Happy Birthday Ben!

Happy Birthday to my oldest brother...

Ben is a great brother.  I have always loved my brother Ben.  He has always made me feel so loved.  When I was little he would often bring in the mat into my room and sleep on my floor.  We would laugh as we quoted movies and played the game where he would “pass out” from my breath.  Ben has always been respectful of me.  I remember going to rent movies with him.  One particular time there was a movie being played in the store where some foul language was used.  Ben went to the front and asked them if they would please turn the movie off while we looked around because he had his little sister with him and did not want me to hear that filth.  I would ride around with Ben in “two toned” (his truck that was half blue and half brown) and we would make up funny raps about the truck and how ghetto it was.  I enjoyed riding around with him, but there was this one time that we were riding past some of my friends.  I immediately ducked down because I did not want to be seen in the ugly truck (I was such a brat!)  Next thing I know, Ben turned that truck around, held me up and laid on the horn while driving past my friends. Haha it was hilarious!

Ben has always been kind and loving to me. I know he would do anything for me.  Ben is a worker and serves a lot.  He has done so many things to help and serve me over the years… and without one complaint! A few years ago, Ben met a guy name Josh in one of his classes.  Josh is blind.  Ben has been such a good friend to him.  He invites him to his family gatherings, takes him grocery shopping, gives him rides, and takes him to do fun things. Ben is such a good friend to him and great example to me.  When Ben finished his 2 year mission in Sacramento, my parents and I went to go pick him up.  We met some of the people he served and shared the gospel with.  The day we left Sacramento to head back to Virginia, the airport was filled with many of those people. It touched my heart to see them sobbing because of the love and appreciation they had for Elder Redfern.  He had done so much for them.  He had so much love for them and they had felt it.
When I think of my brother Ben I think of our mutual love for candy, laughing,  my birthday bubble gum machines, his pearly whites, his good manners, hard work, the service he gives and the friend he is. 

I love you, Ben.  You are a blessing to me, Spencer, and Taylor.  Happy Birthday! 

 Ps. I’m still waiting for every single beanie baby every made and my horse as well…

The Invisible Mom

Today I received a letter from my good friend Morgan.  She is serving a mission for our church in Kennewick, Washington.  I always look forward to getting her letters.  They always inspire and encourage me. She put a story in the letter I received today.  I had never heard of it before.  It is now one of my favorites.

"It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, ‘Can’t you see I’m on the phone?’

Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I’m invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?? 

Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask, ‘What time is it?’ I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘What number is the Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30, please.’

Some days I’m a crystal ball; ‘Where’s my other sock? Where’s my phone?, What’s for dinner?’

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history, music and literature -but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s going, and she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . She had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when she turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, ‘I brought you this.’ It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn’t exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription: ‘With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.’

In the days ahead I would read – no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: 1) No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names. 2) These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. 3) They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. 4) The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. 

A story of legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, ‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it And the workman replied, ‘Because God sees.’ 

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was Almost as if I heard God whispering to me, ‘I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.
No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve baked, no Cub Scout meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. 

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I’d built a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, he’d say, ‘You’re gonna love it there…’ 

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible mothers."

Powerful, right?  I want to build the best cathedral I can build... and not mind being invisible while doing it.

Deuces Facebook

Tinsley was at school and Hollins was napping.  I thought I would be cleaning the house and having "special Mommy and Blakely time."  I found myself at the computer when Blakely came up to me and asked if she could go jump on the trampoline.  "Sure you can!" Oh this was perfect... the trampoline would entertain her for a "few" minutes while I finished wasting my time looking at time wasting things.  Then it hit me.  She didn't even ask me if I would jump with her.  She saw me at the computer and figured it wasn't going to happen.  My heart hurt and I blurted out, "Do you want me to jump with you?"  "YES!!! YAAAAAY!!!!!"  She was jumping up and down and smiling from ear to ear. We started walking to the back door.  Before going outside she turned around and said, "Hey mommy?  Don't bring your phone."  Guilt set in.  They do notice.  They notice when I am on my phone and the computer.  I left my phone on the computer table.  We went outside and she jumped her little heart out while I was right beside her. I wasn't just hearing her laugh this time but SEEING the smile that came with that darling little laugh.  As we jumped I realized what I had really known all along... I need to be present when I'm with my children.

I decided to deactivated my facebook. Let me start off by saying that I don't think facebook is bad and I won't be gone forever. I actually think facebook is great!  I have loved keeping in contact with old friends, new friends, and family.  It's been a wonderful way for me to share my thoughts, my testimony of the church, cute pictures of my kids, and to talk about how wonderful (and hott) my State Farm agent is ;) But I became addicted to it.  Yes, the rumors are true... my name is Catie and I am addicted to facebook.  I had thought about getting rid of my facebook for about... I don't know.... a year?  But when it came down to it, I felt like I could not give it up.  "What about all of my cousins that I keep in contact with through facebook? What if it snows?  I will need to get on to see if school is canceled. What about when I need parenting advice?" Yup, I could never get rid of it.  But deep down I knew I needed to.  Again, I'm not saying that facebook is bad... I'm just saying that for me personally I knew I needed to get off for awhile.  I wish I had the discipline to get on and off real quick, but I don't.  It's just too easy to click on that little blue square app and start scrolling.... next thing I know I am looking at pictures of puppies that belong to the cousin of the girl I had 9th grade gym with.(haha Oh my goodness I am just now realizing how embarrassing and ridiculous this sounds...)

So last week when I found myself scrolling down on my newsfeed and clicking on pictures while my kids played around me I thought, "I hate this. I am so sick of this. Such a waste of my time..." More importantly... such a waste of the time that should be spent being fully present when I'm with my children. It's time that shouldn't be spent checking my facebook to see if anyone responded to that controversial post someone put on their wall while playing the Ladybug game with Tinsley. Or telling my girls, "just one second" so I comment on the picture my friend posted of the cute snacks she made for her son's tee-ball team.   I know that there are going to be days where my mind will be preoccupied because that's life... but I don't ever want it to be because of time spent on facebook. I was done. I deactivate my facebook.  FREEDOM! It felt so good!  It feels so good!  I haven't missed it at all... not. at. all! I would miss sharing my thoughts and feelings so that's why I'm going to be writing on my blog.  I find blogging every few days to be a lot less time consuming and a great way to still share my thoughts. I can't even tell you the difference not having my facebook has made! I am happier.  I know it's only been a week, but I'm so happy I did it!  

So here's to being more present when I'm with my sweet little girls! Who knew life without facebook could be so wonderful?  

Mother's Day

I heard Tinsley coming up the stairs as she asked David if she could please bring me my card.  I knew David would tell her not to until I was awake but I know that eager feeling of wanting to give a present or card to someone so I quickly shouted, "I'm awake!" 

"Dad, she's awake!"

Love the sound of her little feet running... she busts open the door.  "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOMMY!  I made you this beautiful card.... and this picture of a birthday cake!" Then I hear another pair of feet coming... "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!"  Soon all five of us were on the bed.  Tinsley says, "Mom, I hope you have the best Mother's Day today.  We are going to do everything we can to make it special.  Whooooooo loves Mother's Day?!" We all shouted, "I DO!!!!"  Tinsley then tells us all to put our hands in for a cheer.  "Ready?  GooooooOOOOOOOO Mother's Day!"  I love this girl's enthusiasm! Love all my girls.  Love being a mother.

I had a great mother's day. 

Like most mothers... I thought a lot about motherhood as mother's day was approaching.  I thought about being a mother.  I thought about all the mothers in my life.  I thought about my mother....

 As a little girl I remember my answer was always the same, 

“I want to be a mom when I grow up.”

I wanted to do just what my mom did.  I wanted to send my husband off to work with a kiss and a peeled orange in a piece of Tupperware and a napkin.  I wanted to make breakfast for my kids, pack their lunches, kneel and pray with them before they caught the bus.  When they accidently left their lunches at home I wanted to drop off it at school for them with a little note inside saying how much I loved them. I wanted to make grasshopper pie for family night. I wanted to have a hug and kiss waiting for them when they got home from school as well as a special snack.  I wanted to make “sick beds” on the couch when they got sick and give them as many popsicles as they wanted. I wanted to do laundry. I wanted to wear an apron. I wanted to comfort when my kids had been hurt. I wanted to give my kids rides.  I wanted to make dinner. I wanted to make chore charts. I wanted to help with homework.  I wanted to help with projects. I wanted to volunteer at the school. I wanted to pay bills.  I wanted to clean once white shoes until they were white again (she was the best at that!) I wanted to iron my husband’s shirts. I wanted to have vacuumed floors and cozy lamps turned on when my husband came home. I wanted to organize. I wanted to grocery shop.  I wanted to tuck my kids in. I wanted to wake my kids up by kisses all over their faces.  I wanted to quote scriptures and inspirational quotes to my family.  I wanted my children to not feel like a burden but a pleasure to serve.  I wanted to have family scripture study and prayer before bed.  I wanted to French braid hair.  I wanted to put fresh sheets on the beds. I wanted to tie shoes and kiss skinned knees.  I wanted to go to the post office.  I wanted to lay in the bed talking about anything and everything with my kids. I wanted a baby…. To rock, feed, change, sing to, snuggle, teach, love. I wanted to make my home smell good and feel good the way she did. I wanted to be to my kids what my mom was to me.  I appreciate how she always told me how much she loved being a wife and mother.  I love that she felt blessed to be a stay at home mom. 

Because of the kind of mother my mom was…. I wanted to be a mother.  I want my children to love and cherish me and way I do her.  I want to make life as wonderful for them as she did for me. I love my mom and I love being a mom!  It is hard but there is nothing else in the world I would rather do!  I only wish I found doing laundry and ironing as exciting as I did when I was a child… ;)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Marriage

Have you ever had a crazy, busy and exhausting day of traveling home?  You know that feeling of opening your front door? (minus the thought of all the unpacking and laundry you have to do.)  That's how I feel when I'm with David.  It's a familiar, comfortable, safe, and happy feeling.

I love David with all that I have. I often tell him how sad I would be if he wasn’t mine.  It’s true… I would be so very sad.  And not only because I know that he is the one I am supposed to be with for eternity but because I love and like him too.  A lot. There is so much good in David.  He has so many qualities that I hope to one day have.  I love and appreciate who he is.  We are in love and I am grateful for it!  But don’t think for one second that is always hugs and kisses, “no, I love you more!”, romantic dinners, and love notes. Nope... our marriage does not always look like some of the pictures I post of us...

:)

This may come as a shock to you (ha) but I can be snotty, sarcastic, and down right rude sometimes. There are times that I slam the cabinets and doors (why does that feel so good?) and lay so close to the opposite edge of the bed that if I so much as sneeze I’m going to fall right off.  David can drive me crazy sometimes. And there’s no doubt I can drive that boy up the wall. Our marriage isn’t perfect. Marriage is hard. Marriage is work.  And we constantly have to work at it. There will always be up’s and down’s. But I find that some of the "down" times are when I am being selfish.  Putting my wants and my desires before his. But I can honestly say that when I put aside my selfish thoughts and put him first that we are both happier.  It’s about being humble.  Being humble can be hard.  There are times that I pray, "please, please, PLEASE help me to be humble!!" and there are times where I have to pray just to have the desire to want to be humble! 

I love what my cousin recently wrote on her blog about her marriage… 
“We aren't bound to each other only by a marriage certificate or even the sealing that was so very sacred and special. We're bound to each other because we love, forgive and respect each other.”

Love that. Especially the word forgive.  There will be many opportunities to do that in marriages.  Actually, in all of our relationships. 

Side note: I am reading The Peacegiver.  Have you ever read it?  If you haven’t, you HAVE to read this book and if you have read it, you have to read it again…. It is so good! The things you come to understand about forgiveness through the atonement and the Savior’s love for others is absolutely incredible.  (It is a great read for those who are married, single, divorced, teenagers... anyone and everyone! PLEASE read this book!)

I loved Elder Clayton’s talk during General Conference. He said some really good things.  Here is one of my favorite things he said…

“Humility is the essence of repentance. Humility is selfless, not selfish. It doesn’t demand its own way or speak with moral superiority. Instead, humility answers softly and listens kindly for understanding, not vindication. Humility recognizes that no one can change someone else, but with faith, effort, and the help of God, we can undergo our own mighty change of heart. Experiencing the mighty change of heart causes us to treat others, especially our spouses, with meekness. Humility means that both husbands and wives seek to bless, help, and lift each other, putting the other first in every decision. Watch and learn: repentance and humility build happy marriages.”

Selfless, answers softly, listens kindly, faithful, meek.  How wonderful would it be for someone (especially your spouse) to describe you with those words?  Humility is key. 

Sometimes there are things going on in our marriages and lives and we may feel like there’s no hope.  Elder Clayton says,

“There are those whose marriages are not as happy as they would wish, as well as those who have never married, are divorced, are single parents, or for various reasons are not in a position to marry. These circumstances can be full of challenge and heartbreak, but they need not be eternal. To those of you in such situations who nevertheless “cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power” to persevere, may heaven bless you richly…. Keep the commandments, and trust the Lord and His perfect love for you. One day every promised blessing concerning marriage will be yours.”

 No matter what your situation is if you bring it back to yourself (the only one you have true control over) you will find peace as the Lord will bless you.  I am really trying to work on this in all of my relationships.  Want to try with me?

Lovers getaway

A few weeks ago David and I flew down to Florida to lay in the sun, relax, and enjoy each other's company with no distractions. We stayed at Orange Lake resort. All I wanted to do was sleep in, float down the mile long "lazy river" pool, eat, and nap. So that's what we did... every day. We also went to 3 movies while we were down there. I couldn't remember the last time just David and I went to the movies. Some may think that isn't much of a vacation but there was nothing else I would have wanted to do. It was wonderful. My mom watched the girls for us. She is the best. I can fully relax and enjoy myself when I know they are with my mom. But I did miss them a lot so we skyped and talked on the phone a few times throughout the trip. :)

I am grateful for my husband for taking me on this little getaway. We had a great time staying up late, chatting and laughing. I just love being with him. I know it is important to take time to be alone with your spouse and really connect. I am big on date nights... it's hard with kiddos but there are always ways to improvise. This past weekend we had our date night on the drive way after the girls were in bed. We brought out lots of blankets and pillows and snuggled up in the chilly weather. We don't have street lights in our neighborhood so it was extremely dark.... the sky was clear and the stars were very bright. The date was free and one of the best. Win/win situation- I highly recommend it :)

Virginia State Fair

I have always loved the state fair. I love the smell of delicious, fried food the second you walk in. I love WATCHING the risky rides in action. I used to love riding them until my brother and I almost fell out of one. True story. So scary. Never again. This was the first year that we took the girls. There are a ton of kid rides. Tinsley has no fear. She would ride every ride there if they let her. We stayed about 7 hours. There were no lines so the girls (mostly Tinsley) rode and rode and rode. We had two exhausted little ladies when we got home that night but it was well worth it.

Pure happiness in that cute little face right there. They rode that slide at least 10 times.

I wish this picture showed Blakely's face better- she loved that ride. Blakely didn't ride too many rides... she preferred dancing to the music while big sister and daddy rode them.

This ride would whip around so fast. Tinsley was in heaven.

David and Tinsley on the dragon roller coaster. Hands up the whole time!

Super fast ride that T-Bo loved.

Dumbo ride

I love my family!

This baby was born just an hour before we took this picture. We saw it stand up and walk around for the first time.

Fried snickers. Need I say more? It was beyond delicious. We did not hold back. We also had fried mac-n-cheese, rib tips with mashed potatoes, and homemade ice cream. We also enjoyed multiple drinks of orangeade and lemonade. The first guy who made our lemonade had a conversation with me that went like this....

Lemonade guy: Looks like you're about pop!

Me: Oh I know but I actually have a few months left.

Lemonade guy: Really? Wow, you're going to be big as a house!

Haha oh it was so funny! I can't blame the guy for thinking I am about to pop... I get that a lot. But to say I am going to be as big as house? I probably should have been offended but I seriously wasn't. My weight gain during my pregnancies amaze me as well. My doctor has told me that people normally gain 25-30 pounds. I have 13 weeks left and I have already gained 30! I gained 60 pounds with Blakely and a LITTLE less with Tinsley. I'm hoping not to pass 60 pounds this pregnancy but with the holiday's coming up it just may happen. Oh well. I'll worry about that after the baby gets here. Until then... mama wants it all! :)

Whitney's baby shower

"Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap" -Robert Fulghum

(Quote I put on the invitations)

Whitney is an easy one to love. I was more than happy to throw her a baby shower. I was so excited when the "milk and cookies" theme came to my mind because a cute theme + a cute and talented sister in law (who teamed up with me to give Whitney's shower) = a cute baby shower.

The table.

How cute are the hanging poms? My sister in law made some for Tinsley's birthday and was ever so kind to show me how. We made these together. Hate to toot my own horn but seriously? TOOOOT TOOOT!

From the beginning I knew I wanted mason jars with these darling straws in them. Aren't they just perfect?

Amanda and I did all the baking. She made some legit cookies. I wanted to have ribbon around the jars with cute labels of each type of cookie. Amanda made the labels- loved them! How cute is that cake? So dang cute, I know. Amanda made it. She really is amazing.

Oh and I lied.... we didn't do all the baking... my sweet momma made her award winning chocolate chip cookies.

The milk. I got these bottles at TJ Maxx. These also were a must from the beginning.

Sweet Whitney and the table.

Amanda, Whitney and me. Whitney is pregnant with TWINS and due next month... I am pregnant with ONE and I'm not due until January. Why do I look as big as her in this picture? I haven't even gained my 60 pounds yet! I remember being excited to take this picture... I knew for sure I would look tiny next to her. Um... fail.

Aunt Toni and Whitney. Gorgeous in leopard! No, they didn't plan this. We also had some yummy fruit and veggies thanks to Toni.

Opening gifts.

My beautiful cousin. Love you HayBay!

Alecia, Amanda and me. Big thanks to Alecia for letting us have the shower at her house and for all her help. And for the pizza the night before the shower :)

Amanda, you really are very talented and amazing- love you!

Thanks to everyone who came and helped. Hope everyone had as much fun as I did.

Love ya, Whitney! Can't wait for those cute little boys to arrive. They sure are blessed to have you as their mom.

Charity Never Faileth

When we were living in Colorado I attended the Relief Society broadcast with my mother in law. I LOVED President Thomas S. Monson's talk. It was perfect. Go here to read his entire talk. You won't be disappointed. But here on my blog I just wanted to copy and paste a story from his talk. Here is the story.......

A young couple, Lisa and John, moved into a new neighborhood. One morning while they were eating breakfast, Lisa looked out the window and watched her next-door neighbor hanging out her wash

“That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t know how to get clothes clean!”

John looked on but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, Lisa would make the same comments.

A few weeks later Lisa was surprised to glance out her window and see a nice, clean wash hanging in her neighbor’s yard. She said to her husband, “Look, John—she’s finally learned how to wash correctly! I wonder how she did it.”

John replied, “Well, dear, I have the answer for you. You’ll be interested to know that I got up early this morning and washed our windows!”

Let me say that I didn't feel like I was a very "judging" person. But as he shared this story at the beginning of his talk and I realized that it was about judging others, I thought in my mind... "Oh this is on not judging others... I hope "so and so" is listening to this." Quickly I caught myself and realized how quick I was to judge! After I made that judgement in my head I began to wonder how often I did that. Even though I don't say it to other's it's still there for the most important person to hear... Heavenly Father. And no one loves that person I am judging more than Him. I know it hurts Him just as it would hurt us to have people talk or think unkind and untrue things about our family and loved ones. For the next few weeks, after hearing this talk, I made a conscious effort to not judge others... even in my head. I don't think we realize how often we judge others. Over those few weeks it was sad to see how often I found myself needing to change my thoughts about people I didn't even know... people that I would see in places such as the grocery store or the person in the car driving next to me. As judgements would come into my mind I would try to replace them with a kind thought about that person. Or say a little prayer for them. Well life went on and my conscious effort wasn't there like I would want it to be. But today I was reminded of this talk and want to try again! Wanna try with me? I promise you will feel happier and better when those judgements that come to your mind about others are replaced with kind thoughts or a little prayer. Or when you decided to be quiet and not speak unkindly about others or walk away or don't participate when others are doing it. You will even feel a love for those people!

Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from this talk...

There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: “Judge not.”

Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life.

Tender Mercy

I was having one of those mornings. Nothing serious.... I just woke up tired and emotional. After I laid Blakely down for a nap I pulled out paper and crayons to entertain Tinsley so I could sit down and have a good cry for a minute. You know... just let it out so I could be done and move on. As soon as I sat down Tinsley announced that someone was here just as the doorbell rang. An unexpected visitor (other than my momma) was the last thing I wanted. Guess who it was? My wonderful Aunt Diane! I would have never thought it would have been her at the door! I was so happy to see her! I cried as I hugged her and told her she couldn't have come at a better time. I immediately vented and told her how my morning went. She was so loving and understanding. After that we just sat and chat. I kept thinking how it was truly a tender mercy from the Lord. He knew exactly what I needed and exactly when I needed it. I was reminded again that He loves and cares for us. He even cares about the "silly little things". If they matter to us then they matter to Him. I love Him for that! And Aunt Diane, I LOVE YOU!

Mr. Romantic

I have to say that my wonderful husband hasn't always been the most romantic... I once told him that I wanted a love letter for Christmas and his response was, "A love letter? From who?" No, he wasn't joking. Bless his heart. But I must also say that when it comes to holiday's and important dates (like out anniversary) he always takes real good care of me. But I love to hear him tell me what he loves most about me just as much as the other stuff. I think most girls would agree.

David took care of the plans for our anniversary last night. When he got home at 7 he had me wait in our room for a few minutes while he set up dinner. I was so excited to see what he brought to eat- I have a passion for food :) I came out of our room to see the delicious food from Francesco's- the MOST DELICIOUS italian restaurant ever. It was heavenly. David even got candles to put on the table. I giggled when I saw that he also bought the legit towel-like napkins and a tablecloth. Oh he's the cutest! Dinner was so fun- enjoying good food while chatting- just me and him. After dinner he told me to sit on the couch for a few minutes while he went to get the next surprise ready. A few minutes later he brought me into our bathroom where I found a hot bubble bath surrounded by candles- just for me! Come on, you know I wouldn't have shared this story otherwise :) More good conversation during that time- just sitting and talking to David is one of my favorites. Next, David pulled out these index cards and he said, "Let's take a walk down memory lane." Each card said something different on it... things like... when we first met, when we first hung out, the first time I thought I was going to marry you, the day we got engaged, the day we got married, etc. He went through each card and talked for a few minutes about each one. I was crying and laugh. It was so sweet. Last but not least, he gave me my present- a new handbag from Kate Spade! I love it! I've been trying to find the perfect green bag and now I have it. It is a beautiful kiwi green. As much as I love my bag I loved the other parts of the night much more. I can honestly say that! Don't get me wrong though... I do love my bag. I am totally bragging on my man right now but he deserves it after being so wonderful yesterday!

Oh and ps. I got him some new shoes and shorts- don't want anyone thinking I forgot about my man. :)