Date night

Date nights are amazing. They completely change the dynamic of your relationship with your spouse. For the time your out, you can chat about anything (hopefully not the kids). Last night we went to The Continental, mid-town. It was pretty cool; I'd go back. Last night we hit it up for dessert and drinks.
Dave brought some questions from a book he's reading, "Listening is an Act of Love." They were good questions. They were thought provoking. Even though we've been married for 9 years we've changed; a lot. We also had fun reminiscing about the past; laughing at old stories. Ah, the good ole days!
I used to wear home-made clothes and had long hair. Dave used to care way less about what he wears and now he consistently dresses like he has somewhere important to be.
The point is, even when you think you know someone, take the time to get to know them. Here are some of the questions to ask on your next date, with your family during Christmas or even at work over lunch...

General interview Questions 

• Where did you grow up? Can you describe it? 

• What was your favorite food growing up? 

• What special recipe do you remember from childhood? Who made this? 

• Did you have any pets? 

Yup, we sat in basket chairs. 

• Did you get along with your siblings? 

• What did you do for fun?

• What did you wear? To school? For fun? 

• Did you ever get in trouble? What did you do? What happened? 

• Did you ever have an experience with prejudice, bullying, or injustice? 

• What chores did you do at home? 

• What was your first job? What do you remember about it? 

• What were your neighbors like? 

• Did you have any pets? 

• What were the holiday traditions that you remember from your childhood? 

• How do you celebrate special occasions ? Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays? 

• What songs did you sing? Can you sing one for me now? 

• What were your favorite movies and music? 

• What was the role of books in your life? Did you have a favorite author? 

• Have your tastes changed as you’ve gotten older? 

• What was the greatest gift you ever received? 

• Have you traveled? Did you have any adventures? 

• What was your first car? 

• What is your favorite place? 

• When did you first fall in love? 

• What are you most proud of? 

• What was the happiest moment of your life?  

The saddest? 

• Do you have any regrets? 

• What advice do you have for young people? 

• What do you see as the greatest challenge for the 

next generation? 

• Is there something about yourself that you think no one knows? 

• How would you like to be remembered? 

• What are some of the most important lessons you have learned in life? 

• What does your future hold?  

Birthday surprise

Mmmmm....Lindt chocolate. (Eating while I blog.)
So today was a delight. I knew my mom was coming over for a few hours to bring me presents and wish me a happy birthday in person, but then the doorbell rang.
I thought it was Dave coming home for lunch and his hands were full. Well I opened the door and much to my surprise was my brother, Matt and my niece Ellie. I screamed with joy in their faces and hugged Matt as he came in.
We sat around and ate lunch; then I opened presents. I got some really great gifts already and my birthday isn't even until Wednesday!
From my in-laws, we celebrated on Saturday b/c it was Al's birthday, I received a gift card to Blue Mountain. I can't wait to go snowboarding again this year. Maybe I'll go again by myself again or maybe it will be with a friend. Either way I'm happy to be able to hit the slopes!
My mom got my the coolest bird cage thingy with pictures behind it. You have to come over and see it. It's really neat. She also got me a cool tea pot that sifts down into your mug. Again, hard to explain; you gotta see it!
Matt and AnnMarie got me a super cool bracelet. It's handmade and it's just gorgeous. It's so unique and really beautiful. Wow, I can't wait for the week to continue on!
Maybe 32's not so bad.

Starting young

Alex was napping and we still needed another 100 Christmas cards. Dave was home yesterday afternoon because he works Friday nights so Lilia accompanied me to Home Goods. (One of my top 5 favorite stores!) Of course she fell asleep on the way there, but on the way home we got to have a good chat.
She proceeded to tell me how she was telling one of her classmates in preschool named, Guru, about Jesus. She started off with telling him how both herself and him are going to die. (Not an approach I would use.) But her heart was one of love for him. She wanted to make sure that he believed in Jesus and would live forever.
She was sad that he didn't believe right then and there. So I suggested that we pray. I told her that pray changes things. She was surprised and replied, "It does?!" So we prayed for Guru right then and there.

Making memories

As a kid, Matt, myself and our parents would, most years, cut down our own Christmas tree. Now that Matt has a family of his own, he suggested we all head out and carry on that tradition.
We headed out to Wata Farm, near Quakertown and the adventure began! The kids ran around in the woods playing "bear hunt."
We trudged around looking for just the right tree. We each came home with the perfect tree and had a blast doing it!

Saw, saw, saw some more

Helping Poppy cut down the tree 

Nannie & Alex watching

Lilia & Alex helping Shu Shu Matt

Matt, AnnMarie & Ellie

Ellie, 5 months

3 trees, sawing, sweat & lots & lots of fun!

Moving Day

 Dave's youngest sister Karen moved out to Pittsburgh on Saturday. Al, Marilyn, Dave, the kids and myself helped Karen pack up her stuff.
As sad as Lilia was to say goodbye, the kids had a lot of fun playing in the truck.