Saturday Night

I love to be able to steal away with my hubby. But seeing that we have 2 kids, that does not happen nearly as often as I would like! This past weekend, since it was our anniversary and all, we took off Saturday night and headed all the way downtown. I know, we are such crazy kids! But seeing that Greg had to work Saturday and Sunday, it was about all we could manage. We happen to love Sunday Brunch at Grand America....but it is only about a twice a year thing, if we are lucky, becasue at 38 bucks a head, it had darn well better be a special occassion! So we took the night, headed down to Grand America for a night of just the two of us time. It was so fun. First, if you know me well, you know that I am a major hotel snob. I love, LOVE, the spiffy rooms, and that feeling of being in another world. And the suite we got fit the bill perfectly! It was not huge, but it was beautiful, with an amazing view from the 18th floor. The marble bathroom was Ah-mazing. I could have gotten lost in the huge tub. We made ourselves comfortable and wandered the hotel for a bit. We went and checked out both of the pools, and the fitness area too. Though lets be honest, I had no plans to work out. Then we headed to dinner at one of my new favorite places. The Bayleaf Cafe. You can find them here. We found this cute little place during downtown dine-around back in April and I have been aching to go back ever since, and I finally got my chance. We walked out of the hotel, down half a block and hopped on the Trax train for the 4 block ride to dinner. It was fun to not have to worry about the car and finding parking! We got our table and settle in for some super yummy dinner. Greg had chicken and waffles and I had a divine thick cut pork chop, which rocked an amazing fruit compote on top. It was delicious! We decided after dinner to wander down Main Street back to the hotel, and I was bummed that at 8 PM on Saturday night everything was closed! But it was still fun to walk and talk and window shop a little bit. We got back to the hotel, settled in with a movie and just hung out with no agenda and no one needing us.....so strange. In the morning we finally got up and headed down to brunch. We knew we would need reservations, and we were glad we had them! They were super busy. But as usually it was amazing. Greg headed straight to the Prime Rib, not at all shocking, and I settled down with my favorite....eggs benedict. It was so fun to just sit with my amazing husband and listen to him and to giggle at his fashion critics. He is a hoot. I also loved not having to consider anyone else's dietary desires. No one to slop food on my clothing (but me) and a drink I did not have to share. Ahhhhh....that was the life. After eating ourselves into a coma, we wandered upstairs, got our things and checked out, to go back to real life. I drove Greg to work, then went and got the kids. But I loved that night. I love every night with him.

TEN!

Ten years ago, I married my best friend. My true love. And the only person I know who can put up with me on a full time basis! It was one of the best days of my life! I remember it pretty clearly. I was not afraid of what the future might hold, in fact I was so excited for our life together to begin. Today, 10 years, 2 kids, 3 homes, 4 cars, a cat and a fish later, I am still excited for our life together. Looking down that isle 10 years ago, I looked at him, the tears in his eyes (he really is a mushy one) and knew I was making the best decision I had ever made. Greg is truly my best friend. He knows when I need him and sometimes when to leave me alone. He can tell me when to reel it in and when it is okay for the crazy me to take over. I have always had his full support, and still do. He supports my crazy habits (HELLO! silent auction chair, again!) and laughs at me when I cry at the songs on the radio. Has given me my best gifts ever...Nathan and Alexandra. I probably don't tell him enough how much I love him, how much I need him and how much he means to me. Without him, I would be incomplete. I told him once he was not my soulmate, and I stand by that. He is so much more than that. He does so much more than compliment me. He helps me to be the person I want to be, and helps me get there. He is so much more than I deserve. And I am forever and always greatful for him. I love ya Babe. Can't even imagine what the next ten will hold for us.

One more for Little P

Little Presley got a trache two weeks ago. According to her mom, all went really well. She came through the surgery well, woke up in a magnificent mood, and even tried to talk, which was something the doctors were not sure she would/could do. I think that she lives to prove them all wrong. I am totally fine with that. Today, May 17th, she is scheduled for another surgery. Which will give her a titanium rib and help to straighten her out. Ha, funny straighten her out, as if she was some wild trouble maker or something. Nothing could be farther from the truth for this sweet, beautiful little one. Needless to say we will be in a little bit of prayerful overdrive here. Prayers for her surgery to go well. Praying for her to come through with flying color. Praying for her parents, that they may have peace, love and a whole lotta hope in their hearts. Go for it Presley, prove them all wrong again!! And Mike and Mindy, we are so with you in spirit! You have one amaing kid-o!

Thoughts on a Boy I will never know

Something awful happened last week here in Utah. It happened to a child I never knew, and needless to say I never will. I do not know his family. Until this happened, I had never heard his name. Ethan Stacy was 4 years old. So young, so innocent. And maybe some would argue a victim of circumstance. I, personally, think there is no excuse for what happened to this little guy. His mother allowed him to be beaten to death by her boyfriend/husband. I am appalled. I am disgusted. I am in a state of sheer disbelief. To allow your child to be harmed in such a manner is NEVER okay. And to say that you allowed your child to go without medical care because you were afraid that you would be hurt. NO FREAKING WAY!!! I find myself so very angry. If you did not want the child, why in the world would you fight for custody? So you could hurt his father. Mission accomplished. But I am further angered that anyone would use a child as a pawn in a game of who can hurt who worse. Ethan was a person, not a pawn is some sick game of "I will show you". I am do deeply religious, I have my faith and my beliefs, and one of them is this..........to hurt a child, especially your own child, gives you a reserved place in the ugliest place in Hell. Your child was a gift. There are plenty of people out there who would have been more than happy to love that little guy as their own....including his father. I hope that one day there is peace for his family. And I hope some how this little dude knows that there are people who love him. People who have never met him love him. And that he his death has not been in vain. Maybe we can learn from the loss of this little boy. That there is always another way, and this is NOT EVER OKAY!!!

Andrew and Copper!!

Today my cute nephews are ONE! Wholly cow that went fast! The boys mom and dad had one heck of a blow out for everyone on Sunday. Proving yet again just how much these 2 little munchkins are loved. And spoiled. Did I mention spoiled? SPOILED!! They got some dandy stuff, including a super cute watertable and bunches of clothes. Happy Birthday to my 2 cuties. I love our M/W/F dates. And am glad I get to be your (favorite) auntie!