Valentines 2011

As I seem to mention every year, Valentines day is one of my least favorite holidays. Mainly because restaurants are absolutely no fun during the holiday. The phone constantly ringing with desperate men dying to get a dinner reservation on February 14th, confirming the reservations we do have on the books to make sure they are coming, all while still trying to maintain my regular duties around the restaurant.

Steve, being the absolutely amazing husband that he is, has made this sometimes-stressful holiday much more bearable over the past few years. During our first few Valentines Days together he started my favorite tradition of ours:) I shared his 2009 & 2010 stories and reviews here, and I will add 2011 certainly did not disappoint! The Valentine Review has become the most anticipated gift from Steve each year! This year was about our upcoming move across the country to Washington, D.C. and how excited he is to take this leap of faith together as we begin the next chapter in our life.
Needless to say, Valentines Day 2011 was yet another success, a few nights after the holiday we enjoyed dinner at our favorite Provo restaurant, Pizzeria 712, frozen yogurt at Golden Spoon and each others company all night long. I was especially loved that Steve included this coat I've been eyeing for a while with the Valentine Review, I can't complain:)

My seester

I know, I know, I posted about how amazing my sister is last week on her birthday, but while she was in town a few weeks ago we went and got some photos taken with my mom! The white specks on it are because this is just a scan of the original.
What's the best perk of having an amazing sister that's an even more amazing cook? She has the best super simple recipes - like the carbonara recipe I'm making tonight for dinner!

Another reason why we love when the little ones come to town...

Isn't this just adorable?...

quilt #1: complete

I finished my first piece quilt! Thanks to my wonderful mother for her help teaching me how to do it all! I'm already planning my next one!

happy birthday shout out

Today is my sister's birthday, I posted on her birthday last year (here) and everything I said then is even more true now! If you knew her you'd agree that she is the most thoughtful, caring, patient, all-around-amazing person ever :) I'm so lucky to have such a great older (and only sister).

Happy 28th birthday, Abbie!
You deserve a wonderful day!

Growing Up

Steve did a very grown up thing yesterday...

He applied for his first real job in Washington, D.C. with the Democratic National Committee. It would be the perfect place to network and meet so many people....

And I couldn't be more proud of him :)