RARE DATE NIGHT

Richard and I had a rare date night!

My appetizer of scallops in blackberry reduction was to die for. Richard snapped this as I was enjoying this savory mouthful.

SOLD!

Our house was listed last Sunday at 12:00 noon on Zillow. Monday and Tuesday there were 10 showings. We got 8 offers, 5 being above list.  After much discussion, we chose which one to accept on Tuesday evening around 9:30 p.m. We accepted an offer that was $3000 over list price. We close on June 1 and we leave Albuquerque to drive to New Hampshire on June 2! God is good all the time!

11 THINGS I'VE LEARNED IN 11 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

1. Marry your best friend and you’ll never go wrong.

2. Say, “I love you,” a lot.

3. Pick up after yourself. Your spouse is not your maid.

4. Because of my children, I have become more patient....it's a work in progress.

5. It’s important to be able to laugh at yourself.

6. It’s important to have boundaries with extended family.

7. I can trust him with any truth.

8. Marriage is 100/100.

9. Timing is everything.

10. Honor each other’s strengths. That’s why opposites attract.

11. The best thing you can do for your children is love their father.

15 WAYS HUBBY AND I ARE DIFFERENT

I saw this idea on both The Pioneer Woman and My Five Men, so I thought I would give it a try too.

1. I am an A-personality and he is very laid back.
2. I drink coffee and he drinks soda.
3. I enjoy getting up and getting moving and he enjoys sleeping in.
4. He likes red meat and I like chicken.
5. I eat as little as possible and he can pack it away like a squirrel.
6. He likes everything symmetrical and I like having things at angles.
7. He loves football and I only like the commercials during Super Bowl.
8. He falls asleep quickly and I lie awake contemplating the dust in the corners.
9. I remember everything and he remembers everything about football, Star Wars and cars.
10. I am always early and he has to work at being on time.
11. He sleeps in flannel pajamas in the summer and I have on just enough to cover the naughty bits.
12. I grew up Catholic and he grew up Jewish.
13. I read novels and he reads magazines.
14. He loves music on while he works and I like quiet.
15. I can do 20 things at once and he focuses on one task at a time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

THE MAN I RESPECT

My husband, Richard, is THE most respectable man I know! Here are the many ways why I love him. He is:

* patient
* kind
* gentle
* always seeks peace
* loves to laugh
* faithful
* VERY seldom loses his cool
* an amazing father
* spends time with his son
* shows Sam what it is to be a good husband
* encouraging
* hardworking
* funny
* goes above and beyond
* helpful
* soft heart for animals
* sees the good in people (beyond their gruffness)
* very forgiving
* puts up with my moods
* loves his family
* loves my family
* tender hearted
* wants the best for us
* humble
* supportive
* understanding
* thoughtful decision maker
* careful driver
* stable
* calm
* calming
* non combative
* very protective
* analytical
* softy
* playful
* uplifting
* generous
* forgiving
* helpful
* loving

Sorry ladies. He's all mine!

HAPPY MARRIAGE

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS

161. Laughter

162. A growing spirit.

163. My husband taking my son to school in the mornings.

164. My husband walking the dog.

165. My son saying, "Have a good day, Mama. I love you."

166. Trials that have made me grow stronger.

167. This school year not being as bad as last school year.

168. Cooler weather.

169. Being able to save money.

170. Personal gifts.

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

Sam says, "Mama, is it 'shoot' I can't say or is it 's@#$' I can't say."

I DO!

Nine years ago today, I married my best friend, Richard. I didn't get my wedding photos on a cd so here is my album. I had to take these pictures at an angle because my camera kept causing a flash to show over the pictures.

 We were married outside in the courtyard of an old convent.

 The kiss.

 Combining traditions.

 The top photo is Richard's family, the middle is the wedding party and the bottom photo is my family.

 The cake was gorgeous! Each layer was a different flavor.

 Cutting the cake.

Richard's siblings, thanking everyone and the best man embarrassing Richard. I love that picture.

The happy couple.

Dancing with Daddy, then with Richard and Richard dancing with his mom.

 We had a great party.

 I love the look on Richard's face.

The old wagon.

 I love this one of Richard and his folks.

 Richard's family.

 My gorgeous husband.

The bride.

 The bride and her parents.

 My family.

I love this one of Daddy and I.

So much fun.

TOYS FOR BIG BOYS!

Recently I posted about a large box of LEGOS that I bought at a yard sale.

As you can see my husband was very excited!

He stayed up until midnight sorting through the box and building this...and...

....this!

I am so glad I bought that box of LEGOS!

GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!

This past week we took Sam to the top of the Sandia Mountains, where you can see all of Albuquerque. We did not take him on the tram ride, but drove around and came up the back side of the mountain. I love the tram ride, but at 3 years of age, I didn't want to scare him. We'll try that ride in a couple of years.

The wind was blowing like crazy, but it was 71 degrees, 20 degrees cooler then Albuquerque.

Then we walked in the woods some. He loved it.

We didn't come prepared with the right shoes, so it was a short walk.

Sam said next time he wants to bring lunch and walk around more.

These stairs looked scary and I was too chicken to try it in sandals. Maybe, next time.

We asked a tourist to take a family shot...too bad my eyes were closed....ha ha!

Sam hamming it up for the camera.

I loved our walk. It reminded me of New Hampshire.

This path is just down from the top of the ridge and although the wind was blowing really hard, but we didn't feel it much, but it sounded like rushing water.

We want to go back in a couple of weeks and make a day of it.

We'll pack a lunch and really take out time to explore more.

Sam had a blast!

You can see all of Albuquerque from the top!