Dear Todd,



This is one of my absolute favorite pictures of us when we were dating, taken my Katherine Thom at the Valentines Dance.

 To my favorite person:
Today we celebrate 10 years of marriage, that seems like such a large number, and yet I know it will dwarf the time we will spend together in this life and in the next.  I remember 10 years ago so clearly- the anticipation, the excitement, my saying the "I do" part too quickly.  Oops! I remember walking into the temple and seeing you waiting there for me.  Magical.  I remember my Mom telling me to try not to smile so big- it was a little *too big* for the pictures.  I remember spending our first time together alone as a Mr. and Mrs. was at a Schlotzsky's as we waited for the Dallas traffic to clear so we could make it to our reception on time...and making it only about 30 minutes before it started.  I remember dancing with you.  It was a perfect day, really.  Now, 10 years later- here we are.  We have moved 6 times- and are preparing for another move soon.

We have 3 precious daughters who love their Daddy dearly.  We've had our ups and downs- but our friendship has pulled us through it all.  Originally, we planned to spend our 10th in New York City, something we had wanted to do for a while, but we decided to be more practical and pay down our credit instead.  It was the best decision for us especially with all we know now.  And so for our anniversary, instead of being lavish- like we wanted- we went practical and we've bought a vaccum.  Not an everyday vacuum, a Roomba 560, and I'm excited about that more than I can say.  How sad is that? However, since that is NOT super exciting, we decided- for fun- to spend an imaginary $10,000 on each other...so Todd, here is my 10k of gifts, delivered with love and a kiss.  I love you, babe.  Here's to many, many more.

One of our favorite Halloween costumes, people thought we were for real- we got some REALLY good laughs from this night.  Good memories.

$10,000 to spend, here we go!The first chunk of the imaginary budget was spent on creating your new office.  You like that "old world" look, so I tried to keep that in mind.  Here's what you got:

Pottery Barn has this beautiful desk for sale at $1099.  I like the little cubbies.  We wouldn't put sea life in there, but I have some other ideas.

I got you this black swivel chair, also in black, from Pottery Barn.  Don't worry, I bought you the pad to sit on too, I'm not stingy! The chair is $399, the cushion is $19.

You get two of these beauties for people to sit and talk to you in your office...they don't get cushions, though...I'm on a budget afterall.  And speaking of a budget, these are $239 each.

I showed you this last week, its a very cool decor item for an old world office with a map-theme, don't ya think? Cost: $69, Pottery Barn

This map wall decal is the coolest, I think it would add a nice vintage touch and certainly add to your overall feel. Cost $129, once again at the Pottery Barn

Isn't this cool?  Its a nice thick frame of cork board.  However, its pricey at $199 from Pottery Barn, so I'm thinking I can make it and save some money.  With a 40% off coupon and my handy work, I am estimating this could be around $35.  Cheating?  Maybe!

Aren't these beautiful?  I thought we could make them look very masculine and perfect for your room with whatever we put in them, Pottery barn's price was too high, though, I think I can find them with a little digging, so I'm giving myself $25 to acheive this look.  I think we could use some things from home too.

This little desk from Pier one is a steal at only $12.95- and look, it has a map-y image.

These. Are. COOL. And they are so up your alley- they are little boxes that look like books. Cost $12-14, Pier One- I budgeted for 3. :)

This is a hanging globe.  Cool, right?  I actually picked one out that was bluer than this one originally, but this is an Ebay item, and things change daily.  Cost $140

I wanted an original antique for your office, so I found these boyscout antique binoculars and case on etsy.com for $29.  Fitting, right?

I thought it would be nice to have some sort of sleeping sofa too- that way guests could sleep there if we are hosting a crowd.  This one is cool- of course we'd get one of the neutral tones- I'm not into the bright blue.  I like the legs on this one.  Cost: $839.16 from http://www.thefutonshop.com/

Switching gears...

Here are some other things I thought you would enjoy in our new home.

Since we will have a porch and I have fond memories of sitting on my grandmother's porch, I wanted to get us a porch swing.  I think in my mind it represents what I hope for us- a lifetime of happy memories spend side-by-side.  It makes me smile because I like the idea of growing old with you.  Remember, I always used to say (when we were just friends) that you'd make a cute old guy.  I can see those polester pants and loafers now. :) See above picture for reference.

Cost: $139.99 from http://www.patiolivingplus.com/

For your 30th I bought you a nice grill, and 3 years later its in bad shape, but I'm willing to give it another try.  After all, I love a good grilled hot dog.

Cost: $199, Lowe's

Just to satisfy for your techy side, I got you an iPad2- in black with a grey leather case.  I'd have it engraved with "TB- For 10 years of bliss.  I love you, Your Bride LB". I also threw in an AV adapter, a camera connection kit, a 2 dock, and the apple protection plan. I'm not even sure what all of that is, but its for you- so I just went with it.

Cost: $844 (from the Apple store, of course)

For your musical side, I thought you should have your own guitar, and this one is BEAUTIFUL! Check out that Fender!

Cost: $299+ Strap for $7.99

Now its time to PACK YOUR BAGS!

And since our 10-year old luggage is starting to wear-out, how about packing these bags?

These are Traveler's Choice Toronto 3-piece Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage Set. And they are on sale at Overstock.com for only $139.99. I'm trying to make this money STRETCH.

You'll need warm pajamas, and these are hilarious.  Of course, I'll have to order two- one for each of us, because matching pajamas would be a new adventure. Please note the name of these Ellen jammies, and YES they are 1-piece.  Awesome sauce.
*The Ellen DeGeneres Show White 'LAUGH.DANCE.SNUGGLE.' Adult One-Piece Pajama

Cost: $80 (for both)

You'll also need good walking shoes- and we love a good cause, so I'm getting you some TOMS. "With every shoe purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need."
Cost: $79

But why would you need luggage, warm pjs, and walking shoes?!?! Curtisy of Orbitz.com I "booked" us to fly Contetintal to New York City on June 23rd and stay through the 26th. 

We will be staying at the Kitano Hotel while we are there.  Ooh La la!

Who knew? Can you even read the above statement?
Cost: Orbitz flight + hotel package: $2,224 Wahoooooooooooooo!!!!!!!

While we are in New York, we will go see some Broadway shows- because, hello- why not? On Friday night we'll go see the new Spiderman, we have Orchestra seats.
Cost $374

But why stop there?
We are in New York City, right?  Let's also go see the new The Addam's Family Musical on Saturday.  Again, we'll be in the orchestra!
Cost: $356.32

In our spare time, we'll sight-see on the double-decker buses for 2-days seeing all of the NYC sights: downtown, uptown, Brooklyn, and the night tour.
Cost $280

Of course, we'll have to eat- so here's my plan.
PS I have no idea if these restaurants are remotely close to anything or each other or wherever "we'll be" but they were all recommended OR they just so happen to have an on-line menu. :)

We'll have dinner on Thursday night at The Lever House...of course, I saw something that said it was closed, but for the sake of eating- let's pretend some more! We'll order the Aged cote de Boeuf for Two, have the Chocolate-mint Ice Box Cake for dessert, and have incredible service- of course, and I'll tip at 20%.
Cost: $188.39 (tax and tip included)

Friday morning we'll have breakfast at Prune. You'll order the Fresh Ricotta with raspberries, figs, toasted pine nuts, and honey.  I'll have the Monte Crisco.  Maybe we'll order water, I forgot about the drinks.
Cost: $36.38

Friday afternoon we'll be sight-seeing, so I thought we might look for a fun street vendor, NYC is known for them- so why not?  I'm going to have to make a guess on this one.
Budgeted: $20

Friday evening, before the show, we will dine at Tavern on the Green. Unfortunately, I couldn't find an on-line menu and something I read said it was closed...so use your imagination here too.
Budgeted: $175.00

Saturday we'll sleep in a little. We'll pick up a pastry and some juice somewhere.
Budget: $12.15

Lunch will be at Junior's.  You'll have the BLT and I'll have the Deli Delight with the soup of the day.
Cost: $37.00

Dinner before the show will be at Liberty View.  You'll have the Peking Duck and I'll have Crispy Fish.
Cost: $81.70

Sunday, we'll do brunch! And because we love him, we'll go to Mesa Grill, Bobby Flay's restaurant.  For drinks we'll have Texas Grapefruit juice (howdy!) and Carrot/Mango juice.  We'll order the crispy Bacon + Hashbrown Quesadilla and the Chilled Carmelized Grapefruit for our appetizers. For our main, I'll have the Eggs + Aged Sirloin Tortilla and you'll have the Cornmeal Crusted Chile Relleno. Yum. Maybe we will meet Bobby?
Cost: $75.98

Whew!  We're done eating!  That took some planning!
I thought we'd do some shopping too...so OF COURSE Bloomingdales! You'll want to look smart for all of those Broadway shows and fine dining!

We'll buy you this sleek sports coat and handsome pants to match.  You'll have to bring your own shirt and tie, I'm on a budget here.
Cost: $690

We'll also make a stop at Tiffany's and get you these awesome cufflinks: link here.

Cost: $350

And there you have it! $10,000 spent all on YOU!

Hope you know that the most important part of our celebrating is the blessing of spending our lives together.  I'm one lucky girl.  Thanks for putting up with my 'tudes all these years. Thanks for loving my faults and still looking at me with love in your eyes each day.  You are my best friend.  My rock.  My lover boy, haha. Thanks for making today possible, and best of all- thanks for asking me to marry you. 

We'll make it to New York someday, but for today Schlotsky's

and a PTA event will have to do...

Happy Anniversary, Todd!

I love you!!!

P.S. The vaccum arrives on Friday- wahoo!

Stay tuned!

Tomorrow Todd and I will post what we "got each other" with our imaginary $10,000 for our 10th anniversay.  Be excited!  We are! :)
Rules: spend every dime & no bills!

one of our engagement pictures taken in the Spring of 2001- man we look young!

Mother dearest

This Sunday I have been asked to speak...since I am the "Mother of the Ward". I'll be making a comment about that at the very beginning. Anyways, I've been reflecting on what I should say and what stories to share.  I'm grateful for my blog that can help jog my memory when I can't remember a single story that might apply.  Anyhow, since it is Mother's Day on Sunday, I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures of Motherhood!

Baby Ava- 1 day old

Ava's first Easter

Baby Sydnee

Todd & Lindsey with Sydnee- 1 day old

Baby Lucy

Sydnee, Ava, & Nanna with Baby Lucy

baby Lucy

Lucy with Momma

Ava holding baby Sydnee

Nanna, Ava, Sydnee, & Uncle Jacob

This says it all...Ava, Sydnee, & Mommt trying to get a pretty picture

Bluebonnet pictures, 2007

Sydnee as a flower girl for Aunt Stephanie

Kisses on Valentines Day

Always playing dress-up here!

Ava with Lucy

My sweet girls

Family vacation to Galveston with friends

Chubby Lucy with Mommy

Ava's collection for RMH for her birthday

Sydnee & Ava going to RMH

Our family- so blessed!

I'll be the first to admit it- its been too long.

Ok so April is almost over and we're coming into May and I haven't done a single post on the ol' family blog.  Sorry about that folks.  We have A LOT going on and sometimes we just don't find the time...and when I say "we" I mean ME since Todd hasn't posted on this OR his blog since...well I'm not even sure. So I'll give you a brief update. (Hint! Hint! Todd!)

We're building a house.  We think.  We're still at the beginning stages, so it could fall through at any moment, but I'm trying to remain positive- can you tell? So look forward to annoying pictures of foundation, random wood nailed together and all things build-y.  We've decided on a floor plan, as of today, and I'm excited...I think. :)  I'll get to have a mud room with lockers, a good sized laundry room, and Todd will get an office.  There are more perks, but there's a few.

We are building a house because we are victims of some sort of clerical error with a large bank and they wrongfully foreclosed on our house...without telling us, and without means to foreclose.  Even after they foreclosed, they took out payments for 14 months.  Its a mess and we're working out the mess with some legal help and a lot of prayer.  That is the VERY short version.  It has mind stomach in knots most of the time, but I'm trying to be optimistic even though its all very troubling.

Since we are moving, we will be moving to a new school district.  This brings excitement and sadness.  I have really loved working with the PTA Moms & I LOVE all of the K teachers at Spring Valley Elementary, so I'm full of mixed emotions.  Beginning next year we will have 2 in school...oh my!  Doesn't that sound fun? :)

I also have a little bloggin gig that has taken up a lot of my blogging time.  I work for another SU! demonstrator who is much higher up than I am and I posting fun projects throughout the week: http://thestamplady.typepad.com/

Todd continues to work hard as Bishop of our ward.  Its a daunting task and I can see it wears him down at times.  He's a good man, though, and a hard worker- so hopefully people will continue to respect him and show kindness.  After all, as one of my friends says, "He's really just an extra special volunteer".  And as a side note, I have the best position in the whole congregation- Children's Music Leader.  It rocks and I love rockin' it out with the children each week.

Within a few weeks I'll have a 1st grader and a kindergartner- where does time go?  And let's not forget Lucy who is climbing all over things like she's a big kid.  We are trying to spend more time together- they grow up too fast.  Last weekend we went camping with friends.  It was fun.  I love making memories with my sweet girls & their awesome Daddy.  It helps to take our minds off the crazy things going on with our life.

Happy birthday Ava

OK you have waited very patiently and I have been slow to respond, but here you are!  Finally- pictures from the party.  Enjoy!

Some of the little treat "bags"- I found these cups at the store, added the crown, filled a cell-o bag and VOILA! So fun.

I also covered the water-bottles with paper and Tinkerbell stickers- a little hard to photograph, but very cute!

Some of our decorations- I found these on http://www.amazon.com/ they were awesome.  You can see the banner sitting on the couch there, I hung that up next...yet have no picture of them.

We had a little "red carpet" for our guests...which was several red plastic table cloths I got 1/2 off the day after Valentines Day.  We added some sparkly confetti and garland of course.  Like our model here?  She loves those boots.

Ready for the guests to arrive. See the dragon?  Fun touch.

This was part of the games we did outside- dizzy the dragon (on the trampoline). See- we had some great costumes arrive!

The party in full color!

All of our little guests had their picture taken in this little "set".  As you can see Ava is enjoying her birthday.

Happy birthday Ava!  It sure was a fun night!  I didn't manage to get a single picture of me- so just pretend that you see a really LOVELY fairy princess floating around the party. :)