J.J.'s second birthday

Today we celebrated J.J.'s second birthday. His "grandma" and "aunt" came over for dessert and presents. He got lots of delicious treats (yes, I baked him a small pumpkin cake) and enjoyed lots of attention. It's really hard to believe that he is two years old. It seems like just yesterday he was a tiny puppy. We couldn't imagine our lives without him, and try to treasure every single day. It's impossible to have a bad day with him around. You could come home in the worst mood, but as soon as you see him grinning and jumping up and down as you unlock the door, all of the crap fades away. He's a wonderful teacher for living in the moment. We can only pray that we will have many many more birthdays with him.
On another note, here is a picture from one week ago. It was 70 degrees. Today it snowed. Go figure. Can't wait until spring!

26!

Last week we celebrated my 26th birthday. It was a great day. I decided that I didn't want any presents this year (don't need anything), but didn't want to cook at all, the entire day. Each meal was special and deliberately chosen.
The day began with breakfast at an up-scale cafe. (I didn't choose it because it was upscale but because it was closest to our house.) Here I am talking to my cousin and Uncle. After going to one class, we went to lunch at another cafe. We got a really good deal on a gift certificate, so we were able to get lunch, a cookie, and coffee. Yum! Mom and Amanda came to see me after lunch and gave me unexpected presents. I love my bracelet, Mom, and Amanda, your sketch will be proudly displayed in our living room! Dinner was the food highlight of the day. We went to Houlihan's, which is just about the yummiest ever. (We also had a coupon for this - it's okay to shop smart on your birthday, right?) After appetizers of a Mediterranean pizza and mini veggie burger, we shared a huge BBQ salmon salad and dessert of a chocolate cake and creme broulee. It was divine. Though I must admit we both felt a little icky the next day after eating so much fat and sugar! Jonathan was the best all day, and made it extra special by taking J.J. out each time he had to go. :) My cousin sent me the most beautiful necklace and earrings from New Zealand that have an incredible amount of sentimental value. My best friend sent me a lovely robe and card. My wonderful in-laws also never forget my birthday and sent surprises. I feel hugely spoiled - thanks to everyone for the lovely gifts and birthday wishes! It was a very very happy one.

Digging our way out

Last week, the University closed for a record three days in a row. Excluding the 48 hour period that our furnace was out (and it was 55 degrees in the house), we had a great time during our snow days. We took J.J. out to play every day and read a lot. Wednesday we decided to go out and shovel, in case we need to get out and to prepare for school re-opening on Friday. We had a lot of fun but it was hard work! Friday would have been better if Jonathan had not fallen on campus, before we even got out of our parking lot. He's okay, but I was really worried that he was injured. He's tough though and is just a little sore. I found the mailbox!
Yesterday we decided to take advantage of our two feet of snow and build a real snowman. Unintentionally, we decided that he looks like Dad. :) Here's your likeness in snow, Dad!
Kiss for you!
My birthday is four days away and I'm very excited. It's strange that I was more upset about turning 25 than I am about turning 26. I know I'm still young, but I guess I never imagined that I would still be a broke student in my later twenties. Time goes by so fast. We don't have any big plans for the big day, but I'm really excited that I won't have to set foot in the kitchen all day! Instead of presents, we are eating out for every meal. I am really looking forward to it, especially since we haven't been eating out much lately and I've been making a lot of things homemade. Hurray for birthdays!

Breaking Records

Today we are snowed in - literally. We had a record-breaking blizzard over the last 24 hours that made national news. In our town, we had more snow yesterday than anywhere in the country. We've measured between 17-21 inches, plus some ice beneath the snow. Snow trucks have gotten stuck, the interstate highway was closed for 70 miles, and we had more snow than any other date in the history of our town. We're also going to be having record wind chills in the next 24 hours, down to 20 degrees below zero. The University has closed for the third time in 20 years, and the first time that it's closed two days in a row. And they are still deciding what to do about school tomorrow.
Fortunately, we have a warm home, stocked with food and good company. We're having a great time! While the storm raged outside, we enjoyed coffee and homemade scones (three flavors). We read for school and did a little work. We watched a movie and played with J.J. outside very briefly. We shoveled some snow and ate pizza. It was a lovely day! Here's our day in pictures.
Here we are enjoying breakfast watching the storm. This is the view on our deck as of 7:00am yesterday morning. This is the view of our deck three hours later, at 11:00am. This is the view three more hours later, at 4:00pm. And this is the view we woke up to this morning, at 7:00am Wednesday. Fighting our way up (invisible) stairs to see the world above. You can see the blizzard raging around us. J.J. doesn't mind it, though! J.J. sticking his head in the snow. Can't imaging what he could be smelling under all that! Just to show you how high the drifts were getting at about noon yesterday!
We're not the only ones to have such snow - it's hit the entire state. So for our wonderful family members out there, please stay safe and warm! We love you all and hope that you are able to enjoy your snow day from the comforts of a warm home.