The Thanksgiving...

So Thanksgiving was nice this year. Ben and I went to his parents house for an early Thanksgiving and then we went to my parents house for a later Thanksgiving.

At Ben's house we had a really nice time. We all ate and then just sat around and talked. It was really nice having his family all together for once. His brothers are always busy at work or gone whenever Ben and I stop by to visit. So it was nice to see everyone together. It's always funny at Ben's house we are usually laughing.

At my parents house we pretty much did the same thing except during dinner we went around the table like we always do and talk about what we are thankful for. I actually said I was thankful for my education (which is weird because usually I'm complaining about school) and Ben said he was thankful for me. (naturally) haha. I was trying so hard to get a nice picture of all of us in the kitchen, but they just were not having it!! So Roxanne and I just decided to stage our own pictures! I went around posing with people who were working in the kitchen. Now this might not seem funny to you, but Roxanne and I were laughing so hard. I would jump in really fast and try to snap a picture before they shoved me away. Here is what we came up with...

(I'm pretty sure these people are going to kill me for posting these)

So they finally just got so annoyed with us that they decided to just take a nice one with me so I would leave them alone. And it is nice...aren't we cute?

(Nicole had huge heals on and I had flats on so thus the extreme height difference.)

Here's me and Benny. I am thankful for him too :) I also tried to cook a lot this Thanksgiving because I figure I have no idea how the heck to make a Thanksgiving meal so I better start learning now. I even went to my Mom's house the night before and her, Nicole, and I started the cooking early. I even made my own apple pie!
The only sucky part about Thanksgiving this year was we were missing part of our family. Raquel was in Utah and my Dad just had shoulder surgery so he was in a lot of pain and just not feeling well. They are two of my favorite people...and without them there it just wasnt as wonderful. So I pretty much just love my family and I'm so lucky to live here in Lubbock with both of our families! I hope everyone else had a great Thanksgiving as well!

My Recent Pictures...

So here is what I have been busy doing. These are some of my favorites that I have taken...

Introducing--Gus!!

Ben and I have been looking for a friend for Charlie, and yesterday we came across this guy!

(asleep while I was getting ready for school)

This little guy was found by a couple who live in an apartment and couldn't keep him. He was found with his sister (who they found a home for already) but they hadn't been able to find a home for him. This little doggie is special because he is def, and I think that is why no one wanted him. Well, the couple was going to have to send him to the shelter if someone didn't take him, and then Ben and I found their post on Craig's list! So Ben and I took Charlie over to their house to meet him and they became friends!! Well....actually Ben and I fell in love with him because of his cute little personality, and then later came the friend part. He is the opposite of Charlie--he is calm, and quiet, and well behaved. haha. He isn't necessarily the kind of dog I would have picked out normally but he's cute!

It took us forever to come up with a name and we have changed it many times, but I think we finally decided on Gus. He can't really answer to a name anyways so it just matters as far as us referring to him! He fits in very nicely. Charlie and Gus just entertain each other all day. Because it has been a nice day I have just left our back door open and Charlie and Gus have been running in and out playing. So cute.

(playing outside with his new toy and treat)

The def thing is frustrating at times, but he usually just watches Charlie and does whatever Charlie does. He follows him around. It is also nice when Gus is asleep because I can be as loud as I want and not wake him up! haha. He also has one different looking eye that looks smaller than the other so I dunno about his vision in that eye. We are taking him to the vet tomorow to make sure everything is good so I guess we will see!

Oh Cute Story--

Today while I was at school he somehow got out of his cage and when I came home I was freaking out cause he wasn't in it and I figured the house would be all torn up and there would be poop everywhere. However, I found the house just as I had left it and Gus soundly asleep on our bed. He hadn't done anything bad that whole time he was alone, he just slept! How sweet is that? Charlie destroyed the house last time he got out. Well, anyways, we love Gus and we are glad we saved him and he is a part of our family! Charlie is happy he finally has a friend too! (checking out his new home and friend)

Read this!

Everyone should read this book!! It was probably one of the best books I have ever read! It is a fiction book written along the lines of the book Hosea in the Bible! My friend told me to read it and I was pretty sceptical judging by the title. (I'm not really into the romance novel stuff) But this book is so much more than a book about two people in love. It is one of those books that you read and feel better because of it. Spiritually uplifting as well! I got my Mom to read it and she couldn't put it down. It didn't take her very long at all to finish it!However, the problem with finishing a fantastic book is that you are left trying to get into other books that just aren't as good. I have started 3 other books since this one and can't finish them because I get bored. Any suggestions??

Oh- and thank you everyone for the nice comments about my new hair!! You guys are freaking sweet! They made me feel good. :)

New Hair Picture!

Ok, so here is what my hair looks like now. It was colored that way before I chopped it all off, but I don't think I had any pictures of the new colors before this dramatic cut. At first I was sad, but now I like it a lot. This really isn't the best representation of what the style looks like but o well. You get the point!

Random Stuff!

So we have been pretty busy lately with work and school and such! Nothing really exciting to blog about...just the usual!
I have been taking pictures lately, and I am taking some tomorrow of the wonderful Giffords! So that should be fun! I've been thinking of all these fun ideas and things we can do so hopefully it will all come together! I'm really excited with the response I have gotten from people wanting me to take their pictures! I just really enjoy doing it! It's a fantastic escape from school!
Also, I chopped my hair all off!!! I don't know what to think about it just yet. Everyone at school said they loved it, but you know how that can be. No one wants to be like "Oh you cut your hair? Oh..." They just kinda have to say something nice after acknowledging it! haha. I have pretty much always had a ton of hair so it's weird for me...I hope I come to love it. I just get these ideas and then I have to follow through or it will bug me to death! I'm also always doing something different with my hair. I've been every color. Maybe I'll post a picture of it soon. Not today though...cause dang...not a good day for a picture. haha.
Ben likes his new job a lot. He is already impressing everyone. His new boss was telling him that he is really glad he made the decision to hire Ben and that he definitely made the right choice. Everything is just coming together for him and I'm so proud.
Well, I guess that's all for now! I posted some new pics on my website so check them out!!
-Nat

My Picture Website!

Ok, so I made this new website that has all my photography on it, and I need you to check it out!! I have pretty much posted everything I have done on this blog, but this website will keep it all together and display it. I think it turned out pretty good! Here's a little preview...



The reason I am doing all this is because I really would like to continue on with photography and see what I can do! Right now I don't have the best camera, but if I continue practicing and getting better I am hoping to get a really nice one for Christmas! I have put a lot of thought into this, and I am sure this is something I want to do! (besides the whole nursing school thing, haha) I have had so much fun taking them and editing them, and I can't wait for more opportunities! So, if you would like to help me practice by modeling for me PLEASE let me know! I will definitely appreciate it! Thanks!!

Here is the website:

http://nsbenavides.shutterfly.com/

You can also find a link to the website right under the "about me" section of this blog. Also, keep watching my photography website for new pictures and updates!! Thanks again!

-Nat