A ray of light from Connecticut and an anticipated Homecoming!

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I have posted. Last Thursday we had a very exciting day. We had some dear friends come visit us from Connecticut. Actually they were here to visit family, but details, details. They came and hung out with us for a night! It was so much fun to visit and catch up with them. It warmed my heart to be around Lisa again. And it was so sweet to see H and Monkey play like they hadn't been apart for very long. Bug and J got along fantastically! They were so cute together. I love the age they are at right now, so playful, loving and curious.
How I wish we didn't live so far away from each other.

And if that wasn't exciting enough for one night............
TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Brad is home!
We have waited two long years to see him again. I know he misses France, and the mission, but we are so excited to have him back. And we are so proud of him. I was so impressed with his emails he sent home. He was always striving to do his best and I think that is the most any of us can do.
Monkey has missed her Bradley so much, praying for him every night and asking where France is on the map. She even told her preschool teachers that Uncle Brad was coming home that night.
She made presents for him, and she hugged him so tight when he walked in the door, you could feel the love and excitement that she was feeling.

Bug on the other hand wasn't too sure about this stranger entering Grandma's house. We had tried to prep her, practicing Brad's name, showing her his picture at Grandma's house, but this was the first time she had met him in person. Since we had shown her his picture earlier, we had him walk over by the picture to help her understand that this was the same person as in the picture on the wall. Then I gave him a hug to show Bug he was a friend and Bug gave him a hug immediately after. Sorry no picture, but it was cute nonetheless.
Welcome home to an awesome missionary, a fantastic uncle and a great brother. We love you!

Valentines Weekend

Happy Valentines Day!
(a little late)

Valentine's weekend started off with Kurlz going on a Scout camp-out. Leaving us to have a girls night out. My favorite parts of the night were...Blowing Bubbles

Getting a picture with both girls in the shot.
It doesn't happen very often.

Making Valentines for their Daddy and my Valentine

(thanks mom for saving me!)

Saturday night me and my Valentine were able to do some cleaning together sans children. Have I mentioned enough how much I love him? I do. I think he is amazing.
I have discovered a classic song by Frank Sinatra or Michael Buble, (depending on what generation you are from), called "That's All". It is so sweet and fits us perfectly right now. I'm making it our theme song this year. It's on my play list on the side bar if you want to check it out or if you just want the words go here.

Sunday we were invited to my Mom's red dinner.

I made homemade Red Velvet Cake. Many of my siblings didn't believe the topping was actual cake.

Since the next day was a holiday my sisters and I decided to have a sleepover. Because of our age differences this was a first. And definitely a bonding moment for me.
Thanks Girls!

Feeling the love this weekend. I hope you were able to as well.

Red Velvet

In Connecticut we had some dear friends who were from the south. Paula was the first to tell me about red velvet cake, it's deliciousness, and her frustration about trying to find it in the North East. I guess in the south they make it in the local bakeries quite often. I haven't tried to find it here, but maybe I can make it.
I found a recipe for red velvet cake here and I am so excited to try it!
I'll let you know how it goes when I'm done.
Have you ever had red velvet cake before? Where did you get it or the recipe from? Do you have a favorite recipe for valentines? Please share!

ME Me me

On facebook everyone seems to be doing this random 25 things about yourself. I got tagged a few times so I followed. And it was kinda fun. I thought with all that work for facebook I might as well put it here.

1. I have always wanted to go sky diving
2. If I could travel anywhere I would want to go to Italy for a couple of weeks
3. My first name comes from a town in Belgium, my parents just changed the spelling
4. I was in college before I stopped wishing I could be an astronaut, a teacher on the space station to be exact. Now I think my Calculus and Physic's grades will keep me from achieving that dream. Although I'd like to take a trip up there someday.
5. I love bread, especially the white, fluffy, bad for you kind.
6. I'm not a huge fan of sweets. Bread is generally my sugar. Although chocolate donuts can be a weakness.
7. I've always wanted to learn how to sing.
8. Someday I want to be in a musical or a play.
9. I was a band nerd all though Junior High and High School, and I'm proud of it.
10. I love adventures
11. My husband is an incredible sculptor. Check out his work here.
12. My husband and I were friends in high school, but never dated until 3 years later in college.
13. I love music, except for rap and really hard rock.
14. I get really ornery when I stay inside for more than a day.
15. I am a full time student at WGU trying to become a teacher.
16. My second child was born naturally, and it's the proudest moment of my life.
17. I want to be a photographer so badly, but I have a really long way to go. I need someone to teach me.
18. I worry a lot that I have hurt or offended someone. I just want everyone to be happy.
19. Hugs are an important part to my well being. Sometimes when I having a bad day I just need a good hug, and I feel rejuvenated. I also hug a lot. It takes people off guard sometimes. That's how I was raised.
20. I hate Mayonaise, cottage cheese and most other white gooey stuff. I don't like the taste, touch, look or smell.
21. I am a blog addict. I think it stems from my love of scrapbooking, but since I can't do that anymore with out little helpers, a blog is a way for me to continue that outlet.
22. I would love to learn how to digital scrapbook.
23. I'm a clutter junkie. I used to tell my mom in high school that it was random organization.
24. My girls smiles and hugs brighten my day.
25. I believe sidewalk chalking is a good way to show you care.

For your reward for reading the post a funny picture of me on my favorite holiday.