Engaged on New Year's Eve

New Year's holds a very special place in my heart as it was the night my husband proposed to me 10 years ago!! I'm dying right now because I really can't believe it's been 10 years!!! What the heck, where has the time gone?! Plus, that means the big 10 year wedding anniversary is right around the corner eeeek!

Here's how it all went down... For Christmas 2005, I traveled to Austria with my *then boyfriend to meet his family and experience an Austrian Christmas. The week was perfect and my husband did a great job at making my time there memorable. We drove to Vienna and visited Schoenbrunn Palace in the snow, went to a thermal heated spa, stayed a night in the Austrian Alps and just enjoyed relaxing at his parent's home in the country. When Christmas had passed {our first week there}, I wasn't expecting a proposal... after all we had only been dating three months. Plus, even though the conversation of marriage had taken place, my husband had assured me that it was too soon after meeting his family to get engaged (to say I wasn't a little bummed was an understatement). None the less, he planned for a special night in Salzburg with some of his close friends. 

We ended up at the Hotel Stein in Salzburg, Austria. This hotel has a rooftop terrace that overlooks the old town -full of Gothic inspired church steeples- and the Fortress Hohensalzberg. We attended a party hosted by Red Bull (which is housed in Salzburg) and enjoyed mingling with new people. I had noticed that my husband was acting a little weird and dare I say clingy, but didn't really think too much of it. At midnight, as the snow started to fall on the terrace and we looked out over the old city, fireworks began to boom and my love came up beside me and whispered in my ear those four magical words. I swear to you my head turned so fast...it was so unexpected. Of course I said yes and we were greeted with a bottle of champagne to celebrate. Everything was on a fast track after that as we were married in March, five and a half months after our first date.

Baby us lol 

New Year's holds all kinds of special moments and memories for most people and I wish you the very best, most memorable New Year's Eve and New year 2016! I will be snuggled at home with my husband and kids, expecting to get lots of kiddie & toddler kisses at midnight.

Happy New Year! 

Newbie News Linky #3 +Happy NYE!

Hi!!  & welcome to the link party! We want to welcome blogger friends and readers of all kinds– thanks for stopping by! Now that Christmas is out of the way and the new year is starting, let's get busy on the blogging and connecting again! 

This is the third Newbie News link party, and so far things have been going great! We want to help new bloggers get a foot in the door, grow their communities, and see what others are doing. Your participation and reading means a lot to all of us!  So thank you for stopping by to link up, make new friends, and share! 

But first, be sure to hop on over to visit my co-host, Chantal at Blogdacious!  She’s got all kinds of great things going on over there! Plus check her out on 

Pinterest  // Facebook  // Twitter

Here are my features from the last Newbie News link up... Make sure to stop by and give them a shout for their great posts!!

Six easy-to-make Scrubs 

by Alba Rosa

My daughter doesn't know she has deaf parents

by Mommy Gone Tropical 

Now let's share away and get inspired! 

An InLinkz Link-up

Wonderful Wednesday Linky!!

As we Welcome you to our 82nd "Oh My Heartsie Girls "Wonderful" Wednesday's Linky Party. We have lots of inspiration to share. And we appreciate your stopping by to share your blog with us. Your Links Are Seen On 9 blogs this week.

 

Oh My Heartsie Girl & Co-Hosts Welcome's you!! :❢:❢ #OMHGWW Starts Early ❢❢ And if you looking for something special from last week, there are so many good recipes and crafts, you can find them here :❢:❢ All The Entries Here :❢:❢

And If this is your first time to join us ~Welcome~ and if you are revisiting our AKA Wordless Wednesday Now... "Wonderful Wednesday Party's, since were anything but wordless.... Welcome Back!!

[xyz-ihs snippet="OhMyHeartsieGirlPinterestforWW"]

We hope you will Party With us each week and follow our Host and Co-Hosts This Week On Twitter or Bloglovin ♥~ MEET THE HOSTS of #OMHGWW ~♥

♥Karren-Host // Oh My Heartsie Girl // Cranberry-Orange Pinwheel Cookies // Favorite Christmas Cookies, Pinwheel Cookies filled with cranberries, orange marmalade & chopped nuts Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | HomeTalk [xyz-ihs snippet="InstagramFollowButton"]

 

♥Co-Host Evija Roberts// From Evija With Love // Create a Wonderful Festive Candle Holder//This is such a fun way to update an old glass container and surprisingly most of the items you will already have at home! Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram 

♥Co-Host Donna Wirthlin // Two Chicks And A Mom // Most Popular Post-One Hour Receiving Blanket// "This was our most popular blog post of 2015! Since Chick #1 (Staci) is expecting her first baby in May 2016, I will be making a few of these quick and easy blankets for my new grandson! These blankets are sturdy and can be made by a beginner!" Twitter | Bloglovin | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

 

♥Co-Host Ashleigh // Simply Wright //Brick Snowman Bookend! // Perfect as a gift or simply for the garden, this brick snowman is perfect for any Wintery decor! Facebook | Google + | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

 

♥Co-Host Christine Mello // Must Love Home //Bang Bang Buffalo Chicken // Extra Crispy Bang Bang Buffalo Chicken are a perfect entree or appetizer and are a tailgate favorite! Serve with Sweet Buffalo Chili Sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

 

♥The Fabulous Journey// Fabulous Journey //Wearing Red For Christmas // I love wearing color and red is my favorite one! Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest |Instagram 

 

♥Co-Host Shandra White Harris // With Heart Wide Open // Times Change // Constants for which to be thankful in this Season:these 4 things! Twitter | Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

 

♥Co-Host Indah // My Purple World // Cheese and Veggie Bitterballen // Delicious munchies will be a perfect companion for colder days like now. Try this simple cheese and veggie bitterballen recipe for you and your family. Hope you like it :) Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

♥Co-Host Denise // The Healthetarian Woman // "Chikn" Fried Steak //This super easy and delicious, meatless dish is SOOO easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite. It is perfect comfort food for a chilly winter night. Twitter |Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

 

Your Co-Hosts Picks From Last Week 

Co-Host Pick by Donna // Oh My Creative // DIY Metal Winter Sign from Metal Tray 

Co-Host Pick By Christine Mello of Must Love Home // Viklapah // How To Make Personalized Candy Bars with Almonds and Caramel Filling 

 

Host Pick by Evija of Evija With Love // Sadie Season Goods // Oversized Cross Stitch Diy Project

Co- Host Pick Indah of My Purple World // Pink Heels Pink Truck // Vegetable Lasagna

Co-Host Pick By Denise of The Healthetarian Woman //Flamingo Toes// DIY Tablet Cover

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // The Lazy Gastronome // Hoppin’ John – A Southern Tradition 

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // Moma Mommy Mom // Five Minute Broschetta

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // Mommys Messy Miracles // Fizzy Party Drinks for Kids

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // Lemons for Lulu // Fillo Wrapped Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // Embellishments // Apple Roses Puff Pastry 

♥Disclaimer: When you add your link along with your email, it will be used only to send you an invitation to join us for the party. It also gives Oh My Heartsie Girl or Co-Hosts permission to share your posts, pictures and links if featured in upcoming posts. Any content used will be given proper credit and link-backs will be provided. But Now.....Let's Party!! ..And Open for a Week.. Stop by add new Links all week long!! Share With Us your recipes, reviews ,crafts, home decor, fashion posts, jewelry, paper crafts and yes, Linky Parties and Giveaways. Please Don't Link and Run-Comments Are Welcome & Link-backs are Appreciated We Want To See It All! And Please Feel Free To Pin A Few Features

Click Here To Be Notified When Party Starts Each Week

But Now.....Let's Party!! …...

An InLinkz Link-up

Year in Pictures

Another year, more pictures... at least that's what my hubs says. He always says we have too many pictures, to which I reply with a big NOT POSSIBLE! In my opinion, if you have children, there are never enough pictures. But I'd just like to give a shout out to my better half as he gifted me a new snazzy camera for Christmas, winning him major hubby points. Pretty rad gift coming from a guy who says we have too many pictures. Now, if only he's let me take pictures of him lol. 

But seriously, I have so many pictures, all of which were on my phone {now backed up on my computer}. I have always has this obsession with going through pictures and walking down memory lane. The walls in my home are covered in family photos and happy times. I know that if I'm ever having a bad day I can just look around and remember what my life is all about... my family and friends. With that said, after a year of traveling and new experiences, moving again, making new friends and connecting with old ones, it was a blessed and wonderful 2015. 

For another year, my family and I were able to travel to countries and cities that were new to us, along with some familiar and favorites. This year had some new routines for my family, as my hubs took a project in Europe which has him home only about 12 days a month. With this transition, I've had to really step out of my comfort zone and take on jobs around the house that are new to me. I like this role of solving problems without a man ha but really appreciate all the stuff my hubs does when he is home. I'm just grateful that because of him we are able to experience this beautiful world together and have so many adventures. We are already planning where to go in 2016! 

I also apparently love taking selfies with my kids lol. I'm definitely not a fan of taking selfies of just myself, as I think I had about 5 on my phone and those were for profile pics etc. But how fun is it to look back over the course of a year and see how the kids have changed in their little faces and expressions? Plus, since selfies are usually spur of the moment and more action and less staged, they really capture what we were doing in the moment and the happiness -or craziness- we were enjoying. 

Oh and here's one with my hubs. We have had a tradition of taking a selfie at every new place we visit since we started dating over 10 years ago... before a selfie was even a thing ha! For our 10 year wedding anniversary in March, I'm planning on using every single selfie of us and putting together a book {but more on that in March, eek}! 

I'm so stinckin' excited for another year to come, even though as many people who know me know that I struggle tremendously with time passing and loath the thought of my kids getting older and time passing at warped speed. But the thought of starting fresh with a new year always puts a smile on my face, as I do love having events to look forward to... and more pictures to take! 

Anywho, I hope you have the most amazing New Year and a wonderful start to 2016!! 

New Year's Chocolate Pretzels

How was everyone's Christmas and holiday celebrations?? I hope it was everything you wanted it to be plus more! Our family's holiday was wonderful and I'm sad that things are dying down {holiday spirit wise, of course. Nothing really ever calms for long when you've got three kids}. But I'm super excited to ring in the New Year this week! We never really go all out, as if I'm being honest, it's not always easy for me to say up that late without a nap lol... but this year we are going to a close family friend's house to have a night of laughter, drinks and good food.

I want to bring something simple, something the kids would want to eat, and something that is not a cookie... I think I'm pretty much all cookied out. So when I remembered how much we all love chocolate covered pretzels, it was a no brainer to decorate them for the New Year celebration. 

If you've ever covered pretzels in melted chocolate, then you know how easy this is {no baking required!} and how many options you have for toppings. I went with three simple styles that fit the NYE theme well. A tuxedo, a ball gown, and crystal blue... for some reason when I think of new and starting over, I think of the color blue! 

All you need:

• white chocolate melting chips
• chocolate chips
• silver fondant pearls {these are what I used}
• blue sugar sprinkles
• a big bag of large pretzels 

What you'll do:

• Heat white chocolate melting chips as directed, making sure not to burn 
• Dip pretzel in the chocolate half way and lay on parchment paper
• Before the the chocolate cools, add your toppings... 2 chocolate chips for the the tuxedo, silver pearls for the ball gown, or blue sugar sprinkles. 
• Let cool and then enjoy! So simple and they taste great, too! There's something about the combination of crunchy, sweet and salty! 

Have a fabulous New Year's Eve! 

Have a Very Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

As fast as this year has gone by, it's so nice to be able to take a minute, slow down and enjoy the holidays with the family. Seriously, this year has gone by in a blur and I can't believe that soon enough the season will be over. Until then though, I'm soaking up every minute with my hubs while he's in town, loving having my kids home from school, and staying in my jammies most days and hanging around the house {is that bad? I mean, when school's out it's kind of like a vacay for the parents too!}

Heidi and Lukas were in our church's production of the birth of Jesus {that they performed on Friday and once during Mass on Christmas Eve} and that really helped add a little extra Christmas in our home. It was so cute to see them up in front of everyone and be a part of the Christmas Mass. Heidi was Mary and Lukas was part of the sheep flock ha! Proud mama moment I must say. 

Anywho, I hope your holiday is as special as you are, and you are at peace and have happiness in your life. 

Merry Christmas! 

'Dear Santa' Printable +Wonderful Wednesday Linky!

Can you believe that Christmas Eve is tomorrow?!!! I swear to you this year has flown by and before you know it, it will be 2016! But before I get ahead of myself, I'll just focus on the next couple of days and remember what the holiday is all about... Santa! I kid, I know what the true meaning of Christmas is about {you should see how sweet my Heidi is as Mary in the church play!} but when you have little kids, it's pretty hard not hear the name Santa a few times before the big day, amiright? You know, once Halloween passes all the "I want for Christmas" and "I'm going to add that to my list" starts happening. 

A while back I decided that my kids could only ask Santa for three things, as to not let the whole list making get out of hand. So every year I create a page for them to full out and leave for Santa on Christmas Eve, which looks pretty cute in a scrapbook that they have yet to find out about hehe. I'm sharing this printable with you so if you want to leave a note for Santa, it's already to go! {Or pin it for another year.} Just save to your computer and print... and have the littles choose their top three choice gifts they hope to get from Santa. 

Now Happy Christmas Eve Eve and Link up below! I can't wait to see what everyone has been up to this week!! 

As we Welcome you to our 81st "Oh My Heartsie Girls "Wonderful" Wednesday's Linky Party, We are sure this finds you approaching the last hours before Christmas, are you playing those Christmas favorites, baking, cooking and wrapping those last minute presents? We have lots of inspiration this week to share. and share with us what you have going on! We We Thank you for visiting to share each week and Wish You a Merry Christmas!!

 

Oh My Heartsie Girl & Co-Hosts Welcome's you!! :❢:❢ #OMHGWW starts early ❢❢ And if you looking for something special from last week, there are so many good recipes and crafts, you can find them here :❢:❢ All The Entries Here :❢:❢ 

And If this is your first time to join us ~Welcome~ and if you are revisiting our AKA Wordless Wednesday Now... "Wonderful Wednesday Party's, since were anything but wordless....

Welcome Back!!

You Will Find Them Here

We hope you will participate each week and follow our Host and Co-Hosts ♥~ MEET THE HOSTS of #OMHGWW ~♥

♥Karren-Host // Oh My Heartsie Girl // Brain Boosting Activities For The Little Ones // Catch All The Great Giveaways⇒ Listed Here⇐ Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | HomeTalk

 

♥Co-Host Evija Roberts// From Evija With Love // French Inspired Box Makeover // My husband found the box that I started with. I wanted it to have a vintage look, so with filling and painting the wood I then I modpodged a graphic I found on Graphics Fairy Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram 

♥Co-Host Donna Wirthlin // Two Chicks And A Mom // Holiday Gift Bags DIY // I use cookie cutters for patterns to cut out shapes or use cute fabric panels. These make festive decor as well! Twitter | Bloglovin | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram 

 

♥Co-Host Ashleigh // Simply Wright //Christmas Cookie swap Party// Throwing a holiday party this year but don't want to do the usually ugly sweat or elephant gift themes? Trying having a Cookie Swap! This is super fun and everyone gets to leave with more cookies then they came with! Facebook | Google + | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

 

♥Co-Host Christine Mello // Must Love Home //Breakfast With Santa// How fun is a whimsical Breakfast with Santa table! Santa even brought woodland friends and arrives on vintage-style plates. Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

♥The Fabulous Journey// Fabulous Journey //Southern Style In Asia// I don't usually do decor posts, but Christmas is the perfect opportunity to step out and do something a little different. Welcome to my home for a holiday tour. Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest |Instagram 

♥Co-Host Shandra White Harris // With Heart Wide Open // Born On December 15th. Happy Birthday My Beloved! // Holiday Gatherings can be fun & frolicky. Just take a look! Twitter | Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

♥Co-Host Indah // My Purple World // Indonesian Yellow Rice - Nasi Kuning //Ready to try something new for the upcoming holiday? We have Nasi kuning or Indonesian Yellow Rice for special occasion. So, come and cook with me for something different for your super special day.. Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

♥Co-Host Denise // The Healthetarian Woman // No Bake Peanut Butter & Honey Chocolate Chip Protein Bars// Packed with protein from peanut butter, fiber from the oats and sweetened with immune boosting honey, these delectable no bake protein bars are fast and easy to make and SOOOOO GOOD!!! Twitter |Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

 

Your Co-Hosts Picks From Last Week 

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // Fabby's Living // Family Christmas Lunch

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // Little Brags // A Simple Little Christmas Tour 

Co-Host Pick by Donna// A Cowboy's Life // Candy Cane Milkshakes 

Co-Host Pick By Christine Mello of Must Love Home // Lemons For Lulu // Buckeye Marshmallow Pops 

 

Co-Host Pick By Ashleigh of Wright Simply // A Dash Of Daily Life // Candied Pecans 

Co-Host Pick By Donna of Two Chicks and a Mom // Living Lavida Holoka // Candy Cane Peppermint Candle 

 

Co-Host Pick by Shellie of The Fabulous Journey // Worthington Court Blog // Farmhouse Christmas Kitchen 

 

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl //C.R.A.F.T. // Holly Jolly Gift Card Holder 

Host Pick Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl //Pancake Warriors // Low Carb Coffee Cake Muffins 

 

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // Mary Denman Photography-Writer// Photo Tip Friday: Use Your Photography for Personalized Gifts 

Co-Host Pick By Denise of The Healthetarian Woman // Sweethings // DIY Christmas Gifts

Host Pick by Karren of Oh My Heartsie Girl // Tidy Up Giveaway // Ends 12/30 USA

♥Disclaimer: When you add your link along with your email, it will be used only to send you an invitation to join us for the party. It also gives Oh My Heartsie Girl or Co-Hosts permission to share your posts, pictures and links if featured in upcoming posts. Any content used will be given proper credit and link-backs will be provided. But Now.....Let's Party!! ..And Open for a Week.. Stop by add new Links all week long!! Share With Us your recipes, reviews ,crafts, home decor, fashion posts, jewelry, paper crafts and yes, Linky Parties and Giveaways. Comments Are Welcome & Linkbacks are Appreciated We Want To See It All! And Please Feel Free To Pin A Few Features

Click Here To Be Notified When Party Starts Each Week

But Now.....Let's Party!! …...

Take a Minute and Tweet To Let Your Friends Know About Our Party