you’re my little chu-chi face [and other sappy comments]

i have a wonderful husband.  stop.

first off, look at that face.  the cutest, i know.

but even more than that, he takes such good care of us.  not only does he tend to our furry babies day in and day out, he also manages to tidy up the kitchen before i get home each day.  and, he still finds time to cook dinner for me on occasion.  he cold brews coffee for me [a preggo addiction].  he carries heavy objects for me.  he vacuums the house and makes sure that there are perfect lines.  he refills my water glass.  he reads my birthing books.  he watches chick flicks with me.  he does late night grocery store runs for the odds and ends that i have forgotten.

he asks me about my day.  he reads devotions to us morning and night.  he sends me sweet texts.  he emails me interesting articles or websites.  he gives me hugs.  he puts up with the newest addition to our sleeping arrangement – an extra pillow for belly and hip propping.  he assembles furniture.  he hangs drapes.  he gets excited about all the doodads for the nursery.  he reads and plays music for miss elinor.

he makes me feel always loved.  always special.  always appreciated.

God has really blessed me with that sweet hubby of mine.  and i am so excited to embark upon this new adventure as we enter the next season of life together.  you and me, mister…raising our little blessing together.

{squeeze squeeze squeeze}

6 years

well, words are kind of inadequate when it comes to expressing the joy of our sixth anniversary together.  we took a trip to our wedding location, the royal palms, for a reminiscent stroll and an incredible dinner at t.cook’s.  it was pretty spectacular, as always.

sigh.

memorable baubles: my favorite gold bangles mixed with an anniversary gift from ben and my wedding day jewelry + happiness + the scenery and ambiance of royal palms, a perfectly inmate mediterranean oasis + the estrella salon, location of the reception + the fireplace that served as the altar for our wedding + a rose petal decorated menu + my handsome husband + the best pesto and bread i have ever had.  i never turn it down + our appetizer, chef lee’s carbonara: garlic cream, prosciutto, pancetta, parmesan cheese & egg yolk + my man’s dinner of duck l’orange served with candied orange, asparagus, thyme fondant potatoes & traditional sauce + my beef tenderloin served with horseradish gratin, demi glace, carrots, and roasted pearl onions + dessert!  [pay no attention to the "happy 5th anniversary" part...even the best places get it wrong sometimes] brown sugar butterscotch creme caramel: baked custard topped with salted dulce de leche, served with s’more macaroons

hip, hip, hurray for mothers day!

this was a big one, folks.  we gathered all of the assorted family members together at one house for a big-time celebration.  it was so much fun!  the planning was fun, the preparing was fun, the cooking was fun, the eating was fun.  it was an all-around great day.  the kids took care of all the details, from the table to the flowers all the way to the dessert.  then, we all gathered together and enjoyed the day.  it was relaxing and celebratory.  just how any family gathering should be.  i hope our mothers were honored and blessed.  we sure are honored to be their kids and blessed by them.

::  the mocktails  ::

in honor of mothers day, my hubby, the mixologist du jour, created a fabulous menu of refreshing and festive beverages.  with the help of his mixologist’s apprentice, faith, creative drinks were stirred and muddled for serving.  the clear crowd favorites were “the derby” [a mild-mannered mint julep] and “the faux-jito” [a rum-less version of the cuban classic].  although, “the berry happy mothers day” might win in the appearance category for its vibrant purple hue and muddled berries.

::  happy conversation + mixing and mingling + relaxation  ::

everyone kicked back with their beverage of choice while the meal was being prepared.  the families shared stories and chatted with giggling and sipping.  the guys even got to watch some golf.  the kitchen was the center of the excitement as the aromas of potatoes and mushrooms and onions and bacon and eggs wafted into the livingroom.

::  a delicious brunch spread and table  ::

::  dessert  ::

we ordered the super special mothers day collection from jeni’s ice cream.  so, we had a tasty little tasting of unique ice cream flavors like hummingbird cake, white house cherry, sake plum, and icelandic happy marriage cake.  plus, rachel claire made a yummy berry crumble.  a little something warm with a little something cold.  the perfect way to end a meal.

::  the kids  ::

::  the moms and the kids  ::