Well Merry Christmas to us...

Hutt and I were lucky enough to have appliances handed down to us by family members and friends. Appliances can be a huge expense when you are a newlywed or a new homeowner. Or like us, both! We knew our washer and dryer were relatively old, but we could tell the dryer was a lot older. They weren't a matching set. Our dryer always seemed to take a while, usually had to go through 2 cycles to get completely dry. Since we moved, it started taking 4 or 5 cycles to get dry which was really well, annoying. We tried to figure out other possible issues. We got a new vent for the back. We tried to find the vent where lint escaped outside and couldn't find it. It is an interior room so we knew it just had to go through the roof. With no luck we lived with it for a couple of months, until I started smelling something and the clothes were smoking when I got them out. So we started looking at our options.We decided we would just buy a new set, since we didn't know how long our washer would last and it would nice to have a new, matching set. I knew I wanted a front loader. They tend to be nicer but the real reason for me personally is symmetry. I know that sounds stupid but its the truth. It always looks funny to me that one had the opening at the top and one had the opening at the front. Now I am able to have a countertop above the washer and dryer to maximize space. We knew that there was a possible mildew issue with front loaders but after talking to people at Sears, they reassured me  that they have fixed that since the front loaders were first popular. You just have to keep the door open to minimize the risk. There is a magnet piece that keeps it open but it still looks like it is closed.We looked at Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy and the Sears outlet right by our house. We met with the people at Sears during a lunch break one day just to ask some questions. They told us that LG is the best brand out there right now so we started there. We still looked at top loaders to see if there was a deal that couldn't be beat. But honestly they weren't that much cheaper and there were quite a few that were a lot more but also had a bigger capacity. One feature we were psyched about was the steam feature. Although it will come in handy more once we have kids, we can still use it now. We asked lots of questions about capacity, time, sales, detergent, etc. so we decided to go eat lunch and talk about our options. We  decided to go back to Sears and get the LG 3.6 cu ft Extra- Large Front-Load Washer and Dryer.I am really excited to finish this room, I have lots of ideas. But I am probably more excited about the fact that my dryer only takes about 45 minutes. Hallelujah!

We made it ONE Year!

Celebrating 365 days as Mr. & Mrs. today. Can't believe it has already been a year. So many special memories from this year and so many more to come! So thankful to be married to you Hutt Hutson!

We celebrated with a little weekend getaway in the Hill Country. It was freezing and the Aggies lost, but it was perfect!

101 in 1001

I am participating in this challenge that is taking over the blogosphere. I am very intrigued by these types of challenges especially when they come in list form. :) The challenge consists of a list of 101 things that you plan in accomplish in 1001 days, about 2.75 years. You can make up your own list with your own categories. Here is mine...

Start Date: August 20, 2013
End Date: May 17, 2016

Entertainment/Travel:

1.Go to a new state
2.Go on a mission trip
3.Cross 10 items off 1000 places to see in the US book
4.Take a trip to the west coast
5.Go to a new beach
6.Take a float trip
7.Visit a Museum
8.Go to a Drive-in movie
9.Go to TX State Fair
10.Go to an NFL game
11.Go camping
12.Go on a picnic
13.Go horseback riding
14.Go picking at a farm
15.Go Kayaking

Creative/Business:

16.No-non-necessity spending for one month
17.Build a dining room table
18.Save 3-month emergency fund
19.Blog everyday for a month
20.Get a promotion
21.Photograph a wedding
22.Get my business license
23.Revamp my Etsy shop
24.Create a website/self-hosting
25. Host a giveaway on the blog
26.Learn the art of calligraphy
27. Put a house tour on the blog
28. Go to a blogger conference/workshop
29. Add some photos to stock photo websites
30. Add some DIY tutorials on the Blog
31. Redesign my blog to fit my personal style
32. Make business cards
33. Revitalize 5 pieces of furniture
34. Post an outfit of the day on the blog
35. Put $5 in savings every time I complete a goal
36. Launch an interview series on the blog
37. Sew a piece of clothing
38. Enter a photography contest
39. Start learning HTML
40. Learn SEO
41. Get a custom stamp made
42. Create a Free Printable for the blog
43. Buy an IMac

Happy

44. Make pasta from scratch
45.  See 10 classic movies I have never seen
46. Host 3 Bridal/Baby Showers
47. Send Christmas Cards each year
48. Read a new book for fun
49. Read the whole Bible
50. Send some encouraging notes
51. Be a Bridesmaid
52. Don't complain for a week..or longer
53.Send someone a gift for no reason
54. Stay up all night for fun
55. Watch the sunrise and sunset in the same day
56. Send someone flowers
57. Buy the perfect perfume
58. Learn to french braid
59. Volunteer
60. Have a fire in the fireplace
61. Find the perfect pair of black heels
62. Start a new tradition
63. Make 10 new recipes off pinterest
64. Make a pie from scratch
65. Bake a loaf of bread
66. Make Wedding scrapbook
67. Make photo book for #lifeingraham
68. Get a massage
69. Spend a weekend social media free
70. Get a real Christmas tree
71. Plant a time capsule
72. Make a list with Hutt
73. Buy flowers every week for a month
74. Leave someone a really big tip
75. Take a CPR class

Organization

76.Get important documents organized
77. Make my bed everyday for a month
78. Clean up computer files
79. Go through closet and give away clothes I never wear
80. Get pictures off old hard drives
81. Back up all personal photos to discs
82. Print and organize coupons
83. Make an address book with all friends and family contact information

Health/Fitness

84. Take a gym class out of my comfort zone
85. Run a 5k without stopping
86. Add some yummy but healthy meals to the menu
87. Run a 10k
88. Train and run a half marathon
89. Quit soda for one month

Home

90. Print recent pictures to fill frames
91. Finish painting house
92. Print off instagram photos
93. Landscape the backyard
94. Plant a Tree
95. Put christmas lights on the house
96. Building a dining room table
97. Find a new Kitchen Table
98. Finish house decor
99. Paint front door

100. Have someone make a 101 list
101. Make a new 101 in 1001 list when this one is complete

Interested in being apart? I would love for you to join! If you do decide to join I would to hear about it!

House to-do list

One thing you need to know about me right now is that I am a list person. I make a list of everything, I might even make list of what lists I need to make. Maybe not. You will never know. Now that we have been in our house for over a week, I had made our full list of what needs done.

Front:

-Paint House Numbers
-Paint or change out garage lanterns
-Spruce up flower beds
-Paint front door

Entry Way:

-Paint
-Crown molding
-Photo Collage
-Possibly paint the back of door

Dining Room:

-Paint
-Crown molding
-Find a rug, possibly jute
-Build a farmhouse table
-Find dining chairs
-Window treatment, thinking about indoor shutters
-Build a buffet
-Possibly other furniture
-New light fixture

Laundry Room:

-Paint
-Fun Light Fixture
-Ledge above washer and dryer
-Crown molding
-Cute baskets for top shelf
-Organization hooks for broom/mop
-Something to cover the electrical panel

Kitchen

-Paint
-New breakfast table
-Crown Molding
-Replace sink faucet/sprayer
-Find a spice rack
-Something above cabinets
-New light fixture

Living Room:

-Paint
-Above couch wall décor
-Possibly new mantle
-Crown Molding
-Curtains
-Rug?

Master:

-Paint walls
-Crown Molding
-Decor TV Mount
-New Bed
-Find a chair
-Curtains
-Rug
-Make some fun art together

Master Bath/Closet:

-Paint?
-Window Treatment
-Spray Paint Shower Trim
-New shower head
-New faucets
-Frame mirror
-Maybe repaint cabinet
-Redo storage in toilet room
-Build table for closet
-Baskets for closet

Office:

-Paint
-Crown Molding
-Paint furniture
-Wall Collage

Guest Bedroom:

-Paint
-Crown Molding
-Headboard
-Luggage shelf

Spare Room/Future Nursery:

-Prime
-Paint neutral color for the time being

Guest Bathroom:

-Install Board and Batten
-Paint
-Frame Mirror
-New light fixture
-Take out dated storage racks
-Add new storage above toliet

Backyard

-Find stools for our Spool Table
-Extend the patio
-Install ceiling fan
-Make Fire pit
-Make grilling area
-Plant a tree or two
-Add some flower beds and shrubs

Do y'all make lists like this? Do they ever get completed? 

Beckett- Newborn Photography

Here is my precious nephew, Beckett! Enjoy!

Saying goodbye to our first home.

The town that welcomed us with open arms. The town that showed us the complete charm of living in a small community. The town we came home to after our wedding. Our home. Our first home. Our 1300 square foot home with a carport. Our backyard with big trees perfect for our hammock. Our home that had one pedestal sink in the master bath that we had to share. The home we hosted many kids from church for devos and a Christmas party. A church that was so very nice to us. A church that always had homemade ice cream socials. A church that showered us with love and gifts for our upcoming wedding. A church gym where we spent so many hours playing knockout or 21 with kids from the youth group. A church that Hutt once led singing and preached in the same worship service.  A church that filled the void as it was the first time living in a town with no family or friends.  A town that shared the love of high school football that I grew up with. The town that had the coolest movie theater where you could get pizza from the pizza shop next door. The town that had the best diner. The one we went to every Friday for breakfast. The town that had the most amazing sky full of stars. The town that had the bowling alley and drive-in movie theater right down the street from our house. The town that had a city pool that was Sandlot pool worthy. The town that when you run to the store you always run into someone you know. The town with the nicest people, people always willing to stop and chat with “the new people in town” The town that will always be part of our first year of marriage. The town where so many of our “firsts” happened. The town where we started such an exciting life together as Mr. and Mrs. The town that will always be our first home. Our sweet home in Graham.

I'm an Aunt!

Introducing..

Beckett Ryan Ratcliff

Today I became an Aunt! My nephew was born very early this morning after quite a few hours in labor. We were SO ready for him to get here! We are all in love and Mommy and Daddy are doing perfect!

A little news...

Hutt has accepted a job in Burleson, TX just a little south of Fort Worth! We really struggled making this decision but we know it is what is best for us! We are really sad to be leaving Graham so soon but excited for the future ahead! More to come soon!

Memorial Day Weekend

I think that it is important to remember those that died for freedom, fought for our freedom, and are those still fighting for it. I am glad that there is a holiday like today that everyone can stop what they're doing reflect on the meaning of today, especially family members that are no longer with you. Although I ended up having to work today, I came up to OKC yesterday to spend some time with my family. My brother and his wife were in from California and it was so good to see them! I hadn't seen them since Christmas and since I found out they were pregnant!  We had a great night grilling out and catching up. It was so fun seeing my sister and sister-in-law with their growing bellies. My sister, Sarah, is about 31 weeks and my sister-in-law, Erin, is about 27 weeks! I can't wait until those little boys are born!

Rest of Weekend Recap:

Hutt and I headed out to Ft. Worth Friday afternoon. Since it was our SIX MONTH ANNIVERSARY we decided to do something fun and stay the night in Ft. Worth. We always have to drive back to Graham the same day so we thought it would be fun to get to stay a little longer. We ate in Sundance Square in downtown and stayed at the Omni which was incredible! We were on the 14th floor ad had the perfect view of all the historic downtown buildings that I love! Saturday we had planned on sleeping in and head to the pool until check out time but neither of us can really sleep in anymore. So we went downstairs to one of the hotel's restaurants and had breakfast. Since it was cloudy when we were finished eating we just decided to check out and do some shopping around town until it was time to leave. It was so much fun getting away for a day. I am so thankful that Hutt put this whole weekend together! I am a lucky girl!

What was you big weekend plans?

Sweet Six Months

Today marks six months with my best friend! I can't believe it's already been half a year. Even though we are super super busy I couldn't imagine spending this crazy life with anyone else! Hutt planned a little getaway for us and I can't wait to celebrate!

Hutt, you are so special to me. Every day is full of love and laughter. I am looking forward to many more celebrations! I love you very much!

Praying for Oklahoma

Monday was a devastating day for Oklahoma, especially those that live in Moore. An EF5 tornado came down and wiped out a good chunk of Central Oklahoma, just south of OKC. Since it was Monday, I was working in Oklahoma City. I work just on the southwest side of the metro, just north of the airport. It was a really pretty day and the storms that the weatherman reported seemed unlikely. Well, until 2pm. All of a sudden it was pitch dark outside and hailing. There was a huge wall cloud just outside our window. This was the first wave. The second was coming and it was worse. So we all got on the computer to check the radar and listen to the report on our phones. They said that it could be a supercell and looked like it was heading for the airport. Since we are just north of the airport, the president of our company called everyone to go downstairs. We were all just waiting, listening to the radio report. It seemed to have touched down just a few miles south of us but was heading straight east. They concluded that everyone that lived north (me) should head home in case another one develops near the office.

As I headed home I was listening to the report and I could hear the fear in their voice. They kept comparing this storm to the deadly storm back in May of 1999. They were warning the people of Moore to get in their storm shelter and if they didn't have one then they needed to get out of town. By the time I got home it was blue skies and sunny. After my 30 minute commute, the tornado was still on the ground and didn't show signs of slowing down. This tornado was on the ground for about 45 minutes traveling about 20 mph and had winds up to 200 mph. Neighborhoods were destroyed, Businesses were destroyed, 2 elementary schools were destroyed and many lives were taken.

It was devastating. Peoples homes, their every posession were gone.

The community of Oklahoma City and surrounding towns are amazing. There is no shortage on those willing to help and donate anything they can. Although I am not from Oklahoma, I got married there and work there and I am proud of those Okies. People are donating land for any horses or cattle that need a place to go. Companies are offering to put people up in hotels. People like my dad are waking up early to work a tele-thon to take donations from 4-7 am and then go to work for another 10 hours. It is simply amazing.

Not only are Okies willing to help, but people from all over the world are wanting to help or donate. Aggie softball played in Oklahoma today and yesterday they brought up a bus of supplies from people in College Station (non-A&M gear I might add). Some of my co-workers experienced damage so my company is collecting items for them and other relief organizations. I went to Walmart to get some supplies to drop off since I won't be back until the next week. They are in need of anything but especially water, toiletries, work gloves, diapers, formula, baby wipes and anybody willing to to give blood.

The company I work for Candid Color Systems, a professional printing company has offered to collect all photographs found in the rubble of the tornado and they will scan each image and put them into a online depository for the owners to go to and find their images so they can get them back. This is an amazing idea and I am so proud to work for a company that wants to help the community in any way possible. PLEASE PLEASE spread the word!

If you aren't in the area and would like to help you can still be involved.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make an easy $10 or visit the American RedCross Donation Page.

Other ways to help:

The Vintage Pearl has the cutest handstamped jewelry and they are donating 100% of each Oklahoma state necklace sold will go to American Red Cross Disaster Relief for the victims of the Moore Tornado.                      *My Personal Favorite*

Jewelry Nut Auctions has made some sweet shirts that they are donating 100% of each shirt sold to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Micah Smith has made t-shirts that feature "We are OK" and the outline of Oklahoma on the front. All proceeds are going towards the American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

All these and many more companies have products that you can order and the proceeds will go towards the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. There is a way for anyone to help no matter where you live.

Extended Family- Denton,TX

You may recognize some these faces from a recent shoot with Ashley and her adorable family. Ashley wanted me to capture some pictures of her side of the family and I'm so glad she asked me. Her family was so sweet and these kids were hilarious! I had so much fun with them in Denton! Enjoy!

Patterson Family Session- Denton,TX

I met Ashley through my sister-in-law and I had the chance to meet up with her and her precious family. Hutt and I drove out to meet them Saturday and before we met up with them we got a chance to explore UNT. It is so nice! We explored north of campus a little bit and ate at a Mac-and-Cheese Emporium. It was so much fun!

This session was so much fun with these energetic girls! Hutt and I had the best time with this family!

I'm going to be an AUNT!!!

My sister Sarah and her husband Ryan are expecting their first child in late July and my brother Jordan and his wife Erin are expecting their first child late august! Everyone is so excited to be having 2 babies around soon! We have been waiting a long time for one of them to announce they were pregnant, but no one expected it was going to be so close together! We couldn't be more thrilled!!!!! My brother and his wife found out a few weeks ago that they were having a boy and we were so excited! My sister decided she wanted to have a gender reveal party to announce what they were going to have. We had the party yesterday at my parents house and my grandma came over and Ryan's parents drove all the way up from San Antonio. We were also able to skype with Ryan's grandparents and facetime with my Jordan in Cali! It was so much fun!

In our family being Irish is something to be proud of and celebrate! So having the party the weekend of St. Patricks day made for the perfect Irish themed party.

Most of us were sure it was going to be a girl! Everyone was shocked when we saw the blue balloons. But I am so excited to be having 2 nephews! They are going to best buds at just one month apart!

 

Friday Funday

Today marks the 77th annual cotton bowl. This one is probably the most exciting of all, because my beloved Johnny Football and the Aggies are taking the field against my families beloved Sooners. This has been a very exciting year to be an Aggie as there is a lot to be proud of. Our first season in the SEC we went 10-2 when most said we couldn't handle the big move. We beat #1 ranked Alabama at their stadium, Johnny Manziel won the Heisman as the first freshman to do so. The cherry on top would be to win tonight's Cotton Bowl match up against OU.

I get to go to the game with my husband, brother and brother in law. I am so excited! My parents got 4 tickets but unfortunately they had to be in New Mexico for a wedding this weekend, so we are gladly taken their spots!

Happy 2013

I have always thought it was important to make New Year's Resolutions. Goals are important. But I had never thought about how much more important it is to reach your goals. It's just good for the soul. This year I have many goals that I am very excited about. They may be hard but I can't wait to start working towards them.

Happy New Year!!