Congratulations, Ryan!

Ryan officially accepted his internship with Apple a few days ago! He will be moving to Cupertino in June  and return here in September. I am so happy for him! I'll be holding down the fort until he returns, because I have school and my internship through summer. This internship has gotten me excited for what the near future holds. Congrats, Ryan! <3

Amanda's Passion

My sister developed the passion for all things food. She loves to cook, and boy is she good at it! She landed her own cooking show on the Roar Network, which is her school's TV station (She goes to school at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.) Her show focuses on creating simple and healthy meals for students who live in the dorms or on campus apartments with limited kitchen appliances. My little show-hostess-sister is so stinkin' cute! Here's a link to her show:

http://www.roarnetwork.com/the-amanda-show

Manz & her roommates for her pizza party episode

2010 Holidays (VERY delayed!)

This holiday season was wonderful! We split it half with Ryans family, and half with my family, which was quite an adjustment, but I was so happy to spend it with him this year. =) My Mom got us memory foam pillows, which I have to say was one of the best gifts. We were all joking around that my sister got everything kitchen related, and I got everything bedroom related (I got a robe, slippers, pillows etc.)

It was so nice to be home with family, and I really feel like a part of Ryan's family so it was nice visiting and spending time with our loved ones. :)

Ryan & his brother Jahmin on the karaoke machine= PRICELESS.

Ryans nephew Nekoa really liked walking around in my shoes :)

Ryan & Nekoa. Makes me smile seeing this. So cute.

Every year at the Schmitt house, they do cookie decorating. This year, Daphne made over 100 cookies, and we decorated them ALL. So fun. This is Daphne preparing the cookies.

I made a special cookie for Ryan. 

Christmas morning watching Nekoa open presents with his Mom

Ryan and I gave Nekoa a sock money for Christmas. He was a little more interested in his shapes that he got from Grandma. 

Schmitt/Lerum Family plus me.

My Mommy's house! Christmas day lunch, a tradition with the Trapl family for years and years. My Great Aunt Dorothy is sitting at the end of the table as well. We had ham, my moms WONDERFUL mashed potatoes, stuffing and salad that my sister made. Yummm.

My gorgeous Mother preparing our meal.

The Christmas tree at my Moms with all the presents

<3 Ryan and me

Opening our presents

Manz showing off her spice rack

Mini family photo. plus Ryan :)

Patchy got her present too

My older sister came all the way from Michigan! I was so happy to see her. Normally, we don't get to see her for a year and sometimes more. Any chance I get to spend with her I am happy. :) This is My Mom, and sisters on Carmel Beach. Paula loved it, this time of year in Michigan it's snowy, cold, and miserable, so she was very happy to be in California.

Sisters!

22

Today is my 22nd birthday. I got up for school, nervous for my final and thought I would treat myself to Starbucks to wake me up. I ordered my lovely latte, and couldn't help but stare at this little girl with her grandparents. They were so patient with her, and had so much love in their eyes. Watching the way they interacted with her gave me a lump in my throat. If I could have anything for my birthday this year, it would be to see my grandparents again. Not a day goes by where they don't cross my mind. I would not be where I am today without them, and looking back reading their old birthday cards just reminds me how much they really, really loved me, and were so proud to have a grand daughter. If I can be half of what they were, I would be so proud. Eu amo-o Avô e Avó, I know if you were here I would be getting a phone call & a card today. Miss you more than words can express. <3

Also, I wanted to wish my Mother a happy birthing day! As I spoke with her on the phone this morning she said, "you were far happier that day than I was, but I was very happy to bring you into the world."(I was born with my umbilical cord wrapped around my neck, and had a slow heart beat before I was born, so I was VERY happy to be free of that cord!)

Mommy: I can't even begin to describe how much I look up to you. You are the strongest woman, I have ever known, and probably will know. The many things you have endured in your life have at times been so severe, and I can't even fathom how you've always had a smile on your face, and stayed so strong. I am so happy to call you my Mom, and have people tell me I look just like you. You are beautiful, smart, and strong. Don't ever doubt it for a second. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for bringing me into this world, and making me who I am today. Oh, and putting up with me through high school. =)