Justin managed to suprise me with the best gift ever! He was being very sneaky a few days before Valentine's Day saying that we had to drive to work separate because he needed to go "somewhere" after work. I had NO IDEA as to what he might be up to! We had talked about getting a Cajon (you know, the box that you sit on and create sweet beats with) for Valentine's, but then decided we should probably save our money being that Uncle Sam will be knocking on our door soon. :) So again...I really didn't know what in the world Justin had in mind. Well, Friday after work he surprised me with a beautiful Anthurium plant! I posted a few pics of it...I LOVE IT!!! Much better than flowers becasue this is a living plant! Not flowers that are just going to die off. Every day there is something to discover; new leaves, new buds, a little spider that's taken up residence...the fun never ends! :)
February 13.We woke up around 7:30 that morning and decided to shoot a cruise down to the beach. It was so nice just hanging out with my love and watching the gigantor surf that came in for the weekend! We walked from Dog Beach all the way down to the pier. The surf was huge, but pretty dumpy. Major bummer for the NSSA contest at Ocean Beach. Even though the surf wasn't good, it was still amazing to see the mighty power in the waves. The lifeguards had to closed the pier that day!
"The seas have lifted up, oh Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves; Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea - the Lord on high is mighty." Psalm 93:3-4
February 14.
The day started out great! We slept in, woke up slowly, enjoyed some french press coffee, then got ready for our Valentine's trip to Julian! Neither of us had ever been! Justin's lived here in San Diego for over 8 years and he'd never been to Julian! I've lived here for about 4 years and always wanted to go, but never did. So we were both pretty excited! The day was so awesome! We cruised up and down the Main Street of the adorable little town. Found a cute little Italian joint that was absolutely delicious! After that, we decided to go back to the car and take a nap...yup, I said nap! It was seriously just so gorgeous up there and I wanted to just lay down and enjoy it! So we went back to the car, opened the windows to the huge pine trees and cool breeze, and relaxed for about an hour! Gosh it was great!
We knew we couldn't leave Julian without grabbing a slice of pie! I should have taken pictures, but my words will have to do. Justin enjoyed a hot slice of cherry apple crisp pie with a side of vanilla ice cream! I thoroughly indulged in a hot slice of peach apple crisp with a side of vanilla ice cream! Yes, that was pretty amazing! Then began the trek back to Ocean Beach.
Now, this is where the day kind of takes a turn for ... not the worst, but let's say the unfortunate and interesting. On the way down from Julian we noticed that our car was not running as it should. We'd come to a complete stop, then the car felt like we were taking off in 3rd from the line, really lugging. It was so odd. Then, the check engine light came on. A few miles later, the transmission light came on. And then, we had just about made it to the end of the 8 West, the check transmission fluid light came on followed by smoke and steam from the hood. Are you kidding me?!? It's Valentine's day for crying out loud! We were so close to home! And then I did something I've never done before. Along with Justin, I walked down a freeway. Yup, we took a hike down the 8 West to a gas station and back. We finally got the car started and back home, but learned later that we need a new transmission....super sad. But you know, even amidst all of that muck, it was probably the best Valentine's day ever!!! Seriously! Justin and I both had such a great day. So what if the Honda is sick for a while...that's honestly such a minor hiccup in the grand scheme of things. We've got God's love, eachother, and a beautiful life. Can't complain!!!
Here are just a few pics from the Julian adventure. Justin doesn't really like pictures, but I managed to get one!!! :)
So one night at Jason and Mel's we decided to bust out the karaoke machine that Larry and Jodi won at a Christmas Party. Jason, Justin, and Larry (for a brief moment in time) turned into three of the most hardcore rappers Porterville has seen!
This is Larry singing "Ladies Night" for all the girls. Oh geez, this was a great night!
I belive Sherianne and Tamara are singing Queen at this time. There are other shots of this one, but they might not appreciate me posting them. :) 
For Justin's birthday, December 27, we had a small get together with the family and his best friends from home. These are the guys of Pride of Ownership - - Brandon Chiapa, Justin Denney, and Tim Dennis. Though P of O is no longer on the map, nothing will ever separate these three! 
Happy Birthday Justin!!!!
Little Goowa (aka Garrett, our nephew) wanted to get in on a shot with the boys. Too cute!!!