Personal Pizzas, Friendship Bracelets and It's It's: Perfect Recipe for Love!

On Monday night Jason and I were blessed to spend an evening with Logan and Luke Demanby. We told Travis and Katie to get out of the house, just the two of them, and leave their precious cargo with us for the night. Oh what a fun night we had planned. It started with making our own personal pizzas, Logan taught us all how to make a pizza, what goes on first, second and so on. Luke assisted us by sitting on the floor and letting out priceless giggles confirming that we were making a perfect pizza! After we put them in the oven we waited for them to bake and cleaned up some of the mess! After we enjoyed our pizzas we moved on to making friendship bracelets! Don't tell Logan, but these were not as easy to make as I thought they would be! After a few tries I was able to get one to work and it turned out perfect for precious logan...Katie...don't tell me if it already fell apart! Jason even joined in on the fun and made Logan a necklace...purple and gold, of course. After our arts and crafts project Logan had her dessert...an It's It bar...yummy! Luke was such a trooper, he giggled and laughed most of the night and was very happy eating his yogurt drops! Michelle joined in on the fun with us...which made the night that much better! I love these two kiddos so much. They were so well-behaved, so happy, so full of life. Katie and Trav need to take lots of date nights so Logan and Luke can come over more often! They make my heart smile.

Logan spreading her sauce

Two handsome men hanging out...
Popping the pizzas in the oven to cook!
Michelle and Logan about to bite into their pizza.
Before I knew how challenging these bracelets would be...
Luke just hanging out.
Crafting.
The finished product!

Hugs, Annie and J

Bulldog Baseball

On Sunday night we went to our first Fresno State Baseball game of the year! I am sure this will be followed by many more. We spent the evening watching some great baseball, (Fresno State beat Oregon State 2-1) and chit-chatting with Jason's mom and dad and the Costa's! Yup, I am super excited, Heather and Jamie will be at many games this year. I am pumped about it. I love spending time with their little ones, McKenzie and Brady. I love spending time with them too. Heather is so sweet and sincere. She is an honest friend. Loyal friend. Beautiful friend. I know I can always call Heather to vent, share excitement, cry, or talk about nothing. Jamie and Jason hit it off the first time we introduced them, now they can't get enough of each other. They would be happy if Heather and I went out and they got to sit at the house and watch sports! They have two amazing children. Brady and McKenzie are always smiling. I love listening to Brady's little voice. Jason loves it even more when he asks him where he puts the Dodgers and Brady replies, "in the trash can." It makes me smile every time. McKenzie is such a happy baby, she fell asleep on my lap for most of the game, quiet and peaceful. It was so precious to watch her light up in her mommy's arms, giggling away. Not only was it wonderful to hang out with the Costa's but it is also cherished time spent with my in-laws. They mean so much to me. They are so gracious. So supportive. So much fun. They rock and I love them. I love watching Jason as he watches baseball games, he is so happy, so full of life, so content and so handsome! It makes me smile to see him doing what he loves. We finished up the night at Doghouse Grill for a yummy dinner! I thank God for these days, these precious days.

Hugs, Annie and J

Heather and baby McKenzie

Me, Heather, Brady and McKenzie...trying to stay warm!

Brady cheering on the Bulldogs!

I scored a homerun with this handsome man!

Date Night with the Waldrums

As always...it was treasured time! AND...the camera was out!

The Boys

The four of us after a yummy dinner at Yosemite Ranch

Hugs, Annie and J

Happy Heart Day

Let me just start by saying that Jason and I pretty much threw out any plan we had for Valentine's Day this year. We were planning on getting each other the iphone 4, we went to the Apple store and we were convinced to wait for the iphone 5 that is coming out in July. Great. Here we were Sunday night back at square one. We decided that on Valentine's Day we would go shopping together and pick out things we have been wanting but didn't want to spend our own money on...fun! We had reservations at Pismo's Monday night, we decided against the crowds, the inadequate service you always get on Valentine's Day and instead ordered a heart shaped pizza from Me n Ed's...which I must add, hit the spot! Since Valentine's Day was on a Monday we chose to celebrate it throughout the weekend. Let me take you on the weekend journey of LOVE...

Friday night was the night I had been waiting for..."Just Go With It" was coming out in theaters. I LOVE Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. We met my sister and Trevor at Edwards Friday for date night. I loved every second of the movie. This picture is after the movie, I couldn't get the smile of my face...the movie was so funny!

On Saturday Fresno High Warriors had their first scrimmage against Clovis East. I spent a beautiful afternoon out at the field watching Jason coach. We stopped at Sugar Shack on the way home and picked up some cupcakes for dessert...yummy!On Sunday we met the Prieto's at Neighbors for lunch. We sat for hours talking and laughing.
On Monday morning I snuck into Jason's truck before he went to work and left him some goodies...a dozen valentines' cookies from Hungry Bear, a Starbucks card (for his morning coffee) and a card...
Jason delivered lunch to my classroom and flowers to the front office for me to come pick up...they were beautiful!
My class had their last Valentine's Day party of their elementary school days. My room mom is fabulous and went all out for my kiddos. She had an ice cream sundae bar that put Yodiggity to shame, a card station with all kinds of arts and crafts, and games of guesstimation and trivia! The kids passed out Valentine's to each other and then made Valentine's cards for nursing homes. My room mom and her 3 kids were going to go hand deliver them to the residents last night...it was so sweet to watch my student's write these cards, to put their heart into making people smile...
These cookies were one of my student's Valetine's to the class...so cute!
Jason and I show our love for each other every day, we try at least. Some people don't like Valentine's for that reason, they feel you should show each other every day, that there should not be one day that you show it. I agree. However, I love Valentine's day, why not go all out one day a year, do all the small things that you do over time in one day? Why not make your significant other glow? Besides, pink and red are my favorite colors, so of course I love Valentine's Day! It is an opporunity to stop and not only do something nice for those we hold closest to our hearts, but maybe for those who never feel loved. I am proud of my students' for making the residents of nursing homes throughout Fresno smile last night, for letting them feel love. Our first Valentine's Day was awesome. My husband rocks. He is the most compassionate, caring, self-sacrificing, warm, dedicated, loyal person I know. The best part is...I get all of that...everyday.

Happy Valentine's Day! Love, The Papi's

Blessed Bliss

It's Monday night, time to reflect on those little things in my life that mean oh so much! I love going back and re-reading the previous posts on what I am thankful for, it is a great reminder. Appreciate all the little things, the love, the friendships, the moments that make us smile. It is those that we will remember forever...

It has been a WONDERFUL week, full of sunshine, good friends, and lots of LOVE! My number one this week...Baseball's back! Here is a picture of us at Chuckchansi Park for our rehearsal dinner...it was a baseball themed rehearsal! What better memory of baseball than this!

A picture of this week's baseball game...Jason talking to his players after their game Saturday...love watching him coach, I am thankful for these moments alone. He is so passionate.

I get up early a couple days a week to go to the gym. I mean really early, 4:15am early. My friend Jamie is a trooper, she does it with me. It if were not for her I would hit my snooze button many mornings. It is her accountability that gets me up. I love our time together, we get to chit-chat about girly things, even if it is the wee hours of the morning. I am not just thankful for her accountability but for her friendship. We spend lots of time with the Prieto's, no matter what we do it is always full of laughter. Thank you Jamie for getting me to the gym early in the morning and for your loyal friendship!

On Sunday night, at Noni's house, Lucas made me laugh out loud. I love that kid. Lincoln was in his chair, eating dinner. Lisa poured some puffs on his tray and walked away to get something. Before she came back, Luke had crawled over, hoisted himself up to his feet and was leaning over eating the puffs right off Lincoln's tray! It was priceless and absolutley precious. I love the look on Lincoln's face in this picture! Ahhhh, these moments make me melt...

Today my class made valentines' for nursing homes. It made my heart melt to watch some of my tough boys write cards to their "friends" at the nursing homes. I will have more pictures and explanation on my Valentine's blog to come...after tonight! Until then...

Hugs, Annie

Baseball! Baseball! Baseball!

The 2011 Warrior baseball season officially started on Saturday. Well, for Jason the 2011 season started the day after the 2010 season ended. Jason and his dad have put in countless hours working with their players not just on baseball technique but on making sure they have the grades to play this season. It is so inspiring and rewarding to see how much they put into these players. How much time they devote to making them better and better. Not just at baseball, but at being men. It is one of the many qualities I love most about my husband! It was a beautiful day for a game, on my way there my car said it was 75 degrees, once I was sitting out in the sun I could feel it! It felt so good to be back in the stands watching Fresno High compete. They scrimmaged Clovis East, it was a great game. I loved listening to the endless baseball chatter in the stands, the sounds of the bats hitting the ball, the encouragement coming from the dugouts and of course, the yelling at the umpires for their bad calls. Jason lives for this. He gets to coach what he loves with someone he loves. It is so awesome to watch Jason and his dad coach baseball together. My father-in-law has been at Fresno High for 40 years, talk about loyalty! Jason wants nothing more than to follow in his dad's footsteps, to live his legacy. As his wife, I love watching it unfold, every second of it. This year is extra special. Not only is he coaching with his dad, one of his best friends has joined the coaching staff this year. Jeff Prieto was a groomsman in our wedding and his wife and I spend early mornings together at the gym. It is wonderful that they get this opportunity to coach together. It is great to have Jamie join Michelle, Peggy and I in the stands to root on Fresno High. I can't wait for the games, the Easter Classic Tournament, and the endless baseball conversations following games. This season will be full of excitement, watching the team play Saturday made that obvious. I am hoping the Warriors bring home a Valley Championship this year, they can do it! Let's go Fresno High!

Hugs, Annie

Jason and I after the game...he is so handsome in his baseball pants!Jeff and Jason
Jamie and I
Jeff and Jamie

Atttitude of Gratitude

Here goes my weekly blog about the little things throughout my week that meant the most! This is a great way to start of the week. That's right, start it off on a Tuesday, yes, I am very thankful this week for a Monday off! It was an absolutley gorgeous day and I didn't have to spend it inside my classroom! Thank you!

I am so thankful to my husband for treating me with tickets to Legally Blonde: The Musical. What an awesome show. He is always doing thoughtful things like this for me. I am so lucky to have him, not just for the monetary things but for the unconditional love he gives me day in and day out. He sure knows how to make me smile.

When I checked my mailbox this week I was thrilled to see that Melissa is still keeping the tradition of Valentine's. I opened up an envelope that held an ADORABLE, personalized Valentine's card, what a treat! Thanks Miss! Here is a picture of the front and the inside.

My sister's boyfriend goes to school at Cal Poly, so most weekends she is gone visiting him. This weekend she stayed home and came to dinner with us. I love my sister so much and cherish the time we spend together. We got manicures and went to the Cheescake Factory. Thanks for hanging out with me Sissy...you were the highlight of my week!

On Wednesday night I looked at my cell phone at 9:00pm, I had missed a call from my friend Christina, who never calls that late. I quickly called her back to make sure everything was okay and she proceded to tell me that she was 12 weeks pregnant! I am so excited for her and her husband Blake. I am impressed they were able to hold it in that whole time! Giving thanks to sweet bundles of joy. I pray for a healthy baby in August! Here is a picture of our celebratory dinner!

My last moment will not include a picture. It was a moment that has stayed with me all day today. Jason and I were at the grocery store this morning and the customer in front of us was standing head buried in their chest. I looked at the situation a little closer and realized that the cashier was counting out coins. The customer had a coin purse emptied on the counter and was crying in their chest. My heart broke. Jason and I looked at each other and I knew his heart had broken too. When the cashier was done counting the coins they told the customer they were still a dollar and some change short. Jason reached in his wallet, paid the rest of the bill and told the customer to keep the change. I know things are tough right now. It is a shame to me that I take things like groceries for granted. I have been thanking the Lord all day today. I am thankful for the little things in life that we truly can't live without, like food and water. I pray that Jason and I can continue to bless those in situations like we witnessed today.

Hugs, Annie

Christina's Expecting!

Tonight I got to celebrate something and someone very special. My friend Christina and her husband Blake are expecting their first baby. Christina is always the one to celebrate everyone else, no matter what the occasion, she makes it a big to-do. For this reason, celebrating HER tonight was that much sweeter. Sophie, Christina, Christina's sister, Ashley and I met at California Pizza Kitchen...Christina's pick of course! We had a wonderful time chit-chatting about everything from babies to The Bachelor. Sophie is a mom of two, a boy and a girl, so she has wonderful advice to listen to. She is full of energy and so much fun to just sit and watch talk! Christina is going to be such a wonderful mom, she is caring, thoughtful, organized, energetic, and full of love. All ingredients I feel are important in mommyhood. I can hardly wait to journey down this road with her, we are going to have so much fun! Next step...boy or girl? I am anxiously awaiting August and this new baby's arrival!

Hugs, Annie

I brought Christina this adorable book, "My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story." It is a story of unconditional love between child and mom; mommy is the best at everything. It defines the magical relationship a mother has with her child.

The four of us at California Pizza Kitchen

Super Bowl Sunday

Today was gorgeous. It was perfect weather. I love Sundays for many reasons, the number one reason being that it is the one day a week Jason and I know we can be together all day. We know there will be no interruptions. We usually go to Grandma Doris's house and hang out with the whole family. It is cherished time. I have been looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday for weeks now. I knew the day would be spent with Jason, devouring delicious food, and sharing laughs with family. We started the day off by taking the dogs for a walk. They enjoyed running in the park, sniffing every bush we walked by and exchanging friendly sniffs with each dog we passed. It makes me smile to see how happy they are when we take them for a walk. After our walk we headed to the Oliver's house to watch the Super Bowl with Pauletta, Dustin, Josh, Kristy, Mike, Michelle, Ken and Peg. Pauletta had a huge spread of yummy appetizers to pick on during the game. It was almost a unanimous decision, we were all going for the Packers...all except Mike. We had a blast cheering for the Packers and of course made the game more exciting by doing a pool. I was a little confused on how the pool worked, but I came out on the top, taking home $15.00...woo hoo! I love watching the half time show and the commercials, I was disappointed in both this year. The light show was amazing but Fergie's voice wasn't impressive! My favorite commercial was the Bud Light commercial with the dog's serving humans. The highlight of my day came after superbowl...the season premiere of Glee! My eyes were glued to the t.v. screen. I enjoyed every second of the show and I am so excited for the season to come! It was a wonderful day. I love lounging in my comfy clothes, filling up on fabulous food and making wonderful memories with those we love!

Go Packers!

Annie and Jason

At the park

Taking a break from the game...

Jason and Dustin

Happy Super Bowl!

Cheescake Factory

We had a double date this weekend with the Waldrums and my sissy, Emily. After trying a few other places we landed at The Cheesecake Factory. I guess everybody decided to go out to dinner, we waited 45 minutes at 8:00 at night! We enjoyed delicious food, great conversation and lots of laughs. I love spending time with Miss and Aaron, the cherry on top was my sister! I sure enjoy these nights when we can just kick back and relax, and not worry about a thing. We had a fun photo shoot while waiting for our table...enjoy!

Hugs, Annie and Jason

Best Friends...
The two MOST precious people in my life...they mean everything to me!

Family....

Love this girl...so much!