On the road again....for 2013

Ah! We are so excited! For Christmas my folks got us a trip to Catalina Island for our 11 year anniversary! We are so excited to plan our trip, and to make another check off our bucket list. Were gonna go sometime in February. Sure it may be a little chilly, but at least the weather should be relatively clear! The closer to summertime we get, the more opportunity for marine layer....no bueno! So....that being said we know that we are going to tour, eat and photograph the beautiful island, but what we want to know is what people who have been there recommend to do. Zip lining seems to be a favorite item on the to-do list, but snorkeling may be out of the question due to the cold water in February. Kayaking is something that interests us as well. Any and all advice for this little island off our coast is welcomed! 

Also on the to-do list is our make-up trip to see my step-mom. We were supposed to go to Boston in October, but my ectopic pregnancy prevented it. So, there were thoughts tossed around to go to Nashville, the Florida Keys, The Grand Canyon....lots of places. I don't want to go to New England in the spring, cause the best time to go is in the fall. Unfortunately we have to use our tickets by August, so the plan is to get together in March for spring break. Location, still TBD. Thoughts and ideas help this indecisive planner always! Where are some places that you have been that you loved and would go back to?

25 Days of Xmas Photo Challenge Complete

Here it is. The completion of my 25 Days of Christmas photo challenge. If you want to know what the categories were click here. I have to say that It was really fun doing this Christmas inspired photo challenge. It got me to really appreciate the people I have around me and appreciate the things that are traditions too. This time of year can be stressful for most, but I made the best of it. Shopping wasn't bad, and I only made one purchase online. Even though I went out on the busiest weekend of the year, I made sure to keep my people anxiety in check and just enjoyed the company of the people I was shopping with. Some of our traditions fell to the wayside; we didn't paint a ceramic piece, but I think all the crocheting I did made up for that. I also didn't bake any cookies since my Kitchenaid mixer is in need of service, however we did make Scotcheroos.

Our holiday was spent with our wonderful families, telling stories and sharing memories. It was the perfect holiday season! New Years is going to be very low key for us. Just D and I and little miss Shelbydoo. It's not because of a lack of invitations, just because we need time for ourselves and just we time! Every couple needs that every now and then! What are your NYE plans?

Merry Christmas from the Kimball's

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas! Today is the last day of my photo challenge. Day 24 was Christmas Eve and I took a good photo with my love at our Christmas Eve party at D's parents house.

Today, day 25, the theme was unwrapped. I took a photo of our dog who successfully unwrapped her toy in 3.5 seconds. I got a new Coach purse and some vintage tees from Victoria's Secret to add to my collection. I have almost an entire rainbow of v-neck comfy soft tees! I am in love with those shirts.

I got D a new compact video camera and a video game for his play station. He keeps telling me how he wants a new video camera for when we do have kids, so I thought a little pocket camera would be perfect!

I hope Santa was good to all of you and you all had a wonderful holiday with your families!

Update: After visiting my in-laws and opening gifts with them, D got a great leather jacket and I got some great comfy clothes as well....I love scarfs and boots, and pjs! We surprised my folks at my Grandma's house in Simi. My mom made me a beautiful bag, and crocheted me a cowl scarf and a head band. She also made us a wonderful Christmas scrapbook and inside it was a trip to Catalina Island for our 11 year anniversary from my folks!!! The bucket list looks like its going to have some checks next year already!! Thanks to everyone for making our Christmas so special! We love you all!

Day Twenty Two/Twenty Three - Cookies/Sparkle

Day 22 was cookies. Knowing that the hubby was going to make his family Scotcheroos to take to work I decided to wait until they were made to take the photo. Not technically cookies, but still a holiday treat that we don't go a year without making!

Day 23 (today) is sparkle. Now we had glitter and lights already over the course of this photo challenge, but I thought I would take inspiration from the Bokeh trend and take a whirl at my own shot. Taking the "sparkle" of our Christmas tree and making it unique, in a way. Figuring out how to do it on our DSLR was interesting, but I finally got a couple of cool shots! Whoop!

Holiday's with my work family

Yesterday was our final day of the 12 days of Christmas at the office. Our office manager brought in stockings for us all and there were lots of goodies in them. Tons of chocolate (including a chocolate orange) some little toys and a giant bar of peppermint soap. It smelled so good and I can't wait to use it. We also had a craft to accomplish. She bought mini 3x3" canvases and we had to create our own artwork. The joke is that next year she is going to give us a theme. My boss' son participated also. We had a desert Christmas scene, Jerusalem, a reindeer, a fireplace scene and I did an abstract version of a bokeh photograph. Essentially it's the look of Christmas lights that are out of focus. It was really fun.

The best news though was that D's gift came. In the final hour I was starting to panic that it wasn't going to arrive on time! Whew! I dodged a bullet. I came home and wrapped it immediately and included it under the tree. I am glad to know that all my shopping is done and wrapped. Now all I have to do us relax and wait for the festivities! Yay! I hope you all are ready for the season, and if you have to shop still, I hope that the crowds are kind to you! Have a wonderful weekend!

Day Twenty One - Bells

Day 21 was bells. If you have ever read The Polar Express you know what the role sleigh bells play in the spirit of Christmas. This little guy is a door hanger and gladly chimes every time we open our front door!

Day Eighteen/Twenty - Giving/Memories and some hot chocolate and a bird house!

Ok, ok.....I know I missed day 19......but let me explain. It was Reindeer and the only reindeer I have in my vicinity I used on day two. So I didn't want to reuse the same photo, so I opted out.

Day eighteen is giving. The best part of this holiday is giving to family, friends, and people in need. Whether it be a skill, an ear to listen, a shoulder, your time, or a monetary gift. Remember that the idea of the holiday is to be there for your family and friends always, but especially this time of year. My photo is a picture of all our gifts wrapped, included in those are monetary gifts and ones that are handmade by me! I am excited to see the receivers expression when they open our gifts Christmas morning!

Day twenty is memories. The top photo is of us, with my mom in our flannel pj's on Christmas Eve 2010. We were being silly and D was getting used to his new flash (that's why its kinda bright!) The bottom photo is D's sibling with their significant others on Christmas Eve 2009 (his sister has since married her beau!) It's really hard to get full family shots every year, but I wanted to include memories of past Christmas'.

Yesterday, for our office 12 Days of Christmas we got super cute coffee mugs with some hot cocoa attached. With the weather being abnormally chilly for SoCal...it was a perfect gift!

We also painted holiday bird houses! The office and the daughter of one of the managers sat down and painted, glittered and ate cookies together. It's kinda fun to see each others creations at the end! Mine was shaped like an ornament, and while I was painting I thought it looked Charlie Brown esq' but perhaps the birds will enjoy it. Tomorrow I will bring it home and tie it up on our balcony and see if our feathered friends enjoy it!

Hilarity Ensues at TWG

Every year at our office we do fun Christmas crafts and contests to keep the spirit alive. On Friday we all decorated foam snowmen, and its funny to see how different each one turned out with the supplies that we were given. We sit, listen to music, and converse while we get glitter all over ourselves.

Mine is on the left!

This year, our boss gave us the Ugly Christmas Sweater task. I really did not want to buy a sweater that I would never wear again, so I went to the dollar store/big lots to get stick-on bows, then 'designed' my own sweater. Safety pinning those bad boys on took some time, but I thought it was worth it. I was joined by a tape Christmas Tree with battery operated lights, cut poinsettia's, bells, and pins. I am sure we would have all had some raised eyebrows if we walked out in public like that!

Next item is to decorate holiday inspired bird houses. Stay tuned for those! I love being creative!

Day Sixteen/Seventeen - Ornaments/Wreath

Yesterday (Sunday and Day 16) was a tired day. I managed to post my photo to Instagram, but was too tired to go into blogger and make the post so you all get a twofer! If you recall at the beginning of the month I did A Peak at my Tree post. These are some of my favorite ornaments on my tree. If you click on the link above you can read all about them!

Day Seventeen (today) is Wreath. This was the first wreath that D and I ever bought, in our first apartment. It's really small and I want to upgrade it to a bigger wreath for our entry, but it works for now. Even if I put something new on the front door, this will still be placed on a door, because it makes a wonderful Christmas sound with the bells. I love it!

Day Fifteen - Warmth

I love the warmth a flame can produce, but also the symbolism it provides. May we all light a candle in memorandum for the lives lost in Connecticut yesterday and prayers to all the families that suffered in this tragedy.

Day Fourteen - Glitter

This is the roof of my foam gingerbread house that we made in the office two years ago. Still holding strong!

Day Thirteen - Festive

Every year at the office we make craft projects at our office. I put them up to make my cubicle feel a little more like Christmas. My favorite piece is the wooden Christmas tree!

Day Twelve - Vintage

Alas, in our home we don't own Christmas items that are "Vintage" but what popped into my mind immediately was the classic clay-mation Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. My favorite part is when Burl Ives (the snowman below) sings the 'Silver and Gold' song! Still love to listen to him sing to this day, and it's not Christmas without hearing a carol sung by him!

Day Eleven - Carols

As I was trying to figure out what today's photo was going to be I thought I would get a little inspiration by playing some Christmas Carols on my piano. I went through every book that my mom brought over and sadly realized that all my holiday music was still with my piano at my parents house. I flipped through my Tchaikovsky book and found "The March of the Toy Soldiers" from the Nutcracker. Now I know it's not a carol, but I figured it counted since it was a Christmas song, and you can't tell unless you played the song! Haha!

Day Ten - Joy

I always find joy in a finished project and holiday projects are no exception. No waiting until the last minute this year! These babies are wrapped and under my tree! Score!

Välkommen and God Jul

So this past weekend Linda (M.I.L) asked me to go with her to the Swedish festival at the Shrine auditorium. Always up for a craft fair and holiday carols I agreed to attend. It was really neat seeing all the wonderful handmade Christmas crafts and eat some Swedish meatballs. My mouth was watering at the thought of them, and the hour wait in line only made us want them more, add in some roasted potatoes and lingonberry sauce and we were scarfing! I also got to try some Glogg, which is a Swedish alcoholic beverage. It has port wine, Bourbon Whiskey, rum, cinnamon, cloves, oranges, raisin's and almonds. Served warm it was a really nice thing to have if your out in the cold all day. A little strong for my liking but all together really fruity.

While in the midst of the crafts and wonderful food I got a glimpse into the Lucia Pageant. Backstory on St. Lucia, "The story of Lucia tells of a terrible famine in Sweden and people were close to death from starvation when a large white ship appeared across the lake. At the helm was a maiden, dressed in gleaming white, her head encircled by a crown of radiant beams. As the vessel touched shore, great quantities of food and clothing appeared with her for the starving. When asked her name, she simply replied, "Lucia". When all were fed and cared for, the vessel disappeared as quickly as it had come. The legend of Santa Lucia dates back to the year 304 A. D. in Sicily. Lucia was born to a noble Christian family during the days of persecution of Christians. While still very young she promised to dedicate her life to serving to the poor. When betrothed she refused the man and gave all her dowry to the poor. He reported her as Christian and she was to be burned at the stake. Her body did not burn and she became radiant with light as she died. The story of this Christian martyr in Sicily is celebrated in the land of dark long nights of the North in Scandinavia. In Scandinavia, and especially Sweden, the annual celebration on December 13 is especially beautiful. A young woman in each family is selected to represent Santa Lucia. Dressed in a white robe with a crimson sash about her waist she wears a crown of lighted candles adorned with leaves. She awakens the members of the household early singing the hymn, "Santa Lucia" and serves steaming coffee, freshly baked bread and saffron buns at each bedside. The lighting of the candles on the crown of Santa Lucia is a special welcome of light during the darkest time of the year, dispelling darkness and gloom and sending good will, peace and hope to the world."  Young children came out into the crowd and onto the stage dressed in white with red sashes and singing wonderful music carrying lighted candles. Even though I couldn't understand the lyrics they were singing, it gave me such a wonderful feeling of Christmas inside, thinking about our own choirs and how we celebrate with song here in the U.S. as well.

After the pageant we wandered around some more, looking at the baked goods and of course the CHOCOLATE! We couldn't resist and split a bar! So yummy. Linda bought some really cute decorations and I almost bought a gorgeous wreath....but held strong to my willpower. The Swedish horse, also known as Dalecarlian, was seen in many craft items and God Jul (Merry Christmas) was on everyone's lips. Smiles were had all around and I had a lot of fun learning a little more about a new culture. Time to plan a trip! :-)

Day Nine - Treats

I went to the Swedish Festival today at the Shrine Auditorium with my mother-in-law. We ate some great Swedish food and then picked up some yummy Swedish chocolate and ginger snaps. Yummy treats!

Day Eight - Tree

This cool gadget came from my boss last year. We have the 12 Days of Christmas at our office and she brought in this LED Christmas trees that plug into the computer and change colors. They are very cheery and techie!

Day Seven - Snow

Since I live in Los Angeles, it's kinda hard to get a random snow photo. So here is a photo that I took 2 years ago at my parents house in Tehachapi. It had snowed all night long and D and I were able to build a snowman in it before it melted by the afternoon this shot was taken. I still love the freshly packed look and all the barren branches coated with snow, with the sun peeking through the clouds. One of my favorite photos! <3

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2013 wishes and a new Bucket List!

Many people say that 13 is an unlucky number. Well I beg to differ and am making a pact with myself and my hubby that 2013 is going to be a lucky year for us. I have decided that positive thinking and positive behavior will lead to positive results! So, with only weeks left in this year (minding the Mayan calendar is wrong) I am forecasting a great year next year! We will start fresh with everything in our lives including the baby making! Practice has made perfect for us so we are into the execution phase of this project! Wish us luck! Perhaps we will attempt to purchase a house next year as well, in preparation of starting to expand our family. I am throwing my previous plans out the window (love, degree, marriage, house, then baby) because lets face it....three out of five in a row isn't that bad of a track record. "Life happens when your busy making other plans." We have had the 'plan' and now realize that you cant plan every aspect of your life. Surprises happen. We can only hope for the best things to come our way and be good people in the process.

So this is year three of the bucket list. We continue to do little checks off our list for the things in our area and metropolitan of Los Angeles and the list is dwindling down little by little. If you missed the last two you can see 2012 and 2011 here. I am keeping track of all things Bucket List related in the Lifetime of Memories tab up top! Again this list is mostly comprised of things to do in our general area and is subject to change whenever! Any and all suggestions are welcomed!

Sailing
Attend a country concert
Attend a sporting event (Kings, Lakers*, Dodgers)
Surf/Boogie Board
Hiking
Universal City Walk  (Coffee n Conversations - City Walk Weekend Update)
Saddle Ranch  (Coffee n Conversations - City Walk Weekend Update)
Mechanical Bull Riding  (Coffee n Conversations - City Walk Weekend Update)
William S. Hart Museum
La Brea Tarpits
Griffith Park Observatory
Gene Autry Museum
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Sign
Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Descanso Gardens
Rodeo Drive
Paintball (In case you didn't know.....paintballs do actually hurt)
Attend a drag race (My Big Fat Redneck Vacation)
Grauman's Chinese Theater
Attend a TV Show Taping
Renaissance Fair (April-May)
Magic Castle
Catalina Island (The Isle of Catalina)
Zip Line  (The Isle of Catalina)
Crystal Cathedral
Lucky Strike Bowling
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Morro Bay
Hearst Castle
Grand Canyon
Club 33
Get a tattoo (A Special Piece of Art)
*Visit a new country (*Mexico, *Caribbean, England, Ireland) (Not likely but its on the list)  Hot Air Balloon flight (Again not likely cause I am CHICKEN! But there it is)
Snowboarding/Skiing
*Olvera Street via the Metrolink
*Lake Tahoe
*Camping
*Getty Museum (How I passed into another decade)

*L.A. County Fair
*Play in the snow
*Wakeboarding
*Kneeboarding
*Kayaking
*Wine Tasting
*Visit a new state (*Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Florida)

* - Already have been together, & would like to re-experience
Text - Completed task YAY!

Side Note: 2012 has been a year of lessons. Lesson's that we both needed to learn and we have both grown immensely from them. From family, to friends and even our own relationship. I have learned to be patient with those around me. Things may not always go the way I want, so I have learned to let them go their own route and let go of the things that are not important. I have done my grieving, with my fathers death and also with many other losses that I suffered in 2012. I know that difficulties will come still, but in dealing with all the things that life threw my way this year, I am confident that I can handle anything life throws at me later! I have learned to be strong, even when I want to be weak. To love all things with my whole heart, even when they hurt me. On new years eve last year, when the clock struck midnight I cried. I cried for all my sadness; thankful that the year had closed, not knowing what 2012 would have in store for me. I have a feeling that this new years eve I will have the same feelings of sadness, but knowing that the things that happened in 2012 have better prepared me for the rest of my life I think they will be a mixture of sadness and hope. All I can say is bring it on 2013. I am ready!

The List '30 Things' (A writing prompt list)

Stumbling around Pinterest months ago I pinned a blogger that had a great idea. She came up with a list of 30 writing prompts that help examine yourself, and the way you see the world. Since not much has gone on in ways of entertainment in my life, I thought that these were a good list of things to write about, when inspiration seems to be running thin.

1. List 11 random facts about yourself. (Did a different post a while back)
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Day Six - Stocking

I know I know. Not technically a stocking, but lets face it...without this cute guy my stocking would be on the floor. (That and my photos of the stocking all sucked!) So, day six is a photo of our cute silver STOCKING holder. Enjoy! :)

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Day Five - Santa

I know this is not the real Santa, just one of his many many helpers spreading joy and laughter this time of year! Our pup certainly does that in our household!

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Day Four - Tradition

It's tradition in our house hold to set up Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving and then have a movie marathon of our two favorite Christmas movies. The Home Alone series. I still chuckle to this day at the antics that ensue in both of these movies (realistic or not!) This year we reversed the order and watched the movies first, but hey...we still watched them the weekend after Thanksgiving! Teehee

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A Peek at my Tree

I figured that I would give you a little glimpse into my favorite Christmas decoration, our tree. Now everyone has a special ornament that they put up every year. My mom has one that has been on her tree since she was born....some of mine are old, but not that old. So I thought I would share with you the ornaments that make it every year, because they are special. Here we go...

1. I told you about the time I worked at Disneyland right? Well if I haven't you can read about it here and here. Every year Disney has a holiday party for it's employees and that year they handed out collectible ornaments! I didn't want to put it up on my tree, to keep it safe, but D didn't know and put it up. Now it goes up every year!

2. This is the first ornament that D and I got. It says Our 1st Christmas Together 2002 and it has our names on it. I love it and even thought the hanger fell off, we still set it on a sturdy branch so we can enjoy it!

3. This ornament was a gift from my grandmother and it states an Irish blessing "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back." I love that blessing and its sentimental coming from my grandmother!

4. This ornament has been on our tree since I was a kid. It's a little wooden train on a yarn loop. The hangar has seen better days, and will probably need to be replaced soon, but the rest of the ornament looks pretty good for being almost 30 years old! D likes this one (he has a thing for trains) and always puts it at the top!

There you have it. A glimpse into our Christmas tree! Maybe we will get a special ornament this year to add to our collection!

Day Three - Gift

I don't have any stories for today's photo, other than I was able to get some early wrapping done and under our tree!! Woohoo for getting stuff done early! Today's photo challenge is Gifts, so I decided to take the opportunity to capture my pretty bows and paper. Christmas trees, snowmen and gold. Instead of curling ribbon I chose to do wire ribbon bows for a little extra touch!

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Day Two - Decorations

Since many of our decorations are hand-me-downs we never really had to buy a lot. Also because we live in an apartment we don't have a lot of places to put items either. This reindeer decoration is special because it was handmade by my mom, grandma and grandfather. They made one for everyone in the family. Each reindeer has hand painted face and hooves, custom sewed clothes and is just really special to me! It isn't Christmas without putting this guy out!

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Day One - Lights

Today is day one of my 25 days of Christmas photo challenge. Lights is the category. We have a set of Christmas lights that burned out a couple of years ago due to a burnt bulb. The only replacement bulb we could find was a green light. So every year when we put up the strand the solo green light sticks out. This year it's prominent on our patio so I see it every time I walk up our stairs. It gives me a little smile each time!

Note: After taking this photo, the entire strand decided that it wanted to die. So alas this is the last photo of the green bulb because the hubs had to replace the entire strand! Whoops!

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