Seriously Spoiled

So I know I write a lot about how wonderful my Mr. Wonderful is. But I just can't say enough. He's not perfect, but he is truly perfect for me! We've gone through our tough times- marriage is hard work- but it's only made us stronger and more united as we've learned from our mistakes.

Jon has always had a serious tendency to spoil me- like almost overboard spoilage- (not that I'm complaining :)). Here's a quick explanation of how he went ALL OUT to make our recent celebrations special and memorable-

Anniversary:
Our anniversary tradition is to take a trip to a new temple each year to remember the covenants we made to each other and to the Lord. So we take turns selecting the temple and planning the accomodations. This year it was Jon's turn. So besides planning and executing a 5300 mile motorhome trip across the country (with 5 kids in tow), he also planned a trip to the Portland OR temple for us.

And he chose this charming bed and breakfast: Ok- it turns out it was originally a floating bordello (a whorehouse) that is supposedly haunted. Nice, huh? Haha! But we got a good laugh about it. And it was really was wonderful- no ghost sightings... a cozy room, fireplace, hot tub, and delicious breakfast, and we could actually sleep-in without being awakened by babies or the kids crying 'cause they wet the bed. It was just the getaway we needed to recharge our marriage and renew our closeness. Thanks to Nana and Papa Sasnett for watching the kids again to make it possible!


And here's the Portland temple surrounded by Evergreens. So beautiful, and clean, and sacred. I just love the temple and the serenity I feel there.

Then for my 30th birthday, he showered me with gifts- including a little light reading...

So I came across this article from Time magazine recently specifying the 10 greatest books of all time, and it inspired me to read all these books at least once in my lifetime. (I'm trying to become more well-read and more familiar with the classics, and I figured this would be a good start). So I mentioned my goal to Jon a few months ago- without expecting him to get them for me. It was a great surprise to unwrap them- and a little daunting.

Then he took me out to dinner and on a surprise birthday outing to see these guys perform their live improv tour!

This is Colin and Brad from "Whose Line is it Anyway?" They are absolutely brilliant! I really love clean and wholesome humor- it's hard to come by these days. I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. I don't have a mind that works that way- so I really admire anyone who can think on their toes the way they can. A-mazing.

So if all that wasn't enough- on Valentine's Day this year, I got a special delivery- gorgeous fire and ice roses (my fave).

Then he took me out to dinner that night, and as we were enjoying a meal together, these guys surrounded our table and began to serenade me!! He hired a barbershop quartet to sing 3 romantic numbers for me! I mean, c'mon! How could I not be touched by that. It made me cry- big time.

Here I am just beaming. Love that man!!

The thing is, I really don't expect much at all. Honestly, I would be perfectly content with a card, or a hug or some small acknowledgement of our special days together. I feel seriously undeserving of his adoration- but it sure is nice!!! And I truly appreciate his efforts to make me feel special and cherished.

So Mr. Wonderful spoiled me as usual this year. Mother Nature however, wasn't so kind...

29th Birthday

Ok, I know I'm biased, but I think I have the BEST husband of ALL TIME!!!!! I turned 29 last week, and he worked so hard to make it special for me. First, he and the kids made me breakfast in bed... (a burnt omelet), but it was so sweet!! ;) Then he took me out for a surprise date. And he couldn't have made a better choice. We went to a public museum that had a Dead Sea Scroll Exhibit!! It was so amazing. I thought for sure they would just have facsimilies there, but they had some of the actual scrolls!! It was absolutely fascinating. I'm so grateful he knows me so well, that he knew I'd really enjoy and appreciate that. And just when I thought the night couldn't get any better... he took me out to Flemings! The fanciest restaurant I have ever been to. It's even better than Ruth's Chris if anyone is familiar with that. I would have been happy with Wendys! ;) But he really wanted me to feel special.

Thank you for the best birthday ever, Mr. Wonderful! I love you!!

Jakey's 2nd Birthday

Can our little baby boy be 2 already?! I can't believe it. Here he was at 2 months. Ha ha! These pictures crack me up!


And here he was yesterday. He woke up to presents on his bed (some toy cars and trucks, and puzzles), and he had lots of helpers waiting to help him unwrap. (Yes, that's Christmas wrapping paper... we're kind of cheap like that.)

Then Nana and Papa sent a bunch of balloons and a stuffed monkey! Thanks guys! As you can see, he was thrilled!

And after dinner, we had a little family party. We danced, played London bridges, duck duck goose, and then had cake. It was so much fun just to have a simple little celebration together!

Dancing with Daddy

Love my boys!

More dancing...

London Bridges... sort of.

And then we had cake and ice cream. I took this picture right as Jakey was licking his lips, and little Charity was going in to sneak some of his frosting... that did not go over well!

And the funniest thing... the kids really wanted to give him something, so they chose "presents" (junk from around the house) to give to him. They spent half the afternoon finding and wrapping presents for him. And surprisingly he LOVED them! It was so funny! I think he was just happy to have presents to open.

A pen! Yay!

A washcloth... ha ha! He acted like it was the greatest gift ever!!

And a book we already owned.

This kid makes me smile and laugh every day and he is such a blessing to our family. There is so much personality crammed in that little body... I just LOVE him so much! Happy Birthday my little Jakey-buddy!

Super Benny!

It was Bennybud's 5th birthday today. He woke up to some presents on his bed and his favorite cereal for breakfast. (These were some favorite traditions from my childhood.) One of his gifts was a super hero costume and he LOVED it! He was running around the house like a superhero all day. I even let him wear it to preschool. Here are some highlights from his special day...

Benny was so excited that we got to meet his favorite superhero (Daddy) during his lunch break.

Jon invited a few friends from work to join us for the birthday lunch. They were such good sports to wear the party hats with us!! Ha ha!

Then we had a little family party tonight with a cake, and silly string. Every 5 year-old has to have silly string, right?? It was probably the coolest part of his day... but not mine. ;) I have a hard enough time keeping up with the messes around here as it is! But he loved it, so it was worth it.

Nana and Poppa sent a birthday package for his special day, and he was so thrilled. Thanks for your thoughtfulness Mom and Dad!

I sure love my Bennybud! He is a kind, tender hearted, and imaginative little boy, and I'm so grateful to be his mother.

Happy Birthday to one SUPER kid!

Rock On!

Celeste was invited to her friend E's "rock star" birthday party today and she had a blast! The birthday girl is from an amazing family... they sure know how to throw a party! Here are a few pics of Celeste aka "Jem"...

Here is the cutie birthday girl "Glitter" and our little"Jem"

These girls have too much fun together.

All rocked out!

Birthday Beauty

Happy Birthday to our sweet Celeste. I can't believe she's already 6 years old! We went back to ChuckECheese (ugh) at her request and the kids had a blast. We invited our neighbors this time (the nicest people ever!) They have a daughter Celeste's age named... Nicole. I'm so glad the kids have someone so close that they can befriend. Celeste had a wonderful birthday! She got a really special present from Nana and Papa this year... she is going to Utah with me next month! We're so excited to spend time with our family and Celeste is absolutely thrilled to fly on the plane with me. She is so grown up... I can't believe it.

Here are some pictures of her through the years...

She has always had such a happy and friendly disposition. As you can see, that smile has lit up our home and our lives for the past 6 years! Happy Birthday Celeste!

"Chocolate" Cheese Party!

Our little Charity turned 3 a few days after we moved. Here are some pictures from our family party at what she called "Chocolate" Cheese (ChuckE Cheese) to celebrate our sweet sweet girl.

Ok, so I know I'm a little biased, but isn't she just adorable?

Recently she has developed a pretty serious stutter. And I don't think it's a coincidence that it began right during the most stressful period of our move. She seems to thrive on structure and routine, and there hasn't been much of that lately. It has been a tough adjustment for her. So it was nice to have a special night to take a break from the craziness of getting unpacked and simply celebrate her. I just hope her stress and stutter go away as we get more settled in our new home.

She's definitely her mommy's girl. I get equally as excited about cake.

Here they are on the rides... poor baby Jakey hated all of them!

Except this one. :)

Love my little Charity Lynn! Happy Birthday sweet girl. We are so glad you are part of our family!