A February Stay-cation

This is pretty much how I have been feeling all week--happy to be on a break from work and basking in the mid-winter sun!  My "stay-cation" started with a fun Valentine's weekend.  My gift was a bright red water bottle that doubles as daily inspiration.  

This week was also great for sleeping in, drinking double tall lattes, and hanging out with some friends.  Isn't this little guy handsome?  Thanks Katie and Jenny for letting me play with Isaiah and Wes (who was napping during this little photoshoot)!

I am sad that my mid-winter break is coming to an end.  But I'm thankful for the time to rest and recharge... and especially for the sun and clear skies!  Maybe this is a sign that spring is on its way?

{view from my mom's house}

{spring?!}

10 on 10: February Hearts and Love

{door to my heart}

{kid at heart}

{love don't come easy...}

{puppy love}

{heart and sole}

{pizza my heart}

{cold hands, warm heart?}

{love stinks}

{love hurts}

{love is sweet}

:)  XOXO

Push Ups: Halfway

This is what you get after 3 weeks of some serious push ups: one measly bicep (the left one was not worth sharing).  Not sure it's worth it.  Let's just say that this program has not quite become my best friend.  Mostly because it's hard. I cringe when, on one of the workout days, Steve looks at me and says, "push ups tonight." Usually I fight back with an excuse (oh, I ran today...too tired!) or a distraction (take a look at this YouTube clip!).  But somehow, I always end up in plank position, arms shaking, counting down the seconds til I'm done.

But there are 3 more weeks to go.  And I can do it.  Steve is doing the plan too (he's on the harder pathway) so he holds me accountable.  I'm also feeling some muscle building in my shoulders (not sure if that's a good thing).  

I'd kind of be content to just stop here and congratulate myself for coming this far (I did 88 push ups tonight with 2 minutes rest in between each set!), BUT I'm going to keep going.  At least until my left bicep can catch up.

Our Small Group

Who are these fun people?  Patrick, Paige, and Tina are just three of the great folks that make up our small group.  Steve and I have had the pleasure of getting to know these guys over the past few months.  We are thankful that we can spend Thursday evenings with this group of couples, studying God's word and sharing life. 

 Steve first met one of the group's members, another guy named Steve, at Bethany's Men's Retreat last year.  The similarities were pretty funny.  Steve D. is also a runner (a really good one too!), and ran cross country in college at Western.  He is married to Tina, who he also met on the cross country team.  Their anniversary is July 10th--our wedding date too!  Patrick and Paige, Josh and Ginger, Stephen and Susan, and Andrew and Tessa complete the group. :)

A few weeks ago, we went to Ozzie's in Queen Anne for some karaoke, and to celebrate Steve D.'s birthday.  These guys rocked!  I wish I had had the guts...  At least Steve-o represented with "Gangsta's Paradise"

{Steve D., Steve T., Josh, and Paige--only girl with guts :)}

Then, last week most of the group headed to "Seattle Helping Haiti," an awesome benefit concert and auction at the Moore Theater

We're learning a lot about married life from these guys too.  Hey small group, thanks for being so fun and supportive! 

Mckenzie :: A Poem

It's this special friend's birthday today!  Happy birthday Kenz!  For your birthday, I present you with the most refined form of poetry: an acrostic poem.

My friend Mckenzie is so great she

Can do so many things

Kick soccer balls, shop in malls,

Eat cereal and sing (kinda)

No one has a better laugh and 

Z is hard to use

If I could pick a friend for-

Ever...it's Mckenzie I would choose!

Happy birthday!  I love you!

A Soul Train Birthday for my Sister

It's my one and only sister, Robin's birthday today!  Happy birthday Rob!!  If you were in Seattle, we'd be sure to have a dance party in your honor, kind of like this one. :)

I really miss you, Robin.  I hope you've had a wonderful 25th birthday celebration in London!  I love you so much!