Happy Birthday Love

Chris turned 34 this month. I knew I wanted to celebrate and make his day wonderful. My goal was for him to feel loved all day long. I worked on his cards the night before. He had one big card with his present, which were new gloves with the metallic in the fingers to use with his iPhone in the wintertime.

 Then I made little cards for him to open throughout the day at different times. I sent them with him to work and he was supposed to open them and read them at certain times. It was fun to think about him during the day with his little cards.

Chris wanted a jello cake. I've never made one, but it turned out alright. It's pretty simple, but I accidentally didn't decrease the amount of liquid since he wanted more than one flavor. It was nice and moist, but he loved it! It's just a cake, poked with holes, and then filled with jello. Cooled. Top with Cool Whip as the frosting. Delicious!

I would say that overall we had a great celebration and Chris felt very loved on his birthday! 

Christmas 2012

I love Christmas. I love the holidays and spending time with friends and family. It was fun for Chris and I to start new traditions. We built a gingerbread house together. He wasn't so sure about it, but he loved it and really enjoyed using his design interests and building abilities to help us make the most beautiful gingerbread house ever! 

Gingerbread Fun 2012

Four Christmases. We had to pack everything up and get organized for the next three days of fun. We spent part of the time in Bartlesville with Chris' parents. We spent time with his Dad and Glenda, while staying at the Price Tower, but we also made time to see his mom, Glenda, to do our little Christmas with her. It was a whirlwind few days, which we also had B'Elanna with us too. Wally isn't behaved enough to travel with us and stay in a hotel, so we left him with the kennel (whom he loves).

Packing up for the trip. B'Elanna is peeking at you here!

Standing outside of the Price Tower in Bartlesville

Inside, warm and cozy!

I haven't told you yet, but Chris is a Star Trek fan. He's modeling his new oven mitt!

After Bartlesville we headed back home to switch presents, drop off bags and the dog, and headed to my dad's for Christmas morning. We ate a nice breakfast, opened presents, and then relaxed a little before we went to my mom's for the afternoon and evening. It was a wonderful day and we were exhausted when we got home.

Thanksgiving 2012

One of the things I love about Chris are the sweet little hearts he makes me out of straw wrappers. Aren't they the cutest? 

So, Chris and I were officially a couple pretty soon after we started dating. Chris' parents are divorced like mine, which means holidays are going to be a challenge to see everyone and be everywhere. However, for Thanksgiving Chris always goes to see his dad, who happens to live in Washington, D.C. It was in September when he planned on taking me with him to Washington, D.C. for Thanksgiving. It was so exciting and I was looking forward to meeting his Dad and Teresa. We went to D.C. for four days and had a wonderful time. We were able to see some sights, eat at a restaurant that overlooked the White House, tour Arlington, eat wonderful food, drink great wine, and have good conversations with his family. It was a nice and small Thanksgiving for us. I can't wait to go back. 

The Beginning of Us

So, we had the movie date night on March 17th, but we spent all day Sunday together too. Ran some errands. Ate some FroYo. You know, all the normal stuff. I was giddy with excitement and it was hard to hide that from my friends.

March 2012
First picture together

Needless to say, Chris and I fell for each other and we haven't been apart since. 

It's funny that Chris and I met in March. The spring is a big time for my family because four family members have birthdays in March, April, and May. We also had Easter too. He was such a good sport and he went with me everywhere. 

April 2012
Easter Weekend

Easter weekend was fun for us. We went to my brother's house to play with the niece and nephew. We also dyed eggs with my mom there too. It was cold and rainy outside so we hid eggs inside the house and Chris was a great sport about it.

The Spring was a good time for us. It was a time of change in my life as I finished up teaching at one school and landed a new job at my current school. Springtime was busy at school with testing, end of year fun things, Special Olympics, etc. We still saw each other every day and knew we were meant to be together. I was the luckiest (I still am...) girl in the world.

It all began with a bowl of soup...

I can remember March 17, 2012 like it was yesterday. I was 33 and single. That was the story of my life, at least until March 17, 2012. I like to think of this day as the beginning of the best for me.

It was St. Patrick's Day. I woke up early with a little pep in my step. See, it was the week prior that set this up as the best day ever. Being a single gal, I tried meeting guys in a variety of ways. It seemed like I just had bad luck. I was always able to tell stories to my fellow teachers of my adventures in online dating. This time was different though. We talked the weeks before and played that new-at-the-time game, Draw Something, with each other as a getting to know you tactic. Friday night, March 16th, he asked me if I'd like to meet for lunch at Panera the next day. Immediately I became more nervous, which always happened, but I agreed to meet at a Panera close by. We didn't set a time, but rather we'd text in the morning and see what was best for both of us. I had a hair appointment that morning so I was up and ready. It seemed like decades had passed until I got his text that he was ready to meet.

I got in my car and headed that way, so nervous all the way. I pulled up and parked next to this cute boy in a  black Honda Pilot, with an adorable dog in the front seat. He waved at me. I waved at him. We both got out of the car and I think he hugged me. He introduced me to B'Elanna, the beautiful border collie, that went with him everywhere. We went inside.

This is where it all began. We both had broccoli cheese soup. I don't remember if it was Pick Two or just soup in a bread bowl. I know I should remember all of these details but I was too excited about meeting him. I immediately felt at ease and comfortable with him. We talked for hours. It was the middle of the afternoon so we had lots of time, except I had to babysit later that night. We used our time wisely and got to know each other a little more. He was so cute and I couldn't stop smiling. We came to a point where it was almost time for me to leave, but he asked me if I wanted to see his apartment. I had never done that before, but I felt the biggest sense of peace with him, so I went with it. We got back into our cars and I followed him to his apartment. It wasn't too far from the place, and it would be quick too. 

We got there and went in and up the stairs. I totally felt comfortable with him and it felt good. He gave me the grand tour. Can you believe it was spotless? Cleaned very well. It was nicely furnished and well taken care of. I was impressed. I told him I had to go to babysit and he understood. He asked me if I'd like to come over and watch a movie after babysitting. Of course, I said yes. We walked down the stairs and he led me outside. He gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek and I was out the door. 

I hadn't even gone two miles when my phone beeped at me. "I like you." 

Needless to say, I went back for a movie night and the rest was history. It all began with soup for Chris and Emily.