Our new addition

So I am on a major roll. Already 3 blog posts in one week. I really have missed doing it. It's good to be back!

This little beauty is the newest member of our family. Our lease on the Pilot was coming to an end in February, and we needed to decide if we were going to keep her, turn her in, or trade for something else. I told Tim when we first started talking about it in October or so that I would really love to have a minivan since our kids are larger than they were 3 years ago and the Pilot was getting tight. But I didn't think he would really entertain the idea. When will I ever learn? That boy basically gives me whatever I want. For reals. So we test-drove several minivans and went back and forth on what we really needed and what is just extra crap that we didn't really want to pay for. In the end (about a month ago), we got a BRAND NEW 2011 black Honda Odyssey and I love it! It is so much roomier than the Pilot was! We took out the middle -middle seat completely so that no one is sitting directly next to anyone else--hallelujah! We went with a pretty basic model--no leather, sunroof or DVD system--and I'm so glad we did. I would have had serious buyer's remorse.

I think she will be around for many years to come...hopefully til we have the 2 oldest boys out of the house! (Not that I'm trying to get rid of them--I just want to have this car for like 10 years, at least!) I love it and love that even Tim is coming around and said, "It's not that bad," which is a big turnaround for him!

A little reminder...

Yesterday I was reminded just how amazing my man is. He called in the early afternoon and our conversation went something like this:

T: Hey, you didn't get me anything for Valentine's Day, did you?
C: Don't worry, I didn't get you a gift, so that you don't have to get me anything either, o.k.?
T: Just making sure. Are you o.k.?
C: I'm fine...

Of course, I can't put my tone of voice into this post, but I was a little annoyed after I hung up, thinking, "This is why I don't get him things, so that I won't be disappointed when he shows up w/ nothing and I was thoughtful." I was kind of on my high horse and felt so justified that I hadn't gotten him anything and wouldn't have to have that awkward "Look what I got you...oh, you didn't get me anything...???" awkward moment later in the day.

I did, however, plan an amazing menu of rib eye steaks, baked potatoes, homemade brown bread, salad, and for dessert--homemade chocolate lava cakes w/ ice cream, Magic Shell, and whipped cream. Basically, calorie overload, but whatever...

So as I'm setting the table and getting things ready for our special dinner w/ the kids, he walks in the door from work w/ flowers AND Andes mints--my fav! Be still my heart! I was genuinely surprised! AND he also gave me a card, which he wrote in--which he knows is my favorite thing--AND had put 2 "coupons" inside. (That's 3 "AND"s...)

The first one said "GOOD FOR ONE TEMPLE TRIP WITH YOUR HUSBAND" and had an expiration date of Feb. 12, 2011. Haha--we had gone on Saturday night and then to Olive Garden for our pre-Valentine's Day date.

The second one said "2 tickets to Wicked valid for May 4, 2011 @ 7:30pm." That's right--we're going to see it in May! Uber-excited!!!

So we did have that awkward moment after all, only completely reversed! Talk about feeling like crap! But feeling so fantastic all at the same time! He definitely got me!

So what's the moral of this Love-Day story? That Tim is amazing and the best thing that has ever happened to me. That he can still surprise me after 16 years, and that he just keeps getting better. He really is the perfect person for me. I don't know how I ever tricked him into falling for me, but I don't care. Point is, he's mine. And that couldn't make me happier. And I love that he knows to be afraid of the phrase "I'm fine."

And next year, I will definitely be getting him something amazing. :)

Yellow Belts

First off, a disclaimer as to why there have been no blog posts from me in a month: I repainted the entryway, family room, kitchen, and dining area over the last several weeks. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time now, but just never took the time or jumped in. Well, as part of my New Year's resolutions, I jumped in! It looks awesome and I'll post about it soon, but for now, I need to play catch up on what we've been up to over the last few months.

Ryan and Sydney had their first karate belt advancement tests in December. Pretty much nothing cuter than those 2 in their uniforms...especially Sydney with the bow in her hair... They are both doing an awesome job in their after-school class and love it. In fact last week, I asked Sydney if she still thought karate was better than dance, and she just rolled her eyes like she does and said, "DUH, of course!!!" (No offense, Ashley, if you're reading this...that's just Syd!) So I guess the lessons will continue. This is the 2 of them when we first got to the gym. Here is Ryan doing a kick. So focused.

Sydney preparing to knock this guy's socks off.

I love this shot of her side kick!

Another kick from Ryan.

We found out once we were there that each child was going to be able to try and break boards that night. That made Syd pretty nervous since they had never tried that before. It just made Ryan super-anxious! Here he is getting instructions on just how to do it. I remember something about it being very important to have your thumb on the outside of your fist...

Here's his practice, just to make sure he has the form down.

He did it!

Now my girlie gets a little instruction...

And of course, has to bow.

I love her expression in this one!

I didn't get a good shot of the break, but she did it! None of the other kids as little as her were able to break their boards with their fists. I wish I could say I was surprised, but she is just one tough cookie! She's so satisfied with herself in this photo!

Now to try and break one with a kick...she was successful in that too, as was Ryan. They both pretty much rocked!

Not the best angle, but this is Sydney being presented with her new yellow belt. Gotta love the guys covered in tats. And here's Ryan getting his new belt. He can't wait to advance again and break more boards!