Mountain Biking

Last weekend Jared and Missy offered to keep Julianne for a slumber party with Addison.  We decided it would be the perfect time to try Jack out on a bike trail.  We took him on trail 100 in the mountain preserve and he did SO well.  Howie and I were excited because it is something we LOVE to do! 

 It is hard to tell, but that was a pretty good incline behind him, and he made it all the way to the top.

 

5K

Howie took Jack to run his first 5K.  They set a goal to jog the whole thing without stopping.  Howie tried to stress to Jack to keep a slow pace to make this happen.  Jack finished in 24 minutes and 23 seconds and didn't stop once.  I don't know where he is getting this love for running, but he is so into it right now!

 

The Dad and Daughter Dance

Howie took Julianne to the dance, and they had a great time.  She came home and told me, "This was the best night ever.  Now I know why you love going on dates with daddy so much.  He is so much FUN!"  I laughed at how sincere & happy she was.  She loved being with her friends from class too!

I'll add ones from home later, wrong camera.

10 Years!

On February 15th Howie and I celebrated 10 years of marriage.  I can't believe sometimes that I am old enough to say I have two kids, and have been married ten years!  Maybe it is because I am around kids all day, I don't know, but I still feel really young. 

ANYHOW...

10 years.  I remember thinking I would be at least 30 before I honestly got married, but then I met Howie at the young age of 20.  I fell for him so quickly that people who knew me wondered what the heck was going on.  We started dating at the end of May and that October I canceled my plans to live in Mexico City for 6 months and practice Spanish.  We were engaged the following June and married the following February.

Our journey has not always been easy, but I feel fortunate to be married to my lover and husband.  

I could list millions of reasons why this is so, but the top three are that he makes me laugh,  feel safe, and he's my closest friend.  I love you, Howie!  I am looking forward to celebrating our anniversary this summer in San Fransisco, 
just the two of us!!!!

Here is a text that was forwarded to me that Howie wrote to my mom and dad on our anniversary:

February 15, 2013, exactly 10 years ago I married your daughter.  Thank you both for everything you've ever done to make Joy such a blessing to humanity.  She has moved my life and helped me grow beyond any measure I can adequately articulate.  So thank you again.   I love you both and I love your daughter.  Sincerely, Howie

 I love that guy.   

 

New Year's Eve

We had a great family-style New Year's Eve with the Pestka family.

Mom Prom

 Jack and I went out to dinner with the Pestkas and to the dance.  It was such a fun date with my boy!  Before we left he played a bunch of piano too.

 

 

 

 

Rain!

 A few weekends ago (I know I am really behind on blogging) it rained the entire weekend.  After going a bit stir crazy I put some rain boots on the kids and let them loose.  They had a BLAST!

 

Julianne's Beauty Salon

 Julianne makes Howie and I crack up.  All. The. Time.  She is honestly the funniest little thing!!!  The other day during quiet time she turned her bedroom into a beauty salon.  After quiet time she came over to Howie and I and gave us paper coupons to use at her place.  She then gave both of us the royal treatment. 

Cross Country Meets

 Mr. Pestka invited Jack up to Shea Middle School to run in their cross country meets.  We took Jack to two of them, and he did so well.  The first time he took 8th place with a time of 14:55 for a two-mile run.  The second meet he got 9th place with a time of 14:50.  He thinks he did better the first meet because he took 8th and not 9th.  We are really trying to have him just race himself and not other runners.  He had fun running with the Pestka boys.

 

Jack's 8th Birthday!

 He had a few presents in the morning.

 

 I made him omelets and biscuits for breakfast.

 Then we headed down to the P.F. Changs Kid Rock race.  This is what Jack wanted to do for his birthday the most.  He really did well!   

 

Then we went to Dave and Busters for games.  We tried to talk him into Islands or Olive Garden for dinner, 

but he chose SuperSalad, his favorite. 

 I think he just likes to make his own dessert!

 Happy Birthday to my only son!  You absolutely amaze me with your creativity, ability and sweet heart.  

I am so proud to be your mama, Jacks!  

Todd and Pam

 We were lucky to meet up with some friends, Todd and Pam, that we had not seen in a LONG time.  

Howie and I love those two!