A good end to a good year

Jason has been certified into the Hospitality Business Management program at WSU!

It's the Holiday Season...

Last thursday we began our Christmas vacation by going to our hometown to visit our family. Jason's parents were in California a majority of the time but we were able to spend lots of time with Andrea's family and shopping!! Prada came with us, of course. Prada got to play with her cousins (Andrea's parents dogs) and run around the backyard, she loved it.

On Christmas Eve we went to the Tacoma Mall and saw someone get chased by security because he was stealing something. Then Andrea's sister came to visit from Seattle and we opened presents early. Prada was excited and opened the first present, she got way too many toys we are talking like 10 toys for a dog and then treats. We got a new desk top with a 22" monitor, a scale, and a Butcherite Family Est. framed picture. Unfortunately we cannot hang the picture yet because the company that it was ordered from printed the wrong wedding date. We also got a new pitcher and her sister bought Prada a foldable dog house. Prada is not use to kennels or anything enclosed so we are still working on getting more than her head in the dog house.

Jason got: Call of Duty Black Ops, Sherlock Holmes movie on blue ray and Inception. He also got an Ipod from Santa. Jason got a new calender, golfing shoes, giftcards, and candy. His new Christmas ornament was a golf bag with clubs.

Andrea got: a Cricut machine from Santa. She also got new bras, a couple calendars for home and work, giftcards for make up and shopping, scrapbooking stuff, the movies Alice in Wonderland and The Princess Bride on blue ray, Donkey Kong on Wii, slippers, and some new nail polish. Her Christmas ornament was a sweet cupcake.

On Christmas day we spent some time at Andrea's grandmas house for Christmas dinner and made it back to her parents in time to watch the Cougs play for the championship, but we lost.

On Sunday Jason's parents drove back to Washington and we were able to visit with them. The next morning we packed and headed back home. We were lucky enough to never hit snow on the road. Just after getting home the snow began to come down and now the roads are covered in snow.

I will post pictures of our break later.

End of Semester

Jason got his grades for this semester. He earned a 3.44 GPA for the term which brought his Cumulative GPA well above a 3.0 which he was really hoping for to help get him into his program for HBM.

It's not everyday the cops come to check on you at work...

Today is Jason's Mom's birthday.

Also, today Jason finished his fall 2010 semester at WSU. He had 2 finals today, Spanish & Geology, and he completed the exams so now he is done! He can officially sit back and relax because his winter break has started. It is only a matter of days until we hear if he is accepted into his program.

Today was a good day at work for Andrea. Lately she has been helping the admissions team by responding to applicants e-mail. Today she got to venture more into the work of the admissions side by handling the paperwork and mail. All the applicants are mailing in their transcripts so Andrea has to open it up and verify if the transcript is official then after it is scanned in she can date it in the system so that when the student checks their status it shows we had received the material. It was a nice break from hundred of e-mails. Andrea is really enjoying working with both sides of the graduate school- programs and admission.

While at work today one of Andrea's co-workers used Andrea's work phone to make a call since her e-mail was not working. The co-worker does not have her own phone so that is why she used Andrea's. To make a call outside of campus you have to dial 9-1 then the phone number. Apparently her co-worker held the 1 down too long and called 911 then hung up. She then proceeded to make her call. After making the call for about 10 to 15 minutes she returned the phone to Andrea. Andrea noticed she had a voicemail. The voicemail was about how there was a 911 hang up from this number and that we needed to call in to verify if everything was okay. So Andrea made the phone call to let the officers know everything is okay at the graduate school. Since some time had passed after the accident it was too late and after notifying the police a cop walks in to her office area to check on things. It was a crazy day at work but it brought some entertainment around the office.

Another Semester Ending

There are many reasons our family can celebrate and love December. One, who doesn't love the holiday spirit? Two, the decorations are everywhere to bring even more holiday spirit all around. Andrea's work has the stockings hung down the hall way and little decorations around the office. Going to work and school you can see the apartments with the tree lit up and work offices with snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. Third of all, presents. Not only is it nice to receive gifts but Andrea's favorite is shopping for presents. Another reason to love December is the traditions that the holidays have. Soon we will get to be with family, have a Christmas dinner, and enjoy the quirky traditions that each family has. This year we decided to start our own tradition, again, by getting each other Chirstmas ornaments each year to put into each others stocking. Last of all, and probably the best for Jason is that December means another end to a semester at WSU and just one semester closer to graduation.

Jason is preparing for finals week. He has spent extra time studying in class as a group or meeting friends to prepare for finals. Classes are over for Fall 2010 all that is in the way between him and Christmas break are a few final exams. With that being said you can imagine not a whole lot is going on around our home.

WSU commencement was yesterday, and Andrea was able to help out in her first commencement. It is a busy time for Andrea at work. She is now helping with both Admissions and Programs at WSU graduate school. Admissions keeps her busy alone even though she helps by responding to the hundreds of e-mails that are sent in regarding applications and the process to apply. The deadline to apply for Fall 2011 is just around the corner. With programs area we are ending final exam scheduling and preparing for clearing students for their degree. At the same time we are trying to approve students into their program by processing the program of study.

Also this week, Andrea accidently washed Jason's Ipod in the washer. She thought it was broken for good. Thankfully Jason got it to work and everything is a ok.

Our friend gave us about 7 extra large frames, 15x12 ish (if matted). Our next project is to enlarge some photos to hang on the wall. Andrea would like to enlarge a wedding photo and engagement photo at least. Jason thought we should just save the rest for future reference when we have kids. He thought it would be nice to hang a picture of the children in the hallway like his parents have, only Prada's picture would go first.

Thanksgiving Week

Our Thankful Tree has come to an end for this holiday season. We were thankful for...

An Education, XBox 360, Photos, TV, Contacts to See, A Heater, Teeth, Sleep, Clothes, Shoes, Being Able to Hear, Water, Deodorant, Modern Day Technology, The Gospel, Make Up, Sunday Dinners, Friends, Modern Day Medacine, Sports, A Home, Food, Andrea's Job, Family, Good Health, Showers, Cars, Money, Prada, Jason, Andrea, Candles, Malls/ Shopping, Holidays, Weekends, Weather, Teachers, Laughing, and more...

Prada was thankful for... being fluffy, not being blown away from the wind, a bed, naps, blankets, play time, cottage cheese, kisses, toys, treats, Pomeranians, walks, potty pads, loving parents, and Elwood.

Before heading out for our Thanksgiving break on the west side of Washington we had been watching Prada's boyfriend, Elwood. Prada was sad to see him leave, literally. She whinned after Elwood and Chloe were picked up.

Thursday morning on Thanksgiving we began our trip to the west side of Washington to visit both our parents. We had contemplated whether or not to go because of the blizzard. Although the west side was not a problem Andrea was concerned about the roads heading out. We decided it should be okay and headed out, and it really was not too bad. Andrea's dad had just returned from England the night before and was able to join us for dinner. We had dinner at Jason's parents. However, Andrea's mom and dad joined us for Thanksgiving dinner.

On black friday we were not the crazy shoppers standing in line at 4 am. Instead we slept in until 9:00 AM and then went to the mall only to complete our Christmas list. We shopped for a couple hours and met up with Andrea's parents for pizza. Shortly after that we spent some time with our friend T.J. and Mallory who traveled home for 23 hours. Later that night we had dinner with them and our other friend Evan and his girlfriend Stephanie. Even after Thanksgiving dinner, pizza, and a steak from Black Angus Jason managed to loose weight!

Saturday we drove up to Seattle with Evan and Stephanie and spent the day there. Everyone in Washington seemed to be there that day, it was crazy! It was Stephanies first time in Seattle so we went around the Space Needle, Pikes Market, enjoyed the waterfront, and an under ground tour of Seattle before heading back to the parents. Incredibly Andrea did not shop!

Prada was not thrilled about us being in and out of the house. Our parents were constant baby sitters and told us all about how she whinned when she realized we were not home. What a brat!

Sunday was our last day on the rainy west side of Washington. It was also one of our earliest mornings. We had to be at Andrea's parents home by 7:30 AM. We got to see her sister's new apartment. Then got new phones! Our phones were really showing its age so it was great timing for new phones. We all got matching phones, not even different colors. Lets hope we don't mix anything up. Before heading home we ate breakfast at the Old Country Buffet. The roads back home were much better, no snow on the roads at all. Probably because everyone in the world was heading home the same day. It took much longer to get home just because the last half hour. The stop light to turn into town held up the line clear to Colfax. We were moving inch by inch. Finally we got home!

One of the first things Andrea did when coming home was taking down the Thanksgiving decor and setting up all the Christmas decor. She even wrapped all the presents we bought over the weekend. Our home is ready for the Christmas holidays!

We really needed this Thanksgiving break. Tomorow we go back to school and work.

Blizzard on the Palouse

We have all been trying to stay warm as the blizzard covered the Palouse.

The photo was taken before the snow picked up.

Andrea still had to go to work today. Jason drove her to work through the snow. Thank goodness for 4 wheel drive or we would have been stuck in our parking spot. Walking out to the car it was probably about 6 inches. Thats really all a guess, but it was deep! All the small dogs and puppies nearly swim through the snow.

Jason has the week off for Thanksgiving. He mostly cleaned the house and took care of Prada and the dogs that we are babysitting. 

Our neighbors began to make an igloo outside. They plan to have it finished tomorow.

Lets just hope that the roads clear up by Thanksgiving!

Feast and Snow

Yesterday we enjoyed the company of some friends for a pre-thanksgiving feast.
Jason made his first ham.

After dinner we played balderdash. Jason won.

A snowstorm has been scheduled from yesterday until tuesday. We are suppose to get about half a foot of snow. All day yesterday it snowed. So far it is snowing all day again. Prada loves the snow.

Snowy Days in Pullman

This week we saw our first snow fall of the season. We were a little anxious to see Prada's first reaction to snow. Prada stepped out to the snow earlier this week confused. Then she realized she could eat the snow. After a few licks she realized it would be fun to jump around and run in the snow leaving her little paw prints all over the place at 6 am. I had to cut her play time short to be able to get ready for work. The snow did not last very long. Andrea really is not a big fan of the snow, mainly because she hates driving in it. Although no one can deny that fresh snow is beautiful.

Today we went shopping for our pre- thanksgiving dinner. Tomorow we are having a pre- thanksgiving dinner with some of our friends. We are cooking the ham and mash/gravy. It will be Jason's first time cooking a ham.

Tomorow we will begin watching Prada's boyfriend Elwood for a few days before Thanksgiving.

The results from Andrea's check up came in and everything is good!

Relaxing on Sunday

Today started going to church. Everyone was pooping in nursery today and the smell lingered around the room. Nothing else new there. Then we headed home. We have a Sunday dinner pretty much every Sunday with our neighbors. They came up for dinner and we played games. Mostly we watched the boys playing shooting games on Xbox.

Jason and I have always discussed places we want to go in our life. Thought it might be fun to list some of our adventures we would like to take together. Don't worry there is no way we would go on vacation any time soon other than seeing our parents.
- Disney World
- New York
- Seaside, Oregon
- Disney Land
- Yellowstone
- Mexico
- Hawaii
- England
- France
- Italy
- Germany
- Spain
- Australia/ New Zealand
- Chicago (for the food)
- Vancouver, Canada

That is our draft list for now, maybe one day we can begin checking the list off. Jason claims this will only be accomplished once we are all retired, if that.

Pay Back

Prada has been recovering very well from her surgery. She decided to do some pay back to us for making her get fixed. The other day she had been napping for quite some time on the couch. She has never been able to have the courage to jump off the couch but she usually whines when she wants down. Instead of letting us know she wants down to do her business she sits up and pees on our couch. I was across the room watching it soak into my couch saying "NOOOOOOOOOO". But I was too late. I figured maybe I deserved that also because she had been there for quite some time and I should have known better that she needed to go outside. Well not even an hour later I was getting ready for bed and Prada came happily prancing in because she loves to be on the bed with us. Again she cannot jump up or down on the bed. So I put her on the bed and not even a second later she squats and pees right in the middle. Thats when Jason and I knew it was some sort of devious plan, it was pay back.

To make matters worse we had run out of quarters to do laundy. We wouldn't be able to do laundry until the next day. So we had to sleep on the guest bed that night. Don't worry we cleaned up all her mess.

The exciting pay back from hard work came through at work. Maybe it is not exciting to everyone but to me it was pretty darn exciting. I have a business card now. So if you need help with the Graduate School Programs feel free to ask for my card. Haha.

Friday was massive laundry day and today is sit around and be lazy/relax day. I plan to sit in my jammies with no make up and I probably won't do anything with my hair. It is going to be gorgeous and wonderful! Jason is enjoying the WSU football game at home before he goes to work.

We are still waiting on the results from Monday's check up pap. We got the bill before the results.

So glad it's Wednesday...

Wednesday is like a mini Friday today. Tomorow is Veteran's Day, no school or work! Today was just as crazy and exciting as a Friday. Prada has stayed over night at the Vet's from her surgery to be fixed. Everything went great and we were able to take her home today. Jason picked her up and brought her to work during lunch. It was like nothing happened to her, she was soo excited. The Vet even gave her a little handkerchief to wear around the neck, she loves it. She has not tried to rip it off once, unlike her bows. We also got the teeth she pulled, one looked like a baby shark tooth. She got some medacine and all this information about the surgery. In the packet of information was a letter "written by Prada". It was called "My Big Day by Prada". It was way cute. It started by Prada saying how the Nurse kept petting her and telling her how good she was. It pretty much explained her surgery in Prada's point of view. She even said how tired and groggy she felt when the nurse came to see if she was in any pain. It ended by saying "no matter how much my stiches itch mommy please dont let me scratch or lick them". What a brat.

At work I made a girl cry when I told her she needed a signature. It is pretty hectic at work right now with all the deadlines coming up. We have final exam scheduling this time and the programs of study are due Friday. Soon we will be getting ready to clear students for graduation. I can't believe how fast this semester went. At least it will almost be Chirstmas. I can't wait to see Prada's reaction to snow, even though I am not a fan of snow myself.

Jason had an accounting exam today and he feels pretty confident about how it went. He has been studying non stop for the exam. He got home from the exam and now he is studying for Spanish. I guess that is how this time of year goes when everything is starting to wrap up.

Next project in the Butcherite house is to prepare a Christmas list. I know what Prada wants but it will take some time to think of what we want.

It sure is quiet around here...

This morning was Prada's appointment at the Vet to be fixed. We took her just before my work started at 7:30AM. Which means we all got up too early this morning. Prada knew something was up, she seemed so sad and it was really rough letting her go. So, we get to the vet and I'm signing some forms while holding a scared little puppy... was not easy. I turn to Jason and ask him to hold Prada. On the other side of me was the Vet Assistant lady and she has the genious idea to say "Oh, I can hold Prada for you". I'm thinking, okay she is going to hold the puppy... not walk away with her, so I hand Prada to the assistant. The assistant than immediately walks off with her without me saying goodbye to my little girl.

I go to work and at 10:30 AM I answer my work phone, "Graduate School Programs this is Andrea"... and it is the Vet. They told me she is doing great. Then they go on to tell me she still has a couple baby teeth and asked if they could remove it. I was not really thinking about all that is going on and was like sure go ahead. Jason was not thrilled that I made that decision. Jason feels bad now that she will be in pain on both ends.

I came home from work to an empty house without a puppy to greet me. It sure is quiet around without Prada.

We get to see our little girl tomorow morning about lunch time. I will be so excited to see her and in the mean time I hope she is feeling okay and doing well.

Tonight= Zumba!

A Mostly Normal Day in November...

One of the worst things in the morning is the sound of the alarm clock buzzing in the wee hours of the morning. In the Butcherite house, that buzz is shortly followed by the prancing of a little pomeranian who just wants attention and love. It really starts the morning off right to see that little fluff ball so happy to see you. Prada has been a joy in our house and a wonderful addition to the family. We have had her about 4 months now and she is just over 6 months old. We love her so much we are really contemplated adopting another pomeranian.... possibley her brother? On a scale of 1 to 10, Jason is in the middle whereas I am about an 8.

This week is women's week. Andrea had a visit at the OB/GYN to get checked up from her copostapy in July. She's trying to stay positive on her results and hoping for the best. We will know within the week what happens next. Prada on the other hand will lose her womanhood. She is getting fixed early tomorow morning. Tonight will be her last play date with her boyfriend, Elwood, for a while until she feels better after the surgery.

Jason is getting near the end of the semester. He has officially applied for certification. His major is pretty competitive so lets hope all goes well!!

For November we started a new tradition... the Thankful Tree. We were given the idea from our friends/neighbors. We trace our hands on construction paper, cut it out, and write something we are thankful for everyday up until Thanksgiving. The hands build up to be a tree. I love this idea because it makes you truly think of what November and thanksgiving should be about, other than a feast full of turkey and mash. We will see at the end of November all that our family is thankful for, even Prada.