Last night I studied by candle light. . .

. . . not because I am terribly romantic like that, but because our power went ka-putz AFTER the electric company visited our apartment complex. True, there were 60mph winds and I did hear a huge explosion, so there was probably good reason they turned off our power. I just wished it had happened on a night where my husband wasn't in class and I didn't have a crazy amount of studying to do. It would've been nice to snuggle with my love by candle light. 

Alas, I studied professional ethics and now my eyes hurt from reading in dim light. Also, I learned that when you burn multiple (read 8) scented candles of differing varieties at the same time, you should be prepared for a fragrance overload headache.  

Love is in the Air

One thing I LOVE about being married (besides being able to spend the rest of my life with my handsome husband, of course) is that I have my own house. Now don't get me wrong, I've had some AMAZING roommates over the years. In fact, most of them I consider my dearest friends. However, there is just something WONDERFUL about having your own place that you can make yours. Since we've been married, I've been way more into home decor than ever before. I love that I can make my house mine. That also means that I get into holidays way more than I ever used to. So, I decided today that I needed our little apartment to be "Valentined." Since we are on a budget, I decided it had to be cheap but awesome. So, I got some printables from the lovely ladies at the blogs below, found some old frames that I had lying around, bought some Valentine letter blocks for $1, and whoala! My house is in the full Valentine spirit!

Find the Keep Calm and Kiss On printable HERE

Find the All You Need Is Love printable HERE

Find the Valentine Subway Art printable HERE

Find the Dr Seuss printable HERE

I love that I have a big window sill to decorate. I have now fallen in love with printables. And I LOVE that I get so spend my Valentine's day with my favorite guy.

Tis The Season . . .

. . . to freak out. It's that time of year again. No, I'm not talking about Christmas, although that may be happening too. No, I'm talking about FINALS. That dreaded time of year when I am faced with a brutal understanding of just how much I DIDN'T learn this semester. Ugh. Well, at least I have a nice desk to study at, comfy PJs, a space heater to keep my toesies warm, and a coco motion that makes the PERFECT cup of hot chocolate to keep me going. Oh, and I have 2 cases of Diet Coke. They are already almost half gone. But hey, I only drink them during finals, so I am allowed. 

Also, I wrapped, packaged, and sent all my Christmas packages today. Yay me! They went to New York, New York; Phoenix, AZ; and Berlin, Germany. I hope they bring my brothers and brother-in-law some smiles. 

Oh, and my husband has been wincing in pain all weekend from a toothache. Poor guy. I had to take care of him, but I don't mind. I love him, so it's OK. He's at the dentist right now. Thank heavens for good friends that are dental hygienists and so they can get him a last minute appointment on a Monday morning!

Well, that's it for me. Time to get back to freaking out, oh, I mean studying. 

Here's a picture of our Christmas decorations. I love our little tree. Did you know I collect nativities? I just love them. Joe had to point out that we have seven baby Jesus-es in our living room. Isn't that just great?!

We Are Family

Me, my Brothers . . .

my Sisters and me!

We are family . . .

And together . . .

for eternity we'll be!

(OK, So I did some tweaking to the song. It's my blog, I'm allowed.)

All Photos by Alyssa Jul Photograpy

Dear Flager Family,

Thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms. I must say, my in-laws are pretty amazing.

Julie, Dad, Meg, Joe, Mom, and Aaron

Yay for new sisters!

All Photos by Alyssa Jul Photography

Oregon-sick

We've been feeling a little homesick around here. The barren freeze of winter is taking its toll. We miss the sun. We miss warm days. We miss the vibrant green of our home state . . . Oregon.

Wouldn't you miss this?

The blue sky and the crash of waves.

The rainbow fields.

The carmel sunsets.

The clean rush of rivers.

The majesty of the falls.

Oh Oregon, you'll always be home.

Two down . . .

. . . Two finals to go!

By the way, I go the keys to my new apartment yesterday. You don't know how excited I am to have a place for US. I know this sounds domestic, but can't wait to make it a home.