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!

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.)

"Love Song"

For Love Thursday:
I absolutely love this photo from my wedding. It was taken as we were walking back down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife. Yes, my dress was too long, and we had to carry it to keep me from tripping, but that imperfection could not ruin the fact that we were really, and finally married. The look of joy on our faces, especially the way my husband is looking at me, reminds me constantly, even on the worst of days, how much we love each other. I wouldn't trade that love for anything. He is my heart, my soul, my world. No one understands me the way he does, no one knows my little quirks, the pieces that make me who I really am, like him. We've been married for 8 years, together for 11, and we have a lifetime to go. I love you, baby.

Happy Love Thursday, everyone!

Love Song
By The Cure
BestAudioCodes.com

Googling Love

I came across this art piece while Googling images of "Love" for Love Thursday. Following the link associated with the image took me here. I regret that I did not know about this exhibit sooner, so as to share it with everyone, because this entire exhibit truly defines the meaning of "Love Thursday".

If you cannot read the text on the painting it reads:

AUTUMN AND THE

DAYS GROW

SHORTER

SQUEEZING THE

SAME RADIANCE

INTO A SMALLER

SPACE

MORE INTENSE

THAN EVER THE

BELOVED'S LUST

FOR US

SHE MUST KNOW

WE TOO ARE

GETTING READY

TO BECOME

A

POEM

Happy Love Thursday Everyone!! Hug someone extra tight today, you won't regret it!

Family Is...

...more than blood ties, thicker than blood and water. My family is a blended one, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have a stepfather who I consider to be my "Dad", 3 little sisters whom my parents adopted from foster care, In-Laws, a nephew, a niece, and various other relatives that make up my tree. I have learned the true meaning of LOVE and FAMILY through their examples and through everyday living. Now that my husband and I have made the decision to adopt, I couldn't be happier that my child will be welcomed with loving arms into this crazy, mixed-up family of mine!


This is a photo of my nephew and one of my little sisters, taken last year by my mom. It clearly shows the love they have for each other. They are over a year apart, but are the best of friends. They are more like brother and sister, rather than Aunt and nephew. Sometimes they fight, but there are more moments like these in a given day. I'm thankful every day for my family, and hope you all take the time today to appreciate yours. Happy Love Thursday, everyone!!

Learning to Love Yourself

(For "Love Thursday")

So often in the blogosphere we are confronted with a lack of love. This is one of the many reasons I enjoy the idea of "Love Thursday"; it forces us to examine our lives, and find the love in the everyday. We're also often encouraged to combat the negativity that can float around here by saying loving or nice things about other bloggers. Which is great, by the way, but how many times do we turn that love inward? Too often we forget to love ourselves.

Show of hands....how many of you out there put yourself last? Ah, I see quite a few hands, especially from the moms. It's so easy to sacrifice ourselves, our dreams, our ambitions, and most of all, our self-esteem. I know I'm certainly guilty of that one. So, for "Love Thursday" (and my 29th Birthday!) I'm going to force myself to list ten things I love about myself. I challenge each of you who read this post to do the same. You don't have to post about it on your blog, but take the time to really think and write down those ten things you love about yourself. You might be surprised what you come up with! Happy "Love Thursday" everyone!

Ten Things I Love About Myself

1. My blue eyes. Both of my parents, and my younger brother have green eyes, so I love the way I stand out. I love how the shade of blue changes with whatever I'm wearing, and I love that I have a visible physical connection to my grandfather and my niece and nephew, who share my eye color, despite both of their parents having green eyes.


2. My complexion. I get more compliments on my skin than any other physical feature I posses. I have very fair, porcelain skin, with rosy undertones. Classic Irish complexion. I rarely need makeup, and have been fortunate enough not have acne problems.


3. My dimples. I share this feature with my maternal grandfather, my Grandaddy. As far back as I can remember, even to this day, every time I see him, he smiles and says, "Show me Grandaddy's dimples." Now, how can I resist that?


4. My big heart. I'm such a notorious softy. I fall for pretty much every sad story out there, especially if it involves children or animals. I bawl my eyes out every time I watch "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", because I empathize with the family's situation. If I see a person in need, I always want to know how to help.


5. My sense of loyalty. I am extremely loyal to my family and friends, and will stick up for them when they need it, and am by their sides when the chips are down. My loyalty goes hand in hand with my sense of protectiveness towards my loved ones.


6. My sense of humor. I am a complete and unabashed goofball. I will pretty much do anything for a laugh, even at my own expense. I'll make a complete ass of myself, just to crack someone up. Humor is one of the biggest things that my husband and I love about each other. Our ability to laugh at life has kept us going strong for 11 years.


7. My ability to find beauty in the everyday. I know it's cliche, but I'm rather like that boy in "American Beauty", I think there is so much beauty in the world that sometimes I can't stand it. The simplest of things are beautiful to me: a child's laugh, an autumn leaf, the sound of the surf upon the shore - I wish I could soak it all in and share it with the world.


8. My taste in music. I love everything. There is not a single genre of music where I cannot find an artist I could enjoy. I love discovering new artists, new sounds and even re-discovering the greats from the past. My diverse taste in music can open me up to new experiences, and help me to make a connection to people with whom I would normally have nothing in common.


9. My cooking. I'm not a gourmet by any stretch of the imagination, but I make delicious home-cooked comfort food. I'm not one of those cooks who measures anything. I'm more free-handed with my style. I know if I have too much or too little of anything based on taste alone, and I generally create recipes in my head. I don't get to cook as often as I'd like, but my husband thinks I am presenting him with manna from heaven any time I do.


10. My political activism. My interest in all things political began during the '88 elections. I remember being fascinated by the political process, and watched the debates between Dukakis and Bush on t.v. Now, how many 11 yr. old girls do you know who do that? I am a person who believes in standing up for what's right, and holding our leaders accountable for their actions. I watch and read any political commentary I can, and try and keep abreast of the latest legislation. I believe it is my duty as a citizen of the U.S. to exercise the freedoms granted to me in our great Constitution by casting my vote in every local, state, and federal election. If I weren't such a hothead, I'd probably run for office someday, but I'm afraid that my mouth would get me into trouble.

Finally, here's one of my favorite photos ever taken of me:

This is me, circa 1997. I went to one of those fancy photo places in the mall, where most women put on feather boas and have big hair for their pictures. However, they had started to do a "Hollywood Glamour" look that I loved. I just knew the photos would turn out great, and they did. The photographer instructed me not to smile, to think of the time ("It was war, all the women were sad", he said.) and to only use my eyes to express my emotion. I really think that all comes out in this photo. No one ever believes me when I tell them it's me, they always think I'm showing them a picture of my grandmother or something. Guess I was born in the wrong era, huh?

That's What Friends Are For

For "Love Thursday":

Nat & Aimee May 2006

Aimee is my best friend. That's not an easy thing for an adult woman to have. As a child, I remember saying that all of my friends were my best friends. Remember how you could go up to someone on the playground and ask, "Hey, do you want to be my best friend?", and then BAM! instant friends!

Now, friends require work. You're not as trusting as you used to be, and are more guarded with your affections. You've learned the hard lessons about betrayal and feeling used, not to mention the high drama that can accompany friendships amongst girls.

With Aimee, there is none of that. Despite the almost 3 year age difference, she and I almost instantly clicked, finding kindred spirits based on a lifetime of similar experiences. There are also very obvious differences between our personalities; for instance I'm definitely the more outgoing of our duo, and Aimee is more pragmatic. However, our differences only serve to compliment, and not conflict with each other. It's as if we've known each other our entire lives, rather than 3 1/2 years. We can be completely serious, or seriously goofy anytime, and not worry about what the other person will think of you. We're so bonded, that we attend each other's family functions, and hang out whenever possible. She's also one of the only friends I've had that my husband considers one of his as well, which really means alot to me.

Aimee is 5 months pregnant, and I was with her when she saw those two lines appear, and I'll be there when her son takes his first breath and beyond. Our friendship is one of those that you know, with all of your heart, that will last for a lifetime.

I love you, Aimee.

PS: Stop by her blog and give her a shout out, would you?!

Keep smilin' keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me
For sure
That's what friend's are for

For good times
And bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friend's are for

Brothers and Sisters

(For "Love Thursday")

This handsome devil with the big smile is my little brother, D.J. He's 3 years younger than I, and the only brother I have. Being a typical little brother, he hasn't always been the easiest person to get along with, especially when he was aggravating me, just to make himself laugh (which he still does!). However, he and I always knew we could count on each other, no matter what, when the chips were down and the times were tough.

D.J. and I didn't have the easiest childhood, and we heard and saw many things that children should not. Many times throughout his life, I was not only his sister, but his surrogate mother as well. This dual role only served to solidify our bond.

My brother is a wonderful husband and loving father to his two beautiful children, my nephew Caleb, and my niece Leah. Those kids are his whole world, and they are both "Daddy's Babies".

Watching my brother grow up and seeing what a wonderful man he's become makes me so proud of him. I know things aren't always easy-he works long hours to provide for his family while is wife is in school full time-but he somehow always manages to come out of it with a smile. Family is so important to D.J., and he makes sure he's there not only for me, but for our parents, and now for our new sisters as well. He's a fantastic role-model, and is definitely the kind of man his son can look up for inspiration and guidance. I don't get a chance to see him as often as I'd like, but we try to make the times we are together that much more meaningful.

Friday is D.J.'s 26th birthday, and for "Love Thursday", I just wanted the world to know just how much I love my brother. Happy Birthday, baby brother!! I hope we have a lifetime more to celebrate together!

Love, Sis

"brothers and sisters, unite

it's the time of your life

it's the time of your life

break down, break down

gotta spread love around

gotta spread it all round"

"Brothers and Sisters" by Coldplay

This One Goes Out To The One I Love

For "Love Thursday":

This photo was taken in the Muir Woods during our vacation in March. This is actually on Jake's 31st birthday (March 16). I was trying to take a self portrait, and Jake snuck up behind me, just as I pressed the button. I didn't even realize it until I reviewed the photo! Needless to say, I cracked up, and still do everytime I look at this photo. Jake's goofball sense of humor is one of the many reasons I love him so much. He and I can just be silly together, and not worry about feeling stupid while doing it. I definitely believe that laughter is an important part of any relationship-if you can keep laughing, then nothing can be that bad!

Happy Love Thursday!!

Love, Love, Love.....

In honor of "Love Thursday", I present to you:

This is my favorite picture of Jake and I. It was taken at his brother's wedding, June 2002. We had no idea the picture was taken, and when my mother-in-law sent it to me for my birthday that year, I burst into tears upon viewing it because I thought we looked so in love. Everyone who views this photo (in its frame) says that it looks like the paper photos that come with the frame.

This photo was taken during our March vacation to California, on the beach in Santa Barbara. I thought it would look great in a scrapbook, plus I'd always wanted to make a cheesy "love heart" in the sand at the beach. In case you can't see, it says "Jake & Natalee '06". I'm streching my arms to show not only how large the heart is, but how much I love my husband.