All in All a Great Christmas

It's hard to believe that Christmas is here and gone already. We were crazy busy. Jimmy and I both have been off since Wednesday. On Wednesday night we headed to the farm for Christmas eve dinner with my family. We had a nice meal with the family and enjoyed opening presents with the family. My mom got me a TomTom GPS, was not expecting that. We then came home so we could spend Christmas morning here at our house. We woke up early and opened presents with our baby. She enjoyed opening presents. Jimmy got me some diamond earrings, a new digital camera, a bath robe, jewelry box, and a rain check for a Wii. He also made me this beautiful,

hehehe, man (which we named Chuck Norris). After we were done opening presents here we headed to his parents for dinner with the Keller family. Had a fun time with the girls.

On Saturday Jimmy and I went to my dad's side of the family with my brother. We had a nice dinner at my aunt's house. It was really good seeing everyone. Wish we weren't so busy and could make it down there more. On the way home we met my mom and Kris, and Kris came home with us.

On Sunday my mom came up to do some shopping at Kohl's and then we met Jimmy and Kris for dinner. My mom took Kris back home with her after dinner. That pretty much sums up our Christmas season.

Now we are just enjoying each other's company till the 5th. We both have off until then. Nothing really planned, just taking each day as it comes.

Tabber Loves the Holiday Season

Tabber loves playing in the snow!!

She also loves helping Mommy wrap presents.

Nap

I caught Jimmy and Tabber taking a nap on the couch. Too cute!!!

Gotta Love Giant Gas

We do most of our shopping at our local Giant and as many of you know when you purchase items you get a point for every dollar you spend. Then you can use all your points towards money off at Giant's that have gas. Our local Giant doesn't have gas, but there is one close to the school that does. What makes our Giants up here rock is that we save $0.10 per gallon for every 50 points we earn. Most Giants you save $0.10 for every 100 points. We had spent so much money that we could get $1.80 off a gallon.





On Saturday night before we went to the lights we went to Giant with Wendy because Saturday was the last day to use the points. Some Giants will let you fill up more than one car, some won't. We weren't sure about ours, but we did it anyway. Gas was $1.75 a gallon so we were making out. We filled up our car, and then we had Wendy pull up so we could fill her car up. The meter said we were going to be charger $0.01 a gallon, and when Jimmy finished filling up the cars it said $0.03, but it never charged out card. On the receipt it said we saved $49.01. We were pretty pleased about that. If we had filled up both cars and had to pay full price that's how much it would've cost.

Another Busy Weekend

We had a fun filled busy weekend. On Friday, my girlfriend Katie came over and we watched Elf and hung out. Elf is my absolute favorite Christmas movie. It was nice getting to chat with Katie and catch up since we haven't really hung out since the semester ended.

Saturday, Jimmy and I got up early and did some cleaning around the house before Wendy and the girls came up. Once the girls got here we hung out for a little bit and then we went to Applebee's for dinner. The girls did really good at dinner. They are so funny. After dinner we went to the Christmas Tree Shoppe and got a couple items for the house. We then came home and had a potty break and the girls put comfy clothes on for the ride home. Then we took two separate cars and drove to Giant and got some gas. Then we took one car and went to Nay Aug Park to see the drive through lights. The girls really enjoyed them. Sara would get so excited and kick her legs. After we were done with the lights we headed our separate ways.

On Sunday we went to the farm to sell Christmas trees. Mom and Gremmy were going to Alyssa's Christmas concert so they needed someone to sell trees. It was a nice day. Tabber got to play with Zoe and spent all day outside. We sold 32 trees. We were pretty happy about it. When we left to come home Tabber was asleep within 5 mins of leaving the farm. She was exhausted, so were mommy and daddy. It was an early night for us.

Our Baby's First Thanksgiving

We had to give the baby a bath before her trip to see everyone.

She is not too keen on baths, actually hates them for some reason. We picked her up a new fleece blanket, which she likes.

Sara was so excited to see Tabber on Thanksgiving. She really wanted to hold him. She did a good job.

Officially Done

As of last night I am officially done my first semester of grad school. YAY!!!!!!!! I had a final on Monday night and one last night. We didn't have a final in my third class. Now I just have to wait for my grades. Oh goodness!! It will be some time yet, because classes aren't officially over till next week.

Today I got my schedule for next semester. I have class on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, as does Jimmy. Works out nicely.

Jimmy on the other hand he has finals and will finish up classes next week. He's crazy busy now!!!

Videos of Tabber

She loves her tennis ball . .

and ice cubes!!!

What a Weekend

What an exhausting, but very fun weekend!!! On Friday, I took a half day and headed down to my bestest, Alicia's house for the weekend. Friday night, we just hung out, decorated cupcakes for Alexis's party. Let me tell you, Alicia is a little Miss BettyCrocker.

Holy cow, these cupcakes were awesome!! Then we went to Wal-Mart and out for dinner.

Saturday, Alexis had her first of two birthday parties at Moonbounce. It's this crazy place in a warehouse, that has all these moonbounce things for the kids to run around, play, and get tired. Alexis had a blast.

Her friends from school came. We had pizza and cupcakes. Then we went home and opened her presents, holy cow did she get a lot. Then we watched the Penn State game, no comment, took a nap, and got some dinner. Later that night, Alicia and I watched Made of Honor. Good movie!! Definitely suggest watching it!!

Sunday, was her second birthday party. This birthday party was for family. It was good seeing all of Alicia's family and also getting to see Kaitlyn. Oh my goodness, she is so cute.

So tiny!! Lots of hair!!! A beautiful baby girl!!! Her momma looks great!!! We ate lunch and watched Alexis open her gifts. I have no clue where Alicia is going to put all of her presents. She sure did get a lot of barbies and princess stuff.

It was such a great weekend!! It seems like forever since I got the chance to spend the weekend with my girls. I definitely needed that!! Love you girls!!!

An Amazingly Wonderful Birthday

Let's start at the beginning. On Thursday, Jimmy was at work and asked me to check his computer and see if it was still on. I went to the computer and opened it up and there was a note in it. The note went on to say that he had some errands to run after work and that he was going to be home late. Very late. He said not to worry about dinner for him or to wait up because he didn't know when he was going to be back. I was pretty exhausted so I ended up going to bed earlier than normal. Around 12:30ish he crawled into bed and went to bed. We really didn't talk because we both were pretty tired.

Friday I tried asking Jimmy where he went and he said he went to a party in Conshohocken. I knew that wasn't the truth, but I let it go. During the day on Friday he sent me a text message telling me to pack my bag with pajamas, an outfit for Sunday, my hiking boots, and swimming suite. I had no clue what we were doing or where we were going. Friday night we hung out at the house with my friend Katie, eating pizza, working on papers, and watching a movie. We also had about 12 tick or treaters.

Saturday morning we went for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. After breakfast Jimmy handed me a bandanna he had me pick out a month or so ago and told me to blind fold myself. He told me to sit back and take a nap. We drove and drove and drove. I had no clue where we were going. I just knew we were driving. After more driving, we finally got to where we were needed to stop. Jimmy took my hand and got me out of the car, and lo and behold we were at Jimmy's parents house. All his family was there and yelled surprise as I was taking my blindfold off. They had me sit down and gave me my presents. Jimmy then asked me if I was ready for his. He had me face outside, close my eyes, and put my hand out. In my lap, he put my birthday present:



Meet Tabber!! The newest addition to our family. She is a 9 week old West Highland Terrier. Jimmy had been planning all of this for almost a year. She is a little pistol. She currently weighs about 4 pounds and will get about 14. At Jimmy's mom and dad's she loved laying on the vent for some reason.

She loves playing with her tennis ball. You wouldn't think she could carry it, but she can, and when she does she shows off.

She is a really good eater, just like us and also loves to takes naps. She's really good at that too.

See I have been wanting a puppy forever!! But we couldn't have one at the apartment, or so I thought. Jimmy asked our landlord months ago if it was ok if he got me a little puppy for my birthday. And they said sure! So now we have Tabber. I absolutely love her! She is our little baby.

It's a GIRL!!!

Today I became an 'aunt' to another beautiful baby girl, Kaitlyn Sophia Purin. She was born early this morning at 1:42 a.m. She weighed in at 7lbs 3 oz. and is 20.5 inches long. Alicia said she has lots of dark thick hair.

Here she is with her proud Daddy

and her Aunt Alicia

Momma and Baby Kaitlyn are supposed to come home on Friday.

First of the year

Today we officially had the first snow fall of the year. Jimmy woke me up when he was getting ready for work this morning to tell me that there was snow on the ground and that there was more on the way. I was so excited. I told him to have fun in the snow because he loves plowing and being outside when it snows (although we don't have that much). It's been raining pretty much the rest of the day with some sleet here and there and some light snow flakes. I checked the weather and it's supposed to keep up this way for the next couple of days. Oh goodness. I wonder if this is any indicator of what the rest of the year is going to be like. It isn't even Halloween yet and it's snowed. Scary!!!

Also, Alicia called me and Ang is in the hospital. Her water broke, but she's still got at least 12 hours until she goes into labor. It's going to be a long day/night, so keep Ang and Jimmy Purin in your prayers!!! This is their first baby!

Wonder Woman and a Doctor

Last night Wendy brought the girls over to Jimmy's mom and dad's so we could see the girls in their Halloween costumes. They were very cute. Sara was Wonder Woman.

And then we had Dr. Kara in her pink doctor outfit and stethoscope.

She even had blue fuzzy crocs like Nanny. After they got their goodies bags, they became very fascinated with the camera and wanted to take pictures. We have some good photographers.

What a great Weekend!

This was a great weekend. On Friday I went home for Tamaqua's homecoming. Alumni cheerleaders were asked back to cheer 3rd quarter. There was about 20 alumni and we had a great time.

It was so much fun being under the lights again. We talked about doing it every year, which I hope they do. Last year they did it for basketball. I was so glad Ms. Schock made it to the game. She was my high school coach.

After the game I got to hang out with Ang and Alicia. Alicia and Alexis came up for the game to see me cheer and the band. Alexis was so excited. It was nice getting to spend some time with the girls. On Saturday, I spent the morning with my mom and Grem and then headed to Bloomsburg around lunchtime. I spent the rest of the days with Ma Keller and the Adams girls. Jimmy, Mikey, and Dad were working outside. I can't believe how big the girls are getting. Today, Jimmy and I went over to PPL lake with Ma and Pa Keller to take pictures for our Christmas card. We got some great pictures. I'd post them, but we haven't decided which one we want to use yet. Then, Wendy had a purse party. Oh my gosh, they are so much fun. That's going to have to be a separate blog. Had a fun and beautiful weekend.

I was tagged

I was tagged by one of my best friends Sarah at Hope for the Hopeful. I'm supposed to list seven random facts about myself, and I didn't really know what to put. I asked Jimmy what he thought...and between Jimmy and I this is what we came up with...

1) I hate frogs.
2) When I get the hiccups they are often very loud and annoying.
3) I might get to go to Sydney Australia in August if my team meets our sales goal.
4) I am addicted to Cool Ranch Doritos.
5) One time I stole a can of soda.
6) When I was younger I got my finger stuck in a vending machine and broke it.
7) I got bit in the arm by a horse and was only a couple of inches from breaking the bone in my arm.

I can't really tag anyone, because Sarah is the only person I know who has a blog.

Heeee's Back!

Yesterday afternoon I got a text from my brother saying, "Guess's who's back in the states for good!" He is in Ft. Bragg's and will be there till around Thanksgivingish. He got selected to come home early and get things ready for debriefing. So he has to stay at the base. He thinks he might be able to get weekend passes, but he's not sure. He is also not sure yet when he can come back home for good. He called mom last night and was really tired. He was up for 13 hours and had to get up at 3 am this morning to do his shift of guard duty. There will probably be a big celebration when the whole unit comes back. I'll keep you posted.

I LOVE this time of year

Yesterday, we had regional trining for work in the Pocono's. I was driving down in the morning and I started to remeber why I love Fall. The leaves are starting to turn colors and starting to fall.

Today, I got our sweatshirts and sweaters down and put summer clothes away. I love wearing sweatshirts and sweaters. I love sitting on the couch wrapped up in a blanket with a nice cup of hot chocolate. Although my favorite kind of hot chocolate is from Dunkin Donuts. I love apple cider and apple dumplings, which rumor is Gremmy is making them next weekend. Fall is by far my favorite season.

Fireproof was GREAT!!!!

Last night Fireproof premiered in the movies. A friend of mine, Melissa, and I went to see the movie. The movie was playing at the movie theater at the Steamtown Mall. I picked Melissa up and we went out for some dinner in downtown Scranton and then headed to the movies.

Everything about the movie was great. The story was great, the message, the actors/actresses, music, everything! It's the type of movie where you can laugh and cry (trust me, we did). It was action-packed and heartwarming. The Kendrick brothers did an amazing job writing the story. I strongly encourage everyone to see it. (fireproofthemovie.com)

The only mistake I made was reading the book first, before the movie. I knew everything that was going to happen. Of course there were parts in the book that weren't in the movie. Don't read the book first, go see the movie first!!!!

If you do go and see it, let me know what you thought!!!

Great Weekend

This past weekend Jimmy and I went to Bloomsburg. Jimmy's doing landscaping at his mom and dad's, and it's really coming along. Wendy and the girls came over on Saturday and we just hung out. Later in the evening we went to my favorite place, the Bloomsburg Fair. We decided to take Kara. She was great. This was her first time at the fair. She had fun. Then we had a sleepover. Kara was very excited about the sleepover because in the morning we were having her (and my) favorite thing for breakfast, chocolate chip pancakes. Had a very nice relaxing weekend. No rocks being dropped on feet, that's because I wasn't helping. Looking forward to this weekend, and another fun filled weekend.

An "Aunt" to Another Girl

I love it when my best friends have/are having children. I love spoiling them!!!!! On Sunday, Sarah told me that her and Sam are expecting a little girl. I can not tell you how excited I am. I love being an "Aunt". Alexis Lynne was the first girl, and now Baby Snyder will be the second. I have to figure out when I can make a trip out in Spring.

Will Baby Purin make it 3? Or will Baby Purin break the cycle and be a boy? Less than a month and a half till we find out!!

Fireproof The Movie...Check it out!!!

Revelation Generation

On Saturday I went to Revelation Generation, or RevGen, with the youth group from my church. My Aunt Marcy and her boys and my mom also went. What an awesome time!! It's on this farm in Frenchtown, NJ. Those that were on the New York Stage, or main stage, were:




















Everyone put on great concerts. We got the opportunity to sit in on a Toby Mac interview session. It was good, a little crowded and hot, but good. Everyone had a great time. Can't wait to see who's playing there next year. I'll post some pictures from the event when I get them, I didn't have my camera.

Matt's Home

Just wanted to let everyone know that my brother came home on Saturday for his two week leave. He got home Saturday afternoon. He's been spending time seeing friends and family. Once he goes back he doesn't have much longer. They should be done around Thanksgiving. Not sure if they will be done with debriefing by then or not. But at least he should be home for the holidays.

Two Months

Today it is officially two months until my birthday and also two months until Ang's due date. How cool would it be if she had her baby on my birthday.

Fall Classes

Last night Jimmy and I had our first class for Fall semester. This is Jimmy's second semester in Grad school, 3rd including summer, and this is my first semester in Grad school. This was my first class in 4 years. I will say though, that I was not the oldest student in the class. My professor was a lot of fun and really kept everyone's attention. Jimmy and I both have two more classes, one tonight and one tomorrow night. Our schedule works out great in that we both have classes on the same nights, all his classes start at 5:30 and mine start right around there 5, 5:30 and 4. Now comes the fun part of both of us trying to divide time between classes, studying, the gym, and working full time. It's going to take some work and trial and error to see what works, but we'll do it.

Bloomsburg Fair

I can not tell you how excited I am about the Bloomsburg Fair. It is officially less than a month away. The fair is from September 20-September 27th. Right now the plan is to go on the 20th and 21st. I already know what food I am going to be getting. The fair is just one of the reasons I love fall!!!! I love the Bloomsburg Fair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vacation

Jimmy and I got to go on a small vacation. We decided to go to Cedar Point, Ohio. On Saturday morning we went to Bloomsburg to see Jimmy's mom and dad and his sister and the girls. The girls are getting so big and are so much fun!!! Mom and Dad are doing a lot of work to the house and it looks great. New siding, a new deck, new roof, and so much more. Everyone can't wait to see what it looks like when it's all finished. On Sunday morning we left Bloom around 5:30 in the morning to head to Ohio. I slept most of the way out, that's what I do best. We got to the hotel, Castaway Bay, got all our tickets and then changed into our swimming clothes. We headed over to Soak City, which is Cedar Point's water park. We went on the slides and floated down the two lazy rivers. It was a warm day, so we picked a perfect day to go to the water park. Around 3ish we decided to head back to the hotel to see if our room was ready, which it was, so we napped and showered and headed out for dinner. We decided to try this pizza buffet right down the road. Let me just say we will never go there again. It was very dirty and yucky!! The pizza wasn't good. Just a bad experience. We are very spoiled when it comes to pizza buffets.

Monday morning we ate breakfast at the hotel and then headed over to the park. We got into the park early because of the hotel package we bought. We headed right for the Top Thrill Dragster. This roller coaster is 420 feet tall and is 120 mph. What an awesome ride. What a rush!!! After that we went on some more rides. It was pretty hot and muggy so we decided we would eat lunch in a restaurant and then maybe take a break. We ate lunch and then rode one more ride and decided to head back to the hotel for a nap and shower. After the nap and shower we headed back to the park and tried riding more rides, but the lines were crazy long, so we just walked around. We went back to the hotel and ordered room service.

Tuesday morning we got up and got everything ready to go home. We checked out and then went to the water park at the hotel. We didn't think it was going to be that great, but once we got in and went on some of the rides we were having fun. We didn't stay too long because we wanted to get home at a decent time. Thank gosh we left when we did because it took forever to get home.

All in all it was a nice vacation. Definitely too short, but oh well. We did a lot of relaxing and had a lot of laughs.

2nd Annual Andy Knappenberger Scholarship Fund Golf Outing

When my Uncle Andy was killed two years ago we set up a scholarship fund for a high school senior at Lehighton High School that was going to further his/her education. For the 2nd year in a row we have had a golf outing to support the scholarship fund. This year's outing was this past Saturday. I handle planning the event and the family helps getting sponsors and donations. We had 116 golfers this year. This year's tournament was a morning tournament with the start at 8 a.m. Registration began at 7 a.m. So I was up at 5 a.m. to start getting ready. Mom and I were at the country club by 6 a.m. to start setting up registration and everything. Registration went smooth and we got the golfers started. If you looked up the valley it looked like it was going to rain, dark clouds were everywhere. For quite some time the dark clouds followed the mountains and passed us. Up until about 11ish. Then it poured. And I mean poured. All the golfers came in the cart barn and were there for about an hour or so. After the rain stopped we got them back out on the course and they finished golfing.

After they were done golfing we had a lunch/early dinner pig roast at the farm. We rented a big tent and table and chairs and had everything there. There was soooo much food. You name it we had it, even PIG!!!! Once the golfers were done eating we did door prizes, awards, and had a live auction. After we were done with everything for the outing we just hung out with some friends of the family under the tent. All in all it was a great tournament, could've done without the rain but we think Pappy, Andy, and Jack were jealous they couldn't golf this year.

Thanks to everyone who sponsored, donated something, volunteered their time, golfed, and anything else you might have done to support this great event. Until next year...

What I've Been Up To

This past weekend was Camping for Christ, CFC, at my church. It's a weekend event where there are bands, speakers, comedians, crafts, games, and food. This was the 7th year we've been having the event at the church. Friday night after the gym I headed to the church. We had a band and then after the band we watched the movie Fly Wheel. What a great movie!!! Then to wrap the night up I led the campfire bible study. Then we called it a night.

On Saturday after breakfast and some Christian Jeopardy I left to go to my Uncle David and Aunt Carol's pool picnic. I haven't been able to be there the past couple of years because something else was always going on. The party was also a celebration of my cousin Jeremy's high school graduation. It was great seeing everyone and just getting to hang out and catch up. I left the picnic and headed back to the church for the rest of CFC. We had some more bands and speakers. We had another campfire bible study and then it was SMORE'S time. We had a great time sitting around the campfire telling stories and talking to my little buddy Dillon. We were all very tired so we headed to bed. As I was in a deep sleep around 2 AMish my mom woke me up saying there was a thunder storm and we had to go outside, see we were staying in Aunt Marcy's camper. So we went outside and were standing under a canopy and all I thought was oh my gosh we are going to have to bring all the kids into the camper and how I wasn't going to share my bed with any smelly kids. Very sad I know. The thunder and rain stopped and we went back to bed.

Sunday morning we had praise and worship and then had Church service under the pavilion. As soon as church was over Aaron and I left. Aaron has soccer camp this week at Marywood, so I dropped him off on the way home. Once I got home I was beat! Jimmy and I just relaxed and hung out. Jimmy had a busy weekend helping his mom and dad with the house. He was pretty tired too. All in all a busy weekend. And now it's onto another busy weekend!!!!!!

Another Fun Filled Weekend

This past weekend I went home on Saturday so I could go to a wedding with Alicia and Alexis. We had such a fun time at the wedding. So glad I went with them. On Sunday it was the Frey reunion and my mom's birthday. Miss Cady brought baby Mia to the reunion. She was born last Sunday. What a cutie. Cady said she's already sleeping 6 hours at a time. Another great surprise was that Becky was home. She came home to see her niece baby Mia. Alyssa and I ended up wearing the same pink tank top that we bought when she came up shopping. We are so cute!!! Love her to pieces!! Onto another busy weekend, CFC and my Uncle David and Aunt Carol's pool party. Is it September yet?!?!?!?!

Fun Filled Weekend

Jimmy passed his motorcycle test on Thursday, so that meant we could drive the bike home on the weekend. Saturday morning we left the house around 9ish and headed to Bloomsburg. The ride was great. We stopped once so I could stretch my legs. Once we dropped the bag off at Ma & Pa Keller's we headed over to Knoebel's. My brother's armory had their "Family Support Group Day". We met Marcy and the boys, Bev, Rocco and the girls, and my mom at the pavilion. We got our tickets and headed out. Man was it hot out!!!! Kelsey and I were hanging out by the haunted house. Jimmy and I rode the SkyWay. What an awesome view!?!?!?! That was the first time we both were on that ride. We had a fun time with everyone.

After a hearty breakfast at Country Cupboard on Sunday morning with Ma & Pa, and Wendy & Ryan and the girls we hung out at the house and played with the girls for a little bit before they went home. After the Adams family left Ma & Pa and Jimmy & I went for a bike ride over to PP&L lake. It was yet another crazy hot day. We didn't stay too long because it was so hot, but we did get the chance to take some pictures.