Merry Christmas!

Eric and I have been watching Christmas movies every night, and the basic theme has been that presents and material things aren't as important as giving love and spending time with family and friends. I agree, and I look forward to the next few days of family time.

The wisemen brought really amazing gifts to baby Jesus, so I think the gift giving tradition is still important. I discovered that I show love through giving gifts, so Christmas is an exciting time for me. Presents don't have to be expensive or fancy... they just have to come from the heart.

I blogged on my Flossy blog about showing thanks and appreciation for the gifts we're given. I haven't done the best job of that in the past, so I wrote the Flossy blog as a reminder for myself. I hope that we can all show each other how thankful we are, not only for presents, but also for the precious time that we spend together.

Eric and I, and Pudge and Ellie of course, wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. It's such a special time to remember the Birth of our Savior. He truly is the reason we celebrate.

Go Polar Bears!!!!

We have EXTREMELY exciting news. Eric coaches a 16 year-old travel hockey team and they had a big, important tournament in Las Vegas called the Silver Stick. They have regional Silver Stick tournaments all over and the winners of the region will meet in Canada for the national tournament. Eric's team came out on top of our region! It was soooo exciting, as the last two games went overtime. The Championship game was tied 1-1 after overtime, so they went to a shoot-out! It was crazy, but we came out on top. Our goalie did awesome under pressure! I felt very blessed to be able to be there to cheer them on. Canada here we come!!

The boys were champs off the ice as well. The team adopted a family for Christmas, so we went to Target to shop for them. I had a group of four of the players, and they cracked me up. We only had one threat to kick us out of the store, and the boys helped me by trying on women's shoes to see which ones looked nice. They each donated money for the gifts. They are a really fun group of young men.

Here is an article from the Arizona Hockey Union website. We now have a banner to hang at the rink and each of the boys received a pin and a medal. So cool. Eric received one too. There is a quote from Eric in the article below.

Midget U16AA '92sThe Arizona Hockey Union 92U16AA team captured the Silver Stick Western Regional championship in Las Vegas over the December 5th thru 7th weekend.

The team played three tough games in the round robin, finishing with two wins and one loss and earned a trip to the semifinals as the second seed in their bracket. On Sunday, they rose to play the California Heat and it came down to the wire, winning in over time 2-1. That wasn’t the biggest task of the day, as just five hours later they were to play in-state rival Phoenix Jr. Coyotes for the chance to move onto the Silver Stick finals in January. Trailing 1-0 with about 11 minutes remaining, they tied the score. It was to be a battle to the end as both teams were fighting for the go ahead goal. The game ended tied and made it through five minutes of over time still knotted at 1-1. Nine shooters later, the Union 92 team came out victorious in the shoot out and earned their chance to play in New Market, Ontario, Canada at the Silver Stick National Tournament.

Coach Eric said, “It was a tough weekend, but the boys battled and wanted to win this tournament. We came up short in one game on Friday where we fell apart as a team, but they learned from it and found a way to get it done today. They should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

It was a great weekend for the boys and Coach Eric (and parents too!). Everyone is very excited to be moving onto the finals in Canada over the January 16th thru 18th weekend.

Halloween 2008

This year, a few close friends (and a few of their dogs) came to our house on Halloween evening after celebrating other places. Kati helped me get ready, and I think everyone had a pretty good time. Joel (my sister's brother-in-law and one of Eric's best friends) brought a pinata. So fun. I created a one hit rule after Melissa smacked the poo out of it. She is a master at hitting pinantas. I think it was her bumblebee costume. I didn't even try. I was scared. We had a plethora of cute costumes... everything from bacon and eggs to the Geico Caveman!

See Melissa's skills...

Ellie and Melissa were both bumblebees.

Pudge's hot dog kept falling off. His diet must be working.

Mookie was a dinosaur and had Barney Rubble riding on his back.

We are dog sitting for my parents.

Buster, Joel's dog, was a pirate, but he let Pudge wear his hat, so I didn't get a photo.

Decor...

Eric and I were Fred and Wilma and Kati and Matt were Betty and Barney... thanks to Kati's mom for making the costumes.

Shannon and Adam... it's a teddy bear in there.

Joel as the Geico Caveman

Tom and Jen as the Doctor and Nurse.

Ben and Jen go together like Bacon and Eggs

Isaac the Bee Removal Man and Melissa the Bumblebee

It was really great to be able to see everyone!

The Biggest Loser

On the days that I don't want to drive to the gym... which is pretty much every day... I bought "The Biggest Loser Cardio Max" workout video. It's no Paula Abdul, "Get up and Dance" which is my favorite, but it's a good workout. My first crack at it was last week and, in the midst of the video, I'm thinking "This isn't too hard." The next two days however, my behind/legs/back hurt so badly I couldn't walk normally or sit comfortably. That was Level 1. Today, in about two minutes, I must attempt level two. I am blogging about this video for two reasons:

1. So that people hold me accountable of working out. It's about my health, my heart, my endorphins, my energy level, etc.

2. So that people know why I'm walking funny.

Pudge and Ellie do NOT like the workout video. They sit between me and the television, and sometimes they start licking my ankles and getting anxious. Hopefully this is just a phase until they realize that I'm not hurting myself intentionally.

Until next time....

Kelsey

You light up my life...

I've been searching for the perfect yellow bedding since we moved in last June. We had a seriously cute blue and brown comforter that was soothing and wonderful, but it was becoming dingy and dirty due to our perfectly cute puppies.

I found this amazing set on wrapables.com but didn't want to spend the money. However, after searching for a year, I bit the bullet and bought this beauty (like my alliteration?). Walking into our bedroom makes me feel instant happiness.

We completed the look with the wall squares from Uppercase Living. My Aunt Nancy is a distributor, so let me know if you want to see a catalog. They go PERFECTLY with the bedding and with the entire room. On the opposite wall, we hung beautiful art from Ikea. We also bought long, chocolate brown panels for both sides of the window. I love it! We just need lamps and we're set!

Dine to Donate

Come help Eric's hockey team raise money! They are having a Dine to Donate night at the 4609 E. Chandler Blvd. Applebee's on Wednesday, September 24th (Happy Birthday Summer!) from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. All you have to do is hand the above flyer to your waitress, and Applebee's will donate 10% of the bill to the team. Tell your friends and family!

San Francisco

Tess and Britt jumping in front of the houses from Full House... we decided the blue one was Kimmy Gibbler's house and the yellow was the Tanner residence.
Amber and I near the Golden Gate Bridge

In a cute neighborhood... the five of us (Me, Tessa, Emily, Brittany, Amber)

On the Pier

Hanging on the Trolley (Amber, me, Emily)

Britt on the trolley... so cute

Britt and I... apparently it was windy or something went terribly wrong with my hair

On the Golden Gate Bridge


Eric and I flew to San Jose for his hockey tournament, and I met my Point Loma girls in San Francisco for a fun-filled Labor Day weekend. Brittany and I took the "Baby Bullet" train from San Jose to San Fran and decided we should walk to the hotel. It was a LONG walk. And we were pulling suitcases. We stayed positive and were only slightly frazzled upon arrival.

It was so refreshing to be able to spend time with Brittany, Tessa, Emily, and Amber and to catch up on everything. Tessa is heading back to Paris, so it was kind of sad not knowing when I'd be able to see her again. She was my roomie at PLNU for the year-and-a-half that I spent there. Sometimes I get really sad that I didn't finish my college experience at Point Loma, but last weekend made me realize how blessed I was to have been there for even a short time. They are all hilarious, loving, generous, and one-of-a-kind girls.

San Francisco is awesome because it's such a great workout to walk around everywhere. My calves were sore! Time to get back to the gym! We took some fun pictures. I even enjoyed the cranky, hungry, need a shot of espresso, I can't believe how small the portion is for the price, annoyed with the music selection moments. It was my first time in San Fran, and I loved it. Enjoy!


I am going to post individual shots later. Tessa took some cool ones.

Hannah's Visit

My cousin Hannah... actually she's my cousin Stacey's daughter... so she's my first cousin once removed or something of the sort... ANYWAYS, my cousin Hannah came from Kansas to visit us in Phoenix. She stayed with my parents. It was a little warmish when she was here, but it stormed, so she was able to experience a monsoon. Not quite like a Tornado, but it cooled it off for a little bit. We had SOOOO much fun with her. She learned to put Eric in his place when he was being a weirdo. It was hilarious. You can tell she has brothers.

Hannah is turning into a beautiful young lady, and I was thinking about how I was in computer lab in middle school when I found out she had been born. It was seriously one of the most exciting days of my life. I waited in anticipation for her arrival into the world, and she did not disappoint. She is an incredible and fun girl. Hannah and her family are extra special to me. I miss them so much it hurts!

We did so many fun things when she was here. We ate at TGI Friday's at the Diamondbacks game... best seats ever! She stayed at a resort with my parents and we took all of the dogs. She and my mom shopped 'til they dropped. We had pedicures and manicures, Melissa cut Hannah's hair, and Emily did a photo shoot with her. AMAZING pictures. She is extremely photogenic. I had to hold back tears when I had to tell her goodbye, but I knew that she had the coolest family ever waiting for her back in Kansas :) Here are a few pictures from her visit. I will post a video that we took at the baseball game on my phone once I figure out how to do it.

Our pretty toes

At the D-Backs game! Thanks for the sweet seats, Mom!

Eric and Hannah playing games at the restaurant

Hannah had about 20 people a day commenting on her amazing eyes (watch out for boys, Stacey and Mark).

From three jobs to two...

I officially gave notice that I am resigning from my position at Moors & Cabot. I am really going to miss having Starbucks downstairs and my daily conversations with Andee. She taught me a lot about the business; but alas, I must strike out on my own and dedicate my time to Flossy Stylish Design, my invitation business AND to In Awe Weddings and Events with my mama. I am so excited for my new endeavor, so keep me in mind for Christmas cards, wedding invites, marketing materials, baby announcements, shower invitations, birthday parties... you get it.

My business website is under construction, but I will post more about that soon (hopefully). My last day at Moors & Cabot is supposed to be August 28th... then I'm off to San Fran for a girls weekend with my Point Loma ladies for Labor Day. Then I am coming home to work really hard at doing something that I love. I am extremely thankful to have a husband and a family who believe in me and support my endeavors.

I wouldn't say a "Blog Hog"

She isn't a blog hog. Much to her dismay I have three other blogs that I post to...

1. www.emurriettalending.blogspot.com
2. www.10adaycampaign.blogspot.com
3. http://activerain.com/blogs/emurrietta

All of which have various slants. Well the 1st and 3rd are definitely business related but the second is a little social experiment I am trying.

To daily stuff...Kelsey makes a mean chicken stuffed ricotta. Okay Trader Joe's made it but Kelsey can heat food up with the best of them. I do enjoy when she makes dinner, probably the highlight of most weeknights because I love food and especially anything she makes.

My goal is to improve this little blog so I think my next purchase will be a Flip Cam . I hope to start posting fun home videos here and then professional tips of the day. Should be exciting...at least that is the idea.

Thought for the day: Remember when you were a kid and 8:30 was such an early time to go to bed...Oh how I long for an 8:30 bed time. I don't think it will happen in the near future.

I'm a blog hog.

So, Eric has only posted one blog. Granted, I can write them at work and he can't, but still. I wish I could post something fantastic. I want to post that we're moving to Hawaii, or we won the lottery, or we bought a new puppy and I'm naming it Mack or Bucket or something. Don't get me wrong, I feel totally blessed. I have an amazing family and fun friends, funny puppies, and a husband who makes me laugh out loud on a daily basis. I just don't feel very interesting right now. We are going to finish our bedroom so that's exciting. I'll post pictures of our new bedding once we order it. I know you're sitting on the edge of your seats with that one. Anywho, I was at Target and found that the Dyson purple pet vacuum was on sale. I still can't afford it, BUT someday... It's just so pretty in all of its K-State purple glory. I love cleaning supplies. And office supplies. OH... and school supplies.

I love my puppies and Eric too

I had to share these pictures that I took last night. Our puppies crack me up. Ellie likes to lay RIGHT above my head, but while I was getting ready for bed, she snuck behind Eric to read over his shoulder.

I just practiced their commands, and I told Ellie to "speak" and she laid down instead. I think I need to make sure we go over their tricks a little more often. It made me laugh out loud. She must have been extremely excited for her treat, because she loves to "speak." Pudge likes to watch the Dog Whisperer and Animal Planet, so hopefully I can snap a picture of that soon. I know, I know... they're just dogs... but I think they're the coolest.

Favorite Things

There are a few products that make my life so much easier. Some make it more fragrant... from the dogs' breath to the carpet! Some products iron out the wrinkles, take out the stains, or save me a trip to the video rental store.

Intrigued? I wanted to share my favorite products with all of you. I'm sure some of you already use a few of these, but consider this my ode to all of the great things that I use every day!

(These products are in no particular order of Kelsey's favoritism... if you don't like some of them... too bad!)

1. John Frieda Crystal Clear Shape & Shimmer Hairspray- it's inexpensive and it doesn't weigh my hair down... I use it in humid Florida and dry AZ. I can pick it up at the grocery store, too.

2. E Solutions Pedicure Foot Cream- the most amazing stuff ever. The gals at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa sold me on it. I slather it on at night, and I haven't had dry feet since!

3. Mrs. Meyer’s Odor Removing Carpet Cleaner- They make their pet products with the organic and natural essential oils of Clary Sage and Chamomile to calm and soothe your pet. Their products are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly. They have all sorts of cleaning products for baby and for your home.

4. Usana HealthPak 100 Vitamins- Energy and Nutrition... pharmaceutical grade... the best stuff ever!

5. Downy Wrinkle Reducer- I hate ironing... especially when it's a zillion degrees outside. I use it for bed linens, clothes... it's awesome.

6. Apple TV- One of the brokers at work gave it to me, and I think he may regret it. We LOVE this thing. It links up to my iTunes, and we can rent movies, listen to our music, and create slideshows.

7. Horizon Organic Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt- Oh so yummy, fat free, and organic. It makes my stomach feel better, and I don't have to worry about weirdo added ingredients.

8. Uppercase Living- They sell words for your wall! I put my business name on my office wall. My mom has some really cute ones too. You can pick pre-made quotes or create custom designs. My Aunt Nancy is a sales associate for them!

9. Usana Skin Firming Lotion- Paraben free and skin firming. I don't have to worry about putting potential cancer causing agents on my skin. Did you know if you stand on a clove of garlic, you'll be able to taste it in a short amount of time? Our skin is transdermal people. What you put on it goes into your blood stream!

10. 3M Dog Dental Treats- They smell minty fresh, my puppies love them, and they don't make Pudgie barf.

11. Luna Bars- Nutz over Chocolate is my favorite. They are made with 70% organic ingredients and are low glycemic. Not to mention SCRUMPTIOUS.

12. Wet Ones- You know 'em... you can grab them on your way out of Target in that checkout section that has all of those little things you didn't know you needed. You need these. They take out stains, they're antibacterial, and they're not bulky, so you can take them wherever you go.

13. Febreze- It makes everything smell so great!

14. Dan in Real Life- I don't see how anyone couldn't love this movie. It shows the importance of family, forgiveness, love, and laughter!

15. Google- My answer to everything in life "Google it."

Catching up with Friends

Ragan and Keith Schubert and their daughter Anna (and as Anna states, "Baby Amos who is in my mommy's tummy") came to stay with us while they were catching up with old friends in Arizona. Keith was the youth pastor on staff in Glendale while Eric was the young adults pastor. Eric was EXTREMELY excited to see Keith, and I think he's going through withdrawal now.


It was one of those weekends where I was extremely tired from the work week, but I knew that I was going to remember it as one of the best times we've experienced. I had so much fun playing hide and seek with Anna in Chipotle and acting in all of the mini plays that she directed based on Disney characters. She really liked playing with Pudge and Ellie, who have been sleeping non-stop since yesterday. Anna made me laugh out loud numerous times! She would sing to us in the car and pray for our food. She was instantly friends with everyone in the room. We traded names, so when Eric said, "Kelsey!" Anna replied with "What!". It was so fun to learn about their lives, to talk about the past, and to look forward to the future. Ragan is beautiful and glowing and thrilled about their first son. Keith is VERY excited about having a boy, and Anna will soon have another actor for her plays.


Our house seems quiet and boring now, so everyone should feel free to come stay with us or stop in for a visit. We miss them a ton already, but we know they fit in well with the wonderful people in Kansas. I think that Kansas produces pretty awesome families, and we can't wait to see them again!



Kelsey

Another Weekend

Anxiousness sets in for us around this time on Sunday night. Usually it is because work seems so close and freedom seems so far. Mostly it is because we begin the week like we began last week. Nothing much changes, except for what you do with your little moments.

This past weekend we had a nice little dinner gathering with four other friends. It was a lot of fun. Kelsey and I spent the whole day getting ready for the dinner, we worked out, went to the store, laid by the pool (little relaxation), cleaned the house, made the dinner and then just hung out. It was one of those times when you get to just enjoy the company of your friends and fortunately for me a wife that is pretty sweet. It was really fun and the more I am married to Kelsey the more I enjoy entertaining people and entertaining with her. There is something in sharing a meal together and talking about nothing at all.

We then had breakfast this morning, worked a little bit and went and saw the "Incredible Hulk" on a recommendation from my co-worker Laurie. It was good and there were definitely tense parts to the movie. We are looking forward to this week, because though the week brings hard work, it is usually rewarding and more fun than sitting around doing nothing (I don't sit well.) So, we look forward to the last weekend in June and hope that we make headway this week to achieving our goals.

My thought for the week: Life is lived in the little moments. It may be the big moments we crave but it is the little moments we cherish. Live your life purposefully between the events others say will define it and you will have more definining moments.

Summer and Jason

Eric's younger brother, Jason, married my new sister, Summer, in February. It was a BEAUTIFUL wedding! They are living in Washington now, and I miss them so much it hurts! I hope you enjoy these wonderful pictures. I love the portrait of Summer by herself! Gorgeous!

Emily Estfan of EME Photography took their wedding photos, and my mom coordinated! You can see Christa, the videographer in the first shot where I was putting on Summer's cute pink shoes! The wedding was at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Kelsey