Things I Love About Winter!

It's been snowing here for about a week. Luckily, the last few days have actually been warmer, but that will all change tonight! So in hopes of staying positive about all the winter weather, I though I'd post a few of the things I love about winter time!

Hot chocolate, of course!! Specifically Seattle's Best hot chocolate. If you havent tried it there yet, you need to! Right. Now.

Snow. Yes, I said it! I do love snow, and how a heavy coating makes everything look so magical! However, I tend to tire of it shortly after Christmas.

Of course, the best part of winter is Christmas!! I love every bit of it-family gatherings, baking, gift giving-all of it!!

And finally, shopping. I realize I can do this anytime. But it's so much more fun around Christmas when everythink is decorated!

Baby's First Picture!!

Here's a few of our sonogram pictures from yesterday. No, we didn't find out what we're having yet, but we will!! I'm only 13 weeks along, so they can't tell what it is yet. But we think baby is pretty darn cute already!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!!

I love Christmas time!! I love cooking and decorating and spending time with our families. We have so many traditions with all our families! I just love it!! Here's some pics of our Christmas decorating in Missouri. Chris working hard on our house lights.

I handled all the indoor decorations!

Our finished tree!

And the outside of the house! We also stopped by my mom's for her birthday and got in on the decorating as well!!

We also put up our tree here in West Virginia, but I haven't uploaded those pics yet, so I'll post those soon!

Thanksgiving In Missouri

Here's a few pics from our Thanksgiving celebrations in Missouri. We started with lunch at my sister Allison's house. It was her first year hosting Thanksgiving, and she did a great job!! All the food was wonderful! Then, for dinner we headed over to Chris' mom's house. It was wonderful as well, however I apparently slacked on the picture taking over there...oops!!

Chris and I at Thanksgiving lunch.

The night before Thanksgiving Elijah came over to play some Sega so Allison could get some things done around the house!

Tyler serenading the boys after lunch at Allison's place.

Elijah and Chris playing the Wii at Jennifers. Elijah is quite the pro!

Welcome Back to West Virginia!

Big News From the Lius

I realize I haven't blogged in over a month....I'm pretty sure that's my longest break ever. However, I'm back now and I promise I'll be better now!! In hopes of bribing your forgiveness and catching your attention again; we have some big news:

We're PREGNANT!! As most of you know, this will be our first, and we couldn't be happier! I'm 12 weeks along now and due June 12, 2011.

We came home to Missouri for Thanksgiving to suprise all our family with the big news. As expected, they are all extactic!!

I promise to keep the updates coming now. And I'll soon post pictures from our trip home to Missouri!

Chili Fest 2010: West Virginia Edition

Last weekend Chili fest 2010 was held. You may remember that chili fest is one of Chris' family traditions. We started chili fest here last year and it was a huge hit. We had it a little early this year, but everyone was so excited and anxious for it that we went for it! That's just some of the chili...we had 9 pots in all!!

We got all professional this year and even judged the chili and announced a winner. I think Chad is getting bossy here!

The poor judges.....there was so much chili!!

Sarah was pretty excited to get to the eating part!

It was a great night filled with all different types of chili! However in the end, there can be only one winner and the winner this year was Natasha!! Somehow, I forgot to get a picture with her and her award...oops!