Christmas '08

Merry Christmas everyone! Did everyone enjoy all their gifts and the 5 pounds you gained? Or, is that just me?? We had a great Christmas---busy, busy! Every year, Jeremy and I think...."If it's this crazy with just us, imagine when we're toting around a kid??" We went to Dallas on the 23rd and went out to eat with Monty and Jen (bro and sis-in-law). That's our new thing: going out to eat with them instead of gifts....great idea!!!! We ate at Kenny's in Addison and it was fantastic. Then, on Christmas Eve we do tamales/tortilla soup at Patty and Duffy's with all of Jerm's family and then we head off to my parents' best friends, Jan and Glenn's for Cajun food. It's great to have such traditions on both sides of the family. THEN, on Christmas morning we headed off to Monty and Jen's at 8 am for Christmas with Jerm's family (and to watch Reece open his gifts...although you can tell from the pics that he liked the BOXES that the gifts came in!). Then, around 10:30, we went to my parents' house to open gifts and do a delicious brunch that mom made. Bryce was so cute opening gifts---this year you could tell that he knew what was going on...last year, he just kinda sat there! Then, we headed off to Jerm's aunt and uncle's house to do a Christmas dinner (which was so yummy!) and then finally back at Patty and Duffy's to spend the night. Whew!! The next couple of days, we hung out with our families and it was great to spend time with my grandmother who was in from Phoenix. We came back on Saturday and are still unpacking and catching up from the days gone. Although it's a little crazy, we are so thankful we can see both our families around Christmas!! Here are a few pics from the trip:

Bryce opening up his guitar that we got him :)

The crew over at Jan and Glenn's house

Bryce with his new 'fancy' cup that we got him :)

Jeremy and Reece---check out his pajamas!!!

Reece enjoying the box that the gifts came in!!

Tag-You're It

This is fun....try it!
Sara:
5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Well...I was 16, so driving ANYWHERE I could
2. wearing drill team spandex
3. going on massive group dates to TGI Friday's and the movie theater
4. taming my acne
5. dating Jeremy

5 things on my to-do list:
1. finish Christmas cards
2. finish doing my Colorado laundry
3. finish shopping for Christmas presents
4. prepare some gourmet appetizers for Jeremy's planning commission party tomorrow
5. finish ordering pics from Pensacola

5 snacks I like:
1. little clementine oranges (Piper and I could go to TOWN on these)
2. reduced fat cheez-its
3. mozzarella sticks
4. crackers and cheese
5. Steak and Shake strawberry milkshake


5 things I would do if I was a billionaire:
1. pay off my house
2. get a Range Rover
3. start a Labrador Retriever Rescue
4. donate to cancer research (any and all)
5. buy parents a HUGE house in Crested Butte to retire
6. buy Patty a HUGE house in Pensacola to retire
7. pay for college for nephews and any other future nieces/nephews

5 bad habits:
1. eating when I'm bored
2. being lazy at the gym (If jerm is there I work out hard---gotta impress him)
3. interrupting people
4. not unpacking when I'm on a trip
5. leaving house-cleaning until it's way past too late

5 jobs I've had:
1. customer service rep at Oshman's sporting goods
2. nanny
3. camp counselor
4. teacher

5 places I've lived:
1. Richardson, TX
2. South of France
3. Austin, TX
4. Fayetteville, AR (3 houses...I'm such a gypsy!!)

Crested Butte Trip

Hey, all! Jeremy and I just got back from a ski trip to Crested Butte, Colorado. I know you've read the posts before...it's our favorite place in the world! Jeremy and I sometimes think, "how can we retire at 30 and live in Crested Butte full time??" Yeah, teaching and real estate is obviously not the answer!!! Haha!!! This time we decided to share it with our friends, Brown and Erica! It was a great trip, short-- but great. We left on Wednesday right after work and drove part way that night (spent the night in Dumas, TX...lots to see and do there...haha!!!) and the rest of the trip on Thursday. We skiied on Friday, shopped on Saturday (it was snowing so hard you could barely see in front of you so we decided that it would be a good shopping day), and then skiied on Sunday. I know from the pics it looks like we didn't ski at all BUT no pics were taken on the mountain because it was too freakin' cold to get the camera out and take my hand out of my gloves!! It snowed 18 inches in 48 hours so you can imagine how cold it was!! The drive back was a little hairy....it took us 21 hours instead of the usual 16 because of the weather and slick roads. I had to work the next morning and I didn't get to sleep until 4 am...needless to say, I was a zombie at school! But, it was a great start to the holiday season. The town was all decorated with lights and wreaths and Christmas music was playing everywhere....along with Bob Marley which is why I love CB so much!

Enjoy the pics!!

snowball fight!

Jeremy in front of the car when it was snowing!!

Us in the snow
Kennedy's and Hanna's at the bar (typical--you've got to stay warm somehow!!)

Kennedy's and Hanna's

Fox right outside the balcony

The town decorated! View of the mountain from the lift

Piper and Ben

Just a couple of cute videos of Piper and Ben...they are so cute when I get home in the evenings. They can't WAIT to go outside and play :) Notice the difference in the "pleasing" side of Piper (first-born) and the 'stubborn' side of Ben (2nd child).

This is the "hungry" video

Cutest things I know...

I know a lot of cute things...but here are my top #3 (in no particular order :)

Bryce at the pumpkin patch!

Reece at the pumpkin patch!Piper injured from day care wearing an ace bandage! (So adorable!!)

Small Plane, Big Fear (in the wife's case)

My greatest fear is small planes. You ALWAYS hear of small planes crashing...hello, DJ AM and Travis Barker???!!! Anyways, Jeremy and his boss, Bob, got this GRAND idea of chartering a small plane to Columbia, Missouri to check out some property to possibly build. Which, by the way, is a great idea...college towns are always so fun!! I don't put my foot down on anything, but this, almost made me put my foot down (right, baby?? :) I was so scared that this plane was going to crash. Fortunately, Jeremy and Bob got there just fine AND saw the Montgomery's (aunt, uncle, cousins) which was an added bonus!!! They were in town doing a college tour for Chase to see Mizzou!!! Jeremy got back Friday night around 8:00...not bad for a 6 hour drive which became a 1-hour flight! I was hoping that Jeremy would HATE the flight...but no, it's all he can talk about lately :) He even got to sit in the co-pilot's seat BOTH there and back and wear the headphones to hear air-traffic control talking to the pilot...haha!!!

Now Bob's latest kick is buying a plane and having Jeremy get his pilot's license....might have to put my foot down on that one :)

Check out the pic:

A Great Weekend!

Don't you just love it when you have one of those weekends that is perfect?? Although it does make it EXTRA difficult to wake up on Mondays...

Well, we had one of those weekends--- The weather was fabulous, we hung out with all of our friends on Saturday night and then spent a "family" day on Sunday. On Saturday night, we met all of our friends at US Pizza and then we went to this new wine bar in Fayetteville called "The Wine Cellar". They have a machine called an enomatic and it's basically like a wine-vending machine. They had about 25 different wines all hooked up to this machine--you put in your pre-paid card (you can put whatever amount you want on it at the bar) and insert your card and press which wine you want. They have 3 different buttons--a tasting size (a couple of bucks), a half glass size (3-10 bucks) and a full glass button (7-25 bucks). A little straw is in each bottle and it pours you just the right amount! Then, it just deducts that amount off of your pre-paid debit card. Jeremy always says I'm a "Marketer's Dream" because I love the latest/greatest of whatever...I was in heaven!! Of course, I spent WAY too much money drinking WAY too much wine but it was so fun to sample! Here's the link to the machine---I guess they only a have a handful in the world and who would think Fayetteville would have one? So up-and-coming....way to go, F-town!!

http://www.enomatic.com/

http://fayettevillewinecellar.com/contact.html

Then on Sunday, Jeremy and I drove out to Devil's Den State Park. It's only about 30 minutes away from the house and it's gorgeous---loaded with trails, cabins, a lake, swimming pool, paddle boats, canoes, etc. Of course, P and B went with us and they LOVED it!! "So well behaved" were some of the comments we got from fellow hikers. (They obviously don't see them at home :) The trail we were on, Yellow Rock Trail, led us to this gorgeous overlook!! I, of course, got a little nervous when Jerm stood on the CLIFF with Piper---Ben and I were at a safe distance.

Here are some pics:

Trying to get Ben to sit....Ben and I as close as we would get to the cliff...
The family :)

Ahh....Austin!

Jeremy and I decided to take a last minute trip to Austin for the Texas-Arkansas game. It was awesome!!! The plan came together last weekend and it just snowballed from there. We rode down with our friends, Megan and Chris, and got to Austin around 12:30 on Saturday (after a quick stop in Waco for breakfast at George's!) I haven't been back to Austin since I moved in '05 and it was a pretty emotional drive down I-35...so many memories!! We stopped and tailgated before the game and then finally made it to our seats. Our seats were great---way up high but you could see everything! After the game,we went and checked into the hotel to get ready for the night. We went to Hula Hut (such an Austin fave of mine--awesome drinks, atmostphere, view, and food!!) and then went down to the "new" part of 6th street where there are a ton of new bars. It was so much fun and we can wait to go back soon!!! We drove back the whole way on Sunday back to good ole Fayetteville...poor Hogs....

Here are some pics: Sara and Jeremy tailgating in their burnt orange!
Chris, Megan, Jeremy, and Sara


At Hula Hut (My eyes are kinda big, huh?)

Jeremy

I just read Jennifer's blog (sis-in-law) and she answered these questions about Monty, so I'd thought I'd give it a go with the Jerm!

1. Who is your man? Jeremy Everett (the Jerm)
2. How long have you been together? in February it will be 13 years...hahahahaha!!!
3. How long did you date? too long...10 years
4. How old is your man? in January, 27 (VERY close to 30)
5. Who eats more? more veggies: Me. More beer: Jerm No, actually Jerm mostly but when it comes to onion rings, ME!
6. Who said "I love you" first? I can't remember that long ago. I'm sure it was sweet though.
7. Who is taller? Jerm
8. Who sings better? Me, Of course!! I'm the next Carrie Underwood
9. Who is smarter? Jeremy (I was trying to think of something clever, but then I thought, no, he really is smarter.
10. Whose temper is worse? Neither of us really have a temper, but I guess me. If Jerm is mad, run for the hills because it must have been REALLY bad.
11. Who does the laundry? Haha, this is so funny because now that our house is so teeny, we have two separate laundry baskets and so we each do our own I guess. Jerm has shrunk a lot of my "must hang" things....
12. Who takes out the garbage? Man's job.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Jerm
14. Who pays the bills? We both do. We sit down and go through and shred. Our least favorite night of the month. I like to know how much (or little) I have to spend :)
15. Who is better with the computer? Word/Internet: Me Excel: Jerm
16. Who mows the lawn? the Jerm...I've asked him several times if he wants me to do it but he always looks at me like I'm crazy. I would probably hurt myself (or pretend just so I wouldn't have to do it anymore)
17. Who cooks dinner? Me for sure. Hands down. I like to cook and if Jerm was "cooking" dinner we'd have peanut butter and honey sandwiches for a week. Seriously, I'm not joking
18. Who drives when you are together? He is such a better driver than I am. Although I have been known to be the DD
19. Who pays when you go out? it's all the same moolah.
20. Who is most stubborn? Haha...me for sure.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? both of us
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Um, it's a toss up. We don't see either of them enough.
23. Who kissed who first? Jerm kissed me first in his baseball uniform one summer (ahhh, baby!!!)
24. Who asked who out? Jerm said, "will you go out with me?" Isn't that a hoot??
25. Who proposed? He did. So cute--he was so nervous!!
26. Who is more sensitive? Definitely me. Puppies, babies, heartwarming ESPN stories....
27. Who has more friends? Probably equal
28. Who has more siblings? Me! the Three Wiseman--I think 3 is the perfect number.
29. Who wears the pants in the family? We both do. It's definitely an "even" playing field. Although Jeremy always says, "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy". Got that Piper and Ben?

Goodbye Big White House, Hello Small Yellow House!

It's the end of an era. Jeremy and I have officially sold our beautiful first home...Here's a pic... R.I.P. White House.OK, in all seriousness, we had so many mixed emotions about selling the house. We knew when we bought it and did a ton of work to it that it would only be in it a couple of years. But, it was the house that we got married in and started our little family. It was a great house...it will be missed!! I think we're going to miss the neighborhood the most. I only broke down once during the whole move---it was when I saw the house completely empty...ugh, it made my stomach and heart hurt so bad!!! BUT, we sold it to a wonderful family with 2 kids and I know it's going to be in good hands. And the check we got at the closing was worth it :)

So, now we are in a little rental house about a mile from the white house. It's a great little place but the key word is LITTLE. But, it has an awesome backyard and the dogs are enjoying every romp outside!

Future plans: we are trying to close on a hillside lot in central Fayetteville (fingers crossed) and then eventually we will build on that. But, for now, the little yellow house is doing its job: we're cozy and blessed.

Crested Butte with the Family!

You all know that I have a soft spot in my heart for Crested Butte, Colorado. I learned how to ski there, my parents have a place there, and it's just about the best place on earth. My little sister, Beauty, myself, and my parents just got back after spending a week in CB. We had a blast...Dad tried to teach us all how to fly fish, we went to some Colorado wineries (great wine!), hiked, ate great food, and spent the evenings in the hot tub....ahh...perfect! Here are some pics from the week!

Beauty and I outside of our favorite restaurant near the ski lift!

View from one of the wineries

Watching Dad fly fish

Mom and Dad on the drive back from the wineries...we were driving along a cliff!!

Dad teaching me how to flyfish!

More flyfishing lessons from the Pops...

Pensacola, Florida!

We just got back from Florida. It was awesome...we stayed at a fabulous house, stayed on the beach all day long, drank yummy concoctions, and had such a fun time together. Thank you, thank you to Jeremy's mom for taking us. The water was warm, although there were tons of jellyfish (I got stung!!). Our house was right on the beach---we just walked down the few steps to the water. Jeremy and I also celebrated our 2-year anniversary!! Can't believe it!! It's been a wonderful 2 years, baby!! (well, it's been a wonderful 12 years, too :)

Jeremy and Patty

Jeremy, Sara, Ashley, and Mic (Jerm's cousins)

Jeremy and Duffy (his grandmother)

A Great 4th!

We had a fabulous Fourth of July Weekend with our good friends, Julie and David! They are getting married in August so it was nice for them to get away from all of the wedding stress and come up to good 'ole Arkansas! We went to Brown and Erica's family lake house on the 4th and then went rafting down the Elk river on the 5th...here are some pics from that weekend!! And no, the rafting was not "white water"...basically it's the Guadalupe but just on a raft...you can hold a beer and not spill a drop! Although, there was a time where we got stuck on a tree limb and David jumped out to 'save us' and there was some beer-spillage. I have some video of the aftermath...it's hilarious!

Julie and David on the raft! Julie's sporting the convenience store beads!

Jeremy and I on the raft! The water was freezing but after about an hour in the sun we eventually got in!

Here are the videos...the first one, we ALMOST lost David due to a tree limb and Jerm was not so happy because I was filming and not helping to row...Julie and I were cracking up and the boys were a little on edge due to the tree limb in the way...so funny!!

Busy June!

Wow! So many things have been going on with us! A week ago, I was home babysitting Bryce for a week while my sister and Alex were in Europe--whoa, I have a whole new appreciation for motherhood--that is one busy little boy...oh, but he's so cute! We went home last weekend for a few things: Julie's bachelorette shower, Bryce's 1st birthday party, and hanging out with Reece. Here are lots of shots from that weekend...including Piper in my parents' pool! She has webbed feet for a reason! A few notes:

1. It really is sickening how I talk to Piper on the videos...I'm so embarassed. I'm going to be a wreck when I have human babies. Make sure you mute it! And the Weim, Ben, was being a total baby (typical) and just watched from the side. Although he did have an awesome time in their huge backyard.

2. I took so many pics of Bryce's birthday but not with my camera--only with my sister, Jaime's. So if you want to see awesome pics of the birthday boy, check her blog! http://consultingmom.blogspot.com/

3. Such cute photos of Reece---he's at such a fun age! Laughing, smiling, (ok, and crying in my lap--I promise Monty and Jen...I didn't do anything! He must have had gas :)

4. One last note...our camera has this weird black spot on some of the photos--just ignore.

Now to the good part---photos and videos!!!

Bryce in the pool!

Bryce taking a bottle..he rubs his hair when he's tired! Don't let the bottle fool you--he's a meat and potatoes kid.

Cutie Patootie in the pool---isn't she adorable??

Jerm getting licked

The mama and her baby girl
Ahh...now you know why they call him "Baby Ben" at day care :)

OK, he's a little upset--but 2 seconds later, he was all smiles! I'd be ticked too if I was on a liquid diet...haha!

Uncle Jerm--he's so fun!

Have you noticed that Reece is all smiles with the Jerm? Maybe it's because they look alike...

Ahh...

Playing with the uncle!