He said what?

[Setting] All of us around the dinner table with chicken parmesan pizza on our plates.

Samuel takes his first bite and says...."Mmmmmm good. Pound that!"

Really??? My two year old is complimenting my culinary skills with a fist pound.....

Here is the link to the recipe if you would like to make some "poundable" pizza!

Chicken Parmesan Pizza

2011 goals

I try NOT to make resolutions for myself and my family but instead try and set some goals for the upcoming year. Last year, my dear friend Ivey and I created goals that would help us to grow spiritually. It was great being able to share the goals with a friend who could encourage me and hold me accountable. This year, I have set some broad and some specific goals for myself and our family. I am not going crazy with the goals because I know in April when baby number 2 comes.... it will be an accomplishment to take a shower! Over the next few weeks I wanted to share some of my goals with you (in no particular order).

Spend intentional time with husband.

Once a week (we have designated the night and time) we spend at least one hour of time together. This one hour has to be spent intentionally growing closer together. We are going to take turns planning out the date night. This month is my turn... so last week we ate fondue and talked without being interrupted by a sweet 2 year old.

Last night we drank Chick-fil-a milkshakes out of wine glasses and went over our 2011 budget. How lame is it that we planned out our budget on a date night? But we really had to work at being patient with each other as we realized we think completely different when it comes to planning out and managing the money.

Once a month we will get a babysitter and go out. We think it will work better to just put Samuel to bed and have someone come over after bedtime and grab dessert or coffee out. I am excited to plan our first outing next week... anyone want to babysit =)

All this to say, we are not perfect. Our marriage is flawed because we are 2 sinners.... but we love God and each other and want to continue to deepen our relationship. This is one way we are going to try to spend intentional time together. However it works for you... seek out your husband this week and get to know him better!

What can I say about this kid?

Samuel,

- you are 100% boy. If you can jump off something, you will climb it. It if can be thrown, you will chuck it. If it is gross, you will eat it. You love to hit, squeeze, run, jump, dance, spin, spit, kick and flip. And I love you for it.

- you are also 100% sensitive. We joke that you are a "gentle giant". Your feelings get hurt very easily and you are affected more by verbal correction than anything else.

- you love to give hugs and kisses. For being all boy, you sure are sweet. You will give kisses to anyone and most of the time it is without being prompted.

- you love to eat. You never shy away from a meal. You are a great eater and have always impressed us by your willingness to try new things. But I know the way to your heart, chocolate milk and cinnamon rolls!

- you are so smart. I know every parent says this and rightly so.... they should be proud of their children. You amaze us with the things you say. It is so true that kids are sponges because even when I am not sure you are listening, you are soaking everything in. You are really good with names and putting people together. Even if you have only met someone once, you can remember their name.

- you love to play with animal figures and little people. All day long you pretend with your figures and have conversations with them. I love that you are so creative and already have a great imagination.

- you are still obsessed with Sesame Street. This was your first love and still is. We have tried other things for you to watch but you always say, "different video". You even have little sesame street action figures that go everywhere with you.

- you are a mommy's boy to the core. I can not leave the room without you following me. You still have your nights when only mommy will do to tuck you in. Secretly, I love this about you because I know one day mommy will not be as cool as daddy.

- you already have an interest in Jesus. You love to read your bible and will go around saying things like, "Sneaky snake trick Eve" and "No more praying Daniel"! We are already praying for you and your heart, that you would know Him and follow Him hard.

Samuel, you amaze us everyday. You are a true joy and we can't imagine our lives any other way!

Where have I been?

I know that I have officially taken the lead as WORST blogger.... but what can I say, we are a busy (and tired) bunch! Here is a quick, and I mean quick, recap of the last couple months.

We found out we are pregnant with baby number 2, due April 10th. Hence the reason I am so tired. We are being surprised again and waiting to find out the sex. More Ryan's idea than mine, but I went with it.

Such a good wife =)

Samuel turned 2! Can't believe how big he is getting. We had a construction themed party and he LOVED it.

It has snowed here a bazillion times. This is Samuel wanting to come in after 10 minutes of being outside and 20 minutes of getting him dressed to go outside.....

Samuel enjoyed meeting Santa at the Museum of Life and Science. I think he enjoyed the candy cane more than seeing Santa.

Christmas came and went in a blur. Samuel's big gift from us this year was a big boy bed. And yes, Ryan made that! My hubby is amazing =)

One of my goals of 2011 is to blog better. Not just with pictures but to show a glimpse into our life in ministry with one child and one on the way.