Regarding my 31st year......

I have decided, I am stopping at 30.
Yes, last year I turned 30. Basic counting skills means this year I am 31. No big deal. I am not afraid of aging. But 30 was just such a good year, I am thinking to celebrate it all over again.

I know realistically stopping the hands of time is not possible. But I will at least embrace my 31st year like my 30th.

It started on Friday morning waking to clear blue sunny skies. Dennis and the kids gave me my cards and present before I even got out of bed. Landon made me a card complete with tons of red hearts he colored himself. Dennis held out a small turquoise box with a white ribbon perfectly tied around it. This iconic box meant only one thing-Tiffany & Co. I was puzzled as I hadn't even asked for anything for my Birthday this year. I opened the box and pulled out the little bag holding my treasure. The bag held a silver chain with a small silver charm with my initial engraved on it. Beautiful, dainty, and simple! I love it!!!

I went to work proudly wearing my present and received calls from my family. The girls in the office ordered lunch and we took an extended break enjoying the "island=time" like feel of the lazy Friday afternoon.

Friday evening I thought we were ordering in dinner and staying home. Husband had other plans. He arranged for a sitter. It happened to be one of the girls from my office. Such a sneaky one he is! He had been working on this scheme since Tuesday (I came to find out). I was looking up places to get take out from when the door bell rings. It was the sitter and the plan was unveiled. We went to dinner at Big Bear Brewery. The night was nice enough that we sat outside. It was nice to be out without the kids. We hadn't been out on a date just the two of us in such a long time. It was so unexpected as well! We even went all over creation in search for these cupcakes I wanted to try. We tried a couple of locations before pinning one down about 30 minutes away that had them. Now, normally I bake a cake for other people's birthdays, but this year I wanted something I didn't have to make! The night was nice and I was so shocked at the planning Dennis went through to make my Birthday so special.

This morning Dennis had one more present for me. He had scheduled flowers to be delivered to my office yesterday, but they never made it. He went this morning and picked them up. The bouquet is red roses and calla lilies-gorgeous!

So yes, I am living my 31st year like my 30th. With new eyes, new perspective, and new opportunity! I probably won't repeat the tattoo this time though (that is what I did last year). I know really out of character for me, but it is just a little fire dancer and I always wanted one. The only other one I would consider is an owl!

Tomorrow, Church by the Glades and perhaps a bike ride on our new beach cruisers (courtesy of ebay-thank you very much!). It has been a lovely Birthday. Here is to re-living my 30th year all over again!

New Year and a New State of Mind

We spent New Years eve by going to Ikea. We had never been but needed to get some things for the guest bed room so that our friends can hopefully visit in February or March. The place was insane! The prices were great and the selection overwhelming. We came away with some steals and I cannot wait to go back!

After our shopping excursion, we headed home. I began cooking our gourmet New Years meal. I had been wanting to try Beef Wellington. I did something I rarely do and followed a recipe. I prefer to experiment in the kitchen or take a basic recipe and add/subtract/change ingredients until it is barely the same as what I started with. This time I changed just a few things and spent 3 hours cooking a masterpiece. I love cooking in our kitchen. It is sleek and modern and comfortable. We had roasted asparagus, hot crab and spinach dip, and a lemon drop champaign cocktail. To top it off I made Dennis' favorite dessert which is chocolate pots de creme.

The night was nice and quiet. We made it until midnight, kissed goodnight and said hello to 2011. We are looking forward to this year. We are looking forward to exploring our new city, doing a few things to the house, and creating many memories here in Florida!

A Christmas Tale.....

Once upon a time there lived a family with two children. One them was a little boy named Landon and the other a little girl named Natalee Louise, we will call her Lou for this tale.

It all began on a winter day in sunny Florida. The family had decided to go back to Tennessee to visit family and friends for Christmas. With the car packed and the children loaded up, off they went.

The journey would be a long one. 17 hours to be exact. The trip was not an easy one, as the mischevious little girl with curls would not take a nap. The little boy refused to sleep and constantly wanted to know when they would be in Tennessee. Once they arrived on Christmas eve at 5 in the morning, mommy and daddy settled down for a short winter's nap. That night they visited in family in Mississippi and let the kids stay up way too late.

Christmas morning was a flurry of activity and even a light dusting of snow. Lou got the cutest set of American Girl baby dolls and Landon got a Razor scooter. Both children were excited about their presents. The day was spent visiting grandparents and great grandparents.

That Sunday the mommy went to brunch with her friend from her old job and saw her best friend. Once the very short visits were over way too soon, the car was loaded once again, the kids put in the seats, and back to Florida the family went.

By the Monday after Christmas the family of four arrived in Florida at 8am. Mommy and daddy were both exhausted. The trip was short and sweet but worth it. And the family continued to live in sunny southern Florida happily ever after......
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We had a nice Christmas back in Tennessee. The weather was cold and crisp and had that "it's going to snow" smell that I love. Our families were happy to see us arrive and sad to see us go.