Brunswick Stew

... is one of my favorite southern dishes. I seriously love the stuff and have been wanting to make it forever. I figured since I can't be in the south, I would bring the south to me. There was one small problem though, I did not have a crockpot. I looked everywhere in Salzburg and could not find one (or a slow cooker). I swear they like to make life difficult around here sometimes. Anyway, I ordered one online at amazon.at and it was delivered right to our door along with an awesome juicer that I ordered (but that's a whole other story). I immediately went to the grocery store and picked up the ingredients and began to make Mike's awesome brunswick stew recipe. It turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. We've been grubbing on it all weekend. It's the little things in life that make me happy. :)

Skiing- Flachau, Austria

Last Sunday, Jason and I went skiing in Flachau, Austria. It is about 45 minutes away from Salzburg. It was our first time skiing together and Jason's first time skiing since he was a teenager. He did a great job and I am so proud of him! I had a blast! (notice the I, not the we) ;)

When we first arrived, we took the lift up and noticed that all the blue slopes (easier ones) were below us. Unfortunately, Jason had to start off on a red one (intermediate), which he wasn't too happy about. After several spills and sometime later, Jason finally made it to the bottom of the mountain. I met him at the bottom and together we went on the blue slopes so I could give him a few tips. I so wish we would have done this to begin with. After some practice, Jason did very well but I am pretty sure that the first slope ruined his chi and I can't really blame him.

We grabbed lunch at noon before heading back out on the slopes. We ventured back up the lift and went on a very long blue slope that was a ton of fun before having to go back down the red one. Jason did amazing! There is nothing like teaching and watching someone succeed. Did I mention how proud I am of him?

By the end of the day, we were beat. It was such a wonderful day! I just love trying new things and exploring with my hubby. Not sure if I will get him out on the slopes again anytime soon but I am so glad that we have this wonderful memory!!

New Years Eve 2011

New Year's Eve in Alpharetta was a total blast! We were invited over to our friends Mike and Lori's house. They were such wonderful hosts and we all had a great time talking, laughing, taking pictures, watching the ball drop, shooting off fireworks and just being goofy. We were so blessed to be able to ring in the New Year with such great friends and of course each other!

Here's a recap of the night:

2011 was such a wonderful year! It probably had something to do with getting married to the man of my dreams! ;) Here's to hoping that 2012 is even better (if that's even possible!)!! ;)

Christmas 2011

We had a lovely time while we were home for Christmas. We were very blessed to spend time with both of our families while we were in town.

The first weekend we were in town, Kaitlyn graduated from her AIT training in the Army. We drove up to Fort Bragg for the ceremony. It was so great to be able to be there to support Kaitlyn and to meet all of her battle buddies. What a wonderful accomplishment it is! We are so proud of you Kait!! :)

Later that weekend, we spent time with Jason's family at his sister's house. We had a super fun white elephant gift exchange that my family attended as well. I just love it when we are all together! So much fun! And of course, we watched several football games and chatted all night long.

Then, on Dec. 23 our niece Isabelle was born. Such an exciting day!! We just love her!!

Christmas this year was wonderful! We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner at my parent's house after a lovely Christmas Eve service at the church we were married at- Christ The Shepard Lutheran Church. We opened presents with my family on Christmas morning. This year was my favorite year so far because my nephew, Nathan, is two years old and really got to enjoy Christmas for the first time. There is nothing like seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child.

Here are some of my favorite memories:

I love my family! :)