Pregnancy Craving

So last night I was having the biggest craving for chocolate, so I called my hubby and asked him to bring home a little treat for me. Our phone conversation sounded something like this...

"Hi Sweetie, I've just about had it with the kids, are you coming home soon??"

"No, sorry, I just have to finish up a few things. I'll be home pretty late again tonight."

"Aww, ok, :( well, could you maybe pick up a little treat for me on your way home? It's a Russel Stover, MILK chocolate... NOT dark chocolate, strawberry cream heart. I've only been able to find it at Walgreens, it's on the top row of the Valentine's Candy aisle, it's in a red package, and they're two for a dollar. Ok? (Yes, it was a very particular request. This preggo knows what she wants.)

"Um, sure... yeah, ok. See you tonight! Love you!"

So after our conversation, I was counting down the hours till he got home. It was one of those nights, where the kids were bouncing off the walls, and I felt like I was going to lose my mind. But there were two things that kept me going... the thought of a big smooch from my hubby, and that Russel Stover strawberry cream heart. Usually the smooch would be my greatest anticipation, but to be perfectly honest... last night it was all about the chocolate!

So finally, Jon got home and delivered the goods, "Here you go Sweetie!" and handed me this...

"Um thanks Babes, but this is is not it." (Trying to hide my disappointment... I know, I'm so spoiled.)

"Oh really? Darn it! Sorry, but all I heard was Dark Chocolate, and it was the only dark chocolate Russel Stover treat they had."

"You're kidding, right? I asked for, milk chocolate, NOT dark chocolate."

"Oh, sorry... I was kind of preoccupied when you called."

"Ok... hmm, thanks anyway."

A few minutes later, he plops this on the counter...

He totally had me fooled... he had actually bought the entire box for me! Ha ha!

Thank you Mr. Wonderful!!! As he always says, "Happy wife, happy life." :) Love that man!!!!

Sweetest Day

Jon gave me a special gift on Saturday for Sweetest Day. He specified 10 things he loves about me and he clearly put a lot of thought into it. I felt that I should include it in this blog, so our kids will know how much their mommy and daddy loved each other.
I'm lame... I didn't get him anything. :( I also didn't expect anything. We normally ignore this particular holiday, since we already celebrate our love on our anniversary, and on Valentine's Day. But I think since we just found out we're expecting again, he felt compelled to do something special.

Is he the SWEETEST, or what?!

Tale of Two Brains

Mr. Wonderful and I got a good laugh out of this video. Sometimes it's best to just laugh about the differences between men and women. Trying to change each other simply doesn't work! Enjoy!

Date Night

Thanks for your kind comments when I was feeling down yesterday. Somehow it really helps me feel understood to know that my friends can empathize and relate to those kind of days too. So thank you. You all really helped lift my spirits. :)

Today was amazing. I had the opportunity to take some wonderful young women rock climbing, and thankfully there were no fatalities. The girls did great! It was a wonderful bonding experience for all of us. I love taking long trips with these girls. They just really open up and I can get a better understanding of their needs, and the complexities of their lives. I just love them all and I'm amazed at how strong they are despite the tempations and pressures they face on a daily basis.

I was able to do some rock climbing too... for the first time! I was terrified, which is weird, because I went skydiving last year. The reason I went skydiving was to help conquer my fear of heights, but apparently that didn't work! So anyway, we got to the park very early, and it was freezing, but I kept thinking it would warm up... but it just kept getting colder and colder until it started SNOWING!!! It's only October 10th! I think it's going to be a looong winter here in Wisconsin. Anyway, so my fingers were completely numb, which made getting a good grip on the rocks a challenge... as if it wasn't already hard enough. I wasn't very good, but it was sure fun! And I loved cheering the girls on.

Then I got home and spent a little time with my sweet chillins, and then Jon and I drove to the Chicago temple for a wonderful date night. Our date nights had been becoming pretty sporatic, especially during the move. But we found a great babysitter here, and we decided just to commit to make it happen every week. I believe that quality time AWAY together is SO healthy for a marriage... and for the kids too. It can get a little spendy, but we try to cut back on other expenditures in order to invest in our marriage.

So we have one night a week that is designated as our date night. What we're doing differently now is to have it prescheduled every week. So our babysitter just comes on the same evening at the same time every week. That way, it's always planned, so if we want to cancel it, we need to make the effort to call and cancel as opposed to making the effort every week to try to find a time that works, and a schedule a time with a babysitter who happens to be available. It's the best. We have some exciting things planned including Latin dance classes coming up soon. Yay! And we have a date night jar with random ideas in it to keep things spontaneous and fun.

So after a day away, life is good again. I missed the kids sooo much, and thanks to the trip to the temple, I feel completely renewed, recharged and ready to take on a new day tomorrow.

An Unforgettable Date

Ok girls... here's an idea for a fun and very memorable date. One evening tell your hubby you'd like to take him out for a fun challenge... (that will pique his interest ;)) Suprise him by taking him to the goodwill or another thrift store nearby and then present the challenge: You both have 20 minutes and $20 or less to spend to select a hideous outfit for each other. Purchase the outfits and then go out at a fancy restaurant without disclosing that you don't normally dress that way. Take tons of pictures and laugh about it for years! :)

Outfits... less than $40
Dinner... $35
Look on server's face... priceless!

Nicknames

Forgive me for bragging, but I have to share my feelings about my dear hubby so after I'm gone, my children will know how much their mommy loved their daddy. His nickname is Mr. Wonderful, and I'll be referring to him by his nickname on this blog from now on. Here is how the nickname came about... one day I was upset with him about something trivial. We had gotten in a little tiff while shopping so I stormed off in a huff, (not one of my most mature moments) and while browsing the aisles at the store, I came across this doll. I picked it up and noticed on the back there was a list of 16 phrases he said to make you feel like the most special woman on earth including...

"You've been on my mind all day. That's why I bought you these flowers."
"Why don't we go to the mall. Didn't you want some shoes?"
"The ball game is not that important. I'd rather spend time with you."
"You know, I think it's really important that we talk about our relationship."
"Can your mother stay with us for another week?"
"Let’s just cuddle tonight."
"Mmm…you look so beautiful in the morning."

I was immediately humbled. It hit me at that moment that I was married to the personification of that doll! I swear, he says all those things! (Well, except for the shopping one- I'm not really a big fan of malls). Anyway, my heart was immediately softened and I forgot about our petty issue. I recognized how lucky I was and I threw my arms around my very own tall, dark, and handsome Mr. Wonderful. I am so grateful to be married to such a devoted, sensitive, thoughtful and loving husband. He is not perfect, but he is perfect for me. We've been through so much together, and our love has grown stronger through it all.

I made a cheesy calendar for him once full of our pictures from when we were dating, and this is the page from February that includes my favorite picture of us from those days. The picture was taken at such a perfect night in Seattle. We were so carefree and happy with such few responsibilities then. I thought it couldn't get any better than that. But now, 4 kids, a mortgage, and huge full-time responsibilities later... we're happier than ever even though it's really hard sometimes. I am grateful beyond expression for this wonderful man who is such a great balance of sensitivity and strength. He is my very best friend and my one and only true love. I'm so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and that I could be sealed in the holy temple to this man. Because of this blessing, our union is not "till death do us part" but it will continue on after this life.

Oh... I have a nickname too. It's Tigerlily. My parents used to call me that as a kid actually, but Mr. Wonderful adopted it because he thinks it suits me perfectly. He says I'm 95% lily, 5% tiger! (I think he's being a little... ok, maybe a LOT- generous on the lily part!)

Date night gone wrong...

On friday night there was an activity at church that I was really excited about. There was an instructor that was going to teach us latin dancing. I LOVE dancing, and I was really looking forward to it, but I got sick, so we couldn't go. :( I was really bummed, so my sweet romantic hubby decided to take me dancing the following night. So we found a ballroom dancing group in town, and we were thrilled about it! But when we got there, it wasn't exactly what we had expected. The dancing group turned out to be a group from an old folks home! We couldn't help but feel a little out of place! We thought since we were at least 30 years younger, we'd be able to show them a couple of our moves, and keep up with them on the dance floor. But we were wrong! They were AMAZING dancers!! They danced circles around us and we had to sit down because we were practically getting mowed over by them. It was really inspiring! We stayed and watched in awe for a little while, but then we fox-trotted on outta there and went bowling instead!

Ha ha!! Check out that form! He really takes his game seriously!

Here's my awkward attempt to imitate him... but mine went in the gutter. :(

So after being extremely humbled by some oldies (but goodies) we decided to go home and practice so that next time maybe we just might be able to keep up.

Live like you were dying...

One of my hubby's favorite quotes is "Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'." We got a chance to do the livin' part tonight... (thankfully- NOT the latter), and do something I have ALWAYS wanted to do. We went on a hot air balloon ride! I'm so grateful for my sweet hubby who on a whim would take me on a romantic hot air balloon to see the sunset! It was absolutely an AMAZING life experience. I have to say, I was pretty terrified at first... when I realized that only the only thing between us and the ground was a wicker-basket, but after a few minutes, I was able to relax and enjoy the experience. The "flight" lasted for about an hour, so I really had a chance to ponder, and get a break from everything. I literally felt like I was "rising above" the stresses of life. It was so tranquil and peaceful to leisurly float above the world and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I'm just so grateful for the opportunity to do this... it is definitely a memory that I will always treasure.

Jon helping fill the balloon with air

Almost ready for take-off!!
Woo-hoo! Flying high!
Holding on for dear life!! he he ;)

Having a moment of reflection...

Lovin it!



There is our shadow in the distance

Getting ready to land!
We skimmed the trees during the landing, but we made it safe and sound. Unfortunately, we landed in some guy's backyard- and my hubby almost died (but I'll save that for another blog post).


Happy to be alive! I'm such a dork, haha!


Whew! What a day! I'd better get to bed... We've got some more livin' to do tomorrow.

Historic Day

Jon surprised me a few months ago with a sticker he put on the Burbage. It was just another one of the sweet little things he does to express his love. But lately, I've had a couple people make an interesting comment about it. They basically said I should rethink putting the sticker on our car in case people pass me when I'm driving and think I'm the one who loves my wife. What in the world? Who would have thought?

But today... that became a possibility. The California Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriages went into effect today at 5:01 pm. And unlike in Massachusetts which was the first state to legalize gay marriage in 2004, California has no residency restrictions. So the county courts are expecting floods of same-sex couples coming in from all over the country to legalize their unions. I found it interesting that the wording on the licenses has been changed from 'bride' and 'groom' to 'Party A' and 'Party B'. It is truly a sad day for supporters and defenders of traditional marriage.

Don't get me wrong. I grew up in the Seattle area, a very gay-friendly city, and was active in professional theater. I have many dear friends and acqaintances who are gay. I have nothing but love and compassion in my heart for them. But I wholeheartedly stand by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their declaration that marriage is between a man and a woman and that they recognize no other pattern for marriage. It's so clear that traditional marriage is what God intended for his children. If everyone followed the practice of homosexuality, the entire human race would be wiped out in one generation!

It's becoming increasingly unpopular to have such an opinion, but I'm just grateful that we have modern-day prophets to guide us in these timely and controversial matters. The Proclamation on the family makes it so clear that "gender is an essential characteristic of individial premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." I think I feel so passionately about this issue for the sake of the children, because they "are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother."

The Proclamation on the family concludes with a warning and a call to action... "We warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities fortold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strenthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

This historic action in California is clearly a step in the wrong direction.