Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

I did not have any hopes yesterday of receiving any sort of Valentine's Day gift. Jake and I had celebrated on Sunday by going out to a nice dinner, and I had given him a card, though he had not bought one for me. I teased that he had until Wednesday to buy me one, but didn't really think he'd remember. When I spoke with him yesterday afternoon, he was acting very blase' and once again, I was convinced he had not purchased a card-in fact, when I joked that he could make me one before I got home, he told me he was too busy playing a computer game and wouldn't have time, but that he loved me anyway. I sadly resigned myself to not having any token of my love's affection, but told myself, "Hey, he DOES love you, and it's a silly commercial holiday anyway." When I got home, I set down my purse and coat (as I always do), and walked into the living room to let the dogs outside, when I saw this:

(Please ignore the messy coffee table.) ("Bunny" is our pet name to each other)

Needless to say, I was surpised beyond belief! My roses were absolutely beautiful, my puppy adorable, and my card made me weep (with joy, of course). I love surprises, and my honey certainly pulled one over on me! After almost 12 years together, he never ceases to amaze me. I guess that's what keeps the romance alive.

Happy Love Thursday, everyone!!

More photos:

18 Gorgeous long stemmed roses, a "love puppy" and card that made me weep

Me with my roses.

Natalee and the Love Puppy (so soft!)

Reading my lovely card.

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's in the Cards

Here are the Christmas cards I have received so far this year. I send out cards because it's something I like to do, and it's a way to connect-at least once a year-to those I care about. It means even more to me when I receive cards in return.

Several of these cards are from YOU, my Internet friends. Though I've never met any of you in person, nor heard your voice over a phone line, we've connected and bonded in a way I rarely do with those I see in the everyday. Several of you have known me for at least 4 or 5 years-the "B1" days. Most of you have moved on from infertility, and have already created a family, or are in the process of doing so. Just the fact that we can stay in touch-after all this time-and still wish each other well, fills my heart with a joy and love I cannot adequately describe. I know you may think it's "just a card", but to me, it's a symbol of love.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, and wish you all the best this Holiday Season.

"Holiday Road"

Well, folks, as you can tell, I've been too busy to blog lately. Also, there really hasn't been much to say. So, I think I'm going to take a blogging break until I return from my trip to DC to see my in-laws on January 14. I may post once or twice in that time frame, but it will be just a little something to let you know I'm still around.

Hopefully, I'll have more to say in the New Year.

In the meantime, allow myself, my family, and Mr. Hankey (along with all the other South Park kids) wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah (what's left of it), Happy Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year!

Be safe, be Merry, and don't drink and dial!

Tannenbaum, Oh Tannenbaum

Getting ready to put up my tree! Photos will be posted later.

*Updated* Here's the photos!

(Ok, I know it's in a weird spot, but I have a small living room, and it's the only place we could fit the tree without moving all of our electronics.)

Here are some of the ornaments:

Te Amo Mi Familia

For "Love Thursday":

(Top Row: Jake & I; my sisters Cassidy and Stacia with my nephew Caleb; my dad Chris; 2nd Row: my niece Leah, my brother DJ, my SIL's sister Meggie (who's like a little sis to me), my mom Naomi; 3rd Row: my nephew Caleb, my sister Trinity, my SIL Audrey, my sister Stacia, and my sister Cassidy)

Like many of you, I'll be spending this Thanksgiving with my loved ones, stuffing my face full of delicious home cooking, and feeling ever grateful that I'm able to do so. My family can be at times irritating, as all families are, but I wouldn't trade them and their unconditional love of me for anything. Let's all enjoy and appreciate this holiday season with our loved ones, and remember those who are unable to do the same.

Happy Love Thursday and Thanksgiving!!

(PS: I also love pumpkin pie with french vanilla Cool Whip, just had to throw that one in there.)

A Wee Bit Premature, Aren't We?

People, people, people. Can we PLEASE get throught the Thanksgiving holiday before you start adorning your homes and towns with Christmas decorations? Are we now just leap-frogging over Turkey Day and heading straight into the mass consumerism? (Is that a word? Nevermind, I just checked Dictionary.com, it is.) I mean, if you feel the need to go out and purchase gifts at this time, be my guest, but no lights, no garland, no tinsel, and no trees until Friday, November 24th, o.k.?!?!?!

Thank you, that is all.

Happy Halloween!!!

Have a Spooky Day!!

And, in case you don't already have a costume:

(Courtesy of Forbes.com)

UPDATED:

Sorry, guess I should've made it clear that I didn't carve that pumpkin. It's a photo I grabbed from Google images. I just thought it was cool looking. Sorry for the misunderstanding!!

Indecisions

This was my Halloween costume last year:

Scary, no?

My friends and I dressed up as the "80's Ladies" for my birthday/Halloween party, went to a bar, got a little tipsy, where I then proceeded to belt out "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" in my best Cindy Lauper imitation, while they sang back-up. Ah yes, good times, good times. Please note the use of blue eyeshadow and bangle bracelets. Honestly, I think Aimee (black mesh shirt w/pink bra) had the best hair. I tried ratting mine, but my hair is very anti-80's. It's taken 16 years of training to make it that way.

Anyway, so now I'm at a loss as to what to wear this year. I love Halloween, but it's torture for me to find a costume. Being a larger woman, there aren't alot of choices out there, without coming up with something homemade or original. Well, I suck at being crafty, so I can't make anything too complex, and I don't want to spend an arm and leg, either. I'm jealous of Ollie's idea, she's definitely creative, and I feel sucky in comparison. So, if any of you have any ideas, let me know, PLEASE!!! I'm a desperate woman!!!