Christmas Lights

This past Sunday we went our with good friends Daryl and Rachel. We decided to get in the holiday mode, so our adventure began going to Sharpsville to see the lights set to music at a home there in town.. We then headed to We Care park where we got out and walked in the freezing cold and muddy walkways. Our last stop was at the Christmas tree house were there are more than 140 Christmas trees set up throughout a local residence home. I love this time of year, getting to see all the lights and decorations, and getting to enjoy it all with the special people in your life!

The boys found their favorite lights

The upside down Colts tree

We just thought this was funny!!

Welcome Alexandraa Joy

Last Monday the 7th Jared's oldest sister has her baby girl, Alexandra Joy. As you see she has a full head of black hair and was a very good baby while we were visiting. Jared was already in Indy that day, so mid afternoon Kim and I took off south to meet our guys so that we could meet the new bundle of joy! Miss Lauryn didn't get to come and visit her new baby sister, but I hear that she loves Alex! We thank Jesus for baby Alex being healthy and keeping Crystal safe through her delivery. We can't wait to get to see them again at Christmas!

Holiday Season

This year for some reason I have been overly excited for the holidays. My family and friends know how much I love decorating my house for the fall but especially for Christmas and I can't wait this year. I have had the itch to start getting stuff out since this past weekend, but i know that I can't and I am resisting to do so. I will have to admit, I have started listening to some Christmas music though :) I love starting new traditions as a new family and making homemade goodies for family and friends.

So, with the holidays on your mind, and since they have quickly approached I was wondering what some of your favorite Thanksgiving/Christmas traditions, recipes, gifts, or anything that comes to mind that you love about this holiday season!

Oh Mr. Mouse....

This past weekend I walked into the kitchen to find my husband on the floor looking under the cabinets. I proceeded to ask him what he was doing and he said I heard something and then I swear I saw something run under the cabinet. Well I didn't want to believe him, until Monday morning when I was getting ready I heard something scratching in the kitchen. I then knew there was a problem. Well last night I came home from work to find everything that was under our kitchen sink out in the middle of the floor, Jared says he heard the mouse under there, so I guess taking everything out and leaving it out would make the mouse come out or something, haven't figured that out yet but anyways:) So I looked in the pantry and there was evidence that something was having a feast off of our food. So I started cleaning out the pantry, and getting really mad about everything that I was throwing out because of this stupid rodent, and then I got to the back corner and I told Jared he had to get back there. So as soon as he did he took the flash light and there he was Mr. Mouse. Let's just say he messed with the wrong family, and any of his friends that might be in the house, there are PLENTY of traps that take care of them! I hate mice and they just gross me out so hopefully we won't have this problem anymore!

On a positive note cleaning out the pantry wasn't on the to-do list last night, but it looks so much better and it is sanitized and all!

Colors of Fall

Fall has arrived at the Otto's. This fall I think all the colors of the trees are so vibrant! The bright yellows, oranges and reds, they are just amazing! These colors are the reason we had a fall wedding. Not only do I love the colors of fall, but pumpkins and mums complete this amazing season. Even though this fall has been freezing cold and rainy when we have beautiful days like this weekend, and hopefully all week, we can take the time to be thankful for what God has created and how beautiful it all is.

Senior Night

Senior night at OHHS! Friday night was the Eagles last regular game of the season so the Seniors were recognized before the game. I can't believe my little brother is a Senior! It is an exciting time for him but time seems to be flying by so fast! Not only was Friday night football a special night because of Senior night, but Nick also broke the record for most sacks is your high school career. He was so excited and it was an AWESOME sac!!! I'm so proud of him for his hard work these past 4 years!



The Record Breaking Sack!

Next week is Sectionals...Good Luck Eagles!!

Friday night was also a special day for Jared and I. Just one year ago we got engaged! Jared and I revisited Campbell's Pumpkin Patch in Wabash where our journey began.

Terrific Ten!!

I have been so blessed to be surrounded by some really great friends throughout my life! When Jared and I met I was pretty nervous about meeting his friends and making new friendships, but I couldn't ask for a better group of friends! It all started one New Years Eve night and the rest has been history since then. There are 10 of us; The Alexander's, Ingle's, Otto's, Maple/Lantz, Honeas/Dykes, that have some really good times that past year or so and every time we get together it is just a lot of fun and in May our group is growing to 11! YEA for baby Alexander!!!

This past weekend we had a group date night and went to the benefit dinner for the Harney family and then went to watch Couples Retreat. If you want a good laugh this movie was good, starts out a little slow, but in the end pretty funny. I think it is time to start planning our 'couples retreat'!! We missed Mr. Maple for dinner and movie time, but he got to meet up with us at Hacienda afterwards. This was a fun Saturday and can't wait for our next adventure together!

Thank you Miss Lantz for naming our 'group' :)

Announcing Mr. & Mrs. Jared Otto

So I can't believe that the wedding was here and gone. 11 months of planning and it is all over, but I wouldn't trade that day for anything. It was an AMAZING day!!! Jared and I had so much fun, so many different emotions that we experienced, but again all worth it!! Jared and I were asked not to come to the reception site so that it would be a suprise to us both, and our families and friends did an amazing job!!! You would of never known we were in a gym, it was absolutely beautiful!! Thank you everyone that helped make our day so special and memorable, we love you all!! Jared and I headed to Colorado after the wedding and it was so pretty out there. It was colder than expected and we got some snow (everyday) that wasn't expected but we made the best of the situation and had a great time! I haven't gotten any pictures back yet, but here is a picture that Jami (our photographer) took and shared with me early and it brought a tear to my eyes when I saw it, can't wait to get the rest back!!

4 Days and Couting....

I can't believe that it is only 4 days until the big day! Where the time has gone.?.? But when I stop and think about it I can't wait to be married to the guy of my dreams and have a big party in celebrating that milestone in our lives!!

Things are coming together. Last night mom and I went and picked up the rest of the mums for decorations, got all the programs cut and visited with Lori about bows and make-up. It was a very productive evening!! Aunt Marcia is here from Georgia to help and today she is starting to put our programs together, THANK YOU!!!! Got all the flowers from Kim the other day so that is a HUGE check mark and they are beautiful!!

Here is a sneak peak of one of our flower girls that is excited about the wedding and her dress, Miss Lauryn, Jared's neice.

Wedding Week

I can't believe that this is the week of our wedding! This is a time that I have dreamed about and imagined since I was a little girl, and it is here happening this weekend. I couldn't ask for a better future husband. I have prayed for him since I was old enough to know that God would find me the right match and he has!! Jared and I were driving home last night and I made the comment that the leaves and crops are turning which means it's fall time which means its wedding time :)

This week is a crazy filled week of wedding festivities. Lots to do with little time. I am SO thankful for family and friends having time off and being here to help out as much as possible!


I'm new to blogging and I'm kinda excited about it!!