Be My Valentine

What a great day!  We had a fun breakfast, Rebecca had a preschool party, we delivered Valentines to Rebecca's friends and Jorg at work.  And the three of us had a candlelit spaghetti dinner at home.  Jorg sent me a special valentine in the form of an amazon gift card with a significant number as the dollar amount ;)  We also had a Valentine date the Friday before and went to In 'n Out Burger and the dollar movie to see New Year's Eve.  He chose the restaurant.  I chose the movie.  I love my two Valentines!

Rebecca and her friend, Trevin, put these together.  I just had to do the staple!

Valentine of the Year 2012

Lake Powell, June 2011

Tribute to my Daddy

February 5, 2012

Listen well, and listen close

I have a tale to tell

about a family member

you all know very well

but first I have to mention

a jar filled with skittles

I kept them in my classroom

as rewards for my third grade littles

Brother Laner thought it entertaining

I had this jar around

And coined the phrase, “Skittles for all!”

which has many meanings, we’ve found.

Earlier this afternoon

I found my siblings online

and offered them virtual skittles

If they’d help me with this rhyme.

I had them answer questions

about our Valentine dear

who is full of personality,

our words here are sincere!

Our Valentine is a total tease

He likes the word nostril

He’s passionate about the Cougars

and his grandkids think he’s cool

Yes, it’s our dad, John Martin

to think of him is to smile

he has many wonderful traits

And one of our favs is his style

Emily Anne reports

The outfit she likes most

is the one with the sunset pants, socks with teevas, and vacation hat

about him she does boast!

Our dad likes to vacation

to plan it out - and go!

Jon recalls a special “morning walk”

They shared in Vale, Colorado.

Jon mentioned other spots

he’s enjoyed with dad

Hawaii, Florida, and Lake Powell

Where so much fun was had!

Lane was asked to relate

things for him dad has done

he mentioned pancakes on Saturdays

even though they gave him the runs

But seriously, he also said

he’s learned from dad to serve

because of his love for helping others

which anyone can observe

Kim talked about his skills on the grill

(This makes our tummies grumble),

He’s positive about others

and I *think* she said...humble

For Joel’s contribution he wanted to share

the example dad has set

for keeping life in balance

work, church, family, fun, repeat, and - remember not to fret!

Jorg reports all the way from Japan

That dad’s enthusiasm is contagious

He likes the way he’s ready for fun

and doing something outrageous

Steph has noticed phrases

Our dad really likes to say

Like, “ooooooooh poop!” and

“You’re pickin’ your seat - you must be going to the movie-ay?”

When I think of dad, I recall times

when to my needs, he is sensitive

He once sent me a letter at work

and I love the hugs he gives

I have a lot to give

my skittle jar is full

but it was first filled by my parents

their example helps us all to glow

We love our dad, he’s a treasure to us

we know how lucky we are

to have him be our valentine

He is our shining star!

Cuteness

cousins!

and an outfit made by Omi!

Seriously, so blessed...

I love that Rebecca has all these kids to play with!  Our doorbell is constantly ringing.  She's good at playing by herself, but it is such a blessing to have good friends.  We could not live in a more perfect place for us!!

and sweet little London too :)

Welcome Home, Jorgi Smorgi!

 The Taipeh 101 - second tallest building in the world

Jorg was in Japan and Taiwan for 10 days.  We missed him a lot!  Luckily we were able to talk over phone or skype most days.  And Rebecca and I stayed really busy the whole time he was gone - playing with friends, planning and teaching preschool, going to movies, lunch dates, frozen yogurt runs, sleepover at my parent's house, Young Women's activities and meetings (I'm 2nd Counselor in the YW's now - working with the Beehives.  Love it!), shopping, and pretty much partying!!  Just, you know, to keep us from crying all day ;) 

Upon his arrival, Rebecca was showered with gifts (some from Jorg and some from his friends in Japan) - including this Snow White Licca doll and DVD.  The DVD is in Japanese but she thinks it's hilarious.   And I got some presents too - including some pretty earrings. We're lucky girls :)

Our Funny Flying Girl

Here's an email I wrote on Feb. 6th.  I sent it to Jorg in Japan, plus her grandparents and aunts who are away:

I was talking to Rebecca this morning about possible birthday party

themes and she said she would like (and I quote): "A Pegasus Unicorn Barbie

Superhero Princess Dragon Party". She is so funny.

She's been pretending to fly everywhere for the past two days. And

she uses her dancing ribbon as a wand to make everything around her

change to sparkly rainbow!! Here's a picture of our flying girl and a

movie. We love you!!

Little Adventures

I love this quote stolen from (ahem) my cousin's daughter Molly's facebook page: 

"Don't just count the days, make the days count!" 

There's nothing I'd rather do with my days than play with my girl.  It's my "job" and I guess I'm pretty good at it!
Pictures from my phone:

At Home

A double aunt book reading!

  The book is from Tante Berit, read by Aunt Steph.

Movie and popcorn night with the Braithwaite kids:

And this afternoon's cuddle time.  She said she wanted to cuddle and I was up for it!  But sadly, it wasn't me she wanted...