Countdown

25 Days til Christmas

23 Days til my Mom-in-laws b-day

19 Days til I go home

18 Days til Matt only has 2 semesters left of school (yay)

17 Days til my Holiday break starts

I put the decorations up the day after Thanksgiving. If it's gonna get dark by 5:30 we might as well enjoy the holiday light glow as long as possible. 

Now we begin watching the many classic Christmas movies that I wait for all year long...

In no particular order :)

   

I know I've left some out.

But maybe I should stop now...

Dan...

Thanks for letting us borrow your wife and child for a few days:)

A couple things I think you should know:

1.) Upon arriving (at 11pm) Bryson walked into our back room, pointed at our Boston banner and said  "Red Sox!"  I can't believe those were the first words I heard him speak in person. Typical Cook boy I guess.

2.) While playing I (jokingly) tried to put my Oakland A's hat on Bryson. He quickly threw it off his head, ran over and grabbed my Boston hat. Oh my. The tradition continues...

Just thought you'd be proud. Matt sure was :)

wish

Today I wish I was here...

With this view down the street...

And these people.

I miss my New Hampshire family. (Tyler--not pictured--I miss you too)

It was a great summer.

Get a Fade

"Get a fade" was a common phrase at my high school between the guys. If someone said it to you it either meant that it was literally time for you to get a haircut or it was used as joke/ insult to tell someone they looked disheveled.

Well, Matt lately has been wanting to shave his head (sorry Sydney!) and last time he did I didn't find it too flattering :) Lucky for me, this time my cousin Stuart was available. 

Back in high school if someone was told to "get a fade" Stu was the man they'd go to. Their is a big difference between just shaving your head and getting a fade. It takes some work ha ha.

Matt with his luscious locks of hair.

You have to look closely but here he is with half a buzzed head! Just part of the process...

Barber-extraordinaire-- my wonderful cousin Stuart and his finished work of art, Matt!

I can't believe that was all on Matt's head.

Stuart, thanks again! This time around I am LOVING the fade.

 

Megan's Surprise Party

These pic's are basically for my Mom so she can see how we really, truly, surprised Megan on her birthday! 

  The Entrance.

 

The Cake.
This picture is for my Dad--I've got names and numbers if you want them.


 I'm so glad it went so well. Thanks again to all Meg's freshman friends who joined us for a fun night!

Date Night with the Swapps

I'm posting this mainly because it just cracks me up how serious guys can be about work, school, sports, fantasy, etc., and then you get them in the nickelcade and they are 12 years old again! 

Not to worry though, Ashley and I took matters into our own hands and while the husbands were busy we literally beat the entire game of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time." We seriously owned Shredder, the Brain, Beebop & Rocksteady. Looks like being 12 again isn't such a bad idea:)

kissing our muscles...as usual.

The Week of the Megans

November 12th was my sister Megan's birthday, but today is the one and only Megan M. Berry's birthday and I couldn't help but do two tributes in one week for two very deserving ladies.

Oh My Goodness. Where to begin about Megan Berry, formerly McMahon. We met my sophomore year as random roommates at the much celebrated apartments of King Henry and my life was forever changed. Although a little shy at first, one day I heard her quote Anchorman and then a while later sing a little snip of a Ludacris song and I knew I had found my non-lesbian life partner. The rest of the year it only got better. 

After being roommates for 3 straight years I seriously feel a void now that we are each married and can't just knock on each other's door at any hour to share a.)wildly embarrassing stories b.) forbidden rendezvous details or c.) dirty jokes. 

 Although I must add, I am so glad she finally met her match when she married Matt B.  Perfect sarcasm and wit combining to create a love bond? True.

Without getting too sappy, Meg, I love you! You are one of the funniest, most thoughtful and enjoyable people I know and you are a part of practically every single one of my favorite college adventure memories. I think we may know a little too much about each other but I'll never tell if you don't :) Ha! Here's a little trip down memory lane. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I can't wait to see you tonight!!

After Cougarettes in concert, when she was aptly named 'crazy legs' for her unbelievable dancing ability.

The girls.
House party. An oldie but goodie moment that brings to mind some interesting dance moves? Never a dull moment around "the mcmahon".
Our shared love for holiday decorations was quite the bonding factor in our friendship. For obvious reasons.
From the Vegas Bowl in '06. We were both there for very different reasons but yet were are so much the alike:)
Right before Megan's first game as a Cougarette!! (she was not loving the pom-poms) It sounds motherly but I am really so proud! I love watching her performances/dances. She is amazing.
I feel like I should end with a Mitch Hedberg quote or something, but my grandma reads this so... Feliz Cumpleanos A Ti and I will see you soon!

Happy Birthday Megan!

Today is my beautiful sister's birthday and seeing as how it's the cool, expected thing to do, I thought I'd give her a much deserved blog tribute:)

She is out at BYU this year and I am so happy to have her around. I can't wait for the day when Chloe and CJ join us too!!   

Here are some things about Megan that make her the amazing person that she is.

* Her quick wit.

* Her ability to cap on you to your face...and then make you think it's funny.

* The girl can dance.

* She was the one who gave Matt the hardest time when I first brought him around--and I was      glad she did :)

* She is always challenging herself to do/try new things.

* Always has a good story to tell.

* Is MORE than generous with her dining plus! Just ask Matt...

* Great style. If I could fit into her clothes I would steal them.

* Is always herself  even when it can be hard to do so.

* Loves a good laugh, a good friend, and a good time.

*Is so much more than this list but I just want her to know I am so proud of who she has grown   up to be and for the example she sets. 

Stacie took Megan to Vegas for her high school graduation gift, pretty sweet!

Blue eyes courtesy of  Grandma Stauffer! Gorgeous

Matt and Megan are pretty entertaining to be around!

Happy 19th Birthday!!

2 years?!

We took this picture on our very first date November 4, 2006. I found out later it was because Matt wanted to show his Mom a picture of the girl "he had been talking about" and get her opinion---so thanks Janice for saying I was cute! haha. I had such a good time on that first date, Matt was just so easy to be around and came prepared with 3 or 4 date ideas in case one didn't work out. I was impressed but I had absolutely NO idea it would lead to marriage. Crazy.

Stay Classy

Halloween has come and gone and I can't believe it. Up until about 3:30pm yesterday I was really bummed that Matt and I had no reason to dress up. Then I got the phone call from Matt..."Hey i got invited to a costume party, we can go if you really want to." Ummm YES please. Only because Halloween is my favorite holiday and I didn't want to disrespect it by not getting into costume. 

Then the dilemma was the obvious "What should we be?!" Well thanks to my sister Megan spotting a 70's style Man-Wig, the dream began to form in my mind.

Ladies and Gentleman, Ron Burgundy (Anchorman for those who don't know)

                              Veronica Corningstone (the wig was a little extreme!)

Later that night we met up with Paul and Stu who were rocking some pretty awesome costumes as well.  Amazing.
Paul as Bobby Light from Rob & Big

 And Stu as Stuart from MadTV

For the record, the mustache REALLY creeps me out. Definitely not allowed.