Snow in Texas!?! Well, I'll be!

This is the 2nd year in a row that we've had snow in Texas and in February! YAY! I actually didn't have to go to work and had my very first SNOW DAY! We got to build a snow man last year and got to build an itty bitty man this year as well. I am so thankful for this beautiful day!!! HOORAY!

Cold beer? LOL!

Itty Bitty Snowman. :)

© 2011 Amy Yeilding

Happy New Year

We had a great 2010... so many wonderful memories with some sad ones inbetween. We have grown and have truly enjoyed life. We have seen and experienced life lessons that we would never have been the same without. 2010 rocked out!

Welcome 2011! It's been a great start. Good times with good friends. That's what it's all about, right?

Right after countdown! Welcome to 2011!!!

Drinks at the Driskill. Gotta love 2011!

Little Bro and I say, make it a great 2011!

Miracle for Christmas... Light Saver!

It's almost Christmas time and you know what that means! It's time for Christmas lights! HOORAY! I really got into this tradition last Christmas and went all out for the first time as an adult. I always string up a couple of sets and we did put some up outside in 2008, but nothing like I did last year. Jon was proud. ;)

Anyway... this year, I got everything done even quicker and even more efficiently; I was quite proud as well. When I was finished, I loved the decorations but for some reason, one side of the snowflake lights had gone out. We hung additional snowflakes on the ceiling and they glitter in the lights; without that half of snowflake lights, one side of the porch was less sparkly. And because there are around 10 little bulbs on each of these snowflakes, I was a bit bummed at the thought of having to check every single one of them.

Well, I never knew if there was something that could check light stands but I was determined to find out. I told Jon that if there wasn't something, we were going to invent it! Well, there was and it is the most amazing creation and the frikin' best $20 I have ever spent!!!

I got the Light Keeper Pro. It can be found here or at Walgreens. I TOTALLY recommend it! Not only will it restart a burnt out set (if the problem is found in the bulbs) but it will also check the entire light strand and individual bulbs!

The first option is the best and coolest thing ever! You pull out the first light that is out in the strand, then put the light-less bulb socket into the Light Keeper Pro, and click the button until the lights come on! You put the original bulb back in and the lights come on again and the burnt bulb can be identified.

Mine came on the first time. It does say to move onto the other options if the lights do not come back on after 20 clicks. I am telling you... AMAZING!

I will never have to stress over those pesky burnt out lights again! Merry Christmas everyone!

Thankful for it all!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I have had the best year of my life; it just keeps getting better and better. While there have been some hard times, there is always good waiting after the bad and I am so thankful for each and every day I have on this earth. We are so lucky to have time with friends and family and it is so easy to forget. But don't forget! Always remember why we are here; we are NOT here to work, we are NOT here to worry about money, and we are NOT here to be angry and sad...

Enjoy your life, each and every day. Remember that we are blessed. And remember to have some fun! Happy Thanksgiving! Make sure to take time each and every day to thank those you love... every day should be Thanksgiving. =)

Zona, the Frikin' Trooper!

My fish is bad ass. I got Zona to celebrate being hired permanently. That was 2 1/2 years ago. He is a blue Beta and has always been really cool. It's like we have similar personalities because he is a bit spastic too. =)

I am not sure how long fish live but I love this little guy and will be sad to see the day...

Happy 2 1/2 years, Zona! Love you!

October is Fantastically Full!

I love this month! It just keeps going and going... We feel slightly overwhelmed but are having the time of our lives!

We began the month with Austin City Limits and the best line-up I have ever seen; it was the single greatest musical experience of my entire life. We also celebrated our first wedding anniversary and had a beautiful day together; we spent the day together and ended it with a trip to our college town and the bar where we had our first beer and conversation.

This past weekend, we attended Renaissance festival and actually didn't get rained out! We normally go in November and usually meet rain and way-too-cold weather. This time, the weather was great and the nights were wonderful for camping! We spent all weekend playing music and enjoying time with friends. We had such a great time! Hooray for Ren fest!

We will conclude the month with a weekend with friends, a celebration of our first date and 5 years together, and our 3rd Annual Halloween Partay! Helllllz yeah! What a month! I love you October!

Run Over by a Truck: ACL After Effects

This song is an excellent representation of how Jon and I feel after 2 days of ACL awesomeness. Weezer says it perfectly and took the words right out of my mouth! Hehe. We got to see some of my ALL TIME favorite bands and I have to say, we experienced 2 days of pure joy. More to come on ACL soon! Pictures and details of our most favorite weekend ever! Not only did we get to experience the best ACL lineup (in our opinion) but it was our Anniversary weekend! One year as husband and wife! We had a beautiful weekend and it is one we will never forget! =)

Video: Weezer - Posted on YouTube by: SinkFloridaSink

Welcome to the World, Bryce!

Elaine and Mike welcomed their little bundle of joy into the world on July 26, 2010. His name is Bryce and he is VERY handsome. Congratulations you two! We love you and I cannot wait to meet the little guy! Happy Birthday, little buddy!

=) Hooray!

Congrats, Elaine and Mike!

Bryce Stephen is due on July 30th but he may come into this beautiful world a tad bit early. For Elaine and Mike's sake, I hope he does! Mommy and Daddy are SO excited to meet him and I am too!

Congrats you two! You're going to be greeeeeeeeat parents! Enjoy every second and make sure, as my Dad always says, to have fun every single day; as long as you do that, you're going to do juuuuust fine.

Woo hoo! This is the last stretch! Have fun and I can't wait to see you three. =)

Happy Independence Day!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY IT IS! We are sooooooooooo very blessed and I am so thankful for this day. This is also a very special day for me in that it was my Grand Dad's birthday. I will be drinking a beer in his honor today. =)

Happy Independence Day everyone. Take a moment to say a prayer for those who have made and those who continue to make this a safe and wonderful country. Thank you all!

Happy 4th! Be safe!

11 years and 12 Seasons

BIG BROTHER IS BACK!

We obviously didn't make the cut this year but we are SOOOOO ready to watch the awesomeness again.

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait! :) Big Brother 12 here we come!!!

Happy Burfday to Me!

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to mEEeeEeeEEEEeee, happy birthday to meeee! =)

It is somewhat bittersweet but I won't get into that now. I am having a GREAT day! My work buddies have been wonderful and my family and friends have really been the icing on the cake.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! I am having the best burfday yet!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY Y'ALL!

These are some shots from our clover patch last year... they did not make it but there will be more in our garden soon! It was sad when they died; it was like a little piece of my heart went with them. =(

Enjoy the day. Wear some green and show your support. And for the love, HAVE SOME FUN! =)

Our 1st Snow Man!

We had snow on February 23rd and it was the coolest thing ever. We don't get to experience snow and when we do, it barely touches the ground. This was a VERY rare occasion and one I'll never forget. Jonathan and I got to build our first snow man together. Actually, we built snow men. =) Sorry, some of the photos are a bit dark; I was trying to hurry and just wanted to play in the snow!

It was crazy windy...

Myself and most of my coworkers prayed throughout the day but we still ended up having to finish out the work day. I had a feeling we wouldn't get 2 miracles in one day so I hauled butt home at 11:00am and rushed to have some fun in the snow before having to give in to the woes of work. Hehe. The above snowmen were the product of some hard work, good gloves, and lots of laughs.

This is what I saw when I got to my car outside work... of course, I added my own special touch.

And this is what I saw from my apartment when running back to my car to make in back to work in time... it was just BEAUTIFUL and an absolute sight to see!!!!

Better late than never, right?

I hadn't posted any shots of our Christmas lights and wanted to (even this late, hehe) because we worked so very hard on them. Here are some shots of our Christmas tree 2009.

Our attempt at a repeat family photo... this year didn't go as well as last year.

We FINALLY took pictures of our outside Christmas lights. We have been NUTSO busy and honestly just hadn't had time to take the gazillion lights and decorations down in an organized manner. We finally got 'em down and I snapped some pictures before. I am a bit mad though because I forgot to turn the outside Christmas tree lights on and it was pretty cool. Boo.

You can barely see the cool little, purple tree... that should have been lit with white lights. =(

The back door.

The front entrance.

We're looking forward to next year. I want to see how many years our apartments can deny us first place. There was no denying it this year but they did, somehow. They don't like us very much and we are certain they won't ever let us win a competition. Hehe. Oh well. I loved every second of it.

Oh also...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I never did say that, huh?

This was my very first Gin 'n Tonic, courtesy of Jonathan himself. =) It's his favorite drink and in 4 and a half years I haven't tried one! We had a cozy New Year's all to ourselves. It was lovely.

Celebration for All!

Budweiser stole my Shamrock antlers... He had a good time.

♣Happy St. Patrick's Day!♣

(Photo: www.dooleys-hotel.ie)

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Happy St. Patty's Day everyone. =)

Go out and have the best dang time. I know I'm gonna.

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Are Those Real?

Well they should be!!!

Here are some Christmas Tree Facts to help you decide how to buy... should you go with a real or a fake? I think it's pretty darn obvious.

Real: The Pros

Has a real fragrance.

While growing, real trees produce a significant amount of oxygen that is released into the environment, protect the soil from erosion and provide refuge for wildlife.

Each acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen requirements for 18 people.

Real Christmas trees are the best environmental option for consumers, according to former Greenpeace president Patrick Moore.

Real Christmas trees reduce carbon emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which people, plants and the environment need to survive.

Real Christmas trees are renewable, and growers plant one or more trees to replace every tree they harvest. It takes six or seven years for an evergreen to grow to a normal tree height. Planting takes place between January and May. About 40 to 45 million trees were planted in 2007 in North America.

Many times, Christmas trees are grown in soil that won't support other crops.

The majority of trees come from the United States and Canada.

Used trees can be recycled in a variety of ways. Trees are 100% biodegradable. Decomposing trees add nutrients back into the earth. Eco-friendly.

Cheaper initial purchase.

Real: The Cons

Require daily care and watering. The U.S. Fire Administration says well- watered trees are not a problem. "Dry and neglected trees can be."

Can be messy, especially on carpet.

Can affect some people with allergies.

Sometimes difficult to decorate.

Often trunks are not straight.

Often die before season is complete.

Artificial: The Pros

Faster, easier to set up.

Requires little care.

No time wasted shopping and hauling.

Cheaper when calculated over life span.

Don't affect people with allergies.

Symmetrical, easier to decorate.

Most are pre-lit.

Available in many colors.

Most fold easily for storage.

On average, a high-quality 6- to 8-foot artificial tree can go for about $300 and should last about 10 years.

Artificial: The Cons

Inexpensive versions look fake.

Takes up valuable storage space.

Generates no fragrance.

No variation from year to year.

Lighting strings might burn out in four or five years.

Nonbiodegradable.

Lead is used in the process of making PVC plastic.

Fake trees cannot be recycled and end up in landfills.

Petroleum, used to make plastic, is a non-renewable resource, as are metals.

Not ecofriendly.

(This information is courtesy of: www.fresnobee.com)

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Yep- pretty obvious.

This year, Jon and I got our first real Christmas tree (as adults) and had an absolute blast! It's not hard to remember to water it and all the rest of the so-called 'Cons' are just silly or are actually pretty fun (unless you have bad allergies- that would suck). AND all the good things that go along with getting a real tree... how could you not!?!

Jon and I started out thinking we'd be getting an artificial tree. Then I went to work and asked some coworkers which they would get and why. They listed a whole bunch of good reasons to 'keep it real' and in a few minutes, they had me totally sold. I told Jon about it when I got home and we made our decision. I researched it a little more and got real excited- I was going to get a real tree and I was going to feel awesome about it!

You should too.

Don't help contribute to our destruction. Help contribute to our success.

New Year's Eve Close By

Well, I got a little ahead of myself. I jumped into my New year's resolutions before I even talked about the actual night!

We had a beautiful New Year's eve and morning... although it was totally different than the last 3 years. Actually, this was the first time Jon and I didn't go downtown since we've been together.

Our first New Year's Eve (2005) was spent downtown just the two of us. We had the best freakin' time and ended up running into Jon's good friend Chad later that morning. We partied all morning and got to be safe as we stumbled back to our gorgeous hotel room.

Our second New Year's Eve (2006) was the best New Year's of my life. It was that year's that Jonathan proposed; we went out to dinner with friends, had some drinks at our hotel, and then went downtown. He tried to wait until midnight but ended up asking me at 10:30 p.m. at Shakespeare's Pub. It was the sweetest thing ever and the absolute happiest day of my life. Chad, Jason, Jennifer, Amy, and AK were all there with us for our incredible night. AND on top of it all, I beat all their asses in a game of poker before we went downtown. Awesome.

(Right after their Texas Hold'em beat down and right before we got engaged!)

(Downtown right after proposal.)

(Back at the hotel and beaming.)


(I'm engaged! SO excited!)

Our third New Year's Eve (2007) was pretty sweet, although lacking a very important person... Chad was unable to attend for the first time since Jon and I had started dating. We still had a blast because Ran and Tony were able to come downtown with us for the first time and Jen and Jason came again! We got to meet up with Mr. Babb and had a neat little experience with the hotel security... 3 times. It was super crazy and we loved every second of it. Everyone piled into the hotel room early morning and passed out while Ran and I had a very deep heat-to-heart. Ha. It was a damn good night.

(Starting the night out with a few drinks at the hotel as usual.)


(Downtown mid-New Year's action.)

(Reunion with our engagement spot- Shakespeare's Pub.)


(Met up with David and got kinda silly.)

(Says it all. Thanks David.)

And this New Year's eve celebration was spent close to home and with our amazing friends and family. It was just an awesome time. Jessica, Charlie and Brenda threw a bad ass party at their lovely new home. They had plenty of alcohol and some yummy food! The people made it so incredible- Jonathan, Jess, Charlie, Brenda, Jer, Mark, Tony, Lisa, Sam, Amy, Celia... and the list goes on and on. We partied until 2 a.m. and then went home and chilled at our pad on the first morning of 2009.

HAVE AN AMAZING 2009 EVERYONE!!!! IT IS GONNA BE FANTABULOUS!!!!