cheers

I got the cutest stuff for New Years Eve today at Target - I'm ready to ring in the New Year.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/ 

don't give up

We had the most wonderful Christmas. It was so relaxing and fun. We spent Christmas Eve at my in-laws and had a lovely Italian dinner, opened gifts and then snuggled up to watch the Help. At midnight we loaded up the car and three holiday hounds, Jonathan and I headed to my parents house for Christmas. We woke up that morning and opened gifts until almost two in the afternoon - we got so many great gifts. Christmas dinner was exceptionally good this year, my mom made the most incredible beef tenderloin. Of course Christmas wouldn't be complete at the Tomlinson house without watching Christmas Vacation, we've watched that movie together every year since I was a little kid. I just love the holidays. 

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

holly jolly

Merry Christmas!

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

it's christmas time

I can't believe Christmas is only 6 days away. Almost all my presents are wrapped and under the tree, but I'm still waiting for a few to arrive on my porch. Hope they get here in time.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

hello again

Yes, I've totally abandoned my blog over the last month. My last post was the day I'd found out I was pregnant, then exactly a week later had a miscarriage. I experienced the greatest joy and then the greatest loss. Some days are harder then others, but after seeing a new obygn I'm hopeful again. I've even found my Christmas spirit thanks to an incredible trip to New York City with my wonderful hubby. We had the most amazing time, the city really is magical this time of year.
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

it's a wonderful life

What a beautiful day today was!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

true happiness

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

surprise!

I had the most wonderful birthday ever! Came home Friday to my sister on the couch, surprise! Walked into the living room Saturday night filled with friends and family (in Halloween costumes), surprise again! Arrived at work to a cube filled with goodies and went to lunch with co-workers to celebrate and my husband was there, surprise surprise! I'm just so thankful to be surrounded by the most amazing people. I love you all!

*image courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

birthday wish

our fortune cookies at dinner tonight

 I wish I may, I wish I might, Have the wish I wish tonight!
*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

trick or treat

Jonathan and I were looking at pictures on my iPad last night and we came across a picture of a crocheted Hobbes. Had he just kept flipping through I wouldn't have thought twice about it, but he looked up at me with a huge grin on his face. He then proceeded to tell me he had found a lady on Etsy to make one for our child's first toy. Tears just streamed down my face. He said he was going to save it and give it to me when we found out we were pregnant. Since it takes four weeks to make I'm hoping it will be our good luck charm. I have the most wonderful husband in the world, I love him so much!
*image courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/trick-or-treat/

interior envy

How gorgeous are these interiors?
*images courtesy of http://www.davidprincephotography.com/

you are my sunshine

Its been a little bit of a whirlwind lately, but I'm just going to keep my head up and smile. Oh and this sunshine print from Etsy would make a fabulous birthday gift for someone (wink, wink).
*images courtesy of pinterest and etsy.

all i really want

What a wonderful weekend we had visiting with Jonathan's Aunt and Uncle in from California. They gave us the most beautiful pair of crystal candlesticks - I love them!

For everyone that asked for the spinach artichoke dip I made here it is:
2 cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
3 garlic cloves, crushed
14 oz jar or artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 8oz blocks of cream cheese, softened
1/2 package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
Tortilla chips or crackers or french bread sliced

Preheat oven to 350. Combine 1-1/5 cups of mozzarella cheese, sour cream, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and next five ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well-blended (I use my KitchenAid mixer and it works flawlessly on speed 2 for a couple of minutes). Spoon mixture into a 1-1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers or french bread sliced.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/