Barking Spiders

I videoed Beckett the other day because he lost his voice and I thought he sounded adorable! Watch for the little surprise at the end : )

Lovey Dovey Day

{Salt and Pepper Shakers from Chicago}

This Valentine's Day was definitely different than most. It felt like any other Monday. Rob had to work all day, then head straight to school that night. I tried to get a babysitter during the day so that I could surprise him and take him to lunch, but that didn't pan out. So we decided to have lunch anyways with the boys. It wasn't romantic, but at least we got to see each other that day. The boys had a great time. They usually don't get to see Rob at all on Mondays since he leaves before they get up and gets home after they go to bed. We all had a great time. The rest of the day went as usual...naps, dinner, and then off to the gym. When we got home, I noticed we had a package on our porch {not a huge surprise, my parents told me they had sent us something}. So we went inside and I told the boys to go look on the porch. When we opened the door we found a second surprise. Someone had heart attacked us while we were out. I later found out it was my cute niece and her friend. It made our day. The boys loved all the hearts and couldn't wait to open the package from my parents.

{This was my attempt at making my mom's cookies.

They weren't perfect, but they were delicious!}

Normally on V-day, we get a visit from the Cookie Cupid {aka my parents}. They drop off billions of my mom's famous sugar cookies and little presents for the boys and ring the doorbell and run. It is a fun tradition and one we look forward to every year. Since my parents are in Chicago this year, we were all a little sad that the Cookie Cupid wouldn't be making an appearance. To our surprise, the Cookie Cupid didn't let us down. My parents sent us a package full of Chicago treats...including Mom's famous sugar cookies! Do I have great parents or what? They are 1300 miles away and are still keeping our family traditions alive. Boy, do we love and miss them! The package also included Chicago shirts for the boys, Chicago toy cars for both boys, cute salt and pepper shakers {pictured above}, hand knitted washcloths, my mom's yummy caramel popcorn, a dvd of Chicago stuff, and lots of candy! Have I told you how amazing my parents are? I couldn't believe all the stuff they sent us. I thought missionaries were supposed to receive packages, not the other way around! The V-day package definitely brightened my day! We ended the night by facetiming with my parents.

Although I didn't get to spend the day with my sweetheart, I got to spend it with two little boys who I love more than anything! I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who I love and who love me. I am grateful for a husband who loves me unconditionally! I need to follow his example. He is amazing and I love him dearly! Thanks again to Elder and Sister Beck for keeping up the Cookie Cupid tradition from 1300 miles away. We love you guys!

Longing for...

SPRING!

I can't stand this winter any longer! I honestly think I might have to check myself into the loony bin if I don't see some real sunshine and/or warmer weather soon. Is it just me or does this winter seem to be lasting FOREVER? I'm in a huge rut and I don't know how to get out. Normally I like to break up the late winter with a trip somewhere, but our lack of funds this year is preventing us for going anywhere. Well, until June anyways. We are trying to save every penny to take a trip to Chicago. Last year I took a girls trip to St. George in February and then ran the Canyonlands Half in Moab last March. It kept me from going stir crazy. I think another reason for my restlessness is that I'm not training for anything. No 5k, no 10k, no half. I'm still running on a regular basis and I've even bumped up my speed. But, I'm just not sure if I feel like running another half anytime soon. Running in these freezing temps is sure getting old!

Man, do I long for the warm days of spring spent watching my boys run endless laps around the backyard, or sliding down the slides at the park. I honestly can't wait for even hotter temps so we can spend many lazy days at the pool. Normally I am a bigger fan of winter than summer but as I've gotten older and now that I have kids, I'm becoming a huge fan of summer! There is NOTHING to do {with two energetic boys} in the freezing cold months of winter! Spring/Summer, please tell me you're out there! Until then, I am trying to stay positive and look for things to keep me motivated. Here are a few things in the next couple of months that I'm looking forward to:

1. Beckett's Birthday in March

2. Warmer running weather {Spring is my favorite time of year to run outside.}

3. General Conference

4. My Birthday in April

5. Possibly running the Salt Lake 5k with Rob in April

6. Easter {which brings Easter candy :) }

Here's to hoping that Spring will be here before we know it! If not, you'll probably find me at the Funny Farm!