Valentine Weekend!

I am not usually the biggest fan of Valentine's day. Alex and I usually just go to dinner and watch a movie (pretty much like every other weekend :). But, this year I decided to make it more fun! First I stole an idea from The Dating Divas blog for the week before Valentine's Day. Each morning Alex got something he loved along with a note from me. It was really fun and he loved it. Then, on Saturday I told him I needed to run to the store. I left his Valentine card and inside it had a map and some directions. I got a hotel room and decorated it and got Olive Garden take-out so we could have a romantic candlelit dinner. It was a lot of fun and Alex was really surprised! Thanks to Kellsi for watching Jackson to make it all possible!
Monday, while Kellsi and Alex were gone I took Jackson on a date to Gnomeo and Juliet. It is the cutest movie (with all Elton John music, which I LOVE!). Jackson loved going to the movie and was so good. That night I made chicken cordon bleu with steamed broccoli, heart shaped bread sticks, raspberry lemonade, and yummy cupcakes! It was all pretty delicious!
After dinner I put Jackson and Kellsi's valentines on the porch and knocked on the door (side note: when I ran back inside I knocked Jackson over with the garage door as he was running to the front door. Poor kid, but it was pretty funny :). Jackson opened the door and was so excited there was a present! He got lots of fun treats, some socks, some cars, and a little stuffed owl. He is still amazed that "knock on door and get lots presents!" I also got a nice surprise from Alex-a gift card to the spa for a pedicure!

Alex's Surprise dinner!

some of our favorite things-snickers, movies, chocolate dipped strawberries, and massage oil :)

Jackson and mom on our date-not the best picture of either of us!

Helping mom make cupcakes

Our family Valentine Dinner

Yummy Cupcakes!

Jackson with his Valentine!

While I don't need a holiday to remind me how much I love my boys, it was nice to have a good excuse to do something extra special! It was fun and I think I will continue the tradition next year!

January!

I can't believe I haven't updated for so long! January is normally a long, boring month. But, this year we were pretty busy doing fun things! The beginning of the month I started potty training Jackson. He did so well! It took less than a month and it is so nice not to change diapers anymore (I actually have a box of size 5 diapers so if anyone is in need, let me know!).
The middle of the month Jackson and I joined my mom, sisters, Aunt Bobbie, Erin, Kellie and my Grandma for a weekend in St. George. My mom and Erin ran a half marathon and the rest of us played! It was gorgeous weather the entire time and we just had so much fun being together.
A few days after we got back we got a big storm. So, Jackson and I went out and shoveled the driveway (the only time I have done it all season!) and built a snowman. Jackson was pretty bummed when our snowman melted a few days later.
On my Friday night off Alex, Jackson, Kellsi and I went to Boondocks. It was a blast! We bowled a game then played in the arcade. I was terrible bowling and even Jackson beat me! Jackson loved the arcade games and keeps telling me he wants to go to the place with the "fishy game." It was definitely a fun night out!
Also, in January a group of us from work went out to lunch. I am really fortunate to work with the best people ever! I seriously love everyone I work with!



Jacks and Kellsi at Pizza Factory in St. George



Jackson and the snowman-I just used stuff I found in my garage. Don't you love the wizard hat :)

Dad helping Jackson bowl

Riding the carousel at Boondocks

One morning I dressed Jackson like this so I could go running (with him in the jogging stroller). He refused to change his clothes all day! He even took a nap in those boots. What a nut!

I am lucky I got to have lots of fun to make it through my least favorite month!