Always my Valentine

February 14th marks a very special day for Jason and I. Not only is it thee LOVE day but it is our love day. We celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary this year. 

I'm a really big planner and love to extend celebrations for longer than their usual DAY. I tend to celebrate for weeks, probably even months if time allowed, haha. So this year I did a week countdown until valentine's day. I turned it into something Bri'elle and I could do through the day and surprise daddy when he got home. Things like making him cards, to little Valentine's crafts, jello hearts, conversation cut outs, dinners, making him lunch, cleaning the house, etc..etc.. I think you get the picture. It was nice to do these things for him. He was surprised to or would say, "Whats this for?" and it was a great time with Bri'elle. Everyday, I would tell her about Valentines day. More about the meaning of love. I would show her a heart and tell her it means love. She knows where your heart it and the sound it makes, thmp, thmp, thmp. I would then ask her to tell me the things she loves. One day she started by saying mommy, daddy, and continued as she went through all her grandparents, all her aunts and uncles, her friends, and then mentioned different pets she loved. It was so cute. Another day (this was my favorite) she started by saying she loved herself. I was pleased to know she included herself. So I told her yes, it's important to love yourself because Jesus loves you and everyone loves you. Then she continued and said Jesus along with the remaining people and pets from the day before. She also added different items like her blankie, some of her favorite movies, etc. 

On Valentine's day these are the things we did:

Gave Bri'elle her Valentines - A card from mom/dad, the movie Lady and the Tramp, and heart shaped peeps

Bacon for Breakfast

Mommy got ready and Jalilah wanted to say hi to daddy, so I took a pic and sent it to him at work :)

Yum! Jay bought this for me a day before so I decided to get it out and make him a snack for when he got home

The chocolate cheddar cheese is in the middle!!!

Yes, that is In N Out

Grubbin'

This is exactly what I wanted, double cheddar cheese burger extra well done with fries a rootbeer and a choc shake

After eating in the car before heading into the movies

All these were taken on our phones, haha. I had my camera with me but it was so much easier at the time to snap a quick shot with my phone or Jay's phone. I need to get out of this habit. 

Jay worked and Bri'elle went to preschool so I got some good quality ME time until about 4:00 when Jay got home. We spent about a half hour talking and cleaning the house before we left to pick Bri'elle up from his parents. Once we picked Bri'elle up we brought her to my parents to spend the evening while Jay and I went on a date. We couldn't make up our minds where we wanted to eat so both of us said heck with it and decided on In N Out. I'm so happy we did. the food was extra good. After ordering it from the drive-thru we drove to the nearest movie theater which was only two minutes from In N Out and sat in the parking lot eating our dinner. We played R&B love songs while we ate and talked about our timeline of friendship to marriage (from highschool to now). It was so romantic!!! I loved every minute of it. I felt like just sitting in the car and making out for old time sake, haha but realized my belly would be really uncomfortable in Jay's stick shift Mustang coupe. Not fit for someone preggo for sure. Once we finished with dinner we went into the movie and watch Man on a Ledge. I highly recommend this movie! It was so good!!!! we were going to see a chick flick/romantic movie but I was in need of some action and have been watching to see the movie plus it was something we both wanted to watch. Better to please both of us :) After the movie we stopped at Mel's diner before picking up our little valentine. I ordered a hot chocolate and Jay got coffee. We sat there for a long time just gazing at each other, gushy I know! Right before we left a song came on from the jukebox and it was MY song literally. Not sure if any of you will know it, it's called Brandy by Looking Glass. It was perfect timing and couldn't have been picked on a better night. When we were leaving a group of girls between the age of 30's-40's about 3 of them. I noticed them looking at my belly then I heard one girl say awhh and when I looked at them they smiled with sincere admiration. I was completely glowing by this point. My night was definitely getting better and better. Next we headed home and picked up our little girl. 

And that was pretty much our Valentine's/Anniversary <3

 

My First Outting

 January 15th, 2012


Since I've been cooped up in the house majority of the time this pregnancy with the doctors approval I have been able to get out a little more. I'm still limited to the things I can do and the length of time I'm on my feet but at least I can get some fresh air. I have to say I have been able to do more the last few months than when I was first put on bedrest especially now that I know she is a healthy little baby and there aren't any worries about if she would need to be delivered she would be fine. Granted I've been extremely blessed! 


So Jay decided/surprised me with a date after church on this Sunday. On Sundays we have family dinner with my parents as something we started for the new year and since we've moved out. It was a tradition on my dad's side of the family when he was little so he wanted to start the same thing with us. Jay checked with my parents to watch Bri'elle in the afternoon then we would join them for dinner when we got back. Of course, my parent's said yes...so our date began. 


Jay took me to Bay Street in Emeryville. It is filled with tons of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Our first stop was Elephant Bar for lunch. I was craving a cheeseburger with all the fixings. Jay craved the same thing since I talked it up so we had the same lunch. I love when we happen to want the same thing. :) The burger was so yummy but I didn't finish it all since Jay ordered me coconut shrimp for an appetizer, another craving. 


After lunch we went to the movies to see Contraband. It was a pretty good movie! I love action movies and especially ones that have some pretty good actors, I won't mind watching a guy film if it makes him happy. 

Once the movie ended, Jay said he wanted to take me shopping. I was a little confused because I can't just GO shopping. For one, I'm not really suppose to be walking around. Two, I'm pregnant and didn't want to load up on maternity clothes. Three, well there is no three... How can I turn down shopping when the hubby wants to do something nice for me. Well, he leads me to Victoria Secret! Ha! he must have something up his sleeve. Which he did... I had a gift card that has been sitting in my drawer forever. I have no idea when I got it, maybe my birthday. Jay said he knew that I would probably let it sit there at least until I had the baby and knows how much I enjoy shopping...free shopping at that. I blushed because it made me feel really good he thought about me and how I've been feeling with being on bedrest. So... I let him go to town.... Nothing better than the hubby picking out your lingerie. 


After we went to one of our fave places for dessert, The Tea Cake Bake Shop at Bay Street. They have the best pink velvet cupcakes. We bought a box of assorted flavors for my family since they watched Bri'elle. We also saved ours to enjoy with them. 


It was a GREAT first outting out and about!!!! I'm so thankful the hubby did this for me.

 

Monday was a Funday

On our way out for the day

She knows exactly where we are

Yummy CHEESE pizza..I could've ate the whole thing to myself. lol

She kept saying she was Happy

Her favorite - SLIDES

Playing games with daddy

Movie Time!!!!

 Daddy surprised us when his alarm went off and said, "I don't think I'll go into work today". I was so shocked but didn't want to turn away an opportunity like this. He said his plans are to spend the day with his girls, all 3 of them. I had a smile on my face ear to ear. 


As Bri'elle slept we got up showered and got dressed. Spent a little bit of morning time together then woke Bri'elle up after Jay set out all the stuff he was going to have Bri'elle help him make breakfast. The two of them made breakfast for us then we all finished getting ready. 


When we went through Bri'elles room on Friday and Saturday Jay found a container of tokens from Chuckie Cheese, so that was our first stop. Bri'elle was so excited! It was so nice to be together and watch our little girl smile over the small things. She played for about an hour then daddy had another place to take us.


Next we when to the movies to see Beauty and the Beast. One of my all time favorite Disney movies and I think it's becoming a favorite of Bri'elles. When the movie started she yelled Beauty and Beast, then began to sing along as the musical portion started. Even Jay joined in on the singing. 


We had a blast!!! It was such a nice family fun day together. I will cherish these moments forever... Today Bri'elle woke up and said no daddy work today. Poor thing always thinks he can stay home whenever she gets time with him before.
 


 

Soul Surfer

10-26-11

Last night Jay and I watched the movie "Soul Surfer". It was such a touching movie and hit home for me. If you haven't seen the movie you need to watch it. I won't give it away just in case you have no idea what it is about but I will say it will be an inspiration. Basically, something tragic happens to this young teenage girl that changes her life forever. It is also a true story. This girl decides she isn't going to let what happened to her overcome her but instead she is going to embrace the purpose that God had for her and let good come out of it.

I totally relate to her. Throughout the movie in my head and moments out loud I would say comments like "Come on girl you got this" "God is with you, you can do it" "be strong I know its hard" "Don't quit hang in there". I totally wanted to reach out to the girl and give her a hug; let her know that everything will be okay. Everything will be okay.  Sometimes you just need to know you have support. You always have support with God.  What was also amazing is she thanked God for what happened to her and even said she wouldn't have changed the situation because then the message God was trying to make through her wouldn't have been heard. Amen to that! I think a lot of us forget the purposes of some things and dwell in what had happened. I know I can be guilty of that sometimes. But if we reach out to God and let the worry roll off of our shoulders we will soon hear the message that God is trying to make. There is always greater plans that God has for us in all circumstances.

Soul Surfer is the name of the movie but I think its more than just a title of a movie. It's what God wants us to do; more soul surfing. My church did a sermon related to this movie. I hadn't watched the movie at the time but the message was related really well. Now that I watched the full movie it has definitely impacted my life. This was the message God wanted me to hear and see. A lot has been happening the last month. I've had many flashbacks of my past and it was scary and worrying me. Everyday I faced a new challenge. Lately I have been praying that God please relieve me of this, tell me what I need to do, lead me in the direction that I may exalt to you Lord. I've had the weirdest experiences since praying these and I know its God talking to me. For instance, I hadn't attended church this one Sunday. I felt so bad for not going but didn't feel well. I hated the fact that I wasn't able to just make myself go. Almost like I was leaving God behind. I told myself it would be okay because I will have my own Bible study to praise God. I read some of my devotionals but late that night I still didn't feel like I filled up on the Lord. I didn't know what to do. At that time I was sitting on my bed with the tv on some random channel. I was mostly using it as white noise as I was knitting. All of a sudden a preacher popped on the tv and started preaching about worry and how God has plans for us. We need to leave our past behind that God will take care of us. It was so amazing!!!! Thank you Lord. I watch it for the duration of his sermon.

God is good - All the time!!!!!

To watch the sermon from my church about Soul Surfing visit there website - Bay Hills
You will have to follow the instructions to download the sermon audio's.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13


"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Quarter of a Century

Yes, I turned the big TWO-FIVE on August 16th.
WOW, has time really flew by or what. My birthday this year was laid back which I think was good considering all that has been going on this month between other birthdays, the relay, and a friends baby shower and much more stuff in between. I usually celebrate my birthday for a week, haha! I'm living it up next year for sure.
On my actual birthday, Jay and I went to dinner and the movies. We ate at Claim Jumpers in Concord. I was craving a steak and wanted to go somewhere I hadn't been in awhile. We oredered so much food and we almost finished it all. The bonus was that my steak was amazing! There was a little bit left which made a perfect leftover for lunch the next day. After dinner we headed over to Pleasant Hill to watch Friends with Benefits. It was so nice to have a date with my babe for my special day.
The next night since we got home late my parents had pie for me (by my request, I was sick of cake at this point). What made my birthday this year was without anyone telling her to Bri'elle sang me Happy Birthday. She kept repeating "Happy to you Momma" "Happy to you Momma". It was the cutest thing ever!!!!
My birthday didn't stop there. Every year in August my all of my highschool friends get together because there is 3 of us whp have birthdays all within about 2 weeks apart. We figure its easier to get together once. We usually go to our signature place The Melting Pot but this year decided to switch it up and try somewhere new. We went to this Italian Piano Bar place in Danville, I'm forgetting the name since it was a two months ago. It was a cute little place, the reviews warned that it was a much older crowd but I didn't mind. the food was delicious.
I would have to say I had a great birthday! To many more years.
P.s. Sorry no pictures they were on the memory card I lost.

If this works.....Bri'elle singing me Happy Birthday

Goodbye June - Sunday

The last Sunday in June - so we had to celebrate with some rockin', rollin', speed lightin', no stoppin'!

I'm talking about a day filled with CARS, CARS, & more CARS!

Of course we started the day off with church...and then from there we sped home to get ready for our day. Our town held the annual car show they always have in June. I've attended the carshow for as long as I can remember. I love cars and so does Jay so it was perfect for us. Bri'elle had a great time too! They had a band playing old school music which Bri'elle jammed to. Her eyes lit up with excitement as soon as she heard the music playing. This girl loves to get her groove on. So we hung out by the band while we ate to let our ears fill up with the great music. Once our bellies were full we set off looking and all the nice and classic cars spread out throughout the local park (they close the main street, park parking lot, and baseball field to fill up with cars).

Here's a few pics from the car show:

Since the day was themed with cars we decided to take Bri'elle to see Cars 2. We have been watching the first Cars at home a lot and thought it would be fun to keep the fun rolling. The movie was awesome. Jay bought Bri'elle the kids pack which includes a little popcorn, drink, and candy for $5.00. The goodies were all a well worth it size and it was so cute seeing her hold it and eat from it. It made me realize that she's turning into a big girl **tear**. Bri'elle did great during the movie, she had her moments since she didn't have a nap and was fascinated with all the kids there (usually we go during matinee on a weekday and no one is there).

And the weekend sped off!

<3

Jay's 3rd Interview

Yes, that is right! His 3rd Interview!!!

A little bit of history:
After having a temp job being a cook at a restaurant for the past 1 1/2 weeks Jay decided it wasn't for him and he pretty much worked there for free and it really doesn't matter besides the fact that everything happens for a reason. The cooking job demanded he work everyday even though he requested to have Sunday's off. When he requested to get off a day because he had an interview (he told the lady he had an appointment) the lady completely blew off the fact he didn't show up for work after telling her way in advance he needed the day off. Later that night (Tuesday) Jay's phone falls in the water when he went kayaking, he wasn't able to go turn it in for a new one until late Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday morning our car got a flat on the way taking me to work which meant he wouldn't be able to make it to cook. A few attempts and no response Jay knew that the cooking job wouldn't work out. On Thursday Jays phone arrives (earlier than the estimated time of Friday afternoon). Once Jay got it all hooked up there was a missed call and a voicemail left just 20 minutes earlier. It was the first company he had an interview with and made it all the way to the 2nd one. They wanted him to come in the following day for the 3rd interview.

 The interview (Friday):
Jay's interview was on Friday at 3:00p.m. I got off of work at 3:15p.m. so my mom watched Bri'elle and brought her to the park by my work until it was time to pick me up. I didn't leave work until 3:30 and we didn't get home until about 3:55 because I let Bri'elle play at the park a little longer so I could watch her and then we picked my little sister up from school. As we pulled into the driveway I get a call from Jay. And guess what he says!?!?!?! He is employed!!!!!!!!!! The best news ever! He tells me how the interview went and that he is on his way home to share the details. Once he got home he told me all about the interview which basically was a meeting with the VP of the company. She asked Jay a few questions like what he was looking to get out of the company and why he would be the right choice for them if they were to hire him. Apparently he said the right answers because after that she hired him. The other lady (the manager of the department he would be working in) who interviewed Jay at the second interview showed him his office and around the building introducing him to the others in the department. She went over some details and said he will receive a letter in the mail to sign welcoming him to the company upon a background screening. And that she will see him on May 2nd for his first day of work.

God is so amazing and answered our prayers just at the right time. We would like to thank everyone who prayed with us and for us. Jay is employed at a great company that he wishes to make a career out of it and not just a job. Jay is completely ecstatic and has worked hard for this. I'm so proud of him. This is a start of a turning point in his, mine, and our families life.

Our Celebration:

Friday night Jay and I went to Happy Hour at Tahoe Joe's, now one of our favorite places. We each ordered a drink and we shared four appetizers. It was so much fun. We got to talk about our future plans and just have a good time knowing that God is taking care of us and has a plan mapped out. We need to be patient and allow him to work in our hearts before we can make the proper steps.

Me and Jay - I set my camera on the top of the booth for the pic.

My happy,well-deserved,proud hubby

One proud and excited wife

Maybe we did order too much food

You can still see the happiness in his face- and it's not from the food :)

When we came home our babysitter (my little sis) & Bri'elle were passed out

Our Future Plans:
Now that we know God has provided us with some security that we have been waiting for we are now discussing our moving out plans, getting a commuter car, paying off the rest of debt, daycare, and an addition to the family. I will keep you posted as things progress and Jay's first day of work. Yes, I took that day off. 

Again, I would like to thank everyone!!!!! I appreciate the time and thoughts from everyone especially the support that our family and friends have given us through the past two years of our life that we struggled with only one of us working. I really can't express my feelings because there are so many but the happiness, joy, gratitude, and hope that I'm feeling feels like when I was told I no longer have cancer, when Jay asked me to marry him, our wedding day, when we found out I was pregnant,the birth of Bri'elle, are all just a few situations that I've felt similar emotions.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also too add, Jay and I went to the movies on Saturday ($6.00 tickets from Groupon). We saw The Lincoln Lawyer and I highly recommend this movie. It was a fantastic movie with a great story line. 

<3