8 Years

Today T and I celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary! The past 8 years (really 10) together have been an adventure. We have had our trying times (most of which seem to relate back to pure sleep deprivation) but we have been so BLESSED. I can't imagine spending my life with any other person. T is truly my best friend and I will love him forever and then some.

I thought it would be fun to take a look back over the last decade together!

T and I both moved to this city, a few blocks from each other, on the same week in September 2001. He claims to have met me in the fall of 2001 at a YSA dance or activity BUT I some how didn't meet him until January of 2002. Our room mates had become friends and he came over for a little party at our house one evening and I was instantly intrigued by the guy who seemed to already know my name and know it was my birthday that week.
We spent the next year casually dating each other (I may have had to chase him a bit) and then T finally decided to get over his fear of commitment and dove into a serious relationship by the end of the year and never looked back.

2002 & 2003- The Dating Years

On September 6, 2003 T took me to the temple grounds and popped the big question. I said Yes!

2004 - 1 st year
We were sealed for time and all eternity in the temple on February 14, 2004.

2005- 2nd year

2006- 3rd Year

2007- 4th year

2008- 5th year

2009- 6th year

2010- 7th year

2011- 8th year

I feel beyond blessed to be married to my best friend. T is truly amazing and takes such good care of me and the kids. He works so hard all day and comes home ready to play with the kids and help me with anything I need. I am truly spoiled by this man! I really do love him more and more every single day.
Can't wait to see what the next 8 years have in store for us! Happy Anniversary T.

Valentine's Party

This afternoon we hosted a Valentine's Party for a few little friends. It is no big secret that I love planning a party and this was the perfect excuse to put all the adorable ideas I keep seeing on Pinterest to good use! (A good way to keep busy on cold winter days too).
For the decoration I kept things pretty simple and just hung some paper heart garlands that I made, some balloons and a few other pink and red hearts around the house.

To start the party I laid out a bunch of fun Valentine hearts, stickers, stamps, etc and the kids created some beautiful Valentine hearts.

Next on the list was playing a game of "Be Mine" Bingo! I found this super cute preschool bingo PDF here and had the game cards printed off at Staples.
The kids loved it.

I got super brave and pulled out the paints for our next activity! I cut up a package of cheap sponges into heart shapes and the kids stamped the sponges into the paint and then onto colored card stock. To finish them off they sprinkled glitter over the top of the wet paint.

After all the fun the kids were ready to refuel with a little snack. I laid out a fruit platter in the shape of a heart.

I made some sugar cookies and jello jigglers and then one of the girls surprised us with cupcakes as well. (Not the healthiest snack but so fun)

For drinks I gave them a cup of Sprite and added red and pink heart shaped ice cubes (made from Kool Aid) to it. It was a hit! (Another Pinterest idea)

After a little play time while I cleaned up the snack we embarked on our last project of the party. When I saw this idea on Pinterest I knew that I wanted to do it with the kids.
Each kid made their own Marshmallow Pop Bouquet to take home to share with their family for FHE tonight.
The kids dipped their marshmallows in pink or milk chocolate melts and then rolled them in sprinkles. So easy and so darn cute!

When the chocolate dried I wrapped them each in little bags to keep them from drying out. We filled the bottom of the jars with jelly beans too. So cute.

The kids enjoyed lots of play time together as well. Everyone left happy and the afternoon was a success!
AL is excited to hand out her Valentine's cards tomorrow at preschool (another great Pinterest idea)

I HEART February

I love love love February.......what's not to love? Hearts, Valentines,Anniversary, sweetness and love!
We started the day off by making my brother a pretty awesome "Happy Birthday" video to email him for his big day. (If I was computer savy I would attach it but........)
We then had a great time crafting up some Valentine hearts to hang on the wall and give Daddy a "heart attack" with when he comes home from work tonight.

While the kids crafted I got busy and crafted too. We are going to have a Valentine's Party for the kids and a few friends right before Valentine's Day and I have been having way too much fun coming up with ideas for the party. Today I worked on these adorable heart garlands!

They were super simple, just cut 1/2 inch strips of 11 inch paper, fold in half and then staple or tape into a heart shape. Can't wait to hang them for the party!
We put up some Valentine's decor too.

(Thanks to the Dollar Store for the sparkly wreath)

Stay tuned for a Valentine's Party post! How do you spread the love this month?