D' Peas

It was August. It was hot.
And so was my date....

Hot Hubs surprised me with concert tickets (for my birthday) for THE BLACK-EYED PEAS. The kiddos went to Nana's & HH & I took off for the city. First we went to Chevy's for din-din. Then we scooted down to the concert for some serious entertainment.

10 years since we laid eyes on each other. 9 years since we made that official. And our love... it's... still... CALIENTE. Muie, muie. (is that how you spell it?!)

8

8 years...

love that's grown

spirits that have been renewed

life that's been created

almost a decade

that you've known my heart

altho it seems like forever

i love you jeff...

thank you for all you've taught me

and helped me learn

happy anniversary

We Did Some Scratching but it didn't Itch

Happy Seven Years Hot Hubs...

7 years ago today

Last night

(still in love!)

When He's Not With Us

It's soccer season. That means Daddy is gone a good 12 hours a day. Or more than that on game days.
I was so excited this morning when I logged onto Facebook & saw these pics that a high school student had uploaded.
This pic, I'm guessing that Hot Hubs was showing off his new tennies (Just kidding Jeff, I know you were probably explaining some skill!).

And here, he looks very disappointed. I'm guessing that they were getting a very serious coachy talk. (by the way, they won, so it must've paid off)
This is one of Jeff's fav players, Taylor.
Not that I'm counting them down or anything, but the games are 1/2 way over!

No Foolin'

Seven years ago, a handsome 27-yr old looker & I went to check on the progress of our house that was being built. We had plans to marry, obviously as we were building a home together, but nothing was 'official',no dates were set, & no ring was upon my finger.

I noticed my heart throb was fidgety, acting nervous, & had (by a small miracle) not only suggested bringing the camera, but had remembered (a huge miracle) to bring it.

And when we climbed the mound of dirt, soon to be the Perry homestead, Jeff clasped my hands in his...
looked in my eyes...
his palms were sweaty...
he looked excited...
and....

HONK-HONK
It was our real-estate agent. She pulled her car through the circle & yelled from her window, "I have some papers for you to sign - DID I INTERRUPT SOMETHING?"
She knew it.
I knew it.

So, we descended from the cloud of romance to come down & talk business.

And as she drove away, there on the road in front of Jeff's Jetta, he got down on one knee & put the most beautiful & perfect-for-me ring, I'd ever seen.
"Amy Julane, will you marry me?"

...and I think you know the rest.

Something I learned that day:

Moments aren't what make magic....the person you are with -- that's what makes it magical.

Jeff, I love you so much. Thank you for asking me that question seven years ago. Life has gotten sweeter & sweeter since that day.
No foolin'.

Macho Caliente

I mean, Mucho.On date nights, we sometimes try to get a photo of ourselves.

We can really go hog wild with the photographing, without rug rats demanding our attention.
Sometimes we get lucky & get a good shot.
Sometimes we get downright sassy & capture a keeper.

Then, sometimes. Well. Um, sometimes.
Other things happen.

Thank You

The other day, I pleaded with you again, to vote for Hot Hubs.

A handful of you obliged....another handful already had obliged.

I wanted to be sure to tell our awesome family & friends that voted, THANK YOU.
When you do corny little annoying things like that, it doesn't go unnoted. I have a mind like a steal trap & I keep track of things like that.

You always know who will really come through for you when you need them.

THANKS!

Go HERE *TODAY* to read how to vote for Hot Hubs, who is hanging onto third by the SKIN of his SEXY TEETH.

We Need Your Vote!!!! (contest ends THIS THURSDAY!!)

Help! Hot Hubs is getting stomped in the HOTTEST HUBBY contest! Unfortunately, neither of us works in an 'office' type setting...w/ tons of co-workers, on tons of computers... so we need YOU.
I have a sitemeter, I know you're out there. For whatever reason, over 50 unique readers think this insane-enough-to-be-a-reality-show family is entertaining. You read my stories of poop & bunny tails & cute things my kids say.
By golly, at least vote since I help you pass time at work?

Would you vote?

One vote per email address... that means, YOU can vote on one computer (say your desktop PC) & your hot hubby can vote from the laptop w/ his email address.
Or if your dog Fluffy has an email address (Hey, I've seen stranger things), we welcome her vote.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted this link...and if you are among the few who successfully voted for Jeff, please forgive the repetition AND THANK YOU!!!!!
I fear that the link I originally sent a few weeks ago, had my log-in info in it somehow & a few of you replied to me that when you tried to register or log in (for those of you already members of the site), it automatically logged you into my I.D.

Here is the link, which I'm confident is a 'good' link, free of my info:
http://stlouis.momslikeme.com/members/ScrapbookActions.aspx?m=3622390&g=740356

Will you please go there & vote for Jeff? I logged in one week, to go to the mom forum, which I do semi-regularly, when I found this contest, THE HOTTEST HUBBY. I've been calling Jeff 'Hot Hubby' for years now, so it was a no brainer for me that I would nominate him...and that he would win. ;) (positive thinking!)

I won't lie, you do have to go through a few steps to help us out with a vote.

1. Click here: http://stlouis.momslikeme.com/members/ScrapbookActions.aspx?m=3622390&g=740356 (or cut/paste the web address into your browser)

2. It should take you straight to Jeff's photo* & by scrolling down, you'll find the REPLY box, which is HOW YOU VOTE (your reply = your vote).

3. I don't think it will even let you write in the "Reply Box" without logging in (or registering) first. THEREFORE, you must do one of those two things: log-in OR register.

4. To REGISTER, Click on REGISTER. It will take you to a page with just a few blanks to fill in (user id/email address & password, plus your zip code) -- BE SURE to un-check the three boxes (otherwise you give them permission to update you w/ email addresses each time ANY OF THE OTHER dads are voted for).

5. At that point, it should tell you that it's sending you an email w/ a confirmation link. DON'T FREAK OUT!, Don't give up!... just open your emails, specifically the one from ST LOUIS MOMS LIKE ME & click on the link they include.

6. That link should take you STRAIGHT TO Jeff's photo again & your opportunity to vote for him, by simply writing something in the REPLY BOX. You can write anything you want, "Jeff's hot" or "Amy's hot" (just kidding on that one). But by simply replying, you are voting.

7. That's it! And we appreciate it!! Not only will Jeff earn the title of HOTTEST HUBBY (which would be rightfully deserving), but we could win a pretty sweet prize to boot!THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*If by clicking on the link, it doesn't take you to Jeff's photo straightaway, simply do this:-be sure you're on the homepage-watch for a purple box which displays 4 current contests (which scroll through)-wait for HOTTEST HUBBY CONTEST-click on SEE MORE-click on VOTE-click on MORE PHOTOS/IMAGES-scroll through the pages to find Jeff's (last I checked, page 3)-click on his photo & proceed w/ the above directions

If we win one of those prizes, I'm off the hook for getting Jeff a present this year. And believe me, we can not afford gifts this year, so it would end up being a potholder made of twist ties... or I would find something I've already given him & re-wrap it, not that I've ever done that with my kids or anything, for crying outloud, that would be absurd.

Please Vote!!!

I don't need to remind you how I feel about Hot Hubby.
Okay, I love him. I'm IN love WITH him.
And he IS just about the hottest hubby around.

I pay him lip service quite often (in more than one way! ;) but I like do show him in deed just as much as words, and that's why I entered him into a local contest to show him I think he's the hottest.

The way to win this contest is to get the most 'replies' on the thread. Would you do me a favor? If I've ever made you laugh with one of our good-enough-to-be-on-a-reality-show stories...or if you liked the guacomole recipe...or if I make you feel better because I still have baby weight and my baby is 3, would you go and check out our entry and reply?

Go HERE. Read what I wrote & hit REPLY. You'll be given a dialogue box to write something & right above that box you will find 2 buttons (sign in OR join); if you need to join, it's really no big deal, just a few questions. Then you'll get a confirmation email in your inbox. Click on the link they include & it should take you right back to the box to vote for my Hot Hubby... you really only need to reply, so it doesn't really even matter what you write. You can just say that you vote for him. Whatever. We're just thrilled you're voting. :)
I'd love him to win & be acknowledge for the awesome daddy he is. After all, I've been calling him HOT HUBBY for years -- for that alone we should win! ;)

I'm a lucky girl.

Now, go vote!

Couldn't Resist part 2

I love my kids. And some nights, after they're all tucked in, my love gushes a little more (than other nights where the silence of bedtime finds me only relieved that it's quiet & I'm not breaking up fights).

Tonight's one of those nights. Because the end of the day gave me only appreciation of two of God's greatest gifts to me.

My girl, who begged all night to make banana bread. And looking at her, standing on the kitchen chair at the counter, so eager to be busy. And mid-mixing, when she looked up at me, giant round dark eyes, and asked if she was doing it 'right', I didn't pass up the opportunity to tell her that I'm the luckiest Momma in the world, because God made me her Momma.

And Gabe, who broke into hysterics because I told him that his rectum is where his "poop comes out". I've been teaching my kids the anatomically correct terms during their whole lives. Yet, tonight, when I re-explained it, it suddenly struck him as hilarious. I looked at Jeff, who had a front row seat to the circus, & said to him, "You know, Flynn never found this stuff funny." And right about then, Gabe burst out, "POOP!!! Hahahahaha." (picture with his deep grovelly voice)
And all I could do, was laugh along. Because poop is pretty darn funny.

And now, coupons clipped & filed away. Kitchen clean. Guacomole made. Heroes in the dvd player. And a hot hubby waiting for me to join him. I can't help but gush. At the end of a day of stress, staring at a computer screen with a low checking account balance, trying to find a way to cook without milk, wondering how much longer I can work part time, planning to take our house for sale sign down because it never sold... all those things. Can't take away the awesomeness.

Happy Bday Jeff

For your bday, I want to tell you 3 reasons why I'm the luckiest woman on earth:

1. you give the kids a bath when you're home. you know it kills my back & you act like you don't mind. you have no clue how much i appreciate it.

2. you are hot. seriously. a total babe.

3. you say that im hot. and for some reason, i believe you.

i love you. i hope your day is 1/2 as awesome as you.

No Girls Allowed

That will be the theme around here all weekend, as Flynn & I (along with Papa, Nana, & Nessa) take off tomorrow for a long weekend with Gi & the girls in C A L I F O R N I A ! Flynn's first ever plane ride (yes, I am nervous) & the first time any of us have seen my sis since June (new record for that by the way).

Flynn made a "California Chain" & it's short now! She is so excited, she can hardly stand it. She asked me yesterday if Aunt Gi will cry a happy cry when she sees her.

This trip will be monumental in a few different ways:

• Flynn's first plane ride
• Outside of hospital stays, this will be my first time away from Gabe or Jeff for longer than 24 hours
• In our entire marriage, this will be the first time Jeff & I are more than 30 minutes apart for the night (I've only left him to go to an overnight ladies retreat in St Louis)
• Flynn's first time going west of Missouri
• The first time Flynn & Gabe will be apart more than one night
• The first time someone other than me will care for Gabe for an entire day

I am a little worried, about having an extremely allergic kid up in an altitude really far from the nearest hospital -- unreachable via ambulance. I am scared I'll give her a snack on the plane that she's suddenly allergic to. Or that there will be cross contamination somehow (despite my plan to wipe down everything within arm's reach of her).

What I'm not worried about is Gabe, as he will be in Daddy's charge.

What a great feeling. To know your kids have the absolute best father in the world. Seriously. These kids couldn't be luckier, for they were chosen by God to be put into a family with a daddy who is so loving, so caring, extremely patient, & very Christlike. Add to his spiritual attributes are the skills & talents he has. How lucky can a kid be to have a dad who is a teacher?? Every moment becomes a teachable one. And something as simple as playing in the backyard becomes a science lesson. Not only does he have knowledge, but know-how. He knows how to talk to kids, knows how to manage a kid's behavior, & knows how to make life fun.

So, I might as well just make this a brag-on-Jeff post. After all, there's plenty to say. I think the best thing a daddy can do for his kids is to love their momma. And love on their momma. And the only thing that might make Jeff pass by his kids when he walks in the door, it to beeline to me to give me a 'Honey I'm home' smooch.

I know there is never any doubt in my kids minds that their parents are in love. They sense the commitment. And what a feeling of security for kiddos in this insecure world.

He's happy to tuck in, read a story, & do a bedtime prayer. He cuts their veggies just like they like'em. He knows to remove the valves on the sippy cup when putting them in the dishwasher. He can install a car seat like a pro. He's an advocate for Flynn in every situation.

When this weekend became a possibility, Jeff could've insisted that I take Gabe. He could've insisted that we not go until he could be along. He could've been fine with it with a list of stipulations, which included him not making any sacrifices or arrangements. But he didn't. He was excited for us. And went right to work, helping me brainstorm who could watch Gabe when & where. On top of that, he was downright excited that he & his boy were going to get some serious one-on-one. When at the last minute, I proposed another possibility that would mean him not taking a day off work for Gabe, he was quick to stop me, "I was looking forward to spending the day with Bubs though."

Honey, you might have had a dead battery in your garage door opener, but when it comes to being a dad, you work perfectly every time.

Night at the Cardinal's Game...

Cards Fans

FJ took her Daddy to a game a couple of weeks ago.
Go here to check out a photo of Hot Hubs & his Daddy's girl.

H-H-HOT

Ah'chee'wawa - just look at him.

He still gets my heart pumping after the handful of years that we've spent seeing each other's bad sides (& his many good sides).

I've already blogged about the way he treats me, as if I'm some goddesss or someone other than a worn out, gym shorts-wearing mom to a toddler & preschooler.

Did you know he likes to cook? He likes to. Which is good because I hate cooking. And although it's a part of life, if it's off-season (soccer coach wife vocab for the 6 months of the year that he's not coaching), you'll find him competing for time in front of the stove (note: competition consists of him saying, "Honey, what's for supper?" and me saying, "I dunno." Then him saying, "Can I make chili?" and me saying, "Uh, okay.")

Did you know that if he's home during bath time (which he usually is during "off-season"), that he doesn't even ask, he just does. the. bath.
You heard me right.
Yes, I know I'm lucky.

And don't get me started on how tolerant the poor sap is. If you've tuned in to my obnoxiousness yet, you can just about imagine how it would be to live on this zany planet (otherwise known as our home) 24-7. And to put up with my oddness.
And to enjoy it to boot.

He shares my interests...and encourages me to partake in them.

He tries to give me free time (when it's off-season, as during season, he has nothing free to give).

Did you see his head full of hair??

He likes to hold hands.

Is patient with the kids.

Partners with me on Sunday mornings to help me do my job.

Loves the color orange & was not just agreeable when I requested to decorate with green + orange.

Held my hair back in my first trimester 'activities'.

Buys me bubble gum ice cream.

And he's all mine.

VBS Night #1

included dry ice...
a white lab coat adding 10 (or 100) pounds...

and my little darling LOVING her evening filled with new songs, yummy snacks, a fun craft, & learning even more about Jesus.

Has It Been Six Years Already?

People always say it, but it's true...

in some ways it seems like it's been forever that I've been Jeff's wife;

but in other ways, it seems like just yesterday.

I can still smell the smells of the warm summer air...my roses...

And the feel of my dad's strong arm as he walked me down.
How handsome Jeff was in his tux & how I just knew this would last forever.
and we're well on our way....

Happy Anniversary Jeff, I love you!

A Hot Day in June

-just like this one, a bride-to-be nervously scoured her to-do list...knowing that she had less than 24 hours until her life permanently changed.

And just like everyone always says, there were little complications; like the cake being delivered (sans box or crate) 24 hours early, or the ground being damp & soft where the wedding would take place (at her parents'), or one of the flower girl's dress being sewn a little incorrectly.

She felt such excitement: Not for the friends she'd see, or the family that she hadn't seen for so long. Not for the hard work over the last 8 weeks that would pay off when she would see the beauty of the flowers & greenery. Not for the ceremony, so intricately planned. But for the marriage, that she knew would last a life time.

There was very little time left & it felt like the grains of sand in the hour glass were sifting through faster than the seconds ticking by. No time left to perfect the song she'd sing to her groom. No chance of losing those last couple of pounds. One more night left alone in her apartment as a single person.

But one thing was for sure, she never felt so sure about any other decision she'd made in her life. And when she thought of the days that would follow, she smiled inside & knew that God had rewarded her for being faithful to Him.

He's Lucky He's So Hot

because goodness knows, he's not a grown-up.

check out the eye-candy I get to wake up next to everyday

even our poor children's leapfrog fridge game letters aren't sacred

Are You Joking Me?

Anyone who knows Jeff & I, aren't too surprised to learn that APRIL FOOL'S DAY was the day he proposed to me (six years ago). If I hadn't expected it was coming (we already had made the decision that we'd be spending forever together), I would've thought it was a joke. But when he got down on one knee, on this very plot of land (minus the house), he wasn't teasing.

Unlike yesterday, when I played a joke on him.

I wasn't sure I'd be able to even sorta trick him, considering the date on the calendar. BUT, I pulled it off.

The last few days, I made him aware that I was 'late' -- this is no big event considering I've never been 'regular', heck, I'm not even sure I ovulate anymore.

Anyway, I voiced this to him. Then I told him that while Gabe & I were out & about, that I'd be picking up a pregnancy test (I do these for sport on occasion, something about the science of it...the little window...the faux anticipation...etc.).

ANYWAY, I emailed him in the afternoon:
"I have something to tell you. I want to wait & tell you in person, but I don't think I can wait any longer."

He calls me as soon as he can (not for another hour, as he doesn't have a phone in his classroom),

"Was the test positive?"

I could hear the panic in his voice.

"Um...it...it WAS."
"OMIGOSH. OMIGOSH. Amy, Are you serious?

Is this an April Fool's Joke?"

I couldn't keep it up. I'm a good joker, but I almost felt sorry for him.

"Yes, April Fool's."

And if he tells you he wasn't just the slightest bit excited at the idea of a surprise (vasectomy-defying) pregnancy,

then he's the one fooling.