Katie's Corner: Valentine's Day "weekend"

Let's see....

Our church had our couple's retreat this Saturday. I think there were about 25 couples that went. It was nice to get away and just spend the day with Jeromy, with nothing to do but focus on us and our marriage. Being on opposite schedules doesn't allow for that very often. We also want to thank my parents for having the kids over 2 nights in a row! Thanks! I know they are old enough- and responsible enough to stay by themselves, but I know they'll have more fun being spoiled at grandma and grandpa's house!

So the retreat was a day thing, and it was at Port Gamble. I don't think I've ever been there before... at least I don't remember!

Here we are: Katie and Jeromy...

Here's Jason and Laura...

Here's Jeremy (J2) and Maranda...Here's Eric and Deanna- who love that I post pictures of them on my blog- you guys are GREAT!!After we registered we had some yummy lunch, chicken chili with some other stuff. Poor Jeromy couldn't have the chili cause there was sour cream in it.Here's Shelly and Pat Love- who coordinated the retreat, leading us in "Amazing Grace". A beautiful song that gets me teary eyed every time I'm really listening to the words.After some teaching in the Bible about how God designed marriage to be, we had some free time to walk around Port Gamble. It was a rainy gross day, but I'm sure this place would be perfect for strolling around during sunny weather.

So here we are walking around with my monster umbrella...

I think we'll choose this path... the kinda straight and narrow....Jeromy trying to do the chicken... I think...We stopped in a little touristy place, and Jeromy bought me some truffles for valentine's day- good man!Starting to get dark, this is the pavilion we were at...We had another teaching, then one more half hour of "free time" while the catering crew set up for our dinner.... ooooohhhhh so fancy...Mmmmmm...This cake was awesome!We had a great time at the retreat. Most importantly learning of God's perfect design for marriage, and how wonderful marriage is when we do things God's way. It just all makes sense! I love being married!

Then this morning I ran my 3 miles- woo-hoo! I felt like I really missed out on doing the Valentine Fun Run- but my super awesome first-cousin-once-removed Kyle ran in it! He got 1st place in his age division, and 4th place over all. He is amazing! So I wanted to run my 3 miles today!

Just to give you an example of how fast Kyle is .... he ran his 5K yesterday (which is 3.2 miles) in less than 18 minutes. That's doing a mile in less than 6 minutes. Me, on the other had, runs a 12 minute mile. I do my 3 miles (not even counting the extra 0.2) in 36 minutes. So yes, he runs not only fast than me... but TWICE AS FAST AS ME- actually more than twice as fast as me. It's crazy! He's amazingly fast, we are so proud of you Kyle!

After running, Jeromy and I got ready for church, than we ran out to pick up the kids at my parents- thanks again mom and dad! My mom took this picture for me...

I tried to get a picture of my parents, but my mom's just getting over a cold and did NOT want her picture taken. Even tho she was wearing total Valentine's colors. Oh well! Then on the way to church, all is right with the world. I'm driving cause Jeromy's fighting something as well. Then it happens. I get pulled over by the cops! So lame!

I was driving 60 mph from my parents in Poulsbo, all the way to the kitsap way exit, and it goes to 50 right there, and there was a cop right there, and I guess I didn't slow down fast enough, so she pulled me over.

Super lame. Couldn't she tell we were a nice family heading to church? We even had your Valentine's cookies in the front, mom, frosted with love. And she still gave me a $113 ticket.

So, I was kinda bummed heading into church. And of course I left feeling A-ok. It's always so amazing how the message of the day seems to speak right to you. Alot of today's message was about how so many people in the past- and even today are martyred for their beliefs in Christ. And pastor Kevin said it reminds him that we all don't really have it that bad here in America. We need to suck it up and quit complaining. People are dying all over the world, and I'm stressing about a ticket. So it helped changed my mind set. Still a $113 dollar bummer, but I'm not going to let it ruin my day. I'm going to Heaven for crying out loud!!!!

We had plans to go to "The Out Back Steakhouse" for a Valentine lunch with the family. And after the ticket, Jeromy joked that maybe we should just go to the bowling alley to eat...LOL-- NO! He also thought it would be nice to take Austin with us. We always seem to have the Trig girls over- cause they are so sweet ya know, so Jeromy thought it would be nice to take Austin. Plus he was wearing red so he fit right in...