Happy Birthday, Hubby!

I got tagged by Lori to do this husband post and thought I would save it for his special day! Today is Greg's 24th birthday- yes, you did the math right- I am 1 year and 10 days older than him. (He will never let me live it down when I reach 30!) He is amazing and I am so proud to be called his wife. Happy Birthday, Hubby!

1. Where we met - Paul Jasinsky's party (I didn't want to go and my friend said that little soccer guy that you think is hot might be there... we didn't know Greg bc he was younger and had just moved to Lexington. My mom thought he looked 12-- for some reason I thought 12 was the new hot!!!)

2. Our First Date - We went out a lot with friends before we had a by ourself date.... our first date alone was to Charlie Brown's

3. How long did we date before we were married? - 4 years

4. How long have we been Hitched? - Just celebrated our 4 year anniversary on Jan8th

5. Favorite Feature - Physical feature- his smile :) and his strong arms

6. Favorite Quality - Greg is so calm, especially when I am the storm. I love that his demeanor is a perfect balance for mine. He is also a very hands on daddy and I am so appreciative for that.

7. His nickname for me - Sarahbone

8. His Favorite Color - Green and Brown

9. His Favorite Sport - Soccer (he has played since he was a little tyke) and he is not CRAZY about any sports on TV which I am thankful. Too many boys I know are in physical pain and are sour pusses when their teams loses.... ANNOYING! He watches but he is not like a sports stalker.

10. Who Said I Love You first - We dated for a year.... and then I said it. He did not say it in return for about 3 more months. This was so sad for my over dramatic 17 year old self but it was so special when he said it to me. It was the first person who really really meant it.

11. Our First Kiss when and where - In my driveway in his Taurus (how cool was he!!)

12. Favorite couple thing to do - Cuddle, get coffee, and be outside doing anything when the weather is nice.

13. His Hidden Talent - Greg is very artistic and crafty. He can fix anything, he sews, and he draws. He painted a mural on his ceiling in high school- that is probably one thing that totally won me over.

14. His Favorite Music - He likes anything chill (this is probably not how he would describe it)- unless he is working out and then he likes screaming/terrible music. He loves music and his favorite thing to do with Ivy is dance. Ivy requests "Bob" (bob marley)!!

15. What I admire most about him - He is the spiritual leader in our family. He is definitely a man of God. I never ever would doubt his love for Ivy and I.

16. His favorite pastimes - Riding his motorcycle, fishing, and drawing

17. Will he read this? - No- not until I tell him to. :)

I want to know why you love your husbands:
Kim, Terri, Ashley, Brooke, Nicole, Allie, Diana

Homemade Cookies- YUM

Days at home make you do crazy things! Last night I made my very first batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. I am not above the simple break-n-bake cookies but I felt very successful to make my own cookies with my own ingredients forming my own dough! Greg was so proud of me... just another reason he is bound and determined to allow me to be at home full time. Homemade cookies more often!

Ingredients: 3/4 c of granulated sugar, 3/4 c of brown sugar, 1 c of butter (softened), 1 egg, 2 1/4 c of all purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1 sm package of instant vanilla pudding, 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 375.

2. Mix sugars, butter, and egg.

3. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix.

4. Stir in chocolate chips. Mix until dough forms.

5. Bake 8-10 minutes.

6. Taste test!

For those of you that don't know me well.... a little back ground. I was committed to try cooking for my 1st year of marriage. I did cook at least 5 days a week and never enjoyed it- not even once. Then Greg took over when I threw fish tacos accross the table. Poor Greg! He always cooked and I always did the clean up. This summer the Suzy Homemaker started to come out. I am now cooking 90% of the time. It is my joy to find new recipes that are cheap and healthy! I still make Greg do the cooking if I am scared it won't turn out.... I think I am afraid to fail in the kitchen as it might start another cooking haitus!

Yay for trying new things- like homemade cookies!

More snow = More play

This morning we woke up to more snow on top of the ice that we got yesterday. Everything is closed and we have not left the house. (Even UK got out... which is monumental!) We got to go out for another romp in the- much softer, much colder- snow. I was glad that Daddy got to join us.... he is a lot more adventurous in driving the sleigh!

The BIG snow!!!

Daddy running through the snow with Ivy in tow :)

Weeeee!!! So much fun in the real snow!

Peek-a-boo!

We have red cheeks- time to go in.

Praise God for white fluffy snow!

A little snow, a lot of ice

We got some snow and a lot of ice... but I can't complain. Ivy and I have a had another very relaxing day iced in the house. We took the sled out and had a blast- we plan to have another go around when Daddy gets home. I am thankful for snow days... and the little gifts that they are! Yay for a relaxing day at home :)

Bundled up ready to go out- can you see the ice covering the door?

Getting pulled all around- she glided right on top the ice and giggled when mommy slid on her booty!! Sorry no pics of that :)

Playing dress up with Miss Potato Head parts- pre photo she had the ears on and was carrying the purse too! She is so silly :)

Riding on our toy train- Note: this train is not meant to carry children, however, Ivy believes that it was made just for that!

All in all- we have had a great snow day!

We WANT Snow!!!!

Grandma is making sure Ivy is prepared for a big snow. Today she dropped by this perfect sleigh and Ivy has been taking rides around the house while we pray and hope for a really really big snow. Tonight we are going to bed with our faith that God will grant TG's forecast of 4 to 8 inches. And know that if He does tomorrow you will get more pics of us putting this sleigh to good use!

Dear God,

I really really love all the seasons but feel that I have been deprived of a really great snow. I would love for you to blanket our grounds with white and allow all the children to play play play! We will build snowmen, make angels, and go for sleigh rides as we sing your praises! You are an awesome God and we can't wait to see your weather forecast for the next few days!

Amen

For now, Ivy will have to get her thrill of taking rides in a small circle around our living room. Hey, I am thankful that she is easy to please! :)

Play Dates & "Wuv You"s

Yesterday Ivy and I had a great day!! We got to have a play date with Vada and Stella. Ivy calls them "Day-da" and "Ta-ta"- while Ivy is forever going to be referred to as "Baby Ivy." This is the first picture that Diana and I have ever captured with both Ivy and Stella together. They are destined to be best friends.... the mommies already decided this one! We went to the library to enjoy storytime. I was originally sad to give up Monday story time but this one was perfect and Vada was able to enjoy it alot more because it caters to children ages 1-5. I love story time! I love all the little ones appreciate it in their own way. Vada is a performer, Stella is a listener, and Ivy is a socialite! They are so sweet :) We went to their house for lunch (Diana, it was awesome!) and the girls played while we were able to chat. I have said it before and I will say it again-- I am so thankful for this friendship! I am thankful for working part time as it has really allowed our friendship to grow. We are able to share mommy advice, vent about our hang ups, and laugh at our girlies!

We came home and rested up for Unc and Esie's arrival. We enjoyed a yummy (very vegetarian) eggplant parmesan that my mom made. This was a favorite meal before the veg makeover and we doubly enjoyed it last night! No pictures.... :( But I must say we had a great time laughing and enjoying their company. Today my grandparents came up to celebrate my Grandpa's 75th birthday! He is 50 years and 2 days older than me~ this was a big year for him!

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I try not to blog about every little thing that Ivy is doing, but this really melts my heart every time. Last night she responded to Nana and Pops "Love you" with her own "Wuv you." She has since told me about 100 times and every time I just about die!! I am so glad that she can respond to us when we say this and know that what we are saying is special. She rubs my cheek and said "Wuv you" this morning when we were laying in bed. I just love my little girl to pieces and am so excited about this mini milestone.

A Birthday Surprise!

Today marks the day that I am 25! A quarter of a century, entering the mid-twenties, and getting sort of old feeling. I feel like 25 is 10 years older than 24.... however, I am so thankful for where I am right now in my life. I couldn't be happier being a mom and a wife. I truly feel so blessed. I think my 25th year is going to bring so many positive changes! The best present that I will receive this year is Greg's graduation which will lead us to so many opportunities~ YAY!!!!

So today I had to work. Not too thrilled about that portion of my life, but it is a one day week so I can't complain. (My class and the first grade team made my work day special!) AND... we have a super babysitter that pulled off a fantastic surprise with the conspiracy of Greg and my Mom. She had Ivy's picture made in a new outfit my mom got for her. Then she made me the cute frame with Ivy's handprints. I LOVE IT!!! (I had trouble capturing it's greatness because it was too big to scan.) But it was so sweet of her. She did this all with by herself with a husband out of town, a 2 year old wild man, and a styling eyepatch (underneath she bears 3 stitches). Seriously, Kendra, you amaze me! Thanks for all you do!