When Pigs Fly

"Thinking again?" the Duchess asked, with another dig of her sharp little chin.

"I've a right to think," said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to feel a little worried.
"Just about as much right," said the Duchess, "as pigs have to fly...."

— Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 9.

You see, I have this friend... We will call her, Suzanne. At one time (just last week actually), she thought I was a crazy scrapbooker and didn't understand how I could spend time at weekend scrapbooking retreats.

Then it happened. It first started with a text message that read:

"Ok. I'm about to say something really weird. And shocking. You may want to sit down for this. I think I want to try out scrapbooking."

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I thought. I'll believe it when I see it. Never imaging it would actually happen. I mean really, how could it? She was soooooo opposed to the idea and never believed that she was creative enough.

Then it REALLY happened. I received a phone call yesterday that said, "I'm coming over, I want to scrapbook. I am at target buying an album. See you in a few."

My phone fell to the floor. I picked it up to make sure it was working correctly and continued home.

And there she was, waiting at my house when I got home, scrapbook in hand, ready to go.

After a settling a few minor details (ie... getting pictures, ink for printer, putting kids to bed, etc...), Suzanne completed her first very own scrapbook page...

Then her second...

Then her third....

I think this girl is a natural.

Wine Me and Dine Me

After having our second child, weekend getaways with the husband are darn near non-existent. So, for Steve's birthday, I got him a gift that we both would enjoy (well, maybe ME a little more than him, but whatever...) I purchased tickets for a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley and booked two nights in Sonoma, CA. It was on the calendar. No backing out.

(Disclaimer.... I may have also invited Ryan and Suzanne to join us. It was still romantic, they made us laugh until our cheeks hurt and split the cost of the driver with us. All is good in couple-land.)

They are kinda hot... don'tcha think?

Here it is, our weekend in the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, in true TOP TEN blog form...

1. The Marriott Renaissance Resort - The Lodge at Sonoma - What can I say other than this hotel was amazing. We expected to get some ghetto room because we booked on points, but when we checked in, they told us that we were upgraded to a cottage with a king bed (pretty sure they tell that to everyone).

The resort was immaculate...

The bed was amazingly comfortable...

And then there was the hot tub... Yeah, it was pretty wonderful too!! (I'll spare you the pictures)

I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone staying in the Sonoma area. Just make sure you request your wine glasses without spiders.

2. Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar - For being a restaurant attached to the hotel, the food was fabulous for both dinner on Friday night and brunch on Sunday morning.

I had the Sea Bass on a bed of lobster potatoes. Mmmmmm...... It was soooooo good!!

2 1/2. Della Santina - The most delicious Italian food. Enough said.

3. Balloons Above the Valley - It was a little rough having to wake up at 5:30 am on our vacation, but it was pretty much worth it. We drove into Napa, met at the General Store and were told that it was too foggy in Napa Valley to fly. So, our option was to drive 45 minutes east and take flight over Winters... aka - farmland. We figured since we were already up and ready to go, we might as well just do it. I am glad we did because it was really cool.

This is an areal view of some walnut trees.

Disclaimer: Ryan and Suzanne had a couples massage while we were in flight!!

4. Cristal Blue Carriage (AKA: CHRIS) - Our driver for the day on Saturday. We all wanted to enjoy our day without any worries of drinking and driving. Chris met us at our hotel and drove our car!! He had good knowledge about the area, picked some great wineries for us to taste at and managed to not be offended by the Moist Norwegian Pie.

That's Chris on the left.

5. Chateau Montelena - Only for it's sheer beauty.

6. Vincent Arroyo - Small, darling, boutique winery. You can only buy his wines directly from the winery. The wine maker, Vincent himself, and his dog, JJ, were hanging out with us. He even signed my bottle, (Vincent, that is, not the dog). Super fun.

7. Saviez - Again, small, darling, boutique winery. We arrived by appointment only and received our own private tasting and tour of the property. Suzanne and I are planning our birthdays there in September. They have a nice picnic area... Invite to follow.

8. Ehlers and Keegan - My friend loves that boy and I am kind of fond of him myself. We paired each tasting with a particular chocolate. Yeah, I highly recommend this place!!

9. The other wineries - Failla, Rombauer, Anaba, Schug, Benzinger

10. Time with my husband - NO KIDS...

Did I mention how wonderful the bed was?

I love him.... A LOT!

Dude...

Where does my time go??

I seriously want to blog about my Valentine's day weekend but can't seem to find time...

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Here is a preview of what went down...

Splitting 7's

Picture this...

Black Jack

Playing two hands at $25 per hand. (High roller, I know).

First hand: two 7's against a 6

Split the 7's

Got another 7

Doubled down on the first one.

Doubled down on the second one.

Stayed on 17 on the 3rd.

Can't remember what I did on the other hand, but let's do the math....

That would be $150 on ONE hand (well two actually) of BLACKJACK...

AND I WON!!

and walked away!!

can I get a whop whop??

"Gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, know when to run."

Top 10 Reasons my HUSBAND is Wonderful!!

1. He makes coffee for me every morning. And I don't just mean that he makes a pot of coffee, he adds the perfect amount of cream and sugar and brings my cup to me.

2. He is an amazing father

3. He works hard to provide for our family

4. I am pretty darn proud of his swimming ability

And if you think he is a good swimmer, you should see his dancing ability!!

5. Have you seen him rub his nipples??

Did I say nipples?? I mean he has really great DIMPLES!!

6. PATIENCE - Thank goodness he has enough for the both of us.

7. He make me laugh constantly. There is never a dull moment with Steve around. Which also means that we really have fun together. I really enjoy spending time with my husband.

8. He is HOT!!

9. He is a crowd favorite. I have yet to meet someone that does not like my husband.

He's simple: A man, his dog and a beer.

Seriously, how could you not love that guy??

10. But most importantly, my husband is wonderful because he puts up with ME!!

Feeling Better

After a week of fevers and congestion, doctors appointments and sleep, Carson and I are FINALLY starting to feel better. What Carson doesn't know is that I am leaving him and Brady with Daddy for the weekend as I galavant off on an all girls scrapbook weekend!!

What are the making for a perfect scrapbook weekend?

1. My cousins: Stacey and Barbara - Check

2. The cabin at Bass Lake - Check

3. Dinner cooked by the Green sisters - Check

4. A trip to the Scrapbook store - almost Check

5. Chick-fil-a with Suz before we leave - almost Check

6. Homemade chocolate chip cookies - Check

Carson wanted sprinkles on the chocolate chip cookies, so he got sprinkles on his chocolate chip cookies!!!

Someone excited to make cookies... wonder who that could be??

A little brotherly love.

Almost done.

Husbands, can't live with them....

But we really can't live without them.

If you don't mind me asking...

• How many times does your husband walk by those shoes on the stairs before he will actually carry them back to his room and put them away?

• How full does the garbage can have to be before he actually takes it out without you asking?

• How high does the stack of clothes on his bathroom counter have to get before he will actually put them away by himself?

• How many times does he have to go to the bathroom (and wipe his butt, because you know guys can go to the bathroom without wiping) before he puts on the new roll of toilet paper?

......Just wondering.

Dear 125 (revisited)

Dear 125,

Every time I set out on my quest to find you, you throw obstacles in my way. Your allies, cold and flu, pizza, chips, pepsi and children keep getting in my way. I know you put them there purposely to challenge me, but please STOP. I do want you, I really do. I realize that you want me to have to work for your love and affection, but at what point is enough, ENOUGH??

I was on my way the other day to stop in and see your friend 13o, but had to turn around and come home. But don't you fret there little one twenty five, I am on a quest you see. My calendar is up. I had oatmeal for lunch. And I am on the mend. Don't be surprised when 130 gives you a phone call to let you know that I came by for a visit, because as soon as I am done at her house, it is onward to yours I will go!

For now, I will get some sleep. But don't you fear, I will find you, hunt you down and kick you in your rear!!!

Goodnight One Twenty Five,

Until we meet again,

Your Friend,

-Patty