Valentine's Day

I hate when people say that Valentine's Day is just a way for the card companies to make money... sure they benefit from all holidays but how could you  not want to take full-advantage of a designated day to show your love for those you care so much about? Life gets so busy and hectic, so I am grateful that Valentine's Day reminds us to slow down and simply love one another.

Last year was our first married Valentine's Day, and I had just returned from a girl's trip to Helen. I was CRAVING Brunswick Stew, so we went to Sonny's for dinner. I surprised Shane with Country Megatickets last year which lead to some incredible concerts and wonderful memories singing and dancing in the lawn!

This year, we kept it simple because our week was crazy with the snow storm. When I was finally able to get out of the house on Thursday afternoon, I was so excited to see all of the balloons and decorations at Publix. I got Shane a sweet card and bought salmon and asparagus to make him a special dinner. I also got the ingredients to make his favorite dessert!

Last year, he surprised me at work with flowers and a big balloon and took me out to lunch. It was so sweet and thoughtful. I knew this year he and I both had meetings at lunchtime so he wouldn't be able to do that again, so I was shocked when I saw him in the hallway just outside my office on Friday afternoon. He was able to leave work early to come surprise me with flowers, and that made me feel so special! I introduced him to some of my friends at work and showed him my office. It was so sweet of him to stop by! I could tell he rushed a bit because inside the card he gave me, he wrote "Happy Vantine's Day". It made us laugh so hard!

When I got home on Friday, we each had a drink and spent some quality time together while I cooked for him. I shared some exciting news that I received on the way home from work. We ate in the dining room and then sat by the fire for the rest of the night and talked. No TV, no phones... just us!

^^ This is our FIRST EVER Valentine's Day. 

We went to Olive Garden and to a movie, and I sent him on a scavenger hunt around Athens. 

This is a picture from Valentines Day 2013 

when he surprised me at work before taking me to lunch at Tin Lizzie's.

We were snowed in... for the second time this year! 

So pretty!

Better Than Sex Cake

Fancy dinner

"We love because He first loved us" 1 John 4:19

Barn Door

Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting Shane’s father, so when I hear someone mention his name or share a story my ears always perk up! When I see a picture, I sit in awe of their resemblance. Recently, Shane and I went to his mom’s property to get some wood for Shane to chop for fires. We went to an old barn in the middle of the property to look for an axe, and I found the most amazing treasure.

I have been to this barn once or twice before. We actually used a barn door for our southern style wedding décor. However, I had no idea that Shane’s dad actually built the doors. I figured he was handy… afterall, Shane had to have learned from someone, right?

[This was the door from our wedding]

We had a pallet above our fireplace before, and as soon as I saw the dutch horse stall door, I knew the pallet had to go. Shane asked his mom if we could have the door, and I was so thrilled when she agreed. Now we have a piece of Mr. Pat in the center of our home. 

Polar Bear Run

In my 2013 Recap I said, "My resolution is to be healthier. I take advantage of the fact that I can eat anything and never work out, but I am not in healthy shape... at all! I want to concentrate on eating better, exercising, and stretching more." The catch is, I don't want to lose any weight because all of my business professional work clothes fit me just as I am. 

I have been better with my portions. For example, I am not eating an entire box of gushers or two bowls of ice cream. Instead, I am eating just a pack (or 2) of gushers and a few scoops of ice cream. I am also eating more fruits and vegetables. 

On Saturday, I ran my first 5k since highschool. When I ran cross country, I averaged in the high teens/lower twenties. That is certainly no longer the case, but I didn't expect it to be since I haven't worked out in years. 

My time was 30:18, and I had a lot of fun. A group of my co-workers and I got together to run the race, and we plan to do another one soon. I was VERY sore the days following the race, but I plan to do some yoga to help with my stretching.

I have also been walking the stairs at my work. I walk up and down the 18 flights of stairs a few times a week. More than anything, it is nice to step away from my desk for a few minutes. 

Snow/Sick Day

Last Tuesday the "snowpocalypse" occurred here in ATL. For me, it came at a perfect time because I was sick with a terrible cold, but I am saving up my PTO for Kelly and Sean's wedding this summer. I was so glad to be able to leave early and get some rest. 

My office let out at noon, and I left as fast as possible. I called Shane to let him know that the roads were already bad, and I encouraged him to leave sooner rather than later. In hindsight, we realize that every minute made a huge impact on traffic. It took me 3 hours to get home (12 miles), and I even stopped by Publix to rent a movie and get some necessities. It took Shane over six hours!! Some people slept at work, walked miles to stay with someone nearby, and some kids even had to stay at school :) 

Shane shoveled the driveway and helped a neighbor do her driveway since her husband was out of town. Besides that, we took full advantage of the time off and relaxed as much as possible. Shane worked a bit, and I was so grateful that we got home safely. 

The dogs loved the snow

Especially Polly!