The English's: January 2009

Last Wednesday, January 21st, I celebrate 24 years of being born. Some people asked me if I felt older, but really I've been feeling 24 for awhile. Now, next year... that will be a whole 'nother story. I'll be officially a quarter of a century.

As for my husband... I'm proud to say I'm the older woman in his life. Only by 5 months, but still, I've got him in the age category.

On Wednesday, I came home from work and JT was so excited to give me my birthday gift that he couldn't wait any longer. I actually had no idea what he was going to get me.... and suddenly from behind the couch came one of the greatest gifts, a Canon 40D. Isn't it wonderful?

Now, I know some of you are thinking 1 of 2 things: "Wow, I didn't know she was into photography so much?" or "Why haven't I seen her work"? Well, the truth is that I've always wanted to be a photographer, but it's never happened. I've always been too busy or I've let my amazing, photojournalist brother take the family photos and document some of the most memorable times of my life (our wedding:) ).

I've been talking with JT about my aspirations of becoming a photographer and I've never received more encouragement from anyone. He absolutely believes in me more than anyone and it's crazy to think that another person can inspire you so much. So, it's my goal over the next few years to become really good at photography so that it will go from being a hobby to being my "stay-at-home-mom-job". I really love being crafty and playing around with photos, so who knows, maybe this will become more than just taking pictures. Maybe I can turn photos into completed projects that everyone still has sitting in a box waiting to be created into the best showcase of their memories.

I must say thank you to everyone who pitched in and helped jump start me in the right direction. I'm so grateful! Here's a few photos that JT and I took over this past weekend celebrating with friends and family.

Sam's Club White Sheet Cake... delicious.

We have fun Friday night playing games with friends!

When I came home from work on Wednesday, I had a wonderful surprise of flowers, which JT's dad Jack had delivered. So thoughtful and beautiful!

Mom made my favorite childhood dessert, strawberry cake! It's been a few years since I've had this and it was fabulous!

What would an English birthday be without ESPN and Kansas basketball?

Mom & Dad gave me a beautiful platter to add to my love of entertaining at home :)

This was the sweet note my dad wrote me on my present from him.

So these photos are completely amateur, but hopefully with the help of some classes, books, and family members (yes, that means you Chris), I'll be able to sharpen my love for photography! More photos to come...

"What are you doing for Christmas?" seems to be the popular question among our friends this time of the year. Our answer this year was very different than either of us would have expected. "We're going on a Caribbean Christmas Cruise."

Our plans for 2008 were very different than what we had experienced in 2007. We went from a White Snow Christmas in Colorado to a White Sand Christmas on the shores of Mexico. The only reason this was at all possible is because of the generosity of JT's grandparents, lovingly known as Bapa & Nama. They wanted to celebrate their 80th birthday's and also celebrate Christmas with the ones they love over a fabulous vacation!

They booked the cruise, handed us our itinerary, and said, "See you in December!" We were really excited to be blessed with such a wonderful gift. Thank you Bapa & Nama!

Our Ship, Independence of the Seas

Bon Voyage!

View from our dining table where we ate dinner each night.

Bapa & Nama dancing to live big band music in the Royal Promonade (the mall inside the ship).

Enjoying breakfast on our deck!

Playing miniature golf on the top deck before we head for a day by the pool. (I won by 3 strokes!)

Happy Birthday, Bapa & Nama!

Bapa & Nama were participants in the game show, Love and Marriage. They were chosen as the longest married couple, 56 years! This was one of the most fun nights on the ship. Lots of laughter & great stories to tell... just ask us.

We also rock climbed on the ship. Look at my stud husband. He rocks.

The view from our room each night... ah, so relaxing.

Wait a second... that's Jack on the beach with us! Yes! He came to surprise us on Christmas day at our last port, Cozumel. What a wonderful surprise & Christmas gift!