Wonderful weekend...

Chris and I had a great weekend. It was about two weeks ago when we happened to have a three day weekend for school to celebrate MLK, Jr. That weekend I decided to go in on Monday to do work for the week instead of my regular Sunday. See, since the beginning of the year I had gone in every Sunday to work on school things, paperwork, lesson planning, cleaning up, etc., to get ready for the next week. It became a stressful thing for me. I dreaded Sunday afternoons and it was beginning to depress me.I would honestly cry a little to him before I left for school on Sunday afternoon. That wasn't good. I felt like I didn't have a full weekend. So, that weekend I decided I wouldn't work anymore on weekends (at least at the school...). So, it's my goal to work really hard during the week, staying late or whatnot to get caught up and leave on Friday ready for Monday. I've now had two full weekends together and it's AMAZING! Chris and I've been able to really enjoy two full days together and it's been the most wonderful thing. Seriously, it's the littlest things that make the biggest difference. I feel less rushed on Sunday and I just have more time for me. It's so nice. This weekend I did work a little Saturday night on the computer to get some paperwork done, but it wasn't a big deal because he's on his computer and I'm on mine.... and I like that. We're in the same room at the same time. I'm always perusing blogs and pinterest for classroom ideas..it's my newest obsession/hobby. Anywho...back to this weekend...... 

We enjoyed the outside weather with the pets. If it's nice outside we tend to leave the patio door open for the animals to come and go as they please. They love it. Zoe is in the picture below showing you her acrobatic skills. All three will go out there and sunbathe together. Saturday we ate lunch and ran some typical errands, including showing Chris some of my new favorite pieces at Vintage Pearl, while also eating some yummy FroYo from Orange Leaf! I fixed delicious chicken alfredo with broccoli for dinner and it was a relaxing evening at home.

Zoe loves to play outside. She really loves to scare me by leaning over the edge. 

We love our fro-yo dates. He also entertained my wish to go visit one of my favorite stores, The Vintage Pearl. 

It was her lucky day to go along with us. She loves to take trips!

Sunday was a nice day for us too. We were up and out of here by about 11:30 and headed to the grocery store. I'm trying to cook more in the kitchen each week and determine our favorite meals to put in the rotations. Chris is guy who loves to eat fast food, which I love that he loves and he spoils me that way too, but I do want to learn how to be a better cook at the same time. So we balance it out. I plan some meals and we plan to eat out each week. I made my list and we were out the door to Wal-Mart before noon, along with everyone else today. I should have known...it was the beginning of the month. We finished and grabbed some Arby's on the way home. Speaking of trying to be a good cook...I was going to make Taco Soup for dinner today (in the crock pot). While at the grocery store I asked Chris if we should get dark or light kidney beans and he said neither. I discovered he didn't like beans. After deliberating I realized he really wouldn't like dinner tonight at all....(we ended up getting him Subway!). I was telling him it's such a balance to figure out things that both of us like, cooking for two (that doesn't leave us with a million leftovers), cooking healthy, and cooking on a budget. It's so hard. Anyhow....I went totally off subject. For the record, I still made the Taco Soup and it was delicious... soup for me for lunch for the week!

After we ate lunch we decided to detail my car inside and out! We switched car spots and pulled mine into the garage and gave it the works. We probably spent two hours on it. He did an amazing job. It's as clean as it was the day I drove it off the parking lot. He did such a good job. We worked together, but he did most of the work. He's so darn handy. I love him to pieces. Took it for a drive through the car wash and it's nice and clean! Then we were off to the dog park with the dogs. They had a great time and enjoyed themselves. Met a few new dog friends and ran around until they could hardly stand up anymore. They love the dog park and it's so good for them. We've been home for a little while now. I've had my bowl of Taco Soup, watched some of the Puppy Bowl, and now I'm about ready to relax for the evening and crawl in bed and get ready for my week!

We had a great weekend!

Did you know he was a car detailer in an earlier life? Just kidding. Although, he could make a good living doing it. He does a mighty fine job of it! 

I think the last time my car was this clean was the day I drove it off the lot! 

The canister was full of junk from my car. Yuck.

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.