Valentine's Day

Ben and I had a really fun Valentine's.  The Saturday before, we went to a really yummy restaurant that only uses local produce/ingredients (Muffaletta).  We had fun reminiscing about past Valentine's together...

like our first one in 2008 when he said "I love you" and I said, "um...me too...?"  :)

Unfortunately, the ice skating rink we wanted to go to this year was closed, but Ben put me on a scavenger hunt to his Valentine gift...I love how creative he is!

On actual Valentine's Day, I made a special dinner and dessert, which I always look forward to doing!

These days, Ben remains busy with school, church responsibilities, and basketball twice a week.  

This has been his lightest semester in grad school though, which has been nice!

This winter has been really mild compared to last year...I can even run the garbage out to the dumpster without putting on my gloves, hat, scarf, and boots!

Lately, I've been reading book-club books, trying new recipes, trying to make it to the gym, and am currently picking the house apart and taking a big load to Goodwill...it feels good but I'm kind of in denial that we're moving in a few months!

Cheerio Soup with Love

I've recently hired on a sous-chef for some help in my kitchen.
His strengths:  emptying cupboards and cookbook shelves faster than anything I've ever seen,

taste-testing,
"helping" stir,
jabbering and making pleasant company,
and,
 last but not least,
making cheerio soup.

Concentrating hard.

Tasting before adding more seasoning.

Stirring, stirring, stirring.

Sometimes hands are the best tools.

And there ya have it, folks.  Cheerio Soup.

When he's not slaving away in the kitchen,
he can be found intently watching snow plows and maintenance vehicles.

Or having the time of his life in the bathtub.

Or jabbering expressively.

Or laughing with Daddy.

Or "accidentally" taking a step or two before getting down and crawling.
(Unless he's using his push-toy, in which case he races across the room!)

Or making monkey sounds ("Ah ah ah!").
Or car sounds ("Oooph, ooooph.").

Or insistently feeding himself...but I have to say, he's surprisingly good at using his fork and spoon!

(He always crosses his legs...high chair, carseat, etc.)

And most of the time,
you'll find him smiling...
and making his mama smile!

Columbus, Ohio

So proud of my brother, Jakob!

He has been called to serve a mission in Columbus, Ohio, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

leaving May 16!

It's nothing short of a miracle that, 6 months ago, he couldn't even walk by himself,

but now he's healed and ready to serve.

Here he is, cuddling for the last time with Abram when we visited in January.

Don't worry, Jake, I'll show pictures to Abram while you're gone so he doesn't forget you!  :)