Our (first) Valentine's Day

Jeff and I have been together for almost five years now, married for a little over two. And believe it or not, this year was the very first Valentine's Day we've spent together (in the same location). That's the military life for you. The past four February 14th's, he was in

#1. San Antonio, Texas

#2. Yakima, Washington

#3. Fort Irwin, California

and

#4. somwhere, Afghanistan

FINALLY, he's at home!

Needless to say, we couldn't have been happier just spending the night in with our munchkin and watching a movie.

But, being the romantic that my wonderful husband is, despite the fact I told him I didn't want/need a gift... He brought me home a gorgeous boquet of flowers and a WHOLE BAG of Dove chocolates. Gosh, I love that man.

The flowers are so beautiful, and their scent radiates throughout the dining room and kitchen. They are a wonderful reminder that warm weather is coming! And the chocolates, what pregnant girl doesn't love chocolates! Thank you so much to my awesome husband. The best part is that you delivered them to me yourself :)

After discussing it with my mother, I decided my original plan of filling Jeff's whole car with balloons while he was at work probably wasn't the best route (my lungs can't handle that many balloons on their own). So I opted to make him this huge, obnoxiously girly card instead.

Thanks Kellee for showing me how to make those awesome flowers (that make up the heart)!

After these were exchanged, we sat down and had a wonderful family dinner: salad, lasagna, and garlic bread. Family dinners always have a way of making me feel so blessed. We try try to have dinner together at the table at least 5 times a week. I think it's very important not only for Jeff and I, but also for Jack (and in the future, baby bean)!

Daddy was on munchkin bath detail following dinner, while I cleaned up the kitchen and living room of debris from what we call hurricane Jack.

He cleans up pretty nicely, don't you think? Unfortunately, I can't say the same about him holding still so this is best picture of him I could get before bed.

We watched the movie "Red" with Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman. We were both laughing through the whole thing. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be that much of a comedy, but anything with Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman together makes me laugh. And there's a character, Marvin, that you just can't help but love because he's so goofy. If you haven't seen it, definitely rent it from Redbox (Only $1 that way!). And it's a movie both you and your spouse can enjoy.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Seattle Weekend

This past weekend we were lucky enough to be picked to attend a marriage retreat in downtown Seattle. The Army covers the hotel charges, provides catered meals, pays for certified childcare all weekend, and we get to learn about how we can enhance our marriage and explore the city! All we had to do is drive ourselves there. 

If you've never been on a marriage retreat (and you get the opportunity to do so) I highly encourage it. We learned about about how unknown expectations can affect your marriage, how important forgiveness is, and were reminded how in love we are :)

And we also got the opportunity to spend some time together without the munchkin! We went to the Experience Music Project / Science Fiction Museum. There wasn't much Science Fiction stuff in there right now because they are remodeling to include a big exhibit on the movie Avatar (due to open June 4, 2011).

But I did make sure to get a picture of R2D2 from the Star Wars series for my mom and little brother, Max.

The music part was really cool, they had the "music lab" which was a big collection of many instruments and rooms where you could play, and play with your friends. They even have a studio stage where you and your family/friends can play/sing as if you were in a band for 10ish minutes. And then you can buy your video if you want. It was pretty awesome.

They had a big exhibit on Jimi Hendrix with lots of his clothing and guitars, and an even bigger exhibit on the different styles of guitars through the years. 

In the middle of the building was a HUGE instrument tower, sort of hard to explain.. but lucky for you, I got a picture of that too.

It's made mostly of guitars and its TWO STORIES tall!

After the EMP/SFM we went to see a movie, something we haven't done in a long time.

We decided on this one, and weren't disappointed at all!

No Strings Attached

It was hilarious. Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher were both amazing. I would definitely reccomend it, and I think Jeff would too!

The Holidays are Over

Pheewwwwwwwww. They are over. Not to say I didn't have a GREAT Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.. but man, I'm glad to be getting a routine back.

Things that happened over the past month

*We hosted our very first thanksgiving on our own and prepared food for 12 people (and had a great time!)

*My best friend Erin came to visit

*One of our houseguests moved out

*We had a baby bean appt where we got to see he/she moving around!

*We went shopping on Christmas Eve where we surprised each other with these:

(I got a new phone, and Jeff got a new BIG tv)

*We skyped with our families in Ohio on Christmas morning and had a great time

*We watched these:

and

(both were hilarious)

*And last but not least, our best friends Jake and Emma had a baby girl.. Selah Joy!

What have you been up to lately?

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head

Well folks, summer is over :( Definitely... so... over. At least here in the Pacific Northwest it is. Kellee, you shush about your summery weather in Colorado.

Today we braved the rain and went to the Pumpkin Fest in Orting, Washington (Details HERE). Orting is a cute little town. And the Fest was cute too. Definitely doesn't compare to the Pumpkin show in Circleville, Ohio. But it was a nice way to spend the day. Rain boots and jackets in tow, we listened to some local bands, ate at a "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant called Route 66 Pizza, and bought me my first cowgirl hat :) We had planned on picking up some pumpkins from a pumpkin patch on the way home, but Jack had other plans. He was testing us big time today, and we decided that we will wait 'til tomorrow to go pumpkin pickin'. There is a family farm thats on our way home from church, hopefully the weather will be a bit better tomorrow as well.

On Jack's list of new talents, he can say "OWWW". His uncle Jeremy has been working hard to teach him "OW" and "MINE" before he has to move home to Arizona. One down, one to go, Jeremy. Not only does he say "ow" for things that hurt. But he says it when he's mad, when we discipline him, and when he's playing. Anyone else lucky enough to have a 1 year old that knows only the words "daddy", "mama", "nana", "huh?", and "OWWW"? It's a good time, let me tell ya.

After Jeff and the boys are done watching some boy movie.. I think it's called Last Man Standing? And after we put Jack to sleep... My wonderfull hubby is taking me to see Life As We Know It.

I've been excited about this movie since I saw the trailer the first time. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel star as two single people that are named in a mutual friend's will as guardians for the baby. Should be funny. I'm all about humor, and this film looks promising!

One last question, does anyone else have a 1 year old human garbage disposal?

Sunny Day, Sweepin' the Clouds Away

Little Sesame Street inspiration for our title today! Mostly because I think it's burned into my brain. As if I didn't watch enough of it as a child, it is the only show Jack will pay attention to for more than 2 minutes. So please just ignore me if I make a few references (or more than a few) to Sesame Street.

But, it was indeed sunny as can be in the Puget Sound today! I always forget how good the sun feels after I haven't seen it in a while. I skipped out on working in the house and continuing my blog makeover, and Kellee, Jack and I went to the Port of Olympia for a picnic.  We parked at the Famer's Market parking lot so we could walk along the docks down to the water.

Every time I go down by the docks, I always think of how my grandpa would love to see all the boats, and how he would love to fish out here :)

We took lots of pictures today because Nana Beth was saying I don't take enough of the munchkin. So here ya go mama!

Some of my favorites from today.

After our picnic, we came home and started what I'm pretty sure is becoming my new tv show obession

I'd like to thank Marcy and Jeremy for sharing with me the awesomeness that is this show! So hilarious. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend you do. I watched one episode with the Jones' and I was hooked. Now, I'm getting the whole first season through netflix! Yeah! I can't wait to get disc 2 in a couple days.

Jack has a bad case of mommyitis tonight, I think his teeth being so close to coming through is really starting to bother him. I took at advantage and got myself some baby love when I could. We cuddled up on the couch with Lunabug, and watched a movie called Funny People. It was an okay movie, not great, but I do love Adam Sandler.

Tomorrow is going to be a day full of cleaning and straightening up around here. I plan on getting the last of the things we really need next week. (Jack's crib, dining chairs, bookshelf, and MAYBE a guest bed and patio furniture). Also tomorrow I will give an update on our favorite soldier, seems I haven't done that in quite a while. Sigh, time for bed. Only a few more weeks, and I won't be going alone!