Top 10 (ok 11) Reasons I love my husband

It's been almost four months since my last post, and I haven't forgotten about the intent of why I started this. Finding the time has just been difficult. So, I figured I needed to take a moment over lunch today to just make time. I'm gonna start with the most important event this week, and just backfill when I am able. So, bare with me. Sorry, Mom! The memories are coming!

This week, Joe and I celebrate our eighth wedding anniversary. In reflection, I am one lucky gal. Just to make him blush (when he thought he was safe), here are my Top 10 favorite things about Joe...in no particular order:

1. I love the personal heater that you are. The bed is always 20 degrees warmer with you in it.
2. I love that you know just when I need a hug, aren't afraid to give it to me anywhere, and know just how long to hold on without me saying a word.
3. I love that you live without fear or reservation. You always have a new idea, believe anything is possible, and ALWAYS live in the moment.
4. I love that you never harass me over money or "pretty things" I just can't live without.
5. I love your fun-loving spirit. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't think you are amazing (me included), and I admire you for the lifelong friends you have and treasure.
6. I love that you embrace our kids and their youth...never ashamed to get on the floor and play "puppy" with Kate or "crash trains" with Conor.
7. I love how you support me. No matter how many hours I think I can work, community programs I think I can get involved in, or "me time" I need. You may shake your head, but you do it with a smile.
8. I love how much fun we have when we travel. How you insist on always driving, feel completely comfortable in the silence not always feeling the need to talk (simply enjoying eachother), embrace exploring new things, and always share the airtime with music you know I would enjoy.
9. I love how in all these years, I never feel jealous of your time with others. You have given me more confidence and security than I have ever known. The best relationship to be in is one of trust, laughter, and love.
10. I love that every year on our Anniversary, you write the number of years we have been married in the card, like it's your favorite sports team jersey number.

Ok. Had to add #11. I love that public posts like this don't embarass you at all.

Thanks for making everyday better than the last, and making marriage so easy...so fun.

I love you.

Ka-chow!

You have to know this little guy to know "Ka-chow!"

For the Con-Man, "Ka-chow" = Lightening McQueen!

Tonight, when he took his eye to his toy box, I loaded him up for urgent care in his "Ka-chow" jammies, "Ka-chow" slippers, and with his "Ka-chow" toy car (the woobie was temporarily unlocatable). He was so brave. He didn't even cry. Nor did it phase him that his eye was leaking blood. Instead, he skipped around the urgent care office, and laid still waiting for his "Ka-chow" tracks (steri strips) to be put in place.

"Two tracks!" he said. He can't wait to show all his friends at school tomorrow!

I am so glad we had the Christmas pictures done just hours before!

Liberty and Justice

This past week, we celebrated the brave men and women who dedicate and sacrifice their lives to serve our country.

As such, Katie learned all about the "veterans", and practiced filling in the blanks on the pledge she has been reciting now for two years.

But, on this day...for some reason...it was all about her. She gets her sense of humor from her Father.

Finding your voice

I remember when we found out we were having a boy. Other Moms warned be it would be different. "You will love your children the same," they would say. "But, your relationship with your son will be different."

While I didn't think it was possible, they were right. I do love my children the same, but my relationships with them are different.

I have told your story before. After eighteen months seeing an Early Intervention Specialist once a week, you still hadn't found "your voice". You were two years behind, and the specialists offered me no options, despite my expressions of concern.

I have always believed God puts people in your life for a reason...be it good or bad. Thankfully, God put a friend in my life who cared enough (and knew enough) to show me I did have options. I needed to see a developmental pediatrician for a medical opinion. Thanks to God, my dear friend, and a few good doctors, we received your medical diagnosis and began our treatment plan.

Since that time six months ago, you have indeed "found your voice". I will never forget when you said "Mama" for the first time, "Love you", or "I can talk". Sure, you may not be able to say your name, but you can spell it! Your words aren't always clear, but you have come leaps and bounds.

We look forward to celebrating your progress again and again! We have so much hope and are so proud of you!

http://youtu.be/oCFwnqzI6pg

Tombstones

Joe was driving Kate back from horseback this evening...

Kate (pointing out the window): I saw the stones. They are by the church. That's where you are not allowed to go.

Joe (looking out the window): Stones? Oh, the tombstones. Do you know what those are?

Kate: No.

Joe: When a person dies, their body is buried in the ground and marked with a tombstone. Their body stays in the ground and their spirit goes to heaven.

Kate: With their head?

Some things are just worth documenting...

Happy Fall

As record breaking as it is, I am thankful for the Halloween weekend...and the snow. It has forced cancellations on our holiday plans, and allowed me to sip on a warm beverage, under a fuzzy blanket, next to the fireplace, while catching up on the fun things I have put aside for way too long. The laundry can wait...today is about crafts, cookies, and the kids.

The seasons have turned. The tights have been dug out, the boots dusted off, and we have embraced all things Fall. What we discovered to be our favorite tradition for Christmas, has now become a family tradition for Fall.

We slung apples

Pet the sheep...cookie and lil darlin.

Took a tractor ride to a pumpkin patch to find pumpkins of our very own.

And watched the kids make the most of hay bails.

Kate took a school field trip to Browns Apple Orchard with her best bud Carsyn

and Conor (Buzz Lightyear) had a Halloween parade.

We gathered with family for the annual carving of pumpkins

And watched for the first time as the kids really embraced the fun of ripping out the guts.
Happy Fall!

Kinder be Kind

Kindergarten has changed you. You are more independent. More responsible. You are requesting to take baths on your own, saying things like, "I can do it, Mommy" when I try to help, and are forming words with your letters.

It's only been two months, but I have seen the changes. Just a few weeks ago, you requested to rid your costume carousel and get a desk. Given the nature of the request, we obliged.And this week, I took you for your five year old pictures. With just one look, your Daddy said, "I'm dead". I think he can see the changes too!