Christmas With Brandon

This Christmas was wonderful! I was FINALLY able to spend Christmas with Brandon, and let me just tell you, it was amazing.

Brandon and I decided that we were going to have OUR Christmas on the 23rd. We figured that way we could have our own time to exchange presents, without our families all around. It was so nice (I think that we might do that every year). Well, I gave him a quilt that I made (with help from my mom). I had been planning on making him one for almost 3 years now, and I finally made it. It's black and white, with pictures of he and I on it. I also got him a new pair of jeans, slippers, and TONS of stocking stuffers. Brandon gave me a digital camera, a pink fleece tie blanket (that he and Jared made for me), and also plenty of stocking stuffers. We spent that evening with Jared and Hayley, so it was a nice relaxing night for us.

On Christmas Eve, Brandon and I spent the day at the house, then that night went over to Brandon's parents house. We had dinner with them and then walked around Old Town and looked at the lights. It was so pretty, I almost wish that Brandon and I had gone and done that on our own, sooner. After looking at the lights, we went back to his parents house to open up some gifts. Brandon got kitchen supplies from his sister Ashley. That was pretty cool. And, I am more than likely going to end up using them more than he is, cuz let's be honest, Brandon doesn't cook. lol. I went home to my mom's that night, and was greeted very nicely by my brother. I think he was really happy that I was home, and not leaving him alone with mom anymore. lol.

Christmas Day, Nathan and I woke up around 8:30 and opened up presents with my mom and Nana. I got some new dishes, pj's, and lots of other stuff. I don't even know what Nathan got. hahaha. We then had our traditional Christmas morning breakfast, breakfast burritos. Mmmm... they were so good! The 4 of us played dominoes, and then Brandon got there. Brandon opened up his present from mom, and he got matching pj's to me, and then we opened up our presents from Nana. We got a 72 piece tool kit, 2 LED flashlights, and an extension cord (all great stuff for our house). Then, it was off to dad's. Brandon and I got gift cards to places for our house, and I got some CUTE pink pj's. (My dad knows that I LOVE pink, so he always gets me something pink.) We played pinball with my dad for about 45 mins, and then it was back to mom's. When we got back to mom's, she had a few "family" presents for us to open. We got a Wii! And Wii fit! We had a wonderful family dinner, and then played Apples to Apples.

All in all, it was probably one of the greatest Christmas' I've ever had. It was seriously wonderful to get to spend it all with Brandon. And, I look forward to getting to wake up with him Christmas morning, instead of with Nathan. lol.

Christmas Shopping

So, I forgot how much fun Christmas shopping could be. I mean, everyone always talks about how stressful it is to go Christmas shopping, and how no one looks forward to it. But, that was not me this year. This year I was so excited to go Christmas shopping for Brandon and everyone else in my family.
Last Wednesday, I started my Christmas shopping at Kohl's and found Nathan's gift and the last half of Brandon's gifts. Let me just tell you, pretty much AMAZING bargains. Then today, I went to Wal-Mart and got even more bargains. I finished up shopping for my dad and Nathan, and was able to get the gifts for all of the parents. Jo-Ann Fabrics wasn't really shopping for Christmas gifts, but I found some more BARGAINS there, 70% off of all of their Christmas stuff. I got some ADORABLE stockings and ornaments. Also I got our invitations today (obviously not a Christmas gift... but very exciting)! We ended at the Dollar Tree, to get stocking stuffers. I pretty much HOOKED BRANDON UP! I'm not kidding either. The guy who was checking me out at the register (cashier guy) told me that he wished he was my boyfriend (let me tell you, it was an awkward moment) and he said that my boyfriend was a lucky guy, that I HOOKED HIM UP! lol. (It was very awkward cuz I'm just standing there looking at him, and he has this creepy look on his face like, OMG I've never had a girl this pretty at my check stand!)
So, basically, I LOVED Christmas shopping this year. Maybe it's because I found AMAZING deals, and nothing I got was "ghetto". But either way, it was fun!
I wish everyone a VERY merry Christmas! I hope that you enjoy your time with your friends and family!

Letter to the Big Guy

Dear Santa,

First, I would like to start out by apologizing for being the naughty person I have been this year. I haven't been bad, per say, but I don't know that I have always been the nicest of people.

I know that I can try harder, but, I still feel like I am deserving of some presents, rather than just a lump of coal.

I was granted I guess an amazing gift, and the happiness that it has brought me should last me the whole year, but there are still a few more things that I could use. If you decide that I have been nice enough to make it on that list, could you please help me out with these things?

Just think of all the fun I've missed, think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed. Next year I could be just as good, if you'll check off my Christmas list. I really do believe in you, let's see if you believe in me. So, hurry down the chimney tonight!

Before I give you this list, might I give you a few helpful hints or suggestions for yourself? 1. Eat less cookies this year. They're loaded with tons of sugar and that can't be good for your figure. So, eat less cookies (unless they're from like the 100 calorie pack, because one of those from each house is ok). 2. Give Mrs. Claus a little bit more credit. I'm sure that she does plenty of work around the shop, and I know that you wouldn't be the man you are today, without her, so give her a little more credit. On the 26th, treat her to a spa day or something. 3. During the off season, maybe you could call up Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers or something, you really should be taking better care of yourself, we want you to be around for a long long time.

-Money (cash works, as do checks and all major credit cards)
-a new laptop (I'm not picky as to which kind, just something that will help me to make more annoying posts on my blog)
-a digital camera (preferably a Canon or a Kodak, but anything would do... I hear that Target is having some great deals right now)
-candles (I love things that smell good, and that make things feel more homey)
-a hair straightener (maybe Mrs. Claus could help you out with this one, I think she has more luck in this department)
-pots and pans (I want to be able to cook better for Brandon, I don't want him to end up like you... no offense)
-slippers... fuzzy ones with rubber on the bottom
-footy pajamas (come on Santa, these have been on my list for like 5 years now)
-pretty much any DVD will do
-board games (you know me, I love to play games)
-kitchen utensils... wire whisk, ladle, wooden spoons.... the whole shebang
-new shirts (another thing Mrs. Claus might be able to help you out on)
-crock pot
-a '54 convertible too, light blue... and I'll wait up for you
-I want a yacht... and really that's not a lot, I've been an angel all year
-there's something I really do need, the deed... to a platinum mine
-fill my stocking with a duplex, and checks... sign your X on the line
-decorations bought at Tiffany's

Thank you, and Merry Christmas!
Yours Truly,
Terri

My how the times have changed

I was reading some of my old blog posts, from last year. From last December until April of this year. It was crazy to read and see the difference that a year has brought. And, I'm truly grateful of all of the changes that this year has brought me.

I was reading my 2009 resolutions, and realized that I think I might have reached half of my goals. And, honestly, I'm ok with that. Because, the half that I completed were the important ones to me. Who cares if I didn't lose the 20 lbs. that I had hoped for (Brandon keeps telling me that there's nowhere to lose it from). I didn't buy myself a new car, but Brandon and I are in the process of buying his. I am just proud of myself for the things that I did accomplish.

I love my life, and I'm happy for the things that will be coming in the near future of my life. The times are changing. But, they're changing for the BETTER.

The House

These pictures are from a good friend of mine and Brandon, Alden Domingo. We love him to death, and we were very glad that he got to come over and see the house. Especially because now it means that you all get to see pictures of the house!

This is the Front Room

Basically, when you walk in the front door, you see this.

Then you step to your right and up a little step and this is the living room.

To your right when you walk into the living room. The nice comfy leather couches.

And basically, right when you walk into the living room, you see our beautiful, wonderful fireplace. This is me in front of the fire that I built in our fireplace.

Here's Brandon with his bag of popcorn, ready for the movie, staying warm by the fire.

Hayley, Jared, Brandon and my stockings.

A far away view of the fireplace.

Here is the entertainment center. Hayley, Jared, Brandon and I have started filling it with pictures of us. It's pretty fun.

Ok, so then you go across the hall, and you're in the kitchen. Here's Brandon and Richard in the kitchen. While cooking, there is only room for one person in the kitchen (especially when I'm cooking, I don't like people in my way).

Me and Alden in the kitchen.

The antique stove. It actually works pretty well. I've cooked a few meals on it already.

One of the MANY cupboards with all my dishes in it.

Above the refrigerator. We're using that for storage, until I get all of the drawers and cupboards cleaned out. And, I got BRAND NEW pans and Pyrex... SOOO excited!

Here is the full view of the kitchen. As of now, it is EVEN CLEANER, because I LOVE things clean, as does Brandon. And, I spent the day yesterday cleaning while Brandon was at work. On the other side of the door on the right (you can kind of see the door) is the laundry room. It's not done yet, that's why there are no pics.

Here's a picture of the bathroom. It's not done yet, but we figured we needed to show a picture of it.

Here's me standing in the bathroom. See how tiny it is... only one person fits at a time, unless you're standing next to each other.

We also don't have any pictures of the bedroom yet, because I didn't want people to see that until it was cleaned. I mean, there are 2 boys living there, I'm sure you can imagine how messy the bedroom is. But, it is to the right of the bathroom.

So, here's a mini virtual tour of the house. When Brandon and I are both living there, you'll have to come for a real tour.

LOVED THIS!

I saw this the other night, and I absolutely LOVED it. Glee has become my new favorite show. Unfortunately it won't be back till January. Enjoy this music video from it though!

OUR new family

Brandon and I had a FABULOUS weekend this weekend with our new family. (Or at least that's what the 4 of us are calling it.)

Brandon just recently moved out of his parents house and moved into the house that we will be living in when we're married. He's living with his best friend, Jared. The house is well, a fixer upper, but it honestly isn't that bad. The outside of the house is a little scary looking, the paint is chipping off of places and the lawn is less than pretty, but it's been fun getting to work on it with Hayley and the boys. The inside of the house is another story. The inside looks AMAZING! The floors are pretty much all laminate wood floors, it is fully furnished, has a beautiful wood burning fireplace, and it truly is becoming a home (not just a house).

Well, since the boys are living together (and doing pretty much everything together), it gives Jared and Hayley and myself and Brandon PLENTY of time to spend together. We LOVE having movie nights with them, going to musicals, and seriously just doing whatever. Brandon and I love having our alone time (I mean, what couple doesn't?). But, we seriously love spending time with our friends too. On Sunday night, Brandon and I invited a ton of our friends over for a movie night. Since it was a Sunday and a bit of a drive, only Alden and Richard came out. But, we loved having them over.

WE love spending time with other people, who like spending time with us. Obviously I'm not with Brandon 24/7, but we do love to spend time together, too. He has his own life, and he does have his own friends, as do I. We just love mixing those things together. Which brings me to family situations. It's no secret (to anyone who reads my blog) that Brandon's family doesn't like me. For holidays, when you are a couple, you have to figure holidays out. I mean, you can't spend the entire holiday with one family, but at the same time, the COUPLE should be invited to both family's holiday get togethers. Whether you are dating, engaged, or married, the holidays are time to spend with the people or person that you love. And ultimately, the couple decides where they are going. If one member of the couple has been uninvited to a holiday activity, why would the other member of that couple want to go? Exactly, doesn't make sense... does it?

This brings me to I guess my conclusion of this post. Brandon and I are in the process of becoming our own family. And, in our family, we do not exclude anyone who wishes to be included, whether they are blood or not.

Flu

So, I thought I was immune to the flu. Or, at least I thought that since I get migraines, I wouldn't get a horrible flu, too. I mean, I can handle a little cold here and there, but the flu... I don't think so.

Tuesday night, I fell victim to THE FLU! Yep, that's right... the flu! It was horrible. I haven't had a flu like that one in a good 8 or 9 years. I had a 102.5 fever and was vomitting and achy all over. I slept ALL DAY yesterday. I seriously just wanted to curl up and die.

Brandon was wonderful throughout it, though. He was text messaging me and making sure I was still alive, all day. He felt so bad that I was as sick as I was. He kept offering to bring me gatorade, popsicles, and medicine. But, I didn't want him getting anywhere near me, with as sick as I was feeling.

I'm finally feeling a little bit better. But, that flu was not one that I would wish upon anyone. When it was hot in my room, I was cold. When it was cold in my room, I was hot. My body temperature could not get normal.

if you like it than you shoulda put a ring on it

So, I was listening to the radio today, and once I FINALLY thought that this song was out of my head, it comes on the radio, and now it's stuck in my head again!

This song is really funny to me. It reminds me of one of my good friends, Brian Stanfill. Before Brandon proposed, Brian used to go around saying to Brandon, "If you like it than you should put a ring on it." And then, after Brandon proposed, quite a few of my friends went around saying, "He liked it so he put a ring on it."

I feel bad for anyone who has to deal with the dumb guy that doesn't realize what he has. I mean, don't get jealous because "your girl" is over there dancing or talking to another guy. If you like it, than you shoulda put a ring on it.

Merry Christmas!

So, I did this last year, and I found it was much easier to do it this way rather than sending out individual Christmas cards. Cuz, let's face it, I'm poor, saving up for a wedding, and it's just as easy to write a Christmas card on here, than anywhere else.

Dear Family and Friends,

As we come to the end of yet another year, I am filled with gratitude for all of the love and support that you have given me over the many years of my life. I have moved back home to California, and although I miss the cold, snowy weather, I love it. I am surrounded by family, friends, and of course, Brandon is here.

In the past year, Brandon and I have had our own little roller coaster ride. From a wonderful, amazing Christmas phone call, to e-mails from home telling him to break up with me, to him actually breaking up with me when he got home, to us getting engaged in September, and finally to us planning our wedding and eternity together. For those of you who don't know, Brandon served a 2-year mission in the Mexico Hermosillo Mission, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a wonderful mission and has great stories to tell about it.

Now, to the engagement part. We got engaged on September 10th and are getting married March 27th, 2010. Brandon completely and totally surprised me with the proposal. We both have known for the past 2 1/2 years, that we were going to get married, but after this summer, I didn't think that we would be getting married for at least another 2 years. Like I said, we were on a bit of a roller coaster. But then, at the end of August, we started talking a little bit more serious about the idea of marriage. We started talking about getting engaged in December, and then married in April. It sounded like a great idea (so I thought). But, Brandon had other plans. Brandon asked my dad for his blessing, for us to get married, on Labor Day, and my dad said yes! Apparently, Brandon had already bought my ring (I had no idea). (And, there are very few things that Brandon does without telling me, or without me somehow knowing.) Brandon asked me 3 days later. We will be living in a house in Lake Elsinore, when we get married. It is a little house, but it is nice and cozy, and perfect for the 2 of us.

I am attending Mt. San Antonio College, again. It's... fun. I feel like I have absolutely no time for anything, but it's kind of exciting to go back to school and people look at you like you're the smart kid. (I think I'll just let them think that :) ) Work has been a blast! I have been working full-time at a school portraits company. I was the office manager's assistant. I'm not really sure if that's the technical name of what I did, but basically I did EVERYTHING around the office. I answered phones, worked computers, sent out the order forms to the schools, printed the pictures, packaged the pictures, and sent them out. It was fun to get to kind of be in charge of things, and get to show how great of a worker I am. I was given MANY responsibilities, especially this last week, when I stepped in as the Production Manager.

Brandon is attending Mt. San Jacinto College, in Menifee. He likes it there. He is working to transfer to either BYU-Idaho or BYU-Provo in either the summer or fall of next year. He works as a manager for the carpet cleaning company: Pure Organic. He likes his work schedule, because it gives him time off for school, and it also gives him Sunday's off. Brandon just moved into the house we will be living in, in Lake Elsinore. He loves being on his own, and he is excited to get to fix up the house before I move in.

We have received some sad news, within the past few months, in my family. At the end of September, we found out that my Nana has breast cancer. Within a few weeks, we also found out that my aunt Jennifer has breast cancer, as well. My Nana went through a lumpectomy and found out that the cancer spread into her lymph nodes. She will undergo radiation treatment, and we are praying that everything goes well. My aunt Jen will also undergo a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. We are trying to keep positive thoughts, and keep them in our prayers.

I am grateful for my family and friends. I know that God has blessed me so much this year, and I don't know where I would be without His love. I hope that you and your family will remember what this holiday season is really about. Jesus is the reason for the season. I love you, and hope that you have a Merry Christmas!

Love,
Terri and Brandon