Pigs Flew and The Devil Put On A Winter Coat

That is seriously what happened on this particular day in January. The day that we actually went on a date.

In public.

I cannot even begin to tell you how long it has been since we've gone out. Specifically since Kev has gone out - because some times I am lucky enough to get invited by family and friends to tag a long to a dinner and/or a movie.

But that is only if I'm really lucky.

So, thank you James Cameron for finally making a movie that Kev had to see in the theater. Even Kev cannot resist 3-d glasses and extreme special effects.

And this movie BLEW. MY. MIND!

Now let me just explain that we are a little nerdy ie; Lord of the Rings... but putting that aside this movie took me away to an incredible place. A place where I soon forgot the millions of people that were sitting around me. A place where I could enjoy sitting up straight, wearing non elastic pants, without a blanket. A place that made my already spastic emotions come out all over the place.

( I apologize for that last sentence. It was not as gross as it sounds)

This movie took me to my happy place.

The effects. The story. The 3-d that made us feel like we were a part of it.

I literally cried or had tears in my eyes for the entire movie.

The same way I felt when I saw Lord of the Rings for the first time. And second. And third.

It is just our kind of thing.

And we even got to keep our 3-D glasses.

You know... just in case we ever get a 3-D tv. Or for skit night. Except for I cannot figure out how to do a 3-D skit without just throwing objects in Kev's face.

Anyway, I'm not going to tell you to rush out and see it. I'm not going to tell you that you will love it just as much as me. Because you really have to be in to the whole sci-fi/fantasy world/special effects genre of movies to be mesmerized by it.

I realize that I'm not like most girls. I hate to shower. I'm happiest in ball caps, jeans, and t-shirts. I have a mustache. And... I love a wide array of movies.. (it just so happens that most of them tend to be labeled "boy" movies.)

That being said... it should come as no surprise that Avatar has secured a place on my "Kim's favorite movies of all time" shelf. (yes, I really have a shelf called that) along with A Little Princess, Finding Neverland, and Wolverine - ( hugh jackman's greatest movie -yum)

Avatar = Awesomeness!

However, on a side note. I must confess to you that I learned some new things about myself during this movie going experience. Things that I am NOT proud of.

Things that prove that when you have been married for a long time - you start to become each other.

For example - I used to go to the movies all the time. A crowd never bothered me. Noise never bothered me. And I was just fine and dandy throughout the whole movie.

But on this trip...... we went to the matinee. And it didn't even matter. Because it was PACKED. But we got there early.... so, we were able to get decent seats at the end of a row with plenty of space around us. Until the previews started. And then every one and their brother started coming in sitting all around us. I started to get claustrophobic. Plus the fact that it is not nice to be late to a movie. It just interrupts the show.

But then... the man and daughter behind us were talking loudly. VERY LOUDLY. So, the Dad could explain every thing that was happening to the daughter.

And then... the people in front and next to us were eating popcorn in to a microphone. Or at least that is what it sounded like.

My hands started to sweat. And my heart started to beat faster. And I started wishing we had waited to watch this on tv at home.

But then the movie started.... and about 15 minutes in to it.... I was hooked. And never heard another sound or thought another bad thought until the movie was over.

And then there were the crowds and the long lines to the bathroom. And the fact that I had been bawling and every one in the theater was looking at me funny because I had just come out of Avatar and therefore must be a weirdo for having red puffy eyes.

So, Kev just grabbed my hand and we ran to the car for safety.

And then discussed the movie on the entire ride home.

I have officially become Kev. We have issues. But that is ok.


And now ... just because this post isn't long enough.... I wanted to comment on the ridiculously cold weather we have been having lately. I mean.... I used to LOVE the winter. Just LOVE it. It meant big sweaters, boots, scarves, coats... etc. But then I got in to clothing retail... and I can pretty much wear that stuff any time that I want to. Because I work in air conditioning. And I can keep my air on 68 year round. So, the coldness isn't fun anymore. I don't like scraping my windshield.... or getting gas... or even walking outside.

Not to mention.. that the cold weather makes it miserable to clean the pool....


I would know. Because I have to watch Kev do it. While I sit inside.. all bundled up... and take pics without him knowing.

It is a hard job to document our crazy lives.

I am already longing for the Spring... then Summer. So I can watch Kev clean the pool in his swimsuit.


While I eat bon-bons. And pick my toes.

15 Years!

15 years of looking at this photograph and wondering what in the world.......

I mean FOR. THE. LOVE.... what in the WORLD were we thinking? Did we think our wedding was a Whitesnake convention? Or a birthday party for Bret Michaels?

I don't even have the time to tell you all the things disturbing about this picture.....

But I will give you a few tidbits...

1. Eyebrows? Were they drawn on with the thickest brown Sharpie known to man?

2. Bizarrely layered lace dress. With huge gold buttons. From Sears. I look like Aunt Thelma on Easter Sunday. In 1950.

3. THE HAIR!!! The salon at Belk at Dutch Square Mall created this. I do NOT recommend them. Ever. What is it doing? Are there creatures living inside? Did they realize that years later a friend of David's would ask this question.... " Why is there a big wreath behind your sister's head?" Which solidified the term "Kim's wreath hair" forever in our family.

4. And then there is Kev's hair. You have no idea what you are missing out on by looking at him from the front. Because there is a waterfall of hair the size of Niagara Falls going down his back. And it was golden and shiny and and hypnotizing. Like a super hero. With magical hair.

BLESS OUR HEARTS!

At least we were madly in love. And truth be told... a normal wedding wouldn't have been our style. This picture defines the quirkiness, humor, and happiness that is our lives. The Excellent Adventures of Kim and Kev. I wouldn't have it any other way.

But I still need to address this picture. Just because it is necessary.

1. Crushed velvet? Yes, please! My favorite fabric (apparently) of all time. And it was important to have different colors of crushed velvet dresses. To represent the vast amount of inventory that was in stores at the mall. Kev's sister, Jenn, (not pictured) even wore a crushed velvet dress that was multi colored. No one could top it. And it may or may not have caused a 1980's hair pulling scuffle. Even though this wedding took place in 1995!!

2. Bethany, why do you have a lace table cloth tied around your neck?

3. And WOW!! My parents look so young!! We all look so young! Kev is the only one who hasn't aged a bit since this picture. He is a vampire, you know.

15 years!! Of pure happiness! I CANNOT believe how fast the time has flown. I met Kev in 1991! We have been together for 18 years!

( And WOW... there are a lot of exclamation points in that sentence!!!!)

Any one else would have been scared senseless to see me walking down the aisle towards them. Let's face it folks... I scream every time I see my wedding picture. But not Kev. He is one of the good guys. I got lucky.

So, our anniversary started off with a visit from my Mom. I was lucky enough to get the day off. And she dropped by to bring me breakfast and our anniversary gift. We ate breakfast sandwiches and acted dainty and ladylike while sitting in the Sunroom.

(One of my 2010 resolutions is to act more dainty and ladylike.)

(It takes a lot of hard work and focus)

She told me to wait until Kev got home to open our gift....

And you are probably assuming that I created a huge fancy meal... because that is what I like to do when we are celebrating.

But not for our anniversary. Our anniversary is for tradition.

Even if the tradition changes 10 years in to your marriage.

You see... we got engaged at The Olive Garden. At the time, it was the fanciest eatin' place this side of the Mississippi. And we had gone to dinner as a splurge. A splurge at The Olive Garden. That is almost too exciting for me to take.

And then Kev acted like he had found a diamond ring in the men's bathroom. And showed it to me.

And then said "Well, do you want to marry me or not?"

So, I stood there in disbelief. In the lobby of The Olive Garden. Wondering if he was proposing to me with a ring that he found on the floor of the bathroom??? Or if it was a joke?? Or if I wanted to get their "fried" sampler appetizer platter to go. So, I could have a midnight snack.

And I don't know about you. But I ALWAYS imagined myself bawling my eyes out when I got proposed to. ALWAYS. I would even tear up just thinking about it. But when the day finally came... I was just too blown away to think straight. And too happy to cry. ( And I may have had a little bit of reflux from the marinara sauce) But from the moment that I said "Yes!"... I have been on cloud nine. And I refuse to ever step off of it.

I mean... really. Kev is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And I love him more than words can say.

He is my EVERYTHING.

And wow! That was a really long story just to tell you about where our take-out meal came from. The point that I was trying to make was that for 10 years.... we got take out from Olive Garden to celebrate our anniversary.

And then on our 10 year anniversary. Kev surprised me with an upgrade to my wedding ring. And a fancier ring means a fancier place to get take out. So, we switched to BoneFish Grill.

Maybe we will renew our vows there.

My parents had also given us a gift card to Bonefish. I went and picked up our favorite meal.... Two orders of Bang Bang Shrimp. Two loaves of bread. And a piece of key lime pie to share.

Then I made some Jasmine rice at home to go along with the meal. Yum!!

And then we opened our gift.....

My Mom put a picture of our front door in the frame. Until we can get a better one taken. I plan to get more of a wider shot of the house with me and Kev sitting on the front steps.

Maybe in matching outfits.

Just don't tell Kev. Or he will run errands that day.

The first 15 years have been incredible! And I cannot wait for the next 15!

Our adventures together are always excellent....

New Year's Day!! Happy 2010!

I have finally caught up enough on my posts from December that I can start telling you all about 2010. FINALLY!

How can I ever start living in the moment.... when I'm always living in the past. Sounds like I should add that to my resolution list.

It will have to go on page 21. That is the only page that still has a little room on it for resolutions.

I know some of you are probably not fans of resolutions. Because why do you need a New Year to start off doing things right. Doing things good for yourself. Living the best life you can.

I'm here to tell you that when it comes to resolutions.... It is just the way that I roll.

I LOVE New Years. I love the chance to start over. When you have the whole year in front of you to do with whatever you would like.

And then a couple of weeks in to January... I forget that I ever felt that way. I use my resolution notebook as a place to write grocery lists. A place to doodle. A place to sign my married name - over and over and over - just like I did before I was married. Because I still think it is cool. A place to draw stick figures of my family saying funny things and exaggerating their features.

And then I get back in to the rut called LIFE. And I eat two pounds of cheese. Use my treadmill as a coat closet. Never learn to use my sewing machine. And don't shower on my days off.

Well, IT IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN THIS YEAR!

Except for the small fact that I am still writing my resolutions. And it is January 15th. ( And yes I pre-dated this post to look like I posted it on New Year's Day - I'm scandalous that way)

Seriously, though. I've got BIG plans for this year! Big, HUGE, plans. And I am not referring to the size my bum is going to grow. Because it would be impossible for it to get any bigger at this point.

But before I start to tell you my resolutions... and plans. I still have a little catching up to do....

And it all starts with NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Kev and I started a tradition of a Mexican Fiesta on New Year's Day. Last year. 2009. It hasn't being going on very long - but it is our tradition. And that is that.

And here are the reasons:

1. At this point in the holidays... every one (me and Kev) are so tired of casseroles. And heavy holiday food. However, I do want to point out that we are NOT tired of cheese. It is impossible to be tired of cheese. And it makes a little (HUGE) appearance in the Mexican meal.

2. I live in Gaston. The BEST place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Or any Friday.. for that matter. It is a non stop fireworks, pinata, and margarita extravaganza out here. And it is important to me to fit in.

3. When you love cheese... the best meal you can prepare is Mexican food. Because ultimately regardless of what you order at a Mexican restaurant... it all comes out looking the same. A pile of food smothered in cheese.

4. Every one needs a little fiber in their diet.

We invited the fam for lunch. The kids... Mike, Ash, Austin, and Mason... were already at our house. Elijah was able to score some tickets to the bowl game in Alabama and was out of town. Mom, Dad, and Bethany were at Disney. The military folks were in their current stations. So, our visitors for our Fiesta consisted of Shannon and Randy and Kristen and JC.

(And once again, I have NO pictures!! I don't know how I will ever prove to Kev how fabulous a fancy camera would be... if I cannot seem to document the important times of our lives.)

But our meal consisted of.... cheese enchiladas, chalupas, home made refried beans, mexican rice, guacamole, home made salsa, and nachos. And I grated 48 ounces of cheese for this meal. 48 OUNCES. That is a lot of pounds and tupperware containers. It was ridiculous!

I also... to carry on tradition... made a black eyed pea dip. It is important to eat these peas on New Year's Day for good luck. I made the Paula Deen... Southern caviar dip. But put a habanero pepper in it. By accident? And it made it a little too hot for our guests.

That just means more good luck for me. I suppose.

I skipped the dessert because...

1. Shannon and Randy and kids had another meal to go to that evening.

2. I knew every one would be too full to eat it.

3. My track record with making cakes has pretty much sucked lately. And I wanted to start the New Year right.

4. I ran out of time.

Our dinner was short and sweet. It was a pretty busy day for every one. Except for me. Because I was actually FINALLY getting some time off of work. Which meant lots of relaxing and sleep.

But before I wrap up this post.... I wanted to share a really cool gift that we received this Christmas.....

They are tv trays! And Kev's mother Mary MADE them for us! I think they are too cool and perfect for us and our "eating while watching tv" habits. Plus they go great in our Gamecock room.... even if some days I'm embarrassed that we have one. ie; BOWL GAME.

But remember.... 2010 is a NEW year. For exciting NEW things. And hopefully better football playing.

And now I've just got to figure out what to do with all of the cheese I still have......

New Year's Eve

My parents rang in the New Year in the Magic Kingdom.....




(I've never seen anyone blow horns like they do)



Bethany and her roommate Laura rang in the New Year in Epcot....

We couldn't let them show us up.... so, being the exciting people that we are - we chose to celebrate New Year's Eve in..... Gaston.

Where there are no restrictions on fireworks. There is no curfew on how loud and obnoxious you can be.

And "Insane Bob's Fireworks Brothel" is right down the street.

It can't get any better than that.

But it was just too much excitement for just the two of us to handle.... so, we invited the kiddos....

First of all, let me tell you that it was freezing cold. Second of all, let's just discuss this picture. Ashlynn is wearing my hoodie backwards WITH shorts. Michael is wearing Kev's jacket because he only has a short sleeved shirt on. Austin seems to be the only one prepared because he is wearing his Snuggie, flannel pajamas, and has a panda bear and turtle to keep him warm. Mason is just wearing his pjs- but seems to always fall asleep when I take pictures. It is his "thing" that he does.

I can't be responsible for their attire... because I am too busy worrying about my own. Which means that I had on a t-shirt and jeans. And flip flops.

Kev is exhausted from trying to keep me dressed appropriately.

Anyway, I apparently thought we were feeding a group of wild bears that had been hibernating all winter.... because I made chicken fingers, steak, biscuits, mac n cheese and french fries. And served it all with a box of individual bags of potato chips. Just in case someone needed an extra snack before and after eating.

New Year's Eve is NOT about being healthy. ( New Year's Day isn't either, by the way. It technically doesn't have to start until half way in to January - or so says the rule of Kim)

I also do NOT claim to be the responsible, coat wearing, vegetable serving Aunt. That is why I'm considered fun. And am not responsible for any other human and creature other than myself.

I'm sure Kev will tell you that some times I shouldn't even be responsible for myself. But that is a story for another time.

So, after we (me) over indulged ourselves in food..... We headed out to do fireworks....

In the rain....

And they were amazing. NOT! Because I seriously bought the lamest fireworks ever! In my fear of some one blowing a finger off on my watch... I literally stood at the window of Insane Bob's Fireworks Brothel and made the lady show me the SAFEST fireworks of all time. While my 16 yr old nephew and 14 yr old niece rolled their eyes and let out sighs.

Aunt Kim loses her "fun" when it comes to fire.

Even so, there was a lot of screaming and clapping... (unfortunately, Ashlynn informed me that it all came from me.)

But we saved the best for last.... Sparklers!

At least Austin was excited about it...

This is pretty much what it looked like when all six of us were doing sparklers. In the rain....

All of that excitement summed up about 10 minutes of our evening.

There was nothing left to do but return inside for Wii championships and board games....

At midnight, we ran outside for the Gaston fireworks extravaganza only to discover that due to the RAIN... Screaming and yelling had taken the place of the light show. There was nothing else we could do but join in.

"Happy Freakin' New Year Everybody!"

Christmas With The Switzers....

I'm a Switzer. Did you know that?





It's my claim to fame.





And the people that I spend Christmas Day with.





It starts late on Christmas Eve. We arrive at my parents in the still of the night. And go to sleep dreaming of what Santa will bring us.





We awake with the kids very early in the morning.





And our Christmas traditions begin.





We start by lining up in order of age. (Which gives me and Kev a napping time of one hour seeing as we are the oldest)





We enter in to "Santa's room". The room where Santa leaves all of his surprises. And one by one find our gifts. Get our picture taken. Get our excited expressions filmed. Then run out and show off our gift to the rest of the family.





Usually a fight ensues. Over who got the best gift.





That is a normal part of being a family. Right?





Then we take our seats. Kev, Bethany, and I have sat on the same couch together for as long as I can remember. Every one gets a laundry basket to put their gifts in. And then the stocking hand out begins.





Dad is in charge of the stockings and gifts. He gives them out in order of age. ( Once again, I get a chance to nap) We get our pictures taken with our stockings. And then we are filmed.





We scream. We yell. We laugh. And we open every thing in our stockings and place them in our baskets.





Up next... Breakfast. We dine on pumpkin bread, breakfast casserole, fruit, juice, and croissants.





We burp. We spill our drinks. We tell jokes.





We are a hyper bunch. And a little rowdy. And we love Christmas celebrating.





Then we re group back in our seats around the Christmas tree. And Dad begins the handing out of gifts.





We used to savor it. Take our time. Open gifts one at a time. But due to the impatientness of kids, it has become a frantic rush of opening presents. It seems to be over in the blink of an eye.





And then exhausted from all of the festivities, every one takes a nap. Except for my parents who are getting Christmas dinner ready.





We eat a delicious Christmas dinner complete with the good china and fancy table cloth.





And then the day is done. The holiday that we have been waiting for all year. In a matter of seconds.





But it was a great day!! A day full of wonderful memories and incredible family time. And once again my Mom went all out to ensure a fabulous Christmas day.





And unfortunately, I have NO pictures to show you any of this. Except for this one.....






Princess ( my Mom's dog) got a Minnie princess hat and shirt. So, of course, we had to dress her up and take a pic. Kiara got jealous and had to jump in the picture at the last minute. Too cute!!





Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well. Because of a multitude of reasons. One being lack of sleep. So, we left early because I had to work the next morning. And I vowed then and there that one of my New Year's resolutions was going to be to savor the holidays in 2010. To be more organized. To get more sleep. To have more family time.





Because these moments are priceless. And important. And fun.





But ultimately I had a wonderful Christmas. Especially because every one of my family members was in The States. And not in some ridiculous country that they were foreign to.





I am looking forward to an AMAZING 2010!!

Christmas Eve With The Snyders

Christmas Eve. The Snyder celebration.





It is tradition. And has been held at our home for the last couple of years.





And I love every second of it.





And here is your one chance to actually see a picture of one of our Christmas trees. The Lodge tree....






For the Snyders' Christmas, every adult brings a gift. Then we draw numbers and choose gifts in order.



And some times fight for gifts. Because it is allowed. And makes for a fun game.



Kev's cousin Bill and his wife Phyllis.....




Kev's Aunt Kim and Bill's daughter Courtney....

Kev's sister Jenn and girlfriend Mona...
(with sweet Jayden talking to Glenn in the background)

Bill opening a gift....

Kev's Aunt Heidi opening a gift....

We gave Mary and Glenn (Kev's parents) a Wii.....

There were MANY more family members at this celebration.... but apparently unless you got up in front of every one to open a gift.... you weren't photographed. It is the way I roll. Not to mention that throughout the holiday season I seemed to "forget" to take pictures.

Just wait until you see my family's Christmas recap.

Anyway.... I had a blast making food for this event. I happened to be off of work on Christmas Eve and was able to cook and bake the day away. And it was one of the best Christmas gifts I received.

Time in the kitchen.

Just in case you were wondering..... I made sugar cookies, wedding cookies, oreo/white chocolate bark, spinach dip, Aunt Kay's tomato basil sandwiches (yes, they are my favorites and I make them for EVERYTHING -thanks Angela), pimento cheese, orange marmalade muffins with ham, and "Moonshine" Sangria.

Oh... and sausage balls. Except for Kev made the sausage balls because I ran out of time. And may or may not have had a melt down. (Which is normal for me when planning a party) And let me just tell you that they were the best darn sausage balls I've ever had. I just threw the ingredients in a bowl and let Kev do the rest.

And he should change his profession to "Sausage Ball King". Seriously.

I believe part of the secret is to add EXTRA cheese because you don't feel like measuring and then they are more like cheese biscuits with a touch of sausage instead of the other way around. The other part of the secret is to have Kev make them.

Every one else brought delicious treats too. Which made for a great food experience. My favorite kind of experience.

Aunt Kim even made a collard dip. Which is almost like spinach dip but with collards and Worcestershire sauce. It was so different and divine. And I've never had collards before.

Ultimately, we had SO much fun!! And it was definitely a great way to start the celebration of Christmas!


And to think just hours before this amazing event... my kitchen looked like this.....

Melissa's Housewarming / My Only Christmas Party

My good friend Melissa bought a house! Her first house. And she did it all on her own. Because she is cool like that.



Girl power!



And I helped throw a Housewarming party for her.




Don't you just love the front porch! Her house is adorable. And so cute. And awesome. And perfect!!



And I'm so happy for her!

Unfortunately, I missed taking pics of the interior. Because I was so focused on the food. I made a new recipe of cheese stuffed jalapeno peppers wrapped in bacon. And my belly is dreaming of them as I write this. However, due to the "jalapeno pepper arm burning incident of June 2009", Kev made me wear protective goggles and special gloves.

And he swears that I looked really cute.

I also did "Aunt Kay's" tomato basil sandwiches and spinach dip.

Christen and her mom, Faye, did ALL KINDS of other delicious delights.

Including all of the desserts.....

And an amazingly delicious peppermint cake. YUM!

On a side note, I must tell you that my FAVORITE cookie of all time is a wedding cookie. I am not joking around here. I LOVE them. And I have spent the last three years making them for Christmas. And thought they were pretty good. UNTIL... I ate Faye's wedding cookies. And then I passed out and kicked my legs up in the air which may or may not have ripped my jeans.

They were JUST. THAT. GOOD!!

So, Faye gave me her special secret. And then packed some in a ziploc bag for Kev. Because you know that even though he was invited... he didn't go. He had to wash his hair.

I took them home to Kev.

He will never be the same. They were so melt-in-your-mouth delicious that he called them "donuts". And refused to let them out of his sight.

And calls out for them in his sleep.

I knew that I had a challenge on my hands. ( Story to come later.)

But seriously.... I had so much fun at this party!! Melissa's house is amazing! She had such a good turn out. And received many incredible gifts.

And it was the closest thing I've seen in years to a Christmas party!

Not to mention that I got to catch up with old friends. And the old crew from LOFT was able to reconnect......

From left.... Shirley, Chelsea, ME, Julianne, Melissa ( the proud home owner), and Christen.

Congrats Melissa on your new home!!