Andreapalooza

Andreapalooza (n): A week-long birthday celebration of Andrea's 32nd birthday.

It all started on Sunday, April 18th when Aaron and I substituted Alex's Sunbeam class. The primary presidency somehow knew it was my birthday that week so they invited me to stand in the front so the primary could sing "Happy Birthday" to me. When I sat down I jokingly told Aaron "I guess this is the start of my birthday week." I had no idea he would actually take me serious. So, here is how Andreapalooza played out:

• Monday (the 19th): Aaron came home with a single rose - How sweet!
• Tuesday (the 20th): Aaron came home with 3 more roses and a coupon book filled with lots of coupons for me to redeem. One even included a dinner without the (cell)phone. I am definitely going to be using that one!
• Wednesday (the 21st - my actual birthday): I woke up that morning to find several handwritten post-it notes placed strategically around the house. I was then given an envelope and told to go to a destination at 2:30. I dropped Alex off at the office and headed to my secret place. It ended up being a day spa where Aaron had booked me a wonderful 90 minute massage followed by a pedicure. It was heaven! After being relaxed and pampered for 3 hours, Aaron picked me up (he even lined up a babysitter) and whisked me off the Flemings for a delicious steak dinner and chocolate lava cake for dessert. When they rolled us out the door, we headed home where I had yet another surprise waiting... 2 dozen red roses, and a beautiful heart-shaped diamond necklace! Aaron had picked it out himself and let me tell you, he did a great job!

• Thursday (the 22nd): I thought Andreapalooza was over seeing as how my birthday was over, but Aaron had other plans. He brought me home a bouquet of my favorite candy bars.
• Friday (the 23rd): My favorite treat in the whole world is chocolate covered strawberries, and this is exactly what Aaron brought me home. They were delicious!
• Saturday (the 24th): Aaron gave me a box of Cummings Chocolate Truffles.
• Sunday (the 25th): The final day of Andreapalooza was spent celebrating with my family at our house.

Whew! What a birthday week. I don't even want to know how many calories I consumed and I am not ashamed to say I ate every last one of the yummy treats Aaron surprised me with and didn't give in to the whines of my children to share with them. I did, however, share the chocolate covered strawberries with Aaron because I am nice like that! Thanks Aaron for making me feel very special, very loved, and for being the best husband ever! I think 32 is going to be a great year!

A conversation with Alex

Here is how todays conversation with Alex went:

Me: "Alex, what do you want for lunch?"

Alex: "I want to go to In-n-Out Burger."

Me: "No, we went there yesterday. We are going to eat at home today."

Alex: "But if it is busy, we can eat outside."

Me: "Not today. Do you want tuna?"

Alex: "No."

Me: "Do you want a corn dog?"

Alex: "No."

Me: "Do you want chicken nuggets?"

Alex: "No."

Me: "Well, then I give up. What do you want?"

Alex: "In-n-Out Burger." (Giggle)

This, of course, was followed by me chasing him around the kitchen, catching him, and tickling him.

Our easter celebrations

This year the Easter bunny really tricked the kids by hiding their baskets in their closets. He must have know they never go in there by how dirty and disorganized they are. They thought that was pretty tricky!

We also made resurrection rolls for breakfast. The kids were so amazed how the rolls turned up empty. I think we will make this a new Easter tradition. It was really fun!

The best thing about this Easter was that in coincided with General Conference. So not only were we able to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior but we were also able to listen to teachings of our Prophet Thomas S. Monson. It was a great day!

12 Fabulous years

This year, Aaron and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. I can't believe it has been 12 years already. I look back at our wedding photos and realize just how young we were when we got married - I was 19 and Aaron was 22 - so young!

For our anniversary, Aaron and I spent the morning attending a session in the Jordan River Temple. It was so great to sit with him in the peace of the temple and enjoy the spirit we felt there. We followed that up with a quick trip (the kids were at home and Aaron had to go back to work) to Starbucks for a strawberry smoothie and an apple fritter. Since it was a Thursday night, we decided to go out on Friday. On Friday, we went to Flemings and had a truly yummy meal and went to see a movie. Granted, our dates usually consist of dinner and a movie so how was this different? Well, for one, it was Flemings, and two, we had tickets to the Michael Buble concert just a few days away. So, in Marshall family fashion, our anniversary was celebrated for an entire week.

On Wednesday, we went to see Michael Buble in concert with our neighbors, the Grahams. This was our third time seeing him in concert and he never disappoints. It was fabulous! The only disappointing thing was when it ended. So much fun with good times, good fun, and good company.

Well, Hon, I love you! I am so lucky to have you as my husband and I look forward to the next 12 years and beyond!