well it was equally good if not better, though last year I was the only one to try it.

Things that I'm thankful for, especially this year:
1. A job. At one time 3 jobs. It helped. A lot.
2. Days off from work. I think Sunday was the only day that kept me going throughout the weeks this year.
3. A meal to eat.
4. Music. It makes almost everything better :)
5. Scriptures to read. There is a saying that bounces around from time to time that goes like this, "If you want to talk to God, PRAY. If you want God to talk to you, READ His word" How true it is! I wish I didn't like to talk so much! LOL!
6. My marriage. We have had quite the year this year, but we pushed through. And God is blessing us because of it.
7. Faith. It's something that isn't always easy to have.
8. Trials. AKA "The Storms of Life" Helps you become closer with God and helps you to see things the way HE sees them.
9. Church. No other place I'd rather be on Sundays.
10. Memories. It's the things that can't be taken away, because they are forever engraved on your heart.
11. My best friend. I couldn't ask for a better person to be there no matter what. Just like my adopted sister. I love you girl!
12. My family. They keep things interesting. You know the saying, "never a dull moment" it rings true every time we are together and even when we are not. Ha!
13. My In-laws. I have inherited a great second family when I married Markus. I couldn't ask for anything more.
14. Home. There's no place like home. And it will feel more like home when we can add some little ones to it. I can't wait!

***Let Christmas Begin!***

Thanksgiving Eve

Happy Almost Thanksgiving. I guess I will start working on my thankful list for tomorrow. That sure beats the alternative of being pouty like I have been today. This surely isn't the time of year to be ungrateful and wine and moan, but really I want to. Only because well I don't know really, because no one is listening. Except my sister and my best friend and they already understand, so what's the point? Guess I'll go be thankful! Oh JOY! Look for that thankfulness tomorrow people, cause it ain't happening today. Now I'm going to continue on my pity party and make a pumpkin cheesecake tomorrow so my waistline can grow for all the wrong reasons...

My New Fav Song

I cannot get this song out of my head. I love it. I love Kelly Clarkson! I couldn't get the music video off YouTube, so here is her at the AMA's which I just caught the end of her song and was bummed. Thank goodness for YouTube :) Enjoy!

So Close!

I can't believe I missed posting yesterday. I thought about it several times just never did it. I even jammed to my playlist while cutting my hair off. Gosh I was so close! Guess I'll have to make it up somewhere. It was fun while it lasted though. I'm still going to try to finish the month out. I haven't even posted what I've been thinking about. I was thinking I'm going to do a post about my favorite things. It should be fun and long. So stay tuned the best is yet to come. Oh and pics of my hair cut coming soon. Of course I'm never satisfied, LOL! But I love the length! It's right at the bottom of my ears :)))) How did I think I could grow this mess out! Ha!

Update: Day 5 No Texting/ Day 4 Meal Plan/ Day 3 No Cable

Day 5: Ok so I'm getting used to this. I honestly really like no texting better. It doesn't disturb me at work or anytime now really. I get to hear someone on the other end of the phone. I have to agree I miss it, but only with certain people that I want to talk to all day long and can't.
Day 4: I freakin love this idea. Why have I waited until this long to do this? I am so dumb for not making myself do this before now. I tried it a LONG time ago, but I thought this is a joke cause Markus was never in the mood for what I planned. Funny how that is different now. Ha! Guess we are just happy to have a meal and know what we are going to be eating!
Day 3: Forgot to mention this in the first post because Cox hadn't officially turned it off. Well we actually got rid of our digital cable & expanded. We only kept basic which come to find out we still get most of those channels in HD, who knew without a box? I didn't think that was possible. Friday the Cox guy came to turn it off. Markus says to me on Saturday, "I miss cable". Hmm... ok. Well I not really sure what I'M supposed to do about this as we both agreed to cut it off to try to prepare for my really expensive health insurance. Ahh yes sacrifices... I guess that is the name of the game and something we haven't really had to learn (except for when we were first married and poor) until now. It should be an interesting next year...

Lydia's 4th Bday Party- Tinkerbell Style

Even though my niece Lydia's Tinkerbell Party at the Park got rained out, we still had fun nonetheless. She is such a spirited girl with so much to express. Here are some of the people who came and shots I got.Cousin Kathryn

Cousin Daniel

Steph's crafty work

Lydia's lil' bro Braden

Lydia pumped up to open gifts

She was so excited. It was hilarious.

The Princess color it yourself puzzle I got her

She just stared at just about everything she got the same way. Too funny!

Looks like Auntie Jenn's tutu skirt was a hit!

She was in love with it

Miss Priss

Her new baby Cinderella

The jacket I got for her from Granny.

Lydia was hilarious to watch open her gifts. She was so funny with all her cute expressions. I couldn't capture them all because my battery on my camera must have been on its way out... it was so slow today! Grr! But I do love the pics I was able to snap. Happy Bday Lydia to a prissy little princess of a girl. We love you!