Sometimes you just need to get away!

Marty and I wanted to spend a night away without the kids as part of our anniversary celebration. A HUGE thanks to the Wright, Putnam, and Hackett family for adopting the girls for us.

We debated exactly what we wanted to do. We even debating about just staying at our home since the girls were at friends' houses. I decided I wanted a change of scenery, so the debate continued. Do we travel somewhere close (Tulsa, Branson, Kansas City, Eureka Springs), or stay somewhere closer? We even talked about flying to Vegas. We finally decided that we would splurge on a hotel suite locally for the night.

We decided to book a suite at the Embassy Suites in Rogers. I thought I had booked a deluxe suite, but actually booked just a King Suite for $99. Guess my clicking wasn't too good, but the budget was better. On the reservation page there was a spot for special instructions. I typed something like, we are celebrating our 17th anniversary, so we would like a secluded room. I didn't think anything else of it.

When we checked in, they congratulated us on our anniversary, and gave us our key. We were on the top floor of the spa tower in their nicest room. THIS WAS NOT THE ROOM I RESERVED! I wish I'd remembered my camera so that I could have taken pictures of this Suite. This hotel suite was the largest hotel room I've ever stayed in. It was by far larger than any apartment we've ever lived in. When you first walk in there is a family room with a sofa and recliner. That lead into a kitchen and dinning room with a LARGE round dining table and 6 chairs along with an executive desk. Off the dining room was the bedroom that was twice the size of our bedroom in our home. The bath room was also huge with a giant jetted tub and shower built for 6!

In the family room was a card signed by the staff congratulating us on our anniversary and asking us to enjoy the complimentary upgraded suite. In the kitchen was a beautiful platter of crackers with a note that snacks had been put in the refrigerator for our enjoyment. In the refrigerator was a platter of chocolate covered strawberries and a platter of assorted cheeses and fruit. YUM!

I had never stayed at an Embassy Suites before. The service was amazing. The free upgraded room was also awesome! I would strongly recommend this as a getaway spot even though it was close to home. It felt like we had gone thousands of miles away and had an awesomely relaxing weekend. Thanks Marty for a great ending to a great week.

17 and counting!

Once upon a time, in a small town in Wyoming, there was a girl who wanted to go to college, enjoy the single life and become a chemical engineer. But alas, that was not in the cards. The Lord told her she was to marry her handsome boss at work (that wouldn't fly at Wal-Mart). And the rest as they say is history.


Marty and I were married in the Denver Temple on August 26, 1992. Our life has been one of some very fun roller coasters. We've had our ups, downs, twists and turns, but always look forward to the next ride. We've lived from Wyoming to Georgia and a lot of states in between. It has truly been marvelous!
I'll tell you a little bit about our wedding day. I went through the temple the night before and then stayed at a hotel right around the corner from the temple. Marty spent the night at his sister's house that is about 45 minutes away in good traffic. I got to the temple with ease, but that wasn't the case for Marty. The time for the wedding came and went, but no sign of Marty. I was becoming quite nervous that I was being jilted at the alter. Finally, Marty came running (literally) into the temple. He had gotten stuck in the terrible Denver morning rush traffic and just couldn't make it to the temple on time. For those of you that know Marty well, you know that he always plans ahead and is NEVER late. In the 17 years I've been married to him, this is the only time that I know he was late.

Marty did a great job of surprising me with a fun week this week. On Monday I got a phone call that I had a delivery in the lobby. I went downstairs and found this colorful floral arrangement.


When I first saw it I assumed it was a cheer me up bouquet as I really wasn't feeling well and didn't really want to be at work. When I opened up the card it was obviously for our anniversary. I wasn't even thinking about it being our anniversary because this was two days early. What a guy!

Then yesterday, another bouquet of flowers was delivered to the office. This one is about 4 times the size of the original bouquet. Also, a very nice anniversary card was attached. HOLY COW!!!!


This morning I woke up and got ready to get in the shower. As I opened the shower door, what did I see?

Since we moved here over two years ago, I have really been missing my handheld shower head. I loved that in our last house. I love the massaging feature and the ability to rinse exactly where I want to rinse. (also makes cleaning the shower much easier). Marty installed this yesterday by himself. This in and of itself was very impressive to me!!!!

This afternoon I got a message that I had a delivery in the lobby again. I thought, "What? Again? He's already delivered my anniversary flowers. So what could this be?"

As I walked into the lobby, the security guard pulled me aside and "I have to know, what did he do? This is the third bouquet of flowers this week. He must be in a lot of trouble". I just smiled and said all he did was marry me! The third bouquet tops them all.

These roses really are breath taking! This is the first time I have ever received flowers at work that got the guys attention. The men kept telling me that men like Marty make the rest of men look bad. I am so lucky to have a one of a kind find!


When I got home, there was dinner waiting for me. The girls set the table with a small candle scape and served us dinner, stuffed chicken breast, broccoli, and potatoes. Yummy!


Marty and I don't look like we did 17 years ago. We have both changed for the better. It has been an amazing journey and I so look forward to the next 50 and eternity! I love you Marty. You ROCK!!!