We've Been Blogged!

as some of you already know, we took our engagement pictures a little over a month ago! well, our photographer, ryan has blogged us! here are a couple of my favorites from our day (courtesy of ryan's blog)! we are super excited for him to shoot our wedding...he is oh so talented!

'Tis the Season...

...for family traditions!

growing up we always had a fantastic time during the holidays. jer & i would search for our gifts in our parents closest. i'm not so good with surprises! we would go for a drive or walk to look at christmas lights. waking up for school in a warm house, just the christmas lights on the tree adding a beautiful glow & christmas music playing softly in the background (thanks mom..that's one of my favs). who could forget our christmas movie tradition...christmas vacation! if you haven't seen it...you must! it is a totally imperfect holiday that is truly priceless!

jason & i have been getting in the spirit whenever we can (work is keeping us busy). what have we done so far you ask?

saw handel's messiah at the orange county performing arts center.
checked out some amazing christmas lights in redondo beach! a big thanks to sarah & rory! we had a blast drinking hot chocolate & taking in the gorgeous houses & lights with you guys!


a new tradition - my mom & i decorated her gorgeous new mantel & tree! (i will post photos soon!)
and jason & i have watched christmas vacation & elf!

more holiday cheer coming soon...
a holiday dinner with friends at the Flood's. (2nd annual...so fun)
christmas eve dinner at our house for jason's family & mine.
and christmas...of course!

what is your family up to this holiday season?

Prayer Request

natalie's (my cousin Elton's wife...but i think of her as my cousin) 2-year-old nephew, Russell, was diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma called Burkitt Lyphoma this past Tuesday and began chemotherapy on Thanksgiving. She has created a blog to keep family & friends informed and as an avenue for folks to leave comments for natalie's sister (Leslie) and her husband (Jeff) as they endure the coming months!

Please feel free to visit his blog & learn more about his journey!

From Aunt Natalie -
"Here is one of my favorite pics of little Russell on Thanksgiving Day when he wasn't feeling too well after his biopsy, spinal tap & bone marrow sampling, but was sleeping soundly....Baby Jaguar is standing guard!"

today & over the next months, i ask for your thoughts & prayers. i know that most of you reading this blog don't know Russell, Leslie or Jeff but i believe prayer is such a powerful way to promote healing & to bring lives together. please, take some time out this holiday season to send your thoughts, love & prayer to this amazing family!

Happy Thanksgiving

california delivered some fall like weather just in time for Thanksgiving. rain wet the ground the past few days and left the air cool & crisp. perfect for all the wonderful food that lined my mom & dad's dining room table. turkey & ham, with stuffing, sweet potatoes, salad, bread, mashed potatoes (my fav), an amazing broccoli dish, cranberry sauce, olives & gravy! it was all so delicious & i totally didn't take a picture of any of it!! i think i will have to take a picture of the leftovers because there are plenty of those now in our fridge! dessert, you ask? of course! pie...apple & pumpkin with whipped cream & cookies.




the best part of Thanksgiving was being able to see my amazing family & break bread with them. two big missing pieces from Thanksgiving this year...Jer & Anna. Jer is traveling for his new TV show & Anna also had to work. Serious sad lip! I am truly blessed! thank you mama & dad for hosting such a fantastic day!

Happy Thanksgiving to you ALL!