Holiday Card

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Hey Guys! I had to do it, even though it is pretty silly. We went to Red Hook Brewery with Alison and Brent last weekend. Alison posted the photos so I went ahead and used those shots to create this awesome holiday card :) Enjoy! Blog only, not facebook, don't worry A&BT :)

Kindle 3

I finally made a decision! I have been debating between the kindle 3 and the color nook e-reader from Barnes and Noble. Both have great unique features so it took me awhile.
The title does give away my ultimate decision for the kindle 3. The winning factors where that the screen for the kindle is not back lit like a computer screen and so it is easier on the eyes for reading long periods of time, plus the battery power lasts longer. I also liked getting the 3g as well as wi-fi capability especially since I don't have to pay for the 3g connection, and that means that where I don't have internet I can still check e-mail (without paying for data on a smart phone) and get new books. The color nook only has wi-fi, meaning that while that devise will do more, the places that I will find myself able to use it are places that I can have my laptop working, and I love my laptop. If I had lots of magazine subscriptions the color nook may have won out. I also liked the fact that sharing books was easier with the nook, hopefully the kindle can work on that aspect, but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. I guess in the end the color nook was like a simplified laptop and I already have an awesome laptop, and I wouldn't want to read a novel on it.

The best news is that I received money for my Birthday from my mom and dad (in law) and I am finally spending it on something fun...and something that Joseph only likes b/c it means that we don't need to have shelves of books.(Meaning that I won't ultimately find my new gadget in the hands of my gadget crazed husband) Thanks for the amazing gift guys! I know that the popular opinion in the family would have been to get an i phone, or really any smart phone but I just cant quite commit to the increased monthly data bill...I have been pricing that too though, so maybe one day soon I will pull the trigger.

I did have to order the kindle online. Staples and Best Buy advertise that they carry the kindle but none of the ones I checked knew anything about the device and had none had it in stock. Only one physical store even had one that worked--played the display sequence that is. Got to give it to Barnes and Noble on the salesmanship and availability. For people that want a multi-device that they can navigate before they buy and/or they don't want to wait to have an item shipped then the nook will win every time.

Something I love

I mean come on, this is endearing!!

New front fence & garden

Yeah it is summer! Things are blooming and growing and our fence is coming together...just need to finish the arbor. Living the dream ;)
The 4th photo down is our blooming cactus it is the chick and hen succulent, I didn't even know they could bloom!!

Finish detail projects

Joseph finished the top cabinets by the side door, wrapping the boxes with the finish wood and putting the handles on. This was one of those someday projects and luckily today was the someday! Also we took out a half wall by the toilet and put down ceramic tiles in the bathroom. So this is still in progress but we have the grout done now we just have to trim and paint the walls. Fun fun!!

Tree adventure

Got the tree up and the room re-arranged to fit everything...that is medium on demand on the TV...seems a little odd in the photo.
Closer view of Chris the tree with all his beautiful decor
Joseph, Brodie and I back at the car triumphant with our tree, Chris.
Joseph taking a photo at the end of the trail. We tried to make it to Scout lake but this was where we were officially blocked.
Photo op at the ice waterfall. I think Brent and Alison could send this out as the official photo of the year.
Joseph, Brodie and I eclipsing the beauty of the ice waterfall. :)
Here is the ice waterfall in all its glory.
There may or may not have been a sliding incident that ended with me and this tree becoming good friends.
Joseph, Brodie and I getting ready to find our tree!

Kitchen Backsplash

We finally got the backsplash up. So we took some "finished" photos, but like everything we seem to always find more we can do. We may decide to go a little brighter with the wall color...let us know what you think!