Meet The Spies...

...pronounced "Speez". Being a military family themselves, they are one of our closest friends here in Oceanside, CA. As a matter of fact, we wouldn't be living in the house we are now if it weren't for Dawn's resourcefulness. And that's only one of the many things she and Dan have helped us with as we transition into our new life in California. Their son Isaiah is a total hoot and Zoe has developed a liking to him. Almost a little too much than he'd prefer.

So one rainy Sat. morning, over Thanksgiving weekend, Hubs and I managed to take a long hike (half a block to be exact) to their house and take family portraits of them. I had such big visions of an outdoor session, but b/c of the rain and my 30 min. time limit, we decided the fireplace would be the best backdrop. Here's a tidbit of what I caught.

Thanksgiving

This was my first time cooking Thanksgiving dinner. After 33 years of hating to cook, I was finally able to reach deep into my culinary instincts and whip up a meal that could've fed 10 people. Too bad my dinner was only for 4 people. haha Now it looks like the hubs and I will be celebrating Thanksgiving up until Christmas. So much for going on a diet after Thanksgiving.
So here's what was on the menu:
12lb Turkey, Baked Ziti, extra Stuffing, String Beans with Shallot, Corn on the Cob, Zucchini with Parmesan, Mashed Potatoes, Mac N Cheese (this is different from the one I used to cook), Salad, and Dinner Rolls. Gotta love the candle holders from Home Goods!!

Hubs insisted that I photograph him cutting the Turkey. This was also a first for him and ridiculous Hubs spent half an hour researching online on how to cut a Turkey. I said, 'what could be so hard about cutting a Turkey? Just take the knife and slice!' haha You did good Hubs!!

I figured I might as well show you my finally finished Living Room. But actually, I did change the floor lamp shade to something else and then plan on spray painting the base white. So..hmm...maybe I should've waited till I did all that. Especially since I have yet to fill all the empty frames. Gotta take more photos I guess!!


I am so proud of my bargain hunting skills!! I found the two side chairs on craigslist for only $275...FOR BOTH! What a steal!!

Zoe - a growing pup

My newest obsession to photograph is none other than our puppy, Zoe. She's the cutest and funniest looking dog both at the same time. Her ears are so big, sometimes when the wind blows really hard, she looks like she's going to flap away. But she has been nothing but a bundle of joy for us. I'm so glad we have her. Especially since she's the only one who doesn't mind constantly being photographed. Actually...I take that back...she does mind sometimes. haha

Diane + Danny

Before I left NJ to live with my husband down in Mississippi, I had this lovely couple allow me to test my photography skills on them. They are such happy people, and they are very good at being naturally and beautifully happy with each other. Thanks guys for being the "model couple"!!

Welcome Zoe!!

This past weekend we were blessed with a new addition to our family. No I didn't have a baby. We got a new yellow lab puppy!! This is Zoe and she is 3 months old. She has been quite a handful so far, but nonetheless has been somewhat easy to train. After about 4 days, she is 99% housetrained and we didn't even have to use weeweepads or newspaper. Just ALOT of carpet cleaner. hahaha Her ears are humungus so I'm really hoping her body will grow into it and that her ears won't develop any further. Like most women though, she is definitely strong-willed and extremely stubborn. But her face is so cute, you can't help but smile - even if she did just poop on the carpet. But she still isn't Bailey. :( Weird though, she keeps trying to drink out of the toilet. What is it with dogs and toilet water??