Happy New Year!

Wow, this has been a whirl wind of a year, and I don't think we could be any more blessed. 


Derreck graduated from Mitchell Tech, we both got job offers, we moved to Denver, and we got married! 

2013 is going to be such an exciting year as Joni and Demetri are expecting their second baby boy in May and one of my best friends is getting married in June!

Engagement Pictures in February

Christie and Derek's Wedding in Okoboji in May.

 All packed and on our way to Colorado!

 Woohoo for my Colorado Teaching License!

My Bachelorette party in Gregory! 

Broncos Game in October

 And the highlight of our year was getting married in November. We spent 5 days in Mexico with the greatest group of people! 

Happy New Year! 

still have a perma-smile

This married life is great! Here's why:

-We have not stayed up past 10 pm. Not a lie! (that is counting weekends)
-We've both had dreams of getting put in jail in Mexico (thank God this did not happen)
-I have come home from work 5 days in a row to 1. a clean kitchen, 2. Derreck getting the mail, 3. Derreck going grocery shopping, 4. a clean bathroom, and 5. the Scentsy burning
-I have woke up to a brewing pot of coffee
-Derreck talking about his wedding band..He went from not wearing it on Saturdays to now only wearing it on odd days (he makes me giggle)

And in 7 short days, I will be on my way home for our wedding reception and the holidays to see my favorite people in the entire world..(minus Kelsea who will be on her very well-deserved honeymoon!)

Life is SO good!

I am the luckiest girl in the world..

So I failed at the 30 days of Thanks. Mainly due to traveling and no internet access. But the last 3 weeks of my life have been such a whirlwind!

I've traveled from Denver to Gregory, SD to Sioux Falls, back to Gregory (all by myself!) to Pierre, then to Omaha to Chicago to Washington DC to Cancun, then back to Houston to Omaha..and finally back to Denver. All in 10 days. 

But I can honestly say it has been the best few weeks of my life. I spent time with the people who matter the most. I went out a couple nights in Gregory and Burke with some dear friends, spent a day with each of my favorite little, or not so little kids--Andre and the Juracek Clan, celebrated Thanksgiving with my Grandma Mary, and got married in Mexico with the greatest group of people. 

To say that we had a blast in Mexico is an understatement. I have never laughed nor cried so much in my entire life. It was seriously the best week of my life. The memories will last a lifetime. I can try to sum it up for you, but it won't be funny unless you were there. Wilson, the piano, the broken table, endless shots of tequila (te-KILL-ya), 3-man, Spider-man, Precious the turtle(s), eating salt shakers, the Jaguar, the Packer Poncho, swimming in the fountains, the catamaran, etc. 

I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I have the best husband, the best family including in-laws, and the best friends. I cannot wait for our reception in two weeks. Mexico was awesome and intimate, but I'm looking forward to sharing our special time with the rest of our family and friends who couldn't make the trip. 

Day 16 and 17

So I had 8 hours to think yesterday as I made the drive from Denver to Gregory. I don't know if it's the wedding coming up or what, but I could not stop thinking how truly blessed Derreck and I are. The most random songs made me cry, and they were tears of happiness and love as I was reminiscing great times with family and friends.  

Day 16: I am thankful for my co-workers. They all gave me hugs and nice messages as I left work yesterday. It seems like I've worked with them for years. They are very supportive and so much fun!

Day 17: I am thankful for good health. Sometimes this gets taken for granted. Cancer and heart issues have taken some very important people from my life, so today I'm thankful for good health not only for myself, but for my family and friends as well. 


Go Yotes!!! 

Day 15: Vacation

Today I am thankful for our week-long Thanksgiving break. I am so excited to head back to South Dakota tomorrow. I cannot wait to see my neighbors, my friends, my family, and Derreck's family. I'm especially excited to spend a day with my favorite little man, Andre. (I wish I could figure out how to upload a voice message I got from him a few weeks ago--its already the top played song in my iTunes). I also have a lunch date planned with Shirley and my other favorite little man, Lincoln. 

Day 13 and Day 14

Day 14: I am thankful for my twin brother Derek. He is my harshest critic and one of my best friends. I'm so excited for him to walk me down the aisle in 15 days!

Day 13: I am thankful for Addie. She is the perfect example of a companion and man's best friend. 

Day 12: In-Laws

Today I am thankful for my soon-to-be in-laws, The Martin clan. Most people complain about their in-laws, but I cannot say enough positive things! Tim and Karen are so supportive, and show their love for us in so many ways. Jeremy and Kaycee might be the funniest (yes, that is a word in my vocabulary) people I know. They can recite any movie and their one-liners are hilarious. 

Day 11: Veterans

Today I am thankful for all of the Veterans. Thank you Anthony Hegstrom, John Broome, Elliot Rayman, Andy Grim, Nick Hansen, Brian Anderson, Johnny Vakiner, Tom Martin, and all of our other friends and relatives that have served our country.

Derreck's Daily Quote: "Doesn't that Cadillac look full. They always look puffy."

Day 10: SNOW!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It's snowing here in Denver and it's beautiful! Never thought I would be thankful for snow, but it's so nice to see some moisture. And it means that the holidays are coming soon! Yay! My favorite time of the year.

So I have 3 quotes to share today.

One is from my friend Haley's Facebook page. 

Haley: "For being so young you've sure done a lot."

Trevor: "Like what? Marrying a gem?"

Derreck: "We should have written No Crockpots on our wedding invitations"

Derreck: "Do you care if Josey comes down to play this afternoon?"

Day 9: technology

Today I am thankful for technology. Technology has come a long way. I remember playing Brick Breaker on my mom's old Mac from the early 90's.  Not only can I Facetime with my Grandma about her new haircut, but I can deposit a check through picture message (not sure how safe this is but its pretty dang easy--and saves gas right?). I can also read 5 different blogs, check Facebook/email, keep an eye on the news, text a friend AND find the closest happy hour special..all at the SAME time! It's amazing AND makes my life so much easier!

I might be starting a quote of the day--just because I can't resist sharing Derreck's Daily Quotes...

"I absolutely like being with you. Please make make me a sandwich because you have no control over me."

This was all one sentence when he was talking but I don't know how to type it otherwise...hopefully you get the full effect. And I hope you find this as funny as I do.

Day 8: The Little Things

Today I am thankful for the little things that really aren't so little. I'm thankful for a roof over my head, a comfortable bed, and food in the fridge. Hot water and cable are pretty nice too! 

Go Yotes!

Today I am thankful for my education that prepared me for the career that I love. College was one of the best times of life. I'm thankful for my Bachelor's degree, the lessons I learned the hard way, and the people that I met along the way. 
(This really makes me miss Mr. Smith's and being able to take a nap almost every day...)

Day 6

Today I am thankful for Derreck. I still have to poke myself some days and ask myself is this really happening? Am I really going to marry the man of my dreams in 24 days? Am I really lucky enough to be able to call this guy my husband? And the answer is yes! Yes, This is really happening. Yes, I really am going to marry him in 24 days. And yes, I am lucky enough to call this guy my husband! I'm so thankful for our upcoming journey through life together. 

Go Vote!

Today I am thankful for the right to vote. Yes, everyone is sick of the ads and the campaigning, but everything should be thankful that we live in a country where we have the right to pick our leaders. 

Go Billie! Go South Dakota!

I took this from Kelsea's Facebook page. Billie is such a great leader, and I hope you all get out there and vote for him tomorrow! 

"My husband is dedicated to the future of his district and our state, and he especially believes in the continued vitality of the traditions of agriculture, education, and fiscal responsibility in South Dakota. But regardless of who you decide should represent you in Pierre for the next two years, remember to get out and VOTE today or tomorrow!"

30 Days of Thanks

Day 4: I am thankful for my community where I grew up. I am thankful that I came from a small town that is so supportive and caring. Living in Denver has made me appreciate the close-knit, small town where I grew up.

Thankful..

So it seems to be the trend to say something that you are thankful for every day in November, so I'm gunna give it a shot. 

Day 1: I'm thankful for such a supporting and loving family. 

Day 2: I'm thankful for my job. The children make me smile every day.

Day 3: I'm thankful for my friends. I mean, how couldn't I be thankful for all these wonderful ladies?

Go Packers..Oops, I mean Go Broncos!

Last weekend we got an early wedding gift. Broncos tickets, and not just any tickets. We were in the 6th row! It was awesome!

Please don't use this for blackmailing purposes if the Packers and the Broncos meet up! I was being a good sport. Thanks Karen for the sweatshirt!

Yes folks, that's Peyton! These pictures don't do justice.

See that guy flying through the air? Well...about 30 seconds later, he landed on the football field. Cool but scary!

Whew! Good landing!

"Touchdown Denver Donkeys!" (Derreck's nickname for them)

It was such a beautiful night for football. We are so thankful for the opportunity to experience a NFL game, and especially from such awesome seats! Thanks Russ and Sally! 

And the countdown has begun...23 days until we are boarding our plane to Mexico for the wedding! 

Happy Halloween!

I came across this gem yesterday and thought I would share. 

Happy Halloween! 

Do I really have to grow up?

It seems like so many things are happening this week that are signs that I might actually be growing up. Ahhhh! Well, only to a certain extent..

I went to the dentist today, which sadly, is the first time in quite awhile. Just a simple cleaning and check up that was painless. However, when the dentist told me I was cavity-free, I was looking forward to a balloon, sticker or at least a new toothbrush upon leaving his office! When he didn't offer me one, I decided that a trip to Starbucks on the way home was in order. When I pulled into the parking lot, I started to feel guilty. I said, "Self, you've been complaining about money lately and you've lived without having a Starbucks at your beckon call for 23 years. Do you really need this?" And I replied, "Self, you are right. Dang you!" So, I came home and made myself a cup of coffee instead. But I don't feel near as guilty, and I'm making a goal that I can only treat myself to Starbucks once every other Friday. This will be an easy goal. I'm used to treating myself to Starbucks every time I was near one in South Dakota, which happened to be around once a month. I need to realize that I live here now, and that Starbucks will be always there tomorrow. 

Another sign that I'm growing up--I browsed many different websites getting quotes for car and health insurance, looked into getting on my own cell phone plan, and Derreck and I inquired about a condo for sale. You mean your mom doesn't pay your car/health insurance, cell phone bill, and rent until you're 30?! Bummer! Now if only my big kid paycheck would show up...Ha!  

Derreck's elk hunt wasn't very successful. The only elk he saw was dead in the back of a pickup on the way home. He didn't take any pictures either. He might go again this weekend while I babysit Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday downtown at a hotel.  

Way to go Gorillas-cheering you on from Denver! Good Luck on Monday! 

What a Whirl Wind of a Week..

Going back to last weeks entry, my Macbook is alive! Maybe it knows Halloween..wait, of course it does..that thing is smarter than any human. But back on track, it has risen from the dead. Best Buy told me there was no chance that it would work, as well as a guy from the Mac Store. They couldn't believe it when Derreck told them that he turned it on and it was working. The keys are sticky and the backlight doesn't work, but I've never been so relieved! So onto an even more positive note..our wedding invites are out and people are RSVP'ing to OUR WEDDING. 

I seriously cannot believe that it is only 40 days away. I'm excited, anxious, and a little nervous! Derreck doesn't talk wedding at all, and he finds it really frustrating when I'm on the phone to my mom, his mom, or Haley talking wedding stuff for an hour or I make him drive to Parker to pick up candle holders and lights that I found on Craiglist. He told me that we should just leave him in charge of the reception, and we would sit on hay bales, drink whiskey, and eat hot dogs. That doesn't sound all the bad, but it's just not what I had in mind for a winter wedding reception. I love him.

Our passport invitations exceeded my expectations by a long shot. Just in case you didn't know this already, MY MOM IS THE BEST!!! It was all her, and Cheryl helped her print them. They are awesome, but I better not brag too much because then she might pick up some more business. Which wouldn't be such a bad thing, but she just doesn't have time. I cannot thank her enough for the endless hours she spent at the print shop after already working a full day at the bank. And now, she is working on the reception invitations...Did I tell you how awesome she is?!?! And to top that off, I have the best mother-in-law as well. She has been ordering chair covers, table cloths, finding punch recipes, addresses, checking on flowers, and calling all over for other miscellaneous things. She rocks! Derreck and I are so blessed to be surrounded by such hard-working parents, and families for that matter.

Speaking of that, I got another job last week, applied for a new job yesterday, and Derreck got approved to start working overtime.  I am tutoring after school now for a girl that's in 5th grade. It's very convenient because I pick her up from school and go to her house which are both on my way home from the school I work at now. I'm enjoying it so far. Yesterday, I dropped off my paperwork for a 1st grade job opening at a different elementary school. I would start on January 7th so it would be perfect to begin my 'real' teaching career after all this wedding stuff is over. I'm crossing my fingers because I know there is already quite a few applicants.

Derreck went elk hunting this weekend with a few of his co-workers in Yampa, CO. I haven't heard from him since he left yesterday morning, so I'm sure he's having a good time. They have been preparing for this hunt for a month. I looked up the weather this morning and it's only 35 degrees, so I'm sure he got a little cold last night. They are camping in a tent and all he took was a sleeping bag. If you know Derreck's packing style, this isn't unusual! Let me remind you that he took a t-shirt, flip flops, and two pairs of underwear in a grocery sack last time we went home for 3 days. But, I can't wait to hear all about it and hopefully he takes some pictures so I can post them for everyone to see.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. I have the apartment all to myself. I am going to vacuum with my new vacuum that Derreck named Optimus Prime (Reason #847 my mom rocks!), do laundry, address envelopes, drink wine, and watch football.

Happy Pheasant Opener! Have a great weekend everyone!

Bye Bye Macbook..

My weekend was completely ruined last night when I spilled on my computer. I know this sounds like a minor issue, but I've been spending hours, seriously hours, on my computer lately getting things ready for the wedding. Our reception guest list, engagement pictures, letters that I have been writing, reception invitations that were supposed to be printed next week, resort documents, my resume/cover letters, and all my pictures are GONE. Not to mention our wedding video that I've been working on since June. I just want to scream! Yes, I know I should have backed all this stuff up, but it's just something that I looked over the last couple months. I hate being this materialistic, but if my house was burning down that is the first thing I would grab. AHHHHHHH!

Now the Packers better win tonight or I'm in for a long week ahead..

Thankful for friends!

Weekends go by so fast! I dont even know where to begin on summarizing my weekend, but I do know that I am one lucky girl! I have the best friends a girl could ask for! We had so much fun this weekend that I can't even count the number of times I laughed until I cried.

On Friday, Mom and I headed to Tyndall to try on my wedding dress. That was a success. It fit and everything was good there. On Saturday morning, we had my bridal shower in Gregory. Haley went through so much work to host the shower and I cannot thank her enough. I appreciate it so much. I still can't believe she came all the way from Virginia for the weekend. Like I said, I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such great people. Derreck and I got so many nice gifts. I miss home already!

The bachelorette party started soon after the shower was over. We had an amazing race in Gregory. A few of the pit stops included saying a cheer in front the Gregory Gorilla, teeing off over the water at the golf course, solving a puzzle at the Buttes, building a beer pyramid on someone's front step, a trip to the football field, counting tootsies at B&F, taking a picture with the cop, and having a beer at our favorite watering hole in town. Our ol' volleyball coach even joined in on the fun, and won of course, because of her competitive nature. Then we went to supper at the Homesteader, opened some gifts, went back to Mary Bob's, hit up karaoke at Bubba's, and made a trip to Dallas. I will let everyone else fill the gaps. =) What a dynamic group of beautiful women! I have the greatest friends ever, and I'm so anxious for the next trip to South Dakota.

Now for the best month of the year! We are finally into a routine at school, the leaves are falling from the trees and crunching as you walk, football is in full swing (although my Packers are off to a rough start), and pumpkin spice lattes are back! On a negative note, it's the last weekend for the farmer's markets in Denver. Guess I will have to fill my Saturday mornings with a trip to the coffee shop instead!

What do you like best about October?

Derreck and I at the Coors Brewery

 Tebowing at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Not sure I feel about this new name) 

Kellie and Jeremy at The Coors Brewery

Soup season is here..yay for Derreck's homemade chili!