Dozen

Yesterday was our anniversary.
Twelve years.
Twelve awesome, crazy, hectic, emotional, amazing years...I don't even know how it's possible!  

We didn't do anything fancy.  The impending arrival of baby girl kept big travel plans grounded, and our love of football and the SuperBowl kept us local.  We decided on a simple dinner out as a family.  Afterall, it was twelve years ago yesterday that our family started.  We went to one of our favorite restaurants here in Italy...Nathan and I got steaks (oh so good) and Miles got pizza, with which he was thrilled (as always).  He's getting so big...he was such a good boy at dinner.  It hit me watching him how much he's grown, and how lucky we are to have him in our family.  

I love Nathan so much - it has been made even clearer over the last few weeks as I enter the horribly uncomfortable stage of pregnancy.  He is such a good support to me, and such a good father to Miles.  

I'm glad that twelve years ago we started this journey together.  

Here's to the next twelve.  

(he he...sorry honey, couldn't resist)

Perspective

Yesterday was our anniversary...in case you didn't already guess that by reading THIS post.  We had originally planned to make this year wicked awesome.  Our tenth anniversary was spent in simple fashion - going out to dinner somewhere local.  It had to be simple - we had just moved 4800 miles to another country and were living out of suitcases in our friends' spare room...plus we had a eight month old.  So we vowed to make our 11th amazing - we figured we never do anything according to tradition anyway.  Case in point?  I had my wedding dress purchased before Nathan even proposed.  And we had our full nursery bought and paid for (crib, dresser, coordinating bedding, rugs, lamps, etc) YEARS before we got Miles.  Ya, we are just weird that way I guess.  So last October when we were in Paris to take Miles to Disney Paris we decided we would celebrate our eleventh anniversary in Paris, sans Miles.  But as it got closer we realized we wouldn't have the money to do that (with Christmas, and my parents' two week visit) so we relegated ourselves to somewhere local...like Rome, Florence or the Amalfi Coast.  (do you hate me yet?!)  I searched and found a great hotel for a pretty good price and waited to hear back on Nathan's request to take a day off work.  But in that time Miles decided to catch the snot machine, congested lungs and head, horrible diarrhea bug.  Nice.  I didn't want to leave him with anyone in that condition so plans were scrapped.  

Yesterday as I sat on the floor playing trucks with our feverish, snot machine who would ONLY allow me to touch cars he WASN'T playing with while my husband was at work...I had a momentary pang of sadness and guilt.  This was our eleventh anniversary afterall!  But then I thought about how great my life is.  In the last year I have stood atop the Eiffel Tower, swam in the Mediterranean, sunbathed on beautiful beaches in southern Italy, eaten wiener schnitzel IN Germany, walked the streets of Innsbruck, Austria, driven the windy panoramic Amalfi Coast...that's pretty awesome.  So in reality I've had the most epic tenth anniversary celebration ever.  I guess I just needed to change my perspective.  

So yesterday as we ended our hugely unromantic day sitting on the couch in our freezing cold house, wearing matching sweatpants, watching Netflix, eating pizza straight out of the box...I couldn't help but feel just how lucky I really am to be attached to this guy for the rest of forever.     

Love you sweetie - and let the most epic tenth (and eleventh, and twelfth) anniversary celebration continue!

:eleven:

Eleven years ago at noon on a Friday we were wed in Logan, Utah.

The week prior saw freezing temps and lots of snow. 

This year our anniversary falls on a Friday,

and Logan, Utah has been cold and getting buried in snow. 

Glad we're in Italy!

Happy Anniversary sweetie -

here's to many more!

Dear Nathan,

We've seen quite a bit of road together, you and I.  Some of it has been rough and some of it smooth.  When we knelt across the alter that chilly Friday morning ten years ago I had no idea the grand adventure our life together would hold.   

We've hiked mountains,

packed boxes,

walked beaches,

shared our hearts with pets,

laughed until we peed,

road tripped,

survived blizzards,

been scared by a moose,

snuggled on the couch to watch movies, 

sailed seas,

owned a home,

frozen our butts off in the desert at night,

built campfires,

become parents, 

cried on each other's shoulders, 

& loved every minute 

I can't imagine anyone I'd rather have spent the last ten years with than you.  Here's to ten times ten more. 

I love you sweetie. 

If you can hold on...

10 years ago tonight Nathan took me to Ruby Tuesday for dinner (don't judge...in the bursting metropolis of Logan Ruby Tuesday was hoity toity...and I actually still really like it).  He acted distracted the whole meal...mostly watching the Utah Jazz game on the TV mounted on the wall behind my head.  It kinda pissed me off.  Ok, not kinda...it did.  After dinner he said he wanted to drive up on the foothills to "look at the lights of the city"...did I wanna come?  We found a good spot, got out to admire the pretty view (of course we got out of the car...what did you THINK we were going to do??!?  Sickos  teehee)  and I asked him if he would be asking me something big anytime soon (you have to understand...I had already purchased my dress...we knew it was going to happen...and I am impatient...and I pretty much asked him every day).  He told me "Well if you can hold on for just one sec I've got a question I wanna ask you."

I said yes.  :)

Then I told him to turn on the headlights...I couldn't see my ring!  I hadn't seen my ring yet because {{I}} didn't pick my ring out.  I have always thought that if a guy doesn't know what kind of ring you would like to wear for the rest of your life...he doesn't know you well enough to be asking you to marry him. 

As for the proposal, I was totally surprised...I honestly thought it was going to happen the following night when he was taking me to Seven Brides for Seven Brothers...I mean, come on...BRIDES??  He had asked me to that play WEEKS before...and had made a big deal out of it.  Our dinner to Ruby Tuesday had been last minute...I didn't even really do my hair.  And I was wearing fleece.  Ah well...I guess we just do things differently...we always have and probably always will.   

Love you sweetie.  I'd say yes again today.  

Famous

I can't believe I forgot to share this bit of awesomeness.  While at the Adoption Conference a photographer for the Deseret News snapped Nathan and Miles and they ended up on the FRONT PAGE of the Deseret News on Saturday August 13th!

Cool eh?

 

(Poor Miles...you can see in his sweet little face that he feels miserable.  

The horrible Utah air and burning farms and pollen gave him the worst allergies.)

Oh Bear Lake...how I love thee

Since my family (my parents & siblings) is starting to grow my mom decided (with possibly a little prodding from me) a family reunion would be a good idea.  We planned to go somewhere as a family while Nathan, Miles & I were in Utah...and OBVIOUSLY  Bear Lake is the best choice.  We got a condo and spent three days just enjoying each other's company.  Having the opportunity to spend that much concentrated time together with my family was awesome...it's been probably 10 years since we had that much time together.  I could tell you more...but I'll let this plethora of pics do that: 

 View from our condo.  

 Our first night we went out to dinner at Cafe Sabor (SO excited that now Garden City has one too!)  Shanna got fajitas and Austin & Blaine had to go check it out...but not before donning appropriate protective gear.  

 Bryce got embarrassed (or reveled in the attention...jury is still out) by the obglitaory 'Happy Birthday singing by the waitstaff

 My nephew Austin helping me frost cupcakes.  

 Sarah (niece) had to help too. 

 We brought no matches so we made Bryce light his own b-day candles...boy scout style. 

 Brad was SO happy to be there.  

 While we were all together we took the opportunity to take some family pics...since it might be 3-4 years before we're all together again.  I can't wait to see the finished photos from the photographer!

 The crew in our beach shelter.  

 Me and squishy...and apparently the girls felt like they needed to be in the pic too (hey...I am blessed in that department...and it's hard to find good suits that will contain them)

 The kids...er, I mean boys, playing in the sand.  I think Mitch, Bryce, Brad and Nathan had more fun playing in the sand than the wee ones. 

 Brad actually changing a diaper.  Anyone who knows Brad knows what a big deal this is...seriously. 

 All tuckered out (plus he had HORRIBLE allergies in Utah so he was drugged...poor little guy)

 Family of three at Bear Lake.  I can't tell you how this just makes my heart swell.  I love Bear Lake and I was SO happy to share it with Miles.  :)

 Miles and grandpa napping.

 Grandma and some of the grandkids hanging out on the balcony. 

Nathan and his Dr Phil haircut.  (insert rolling eyes here)  He has begging me FOR YEARS to do this.  I told him he couldn't until after we got a baby...and then it was not until we have family pics.  As soon as we got back to the condo after taking family pics he and my brothers whipped out the buzzers and fashioned this beauty.  

Mom playing in the sand with the kids and some new found friends. 

 Bryce and Mitch blowing up all the floaties...leave it to my brothers to find the most interesting way to do anything.  

 Because of this bang-up job I have heretofore been fired from the post of sunscreen applicator.  I honestly have NO IDEA how this happened.  

 Miles in his other swimsuit.  I may or may not have purchased three suits in preparation for Bear Lake.  Hey.  No judging. 

Sarah likes cheetoes.

Happy {finally} a Father's Day!

My dear sweet Nathan, 

Seeing you be a father to our little Miles has been incredible.  I have always loved you but watching you be a father has made that love grow in ways I never imagined.  

Happy First Father's Day Sweetie!

Love, 

Holly

Happy Father's Day to my Daddy.  Love you.  

32 things

Funny Story:  Nathan and I were talking the other day and he said something about turning 31 this year.  Wrong, I said.  Uh huh, he said.  Um, nope...try that again.  Several moments of silence and counting he determined that he was turning 32 not 31.

In honor of the 32nd birthday of my dear hubby I'm going to list 32 things I love about this guy.  If you want to leave a comment and say something you love about him, that would be awesome.  He'll love to read them.

Without further adieu...

32 reasons I love my Nathan

(There are more than 32...but it would spoil the theme if I posted them all...and you'd likely get bored after 2,439.)

1. He is kind
2. He makes me laugh everyday
3. He lets me be me
4. His freaky Neal heel
5. The way he loves Winston
6. They way I know he'll love our children
7. He is an active participant in our adoption journey
8. The crazy Nathan type dancing he does when Funk music is being played
9. When he is in Billy mode
10. He lets me snuggle to him even though it makes him hot
11. He says some things with the cutest hick accent
12. His hitched smile
13. He likes chick flicks
14. He gets teary watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition
15. He's generous 
16. That vein that pops out on his head when he's playing his French Horn
17. ...or when he's really worked up about something
18. He loves working in the Temple together
19. He will brush my hair if I ask him
20. He drives his truck all over tarnation helping people...and expects nothing in return
21. How attached he is to his rusted Jasper (that's his truck's name)
22. He does dishes
23. He does laundry
24. He vacuums
25. He scoops the litterbox!
26. He is extremely ticklish
27. He is a wonderful musician
28. He loves running sound and puts so much time and effort into it
29. ...which provides a living for our family
30. He never complains about what I cook for him (except the Lemon rice...)
31. He's tech saavy
32. He is my best friend

Nine

Nine years ago today Nathan and I knelt across the alter and were joined as one.  We've seen a lot of road in our nine years.  

we've called 4 states home

lost 6 children

moved a total of 6545 miles

been in 4 car accidents

owned 1 dog

been owned by 4 cats

held 16 jobs between the two of us

 

Here's to many, many more years.  

Love you sweetie.

Our Friday Nights...

...will now be spent here:

Saturday Nathan and I were called to be temple workers for our church.  (In case you don't know what the heck I'm talking about, you can find out a little more about temples HERE).  I have to admit, when we got the call asking us to go in to meet with the temple president I suspected that's what we'd be asked to do...but when we were officially asked I was still surprised.  It will be a great way to spend our Friday evenings...a good way to close the week and get re-centered.  (Plus two of our good friends here are also temple workers on Friday nights)  But it is a little bittersweet.  You see...only couples without children in the home are allowed to serve as temple workers.  So while we're excited for the opportunity, we are sad that we're able to have the opportunity.  Does that make sense? 
But with that said, this is obviously where we're supposed to be for now, so I am working hard on being patient and being glad for the opportunity we get to spend more time in such a wonderful place.  

30 Days of Thankful: Recap

So whilst I've been bombarding you with adoption related posts, I've also been doing my 30 Days of Thankful.  Throughout the month you could find it on the 30 Days of Thankful Tab on the top menu...see up there?...to the right a little more...there you go.   But just in case you missed it here are my 30 Days of Thankful 2010:

Nov 1 - Adoption.  I'm grateful that I live in a day and age where adoption is a widely accepted practice.  In years past Nathan and would have probably not had the chance to raise children.  Yay for modern times!

Nov 2 -  Drugs.  The legal kind.  I've been battling a nasty bug for over a week and without the decongestant I think I would have just given up and stayed in bed for a week. 

Nov 3 - Free Pie Wednesday.  Baker's Square is a restaurant that offers a free slice of pie with the purchase of anything on their menu...the offer is good Wednesday evenings.  Guess where we were tonight??  Yep...you guessed it.  I got pumpkin, Nathan got apple.  Yummy!

Nov 4 - My friend Christy.  A year ago we had this big idea to plan Chicago's 1st ever Walk for Adoption.  It has been quite the undertaking and we've grown to be good friends through this planning. Tonight I spent the evening at her house stuffing swag bags and chatting about life and adoption.  I'm grateful to have a friend that "gets it".

Nov 5 - Early Days.  I work 6 days a week...which I am NOT thankful for, but two of those six days I only work a half a shift so I get off early and today is one of those days!  Hooray!

Nov 6 - Good Weather.  The Walk was today and I had been praying, hoping and crossing fingers that we would not have a snow filled day.  It was chilly today, but the sun was out and it was beautiful!

Nov 7 - Mom.  Today was a rough day.  I was up late last night doing stuff for Primary and had to get up early to finish it.  Then my printer was giving me problems and I was running 40 mins late for church.  I got a couple upsetting emails and by the time I got out the door I was teetering on the verge of an emotional/physical/spiritual/mental breakdown.  I called my mom and she calmed me right down. 

Nov 8 - Time in the Kitchen.  We had some friends over for dinner tonight so I planned a nice, big meal.  I cooked a Portobello roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, acorn squash, rolls, a green salad, pumpkin pie and apple/cranberry pie.  Oh, and homemade whipped cream.  Yummy. 

Nov 9 - Uneventful Work Days.  Today at work nothing broke.  Nothing caught fire.  There was no yelling, no hair pulling, no major drama.  It was boring...and terrific!  [[knocks on wood]]

Nov 10 - Christmas Candy.  I know, it's shallow.  But I LOVE Christmas candy.  Lindt Dark Chocolate Peppermint truffles, Wonka gummy sweettarts, Danish Butter Cookies, mint M&M's, you name it...if it's red and green and sweet count me in!  I think I might be over indulging in the Christmas Candy because we won't be putting up a tree this year because of the move.   I gotta get the holiday spirit in our home somehow. 

Nov 11 - Veterans.  I'm grateful for those brave men and women who have served and are serving our country.  I am especially grateful for my hubby, my grandfather Parley and my late neighbor George Sant. 

Nov 12 - Supportive Hubby.  I had an appointment downtown today and after it was all over I got to spend the day with my hubby.  It's been a tough week and when I told him I wanted to drive to Aurora (about an hour and 15 mins) to go to the Lindt outlet he didn't try and talk me out of it (which is what he usually tries to do when my desires involve candy and treats...he's the voice of reason).


Nov 13 - Goodwill.  I love to read.  But buying books new from Borders or Barnes and Noble can add up really quick.  So I love that my favorite Goodwill has a large book selection...and they are $0.89!!  I'm grateful I have an option to get books for so cheap.  I scored today - I got five books I've been wanting to read.  Can't wait to dive in!

Nov 14 - Afternoon naps.  Even though I had to work today and I hate working on Sundays...I got home early enough to sneak in an afternoon nap with Winston.

Nov 15 - Feeling Appreciated.  This week is Employee Appreciation Week at my work.  The owners of our company are having lunch catered every day...and some days breakfast too!  There will be contests and raffles and lots of snacks.  It is always good to feel appreciated. 

Nov 16 - Opportunities to be creative.  I got to design a crazy hat to wear to work today...and I won second place in the competition!

Nov 17 - Perspective.  I have been looking forward to today for a while...well, since last year's November 17th actually.  I got my hopes up and when our miracle didn't happen I was admittedly very sad.  I posted on facebook about my mood and a friend commented and helped me keep faith by offering her wonderful perspective. 

Nov 18 - My hard working hubby.  Today Nathan was honored for all his hard work.  He was selected as Sailor of the Year.  I'm grateful that Nathan works so hard so that we can enjoy the life we do.

Nov 19 - Date nights.  We went to see Harry Potter tonight.  Mom also treated us to dinner in celebration of Nathan's award.  We tried out a new place called Stir Crazy and it was excellent!

Nov 20 -Deep Fryer.  A couple months ago Nathan and I got a new deep fryer.  We've been trying out different things and tonight we made Cajun Garlic Fries (like Five Guys has) and they were awesome...and SO much cheaper than Five Guys' Fries!

Nov 21 - Speaking in church.  Nathan and I were asked to talk in church today because we're moving soon.  I was asked to speak on Faith and it was EXACTLY what I needed to study the last few days.

Nov 22 - Winston.  He always seems to know when my mood is just not quite perky and he'll do his best to lift it by snuggling to me.  Love that little gray fluffer. 

Nov 23 - No Snow.  Friends and family got snow today and while I would love to be stuck at home with a cup of cocoa and a book during a snowstorm...that would not be my reality if it were to storm.  I would be stuck behind the wheel of my car, for likely near two hours, fighting idiot drivers all the way to work.  So I'm glad that the snow stayed away...at least for now.

Nov 24 - Red Box.  I mean seriously...$1!  to rent a movie?!?  Nathan and I are converts to Red Box (former Blockbuster movie renters...now I cringe to think we paid THAT MUCH to rent movies)...we saw the light shortly after we moved here and have been in love ever since.  If you haven't tried out your local Red Box...you should give it a whirl!

Nov 25 - The Hardys.  We live far from family so holidays are always tough.  Our friends Jason and Kat Hardy invited us to spend Thanksgiving with them and Jason's parents, which we were very grateful for because it meant we wouldn't have to spend the holiday alone.

Nov 26 - Black Friday Deals & a shopper hubby.  Today I drug Nathan out Black Friday Shopping.  We didn't do it for people on our gift list...we did it for us.  Now wait before you call me horribly selfish.  There have been some things on our "wish list" for quite a while, but they are usually so expensive that we couldn't justify getting them.  So we took advantage of some wicked sweet deals today and picked up some of the things on our list.  So what'd we score?  THESE sheets...for $44 (regularly $179!) and THIS down comforter for $30 (regularly $169!).  We also picked up a 6' ladder for $14 bucks and a slow cooker for $10.  I am also grateful that I have a hubby who is willing to spend all day with me fighting crowds and waiting in lines.  He also let me go to TWO Jo-Ann's Fabrics stores AND DSW.

Nov 27 - Hubby with a strong stomach.  We hit up IKEA today...looking for a stand for our TV and while we were there we took advantage of their (previously always awesome) meatball and mash  potato lunch.  It wasn't within only an hour or so I was violently ill.  The muscles around my stomach and ribcage were so sore the next day from all the heaving (sorry if that's TMI).  While I was having my one-on-one date with the porcelain, my sweet hubby stood watch over me...rubbing tiny circles on my back.  I know I could never have done that for him...my gag reflex would have had me down on the floor with him.  That simple gesture showed so much kindness and made a yucky situation a little better.

Nov 28 - Hope.  Over the weekend I heard good news from two friends.  They are both getting their wish come true...and hearing that from other people in situations similar (in some ways...and very different in others) to ours gives me hope that someday our wishes will also come true.

Nov 29 - Dinner with Friends.  Tonight we hung out with our friends Joseph and Alison (who incidentally we probably would have had Thanksgiving with...but they had to up and desert us for the Florida Keys...can you believe them?!?).  We went to this cool place called Flat Top Grill for dinner.  It's a "make your own stir-fry" type of place.  And my oh my do I love stir-fry (I swear I didn't mean for that to rhyme) so I was in heaven.  We will DEFINITELY be eating there again!

Nov 30 - Sleeping in.  I know I mentioned it once before...but I'm extra grateful for it today.  It's cold and rainy outside and I got to sleep in a bit and spend an extra hour or so all snuggled up to my kitty, in my new sheets and under my new down comforter.  My work schedule is crazy and a lot of the time I really don't like the games it plays on my poor internal clock...but today I was grateful to be scheduled for the late shift so I could sleep in!

Sailor of the Year Ceremony

Remember a weeks ago when I announced that Nathan got Sailor of the year?  Well after he was selected as the band's SOY (Sailor of the Year)...he competed against other command's SOYs.  On Thursday I attended the Sailor of the Year ceremony for Naval Service Training Command....and guess who was selected at Naval Service Training Command's Bluejacket Sailor of the Year???

My Nathan!

Here are some photos from the ceremony:

 Way to go sweetie!!!  

You deserve the recognition!

A Question

Nine years ago tonight, a question was asked.  One that changed the trajectory of my life's path.

Nine years ago I would have never imagined I would be where I am...having lived through what I've lived through.  Suffered what I've suffered.  Loved what I've loved.  Seen the things I've seen.  Met the people I've met.  Been blessed the way I've been blessed. 

Nine years ago a question was asked, full of hope and love and promise.

Nine years later, I'm {still} glad I said yes.

Halloween

This was kind of a lame Halloween year at our house.  I caught a wicked nasty bug and spent Friday, Saturday and most of today in a drug-induced state.  If you know me at all you know just how much I {{LOVE}} Halloween...so it was a big bummer to get sick this weekend.  But being sick didn't stop us from cuddling on the couch, cranking up the fire and watching some scary movies.  Poor Winston had to be the one to fulfill my dress-up desires (well except for my black cat socks), Nathan was excited to trick-or-treat from our Halloween candy stash and I was relieved to have the weekend off (I only get one off a month) to rest. 

This is the second year in a row we've been lame for Halloween...we'll have to go all out next year. 

Oh - brownie points to whoever can name the source of Winston's quote.

Sailor of the Year!

Guess who is Sailor of the Year for the band??  

Nathan works extremely hard at his job.  We live a good 45-60 minutes away from the base so he must get up with the birds everyday to catch the 5:50am train to get to work (which he has to walk 3/4mile to catch...even in the snow/sleet/wind/rain).   I have NEVER ONCE heard him complain about it.  (An example I could follow...)  He does what he's asked...and many things he's not asked, but he just knows they need to get done.  He is cheerful and happy and goes out of his way to make people laugh.  He received the nickname of 'Billy' his first week at this band and it's stuck...the story is actually quite funny, next time you're around Nathan, ask him about it.  He puts in many extra hours at home (he's sitting at the kitchen table right now putting a piece into Finale...so the band members can have an easier copy to read) and at work making sure things get done...and so I think he definitely deserved the title!  Now he'll compete against all the other command's Sailors of the Year in the region...and if he wins that he'll get a NAM (Navy Achievement Medal...more bling for the uniform! and points for the advancement exam)

Way to go sweetie - you're the bestest sailor I know!

And just because I never put it on here and I think it's worth sharing...here is Nathan doing his ASF (auxiliary security force...basically volunteer police for the Navy Base) training "final exam".  He gets pepper sprayed and then has to "take-down" some guys.  

Navy Ball 2010

I get really excited for the Navy Ball every year...because truth be told if I could wear a formal dress everyday I would.  I think Nathan is slightly less excited than I, but he humors me and will even bust a move or two on the dance floor.

Trumpet Playing Taps During the Ceremony = Teary

Dance Band = Awesome

Spending the Evening with the Packers = Perfect

Purple Eye Makeup = Wicked Sweet

Pie at Baker's Square After the Ball = Perfect Ending

Here's some photographic evidence of our awesomeness. :)

 Mr & Mrs

 Fancy Footwear

 Purple Eye Makeup - did it myself.  I'm pretty proud!

 Table decor


 The Packers - singing along to Just the Two of Us.  Well...the Dr Evil version. 


 Kissey Kissey


 Winnie was SO HAPPY when we got home.  He {loves} his momma.

The cutest couple at the ball.