Date Night

Tim and I "celebrated" our five year wedding anniversary on December 19th. I put it in quotes because by celebrated I mean almost completely ignored because we were in a small tiff and were in Tahoe with friends that weekend followed by a week with my family in Santa Rosa.

Almost one month later, we were able to go to dinner and really celebrate and reflect on the last five years. Tim spoiled me by taking us to Thomas Hill Organics, a restaurant I have been wanting to try in downtown Paso. It was delicious and an absolute treat. We talked some about the last five years, but mostly we were Tim and Jill - out to dinner by ourselves enjoying each others company. It has been at least four months since we have been able to really do that.

One of the things that we talked about is how we both really want our marriage to come before our children. This is one of those priorities that is easier said than done. Jude's needs are so immediate and if they aren't met, he cries. Now let's be honest, sometimes I cry too when my needs are being met (Tim....I need you (read in a whiny voice)). I know that this season of infanthood won't last forever, but even in the midst of it I want Tim to know that he is my priority and the main man in my life. I'm still working out what that actually looks like on a day to day basis. We are hoping to be able to trade babysitting with another couple so that we and they can get at least one date night a month.

The other thing that came up is how amazing it is that God allowed us to be parents - US! We are blessed by Jude in so many ways. He adds a depth and purpose to our lives that can't be matched. He really makes us a family. I love that when Tim leaves for work, I get to look at the little critter in my arms and see pieces of Tim staring back at me...only this time I know more math that him!

Honestly though, in many ways I can't believe how fast the time flies - five years later with a baby seems and yet I have vivid memories of our wedding day - seeing Tim for the first time, our first dance (I was so embarrassed), dancing the night away surrounded by friends and family. It was a great day and if anything was the foreshadowing of the fun Tim and I would have on our little adventure together. I love my husband. Thanks God for giving me more that I could have asked or imagined.

Hmmm...I hear Jude talking to himself in his crib.

Jude with socks

Jude got a slight diaper rash so I was airing him out for awhile on his playmat. I forgot to take his socks off and it was so cute I had to video him. He's doing so much better on his tummy!

Thanksgiving 2009

Yes, that is correct. I am blogging about last year's Thanksgiving. My favorite part is that the last blog I posted says I am trying to put up a more photos on a regular basis...hmm...that didn't work out too well so far.

Anyways...we had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Whitacre clan. Brian, Susan, and Julie flew out from Tennessee and all met the Judester for the first time. It was amazing to watch them love, cuddle, and care for him over their visit. I never knew what a blessing it would be to watch others love on our child and take joy in him. One of my favorite things was watching Brian, Tim's big brother, holding Jude at every chance he could get. I think Jude probably took 75% of his naps in Uncle Bri's arms...and loved every minute of it.

We had Thanksgiving on Friday at the Hawk's Nest with the regular crowd joined by the Wilkins, family friends from Fresno. The Wilkin's just had their second girl, Emery, less than a month after Jude. In true Hawk form, Thanksgiving include a bizarre game of some sort. This year it was pilgrim crochet. If I remember correctly it included Plymouth rock, turkeys, pillaging, and other interesting obstacles. In the end, it ended up being a free for all of cheaters:)

On saturday we added the Marschner's (more friends from Fresno) to the crew and continued to have a great time of fellowship and hanging out. We visited Morning Star Youth Ranch where Tim's mom volunteers. It was a beautiful day at the ranch.

On Sunday, we had a surprise birthday for Linda (after a really lame, fake birthday party after church). We each made her coloring book pages and told her something we love about her or a story we remember. Of course, Tim and I got teary eyed because we love our Linda to pieces.

I'm not going into much detail, but we did have a great time with family and friends. There is always so much to be thankful for throughout the year, but this year God truely blessed out socks off. Here is a quick slideshow of our time together: