Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts

Monday, February 13, 2012

First Night Away and Other Weekend Snapshots

This past weekend was an eventful one here in the 505. Matt and I celebrated Valentine's Day with a trip to Santa Fe. We left Addy with her Grandma-Ree and Grandpa Ron. It was our first night apart and I am proud to say that we all survived, even the grandparents. 


After spending a fun afternoon with Aunt M and Cousin Carter at the park, we received a rather large package from UPS on Friday night while Matt was punching in some extra time at the office, preparing for our big night away. After reading the label, I assumed it was a V-Day gift from the hubby. Silly me, forgot that I am not the only girl in the house who can receive gifts.


"CAUTION: Do not open if allergic to any of the following: Hugs, Kisses, Laughing till you cry, Cuddling, Showing your teeth, Oohs & Ahhs, Warm fuzzy feeling, Pure awesomeness, Belly laughs and Cheek cramps."


 I quickly realized after opening it that I was not the intended recipient. I had a good guess of who sent it before I found the card. My grandparents are great. I can just see my Grandma getting a big kick out this "Big Hunka Love Bear."


"4 1/2 Feet of Love."

Addy still doesn't really know what to think. At first she was scared and now she is just really curious about the very large animal that now lives beside her crib. I hope she doesn't have nightmares.

On Saturday afternoon we dropped Addy and a huge bucket of toys off at her grandparents (We left the Big Hunka Bear at home to watch over the place). While Grandma distracted her with a laundry basket, we snuck out the door. 

Last week Matt told one of his co-workers that we were going away for the first time and they said "You'll have a great time; your wife will hate it." Well, I'll have you know that when we left, I didn't shed a tear, never felt sad and didn't tell Matt that I missed Addy until the next morning. We both actually had a great time. I love the girl more than anything, but sometimes you just need a break and a romantic night away with my hubby was just what I needed.

We stayed at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino where we were able to soak in the hot tub, sip on adult beverages, pig out at the buffet and then walk it all off on what seemed like a mile long hike back to our room. I'll know next time not ask for the "mountain view." There are not enough elevators in that place. 

 The resort was great but I think our favorite part of the trip was when we stopped for a late lunch at the Santa Fe Brewering Company. Turned out that they didn't serve food, just beer. But since neither of us were very hunger, we split a beer (lame, I know but I was still feeling a little funny from a bug I got earlier that week) and ventured up to the game room where we played a couple rounds of darts and Fuse Ball. By the way, I kick butt at darts. Who knew? I can't say the same about fuse ball though.

On Sunday morning, we woke up to snow.


 After brunch in Albuquerque, we went to pick up our girl. When Matt's Mom answered the door, we were greeted by a smiling little girl. From what we heard, they all had a great time. Cousin Carter even came over for a little while. They must have played hard that night because Addy crashed as soon as we got in the car; too much fun at Grandma's house.


 Our first night away was huge success. Thanks Grandma-Ree and Grandpa Ron for watching over our little one.


Thursday, May 26, 2011

3 Years

May 25th, 2008
Matt and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary last night.
Guess what we got each other.....

The exact same card! 


"You're the one who...
knows my stories
gets my jokes
warms my feet
takes my side
ignores my quirk
finishes my sentences
soothes my worries
You're the one who
makes all days better
and even makes me
a better me."

Isn't that sweet? 

I was even thinking as I was signing his that the colors looked a little girly and maybe it was meant to be given to a girl. Matt was thinking along the same lines because he thought some of the wording sounded weird coming from a man. I guess we really can finish each other's sentences.

Besides getting a good laugh from our card exchange, we enjoyed a nice dinner at the Taj Mahal Indian restaurant followed by a treat at Coldstone while Addy stayed home with Grandma. 



Monday, February 14, 2011

6 Years Ago Today.....

After greeting me at my door before class with a HUGE stuffed gorilla, bringing me flowers at work and co-hosting a Valentine's Day dinner where we decorated Barbie Doll dress cakes.......


.... Matt asked me to be his girlfriend!


Happy Valentine's Day Matt!
I'm so thankful God brought you into my life. 
I love you, 
Jo Jo

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

2 Years Ago Today.....

We said "I do"

(Photo by Visionyard Studios Photography)
Under beautiful blue skies

(Photo by Visionyard Studios Photography)

There was practically a tornado in my hometown the day before, but our day was perfect.

(Photo by Visionyard Studios Photography)

(Photo by Visionyard Studios Photography)

(Photo by Visionyard Studios Photography)

(Photo by Visionyard Studios Photography)

Just perfect

(Photo by Visionyard Studios Photography)

Two years ago today, our adventure began.

All photos were taken by Visionyard Studios Photography. www.thevisionyard.com

Friday, April 30, 2010

25 For the Birthday Guy!

Somewhere around 3 O'Clock this morning, Matt turned a whole quarter of a century old! As we celebrate this special day, I thought it would be fun to list 25 of my favorite things about him. There are more than 25 of course, but that number seemed appropriate, it being his 25th Birthday and all.


1. His sexy blue eyes
2. How he makes me laugh
3. His awesome cooking skills
4. His love for Jesus
5. The way he looks in a suite


6. His endurance and determination
7. The way he protects me
8. His super smart brain
9. His cute way with kids
10. His witty sense of humor


11. His confidence in wearing pink
12. His eye for detail
13. His desire to be the leader of our little family
14. The way he makes me want to try harder
15. The way he makes himself laugh


16. His pure goofiness
17. His cute little bum
18. His romantic side
19. His ability to quote lines from movies at just the right time
20. His albatross kisses


21. His love for family
22. His creativity
23. How when I think I have him all figured out, he surprises me
24. His faith
25. The way he believes in me


Happy Birthday Mattie! I am thankful for your life and so proud to call you my husband!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

The Best Laid Plans...

Well today was a gloomy day here in the 505, perfect weather for cuddling up with a good book. Since Matt had big plans to study all afternoon, I made plans to cross another item off my list.

90) Spend an afternoon at a book store

I had visions of sipping a Starbucks chai and thumbing through fun magazines all afternoon at Barnes and Noble, but Matt had something else in mind. "What does Barnes and Noble have that we don't have," he asked. "We have books, magazines, snacks and coffee and it's all free."

So, instead of driving all the way to the other side of town and spending $3 on a drink, I threw on my pj's, Matt made me a yummy cappuccino and I settled in for a relaxing afternoon. You can't beat a rainy day spent reading a book (I am currently reading Water for Elephants, a V-Day gift from Matt), curled up next to your hubby.

It wasn't the afternoon I had planned; it was better! I am learning, after a month of the 101, that things rarely go exactly as planned. That's true with this list as it is with almost everything in life. And as much fun as it is to plan and to cross items off my list, sometimes it's just better to go with the flow and let things happen. Some of the best times I've had have been spontaneous and some of the best things in my life have been unplanned and unexpected. After all, I'm really not in control. God has a plan for my life and it's much bigger than the 101! For now, I am excited to accomplish goals and cross items off my list keeping in mind that "The best schemes of mice and men go often askew." (from To a Mouse, by Robert Burns)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

I Heart Love Day (Part2)

Well, Valentine's Day 2010 is over and what a fun day it was! Like I said before, I love this day but it's not just because you can find pink stuff everywhere. Five years ago, on this great day of love, Matt asked me to be his girlfriend! We celebrate our wedding anniversary now, but it's still fun to think back on those days when our relationship was so new.

This Valentine's Day we did something a little bit different. Since it fell on a Sunday, we got to celebrate all weekend long. On Friday night we went on a triple date with my brother, his fiance, an old friend and her boyfriend. We ate at one of my favorite restaurants in Las Cruces, Lorenzo's, which I miss terribly. After dinner we stood in line to see the movie Valentine's Day.

(Those pesky bangs are still driving me nuts!)

The movie was great and it was so fun to spend time with good friends!

On Sunday I was able to cross another item off my list. Sadly, I admit that in the past I have been lacking in the creative department as far as gift giving goes, but this year I think I did a little bit better. It's all about the baby steps. :)

78) Write a love note



Isn't that a fun way to use conversation hearts? Definitely better than eating them, those things taste nasty! I wish I could take credit for such a cute idea but I actually found it on a fun blog called Love Actually. If you find yourself in need of romanitc but cheap ideas to show your love, check it out!

That's all for now. Hope you had an enjoyable Valentine's Day and President's Day, for you lucky ducks who had the day off!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

I Heart Love Day! (Part 1)

Wow! It's been awhile. I blame my absence on a busy week filled with the preparations for one of the best days of the year. It's hard to believe it's that time of year again and that Valentine's Day is here once more. Since I am a girl who loves pink, polka dots, bows and flowers, it's not a big surprise that I am a huge fan of Valentine's Day. This year I got my craft on and made special cards to send to family and friends.

12) Make and send Valentine's Day cards




I was feeling extra Martha Stewartish this week and decided to make Valentine cookies to give to my co-workers and friends as well. Using my awesome cookie gun, I made a bunch of heart shaped cookies, decorated them with frosting and sprinkles then put four in a clear bag. I topped it all off with some left over wedding ribbon. (I attempted to take a picture of these but it came out really bad.) I even learned how to say "Happy Valentine's Day" in spanish: "Felize Dia de Valentine!" Everyone seemed to like them so I think they were a success!

I had one other project up my sleeve this week but I don't want my Valentine to see it. You'll have to wait till Monday to see what else I am crossing off my list and another reason why Valentine's Day is one of my favorite days.

Happy Valentine's Day friends, hope it's a great one!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

A Case of the Mondays

On Sunday afternoon, I was feeling a little under the weather. Although I didn't really want to get sick, it seemed like this might be a great excuse to stay home the next day and sleep in. After I attempted to take a nap and failed, I decided to make hummus for my lunch the next day, secretely crossing my fingers that I wouldn't get to eat it at work. I made the hummus and everything went pretty smoothly.

41) Make Hummus

The next day started off like any other Monday. I woke up a little disappointed that I was feeling great and the reality set in that I would be eating hummus at work instead of on the couch watching re-runs of Saved by the Bell.

The first low point came when a potential client hung up on me because of a mistake I had made. When I called back to apologize, she hung up on me again, not a good way to start off the week, but at least I had a good lunch to look forward to.

When it was finally lunch time, I took my lunch box out of the fridge. I opened the container I had packed and what did I find inside where I thought my hummus was? Black Espresso Beans!!!! I had grabbed the wrong container! Even though I LOVE coffee, I didn't think it would go with the whole wheat tortillas I had packed.

After lunch at Subway, I was back to work. The day seemed to be getting better until I somehow managed to download a virus, a nasty, nasty virus that managed to shut down my computer. Even after my boss, who just returned from vacation (Welcome back!) spent two hours on it, it still wouldn't work.

At five to five I declared that I had had it with Monday and left.

I came home crying and Matt assured me that the next day would be a new day, and it was! My computer got fixed and I came home to beautiful flowers from my loving hubby and a delicious meal!