Oh my man, I love him so...

If you've never read the book "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, then might I suggest it to you as required reading for any marriage? At its core, the emphasis of the book is on being able to express your love and commitment to your spouse through the following love languages: Quality Time - Words of Affirmation - Gifts - Acts of Service - Physical Touch. I'm sure you're already thinking, if you haven't already read the book, of what you think yours is. Great book – read it! Meanwhile, Anton’s love languages are Acts of Service and Physical Touch (he loves back scratches and clean sheets to snuggle into - totally speaks love to him!) and mine are Quality Time and Gifts - I love a great card and cuddle time on the couch with a great movie. We are both working at being better at this for each other and I can highly recommend this concept to anyone.
On Friday my husband not only spoke my love language, he practically wrote the book! A week ago I lamented about not having a Costco membership card when I saw how many cool things they had, that we can never find at Sam's Club. Boo hoo...I cried! Think of all the good deals we're missing! Think of the good stuff we'll never even see! Well, leave it to my baby to show up at my office on Friday and...well, see for yourself...

The first thing I saw as he walked through my office door were these amazingly gorgeous pink roses. And the mere sight of them was enough to thrill me, but the luscious scent they put out...oh! So very beautiful!

Next it was on to the "I know you so well" gift. My husband knows that I am a gift bag junkie! He presented me next with this handy tote filled with 25 of the most adorable and embellished gift bags. The problem is, I can't stand to see them go! I'm a hoarder, ok?

Here's a closer look at some of them. They are just too cute!

My personal favorite! The Asian themed bag with wooden handles - can you stand it?!?

And last but not least - the place he purchased all my goodies and the inspiration for his gifts - my very own Costco Club Card.

If that wasn't enough, I was then treated to my favorite dinner (he is an amazing chef) of steak, Caesar salad and yummy potatoes. Later as I put my feet up on the couch to relax while eating my dish of Chocolate Mint Icecream, my hubby snuggled in next to me and we watched a movie. Ok, now I'm just bragging. The reason for the royal treatment? "I love my wife".

Please excuse me while I go cry...

Retail Therapy Journal # 1,574

Got some goodies for the baby from my Mom and sister, Ashley - so I just couldn't resist posting pics! Here you go my fellow retail therapy junkies!!!

Above is a pajama set, and other little "jibby's" from my mom - Grandma Nila. Those jammies are the cat's meow!

Who wouldn't love this swimming suit? Do all you gals catch the lady bugs on the flower??

The rest of the swimsuit collection. What can I say? It's hot in Texas...what's a girl to do? We can't wear the same suit everytime we go to the pool!

This is a gift from my little sister - Aunt Ashley - and that little jumpsuit is darling! It's a capri suit. The blankie is snuggly soft and so is the "Classic Pooh" Tigger. He's so sweet and cuddle-able! (not a real word, I think)

Last but not least - another pair of soft and feminine jammies from Grandma Nila

Ahh, and so the shopping bug continues to bite. Not just me, mind you, but even family and friends for me. I mean, for Keira...yeah...that's what I meant...ahem...

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today. One year ago today...

Say it with me...

One year ago today...

We walked into a library...sat down...and listened as Kelley Prahl, the local rep for Great Wall China Adoption began to explain to us about the process of adopting a child from China. She detailed the journey, answered our questions, and then for the final hurrah brought in two other GWCA families and their adopted daughters. It was like a door clicked, a siren went off, a bell rang, a whistle blew. We were caught - hook, line, and sinker.

After taking a couple days to think it through (though we had already thought on adoption for months) we made the decision to use Great Wall as our agency and proceed with the adoption process. It was like a huge weight lifted off our chests. We finally had a plan, had proof that it worked, and felt such a huge peace that we were headed off in the right direction.

Now, here we are a year later, dossier to China, Keira's nursery almost completed, and waiting our turn in line for the daughter who will change our hearts and our lives forever. Truth be told - she already has - and it all started with a meeting in a library one year ago today.

Thanks to you Kelley - and to you Erin (our new Great Wall "mommie")...for guiding us down the road to making our dream to be parents a reality. Your adoption stories have been our inspiration and have kept us going on the toughest of days and the best of days.

xoxo

Happy 4th of July

Just wanted to say Happy 4th to all my blogger peeps and a big warm "HELLO" from California. Anton and I are spending the day eating and gaining weight (it's the American way). Then it's off to an early start on the 5th to sqeeze into a tiny plane seat and fly home. We're really looking forward to sleeping in our own bed once again, and of course, to seeing our beloved pets. There's just no place like home, although we have enjoyed our time with family and friends immensly.

Hope everyone is having a great day celebrating our hard earned freedom! If you reading this blog, you have way too much time on your hands and not enough fireworks in your stockpile. Then again, I guess that says a lot about me, if I'm writing the blog...

Oh well, enough about me...let's talk about you! What do you think about me? Hahahaha....old joke my Dad used to tell...

See you next time from the great big wide and wonderful state of Texas!