Vacation or Not...

Well hello there! First things first...

Happy Late Valentines Day Everyone!

Happy Birthday to my Daddy! Its a big one this year!!! We know you had a great day and are so happy Ben was home to celebrate with you!! We love you and miss you!
Happy Anniversary to Ben and Ann! We love and miss you guys!!

Also the oh so important Unofficial First Date Anniversary! Four years have passed and I am so glad Suzette asked you to go to a party (with me). There we were (just like a blind date although we did know each others faces) at Kevin's house waiting for Amanda to arrive. I am so glad we were able to break the ice and so thankful for that unofficial first date! Love ya!

Lets see..2 weekends ago Daniels parents came on Saturday and we spent the day enjoying the lake and trails. We went to the Whistle Stop Cafe for breakfast (yummy) and then worked in a little quick antiquing. Daniel and I had not made it out to the big state park so we decided this was a perfect time! The day was complete with hiking, grilling out, and relaxing by the fire. We had a great time catching up and enjoying some good food. Leo and Mary come back and see us any time!

Last week I spent time organizing all our "travel" things to put into storage. We took the "split level" in again on Tuesday and hope that this is the last time! We are getting the slide fixed, a new fridge, new carpet, and all the other stuff that goes along with a leak. Daniel and I joke..we have really been camping! I spent last week looking for a place for us to live this week and a storage unit for our things. So as of now everything is in storage and we are on "vacation" in a hotel. Ok well staying in a hotel! Let me just say it was slim pickins in this town...but its done! We have also had to deal with rain, rain, and rain making this process take a little longer! How long will we "vacation" you ask? That is the question of the week! I will keep you updated on the progress!

Our "vacation" spot and the puppies enjoying it!

Valentines weekend was an absolute blast and we realized we were both trying to be creative! Daniel told me not to plan anything for Saturday. I woke up to breakfast in bed...which is ironic as he said he can't cook (umm French Toast). You have to be able to cook right!?! Hahah Later that day we went horseback riding around the lake. We have been saying we were going to do this for months and months!! I was totally surprised and could not have had a better time! We ended with dinner at Chuy's, my fav. Oh how I have a special place in my heart for their hatch chili enchiladas!

I planned a future day of LOVE Daniel style including: Longhorn baseball game, dinner at Texas Roadhouse (his favorite), lake fun, and go cart rides! It was so cute that Daniel got excited that I came up with items to represent each letter! Its amazing that our gift to each other was ultimately to spend time together. I had an amazing time Daniel and I love you!
Mama and Daddy thank you for the jewelry and picture frame and we both love our pooping reindeer! Around Christmas I showed mama these crazy reindeer that I thought were stupidly funny and she found them! They really do poop jelly beans! Ha ha!!

Horseback riding and playing with the puppies
Daniel's job is still busy and he is so fortunate to have another traveler in the PT department. The guy is our age and he enjoys doing the same types of things as we do. Its always nice to meet another traveler!!

Yesterday I made a very much needed trip to Houston to go to Sams. I meet up with Kristina (from back in the sorority college days) and her two adorable kiddos. She took me to the Kemah Boardwalk and it was very impressive. A definite must see for anyone in the area! I am not familiar with the Houston Metro area and had no idea the coast was so close. I was amazed at how fast we were at the water!. She showed me all of the devastation from the recent storm but it looks as though the rebuilding is in progress. I can not believe all of the damage and how many miles it covered! We had some yummy seafood, I had a great time catching up with her, and B entertained us with a very cute dance! Thanks Kristina, B, and Baby C for a fun time! Hopefully Daniel and I can make a trip back while we are in the area and we can all go to boardwalk! There is a lot to see and do!

The Kemah Boardwalk and Kristina's cute kiddos.

Daniel and I realized the other day this rotation is flying!! We can't believe we have been here for a month! Goodness..Soon we will be looking for another rotation and making new plans. Life is busy busy and we miss everyone! Leave us a comment or email and let us know what is going on with you!! Love Daniel and Melissa

Thinking about so many...

Jill this picture is for you..but its not the bob I will make you wait! ;)
Well...Its been 2 weeks since my last post but we are back after technical difficulties with the wireless data card. FYI use extreme care and go ahead get the insurance! A belated birthday wish to...three very special people Marshall, Maria Maria, and Stacy!I know you all had great birthdays we are just sending some extended love!

The past few weeks have been extremely busy for Daniel at work with a patient load much to high for one therapist. He is still enjoying this rotation but has welcomed with open arms a new traveler that began on Monday. I can tell he is definitely happier!!

All in all, things have been low key and we love it! I have however, decided to run yet another half marathon this summer! Needless to say...we have been on the trails!

The past two Friday nights we have been kicking it with the locals and listening to Texas Rockabilly at Buster McNutty's. Its some good stuff and we love learning more about the area! Saturday Daniel and I decided to do a little antiquing..ok well well it was more me. We only hit up half of the shops...more weekends of fun to come! :)
Daniel's parents are coming this weekend and we are excited to show them all the area has to offer!
On a totally side note..Today we are thinking of so many with prayers and warm wishes.
Daniel's Aunt, Mrs Toole, is having surgery this morning to drain blood off her brain. Leighton has a heart coming!!!!!!!! The Bonner family lost Charlie yesterday after a long battle with stomach cancer. Harper is going home!!!

Please think of all of them today. I know they all appreciate the warm thoughts. We miss all of you and I will try to post more often! Love us!

A little happy song!

I hope this brings a Happy Friday smile to your face! It does mine!
Miss and love you all!

Where have we been...

Seriously right..where have we been. Well we are obviously out of Omaha and not that we completely hated the cold..but I do have to say we do not miss the -11 temp we were having. Our last week there was one we will never forget. All of our water froze..yes every faucet meaning zero cooking and showering at the gym. You really do use water more than you think! We had a major malfunction with the truck..while I was driving. FYI a Diesel does not break down often..but when it does oh mama its pricey. That day was completed with a migraine, 6 inches of snow, and Daniel coming to my rescue at the dealership!


We went snowboarding our last full day in Omaha and it was a blast. Daniel showed me some new moves. I could tell he was in heaven on the mountain. The next morning we got up early and started packing. It was only supposed to flurry but after 5 inches of heavy snow we decided to continue packing and hit the road. I spent over an hour on the roof scraping and shoveling snow and ice in 5 degree weather. It was so cold plugs on the truck were constricted making it almost impossible to leave that day. We did leave but had a heck of a drive as it was snow all the way to Kansas City. I had to miss seeing the girls in Fayetteville..sorry ladies. I did get to see Kerryanne..loves! I also have to say Congrats to Cassie and Adam who got engaged before the holidays!


We were in Ozark a few days and then headed to Dallas for Christmas. It was so nice to spend time with family. We followed with our traditions dinner then Ben and I exchange what we refer to as our "fun gift" on Christmas eve. My family exchanges on Christmas morning follow by Eggs Benedict..yummy! The rest of the day was spent relaxing and watching football. Santa was very good to us! Thank you family! Saturday Daniel took is exam and then we headed to Austin.




We got to see several friends but time always seems to fly by and we never have enough time. We had Christmas as with Daniel's family on Monday and spent the day catching up with them. It is quite different compared to mine considering there are 5 little ones when we go to his side. So many toys I always get a little overwhelmed, but its fun to see them get excited. We had a nice time visiting with the family and it was nice to see Aunt Martha as well!! Again thank you guys!!!



We always have a great time with Ben and Ann and Mama and Daddy. They are a lot of fun and it was exciting for us to all be in Austin. We had good food (even Chuy's) great laughs, and made wonderful memories.

We had fun plans for New Years with C and C, R and R all meeting for dinner and bowling. We were having great time until around 10 we found out our truck was broken into and our GPS stolen. Boo C and C also received the same treatment. We are very happy that R and R were spared. Ben and Ann arrived shortly after our discovery and we are so fortunate they didn't walk up on it happening. In total 3 cards were hit so these were some serious thieves.



We headed back to AR after New Years ready to possibly leave for Macon on the next day. After recognizing that we were not going to hear anything about Daniel's licensee and not being able to get anywhere with his company. We waited a few days and then made the decision to make something happen. Long story short we switched companies and are in Livingston for 3 months. The weather so far is a lot like Austin. Daniel is enjoying his job and we are able to spend time outside every evening. We love being on the water. This past weekend we explored the area a little and went to the town Trade Days. It is a market of what the area has to offer. We both enjoyed seeing it on our first weekend here. What a way to learn quickly about what an area has to offer! We also realized this is snow bird area...we love it! ;)


Enjoy the pics and can't wait to hear from each of you!
Love Daniel and Melissa

Please think about this family!

Please click on the button and think about this family.

Total Change of Plans- We are in Texas

I just wanted to update you on our location! After the adventures the holidays brought us..truck issues, completely frozen pipes in Omaha, a broken window and stolen GPS in Austin, and waiting, waiting, waiting on Daniel's GA license (still waiting + 6 weeks)..we are in Livingston, TX!

Long story short..we arrived here on Monday and from what we have seen so far...its going to be fun. Daniel and I have dubbed this city "The Snowbird Capitol of Texas!" We are about 4 min from the lake ;)

We are having some internet issues so I am going to do a long post with pictures soon! We miss everyone and hope you all had great holidays!
Love Daniel and Melissa

Merry Christmas and life truly on the road...

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you have all been truly blessed today with the company of family and friends. We are out of Omaha, have been in Ozark for a few short packed full days, and are now in Dallas at my grandparents house.

Christmas this morning was so warming and nice to be with family and friends. It amazing how quickly you can become comfortable with surroundings you have not seen in several months.



We hope you continue to have a great holiday and many more great days to come! Love all of you and hope to see you soon!! Pictures of snowboarding to come in a few days as well as our last days in Omaha!

One more special shout out..HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILLSIE!!!

Oh The Weather Outside is Frighful...but Let It Snow, Let it Snow. Let is Snow!

Its official..its our last week in Omaha and we are headed to Macon, GA! Its just south of Atlanta. We are really excited about another adventure and are ready for all a new city has to offer.

Last week the weather was cold to say the least..it was below freezing all week beginning in the teens and today below zero. Saturday was a super nice day and we spent it taking in the 5th wheel, enjoying the weather outside, and going to the Old Market to see the twinkling Christmas lights!

I spent the week packing the split level, Christmas shopping, and designing websites. The puppies love the cold weather but more importantly love laying on my electric blanket. Saturday I built a huge fire outside and played with the dogs until they were sleepy. That night we went downtown for dinner and to see all the Christmas festivities. It was a winter festivities explosion: outdoor ice rink, caroling, twinkle lights galore, and Christmas music everywhere! It is a nice change to be in a cold place around Christmas.

It snowed several inches here on Tuesday and the forecast is for snow again today! I can't wait to build a snowman!! The ski slope opens today so we are hitting it up before leaving town sometime this weekend!! Daniel is so excited to snowboard and be surrounded by the sport. I can't wait!!! More to come..its almost time to see family and friends for the Holiday Season!!

Thanksgiving and Its Beginning To Look Like Christmas...

Thanksgiving this year..one word awesome! We got home around 3 am and mama loves to chat it up when we get there so I didn't go to bed until 5. We got up on Thursday to watch the parade and made sweet potatoes, a family Bing Cherry salad, and my dad's famous (after this year) relish tray. Daddy was in charge of going to the store and we all know he doesn't do that well. He bought every kind of pickle, relish, olives, cranberries, and antipasta they had. He gave us so many options..it became a joke at the house. I only took half of what he bought the Shawn's house and it was at least 30 containers! Everything was super yummy and we had such a good time. We had not had the chance to see most of the family since our wedding last Nov and even then we didn't get to chat much. It was so nice to catch up. laugh, and just hang out with everyone! I totally forgot to take pictures as we were so busy visiting. boo

Friday we did a little low key shopping and then headed to dinner with Kylie and Brett and Andrea and Marshall at Weiderkehrs. It was the first time for us to be back since our wedding and it was so nice. We had a great time hearing all about their daily happenings and holidays. We really miss getting together with you guys!! It was so much fun!!!

Kylie, Brett, Andrea, Marshall, Me and Daniel


Saturday Daniel and daddy went quail and pheasant hunting. They got up super early and were out all day. I know they had a great time and we heard all about how the dogs hunted! Daniel had a great time hunting Daddy - he still talks about it. While they were hunting Mama and I went antique shopping..I had some very specific items I was searching for and I found them!! We were super low key that night watching SNL as all of us were exhausted. We all relaxed Sunday morning and Daniel and I hit the road early as the weather was predicting snow for our entire drive back. The weather was right but we didn't have any problems thank goodness. We had a great time mama and daddy thank you so much for letting us come in and relax. We always have a blast and enjoy all the room!!

We wanted to wait until this past weekend to put up our tree but on Thursday it happened. This is the first year in my life I have not had a real tree and it is the earliest I have ever put one up. I know it doesn't make sense in our 400 square feet to really decorate so I made it special. We have sunflowers from the rehearsal dinner and silver balls from our reception. Daniel added a few Family Guy characters and we found some funny RV ornaments and they fit our tree nicely. A tree does make it feel more like Christmas.

We had a great weekend of shopping, relaxing, and spending time with Daniels work friends. Friday was date night with dinner and a movie! We never go to the movies and were both very excited! We saw 4 Christmases and both thought it was super funny. Saturday we shopped for winter clothes for Daniel..that is not an easy task. The lines at Kohl's were so long!! We ended the day meeting up with Daniels co-workers and then out to the Old Market. He works with some of the nicest people and we had a great time with them. We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing trying to stay warm.


It snowed 2 times this week and has been so so so cold. I do have to say the weather man is scaring me by the "snow storm/blizzard conditions" they are predicting for Monday night. I am excited but not ready for a blizzard!! Daniel is on his way to work!
We are still having a great time and making memories but miss everyone! Hope you are all great! Christmas is coming fast!

Now this would make your week...You know you wanna look...

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Share your money saving ideas for Christmas..

Here is mine from the site...

I love, love, love to recycle at Christmas (ok all year). I have never understood why people throw away bows and bags that they receive throughout the year. Last year I got married and saved the bows and bags. If they were not too wedding related I would use them again. If they were I would cut out a piece of the bag and glue it on another to make a new bag design using several bags. I always use bows from all year and re-make them into new by adding or taking away from them. I also like to use stickers and stamps to decorate bags. I have been known to make wrapping paper out of brown grocery bags or newspaper and made stamps out of potatoes for Christmas designs using different paint colors or food coloring. It is green and saves money! Its also super cute and you can be totally creative in how you make the gift look.

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