Celebrating with Friends

December 30th marked 35 years of marriage.  And we're still smiling.

Has it always been easy?  Um, no.  

I would venture to say we're now at that dreaded epic milestone that we can start giving marital advice.  So for those of you still struggling in the early stages of marriage, listen up.

#1.  Love God.  That's it.  Love God.  I could probably stop here, as that pretty much sums up the entirety of life...marriage being just one small fraction.

#2.  Be committed.  And I don't mean to an asylum.  Although at times, you'll feel you need the break.

#3.  Find (and be) good friends.

Here are ours.

And though you may think it odd that we choose to celebrate our anniversaries with each other, rather than a romantic evening alone, we think it makes perfect sense.

A Christmas to Remember

And I quote, "Mom, this will go down in the books as one of the best Christmases ever!"

We've talked for years about a destination Christmas.  Well this year--albeit last minute--we (sort of) planned a ski trip to New Mexico.  And by that I mean I planned a ski trip to New Mexico.  So not only do I accept the blame for poorly planned routes, I also claim the credit for a wonderful Christmas vacation.

Despite long hours in the car (my grandkids are the best travelers in the universe) and a few treacherous roadways, we had a very memorable holiday in the Sacramento Mountains.

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And since we've no place to go...

Let it snow,

let it snow,

let it snow.

33" base.  Ruidoso has already gotten over 67" so far this year!!!

Thanks goodness for Nintendo DS.

Jeff & Heather snowboarded.

 The rest of us preferred skis.

I didn't even miss the turkey and dressing OR the pumpkin pie!

This is Lauren's expression from the minute she gets up in the morning until she hits the sack.  Unless you interrupt her in mid-song.  Then she gives you the evil-eye.

Here are a few things we learned:

1.  Tire chains or 4-wheel drive is a must.

2.  Heavy duty trash bags will NOT hold up at a speed of 75 mph.  Bite the bullet and purchase or rent an enclosed carrier for the luggage rack.

3.  There are no towns/restrooms between Odessa, TX and Ruidoso NM.  (At least none worthy of a rest stop.)

4.  Phone signals are few and far between in New Mexico.

5.  Kids need ALL-DAY ski school.  Not just 90 minutes.

6.  As much as you may love coffee, the third cup is not worth the ordeal of removing layers of ski clothes in a tiny bathroom stall.

7.  Santa CAN find you in Ruidoso and doesn't need a chimney to enter the cabin. I know. Freaky.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Blevins!!!!!

Fleece Sheets

FLEECE SHEETS!  That's #2.  (Important facts I learned last weekend.)  #1 - Fuel Gauge Arrow  #2 - Fleece Sheets.  Who knew?  I'll be checking out white sales after the New Year!

Pre-Holiday Getaway

I spent the weekend with some pretty terrific gals in Branson.  The best way to begin a hectic holiday season is definitely a few days of relaxation.  In a condo on the lake.

With shopping and restaurants nearby.

There's a lot more to these ladies than meets the eye.  I learned two very important pieces of information over the weekend (besides the fact that you should always pack Christmas colors).  #1.  Did you know that all fuel gauges have a red arrow that points to the side of the vehicle with the gas tank?  ME NEITHER!  Great little tidbit if you drive lots of rental cars.  #2.  I cannot for the life of me remember #2.  But at least I'm not stressing over it.

There was cooking, crocheting, movie-watching, shopping, eating, "quick scrabble" playing, jacuzzi soaking, and lots and lots of talking.  We also managed to sleep a little.

Sunday morning we were greeted with God's beautiful display of frost.

Wonderful Weekend!  Thanks Terri!!!!!