Reef Christmas 2010

Framed With Joy Holiday Card

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Christmas card 2010

Day 7-Favorite movies

Hmmm.... Favorite movies.

• Here is some that I really like:
• Harry Potter: All
• The Twilight Series
• Date Night
• Halloweentown
• Chitty Chitty Bang bang
• Willa Wonka and The Chocolate factory
• Sex and The City

Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy

There is a lot of things that make me happy. The thing that makes me most happy definitely during the night when the hubby is at work.

These are my babies: Luke (Black) 6 months old and Madison (Buff) 4.5 years old

Day 5 - My siblings

I have a younger brother who is about 3 years and 9 months younger than me. His name is Aaron and he is 21 one years old. Being my only sibling we got along for the most part. Guess once we got older we got a long more than when we were younger.

Today he is working full time and living with his girlfriends family. He has had a hard time but he is getting better with things. I love him dearly and wish we could see more of each other. I see him less than I do my parents.

I love you bro!!

Day 4-Your parents

My parents....

Well they were married for a long time but then about 2 years ago they separated and now they are divorced.

My mother's name is Tina. She works in a factory and is dating a guy name Michael. They have been together for a little while now. My father's name is Michael or Mike. Most people know him has Mike. Both of my parents work full time at a factory.

I do not get to see my parents as often as I use to but we try to visit as much as we can.

Challenge behind schedule

I just never got to the computer over the weekend to do my post either day. The husband and I went out and about on Saturday and then Sunday we were around home hanging out. Think it is going to be hard to keep up on the weekends but I will try to get to them this weekend. Maybe I will write them the day before and post on the day it is suppose to done. That away I am still getting to them.

I am going to post Dec 4th, 5th and 6th tonight sometime so look forward to reading about them!

Day 3-Your first love

My first love was my husband Michael. He is my high school sweet heart...

Unless you count my cute pug Sugar. She was my best friend growing up. I loved her to death! She was my first real pet that I enjoyed having. She knew a mile away (she went blinded). I still miss her today!

My husband and I got together during the second half of my Junior year in high school. We have been together every since... He is still my first and only love!!

Love him to death!!

Hamburger Au Poivre

If you love mushrooms then you would LOVE this recipe!! It was wonderful!! Enjoy.
Ingredients:

3 cups instant potato mix such as Betty Crocker Potato Buds
3 cups boiling water
3 Tbs grated Parmesan
2 Tbs butter at room temperature
3 Tbs chopped fresh parsley
3/4 tsp salt
2 10oz pkgs white mushrooms
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 env. onion soup mix
1/4 cup beef broth
4 tsp cracked pepper

• Preheat oven to 425F. Line jellyroll pan with foil. Combine potato mix, water, Parmesan, butter, 2 Tbs parsley and 1/2 tsp salt until thickened; reserve.
• Chop 2 cups mushrooms. Slice remaining mushrooms; reserve. Combine chopped mushrooms with beef 2 Tbs dry soup mix, 2 Tbs beef broth, 1 tsp pepper and remaining salt. Form into 6 patties, Press remaining pepper onto patties.
• Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat. Cook patties , turning once, until browned, 4 minutes per side. Transfer to pan; cover to keep warm.
• In same skillet over medium heat cook reserve mushrooms until softened, 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, remaining soup mix, beef broth and parsley. Cook until thickened, 2 minutes.
• Transfer potatoes to large pastry bag fitted with medium star tip. Spoon half of mushrooms sauce over burgers; pipe potatoes over. Bake until potatoes are lightly browned and burgers are heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve with remaining mushroom sauce.
  

The recipe is from Woman's World mag. We truly enjoyed the recipe but we added more beef broth to the sauce and used mushroom onion soup mix. In addition we used 2 pounds meat because I was lazy and didnt want to weigh out the meat.

Hope you enjoy! Look forward to more recipes that we like!

Trying new recipes

Michael and I have been trying to get a swing of getting new foods/recipes in the mix of meals. This week we decide to do a new recipe almost everyday. So far we have done 4 different recipes and have really only liked one of them. The others were not to our likings.
Recipes:

1. Chicken & Cornmeal Dumpling - not enough flavor and the dumplings were not that great! Going to us the rest of the broth and veggies for chicken and noodles.

2. Cheddar Turkey Burger - didn't like the flavor but we like turkey burgers

3. Hamburger Au Poivre: Loved this recipe!! Basically a hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy!!

4. Hearty Chili Mac: To think and tasted like it was missing something. We added small can of tomato juice to it but didn't help it out.

5. 3 Cheese Chicken and noodle (Saturday)
6. Chicken Parmesan (different breading and style) (Sunday)

Next week we have some more to add to our list. Just getting tired of the same foods and need a mix up on things.

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

My blog title is Life of Michael and Melissa. Which is basically what it says..... it is about my husband Michael and me. It started out being a wedding blog but now since we are married for a year now it is about us. One day it will be about the family and might change to Reef family but right now it is just us and our 2 dogs. If you want to read just about me check out my other blog: Just a little of my life.

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

First off, I am Melissa the writer of this blog. I am married to a wonderful guy. We have two dogs Madison and Luke. Live in a small that I enjoy but sometimes miss living in the big city.

15 Facts:

1. I graduated college with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration.
2. Love to read books (Joined a book club at the library)
3. My favorite stores are Michael's, JCP, Target and Old Navy.
4. Favorite colors are Pink, Brown and Turquoise.
5. To relieve stress I like to bake.
6. Enjoy working out on my Wii!
7. Love doing crafts!
8. Like working with kids which is my job right now.
9. Can not wait to start a family!!
10. Love purses and shoes.
11. If I had money I would start my own business.
12. Christmas is my favorite holiday.
13. Fall is my favorite season.
14. Love photography and hope someday to own a way better camera.
15. Like playing all kinds of games.

30 day Challenge

Found this 30 day challenge on one of the blogs that I follow. Starting Dec 1st I am going to do this challenge and post it on both of my blogs: Just a little of my life and Life of Michael and Melissa.

30 day blog challenge,
Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3-Your first love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Favorite movies
Day 8-A place you've traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you're afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you're looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-Picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you've learned
Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 Wishes
Day 30- a picture

Honeymoon

Michael and I enjoy a small honeymoon in Northwest Indiana and Chicago. It was lovely to get away just the two of us! We went the weekend of August 12th thru the 15th. First we took the long trip to Northwest Indiana to Indiana Dunes area.

We explore the area around Chesterton, Indiana. Nothing was set in schedule or planned; it was more like road trip with hotels booked. Did not want anything fancy or not us!! On the 12th we spent the day looking at Cabela's, Indiana Dunes State Park, beaches and some shops. I think the best part was the beach and Cabela's. The Cabela's was quite smaller than the one in Dundee, MI. That evening we stayed in at Best Western Indian Oaks which I think was a great hotel. It was quite and relaxing with a good price.

(Us at Cabela's)

The next day we had to check out by 11am and could not check into or other hotel until 3pm (IL time). It was on to more adventures! We end up at Bass Pro Shop which also was a great place but I think it was better than Cabela's we stopped at. Michael and I just get into outdoor things. With that being said he is trying to get me to become more outdoorsy. He wants me to go hunting with him so he is in the process of trying to find me a gun to practice.

After leaving Bass Pro Shop we made out journey to Chicago. We got to our hotel a little later than check in because of the horrible traffic. The location of the hotel was not bad but wish it was closer to downtown area but I liked it. We ended up staying in SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago O'Hare hotel. It was located 12 miles from downtown but the parking at the hotel was free so we took the train to downtown.

(The Bean)

(From the boat ride; thanks to Vatch)

We had so much we wanted to do in Chicago. Ended up getting a lot explored but we kept it cheap by doing tourist sites that did not cost. One day we will go back to do the cool stuff but we had a blast. Two of our friends that our together lives in Chicago so we caught up with them on Saturday evening. We went to Navy Pier and enjoyed a boat ride in the harbor. They took us to dinner and we took them for dessert to Cheese Cake Factory.

Finally got to go to my first China Town and we had the best Chinese food. It was a local little place that was so small. I loved!! Hoping to explore other China Towns.


Overall we enjoyed walking the city and going to local places. Just being together was the best honeymoon. It is not about where you but who you are with!!!

October 2010

Time is flying by us. I can not believe we have been married for a year already! It was a great year together and we are looking forward to rest of our lives together. Hoping to start posting at least once a week; I want to keep this up.

Finally got our honeymoon in August. We went to Indiana Dunes and Chicago and we had a blast getting away together. It was nothing to exciting but it was us. Looking for a post later about it!!

We moved to Ohio at the end of June beginning of July. We have not brought a house yet but hoping to in the next couple of years. Going to wait to see what lives brings us. Right now we are renting a small apartment in a tiny town but we like it.

We had a good anniversary! Look for a post later!

Also, we got a new addition to our family. New cocker spaniel named Luke; he is about 4.5 months old. Hoping to have puppies next year!!

Now we are looking forward to boring Halloween!

Shutterfly Holiday Cards

I have never used Shutterfly cards before but they look beautiful. One of my bridesmaids used them for my bridal shower. Found out about the Christmas layouts by a blog that I follow: Life in Junction. Michael and I have been looking for updated Christmas card for this year. The regular Christmas cards is getting quite boring and expensive with no meaning.

Every year we send out a Christmas card because that is what I have always did growing up. This being our second year married this is no exceptions. I want to start making a traditions for our family and these would fit perfectly in.

It will be hard to pick which one to go because of so many different styles and colors. I believe they have a design for every family. With 352 choices of designs I think Michael and I would take days to pick one.

Some of them that I like:
This one (Family Letter Blue) would be a good one to let family know how our first year of marriage went. This design (Seasonal Chic 2010) is a one that fits our style in test in the colors and being sort of basic. If we had children Our Ornament Story would be a perfect fit but since we don't.

I love this one: Merry Memories Blue Christmas! Personally think this would be great one for our Christmas card this year!

Check out the designs on Shutterfly!!

Photography Class

A local photographer is hosting a cheap photography class to the community. Since I love photography I thought I would give it a try hey what can you expect for $25.00 for four classes.

Basically it is helping you understand you camera and how to take nature photos.

Here is some photos from class:



Enjoying the time being outside..hoping to improve my photography!!

Were Moving... Again!

Seems like lately we are moving like every two years now. This time is for the better... Michael wanted to be closer to work to save money. We are moving to Northwest Ohio which is only like 10 minutes from his work but puts me like 45 minutes from my work.

Its a small town which will be nice but way different... will have to drive to Walmart like 20 minutes. This is going to be a really different change for me. Went from living in a small town with Walmart being couple minutes away to Fort Wayne to Angola. Now even a small place.
The plus is it is cheaper and close for Michael so we will be saving a lot!! We can finally get the bills paid up and maybe get us a place in two years.

I am ready for the change through; really do not like living where we are because all the noise and right off 69. To much traffic. Personally I think Madison and I will be happier where we are moving so we can walk with out having to drive to the park. We can actually walk to the park..

Now with the job situation for me... I really don't want to lose my job but that is to much driving for me. Michael drove it because this is where I wanted to live and he makes more than me. Minimum wage for my job makes me have to quit my job or cut my hours down to couple days a week like only Thursday and Friday for a while. Guess we will see what I can get!!

Next Month!!

Welcoming the new nephew

In the middle of April we welcomed a new addition to the Reef's family side. Michael's sister Christina had her second child with her husband Robert. They are proud parents of a baby boy named Alexander.

He was born on April 15 at 8:47am.


Below is some pictures I took just two days after he was born. (Practicing my photography).

Easter Sunday

Easter just seemed like another day for us in our little household. We had no special dinner to go to, no church (we still haven't really talked about going), no guest and nothing to do! I had this day planned out but it did not go the way that I wanted to go. Of course like usual for me. We did end up going to the State Park to take a short walk.

I took along the camera and tripod so we could get some pictures in of us. The tripod is one of the best things to have when you have a camera. We have used it so many times.

Here is some pictures of us:

Honeymoon!

We have decided to go to Indiana Dunes/Porter County for our honeymoon! We wanted somewhere kind of close due to the lack of funds. Well we decided to go to the sand beach, hiking, farmer markets and much much more!! Just want to soak up the summer sun with each other.

Both of us are excited to get some time away with each other and just enjoy being married to one another. The planning is sit in process but we got about 3 months until we go.

We are getting the information together on where to stay, what to see, local stores, restaurants and fun!

More to come in the future weeks!

House Hunting

Well Michael and I have start house hunting again. We did this about two years ago but we could not find anything that we liked. Yesterday we went and looked at two houses.

One we liked the location but it needed a lot of work and I mean a lot of work. We liked the location of the house and liked that it had 3 acres with a pond. The second house on the other hand we like the house which did not need as much work but needed a little TLC. Location of this was not the best area to want to raise a family.

We are back at searching for homes that suit us and our likings. For those who might not know we are looking to moving closer to Michael's work. The means most likely some where in Ohio. Never know though we might some where on the line than we both like.

Updates on progress later when we find some more!

Walking

Michael and I have been trying to get out of the house and get some fresh air. Not this past weekend but the one before we went to the state park. It was a little chilly out but we enjoyed being out of the house. Think it did both of us good to smell the wilderness and enjoy a day away with Madison. Oh man, did she enjoy the two walks we took!

We ended up walking 2.25 miles on Saturday and 2.50 miles on Sunday. Lets say, Madison was pooped and we not as active by the end of the weekend. Looking forward to do some more walking this coming weekend. Its is suppose to be in the uppers 40's so it should be nice to get out of the house.

Just can not wait until Spring when all the animals are out and playing. We love see nature and being outdoors.

Honeymoon!

We have planned on going on a honeymoon this summer. Since Michael was on block out days for vacation around the wedding. Just decided to do something in summer but really wanted to do something for our one year. Since he will be on block out dates again the summer is what is going to work out the best for us.

Planning on going up to Indiana Dunes and the metro area. We want to go to some local farms, markets, spend sometime on the beach, get away from life for a few days and much much more!

Wanted to do something in Arizona or California to see family and friends but figure we needed sometime away together just the two of us. Hoping to do something later on that hand.

Looking forward to planning the adventure!

7 years

Actually today we have been together for 7 years and 3 weeks. Our acutally 7 years on was on February 10th. Time has slipped right through our fingers.

Life is so sweet being with Michael. He is the best guy a woman could ask for. Love doing lots of activities together and plan on doing tons for the next 60 years!

Now we have been married for going on 5 months on the 10th of this month. I still can remember our first date and how we started going out. I love having the little memories and moments with Michael. He is such a great guy and husband!

We are doing wonderful!

Time has flown

Can not believe it is already March 2010. Haven't posted anything about our lovely life since December. I can not believe I let almost 3 months just slide by us.

Michael and I have been doing Grrreat..... Just love being married and spending everyday with him. Over the last three months we have just been busy working, paying bills, and staying around home. Spend Christmas and New Years with family and friends but since mostly been by ourselves.

Valentines day was alright but it wasn't nothing special. We did have our 7 years of being together on Feb 10th. Can you believe we have been together for that long? We will be married for 5 months this month.

Life is going Grrreat!!!