"I Do"- Five Years Later

Yesterday Husband and I celebrated five years of marriage. In honor of this joyous occasion I thought I would share with you a gift he wrote for me upon our engagement. It is hanging on our bedroom wall and still makes me laugh every time I see it. (Names have been changed to protect the innocent and not-entirely-innocent). His unique and witty sense of humor is definitely part of what drew me to him and he is able to make me laugh more than anyone else. I love you with all of my heart, dear Husband.

Local Man to Marry Woman Clearly Out of His League

9/18/04 5:35 p.m.

In a move which has both confounded sociologists and inspired nerds everywhere, Miss M will wed H. this Friday, September 24th. Social experts are at a loss to explain how a notorious oddball like H. could woo such a beautiful and intelligent young lady like Miss M. " I'm very excited for both of them," said the mother of the soon to be groom. She continued, "Well, I'm actually more excited for him. Truthfully, she could've done better; I'm praying for her." Theories explaining the attraction of Miss M to H. vary from the common to the bizarre. The most popular theory is that Miss M, known for her compassion towards stray animals, is under the impression that if she doesn't wed H., he'll continue to roam the streets sifting through garbage, posting odd notes in restrooms, and using people's mailboxes for toilets.

Morning Routine

This is what every morning looks like at my house.

Stunt Double Day

Oh, man. Today I really needed a stunt double. I was just DRAGGING and begging the clock to go quicker. There was nothing extra annoying or exhausting about the day. The children were well behaved. We had no events to rush around to. Everyone ate their food obligingly. No one was sick, rashy, or otherwise not well. I guess I was just BORED, plain and simple.

I really needed a stunt double to knock on my door and say, "Don't worry ma'am. I am here to do the cooking/cleaning/ wrestling with/ reading to/ inspiring/ disciplining/ educating/ nurturing/ putting to bed/ bathing and all the other things you do on a daily basis. You just go ahead and climb back into bed with your not-so-secret stash of Ghiradelli chocolates and don't worry about a thing. I will wake you when it's time for you to go to your knitting class this evening."

Monkey Cake Delight

One little monkey started out a little shy with his cake...

He was already exhausted from opening so many gifts...

But he decided to give it a try anyway...

Hmmm, this isn't too bad...

I could really get used to this cake stuff...

Yummy!!!

This Curious George party was a success and our little monkey had a wonderful time, which is all that really matters, right? I can't wait to plan the next party! What kind of birthday parties have you had? Any themes?

45 Life Lessons

I discovered this list on another blog, but loved it so much I had to post it here. Good lessons to remember. They are especially meaningful today as I was able to play a few hymns at a memorial service this morning for a 91 year old woman I didn't know, named Lillian. During the service I realized that she led just the life I aspire to live. She may have not looked "accomplished" by many of today's standards, but she was a joyful wife, mother, and friend and was full of life. She also gave her life to Jesus when she was just 16 years old. What a beautiful woman. I hope people have such nice things to say about me and my life when I die.

45 Lessons

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Life Lessons, by Regina Brett (Cleveland, Ohio)

I'm Here

I did not fall off the face of the Earth. I will be back blogging regularly soon. Stay tuned!

Now You Are One

Baby Boy,

In a few short hours you will turn one and I can't help but be filled with a vast array of intense emotions as I think of the amazing gift that God has given me in you. You have been such a delight every day of this past year. I remember holding you for the first time and gazing into your dreamy eyes. You had so much to say to me with your little grunts and squeaks. I couldn't believe how absolutely perfect you were and are.

You radiate so much joy with all of your being. You wake up smiling every morning and snuggle against me with such a fierce love that I feel unworthy to be given. You trust me without doubt and follow me from room to room as if I'm all that matters. Yet, you and your sister matter more to me than anything in this world.

You are already so kind and pure, just like your name describes, and I know those traits will stay with you your whole life long.

I want to give the world to you yet keep you in my little bubble all at the same time. I pray that God will always be in your heart and that you will know both the love of your parents and the love of your Heavenly Father.

I am so eternally thankful for our little surprise blessing. Happy Birthday Baby.

Love,
Mama