wrapping up 2009.

It's been forever since I've posted any projects. Mostly because my latest projects have been christmas presents. I didn't want friends and family peaking! So here are my latest projects, and a few Christmas photos!

chelsea's christmas present - acrylic on canvas

crystal's christmas present - acrylic on canvas

the ankeny family book - mom & dad's christmas present from Amanda and I, a collection of family photos from the beginning to present along with small blurbs and quotes that Amanda wrote.

emma & kayla (my flower girls) opening presents 12.19

new watch from grammy

this is where gus snuggled up while we unwrapped presents

I always love my grandmother's table setting - and Christmas dinner!

gus was totally pooped after the long day though.

engaged!

The 'story' for anyone who wants to know:

Christmas eve's eve (the 23rd) eric and I decided to exchange presents because we were too excited (didn't have anything to do... and eric knew he was getting a ps3, lol) While I was sitting looking at my awesome presents I'd just opened, he sneakily grabbed the ring from beside the couch and said "I have one more thing for you..." He got down on one knee. I took one look at the ring, covered my face and started balling like a little baby! We hugged and I cried and he eventually asked "does that mean yes?" I said, "of course"! We celebrated with champagne I received from one of my freelance clients earlier that day (ironic & perfect!) After I was over my emotional crying I said "oh! we need to tell my family" he totally surprised me when he said that he snuck over to their house the day before to ask their permission and blessing! That meant a lot to me. He said he was super nervous and even tried to stall by stopping at the gas station on the way. Once he got there he couldn't barely talk, his voice wouldn't work! haha. He ended up staying there for a couple hours just talking with them - and that's one of the things I love most about eric. He loves my family and they love him back. I feel so lucky.

It was a great night. He proposed the 1st Christmas in our 1st place.

It was perfect. :)

i love love love it!

it's been the best christmas ever.

happy thanksgiving.

i'm thankful for so much, especially my family and the love of my life.

this is one of my favorite pictures of us, oldie but goodie!

(amanda's baptism. i remember feeling so fancy in that dress!)

and of course, eric. who i can't imagine my life with out for even a day.

cider & donuts.

lunch break at...

i love fall. except for the fact that snow comes next...

a day at the zoo with my 2 favorite little gals.

leads to one tuckered out emma.

halloween ninjas

happy halloween!

family

working on retouching skills.

ninjas

I needed a new post because I couldn't stand looking at the puppy --that I decided to not get :(

so i'll put up the frames that i picked out today at the eye doc's! :)

they're Rampage

ninja dreams

jenna had a happy dream and got to fly around with a balloon tied to her belly, while i yelled at whores breaking into my car... interpretation here _____.

i love you.

(ann arbor 9.19.09)

traverse city getaway

took eric on a surprise birthday vacation to traverse city.

Lots of Breweries, Golf, & Sailing!

click to see them bigger

just because...

I felt like taking pictures of my apt and the latest progress.

I still have a bunch of projects on my list!

still in need of an oversized accent chair

(butterfly chair has to do for now...)

latest project:

painted frames my grams gave me a few years ago

i had to show the bathroom because i love my shower curtain!

my next project will be to fix up one of my college photography projects into a window/mirror.