Posts Tagged ‘Dating my husband’
7 Years of Crazy Wonderful
Posted on: July 31, 2012
- In: Life
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Yesterday Jonathan and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary. The day itself was like any other Monday – work, errands, mothering and cleaning. But our sweet friends, Adriane and Sam, babysat the kids so that Jonathan and I could go out for the night.
We had dinner at Uchi, an award winning Japanese and sushi restaurant. After making the reservations a couple of weeks ago, I had talked to several friends who had been to Uchi before. Each person said that it was phenomenal, so my expectations were set pretty high. The way that you order is one item {or tasting} at a time. We started off with hama chili – baby yellowtail in a chili sauce with oranges. When the dish arrived, I figured it would taste like any other sushi/raw fish I’ve had before. Oh.My.Stars. I could not get over how incredible it was. We ordered a few more dishes, and they just kept getting better and better. There was not one item that we didn’t think was “the best yet”.
We spent 2 hours at Uchi, laughing, talking and being thoroughly entertained with ourselves. I told Jonathan that I couldn’t get over how, after 7 years of marriage, I enjoy being with him more now than I did before {which seemed like a lot}. Every trial we have faced, every hardship we have endured, has brought us closer together, has made our marriage stronger. Every sweet memory, every good moment, has given us more joy because we share it with each other. Marriage, it’s an amazing thing.
The last 7 years have been crazy wonderful, and I can’t wait to see what more is to come.
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Jonathan and I went on our first real “grown up” date Tuesday night. By “grown up” I mean, our sitters {lifelong friend Melinda and her husband Preston} were in control over evening activities and bedtime. Aside from our anniversary trip, we’ve never had someone else put the girls down for bed {read: we’ve never had anyone put super-clinging-Mama’s-girl Hannah to bed}. They did splendid and woke up talking about how much fun they had {Thanks Mel and Preston!}.
Now on to the real adventure. For our date, Jonathan took me to Alamo Drafthouse – a super fun restaurant/theatre.
You have a waiter that serves you food/drinks before and during the show. You write down what you want on a slip of paper and they pick it up as they come by. Despite living in Austin before, I had never been to the Alamo Drafthouse and was super excited. In fact, I was so excited, I wore this:
{Finally, after a year, I post a picture of me in “the dress”.}
We watched The King’s Speech, which was really quite good. But what made the date so much fun {besides just being with Jon} was all the excitement leading up to it. In fact, I blushed just a little when Jon emailed me this: “I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to be with you…. ALONE!!!!! OMG!!!!! I feel like a teenager!!!!!” Shameless flirting may, or may not, have taken place through the course of the day via email and text. š
When we came home, we received great reports on the girls {Hannah cried for a bit right in the beginning but then calmed straight down} that it was the cherry on top of a fabulous night.
Here’s to more “grown up” dates!
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Valentine Surprises
Posted on: February 15, 2011
- In: Life
- 10 Comments
Usually Jonathan and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, since neither of us are big fan on the holiday. However, this year we decided to “celebrate”. I say celebrate loosely, because we didn’t go out last night, we didn’t even really acknowledge the day beyond a nice family dinner. But, there were some unexpected surprises that happened:
1. Flowers – Can I brag a minute? Jonathan does a wonderful job of bringing me flowers on a regular basis. However, typically speaking, he doesn’t bring me flowers on days that you’d expect – such as Valentine’s. So it was a complete surprise when he walked in with these:
2. Cupcakes – There is a fun little cupcake shop here in Austin – Hey Cupcake! Yesterday I splurged on their Luvcake for dessert. I’m fairly certain is fulfilled my caloric intake for a week, but it was worth every bite.
3. Balloons – In addition to my flowers, Jonathan brought home pink and white balloons for the girls. They loved them.
4. Dinner – I experimented with a rice and chicken dish for Valentine’s Day. We were all impressed with how great it tasted. Looks like we found a new favorite recipe {score!}.
5. Date – While we didn’t go out last night, we are going out tonight. Which means….
6. Dressing up – I get to wear this:
7. Clean house – Let’s face it, once kids are involved Valentine’s Day changes {along with everything else}. To have a clean house made my Valentine’s.
8. Spurs Game – Our family are big Spurs fans. They played the Nets last night and won. Needless to say, my husband was quite excited. Happy Valentine’s Jonathan!
9. Valentine’s Hater Ā No More – As I mentioned, I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day. But as the girls are getting older, I’m starting to enjoy it. Aside from the balloons and cupcakes, the girls didn’t really celebrate – but I’m kind of looking forward to next year {and the years after} when we can really do something fun with them.
10. My Valentine – Jonathan is an amazing husband and father. He makes my life brighter, filled with laughter and joy. I can’t express just how grateful I am to be his wife {Love you babe!}.
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
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The other day, Jonathan said “You really tricked me about who you are while we were dating.”
Those words might seem to sting, but they didn’t. Because it’s true. Well, at least what he was referring to: My love/hate relationship with Chinese food.
While we were dating, we loved eating at Asian restaurants. One we found while visiting friends in Boston, Pho Pasteur, was amazing.
Madam Mam's Spring Rolls*
WeĀ ate there two, maybe three times on a week long trip. When Jonathan would visit me in college, we ate at some favorite haunts:Ā Madame Mam’s andĀ Thai Noodle House. Yum, yum, yum! And since Asian food is one of Jonathan’s favorite, he was thrilled that his girlfriendĀ loved it.
And then we got married.
While we lived in Iowa, we didn’t find one Asian restaurant that we both enjoyed. Not because they weren’t good, but because I am incredibly picky. I am no fan of Panda Express buffet style Asian food. Yet it seemed that was our only real option in Iowa. So whenever Jonathan would ask “Do you want Chinese food?”, I’d sigh and say “No.”
And Jonathan felt duped. All this time I claimed to like Chinese food, when in fact, I didn’t. Or so he thought.
So this weekend when Jonathan said “You tricked me” I had to clarify:
I didn’t trick him. I still love Asian foods, I just don’t like Asian food chain restaurants. There is a big difference. Upon learning this tidbit of knowledge {although I’m fairly certain this wasn’t the first time I told him my pickiness}, he was elated. As in I-don’t-care-if-we-just-ate-let’s-drive-to-Madam-Mam’s-now-and-eat-again elated.
Needless to say, this week’s date will include Asian food.
And we’re both pretty excited.
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Six years ago today, Jonathan proposed. And it was beautiful, wonderful and worthy of little girl daydreams.
Our proposal site
As my college graduation celebration, Jonathan and I took a 5 week trip to Europe. On December 26th, we spent the day visiting the Louvre. When we left I was famished. So when Jonathan drug me down to the river, I was less than happy. He kept trying to look around, but I started getting pretty short with him. Finally he consented, told me to warm up at a local book shop while he found a place for us to eat. After dinner at a doner shop, walking through the Parisian culture of crepe stands, wine vendors and flowers shops, we headed back to the river. We got to Pont Neuf, meaning “New Bridge”, which divides the center of Paris. We walked down to the park area under the bridge and Jonathan asked me to sit down at the tip of park, to get the best view of the city. And this is where my true light shined. I complained about bird poop being all over the ground and refused to sit. Then, like some scene from a movie, Jonathan pulled out a bag full of rose petals and sprinkled them everywhere covering the ground. With a smile, he asked me if I’d sit now. Studded {because who carries around a bag of rose petals?!} I sat down. We took in the beautiful, city night lights, and talked about our lives, our love and what the future might look like. The entire time I kept thinking “Is he going to propose?! Don’t get your hopes up Sarah.” Then, abruptly, Jonathan says we should leave to find some place warm. As we stood up, Jonathan asked me what I wanted more than anything else in the world. And, like all good women, I said “Chocolate”. Ok, that was a weird answer. I was so nervous, because I wanted to say “You to propose!”, but didn’t want to look like a fool if he didn’t {because I was still convinced it wasn’t happening}. He laughed, got down on one knee and said “Sarah, will you marry me?”.
And you know the rest.
What’s amazing, is that Jonathan isn’t what you would classify as “romantic”. But let me tell you, when he does it, he knocks it out of the park!
The beauty of morning
Posted on: August 18, 2010
- In: Life
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Thanks to my loving husband {who picked up on my not-so-subtle hint}, I get to see these when I first wake up every morning:
The best part? I didn’t get them for our anniversary. I got them just because. Just because means a whole lot more. They make my mornings just a little brighter and sunnier.
I love you, Jonathan. You are the best.
- In: Life
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In the last weekĀ Jonathan’s grandma moved in with us, our whole family got sick, and I freaked Jonathan out by suggesting we use re-usable toilet paper. And during all that time, I learned some real life lessons.
1. Flowers from my husband “just because” makes my heart flutter.
2. Mamas don’t get sick days. Ever.
3. I have a wonderful community of friends. I already knew that, but felt it even more this week.
4. I still can’t sew a straight line. But I’m learning.
5. Hannah is not pleasant teethers.
6. Cola icee + no naps + Sam’s club = absolute craziness.
7. Cocoa roasted almonds are delicious.
8. Dyson makes the best vacuum in the world.
9. Mattresses on the floor will provide hours of entertainment for toddlers.
10. There are 130 days till Christmas. Oh yeah, I so just went there.
VisitĀ Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Anniversary Extravaganza 2010!
Posted on: August 9, 2010
- In: Life
- 11 Comments
Jon and I went to Minneapolis this weekend to celebrate our five year anniversary {July 30}. We had a wonderful time {made even more relaxing knowing our girls were well taken care of – Thanks Abdos!}. I have a confession: We didn’t take as many pictures as I {pr maybe even you} might have expected. From the moment we arrived in Minneapolis, all responsibility, even photo taking, went out the window.
We started the weekend off by driving this:
2010 Chevy Camaro – Awesomeness
We stayed on the 16th floor of the Marquette in downtown. We love tall buildings and lots of crowds, so we were delighted with our view:
Minneapolis reminded us a lot of Austin. Which in of itself made us love the city. One of the coolest things we came across was public bicycles. Minneapolis has this bike rental program called Nice Ride. The idea is to rent bike for a day, month or even a year, then when you are done riding, return it. There were return kiosks all over downtown, so finding and returning the bikes were quite easy. I loved it. Although, there were times {say 5 o’clock traffic} that I was less than confident riding on the streets. But, Minneapolis is incredibly bike friendly, so after the first few minutes I realized most drivers were use to having cyclists riding along side them {not something I can say is as true here} and I stopped worry so much and went with the flow.
Our three main goals of the trip were 1) sleep in, 2) eat at a really nice restaurant, 3) plan nothing. That last one was easy. Aside from our couple’s massage on Saturday {which was as nice as it sounds} we made no plans. And while I doubted I’d be able to sleep in, I actually did. I woke up at 6:30 on Saturday, went back to bed and then got up for the day at 7:30. However, Sunday morning I slept till 8:30. I couldn’t recall sleeping that late since Julia was born. Talk about a nice way to start off your Sunday!
As for eating at a nice restaurant, we had dinner Saturday night at 112 Eatery. The atmosphere was a little louder and less romantic than I had originally wanted, but rather than sitting across for one another, Jon and I sat side by side, which actually made it more romantic. And the food? It was worth every penny. We had scallops with mushrooms, a pasta with lamb sauce and this amazing green bean and feta side dish. Oy! It was so good, I dreamed about it that night!
Here we are all dressed up for our night out:
We got home on Sunday night around 8. The Abdos weren’t home from church yet, so we were able to unpack our bags before getting the girls. I’ll admit – I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be “ready” to start being mama again. Even as we pulled into town, I kept thinking “I don’t want to go back to reality just yet”. But when we saw the Windhamettes for the first time, I was thrilled. Hannah caught us through the window and just stared in puzzlement. Once she figured out what was going on, she just started laughing. It was really sweet and made me glad to be home.
And now, as our week has started and life moves on, I can look back at a wonderful time spent alone with Jonathan and rejoice in God’s blessing in our marriage.
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Five years ago today, Jonathan and I committed our lives to one another. It has been an amazing whirlwind adventure. In five years we have lived in three different homes {not included the ones we lived with “in transition”}, we have had two dogs and most importantly, two beautiful daughters. Jonathan, I love you. You make me laugh, you make me smile. I am truly blessed to be your wife.
July has been one crazy month. We started off with a visit from my brother and his family. After that, Jonathan has pretty much worked 50-70 hours a week preparing for the launch on West Music’s website. He and his teammates did an excellent job and I commend him for all his hard work and effort. He has earned himself a much needed break.
For the last week, we’ve had some friends staying with us as they move into a new home {which is actually behind our house – sort of}. They are some dear friends, and while it’s stressful at times to have four kids and two moms in a tiny kitchen, it’s been a lot of fun. Our girls could get use to having playmates instantly at hand. Julia especially. From the moment she wakes up she’s asking “Go play with my friends? My friends not sleep. Go play with them.” Good thing they like her, otherwise I think she’d wear them out! Hannah has been really taking off with her walking – literally. I have to watch her with hawk eyes or she’ll be halfway down the block before I know what’s happen. Keeps me on my toes!
As for me, I’m glad the month is drawing to an end. With Jon’s crazy schedule, it means I’ve had a crazy schedule. But God has been really gracious, especially being able to end the month with our anniversary and less than one week till our anniversary trip. I can’t wait. Makes me kinda giddy just thinking about it.
Top Ten Anniversary gifts
Posted on: July 27, 2010
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
This Friday is my five year anniversary {woot woot} and I thought as a very obvious subtle hint to my husband, I’d suggest what I think make great gifts:
1. A getaway weekend – Perhaps this is already a given since we are going away next weekend, but in my little crazy-busy-mom-of-two-toddlers-under-two world, planning a weekend alone with my husband has made me as excited as planning for my wedding.
2. Sunflowers – Thanks to Southern Living and Midwest Living, I have been day dreaming about big, beautiful sunflowers all month long. I’ve never gotten any and think they’d be the perfect rose substitute.
3. Pearl necklace – I really don’t have a reason for this other than, what girl does want a new necklace?
4. Ukulele – I’ve always had a hidden desire to be a musician and since Jonathan is a guitar playing guy, I thought it would be nice to have a ukulele along side.
5. Massage – Really, do I need a reason?
6. Pedicure – See above note.
7. Dinner at a French restaurant – I figure, if we can’t go to Paris, Paris can come to us. Or at least the food can.
8. Build me a mother’s room – I once read about having a mother’s corner. The thought of having my own personal area sounds wonderful. However, the only room in the house that is large enough for that is the laundry room {which I find rather ironic}.
9. Piano lessons – Because whether you want to admit it or not, Christmas is coming and I still need to learn 3 carols.
10. A leg lamp – This might be the hardest one to ever convince Jon of. But with living room windows overlooking the neighborhood – that just begs for a major award.
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