It's 2012...Where'd the time go...more importantly where did the posts go?

So we started this blog a couple of months after we got married. Now of course, the term "started" is used loosely since it really only meant the blog was setup, no actual posts were made until now...February 2012. I realize this is a little ridiculous, however, once you see all we've been up to between intial setup and my first post, perhaps all will be understood. This post will serve as a brief synopsis of our life and endeavors since initial blog start and now thereby allowing us to get our feet wet with blog posting and move forward with more frequent posts. Here's a breakdown of our activities by month:

September 2011

About this time of year, my wheels start spinning as to what gifts need to be made and since we were going up to Washington to celebrate with Paul's family, there were a lot of plans put into motion. But before I got too deep into various projects, we had a little get together for Labor Day.

Paul & I outside enjoying our friends and family as we play dad's game of choice...ManJinga.

 A couple of my favorite guys...Josh & Paul. ;)

James concentrating very hard to make the right move...

October 2011

In an effort to continue our quest toward fitness,  Paul and I decided to attempt our very first 5K. Of course, it didn't hurt that it was an Oktoberfest run which was promptly followed by free beer. This activity definitely sparked an interest in running for me, if not both of us.

 Paul's ready...

 ...and so am I! Let's run! Ok, at least, let's jog...it was our first one after all. We definitely didn't make any speed records, but hey we finished and we weren't last...that's a start right?

Lookin' pretty good after our first 5K!

My FAVORITE holiday is Halloween, so it's no surprise that we held our 2nd Annual Pumpkin Carving / Chili Feed party this year. It was a BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) affair that included our favorite Weight Watchers inspired chili.

 Paul's focused on making a very successful jack-o-lantern...don't interrupt his concentration for photos!

Celebrating Autumn would not be complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch and this year we had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with our family and very good friends.

We also attended our neighbor's annual Halloween party in some pretty awesome costumes, if I do say so myself. ;)

And Halloween would not be complete without dressing up the pups...

November 2011

November brought the full swing of many, many crafts since Christmas with the family was right around the corner.

But most importantly, Thanksgiving...a time that it's ok to stuff your face

...and nap through the entire day...well at least that's how my brother Josh does it.

Also, my very good friend Shelley was expecting her second baby girl which meant I got to make a fabulous quilt and a very fun diaper cake. Here are my creations for the fun day...

Me and the proud mom to be...I love being an auntie to her girls!

December 2011

We had a VERY busy December which included my third annual cookie exchange, finalizing homemade holiday gifts for the nieces and nephew and traveling to Washington for the holidays with Paul's family.

Yummy...look at all the goodies!

 I made five of these little guys for various recipients...this one is for Karly, our niece who just turned one in January.

Here's a little snapshot of Carl holding the elephant I made for his little guy Owen for Christmas. I also made two for our lovely little twin nieces.

Since my brother and his wife celebrated their one year anniversary in July 2011, I painted them three pictures (on paper...the official 1st anniversary gift) based on three of their wedding photos. I'm proud to say they had them framed and are now displayed beautifully in their home.

While in Washington for the holidays, we had the pleasure of spending time with our siblings, parents and nieces and nephew. It was a great time!

Paul holding one of our twin nieces. It was love at first sight...they're so precious!

 Me & Paul's Dad.

 Paul and I enjoying some much needed cuddle time with the twins.

 Best looking Seahawk fans...Paul & our niece Karly Marie.

 Good looking family here...Paul's sister Amber, her husband Fil and their twin girls Emma & Adalee.

 My brother Brandon, his wife Meggan & their pup Bella (and me of course).

 Paul's mom and Adalee.

 Me & Karly at her birthday celebration

Josh enjoying his new Christmas hat.

New Year's was celebrated with our good friends, the Ranney's (including their brand new baby girl Kallie) and Pam & James. It's always a good time with them!

 Paul is a glutton for baby cuddle time...and who can resist a 10 day old?!

Me & Haeli-bug

January 2012

January brought an interesting challenge for me...my first HALF MARATHON! Yes, I said half marathon. Now, it was a rough journey since I had a pretty nasty blister start at mile 5 of the total 13.1 miles. But, I limped my way through and now am hoping to continue my training to get an even better time next time.  I nursed my wounds the rest of January while Paul was working away from home.

February will have a lot to live up to as we've been VERY busy over the last few months. And hopefully I'll remember to keep up the blog instead of doing a massive post at the end of six months. :) Until next time...