Valentine's Day

I'm not a fan. I think it's over-rated. Why should you have a MANDATORY day where you HAVE to say I LOVE YOU and spend $100.00 on ROSES that will die in 3 days...and you are lucky if they last that long. The first valentine's day we were married...I admit, I probably expected a lot... but after growing old and wise..i've discovered that you can do it much cheaper and it means the same thing. Brian always mocks and says "here's a snickers...this is how much I care about you." It's pretty funny.

This is what I got and I was surprised to say the least.

He also fixed me a dinner of steak, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables and rolls. It was delish...and I enjoyed the last of my 5 chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert!

Thank you Brian. I love you. (I feel like I have to say that because it recently WAS Valentine's Day and I am required to say it for that reason!)

Orange Juice

When our friends came for a visit from Arizona .. they brought up 2 cases of Oranges that they picked from their trees in their back yard.

I LOVE Arizona oranges.

They are so good. We had about a case left and they were starting to get to the point that they were going to go downhill fast...so Brooklyn and I made orange juice.

She was such a big helper. We got about 5 quarts..which isn't bad! LOVE IT!

Brison's Top 5

My son has got such the personality! Even at 16 months...he definately has his favorites.

I present them to you in no particular order...because...come on, he IS only 16 months old! (although I can probably tell which one is his FAVORITE!)

5. Vacuum.

No matter where the boy is in the house...the second the vacuum is on...he stops what he is doing and comes running...with his big sisters vacuum in tow. He would be able to vacuum until it's bedtime. Maybe i'll look into getting a vacuum that works that is his size...am I breaking child labor laws?

4. Round brush.

Perhaps it's because my sisters do hair...perhaps it's because I keep it in a drawer that he feels proud to break into...hopefully it's not a sign of things to come. I remember one morning I was in a hurry to get ready for church and not being able to find it. After searching the house...it was finally found downstairs in the cupboard of our entertainment center.

3. Football.

Yes, it's true. He can say it. And yes, it's true...i'm forcing the boy to have a favorite team. And YES, those colors are blue and white!

2. Food.

The boy has no problem eating food. I haven't found anything he DOESN'T like. I'm sure he would eat more if he wasn't allergic to it. He even eats some things he IS allergic to. I love that he will eat his vegetables!

1. Soft soft & B.

The boy is addicted. He truly is. He will grab his soft soft through the rails of his crib and pull it through. If he can't reach it, he cries. He knows where it is at all times and even prefers the light blue one over the dark blue one. His 'b' is another story. He is usually fine without it, just at nap/bed time...but lately, it's ALL DAY LONG. I have been telling Brian we need to get rid of it before he goes to nursery...but it's proving a more trying task than that. I know, I'm the adult and all that..but he is my youngest and I fear I have a tendency to spoil.

Photo courtesy of Brooklyn.

Daddy Daughter Date

Last weekend, I got 2 tickets to the Jazz game from my work. When I told Brooklyn that her dad and I were going to the Jazz game, she asked if she could come. I told her we only had 2 tickets. She was so sad, even the next morning she asked if there was a ticket for her. Brian's sister in law, Roxanne, has season tickets and will sometimes call us if they are unable to use their tickets. So, I told Brian that the next time...he was taking Brooklyn.

Well, that time has arrived. Friday night was the first official "daddy daughter date night".

We had talked about doing this when I was first pregnant...knowing that it would be a good time to bond with each kid. Something I hope will happen.

Some highlights of the evening:

Dad: Brooklyn, do you want to get popcorn and a drink now or later.

Brooklyn: Later

upon arriving in their seats, Brooklyn exclaims..."dad, we forgot to get our popcorn and drinks!"

early in the second quarter, she has exausted all her energy in the d-fense chanting.

Brooklyn: Dad, i'm tired..let's go home.

Brian: Are you sure sweetheart?

Brooklyn: Yeah, i'm sure.

about to exit the "energy solutions arena" and hearing the crowd cheer...Brooklyn quickly exclaims...Dad, hurry, we are going to miss the game...and heads back to her seat!

That girl...