Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!! I know most people think Valentine's Day is a cheesy stupid holiday, but I have always liked it and thought it was special. Yes, it can get a little ridiculous, but its nice to plan a nice night and have something like that to look forward to! Mom and Dad sent us a Valentine's package this year with some trail mix, chocolates, and toys for Bear and Trigger. They really liked those! Our day started off pretty normal. I didn't have to work, but I still got up with Tyler and took Trigger for a walk/run. We have found that if one of us doesn't get up, the other doesn't get up either! haha...so I got up and took Trigger. When I got back, Tyler left for the gym and work like normal. I took a shower and got back into bed to go back to sleep. The next thing I know, there was a knock at the door. I first thought it was Sarah coming over to get Trigger to help her find her dog that gets out some. And at 7:20 in the morning, that wasn't really what I wanted to do, so I just ignored it. The knock came again and then I started thinking what if something was wrong. So I jumped out of bed, threw some random clothes on and looked out the front door. And there was Tyler standing there with flowers and a balloon! Soo sweet and definitely surprised me! The flowers were beautiful!



I turned them into a nice center piece for our table. We also had Valentine's of Trigger and Bear that Catherine made for us! haha

Later, when I left to go to bible study, I found one white rose on my car!! I kept thinking, is this from Tyler?! haha...but I mean who else would it be from?? I was very impressed with him! After bible study, I did some errands around town and then decided that I was going to go to the beach. I guess everyone else had the same idea because the beach was packed! I haven't seen it so crowded. But it has been cold and windy the past few days and yesterday was the first day it was nice again. I only went for about 2 hours, but I got fried!!! The only places that burned were my stomach, upper thighs, chest and shoulders. All the places that don't show while I'm at work. I knew this would happen, but I just decided to suck it up because my tan lines were getting a little out of control. Here is a picture I took at the beach...
By the time I left, all those empty spaces were full too! haha. After coming home, I had to prepare for our dinner Tyler was cooking for us. He bought 2 16 oz. ribeye steaks, 2 lobster tails, 2 huge baked potatoes, and bread! Look at the size of those steaks...


We were really excited to have a nice night together and just spend some quality time with each other. We did think of dad with our bacon bits for the potatoes. Dad always has to have the bacon bits with REAL PIECES OF BACON!! haha...

Look at that table...I mean you would have thought we were serving 10 people! But nope, just us 2! :)

my plate...The potatoes were huge and fell apart, so they took up a lot of room.

One happy husband!

After dinner Tyler surprised me AGAIN with a few more little things...3 surprises in one day is really good for him! He normally can't surprise me with anything because I always ruin them ;)

haha...this box of chocolate was so cute!

And Trigger thought this stuffed animal was his new toy....he used to have a monkey like this. But of course Tyler got the boxing gorilla that says "You're a knockout" on it over the cute fluffy bear or puppy dog...haha I loved it!

And then we had ice cream for dessert!! Well, I did! haha. It really was a great day and I could not be happier. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband that is so sweet and great! Ok, Ok, enough with the cheese ball stuff...Lastly, I had to put up this cute picture of my other Valentine....

Awww...What a sweet boy! Alrighty everyone, I am off to start laundry and then I work at Sweet Savannah's today from 2-close. Hope everyone else had a wonderful Valentine's Day and we missed everyone back home! We love you guys!

Back to reality...

Well this past week has been Tyler and I's "Back to reality week" We had THE BEST time at home. We were able to spend half the time at my parents house and the other half of the time at Tyler's parents. Then the last weekend, I went to Raleigh to visit all of my best friends in the whole wide world! This was a big deal because it was Tyler and I's first time at home being married. Yes, it was weird to stay in the same bedroom and be married in front of our parents. But it was also a lot of fun. We had game night with my parents one night where we played Scrabble and Sorry, we played Scategories at Tyler's parents house, I painted pottery with Elizabeth who was the flower girl in my wedding, we ate at all the good places to eat that we miss down here, and just spent quality time with those who we miss. The sad thing is that I didn't take any pictures while at home....so ridiculous. But we had a really good time and enjoyed being back in NC and seeing everyone. In Raleigh it was sooooo nice to see Meredith, Kara, and Amy. They really are the most wonderful friends and I have truly missed them. I missed laughing, seeing each other, hearing about their days, and how their lives are. We honestly sat around for 2 days straight and just talked...we talked about our lives and being married and how we are always going to make it a priority to make time for each other. I love those girls and can't wait until we see each other again! It won't be too long girls!

Now that we are back, we are trying to get back into the swing of things. We have been waking up early and exercising each day. I take Trigger for a walk/run, and Tyler goes to the gym, were trying to eat healthier and smarter, I am back to work at both jobs, Tyler is back to work also, and I am starting to get more involved in Zonta! Going back to working 2 jobs has been pretty tiring, but I'm hoping to cut some of my hours soon. I have basically been working 20-25 hours a week at Sweet Savannah's on top of DRC...yes I know that is too much!

Today I went back to my bible study that I have missed for the past 3 weeks. It was so nice to see them and just feel back at home there. I am really enjoying the study we are doing. Its called "The Shelter of God's Promises" by Shelia Walsh. There is a really good DVD that goes along with it. Feb. 21 is our annual fashion show. If you don't remember, I was a model last year in it. This year I get to sit back and enjoy the show! That should be really fun too. I also went back to Zumba today. Man, there were a lot of people there! I guess after all the superbowl parties, people were more motivated. I barley had room to dance :) I think I might even try a kick boxing class they have. I've hard its really hard but can burn up to 1,000 calories in 1 class!! CRAZY!

Other exciting news is that I found out I am going to start working with Kilo at DRC!! He is our 10 year old male sea lion! I am so so so excited and this is something I have always been very interested in. It is going to be a very slow process because there is a lot for me to learn, so I am really looking forward to build my relationship with him! Also a potential career change for Tyler might be happening also. Tyler is thinking about joining the Sheriff's department down here!! This is also something he has always wanted to do, and I am completely supportive. I really think its going to be a good thing. We aren't rushing into anything though, so don't be expecting him to be a cop too soon, just sometime within the next few months he is planning on applying.

It is raining here today and I have to work at Sweet Savannah's at 3:30 and then again tomorrow at 2. And then on Sunday Patty and Mitch will be here!!! Patty is one of my moms best friends and I am so excited they are coming to visit!! We are really looking forward to seeing them and being able to show them around. Bear and Trigger are doing great as always. Bear is running around the house right now while Trigger sleeps on the floor next to me. They have really bonded and it is really cute to watch them together sometimes. I apologize for no pictures, I promise I'll start bringing my camera around again. We miss everyone and hope you all have a great day!

Whats been goin' on?!

Alright well I can start this post off by saying sorry for not updating this blog in so long. I could list off some lame excuses, but that wouldn't really do anything for anyone, so I'll just admit that I have been super slack about it and promise to do better in February.....wow, February is almost here. Time is FLYING by!

So far 2012 is looking to be a great year! Its always fun to see what sort of things God brings into your life that you could never expect. And me being a planner, that doesn't always go so well. So this year I am going to work on trying to just go with the flow better. I am very laid back, until I have plans involved. God likes to use his humor on me and just throw wrenched into my plans all the time, so I think this year I am going to just sit back and let him do all the work. ;)

Tyler and I had to pull out the space heaters in 2012 too! It got down to a frigid 63 degrees!! Man, I tell ya, when you are used to 80 degrees everyday, 63 feels like 30! Tyler had to come home from work to put on long pants and I got out 2 space heaters in to put in our room!

Meredith, these space heaters made me think of you :) They worked really well and we only had to use them for 2 nights.

I also bought 2 new fancy plates and place mats for Tyler and I. I surprised him the other night and fixed him a nice dinner and had it ready on the table when he got home from work. He walked in and was like "uhh...what did I do?!" haha...it was cute though to catch him so off guard

Finally, I also have been doing the schedule at work! Now for many of you who haven't been to DRC, there is a giant schedule board that tells everyone what to do all day and what the dolphins are doing. It is like a big puzzle because sometimes certain dolphins need certain trainers at a specific time, there are meetings to fit in, coaching sessions to fit in, so its a lot of work to try and get everything to fit into one schedule for the day and try to get every one's goals accomplished. This schedule is written in dry erase on a big dry erase board. For me, it is really hard for it not to slant. Here is a picture of one of my first schedules up on the board....

I know you can't read it, but I think you can tell how much stuff you have to put on it.

So as soon as I started doing the schedule, of course I got sick! I was out of work for 2 days and had a sinus infection and an ear infection....all about 2 days before we were leaving to come visit North Carolina! So that wasn't fun at all trying to get over the horrible sickness and trying to pack and get ready to come home. Tyler ended up getting it too, so we were both bums for a few days. Then on Friday, we flew out of Ft. Lauderdale into Raleigh to come visit family and friends. We are home now and having so much fun!! I am doing a horrible job of taking pictures, but I promise I will update once we get back. I am headed back to Raleigh tomorrow on the train to visit Mere, Kara, and Amy!!!!! So EXCITED to be with those girls again! It will be the reunion of a lifetime! :) Hope everyone is doing well and I promise to post sooner than later ;)

Happy 2012!!!

Happy New Year!!! Wow, so much has happened in 2011, and I can only imagine what all will happen in 2012. In 2011 I got engaged, got my dream job, graduated college, moved to the FL Keys, started my dream job, got married, Tyler moved here with Trigger, and just recently got a promotion in my dream job....just the major things that happened. I could not feel more blessed and excited to see what is next! Sorry I didn't post last week. Down here in the keys, they call the week in between Christmas and New Years "Hell Week" because everyone and their mother decides to come visit. DRC was slammed!! We were doing at least 60 swims a day, plus all the other programs. Sweet Savannah's has been packed too. I worked both my days off last week to help out since it has been so crazy.

Now that the new year is here....I think we can relax, at least a little. Tyler and I have never made New Years a big deal. In fact, we counted that this will be our 8th New Year together!! Ever since the new year of 2005. We have always been pretty chill and just would hang out with family or a few friends for the big night. This year was no different. I worked at DRC until 5 and then went into Sweet Savannah's until about 8 and then Tyler and I headed over to Catherine and Mike's. We all ate KFC for dinner, which was soo good! I haven't had that in so long. I was able to bring some cupcakes over...

Catherine also hap pink champagne for us!! Yummy!!

Catherine made us doing the wedding pose...haha. Luckily we remembered what to do. It was Catherine and Mike that had no idea and got their hands all twisted :)

Mike and Tyler were most excited about shooting off some fireworks. Jack loves fireworks and calls them "boom fireworkies" so he was pretty excited too. Here is Ella and I watching.

The boys had a blast in case you can't tell by these pictures....

We had a really good time and enjoyed watching the Rockin' Eve Celebration.

Besides celebrating the new year, we haven't been up to too much else. Tyler's Christmas present came in the mail....an air riffle! He will then use this to go iguana hunting. Can't you just picture him carrying this thing around walking around Grassy Key in the woods killing iguanas?!? haha...I'm a proud wife let me tell ya...

We also had a yummy New Year's Day dinner thanks to Catherine. She fixed ribs, collards, black eyed peas, potatoes, and corn bread! Just like at Laurie's house :) And to surprise almost all of you...I ate almost all of those collards. They were soooo good! Still gross to look at, but whatever Catherine did to them made them delicious! I ate a spoonfull of peas too so we could have some good luck this year. Everything else was wonderful as well!

Because I have been working so much, Tyler and I have really tried to enjoy the nights that I don't work by spending good quality time together. The other night, Tyler fixed burgers...man were they good! and then we watched this dolphin movie his boss gave to him for me. It was pretty interesting, but the best part was that Bear loved it! He sat on the table under the TV and watched the entire thing! Here is a picture, and you can see him sitting on the table underneath.

Many of our nights look like this....

Trigger passed out on my lap and me watching E! Last night I got caught up on all the kardashian episodes...man they are so funny and now I have gotten Tyler addicted as well, although he wont admit it I'm sure. Today has been good also. This morning I woke up and went to Zumba, and then bible study. We started a new book and I'm really excited about it. Also Tyler and I have started a bible study together where we are going to read the entire bible!! We are already done with Genesis! How crazy! Well I think I am going to go eat a snack before work at Sweet Savannah's tonight. Hope everyone has a good night!!

Our Christmas Day....

Luckily, our Christmas Day was a complete 180 of our Christmas Eve. I woke up that morning so excited that it was Christmas! Again, I had to work, but Tyler got up with me and we had a nice morning before I headed out the door. He went back to sleep and then ended up coming up to DRC around 10. Working on a holiday is actually really nice. It is a lot of work, because there were only 3 of us there, but its a pretty easy going day. Tyler got to hang out with us and just enjoy the day, which was beautiful!! It was me, Laura, and Margaret who worked along with 2 of our interns, Jackie and Kristen. We worked really hard in the morning, so that the afternoon could be nice and easy. Laura's family came in and they all got in with Merina and Flagler. I decided to hop in with Tursi and her son Gambit. Tursi is one of our older dolphins, she is 37, and our wiser dolphins. She has taught me so much since starting to work down here. I wasn't quite sure of how she would react, if she would want me in the water or she would make it obvious that she wanted me out. I know it sounds really cheesy and lame but after the night before where I was so down, getting in with Tursi made my day!! She LOVED it! She kept coming by for rubs and wanted to take me on dorsal pulls, and peck pulls. I definitely think she knew I was feeling kind of down and wanted to cheer me up. Here are a few pictures Kristen took for me...

The dolphins have been showing me little things lately just to make me appreciate them so much more. I'm sure they did stuff like this in the past, I just wasn't aware of it, but for example, the other day I was about to do a swim. I bring my people down and were talking, and I see that there is a toy floating in the water. Gypsi, who is one of our 5 year olds and loves toys, was sitting in front of my dock just looking at me. I asked her to go get the toy and bring it to me. She did and when she came back, I snuck her a little fish for helping me out. I thought no other dolphin was around, but then I look over and Aleta is sitting on the other side of the dock just looking at me. I knew she saw the whole thing, so I snuck her a fish too so she wouldn't feel left out. My swimmers laughed and we all kept talking. the next thing I knew, Aleta pops back up at the dock with a mangrove pod for me. She was so sweet. She brought me something to say thanks for the fish....like she knew I wasn't suppose to give her one, but she appreciated it. It was the day after Christmas, so I kept the pod and made it into a Christmas ornament. Now its hanging on our tree at home :)

The dolphins really do have a sense for people and just like our dogs or cats, they can really turn your day around. They are so special to me and even though I really missed my family this year, the dolphins knew that and had their own ways to thank me for hanging out with them on Christmas!

It turned out to be a fabulous Christmas and we really did enjoy it. It will just take some getting used to :) We love and miss all of you guys so much and we are coming home Jan. 20 so we will see you soon!!!

Our Christmas Eve...

So this year was definitely a weird Christmas. Not only was I in shorts and a T-shirt most of the day, it was our first Christmas away from home. Tyler and I are horrible at keeping surprises from each other and were both very impatient, so we couldn't wait to exchange Christmas presents! I got him a gym membership (yes, he asked for it, it wasn't a "hint hint" present), and he got me a scarf, an ornament, a cute little sign, and a pair of ear rings. He got everything from this store up in Islamarada that has recycled stuff and everything is homemade. I was so excited and very proud of him. He did great!!

We also got presents from both of our parents in the mail! These were so hard to wait until Christmas, we ended up opening them the day before. haha. We are so bad. My parents got us catch phrase....


and a new computer!!!!!

I was pretty excited!! Tyler's parents got him a bass pro shops gift card, and me a few gift cards to my favorite places...Olive Garden, Banana Republic, and Victoria Secret!! We really love all of our gifts and could not be happier to have such wonderful family and thoughtful family to do everything they did for us! We love you guys so much!

On Christmas Eve I had to work until 5. We wanted to go to our church for their Christmas Eve service and that started at 6, so I rushed home to change, and then we were off. The service was really nice. It was just a Cantata, so they just sang a bunch of Christmas songs, and it had a beautiful narration to go along with it. At the end, they did the candle lighting and we all stood and sang Silent Night and then Joy to the World...it was just like church back home....which ended up causing me to have a nervous breakdown. As soon as church was over, we got in the car and I just lost it. I started balling crying....which is so unlike me (I am not a cryer). This year was so different for me and I had been putting so much pressure on myself to make "Our First Christmas" such a perfect event, that I just caused myself to loose it. I missed my family, I was tired from working, and we had no plans on Christmas Eve. I ended up getting myself together enough for Tyler and I to go out to eat at the local steakhouse here in town. It was really nice and just what I needed...to spend a nice quiet night out with Tyler. We talked to our families and told them how much we missed them, and then headed to bed. So it wasn't quite to night I had planned, but we got through it and I know everything is going to be OK. Change is hard and I think its just something everyone goes through as a part of growing up :)

5 More Days!!!

Well this week has been just as busy full of Christmas surprises! First, Catherine and Mike surprised us by inviting us to go on the Key West Christmas Light tour. You go down to key west and ride a train all through key west and look at all the lights. I must say I was very impressed with the decorations! I was thinking, I mean how many people could put up lights, but there were a lot of people and it was cool because almost everyone on the street joined in. As the train came by, the families would come outside in their Christmas get up, and wave. It was pretty fun and Tyler and I decided that will definitely be a Christmas tradition from now on!

Heres Ella and I on the train...and Tyler in the background. It was so windy!

The boys side...

haha...after the ride!

Tyler waiting in line to pee..haha.

And finally, we got to see the winning house!! It was actually in an apt. complex and a few of the apts. went in together and made this awesome display!!

In case you couldn't see, thats a scooter decorated in the bottom left corner with Santa on the back. It was crazy....don't worry Tyler and I were taking notes :)

So besides looking at Christmas lights with me, Tyler has also been having fun playing with his new blow gun. Norman, who he works with, gave him one. He has been shooting the darts into the wall in the house!! All I told him was that if he hit one of the animals, he was dead! haha. His favorite thing to do now is stand by our bed and aim into the bathroom. The ring that holds our wash clothe up, has become his target! So I got a picture of him in action...

It just reminds me of something someone would use out in the bush or jungle.

I know this one is random, but it was a cute little decoration I got today on sale :)

And finally today, I went to the post office to pick up a package Tyler and I got. I guess this is how Christmas is done in the keys...everything gets mailed to you. I have to wait until Tyler gets home to open it, so hopefully on the next post, I'll be able to share what we got!!

As far as Trigger and Bear go, they are doing great. Bear went outside yesterday. My heart was racing because I was so nervous he wasn't going to come back, but he just walked around on the porch and then came right back to the door. Trigger got to have a date with his girlfriend today. Sarah is going home for Christmas, so we are going to check on Sadie every now and then. I went over there today to get her and brought her over to our house. The two of them were running around like crazy dogs all afternoon. When I looked outside to check on them, they were both passed out! haha.

We also wanted to tell everyone how much we miss them and hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas. It will def. be a little weird one for my family as everything is different this year, but the good news is that after Christmas, we only have 20 days until we come home!!! We are super excited to see everyone!! Miss you guys and love you!! Hopefully I'll be able to post again before Christmas...but we'll see :)