If we had a Christmas newsletter, it would be full of news!

Well, since Halloween has come and gone, and we did not manage to get a single picture of our unforgettable nights...We will just have to move on to the good stuff. But for those who care--we were the cutest couple of mimes anyone could ask for!

Alan made his long awaited trip to New York City, and absolutely LOVED it! He did so well there, and I must say, the nice business suit "suites" him--get it?! Haha....ANyhow, he made lots of good contacts and was very excited to start life out there. He is going to be so successful in anything he does. Pictures to follow...Then, about a week after he got back, I made my way out on my trips to interview with different schools' PA admissions committees. It was nerve wracking, but I felt I did extremely well, and I guess I must have, since I am sitting on two offers from our numbers 1 and 2 choices.....Decision to be announced. We are deciding between The number One--Quinnipiac University, New Haven, CT and Midwestern University, Downer's Grove, CHICAGO..... SO, we are basically deciding between NYC and Chicago for Alan to start out in. For some reason, we are just not certain where we need to be, and although NYC was his #1 goal, as was CT for me....it just isn't quite sitting as well as it used to. We'll figure it all out. We are praying and fasting, and researching, and praying...and praying....and....you get it. We'll keep you updated. I am just so happy I have this dilemma in the first place, because it means I'm GOING to PA school! Years of preparation, and this is the problem I face? Deciding Which offer to accept! I feel blessed. Both areas are also very promising for Alan's future...and let's face it--one day, if not now--he'll get his Wallstreet Experience. And I'll be backing him 100%. So-things are going great for us!!

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. We prepared Thanksgiving dinner for all the couples who could use it, or were alone/stuck without family for the holidays. We had 13 adults and their kids, and we had an absolute blast! We spent from early morning until about 6 pm cooking or cleaning up after it--but it was definitely worth it. And then back to work the next day for me. Alan got to go snowboarding the next day--I think he has been counting down for like 3 weeks now. We went to K-mart and found our most perfect Christmas tree....REALLY on sale! And that was a tender mercy for me, since that's my favorite part. We set it up, drank delicious hot chocolate from the mugs Alan brought home from NYC, and watched the black and white Miracle on 34th Street. Best date ever!

We are just too excited about seeing family this Christmas. We haven't been able to just enjoy the holidays, or any vacation really, in a long time, and I am really looking forward to it! I love my job, but it's good to get a break and do absolutely nothing but hang with the fam for a few days! Be praying for us, because we're always praying for you! See ya in oh....20 days-ish! Pictures to follow-of all the excitement I just described!

Alan grabbing the bull by the horn!

Our Future??

Yes...that does say MetLife!!!

It's not much of a shot of Chicago...but it really did remind me of The Woodlands. It was such a pretty walk

The Most important thing about Pheonix, AZ....I got to eat Whataburger!!!!! No 5 with jalapenos:)

I know you can't really see it...but Pheonix is pretty plain. I wasn't too impressed, but I also spent most of my time in my hotel room, doing work away from work...trying to make up for those lost days of income. Being a suga' mama is tough!

Oh beautiful Connecticut....I absolutely loved the campus. Although it is just one building, and I would spend my days on the top floor--just look around! This lake is sitting right infront, and there's a running trail all around it! It was gorgeous! Not to mention the program just astounded me--it sounded so intense....and so good! I will admit- I rocked that interview!

Negative--one building. Positive---Cadaver lab and classes at YALE! What an opportunity, right?!

Thanksgiving dinner---Alan ate the entire leg off that bird!

Professionally made hot cocoa--with nutmeg sprinkled lightly on top...Hats off to Alan!

Just enjoying it!

We searched and searched for the perfect tree topper--I think it looks great atop our monster tree!

Merry Christmas!!! See you soon--and THEN, it will be a perfect day!

Pizza and movie nights...it's good to be poor!

This Friday was our back to tradition "make our own pizza, popcorn, and movie night." Alan makes the best pizza dough in the world--or maybe I think that because I don't have to do it:) But really, I do love his dough. We made a classic sausage, bacon, and onion pizza, watched Sydney White, and had caramel popcorn that was divine!!! I loved it all so much, I think especially because Alan and I haven't seen each other in what feels like a whole week. Between my work schedule, his study groups, classes, and homework--and my new calling, We have seen each other for about 30 minutes each day this week... I missed him! Tomorrow should be good, as we are going to look for a suit for him. His trip to NYC is in just two weeks! I'm so excited for him, and I know he's going to do great!!! Here's our step by step guide to making a perfect date night pizza....

step 1: have a cooking savvy husband make the dough

step 2: get your toppings set...

step 3: roll out dough, top, and bake that bad boy!

step 4: Enjoy!

As for me, I was called to be Relief Society President, and the week has been full of learning and growth... Things will definitely be interesting and challenging, but I am certain that the Lord will help me, and I'm especially grateful for such support from Alan. He really does give me all I need. Here's a picture from the day I got my calling, and a few of our little home. We don't have a lot, but there's plenty of love to fill it!!! I'll take better pictures later.

The day I got called...



Our little kitchen

The almond colored stove is definitely a must have

Our kitchen table with the sweet flowers from Alan...still alive!!!

Well, aside from the rooms, that's pretty much our entire place...come and visit!

It's been a crazy week, and we're glad it's somewhat on pause now- but busy is good for people like us. The only that could make it better would be to have you here! Have a good week, and know we love you. No new news as of now except that we are working hard at interviewing skills as both of us will have some coming up- any tips on what to wear? Let us know:0)

6 months down...forever to go

After six months of blissful marriage, I have finally gotten on the ball and put together a pathetic little excuse of a blog...I plan to get better at it! This is our way of trying to keep you involved and up to date in our lives, and let you in on those special little moments that remind us of how much we love each other, and how blessed we are! I'll explain today's pictures, and then do a little recap for the last six months...This could take a bit.

So....I have this amazing job where I get to work all day, speaking mostly Spanish, drawing blood, doing lab work, and learning all of what it takes to make a clinic run...I love it! I get used quite a bit, which is great, since I love to be busy, and it's nice to have something occupy the time I don't get to spend with Alan. Well, this week, I was needed on Saturday, so the boss lady let me have today off. We woke up as usual, except today, Alan's voice was gone, and so while he tried to sing "good morning beautiful..." Let's just say, there have been better renditions... But it was sweet nonetheless. Anyhow, He went to school, and while I was getting things done around the house- he showed up carrying this gorgeous fall arrangement, and a gift. The Proposal- a must see for all normal chick flick drawn women. I was so excited.


We decided to have a nice lunch together, and then he went back for his marathon of life study group (he is mynspiration for being so dedicated to his studies!), while I went about cleaning our house up. I was going to make something special for dinner, and have souffles for dessert, but we were both so full from lunch, that we decided to spare the hassle and go for our much needed and deserved cream slushes! We went to Broulim's and picked out the perfect pumpkins to carve--our newly started tradition, every 16th of October--and we carved the pumpkins while watching The Proposal.
I'm not gonna lie- his pumpkin turned out a lot more professional looking than mine, but it was so much fun! When they had the candle in them, the images would glow all over our walls. We loved it! We even had little professional hand carving sets purchased at WalMart, with their everyday low prices! If you could see the details of the pumpkins, my pumpkin's eye fell out, and Alan tried to carve a heart in the back with an A+L in the middle of it...that fell out too. Let's hope it's not a sign!






















I suppose to catch everyone up on the last six months, it would be easiest just to do a quick recap of pictures and explanations. ... Here goes




June 2009:

We went down to Houston for Chris and Becca's open house, and celebrated Sammy's and my birthday. It was fun, and Theresa's brownies were delicious...













July 2009:

Alan's sister, Andrea, came up to visit us for 10 days. We had a blast with her here! We had "M" night, where we had Margaritas, did Manicures and Masks, made pizza with Marinara sauces and Meats, ate M&Ms, and had all sorts of fun. It was fun for Alan to get to hang out with his favorite sista!















August 2009:

Our Honeymoon!!! It was so much fun. We were able to go to Vegas for a weekend trip, and we had the coolest experiences! We ate at the top of the world restaurant, where we enjoyed a three course meal of absolute perfection, and we walked all over the Strip! We watched the Tournament of Kings--a Medieval dinner show... I really liked the soup. And we went to Phantom of the Opera. IT was INCREDIBLE!!!! Alan was saddest about having to leave the Buffet in Vegas, but I think he's getting over it. We rode roller coasters, looked at all the amazing architecture and design through all of the hotels, saw the fountain show, and even made time for a shake from Ben & Jerry's. I thought it was well worth the wait to take our trip when neither of us had anything else to worry about. My last day at work was the day that we left, and I started at my new job the day after we got back- so I literally didn't have a care in the world!


Currently:

Alan has since started school, and works hard to do well. He spends hours working out intense, mind frustrating Excel spreadsheets, and I have no idea what they mean! But he loves it. He'll be heading out to NYC in a month to hopefully make some good impressions, and land himself some future opportunities. I am sure he'll do great! We are hoping he gets in touch with a number of contacts he has from New York, and that the "Who you know" will come into play for his benefit. As for me, I have two interviews, so far, for PA school. I will be flying out to Chicago first, then Pheonix, and we are just praying that we will hear back from Quinnipiac University in CT. That's the number one...although any will work for either of us--and all we need is one, right?! For now, I just pride myself in being the best wife I can, and the best suga' mama possible. ... We aren't starving yet, so I guess we're ok. Overall, I'd say it's been a nearly perfect day. Perfection would be to have YOU near!