Stop & Smell the Roses #1

Mandy at House of Rose is hosting a new weekly vlog link-up starting today! I'm so excited to participate.

What are you thankful for or excited about this week? Go link up with Mandy and share in vlog form! :)

I Wish...

Today Kelly wrote a post called "I wish I was that way..." about things that she wishes she could change about herself. This is something I've been thinking about a whole lot lately, so I thought I'd write my own version. Kelly said that for the most part she's accepted who she is, and is okay with it, but I'm not quite to that point. Most of these are things I would legitimately like to change about myself, and things that I work on.

I wish that I could find my personal style. I feel like I like so many different styles of clothing that I don't have an individual style that just works for me.

I wish I could have long, pretty hair. I can never seem to let it get long enough, and when it is long I always end up chopping it off because it's so thick and heavy!

I wish I could not worry so much about what other people say or think about me.

I wish I kept a better house. I pretty much suck at keeping up with laundry and cleaning. It's not that I don't appreciate a clean house, and I know that when the house is clean and organized I feel so much less stress, but I can never seem to find the time and energy to keep it the way I would like it to be.

I wish I wasn't so materialistic. I know I'm far less materialistic than some, but I still like things too much for my own good.

I wish I was a more intentional mom. These days I feel like we're mostly in survival mode and I don't take a lot of time for purposeful activities with the boys.

I wish I had more friends. Wow. That sounds so desperate and lame, but I'm just being honest. When Nathan and I moved for school we didn't really have time for friends because we both worked full-time and were full-time students. I'm just now to a point where I have time to hang out with other moms or friends, but it's so hard to meet people!

I wish I wasn't so emotional. I cry when I get mad, and it's so embarrassing when it happens, especially at work. :)

So, is there anything you wish you could change about yourself?

Be Kind, Your Words are Powerful

A few weeks ago I was in our hometown and I went to church with Nathan's mom. I typically go to my home church when I'm there, but for time reasons it worked out better for me to go to the early service at their church. Funny how God has a way of putting us right where we need to be, no?

The sermon was about our speech, and just how powerful our words are. Pastor Stan talked about Matthew 15:18 which says, "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart..." Basically, whatever we say reveals who we are inside. Since that day, I've been thinking a lot about the things I say. Most days I'm the only person my kids are around, so I've felt a great responsibility to watch what I say to them.

This week some hateful words were thrown in my direction. I'm not writing to incite more drama or try and get a response, but rather to urge others, especially other bloggers, to consider the power that our words have. When people consider me, I want them to think of me as a kind person with a good heart. I know that is who I am, but sometimes my words reveal my sinful nature.

I know that as bloggers it is so, so easy to fall into a trap of feeling like we know each other, but the truth is, you can never fully know someone else...by the way, I think it's especially easy for those who read blogs but don't write their own to fall into this trap. Anyway, one of my blog posts last week was talking about some boots I'd ordered online. A few people mentioned to me that it was weird that I was spending money on a pair of boots when I've talked about how uncertain our financial future is. When I blogged about the boots, I never dreamed that people would make these judgement calls about me. I didn't mention that we got a good amount of money back from our taxes (that's what happens when you pay extra in all year, have a baby and "own" your own business like I do with thirty-one) and that after giving 10% tithe we put the vast majority in savings to prepare for the future, but that I was buying a new pair of boots because my sole is literally falling off of the ones I've worn almost every day the last two winters. I didn't mention that Nathan and I didn't buy each other Christmas or Valentine's gifts, but that since we had a little extra money to catch up on things, I ordered the boots and some new make-up. I'm not saying this because I feel like I have to justify anything to anyone, I don't. I'm simply pointing out that there is more to every blogger's story than you can possibly know.

I could go on and on, but if you want to know more of my thoughts on the subject, Erin wrote this amazing post a few months ago, and I think of it often. I think in blogging and in life, we HAVE to give people the benefit of the doubt. You're not going to like every person you come across or like everything they do, but you can never know what they've been through or what has made them into the person they are today. If it were you, wouldn't you want someone to give you the benefit of the doubt? Wouldn't you hope that someone would think the best of you and your intentions, instead of assuming the worst? Also, just because you can say something, does that mean you should? What good can come of it?

Source: weheartit.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: youandi365.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: homegrownhospitality.typepad.com via Carly on Pinterest

Fun Friday Facts

Awhile back Lindsey tagged me in the 11 random things survey. I love reading things like this about other people so I am excited to participate! 

Here are the rules:
1. Post these rules
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
5. Go to their blog and tell them you've tagged them
6. You legitimately have to tag 11 people

11 Random Things About Me:
1. My name is a combination of my parents' middle names. My dad is Nolan Cody and my mom is Sherry Lynn, so I'm Kodi Lynn.
2. I have two tattoos, and I want several more.
3. I hate surprises when I know about them ahead of time, but truly being surprised is one of my favorite things ever. So, don't ever say "I have a surprise for you...next week." but feel free to say "I have a surprise for you, right now!" :)
4. I can tie a tie better than Nathan.
5. I'm not a big beer or alcohol drinker, but if I do drink anything I think that amaretto sours are so delicious.
6. The first time I flew on a plane I had to fly alone. I was already married and flew down to visit Nathan in Biloxi, MS.
7. I love romance movies...even the cheesiest chick flicks, but I truly appreciate good movies too.
8. Nathan and I went on our first date to see the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I HATE horror films, but I knew he liked them so I suggested we go see it. He didn't know I hated them.
9. On a related note, Nate & I went to see The Strangers when I was pregnant with Manning and I literally had a panic attack and had to leave the theatre. No more horror movies for moi.
10. I like to listen to gangsta rap. I like a lot of music, but I guess that's probably the most unexpected.
11. There is no food better than a state fair corn dog.

The questions Lindsey asked:
1. What is your all-time favorite book? I can't choose one, but I'd say the Harry Potter series. 
2. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? There are so, so many places I want to see, but right now I'd choose Hawaii with Nate. 
3. What is your go-to place to shop for yourself? Definitely Target.
4. What is your must-have makeup item? Well, my most needed item is definitely concealer, and I'm on a quest to find the perfect one. I *think* I might have found it. Stay tuned. :)
5. What is your favorite meal? I LOVE when Nathan makes stuffed pork chops. :)
6. Do you take showers in the morning or at night? I take them at night. I let my hair air dry and then I flat iron it. My hair is high maintenance (thick, coarse and wavy) so I figure by letting it air dry I save it some damage by not drying AND flat ironing. 
7. If you HAD to go without air conditioning, the internet, taking a shower or your car which would you pick? I would probably choose taking a shower if I could still take a bath, but if that's not allowed I'd say without my car. 
8. What is your dream job? My dream job is still a mystery. I just want a job where I can help people and be happy to go to work everyday...I want to make a difference. 
9. How long did you and the hubs date before getting married? Nathan and I started dating in October of 2003 and married July of 2005, BUT we were only physically on the same continent for about seven months. ha!
10. What is your favorite place to vacation? I LOVE Disney World, but right now I also really appreciate the relaxation of a beach and no schedule. That's what I want for us to do this summer. Hopefully we can afford to go somewhere!
11. What is the best dessert ever? I think I'd probably say fondue...or chocolate covered strawberries...kind of the same thing. :)


I tag: You! Anyone that wants to participate! Please let me know if you do! :)

My 11 questions:
1. What was your first job?
2. What is your favorite childhood memory?
3. What is your favorite candy bar?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. If you changed your first name, what would you change it to?
6. What is your favorite vegetable to eat and how do you like it prepared?
7. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
8. Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
9. What celebrities have you met?
10. What was your favorite thing about high school?
11. What's your favorite season?

Pinspired--- Deacon's First Birthday Party

Deacon's party ended up being cheap, simple and cute. With Nathan only being home for three days, I really was able to reign in the crazy and focus on only having fun and celebrating our sweet boy. It wasn't the fanciest or most original party, but my sweet family enjoyed it. :) 

Happy 1st Birthday Deacon Andrew

Today my baby turns one year old. I absolutely cannot believe it. This has been the most chaotic, fast, happy, sad, terrible, wonderful year of our lives. Of course, Deacon only brought the positives. Judging by the fact that Manning was less than six months old when I got pregnant with Deacon, I'm sure you've all come to the conclusion that Deacon's conception wasn't planned. I've joked all year that while Deacon wasn't a part of Nathan & Kodi's plans, he was definitely part of God's plans. Only recently have I realized how true that is. This has been absolutely, hands down, the hardest year of my life. Nathan and I have gone through so, so much, and I firmly believe that God knew I would need that sweet little chunk of love to get through my days. Manning is wonderful, but he's just at a hard age, and some days parenting him isn't very fun right now. I love my kids equally, but if I'm being honest, many, many days, it's Deacon's sweet, laid-back personality that gets me through.

So, Deacon, when you read this some day, I hope you'll know how very, very much your daddy and I love you, and how you are the sweetest, most perfect baby we never planned on. Thank you for being our baby.

February 22, 2011

Big, Fat Check!

Something really exciting came in the mail yesterday. My first BFC (big, fat check) from ebates.

I wrote all about how I save money shopping online a few months ago, but this was definitely the most exciting savings I've had so far, because I got this $41.20 back on things I WAS BUYING ANYWAY.

In case you're not familiar, this is how ebates works-

Today I decided that I wanted to order a pair of riding boots to replace mine that I've worn all winter for two years and have a busted sole. I knew I wanted to order the Jessica Simpson Vanitiya boots.

A quick Google search showed me the cheapest places where I could find these boots currently.

Then, I logged into my ebates.com account and checked to see if Piperlime, 6pm or Endless had the best % of return. Right now, Endless.com has a 7.5%. While logged onto ebates, I clicked on "shop now" under Endless.com. 

Ebates then creates a ticket and I proceeded with my purchase like normal through Endless. Shortly after, I received an email from ebates confirming my purchase and that the $ would be credited to my account within 48 hours. 

 Oh, and another way you earn free $ from ebates is when friends sign up under your referral. FREE MONEY PEOPLE! :) So, if you're not already using ebates and want to sign up now, please click any of the ebates links in this post and get signed up!

Made to Crave

Something I've struggled with for a few years now is my diet. I'm a firm believer in eating healthily and taking care of your body, and I really believe that matters more than the number on the scale or the number on the tag of my jeans. I think America has become obsessed with body image and has placed it on a pedestal. Women care more about their physical beauty than their inner beauty. Marketers have capitalized on this fact. It's a proven statistic that women who feel worse about their body image spend more money on beauty products, diet products and new clothes.

Did you know:

• One in every four college aged women use unhealthy methods to control their weight including self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse and excessive exercise.
• 35% of girls ages 6-12 have been on at least one diet in their lifetime. 
• 50-70% of girls in the normal weight range view themselves as overweight.
• 90% of women are dissatisfied with their appearance.

These statistics break my heart...and they re-affirm what I already know. We live in a broken world, and I am to live above those standards of beauty. I am to see my body as fearfully and wonderfully made, the way that God created me to see it.

Recently I stumbled on a new book called Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa is a blogger turned author, and this book is written for women like me and maybe you. Women who are seeking to "satisfy your deepest desire with God, not food." 

For Lent, my focus is going to be studying this book and implementing the changes in my life. It is going to be physical as well as emotional. So Wednesday, on the first day of Lent, I'm inviting you to join me. I'm going to post a reading plan below, and I'm going to set up a private group on facebook where we can discuss the book. Please feel free to join me there. If you'd like to be added to the group, you can leave a comment on this post or email me at kodibevelle @ gmail . com. I'll also be posting blogs on the dates listed summarizing what I've learned about myself on this journey and you can link up as well! 

I know that I didn't give you a lot of time to get the book, but I'm going to start the reading load out light so you can catch up even if it takes a few days for the book to come in the mail. Also, you can download the book to nook or kindle! The kindle app for iPhone is free if you'd like to read it on your iPhone. I really hope you'll join me! 

Introduction & Chapter 1- March 3rd

Chapter 2- Chapter 5- March 10th

Chapter 6- Chapter 9- March 17th

Chapter 10- Chapter 12- March 24th

Chapter 13- Chapter 16- March 31st

Chapter 17- Chapter 19- April 7th

Try to keep up, but if for some reason this schedule needs to be amended please let me know! I'm looking forward to the journey. 

Cloth Diapering for a Lazy Mama

When I was pregnant with Manning I thought about cloth diapering, but Nathan discouraged it. He didn't think I'd have the time for it with working and we'd been told that NO daycare allows it. Recently, after talking to a few of my favorite mama advice givers, I decided to give it a go.

I only wish I hadn't waited so freaking long. I was so intimidated that I just now worked up the courage to try, and to be honest, I only wanted to try for money reasons. In January I calculated that we spent a little over $200 on diapers. FOR ONE MONTH. I figured even if I only did it minimally, it would save us some money. So, in bullet form, here are my cloth diapering thoughts.

• Type- We're using pocket diapers. Mainly BumGenius, with a few FuzziBunz as well. I prefer the fit of the BG on my boys because they're slightly longer, but both work great. I have some snap and some hook & loop (velcro). I prefer the velcro because I think I can adjust them for the best fit, but I've been told the snaps last longer. These diapers look like disposable diapers, but have a pocket for the insert to go in. There are tons of insert options, but so far I've only used the microfiber inserts that come with the diapers, and I've had no problems. I also like that these diapers work from newborn to 35+ lbs, so when I have another baby I can re-use them from start to finish.

• Cost- My initial investment was about $225. I got about 8 used diapers from a friend for a really great price, a few other used diapers for decent prices, and BG happened to be selling some discontinued prints at Buy 2 Get 1 Free, so I compiled the rest of my stock like that. Even if you bought all brand new diapers, your initial investment would be around $480 for 24 diapers. So, if you were like me and spending $200 a month on diapers, you'd pay for them in less than three months. Now, I have two in diapers, so maybe you're spending less, but what I've found online says the average child in name brand diapers costs $25/week to diaper. So, you'll still have your entire stash "paid off" in less than six months.
• Supply- I have 23 diapers. When I started I thought I'd only CD Deacon because Manning is so close to potty-training, but then I heard that sometimes cloth diapering can encourage potty-training sooner, so I've been doing both. Now that Manning is older he only uses about six diapers a day, so our stash lasts about a day and a half on both boys, or two days if I only CD Deacon. If you're going to CD for more than a year, I'd suggest a full supply of 24 per child, BUT you can work up to that.
• Daycare- If your child is in daycare, don't automatically dismiss the idea of cloth diapers. From what I hear, more and more daycares are allowing CD, and even if they don't have a policy, you could talk to them about it. With my pocket diapers the ONLY extra step is dumping solid waste into a toilet. I can't see why any daycare would refuse to do that to save you some money. I think it's easy for them to say no, but if you explained that it's truly no extra work, they might reconsider. 
• Laundry- This was the most intimidating reason I didn't start sooner. All moms know it's hard enough to keep up with laundry without adding in extra, but I definitely feel like the ease of laundering cloth is good. I thought I'd have to have special detergent etc, but from my experience, and the experience of a few good friends, the regular free & clear detergent I already use is fine. I just use about 1/3 as much as I would for a normal load. I wash the diapers and inserts on hot and rinse on cold. I dry mine in the dryer with no dryer sheet and I have had no problem with absorption. If absorption is a problem, I'm told hanging to dry helps. 

I'm sure there's a lot more I could say, but I want to stop because part of the reason I think so many people are scared to cloth diaper is that they get overwhelmed. I'm just trying to share my opinion and keep things as simple as possible. If you have any questions, please e-mail me anytime at kodibevelle @ gmail . com. 

Pinspired--- The Birthday Edition

Happy Pinspired Thursday! This weekend is Deacon's first birthday party. I'm not sure how that's possible since he was just born a few weeks ago, but everyone told me February 22nd is next week, so here we go. It's going to be a very simple party with just a few sweet desserts for our family and friends. It was mostly inspired by this pin. We're having a red, black, white & grey "little man" party. 

Source: swankypress.com via Kodi on Pinterest

This is what one side of D's invite looked like:

And this is the front:

I love the way they turned out, and they were such a great deal. They were designed by sweet Sarah at Life {Sweet} Life. Go see her for any stationery needs you have! I can't wait to share the rest of the party deets with you next week!

What were you Pinspired by this week? Link up! :) Don't forget to link back to my blog by using the html code for my button on the top right corner of my homepage. 

Get to Know Kodi of a brighter yellow

Today I'm linking up with Neely at A Complete Waste of Makeup for her Getting to Know You linkup!

Hi, I'm Kodi! I blog at a brighter yellow about anything and everything. Some of my posts are deeper than others. Sometimes I blog about random things, and a lot of times I blog about my two cute sons, Manning and Deacon, and I can't forget to mention my partner in crime life, Nathan!

Sometimes I even vlog...but not TOO often. :)





Oh, and every Thursday I host a link-up called Pinspired. Pinspired is a link-up to show off what Pinterest-inspired projects you've completed. I know a lot of people love pinning, but lack the follow through, so I started Pinspired to encourage the follow-through! :) Here's one of my favorite Pinspired posts by myself, and one of my favorites by a linker-upper.

busy, busy, busy

I make these goals to do things like Project 366 and blog every weekday, and then I fail miserably. I've got some good excuses though! I remember when I was a working mom thinking stay-at-home moms must be so bored and have nothing to do. Ha. I was dumb naive. Here are a few of the things I'm staying busy with these days.

• I've been working on Deacon's birthday party. I cannot believe my sweet boy will be one on the 22nd. His party is next Saturday, and Nathan comes home on Thursday for the weekend, so I want to get as much done as possible. So far this has mostly involved some failed rice krispie treats and some pathetic looking cake pops. Why didn't I just buy this stuff?
• I've also been super busy with thirty-one parties! I have had four parties in two weeks, which is an awesome thing for me in more than one way, but I've been a little overwhelmed with it. Partially because the parties have all been out of town! :) I'm going to LOVE my paycheck on the 25th. Worth it. :)
• Manning went on a bit of a nap strike last week and only napped one out of four days. The next day we were at my parents' house and I thought he was napping only to discover he'd removed his pajamas, diaper and made quite a mess with the diaper's contents. These are the things no one warns you about before you have kids. 
• We're getting family pictures taken while Nathan is home. I had an outfit planned in my head, but when I went to buy the pink jeggings at Old Navy they were the least flattering pants I've ever put on. I really want the modern/funky/ NOT matchy-matchy family pics that I see all over blog land. Here's hoping we can pull it off. No matter what I have three cute boys to show off. :)
• I can't stop watching One Tree Hill. I watched off and on in High School and college, but somehow fell off the wagon. I'm LOVING it so much. I just seem to love shows that involve high school/college/sports (Friday Night Lights, One Tree Hill, Felicity etc.)
• I got to go see The Vow this weekend after having dinner with some girlfriends. It was the refreshing break this mama needed!
• I've also been submitting resumes like a crazy person. I really wish that the perfect job would just fall into my lap, but that doesn't seem to happen for me, so I've been busy sending e-mails and cover letters and blaaaahhhhh. There are so many great opportunities out there. I just need someone to give me a chance. 

So, what has you crazy busy these days? 

Pinspired--- The Vow Edition

Tomorrow night I'm going to see The Vow. This is what I have to say about it.

Source: Uploaded by user via Jenn on Pinterest

;)

Link up what you're Pinspired by this week!

Our Love Story

Becky over at From Mrs. to Mama is hosting a link-up for everyone to share their love story. One of the questions I got recently is about how Nathan & I met, so I thought I'd join in the fun. Also, my young 25 year old self has been with my man for a long freaking time, so I have lots to share. :)

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

Nathan & I started dating in October of 2003. 

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

Nathan was a Senior in High School when I was a Sophomore. I remember seeing him walking down the hall holding hands with one of my friends he was dating, and thinking he was SO hot. I'd known this girl forever, but we weren't close friends any more, so I didn't know if they were serious or what, but from then on I had a crush on him. I'm pretty sure he didn't know I was alive. We also worked together at Hy-Vee (the grocery store) and I found myself getting butterflies when I would see him at work, but we never really talked. One day we had our lunch break at the same time and we were the only two in the break room, so I tried to strike up conversation, but he acted like a jerk and didn't say much. 

Fast forward to my Junior year and Nathan was away at college, or so I thought, but I found out that one of my really good friends was sort of dating him. I say sort of because really he was coming to town every weekend to hang out with her, but she wasn't interested in him at all. So, I told her that I was and I was going to tell him that she wasn't interested and I was. She was relieved (I think) because she couldn't figure out how to let Nathan know she wasn't interested without hurting his feelings. So, I did it...over MSN messenger. Ha! Mature, I know. I just told him that she didn't like him, and that I did if he ever wanted to go out. I don't remember how long it took for everything to transpire, but we talked for awhile without him ever asking me out. I had finally decided he wasn't going to ask me out, and I was a Senior so I was just going to forget about boys and have fun. (Forget about boys sounds so silly now seeing as I NEVER HAD A BOYFRIEND, but whatever.) As soon as I decided I was not going to date anyone my Senior year, Nathan finally asked me out, but I told him no. I thought we were too different to date, but Nathan kept asking. I think it was the third or fourth time he asked me out I decided I'd give him a chance. We went on our first date to dinner and a movie, and we both knew that it was something special. We have a mutual close friend, and we both talked to her individually without the other one knowing after our first date and said we were going to get married. 

That first date was in October of 2003, and only a few weeks later we found out that Nathan would be deploying at the end of December. BAM. Things were serious. We spent almost every minute together that we possibly could before Nathan left in December. Nathan came home for leave in May 2004 for my High School graduation, and then again in November 2004 for Thanksgiving, and we got engaged. He was home from deployment in March 2005, and we were married in July 2005. 

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell} 

We were married on July 9, 2005, so that puts us at about 6 1/2 years of wedded bliss. 

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?  If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married at our home church in our hometown. It was a big wedding by attendance standards, because we both have big families, but it was pretty simple. We had a traditional wedding at the church, and it was followed by a cake and punch reception in the church fellowship hall. No dinner and drinking reception, because I was only 19! :) 

(picture of a picture- sorry!)

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

We call each other the typical babe, sweetie, honey, but I also like to call him fatty...it's sarcasm obviously because he's a bean pole. 

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

He is such a man of integrity and honor. He loves the Lord and his family with all of his heart, and has made the sacrifices to prove that. He's also hilarious. 

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

Because of him being deployed, we'd already discussed the fact that we would be getting engaged when he came home on leave, because we had a wedding to plan! :) The entire time he was home I kept wondering how and when he was going to propose, and of course he kept me waiting. There was a big element of surprise because I didn't pick out my engagement ring at all. I just told him I wanted it to be white gold. While he was gone he sent me some "idea" pictures of rings he was looking at, and they were horrible, and just not me at all, so I was having some panic. Anyway, he later told me he had been so worried about how to surprise me. We were babysitting our best friends' little boy one day, and when Carson laid down for a nap, I fell asleep on the couch. I woke up to a knock on the door. I didn't even have time to realize Nathan was gone. I opened the door and he was down on one knee. It was perfect, and my ring was PERFECT. Simple and classy. 

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

He normally gives me a card with really sweet words handwritten in it, and honestly that's better than the other junk. He knows I'd rather receive flowers any other day of the year, and he's pretty good about doing that for me. For Valentine's day I'd rather just get a gift of something I want...like a new shirt or something. He knows me well and normally lives up to the pressure. :)

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

Sunset dinner on the beach sounds amazing, but since the closest beach to us involves a muddy river, we actually spend a lot more time hanging out on the couch watching movies, football or TV shows. I also like to school him at Phase 10. 

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

I hope we have the opportunity to travel more in the future...there are a lot of places I want to go with Nathan. Europe, Hawaii, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter... :) We're big nerds.

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

Since Nate is gone I'll probably try to do something fun & Valentine-ish with the boys. I'm hoping when Nathan is home a few days later we might get to sneak off for a date. 

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

Nathan actually already sent the boys and I a package with cards and candy, but I did send him a little "wish list" on e-mail of affordable items I'd like to have from the Pleated Poppy and Allora Handmade, but right now we don't have a lot of slush fund, so I'm happy with just the fact that he'll be home a few days after V-day. 

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

I think the most important thing Nathan & I have learned is that our relationship comes before other relationships in our lives, but second to our relationships with God. Especially as parents of young children it's SO easy to put your marriage on the back burner, but that's a huge mistake. Also, we believe by building a strong marriage, we are doing a service to our children. Growing up in a happy home with married parents is the best gift we can give our children. 

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.