Valentine's Day

A couple of weeks ago, Ronnie took me to the Real Marriage conference in Corona as a late birthday surprise. We were only able to attend Friday evening's session because my Grandpa's funeral ended up being Saturday morning during the 2nd half of the conference, but it was an awesome and memorable experience nonetheless. I did my best to get a decent picture, but it was difficult. We were able to get a book signed by Mark and Grace Driscoll, and I have started reading it already. I really respect and admire a lot of what they have to say about Christianity and Marriage, so this experience was a real treat for me! Thanks honey, you know me well =)

Although the conference wasn't on or for Valentine's Day, I thought it was appropriate to include it in this post since it is about marriage after all... Valentine's Day morning started off like any other workday, but when I opened my car door to drive to work I saw this invitation:

If you can't read it, it says "Will you be my Valentine & join me for dinner & Casa de Jones? Tonight beginning at 5:30 PM. Order of the evening: foot massage & pre-soak, H'orderves, Dinner, Dessert, Relaxation. RSVP via text..." He is so smart to give me something to look forward to during my workday! When I got home, we did just that. He had sparkling water and bruschetta waiting for me to consume during my foot soak while he grilled dinner.

(He had hung a few of our V-Day decorations) Did I mention there was romantic music playing?

And last but certainly not least... For dinner he had prepared steak and lobster, rice, and grilled veggies. I didn't get a great picture of the dinner, and the steak hadn't even made it to my plate, but I was so anxious to try it that I wasn't thinking much about the picture. It was definitely one of the most delicious dinners that I have ever had! Way to go sweetie!

We cleaned up and gave our stomachs a little while to settle down from the meal, and he suggested that we top off the night with a run to Yogurtland and a chick flick of my choice! I discovered my new favorite flavor - Toasted Coconut with coconut shavings - and we watched "Love Happens". It was a pretty great day if I do say so myself, and I don't think I would have planned it any differently. I love being married to such a selfless and romantic "wooer"!

Show Us Your Life: Singles Edition

I am taking an opportunity today to show off one of my dear friends over on Kelly’s Korner for the singles edition of “Show Us Your Life”. Her name is Robyn – and I am lucky enough to have her forever as my sister-in-law! 

Looking cute and stylish is obviously a priority for Robyn =)

Robyn is “30 flirty and thriving”, the oldest of 6 siblings (which makes her extremely responsible), and queen of balancing her busy life and friendships while always looking stylish! She is a lover of accessories, Starbucks, iPads, holiday festivities, LA Dodgers, good books, and even more - a good partay. She just graduated in December 2011 from Biola University in La Mirada, California, and would like to spend her time serving the Lord in a church or para-church ministry involving students and missions. Besides being a great family member and close friend, she is an amazing woman of God as an active servant in the church – having been a leader in our church youth group, missions and outreach team, greeting team, and probably more I can't even remember right now. Not only does she fulfill her commitments whole-heartedly, but somehow she also finds time to remember and celebrate the birthdays and other special events of her very many friends and family members (and, trust me, that's saying a lot). She is probably the sweetest and most encouraging person you will meet, but is also not afraid to tell you when you're being a bit stupid, and is happy to steer you back on the right track.

We are so proud of her dedication and commitment!

One thing I have recently learned about Robyn is that her Myers Briggs type is ESFJ. MyPersonality.info defines it as follows: “ESFJs are social butterflies that value relationships, supporting and nurturing others. Never one to shy away from social events, they are often the host. They are great encouragers of teamwork. ESFJs are responsible, dutiful, observe traditions and follow rules. ESFJs have a deep concern for others and often end up as caretakers. They are sensitive to criticism and have a need to be appreciated for the good they do for others. ESFJs are understanding, generous, have a quick wit and a knack for composition and beautification.” Well, that pretty much sums up Robyn =). Always generously giving of herself for the nurturing of others.

Fun times with some of the family!

Robyn has always had a strong desire to be a wife and mother, but has patiently been waiting for the Lord’s timing in bringing her a companion and life-partner. She has even expressed her willingness to relocate from her So-Cal roots if necessary! I don’t know why God has directed her life in singleness to this point, but I do know that the man that chooses her is going to be the luckiest guy – he may even have to put up with some extra good times in an effort to make up for lost time! Robyn has been so obedient to the Lord's direction for her life, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for her next!

To learn more about Robyn, visit her blog at Robyn’s Rejoicing, or her Facebook. 

Finishing Projects

Well, it only took a year and a half, but I finally completed the project I had in mind for our bedroom since we moved into our apartment! I printed the pictures months ago but couldn't find the time to hang them until yesterday when I had the day off. I love Ashley Ann's idea of making the bedroom all about you and your husband - and it definitely brightens up our room by reminding us of the day we promised to spend the rest of our lives together!

I have had the saying up since we moved in, and have thought ever since that it looked ridiculous all by itself on the wall. I love how the green in the picture matches the colors and style of the room. The following may make some people cringe, but I literally nailed the pictures to the wall since I probably spent a total of $20 printing the pictures, and didn't want to spend much more than that on frames and such. Plus I know it won't be long before I want to change it up anyways, so it was worth saving the money. I am thankful for the day off to check some things off of my project list and practice using my right brain for a change =)

A Weekend of Sports

This past weekend, we got together with some friends so the guys could watch the 49ers football game and the girls could do a little baking and crafting! That's my type of efficiency and time well spent...

 

You can tell who the serious 49ers fans are...

I wish I had more pictures of the crafting. Basically we bought chalkboard paint and went to Goodwill to pick out frames to make chalkboards! I liked how we could each pick out the style and size of our frames because of all of the options - plus they were pretty reasonably priced. I will try to post pics when I am finished with mine =)

Last night, my husband was "in the mood to shoot some hoops", so I accompanied him to a local school so that he could get some energy out and I could take a few pictures. Even though it was freezing outside, it felt nice to be out in fresh air since I had been inside all day.

 

  

Our Favorite

Yesterday I found out I got a new job. It is a weird thing starting out the week (and new year) just thinking you are going back to work and getting an email to the effect of, "**** has just informed us that she is leaving in a week. Would you be interested in taking her place?" So in the matter of 2 days I went from Accounting Clerk to Staff Accountant of Web Transactions! Probably no need to say I am somewhat exhausted and have hardly begun training... I could definitely use prayers in the transition time, but I wanted to share the exciting news with all of my friends here. I am definitely looking forward to this new opportunity.

So, in honor of the news, the hubby and I decided to go with some of our friends to our favorite restaurant to enjoy our favorite meal. I have to say that this is probably our favorite restaurant entree we have experienced to-date, and it gives us joy just thinking about it =). Yard House's Chicken Enchilada Stack...

A couple of pics...

My friend recommended the Chicken Tortilla soup, and we thought it would make a beautiful addition to our meal. It definitely didn't disappoint.

A Little Project

So it's Saturday morning and I was wandering around the house looking for something to do.There was an area of our living room that I had been a bit disappointed/undecided with after undecorating from Christmas. Then I realized that I had a perfect opportunity to craft/blog/make my home prettier and I was definitely going to take it! So I gathered up a few supplies I had: old glass salsa container (sometimes I save these for such moments), fake silk flowers, lace, and yarn.

Obviously just the jar and flowers alone were too plain...

So a little hot glue and bow-tying later, whala! A lovely new decor addition to our living room wall.

*Loving my new camera and Holiday event-less Saturdays...

Merry Christmas!

To celebrate our first afternoon of Christmas break, we had a little date at the park. It was so nice to be out in nature relaxing, playing, and sharing quality time. And with that I will leave you with a few pictures wishing you a Merry Christmas from the Jones'!