Surprise!

So my husband just gets more wonderful each day. With only a few blatant hints, he thought he should try to do something extra nice this week. So all week, I heard him randomly, out of nowhere, say "Surprise!", like that word was supposed to be the most romantic thing ever. It got to be just a huge joke between us. . . But then the real surprise came . . . Friday night he actually came home right at 5pm. As I was getting dinner ready, I heard a knock at the door. Who could it be? Ashley--our babysitter! Eric had secretly arranged for a babysitter to come so we could go out on a date! I don't think I've ever been more excited or happier to see Ashley. It gets better. He actually had a date planned! We went to Texas Roadhouse and ate some yummy food. I just LOVE the rolls there! Then we walked around the mall and got to talk to each other! Does it get better than that? Thank you, Eric! I really loved the surprise date!

Eric's Twin

Just for laughs, I have this picture hanging on our fridge. It's something I ripped out of a magazine years ago because I thought it was so random and entertaining. I was standing next to the fridge holding Kacin in my arms, when he asks, completely serious mind you, "What is daddy riding? Why is he riding mommy's bike?"

Does it look anything like Eric?! The last time I checked, Eric didn't exactly have facial hair quite like that . . . though I think he wishes he could grow it like that . . .

YW

I was recently called to work with the Young Women at church (with the Mia-Maids). I am so excited for this experience! I think after 5 years in the primary, I was just ready for a change. I have such great memories of being in Young Women's so I am extremely happy about being there again, but of course this time as a "leader". I have to say that I don't feel much like a leader--we have some strong, awesome girls in the ward and I think I've already learned more from them than they have from me! We had a stake fireside for the youth last week where they introduced the new YW/YM theme for the year-- "Be Thou An Example of the Believers" (1 Timothy 4:12). Today I was watching the videos from the new youth website of the A Brand New Year youth celebration. It is so powerful to know that youth from all over the world will be focusing on this theme together. It is so inspired and I know that it is exactly what we need to focus on. I'm so grateful for the young women's program! And that I get to regularly have some type of adult, female conversation again. :)

Lucky Leak

It's raining here . . . and we found a leak in our roof. However, I can't think of a better place for a leak--right over the sink! Aren't we lucky?

Ode to Eric

I think it's a well known fact that Eric is the smartest, most attractive man ever, but here's a few more reasons why E is absolutely amazing. First of all, he is a basketball star. As I am writing this, he is off playing in his 5th game in a week and a half. Not to mention, he's been the ref in 2 other games. Between playing with some friends in a city league thing (I'm so basketball tech-y) and church ball he has been non-stop and committed. We even watched him score a few points on Saturday. . . Man, can he jump or what? Go, Eric!

Here's another reason why Eric is everyone's hero (well, at least he's mine because it was my money and car he saved). Well, my car (Fondly known as The Green Beast) died on Mon. while I was on the way to the library. I was pulling up to a stop sign a few blocks and away and the engine just died. Eric left work early (what sacrifice!) and helped me get the car home (He really would be a super hero if he had succeeded in pushing it home the whole way, but he only got a few yards before using his smarts and getting the tow rope out. Don't worry, I don't think any less of him for it). So then Eric came up with this fantastic plan. And so maybe I was a bit doubtful about it (I like to call it cautious). But I will proudly declare that The Green Beast was brought back to life at 11:00pm on Wednesday! Single-handedly, Eric, (with some advice from his pretty cool father-in-law), discovered the cause of death and revived The Green Beast by replacing the fuel pump. I was impressed when he woke me up at 11:30pm to tell me it worked. I was especially impressed when I found out he saved us over $300!

Just a few of the reasons why Eric is so wonderful!

A Different Kacin

I thought Kacin was a pretty unique name. And then we met 2 different Kacin's this week . . .

Rhonda let Kacin and Kyler each choose a stuffed animal this week. Kacin was ready to choose a Dora doll, but then he saw this puppy (OK, it's actually a polar bear, but Kacin denies it and calls it his puppy. Who am I to argue?) We asked him what it's name was. He said, "A different Kacin". So now Kacin the dog/polar bear comes with us everywhere. Kacin is adamant about not leaving him home alone. So this week he's spent many days sitting in my car instead.

Right now, my favorite place ever is Thanksgiving Point. It's too cold for the gardens, so we headed to the dinosaur museum on Saturday. It so happened that Pattie and her kids were there too! So fun! Anyways, we looked around and then headed down to the big sand table. Kacin was happily playing next to a little boy when he heard someone behind him say "Pull up your sleeves, Kacin". He quickly turned around to her, held up his arms to show the short-sleeved shirt, and yelled "Look! They already are!". Our confused little boy turned back around to play. How could this lady know his name and not know the difference between short- and long-sleeved shirts?! Oh wait, she was talking to her own little boy, also named Kacin, splashing water and sand all over his long-sleeved shirt. I wish we had a picture of our Kacin's face. It was classic . . .

Too Scared to Spit

I volunteered to be part of an endometriosis study. They are looking for a gene that contributes to endo. I don't have to do much--answer a few questions, allow them to see some medical records, and . . . SPIT. They needed a DNA sample so they sent a container to spit into,which at first seems pretty little. No problem, right? WRONG. Spit is the most disgusting thing ever. I'd almost rather give blood (I said almost). I put it off for a week because I was so nervous about doing it. I never knew I had such a problem with it until I faced that stupid container that I had to fill up. Even with Eric's encouragement (laughter) the whole time, it took me forever. However, for the good of all endo sufferers everywhere, I endured the nastiness of it. I can proudly say that my spittle is now on it's way to be researched.