Happy Pretzel"versary" !!

This weekend marks our one year anniversary of opening our Auntie Anne's Pretzel Store. What a year! It's been a roller coaster ride. Ups and Downs...Ups and Downs... There have been times we've wondered what in the world we've gotten ourselves in to. Then we remember how much prayer and time we spent with God on this new adventure. HE opened the doors. HE showed us the way. HE provided every means for us to get here. He didn't promise it would be easy or perfect, but He did promise to provide... and He has. Opening a new store in the worst economy we've ever seen (in our lifetime) was risky. We know store owners in the shopping strip that are behind on rent and worry that they just may not make it. We are doing just fine. It's nice to have a year under our belts. I do hope this next year brings a little more comfort, stability and dare I say, prosperity. Here are some pictures from a year ago; our grand opening.

D.S. and my dad checking the inventory list

Free Pretzel Day! Our first day open...November 22, 2008.

Our first tray of pretzels!!

I took pretzels to Spicy Girl's Kindergarten class. She was so surprised!!

Two of our first customers....and also family friends.
A HUGE thank you to our parents! Did we really think we could do this in another city or state without your help??? You all have been the biggest and most wonderful support and help to us! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Santa Buddies!!

It's no secret how much Spicy Girl LOVES dogs. This morning we saw the trailer for the new "Buddies" movie coming out for Christmas....Santa Buddies. We can't wait!!
One of S.G.'s favorite book series is called Puppy Place. It's about a family who fosters puppies until they get a new home. What's cute is, she is writing her own puppy series called Dog Days. It's about a dog named Buster. Yep, I think I have a little writer on my hands.

Spicy Girl gathered all of her stuffed...and not so stuffed dogs for a group shot. I love my little dog lover!!

Gotcha Day

Well, we celebrated our 6 year Gotcha Day last Tuesday. Spicy Girl was getting over the flu, so we didn't keep her out long. Lunch was her choice....and her choice was....Whataburger.

After lunch, we took her to Toys R Us. Now every year we let S.G. pick out a toy, but this year her toy was a new puppy. So imagine our excitement when S.G. won a $25 gift card to Toys R Us from participating in her school fundraiser. So this year we were able to go to Toys R Us after all. Spicy Girl still loves Littlest Pet Shop, so she got a journal and two stuffed animals that you can register online and play games with.

Her biggest gift however was our sweet new little boy....Cooper. We all just adore our new puppy. He is so sweet, yet has his hilarious feisty moments. Spicy Girl held him the other day, and with a big 'ole hug, she declared her love for him. It's amazing how a pet can bring such joy into a home. Even more amazing is how much joy a child brings.
I love celebrating Gotcha Day; our family day. We told Spicy Girl that even when she was a grown up, and had children of her own, we will still celebrate Gotcha Day with her.

Gotcha Day...6 Years!!

6 years ago today, this beautiful 10 month old baby from Hunan, China was placed in our arms. Oh the joy and honor it's been, being her parents. Today is our family day. Spicy Girl has had the flu since Saturday, so we're a little limited on our celebrating, but we'll still manage to get out and do a few things. Pictures to come!!

Panda Girl!!

Anyone who knows Spicy Girl, knows her love for pandas.

I'm Still Here....

I realize that I am just not blogging up to standard these days. I remember when I would do 3-4 blogs in a week. I just don't have the time anymore. I'm not even sure many people visit; because why would you when there's nothing new to see? ;). I've also gotten a bit spoiled with my iphone, as I can check my email and facebook from there. I'm not even on my computer much these days. However, I think I can make a decent effort at blogging on the weekends. So, here's a little October Catch-Up!

One day last week, my parents picked Spicy Girl up from school. Daddy Spice and I had a little "alone" time....so we went to the shooting range. Romantic huh? Well, we have a handgun that we keep in a safe in our room. I had never learned how to shoot it. Now I know.

Last weekend was D.S.'s 40th birthday. Since he scheduled himself to work that day (HMPH!), I made him wear a button and hat advertising his 40th! That evening we went downtown for dinner at an amazing Italian restaurant. We ate outside and enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL evening.

On Sunday, we did D.S.'s annual birthday lunch at Chuy's...Daddy's favorite. I LOVE this picture of D.S. and Spicy Girl!
The other night we went to Chipotle for dinner. S.G. wanted to sit at the bar. D.S. and I didn't want to, so Miss Independent enjoyed a little dinner by herself.

Last but not least, our 1st graders at school had a storybook parade. Can you tell what Spicy Girl was? Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? And yes, that will be her Halloween costume tonight.

Puppies and Pumpkins

Can you say cute or what?!! The puppy and the girl!!

Last Sunday we went to church, then lunch, then out and about with Mamama Spice. After some fun "therapy" shopping, Boppa Spice joined us at the bunkhouse. He brought along one of their dogs....Little Girl. So Cooper and Little Girl met for the first time. While out earlier in the day, we purchased a pumpkin for carving. So here we have puppies and pumpkins.