A Tall Glass of Water

Random fact about me: I have the tiniest, teeniest obsession with ice. It doesn't really make any difference what time of the year it is; if my drink is not hot, then it must be cold—and I mean ice cold. I just can't handle lukewarm temperatures when it comes to my drinks. It grosses me out for some reason. Maybe it is one of those things that makes me weird, but I like to prefer to think of myself as slightly quirky on this issue. ;) And don't even get me started on how fantastic one of these tall glasses of highly flitered water can be on a hot Nothern California day. Yeah, baby!

Hey, don't judge; don't judge. You have some quirky tendencies too! :)

Greg on Date Night

Before we got married, many awesome couples gave us what we have learned is very sound advice: "Remember to never get too busy to take time to connect. Have fun and enjoy each other no matter how busy life gets." Having a regular date night has been one of the ways we do that. By regular, I don't mean it happens to be on the same night every week or even that we always do the same thing, but that it happens at least a few times a month. Just Greg and I. Sometimes we are so tired just sipping on a drink and relaxing sounds like a prime slice of heaven. Other nights, we are more adventureous.

Tonight was a simple dinner and movie sort of date, but boy was it so nice! It is hard to believe that in just a month I will have been married to this man for 9 years. Some days, it feels like 80 years; other days, it seems like just yesterday. Either way, I would do it all over again in an instant.

Thanks, honey, for a wonderful date night. You truly are my better half. :)

My Encourager

Today was catch up day, a day where I devoted every single moment I could to catching up on some business stuff that I needed to finish. Anna was my little encourager throughout the day, periodically coming in to give me hugs and kisses and giggle. :) Words cannot express how very grateful I am for her and the gift she is to me.

Tonight, like every night, Anna and I played "chase and tickle." I chase her, catch her, and tickle her—complicated, I know! But she loves it. Who am I kidding? We both love it. Tonight I wanted to make sure I gave her extra attention since I had been busy all day today. She didn't disappoint; her giggles and kisses were so precious, and the great part is that I actually managed to capture her through photography this time. Usually, she sees me grab the camera and stops, but tonight she was perfectly content with me playing with her while I shot a few images too. Yay! I may have looked ridiculous, but that is just fine with me.

Mommy loves you, Anna. Thank you for all of your wonderful encouragement today.

Baby Alden

Today I had the wonderful pleasure of getting to hang out with some truly enjoyable people at a sweet baby shower for my good friend Sommer. Besides the good conversation, yummy food, and fun baby stuff she received, a baby was the main attraction: Alden. Isn't he absolutely precious? He was so tender, sweet, and innocent, sleeping soundly in his seat during the party. It was so fun for me to finally get to meet the much anticipated little arrival.

Alden, you are one sweet little man, welcome to this crazy place called life. :)

Kirk and Sommer, we love you guys and are overjoyed with you on your newest addition. Congrats!

Dogwood Blossoms

Spring is a horrible dichotomy of sorts for me. On one hand, I so deeply enjoy seeing the new growth and beautiful blooms that come during spring as to be genuinely moved by the colorful orchestra around me. On the other, hand I absoutely abhore what that same beauty causes within my head, nose, eyes, throat, and—well, you get the picture.

This morning we had our one monumental yard sale before moving. It went well despite the random and ridiculous stealing of our colorful yard sale sign that we placed at the end of our street. I mean, I know that I did a pretty job on it and all, but that is just ridiculous. ;)

After selling most of the stuff the kids helped us load up Grandpa's truck with the rest to donate to a few great causes. I Was so proud of our girls and the spirit with which they have been handling the purging of so much of our stuff. I have been suprised by how very freeing it has been for all of us to get rid of so very much. Watching Emily today as she gave away toys to some of the children who came made me tear up. Love lessons are so powerful to both learn and watch.

After a long morning of braving the wind and spring pollen, though, I will admit defeat. The combination kicked my tail, and now I am beat. So, here is to praying for better allergy drugs and a good night's rest.

Happy Saturday, everyone!