`tis the season . . .

  It seems as though we haven't slowed down much since Lone Pine is over. Jordan came back from hunting and for some reason if feels like we are constantly running around doing something. Our poor gas bill :( We have started the long process of building a house. For those that don't know, we are planning on building a house where we got married. It's a long 1/4 mile away but I think we can handle it. Ha ha. We just got our plans drawn up and now for the dreaded part, dealing with Lane County. I'm hoping we can use it as a learning experience and not get too disappointed or frustrated (don't count on it). Our plan is to start as early as the weather will permit us to, but really it will probably be as soon as the County and bank stuff get done. I am a very impatient person and like to have things planned out just right, so I'm making it my goal for this project to be very patient and just roll with the punches (we'll see how that works out). We are both so excited to finally start this chapter in our lives. Pray for a fast and smooth process.

  Jordan, I bet you can't guess!??, is still studying for his Engineers test. This is the last one before his big final test in November of 2012. He is doing very well in his program, and is feeling pretty confident about this last test too. He has begun to work as an Engineer when they are short at the fire station. It's called AIC (acting in capacity). He's loving it. I'm very proud of how dedicated he is to his work. You don't see too many people with that kind of passion about their careers.

  Austyn is doing pretty good. She has been battling ear infections, teething, and colds for a while now. It seems like months, but that's a little exaggerated. But when she feeling good, she is an absolute joy. She runs around the house jibber jabbering at everyone. It's getting more and more understandable as the days go by. She is into walking and crawling backwards lately and standing on her head. Her hair is getting so long. I love it! Time to decide if it's bangs or no bangs? She's getting a little better about the bumps and bruises. But when she gets them she goes all out. Poor little thing. She has started the stage of little fits, especially with me. Lucky mommy!! We always get special treats. But with a little stearn encouragement she settles down pretty quickly.

  And as for me: work is decent, my back is decent, so I'm a happy lady.

Here we are picking out the perfect tree

  I am so ready for the Holidays. I love this time of year!!!!!!!! I had a wonderful Birthday filled with family and friends. And of course wonderful presents. Jordan brought flowers to my work and took me out to lunch, then accompanied me to the craft store. What a man! He made me have the best Birthday ever. My mom made me a custom Birthday dinner of: Hula Burgers (grilled chicken, ham, swiss cheese, topped with pineapple), fried zucchini, corn on the cob, salad, avocado, BBQ pork, deviled eggs, cup cakes, and a peach cake. I think I'm spoiled :) Now I can't wait for Christmas. We have a few Christmas parties to go to, which will be very fun. We got our Christmas tree last weekend and to my surprise our little baby girl has not even attempted to get into it (knock on wood). I guess we do still have a few more weeks left. Our shopping is done, the gifts are wrapped, and now we can just enjoy enjoy enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Austyn loved running through the rows of trees

Before

After

I put the tree skirt around Austyn and she thought

it was so much fun

She was really enjoying helping us decorate the tree.

She picked up every ornament and ran it over

and handed it to me. Thanks Austyn!

  I hope everyone has the best Christmas and New Years ever. 2012 here we come! I have so many goals for the upcoming year. I'm excited to start crossing stuff of my list!