I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Day.  We sure did.  And now we’re starting a-fresh.  Not only am I working out (most fun workout EVER), but I’m packing all our stuff up and we’re moving in less than a month!

New house, new friends, new city.

It’s all quite bittersweet, but we’re always game for new adventure.

By the way, I got a serger for Christmas (from my wonderful mother-in-law who is also responsible for the above gingerbread house).  I can’t wait to bust that out.  Maybe I can sew a T-shirt that’s got some stretch to it.  Unlike this one.  (Dear Cal Patch, I haven’t forgotten you.)

I also scored some great books from Evan and his brother.  They love me.

I wish that I could share piles of handmade gifts I crafted for everyone.  Alas, this was not the year for it.  Evan’s mother did make some adorable pajama pants for the kids though.  And his grandfather made Jacob a beautiful wooden highchair.  Like this one that he made for Evan nearly 30 years ago.

Every year, I make an ornament for the Derrick Family Christmas tree.  Every year, I plan to make one for each of the kids as well.  That hasn’t happened yet, but I’m still holding out hope.

This year’s ornament is supposed to be a cross-stitched snowflake.  I say “supposed to be” because it’s a bit oblong.  And snowflakes are not.  That’s what happens when you use the wrong kind of fabric for cross-stitch. :)  But I like it anyway.

I found the pattern here.

Jacob had a great birthday!  He got to play on a fire truck, eat chocolate cake, and play with car- and truck-themed toys.  I don’t think it could have been more perfect.

At two years old, Jacob:

• is madly in love with the movie Cars
• is also wild about Toot-toots (Thomas the Tank Engine)
• and recognizes the different trains (”Hi Henry!  Hi Gordon!  Hi James!  Hi Percy!  Hi Toot-toot!”)
• asks for “cookies” regularly… which really means anything sweet
• loves “yellow digguhs” or yellow diggers
• will practically put himself down for a nap (thank goodness)
• appears to have rhythm
• is very good at roaring
• and likes when you roar at him
• can say his own name upon request (”I’m Jake-Jake!”)
• can also make requests (”‘boooouuuut… Cars!!!” he says with an air of authority and with his finger raised in the air.)
• is starting to fight back against the powers that be
• but generally is a ball of sunshine

Jacob, I love you!  Thanks for being the happy little monster that you are. :)

Here’s Jacob at 1.

This week we celebrate Jacob turning 2 and Evan turning 30!!!  I’ll have to share more details later, but I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to the handsome fellas in my life! :)  Love you guys.

:)

Irish or not, I hope it’s a fun day for you! :)

is being with the love of your life.  We’re celebrating 5 years today!

I stenciled the lyrics to our favorite song (U2’s The Sweetest Thing) as a Valentine’s Day/Anniversary present.  (Unfortunately, those celebrations get a bit lumped together for us.  But we try to make up for it by celebrating our engagement in the Fall.)  I got the idea from this picture of Candi Mandi’s bedroom.  But I’ve seen other versions of it since then.

He made me breakfast in bed.  (I love that man.)  All that’s left of it is this pretty mess.  I’m okay with that.

Happy Anniversary, Evan!  Thank you for 5 years of awesome. ;)

A little story:

Evan and I decided not to declare our “love” for one another until we were ready to get married.  Although a nice idea, it wasn’t altogether practical.  We just found creative ways to communicate the same message.  Much like Buttercup and Westley in The Princess Bride:

Grandpa: [voiceover] Nothing gave Buttercup as much pleasure as ordering Westley around.
Buttercup: Farm boy, polish my horse’s saddle. I want to see my face shining in it by morning.
Westley: As you wish.
Grandpa: [voiceover] “As you wish” was all he ever said to her.
Buttercup: Farm boy, fill these with water - please.
Westley: As you wish.
Grandpa: [voiceover] That day, she was amazed to discover that when he was saying “As you wish”, what he meant was, “I love you.” And even more amazing was the day she realized she truly loved him back.
Buttercup: Farm boy… fetch me that pitcher.
[It’s right over her head, so he has to stand next to her]
Westley: As you wish.
[Cut to them kissing]

“I am in like with you” became our “As you wish.”  And to this day, we are as in like with one another as ever.  ;)

Happy Valentine’s Day! <3

Hi everyone!  Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and I have an extra “I LOVE US” photograph.  It’s a 4″ x 6″ with thin white borders.  Perfect to give a special friend (or yourself!).

So why not share the love with an old-fashioned GIVEAWAY?!?  After all, it has been a while.  And I do love us.

Leave a comment on this post before Tuesday, February 9th at noon CST, and I’ll randomly select a winner (from the U.S. or Canada).

Good luck! <3

EDIT: True Random Number Generator Result: 4

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And the winner is LISA from Suck it Up, Princess!!!  Lucky girl. : )  I’ll be sending you an email to get your address ASAP.  Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway!

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November

December

It was a good year, I do believe!