Little Ian

I had the pleasure of sorting my scrapbook room this morning. Don't worry, it's still not organized! I just can't seem to find a place for everyting. Joe would tell me that means I have too much stuff. But, ladies, can we ever have too much scrapbooking stuff?

Anyway, the pleasurable part of sorting is finding all the treasures one has forgotten about. Today, my treasure came in the form of pictures. My favorites are some of little Ian, our nephew (who, by the way, is not so little anymore). He lived with Joe's parents at the same time we did. At first, I must admit, it was difficult. A little 10-year-old boy hanging right outside our room all the time. Wherever we were, he was there too. But it wasn't long before I enjoyed having him around. He was always quick with lots of personality. I loved our chats and his candidness. You could always count on Ian to tell great stories. He was quite the little writer, too. (Something I hope he has kept up on because he was REALLY good, even at the age of ten.)

I can't remember how long he actually lived with Mom and Dad Burns. I can only remember how much I missed him when he moved with his family to Washington. I know he was just our nephew, but... at times... I felt like he was my own. We see him about once or twice a year now. It's always good times and fun to catch up. I understand he is a famous wrestler at school and, according to his sisters, a ladies man. (He has changed his stance on this issue over the years. During one of our first conversations after he left, he assured me he had at least 5 girl friends. That number has dwindled. Now, he doesn't claim a single one. I think he's just at an age where the talk of relationships makes him shy. Perhaps it means that he is beginning to understand what it means to really like a girl... or perhaps he just can't take the teasing anymore!!!)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do. Two show him all GQ in his tux. (His dad's wedding, I believe). The others are just Ian being Ian.

Sorry, Joe, that it took me so long

As I was driving home in rush hour traffic today, my thoughts turned, of course, to Valentine's Day. Joe & I have a pact that he is NOT to buy my flowers on this day because I hate being mainstream. I hate the idea that the only reason he is buying me flowers is because the commericial world tells him he is supposed to. I like things a bit more spontaneous. This took me back 7 years to the day when Joe proposed. Yep, it was Valentine's Day 7 years ago. He took me to the Roof Restaurant in the JSMB (Salt Lake) and, after a ver nice dinner, he asked me to marry him while we overlooked the Salt Lake Temple. He even had his friend, Bart, tape record the whole event. I can still hear the little old lady, "Look! I think he's asking her to marry him!"

Just before we left that evening my mom was all giddy because she thought he might propose to me. My response was negative. I hoped beyond hope that he wouldn't propose. I thought it, well, totally mainstream. Let him propose anywhere but on top of the JSMB, overlooking the temple, on Valentine's Day!

As I sat in my car today, however, I realized something I had never thought about before. It never dawned on me that you can't just call up the Roof Valentine's Day afternoon and get reservations for a party of 8. That takes a lot of advanced notice.

It was then, sitting in the parking lot called I-215, that I knew Joe had actually put thought into and planned our engagment. He was trying to make it a VERY special occasion for us both. I was so tickled that he cared so much about it, that I called him on his cell phone just to say, "I love you."

Sorry, Joe, that it took me so long to figure this out. I really do love you! And appreciate everything you do to make me feel special (even if you don't buy me flowers... ever... lol).

Burns Family Update

Okay. So my sister, Erin, finally talked me into starting a blog for our family. This feels a little weird, but I am hoping to make it through. Pictures will have to come later... when I actually have some to share! Until then, I'll give you a little update on the family.

Where to start? Hmmm. Well, about 6 months ago Joe & I (with my brothers Mike, Jason, Jon and Brandon) started an I.T. company called Aktor Consulting. VERY excitint stuff. We enjoy having our own business and our pleased that it already pays for itself, though we are always looking for more growth. It has been difficult and full of challenges, but also very rewarding. I am addicted! When Aktor is stable and more than self-sufficient, I will deffinitely be looking into more companies and opportunities.

On the homefront, Joe gave me the best Christmas present ever! A new home! We moved into our little 4 bedroom home the weekend before Christmas (after living in a VERY small 3 bedroom apartment). Jon is living with us, so it is nice to have a little more space (you know, for breathing and such).

Joe & I are coming up on our 7th year anniversary. Sometimes I forget that we have been married for so long! But we have loved every minute. I've discovered that your best friend makes the best spouse. We have many things we enjoy doing together: rock band, rock climbing, hockey (he plays, I watch), chilling, and more. We can't wait for the Spring when we can climb again.

We hope everyone else is doing well and I promise to add some pictures soon. Loves and hugs,

Joe & Debbie