Experiencing Magic Together

I always feel like we have to have something huge to report each time I make a post, but I decided that I needed to update anyway. When I try and pinpoint something specific that has happened in the past month all that finds me is happiness. Shouldn't that be enough? Well, it is definitely something to write about. Jon and I have had a wonderful year and with it coming to a close I can't help but focus on how lucky we are to be together. 2011 will put us at eight years together, my lucky number. :) Not all eight have been easy, but what love is meaningful when it comes effortlessly? Jon is my rock, he's my number one, and as we put it daily to one another "my favorite". We have been very blessed to find eachother and to have such wonderful families behind us in each step we take.
We both want a child and while trying the past six months has posed some difficulty along with anxiety and fear we are doing our very best to stay positive and I really can't imagine going through this with anyone else but Jon. I feel for him having to deal with my constant stress and while I try to keep most of it inside when I just can't hold it in anymore he's always right there for me. If we never were to succeed I'd be content with having only him by my side for the rest of our lives. Nobody is perfect, but he's all the man I need. (Thank you for everything baby.)
The holidays are just around the corner and I couldn't be more thrilled. At the end of the month Jon will be turning 26 and I can't wait to tease him for being on the "downside to thirty". ;) I can't believe how fast the both of us are growing up and how responsiblities have presented themselves and we have conquered them without worry together. I don't think anybody ever feels like they're all old and grown up, one day you just realize it. I know J and I still have room to grow and things to learn but I do feel like we've matured in the best way that we know how; I have learned so much from him and our marriage.
I recently came across this message from my most favorite childhood author Roald Dahl (for the 'BFG' & 'The Twits') that I thought applied to this post, please enjoy:

-And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.-

More than eight years ago when I sat across from my very good friend, Jon Bingham, I was blind to the magic that I have found in him today. Everyday I pray for our miracle but never do I ever forget the magic I already have right in front of me.




Happy Holidays!
With love,


Jon & Hollie

The first trip together!

Over the weekend we went up to Bear Lake with some new friends! Thanks for a great time you guys, we had a lot of fun. We basically stayed in our pajamas all day while eating, watching movies, noshing, playing games, snacking, taking naps, and stuffing our faces. Can't wait for the next one!

Jake, Tara, Jon, Me, Cason, Karly, Jeromy, Stephanie, Wyatt, & Steve



White Chicken Chili

I got this recipe from a friend and it's just too good not to share! It's called white chicken chili soup. (it really does have more of a soup consistency)

You will need:
1 medium onion
2 cans chicken broth
2 small cans green chillis (mild & diced)
3 cans Great Northern Beans (drain, rinse)
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. black pepper
4 breasts of chicken
1 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream (liquid)
Lime flavored Tostito chips or any tortilla chips
Shredded Fiesta blend cheese

Instructions:
Boil chicken on medium heat for 20 min. Remove from heat and cube chicken or shred it.
While chicken is cooking saute the onion in a little butter for 10 min. In pan combine broth, chillis, beans, all spices, and onion then cook on medium heat for 15 minutes. Then add cooked chicken, sour cream, and whipping cream. Sprinkle cheese to your liking and serve with lime flavored Tostito chips (I ended up crinkling mine). Serves 8.

Ok, so the credit for this recipe goes to Karly Okey-her version was amazing. When I made it I altered a few things, instead of 3 cans of great northern beans, I added 1 can of black beans (I like a splash of color) and used 2 cans of great northern. Also, I sauteed the chicken rather than boiled it, boiled chicken sucks. Karly explained to me that she baked hers, so to each her own. If I were you I'd stick as closely to the recipe as you can because Karly's was much better than mine.

Enjoy!

p.s. Also make sure you drain AND rinse the beans-it makes a difference.

Vintage in Red

My Grandpa Arnell gave me this really great piece. I can't wait until we have a house where we can use it someplace. I love it, thanks Grandpa!

pOser Tula

Something to Think About

"It's been a good life, rich in learning and experience, and the best is yet to come. Every experience in life is a lesson in its own way. I wouldn't change a thing."

Would you?

Love always,

Jon & Hollie

Tony Grove-The White Pine Lake Trail

One trip we experienced this Fall was Bear Lake with Megan and Austen. We decided to head up and make the White Pine Lake hike and then spend a night at the condo in Bear Lake since it's so close. We arrived at Tony Grove around noon and finished the hike around 4:00. It's around 8 miles long and not the easiest hike in the books, but it was incredible. The leaves were just turning and a lot of the quakies seemed to be on fire with orange. Peeps of yellow, red, and orange amongst all the green was all the serenity we needed. The day was overcast, it had rained the night previous which made it so we didn't kick up any dust, so perfect weather for hiking. We were basically alone, there were only two other groups we passed on the way down to the lake and we had the time at the lake alone. It was nice to spend the time with our friends doing something healthy and experiencing what we all love. Afterwards we went up to the condo where it was cozy and warm, noshed on some Greek spaghetti, then went to the hot tub since all our joints creeked after the hike.

Standing at White Pine.

Jon, me, Megan, and Austen.



Thanks to Megan and Austen for the idea and Mom and Dad for owning and letting us use the condo whenever we want!

Happy Holidays :)
Love,
Jon and Hollie 

Fall Update

So I'm way behind schedule. The past few months have been trying ones for me and my little family so please do forgive my blog tardiness. Jon has had a busy fall with work and the deer hunt. Unfortunately this year no luck on the kill, the Southern Utah draw didn't happen this year and Northern Utah is way too packed to actually achieve anything; so another year without some venison for supper. Fall came and went so quickly, it's hard grasping the idea that we're already into November. To recap what I may have missed: In September we made a fun trip down to Lake Powell with members from both sides of our families and as always Powell never disappoints. It was a great vacation and much needed time away. Halloween was anticipated for me, but ended up sucking royally due to some other complications that I don't care to mention at this time. Due to some very important friendships we've acquired recently Jon and I were dragged out to a spooky halloween dinner with some friends on Friday and it ended up being just what we needed. (Thanks guys!) On the 30th we decided to spend a quiet evening at my sister's house where we had pizza and talked. On the 31st we celebrated with Jon's Dad's family and his step brothers/sisters. We wanna thank our family and friends for everything they do for us! We love you!

Here are some pictures to show you what we've been up to:

A leafy Attika.
She sat here while I strategically placed these leaves on her...silly girl but she's the best pup in the world!

Jon's and my pumpkin, my cyclops kicks ass.

This is a recent addition to a setting in our kitchen. (The clock used to stand alone) Because Jon is the most amazing hubby ever when I was sad he built and painted me that shelf (from scratch). He's so talented! The rest I had from when I went up to Swiss Days, I think it all goes together really well! Thanks baby.



War of the Carpets & Garage Sale Bliss

Post Part 1: We narrowed it down to two carpet styles and after bringing them home it took us not even five minutes to make a decision. It's hard to tell from the photo but each pattern has specks of black and caramel along with the more dominant color that you can obviously see. I have a lot of black accents so I love the black thread throughout! Both carpets would look incredible but the darker of the pair contrasts well with our colors and I think it'll grant us extra safety for the spills and thrills of the future. What do ya think? I am so excited I can't even stand it. We are going to be putting it down in the next few weeks; after living with our scab of carpet for three + years, I can hardly wait for what's to come. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who's been working so hard and is able to give me this.

Post Part 2: For the past three years Jon and I have spent the majority of our summer Saturdays with my mom and dad garage saling. At first I was reluctant to pick things out and take them home but now I have no problem doing so! It has become such a fun tradition and I've gotten a lot to show for it. My dad is a master at bargaining with the prices and my mom has an eye for good pieces. We normally end up spending around 3 hours running around North Ogden, Harrisville, Plain City, & Pleasant View where we end up at the Straw Market for breakfast. Lee has the most incredible breakfast around and it's so cheap! Freshly made right in front of you. If you haven't tried him yet, I suggest it. We've gotten to know him and it sounds like he's owned several restaurants and used to be an importer/exporter of exotic foods. He's got famous cinnamon rolls and his brownies are my personal favorite. Most of the time the sales are drive bys and quick walk throughs but there's always a good chance to find a great piece. Last Saturday I got this cherish block for $1!! I love the writing and the distressed wood & paint, it goes perfectly with my decor. You know you're jealous!

Love,
Jon and Hollie

Makeshift Garden

THE Makeshift Garden

We got a slightly red cherry tomato today! Our first. Jon and I have both always wanted a garden but unfortunately there isn't any room in our backyard now that isn't shaded by tall trees. So I decided to try for herbs because you can contain those in a small area which worked perfectly for this big pot that I had nothing to put in. I did some research on a few of the favorites (i.e. italian parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, chives, & sage) and went to work. I have loved the cooking smells coming from the plants and watching them grow. I have already started the drying process with some of the basil. We'll let you know how it tastes. I decided to throw in a cherry tomato plant because Jon loves them and I thought it would be nice to add some color to all the green. We've been staring at baby green ones for weeks now and have been anxiously waiting for a ripe red tomato to pick and eat. I noticed this morning we're about there! So I had to share in the joy I felt. Jon will be super excited. It isn't quite red yet but I'm guessing in the next few days it'll be gobble worthy. I can't wait for the day that we can have rows of corn, squash, beans, peas, carrots, & pumpkins (and plenty more). We'll have a huge garden at our next home. Jon is an amazing cook and I can only imagine the excitement we'll share getting produce in our own backyard someday. My grandfather and Jon's alike were both very avid gardeners and it's interesting to see the gene passed on. Wish us luck!

Love,

Jon and Hollie

Counting the days...

Our home!

So summer is just pushing right along. I can't believe how quickly it's going. You can feel fall in the air and I can't imagine it already being here! Jon and I have been making updates inside our home and it's so much fun! We got new black appliances and we'll be putting in brand new carpet soon. I'm so excited. It has been a real treat making our little house our own a little bit at a time. We are really comfortable there and don't see ourselves leaving anytime soon. I love being close to family and having Jon's mom right around the corner. We are doing our best to keep busy and get through some present stressful times. We have a trip coming up in September with Jon's family and my parents to Lake Powell. We're looking forward to meshing the two and creating a nice memory. Some of his family haven't been there before so it'll be exciting for us to show them how Lake Powell should be done. Work is tough for both Jon and I but we need to keep going in order to have everything that we do. We're so lucky.

Our Girls

Tula & Attika

Enemies

Best Friends