Valentines Day

I have always been the girl that hated to love valentines day! Like any other girl, I always had hope in the back of my mind, but tried to push it aside to not expect anything! Year after year I ended up disappointed! But don't you worry, since I have been married, the day has been...normal... with a side of flowers. My husband always treats me like a queen. We woke up that morning and I said "Happy Valentines Day Sweetie!! Be my valentine?" and he replied back, "You are my valentine every day, not just on valentines day!" Goodness I love him. It was a very busy day for the both of us, as MacKay wisked off to work, I showered and got ready for work myself. After work for me, I took off for Club Practice 40 miles away. Didn't come home, or see my hunny till 8:30pm!! When I got home, I was dead tired! But there was an arrangement of flowers on the table, and he was ready to go to dinner!

He took me to my favorite place to eat around here. Yup, Los Amigo's!! It was heaven! Came home and watched our favorite TV series; Prison Break, and went to bed! It was a long day. But all in all it was a wonderful day! Like it usually is with my Mr.

I bet you are asking yourself, "What did she get him?!" No, I am not a slacker. I did get him some things! I did a fun little 14 days of Valentines-which you can find here .

It includes free printables and wonderful ideas! I had a blast with this each day for the first 14 days of February, and on the last day I made the coupon book from the same site. Find it - here

Since we have a tight budget, I knew he would appreciate the lack of spending a lot of money! [I was right..]  It was a hit!! How was your valentines day?!

XOXO- Shanna

My Dear Aunt Liz

Last night, there was a horrible accident near Cheyenne, Wyoming, where all of my Mom's family lives. I was sitting peacefully on my bed at home with loved ones when I was aimlessly playing on Facebook. I saw a post from my cousin that sent chills up my spine. It was him asking for prayers for his Mother. It had no other information and I had one of those, gut hurting, feelings. I called my Mom, she was in a theater waiting to watch a movie with some friends. I asked her if she had heard anything that was going on. She hadn't and told me to call my Grandmother, as she couldn't. I texted another Aunt to see if she knew, when she didn't reply I called my Grandmother. After talking with her, she had no idea and told me she would call as soon as she found out. A few minutes later she called back in tears saying that my Aunt Liz was in a car accident and had just passed away. I couldn't believe my ears. Since I heard the news, I haven't been able to think of anything else. It makes me sick to think about what my Uncle Tony is going through right now, and their amazing 2 kids, Jared and Kara. Their spouses and the 2-almost-3 grand kids.

I didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with my Aunt Liz, as we lived hours and hours away, but I adored her. I looked forward to visiting Tony's house. I know this may not make any sense to most of you, but it will to our family. Liz and Kara always reminded me of spring colors. Strange? Maybe, but those two are the happiest people I know. They are not loud and happy, but soft, kind, and always serving with a smile. Liz loved her God, and it showed. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of my God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know she is in Heaven meeting her Creator, and he had open arms. She will get to spend a couple more weeks with her first granddaughter, who is due shortly. She will continue to look out for all, especially her Husband and Children and their families. I pray for the upcoming journey that will be hard, and full of tears, for my Uncle and family. Please keep them in their prayers, as they struggle to adjust to this new life.

Here is a picture of Tony and Liz (off Kara's FB): I love you both.

MacKay- O, Salmon- 1

On our first fishing trip, it was just MacKay and I, we had no boat, it was just a little bit of hikin', wadin', and fishin'! We drove a few miles up the Talkeetna Spur Road, and parked by the trees, where we followed a little trail to the large rivers. This is one of the only good fishing spots you can get to without a boat. Since we didn't have a boat, it was perfect! I wont fool ya, I was terrified to hike! Don't get me wrong, I have loved hiking most of my life, but I never hiked in Alaska, where I had heard terrifying stories from the Taylor's, Butler's and Ford's, I swear they did this on purpose to watch me squirm! Boy, did it work! MacKay never went anywhere without a gun, but I was still keyed up! I did NOT want to see any Bear's or Moose! We came to the train track, where we could climb up and over, or go through an underpass. MacKay took that time to tell me a story of him seeing 2 bears on the other side of the underpass a few years back. Thank you Mr. MacKay! ugh, So I opted for up and over. When we finally got out of the jungle-like woods, my nerves left! It was just beautiful, I was glad to see some land, water, and life! Other than just Pines. Here are some pictures of our fishing adventure!

Isn't he cute?! (:

First view of one of the three rivers.

MacKay wading through to find a good spot.

My honey fishin'! You won't see many pictures of me fishing, because I didn't have a license, they are really expensive for out of state. So I let him have all the fun! (:

I forgot to bring a book, so I resorted to picture taking. Darn.(;

Sorry, about all the pics of MacKay! I love seeing him do what he loves! I have about 1 hundred million more. (; 

Yes, that is a fallen over tree! HUGE!

We were heading back from fishing, as we didn't catch anything! Fish- 1 MacKay-0

& here is the two of us home, safe and sound, with encountering 0 bears, moose, or anything else that may threaten our lives. (sigh of relief)

Alaska Adventures 2011

When MacKay and I got settled a little bit, into the Smokehouse, and our little cabin, we dove into some little adventures. Since pictures are way more fun, enjoy!

We found this little nest in a pine tree near the Ford's Cabin! I love this picture, he is smiling at me! (;

A couple weeks later we found them like this, almost too big for the nest. We didn't see them after this, they learned how to use their little wings!

This picture cracks us up. It was taken in Anchorage. We were at a little tiny business that sold a mixture of tomatoes, and fixed up appliances. (yeah picture that) The man who took care of the tomatoes wore skinny jeans, his cut-off t-shirt tucked into his pants with belly hanging over. He loved having someone to talk to! He was very kind, and had a good heart! He was thrilled to show me his home for all of his cats. He loves cats. Yup, they live in his car. While he went to take care of some tomatoes, I snuck in a few pictures. Oh Alaska! (;

This picture was taken at about 10:30pm. Bright as noon day! This was my first glimpse of Mt. McKinley. It is so beautiful!! I wished my dad was there looking at it with  me! He would have loved it.

At sunset- 12:00am-ish? Lake behind Heidi and Keith's house.

Me trying to be a photographer as good as @Tia Chapman! (;

When it is a sunny day, and not raining, there is a look out into Talkeetna where you can see Denali, or Mt. McKinley! This was my first view, It is just beautiful!!!

Again with the picture taking. But a hammock in Alaska, overlooking a lake? Yes, please!

Tip of Mt. McKinley through the Talkeetna River!

This place is just beautiful! So much green, and so many trees.(: I was in heaven!

More to come on the first fishing trip! (: