Lake Tahoe, Take 2

This Thanksgiving, we decided to get away and spend some time in South Lake Tahoe. This was our second trip to Lake Tahoe since we moved out west. Our last trip (which you can read about here) was in June and Andrew had been looking forward to winter for some snowfall to ski.

On Thanksgiving day we skied at Heavenly. This was my first time ever so I wanted to do a beginner class. And although Andy has skied several times he took the class with me. Having him by my side made it much more fun. He was very patient with me while I tackled the bunny hill over and over then he spent some time on some real hills while I sipped hot chocolate in the lodge.

For our Thanksgiving meal, we ended up at a pizza place. We assumed we would have our choice of restaurants, but South Lake Tahoe is a pretty small town and most places were closed.

Next year we'll be be doing some better planning for the holiday meal, but other than that it was a great trip!

So Much to be Thankful For

This Thanksgiving I wanted to reflect on all the amazing blessings in my life. Here it goes (one for each day of the month, in no particular order).

1. God and Jesus- For being my creator, dying for me, forgiving my sins, answering my prayers, being by my side so I never go through any struggle alone, and the promise of eternal life.

2. South Bay Church- For helping me get back on track with Christ. I love my women's life group and volunteer group. The pastors and congregation are so friendly. It feels like family when I am with you all, and that's really comforting when I'm so far from "home."

3. My husband- My best friend and partner through life.

4. Family- Including the most loving and supportive parents a girl could ask for.

5. Friends- Old and new.

6. My Dog- I love how she squeals with excitement when I walk through the door. She's a sweetheart and a great companion.

7. Places We've Lived- We've had the opportunity to live in a handful of states and gotten to explore areas we might not have been able to otherwise.

8. My Body/Good Health- I'm so blessed to have no physical limitations.

9. Living in America- I so often take for granted my freedom. I am so thankful for the soldiers who put their lives on the line for our country, and for the families of soldiers who sacrifice while their loved ones serve. I'm also thankful for the police, fire, and rescue workers who fight to keep us safe.

10. Great Food- I love eating. It's one of my favorite hobbies. So I'm thankful that I have so many options to keep my mouth and stomach happy. I like just about anything but sushi, pizza, apples, yogurt, and just about any dessert are my true (food) loves.

11. The Outdoors- Green grass, pretty flowers and trees, blue skies with fluffy clouds. The sun and rain for helping to grow the beautiful things in nature. Also, the sun for keeping me warm and rain because I love a gloomy day every once in awhile.

12. Naps- Few things are better than a mid-day nap. But, if it just happens to be raining when I take a nap and I can hear that soothing sound as a fall asleep, I am seriously in heaven.

13. Seasons- As soon as I get tired of the heat of summer, Fall rolls in with its cooler temperatures. Winter puts me in "cozy mode" where I love to snuggle under blankets and bring out my favorite clothing...fleece! And just when I'm done with being cold, Spring starts. It gets a little warmer and nature comes alive again. Then summer begins and the shorts come out. How lucky we are to have four changes in the weather each year.

14. Books- Some to gain knowledge, some just for fun. I'm thankful for authors who share their gift. I'm also thankful for an amazing library with so much to choose from.

15. Blue Ridge, GA- The small town where Andy and I got engaged and were married. I love it.

16. Bodies of Water- We grew up in a lake town and lived for years near the ocean. We feel at home where there is water.

17. Andrew's Great Skill- Andrew was blessed with being tech-savvy. He knew his gift from a young age and has been building on it ever since. I'm so thankful that his knowledge has provided for our family.

18. "The Basics"- I have never needed to worry about having a home, car, clothes, heat, etc. I am incredibly thankful I have all these needs provided for.

19. Growing and Discovering on a Daily Basis- There are new things to learn every single day. How cool is that?!

20. Senses- I have all 5 and am so thankful I get to experience life with each.

21. Adventures with Andy- We've been on so many. I'm really glad he pushes me to do things I wouldn't normally do. I know I would have never been rafting, scuba diving, kayaking, or skiing (snow or water) had it not been for him. He also pushes me to go on camping trips way more often than I ever would.

22. Kindness of Strangers- I love when someone you don't know goes out of their way to do something nice for you. Even just a smile or 'hello' from someone I cross paths with makes me happy.

23. Clean Water- I am so blessed to have clean water in abundance. Clean (and cold!) from the refrigerator, kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, outside hoses... Some people don't have clean drinking water, and we have so much clean water we can use it to bathe and swim in and even water our lawns.

24. Technology- Cell phones, the Internet, email. I am so glad I can use all of these to be connected with others.

25. Our Bicycles- Andy and I love our bikes! We ride around our neighborhood and take them to parks in the area. We also like running errands together on them.

26. Music- I have no vocal or instrumental talent, so I really appreciate that those who do share their gift. Music can completely transform my mood and I am always singing along to the radio or some mp3s in the car.

27. Great TV Shows and Movies- Because life would be so much less fun without Nurse Jackie, Dexter, The Office, or any of the great movies we are able to watch.

28. Weekends- I love having two days each week when Andy and I can connect and have fun.

29. Understanding/Forgiveness/Compassion- Because I am not perfect (that's a big understatement!), I'm so glad others still accept me regardless.

30. My Teachers Throughout the Years- I've had so many terrific ones. A big 'thank you' to all of them for passing on their knowledge.

And a Bonus:
31. Holidays- I'm like a big kid at holiday time. I love them all. I'm glad that we have so many throughout the year to bring a little extra excitement to life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Be Thankful photo found here.

Carolina Weekend

This weekend we got to spend some time out east! Andrew needed to go to North Carolina for a short work trip so we decided to make it a mini-vaca and I would go out there to meet him for the weekend. He flew out on Wednesday morning and I left Thursday afternoon. What an amazing weekend! The weather was perfect and the views were awesome. We are suckers for the fall. There's something so cozy about the cooler temperatures, bringing out warm clothes and blankets, and my very favorite part is the way leaves turn their red/green/orange colors.

We ate some awesome food out there. Andy and I have never been fried chicken eaters, but decided to try Bojangles' for the first time. I know, we lived in North Carolina for over a year and never ate there which is like a Californian who has never eaten at an In-N-Out Burger (and I'm ashamed to admit I have never eaten there, either!). So all I have to say for myself now is that I have a lot of years of fried chicken eating to make up for. It was pretty great. We also ate some amazing barbecue that must be mentioned (you can't be in NC and not eat barbecue, at least, that's my excuse). Thank you, Eric, for the recommendation!

We spent our time checking out the Lake Hartwell (Anderson/Clemson, South Carolina) and Lake Norman areas. We loved the towns of Mooresville, Cornelius, and Huntersville. And this pumpkin decoration in the yard of an area home was so adorable:

And we really loved Lake Norman. I'm pretty sure that Heaven for Andrew would be a house and boat (with skis and a spotter) on the lake. That sounds pretty good to me, too.

Andy was also happy to get to see the U.S. National Whitewater Center which offers rafting, rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking... all Andrew-esque activities.

Andrew even found a new pair of pajamas at Target (he didn't really get them but I think it must be said that adult footie pajamas are awesome).

We were sad when it was time to leave but we were so glad to get home to see Hazel. Andy picked her up at Petsmart this morning (we arrived back in San Jose late last night when they were closed). Like any proud mother, I have to show off her report card: