Happy Birthday to my guy!

Tomorrow is my husband's birthday...I love that guy!!!

I love him for so very many reasons....

Let me add two more...

- I love you because you were a rock during our home selling/building process. You super rock for educating yourself about mortgages and rates and blah, blah, blah. :-)

- I love you for painting, hanging curtains, pictures and a shelf and for having decorating sense beyond most men. You are the man!!

Happy Birthday, Babe!!

You mean the world to me and the kids!! Thank you for taking care of what God has given you!

Grilling Goodness #8

Today, Grilling Goodness is very special...so glad you could join me!

Today is my wonderful husband's birthday! He is a fantastic person, if I do say so myself. A hard-working, Christian man. The father of two little dumplings who adore him. An Ironman in the making. Respected. Admired. Inspiring. Caring. Smart. Funny...really funny...he can make you snort-laugh, no kidding.

Last year, he leaped out of his 20s and hit 30 with style...having lost 65lbs!! I wrote 30 things I love about him...if you haven't read it, go check it out, it's fun!!

I love you, babe, Happy Birthday! It's in your honor that I move on with the questions! mwah!


Also, I must say...I did not come up with these questions. I googled 'husband meme' and found these on another blog. Sorry for not being original this week, it will not become a habit!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can either answer these questions about yourself or mix it up a little and answer them about your spouse!!

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what’s on the screen?

2. You’re out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?

3. What’s one food he doesn’t like?

4. What is his favorite type of sandwich?

5. What would this person eat everyday if he could?

6. What is his favorite cereal?

7. What would he never wear?

8. What is his favorite sports team?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Answers (About Hubby)

1. Oh boy. Any number of things. Sports...Nascar, basketball, football or baseball. Mythbusters. Dirty Jobs. Time Warp. World Series of Poker.

2. If he's cheating that day, it would be Thousand Island...but if he's behaving, he'll have Fat Free Italian or some kind of Vinegrette.

3. Er, um...peanut butter and jelly mixed together in a bowl before spreading it on bread Big fat Onions! (he gives them to our son)

4. Some kind of fancy chicken sandwich from Subway...and he piles it high with veggies.

5. If there was zero fat in this new chicken pot pie I've learned to make, he says it's his new favorite meal...I'll go with that.

6. Again, cheating, probably Lucky Charms...being semi-good, I think it's Strawberry Frosted Mini Wheats...being really good, Granola.

7. Underwear. KIDDING! He would never wear sequins. He's more of a glitter guy. KIDDING! He would never wear shorts so short that you could see the pockets hanging out of the leg holes. There. That's for sure.

8. MLB - Mets; NFL - Colts; NBA - uh...not sure there is one; College basketball - Memphis Tigers, of course!; College football - Tennessee Vols

How fun was that!?!? Yay! Looking forward to seeing your answers...when I return from my trip, that is!! Have a lovely, safe, fun weekend!! Toodles!

Tell Me Your Story - Part II

I hope you read Part I first...

Donald broke up with his girlfriend. His feelings for me had changed...but I didn't know it.

My sweet 16th birthday rolled around in February. I had a basketball game that day, but before my game, a friend of mine told me that Donald liked me. Eek...what to do??

I had planned a bowling party followed by a slumber party (the first and only 'friend' party I ever had!) for after my game. I think I told my dad a little about my friendship with Donald...I had invited him to bowl with me and my girlfriends...I didn't want dad to freak. He came to bowl with us...and I think he gave me a card with money in it as a gift. (that cracks me up now!) And I now knew that he liked me, but I just couldn't muster up those feelings I had put away.

So best friends we continued to be.

That summer, I found out that he took two of my girlfriends to the movies.

Oh, what's this? I was jealous!

I began to think about him a lot. On our 2nd day of school as Juniors, he asked me to be his girlfriend. I said yes.

Our romance began in the halls of high school. And I think we made people ill. We held hands. We ate lunch together every day. He spoiled me.

We also got into trouble...but we stuck together, never playing that 'break up/make up' game.

We graduated high school and went on to college, together. We took every class, except for three, together. We graduated, together. We had been together for nearly six years. We were married that August.

God brought us through some rocky years of being young and really stupid. His hands crafted our relationship even in the midst of the ugly. I mean really, God worked hard on this, folks.

I have the best friend and husband that God created just for me. I can't imagine being married to anyone else. We grew up together. We've endured a lot. And we are stronger than most because of it.

Thank you, Lord, for my husband and our marriage. Help us to protect it and honor each other everyday. Amen.

I hope you've enjoyed my story. I'd love to hear yours!

I'm not officially tagging anyone...but I REALLY do want you to post your story. Please leave me a comment if you're going to participate. Thanks!

Tell Me Your Story - PART I

I don't know about you, but I love to hear how people got together. Some stories are funny. Some are lovely. Some are so romantically sweet they're kind of sickening, right?

Amy @ in my life was tagged to tell her very sweet story last week...and being the great bloggy friend that she is, she tagged me to tell my story.

I don't know what category this story falls into...maybe you can help me with that.

Hubs and I first met in the sixth grade. We were in the Spelling Bee together. I kicked his tail graciously defeated my opponent, although he'll tell you that he let me win. (guess that's where that started, ha!)

When we got into Junior High, we had a few classes together, but no real conversations to speak of. I did my thing. He did his. Whatever those things were. ???

When were Freshman, we became 'best friends' as sort of a joke. He had witnessed a girl friend of mine pass a note to another girl asking her to be her best friend. He thought this was so '3rd grade' that it became a joke. He then passed me a note to ask me to be his best friend. It was hilarious to me, so we became best friends. We'd exchange a big hug each time we saw each other, but we really didn't speak outside of school. Then, he 'dated' my best friend for about two weeks. There were really no dates, just phone calls and seeing each other at school. All the while, he was my best friend...

He soon broke it off with my friend. When she asked him why, the only answer he would give was that he was interested in someone else. The only hint he would give about this someone else was that she was an Aquarius.

I'm an Aquarius. (not that I give a hill of beans about astrology, but that's what I am)

So I began to ponder...'Could I be the one he's interested in? Do I like him as more than a friend? Could I date him?'

I began to imagine being his girlfriend.

I wondered how my friend would feel if he had dumped her for me.

And then I found out.

It wasn't me.

It was the chick he had dumped before he dated my friend. Ugh.

Ok, so now I had budding feelings that I had to put away. And I did. He began dating his ex again. And we continued to just be best friends.

Then in 10th grade, we both earned, or won, tickets to a local hockey game. My dad required me to take my older brother. But we went with Donald...and his girlfriend! She drove...she was my brother's age. (I know, he was dating an older woman!!)

So we went to this hockey game. Donald and I cracked jokes and goofed off all night...because we were best friends! My brother sat there doing whatever. The girlfriend sat there pouting with her arms folded. The team scored during some special time window in the game and we were given coupons to Burger King. After the game, we went to BK to cash in on our free whatever. Donald and I, being the mature ones (we were 15/16), hit the outdoor playground...so fun, right ? The girlfriend and my brother hung out by the fence, party poopers.

That night was a turning point...for one of us...

Tune in tomorrow for the 'rest of the story'...

Ready, Set...

Pray! Pray some more! I think you people are great at it!!

I mentioned on Tuesday that my husband has 6 1/2 weeks of employment left.

I'm not sure exactly why I haven't brought it up on my blog before now. There is no reason to be ashamed or anything. His (civilian military) job is being moved to a place we don't feel led to go. The move is beyond our control, and it doesn't make a lot of sense to us...but it is what it is.

We are rooted here. We have family. We have great friends. We have a nice church home.

We'd really like to stay here...or at least close.

But even with all of those reasons to stay, I don't want to go against what God wants for our family, nor do I want my husband to end up in a job that he's miserable showing up for everyday.

For the past 8+ years, he's had a fabulous job. For the last 2 1/2 years, he has been running the show, and although that meant that he had to travel a lot, he has loved his job. He's been able to travel internationally. He was able to take me to Hawaii, D.C. and North Carolina on a few of his trips. It has been stable and it's been the means by which God has provided everything we need...not to mention that I've been blessed to stay home with my children from day one.

As they say, I guess, all good things must come to an end.

If we have to relocate, I will be a supportive wife. I believe that the leader of our family should be happy doing what he needs to do to provide. It wouldn't be easy, but at least we would be together. (This is where I think of true military families where the family can't be together while the provider provides...what a sacrifice! Thank you, military families!) At least we would be together.

Monday, he received word that someone had called his 'company' inquiring about him.

Tuesday, I mentioned the job issue in my post and asked you to pray.

Wednesday, he was contacted to set up a job interview.

I see no coincidence here.

You told me you would pray. I believe that you did. And now he has a job interview.

This is an open door. Who knows (only God) if this is the door, but it's a door.

This particular job would keep us where we are, with very little change in income and benefits, and his time towards retirement would carry over. Huge pluses.

The interview is next Tuesday at 9am.

Please continue praying...

God is at work.

Happy Anniversary - x2

We have two August anniversaries...

I started dating my husband fourteen years ago today.

Dreamy sigh.

I think I'll cook him some eggs.

Wordless Wednesday

I Married My Best Friend!

Eight Years Ago:

- We were 22

- We had been dating for six years

- We had just graduated from college

- We bought our first house (and he moved in...but I would not let him sleep in the Master bedroom or use our new jacuzzi tub, uh uh, not until I was there to share it with him!)

- He called me his 'girlfriend' on our honeymoon while I couldn't stop signing my maiden name

- We had many dreams of what our life would be like together...with children


And today:

- We're 30

- We've been married for 8 years (!!!)

- We have two gorgeous children

- We're in the same house (but maybe not much longer...???)

We do not have the perfect marriage, but who does? We fight. We play. We pick. We annoy. We mess up. We I nag. We encourage. We laugh. And we laugh way more than we fight...that must be a good thing, right?? We would still rather be around each other than with anyone else (most days - hee!).

Honey, I love you! It's been a fun 8 (14) years with you! I don't think we could've imagined our life as great as it is today. You are the best father I know...it is a joy to watch you with our children. You are a fantastic provider and leader for our family...and I thank God for you.

May God bless our home with love and many more years of laughter!!


Happy Anniversary, babe!

Bring on the Hubby!

Oh my goodness. I absolutely CAN.NOT.WAIT for that husband of mine to be home.

Usually when he goes out of town, I'm still able to communicate with him. He has what we like to call a 'Crackberry'...because it's addictive...but if you don't know, it's really a BlackBerry. It's a cell phone that allows you access to the internet and email. So even if I can't speak to him on the phone, I'm able to send him a message...and get one back more often than not.

It has been a real drag to not have contact with him whenever I wanted it. See, I'm married to my best friend. Really. And there are things that would've been shared with him had we had more time. His crackberry didn't work in Estonia...and phone calls were super expensive. We emailed a little. And we were able to do some instant messaging on Saturday.

But it's just not the same.

It's not the same as having longer phone calls. Or face-to-face conversations. Or hugs and kisses.

I am ready for him to be home.

And he's on his way!

He has to stop in Paris (tell me again why I didn't go on this trip??), but he won't be in the best area to do anything...not to mention that he'll only be there for a couple of hours. Or so he says...hee!

He'll go from Paris to Minneapolis, where I once got stuck, so I'm hoping that his plane makes it home as scheduled.

Sigh

My honey will be home soon...

Ella has perfected the Fish Face...she can't wait to show her daddy.

Evan...uh...really doesn't grasp the happenings.

They are prepared with Father's Day gifts.

I am prepared with a sunburn on my back that could really use some aloe.

Oh the things you need a husband for...

Bring on the hubby...

These Daddies are Blessings to Me

My Dad. He is logical. Rational. Funny. Intelligent. And he tells it like it is. He was and is a great dad. I still ask him for advice. And I'm more likely to take it now than I used to be...amazing what a few years will do.

Even though he has successfully taught my kids that sticking their tongues out is a necessary childhood habit, I still call him the best Papa ever.

And if you think I'm crazy sometimes...let me show you that I come by it honestly.

Never a dull moment around this guy. Well...except in the middle of the day sitting around his house. He'll be dozing off in his recliner...even with a really loud grandson running around him. Ah, 'sawing logs'...he's known for it. Hope you get a great nap today, pa!

Dad, I love you! Happy Father's Day!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Husband. My Mr. Wonderful. I knew years before we had children that he would make an awesome father. My instincts were spot on. God knew exactly what kind of guy I would need to help me raise children. He is stern when he needs to be, and a tender comfort when things aren't quite right. He keeps us all in check. He is so smart. I really think he knows at least a little about everything. Including his extensive 'brain almanac' of useless sports statistics...but that's ok. It's his thing.

And just so you don't mistakenly think that he is some super serious guy...we don't have to worry about getting good laughs around here.

Honey, you are awesome...I love you!
Happy Father's Day!!

We miss you...wish you were here!!

***signs are blurry, but their faces are great...attempted a video...it won't load...and hubs doesn't get sound in Estonia anyway...maybe another day!!***

He left me...

***Updated at the bottom***

Once again, hubby is on travel. And it's a doozy. He is on a plane right now, headed for Estonia.

Esto-who?

Estonia.

If you're like me, you're going 'Where the heck is that?!?!'

Estonia lies along the Baltic Sea, just below Finland. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city is only about 40 miles south of Helsinki, across the Gulf of Finland. Sweden is Estonia's western neighbour across the Baltic. Russia is to the east, with St. Petersburg just across the north-eastern border. To the south is Latvia with its capital city Riga. You can depart from Tallinn's international airport and in less than two hours be in Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Riga, Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Vilnius.

Why in the world has he gone so far away??

CISM Triathlon. Yea, I forget exactly what CISM stands for, but basically, it's an international tournament of a specific sporting event. This time, it's Triathlon.

Week before last, hubs went to California for the Armed Forces Triathlon, where his team competed against the other branches of service. The top finishers are elligible to compete at CISM...so off they went.

Estonia. I don't know much about it. So I googled it. It looks beautiful. If you have a few minutes, go see Estonia.

Their currency is call the Kroon. And the abbreviation for the Kroon is EEK.

I'm a dork so I find this funny.

"EEK...it's burning a hole in my pocket!"

"I'm not made out of EEK!"

"EEK doesn't grow on trees!"

Maybe it does in Estonia.

Oh, and by the way. This guy was on hubby's team again this year.

Why didn't I get to tag along on that trip!?!?!?

***I received an email from Donald saying that after terribly long flights, he has made it there safely.***

My Husband Rocks!!

I had a fantastic, giggly, girly scrapbooking weekend...and guess what I came home too...

Two happy children, one happy husband (Memphis won, Go Tigers!) and a very, very, very clean house!! I have the best husband. He took off work to stay home with the kids Thursday afternoon and all day Friday, and then he missed a nice bike ride Saturday...all so I could have a much desired weekend out of the house...AND he cleaned the house! Seriously, I couldn't have done a better job myself. It was the 'icing on the cake' for me...the perfect way to wrap up my weekend. (well, that and the super duper Tigers delivering a whoopin' to UCLA to earn our first shot at the Championship since 1973!)

Thank you, sweet husband, for everything you did so I could really enjoy myself this weekend. You are the greatest and I love you bunches! Mwah!!

From the mouth of our babe...

Have I ever mentioned that I'm tired of going to Wal-mart? When I go to Kroger and know for sure that I could pay less for certain items at Wal-mart, I dump Kroger and go back to 'ol faithful. Their prices are the best on most items, so we go there for just about all groceries, and of course I've picked up a few gifts there.

Most trips to Wally world are not too fun. It's usually the kids and me one morning, doing the mundane job of gathering groceries. They fight. They're loud. They want things. It's just not fun.

We stopped in for a few things Sunday night...but we had Daddy this time. This always makes things better because we each take a kid in a separate cart. I had Evan. Hubs had Ella. We go our separate way. Evan holds everything I pick up and tosses it into the basket for me. He's entertained. I have no clue what Donald and Ella are doing.

We decided to meet in Produce. I saw them. Ella saw me. They're coming toward me, passing by a couple shopping, when Ella, very loudly says "Daddy really has to pee pee bad!!!" ROFL

She was just informing her mother. No harm in that. Donald tried to play it off...but I saw that couple laughing and I lost it! Donald said that the husband was trying really hard not to laugh, then I had to go and point out that they did, in fact, hear her...hilarious!! The wife said "We're only laughing because we've been there. Just wait, it'll get worse!!" We all had a great laugh.

It was the best time we've had at Wal-mart...maybe ever.

When we got down the aisle, away from the couple, Donald said "I really do have to go...I just shouldn't have told Ella." More laughter.

Case of Pampers = $19.97

Uncle Ben's Rice = $1.67

Tomato sauce = $.36

Being ratted out by your daughter in front of strangers = PRICELESS!

Happy 30th Birthday, Donald!!

Happy Birthday to the best daddy ever!! We love you and hope that your day is wonderful!


***a poem for my hubby***
Roses are red. Violets are blue.

Thirty isn't old,

since I'm almost there too!

I love you, babe!!

30 for Donald

You must understand. I am a self-proclaimed dork. I do dorky things. When you read the list below of the 30 reasons I love my husband, you'll understand. You must also keep in mind that it's the small things that mean the most sometimes...right?? This is not by any means a list full of mush...it's really silly at times. I wrote it to make everyone laugh, but yet each thing is really true. I'm proud to be a dork! :) (see, I tell the truth!)

"30 Reasons I Love You"
As read to the party crowd at Donald's Surprise 30th Birthday Skating Party:
1. You are a loving, Christian, family man.
2. You loved me through two huge, body-distorting pregnancies.
3. You are so smart and know something about almost everything.
4. You are a great husband who occasionally remembers to put his clothes in the hamper.
5. You are one of the funniest, wittiest people I know. Thank you for making me laugh.
6. You are ‘pure power’ on a bike – but I’m only taking your word for it.
7. You make beautiful babies and you love them dearly.
8. You can quote appropriate movie lines for any situation.
9. You don’t mind cleaning up vomit.
10. You love my family.
11. You are respected by all who know you.
12. You support my ice cream addiction.
13. You would give me the moon if you could.
14. You see the best in people.
15. You don’t mind watching chick flicks with me.
16. You knew you wanted to marry me when you were 17.
17. You went to college with me.
18. You make my bacon with the perfect amount of crunch.
19. You work hard for our family.
20. You didn’t stink when you came home from India.
21. You let me have my moments...sometimes hours.
22. You do all the research needed before we make decisions.
23. You got rid of your mullet.
24. You bought me a laptop today and don’t even know it! KIDDING!
25. You generally like spending time with me…especially since I’ll watch sports with you.
26. You throw our kids around like rag-dolls without damaging their skulls.
27. You usually don’t mind shopping…until the kids start yelling!
28. You have great integrity and character.
29. You're missing the Tigers game to be here tonight because I said so.
30. You are turning 30 before me!!

Disclaimer: Donald won't officially be 30 until Wednesday...posting this today is not meant to age him prematurely...he must enjoy his final days as a 20-something.

Make-shift Roller-derby

Right before we left for our long trip to NC, I had asked my friend Debbie if she could host a surprise birthday party for Donald. His birthday is the day before Thanksgiving so I thought we could do something the Saturday before Thanksgiving. She had plans set for that day so a Saturday Night Fever/Disco party was out. Darn.

While we were in NC, I began to think about how I really NEEDED to plan something because if I waited until we got home, it'd be short notice for everyone, and if I had it too close to Thanksgiving it'd be a bust. I called Debbie to see if she would be willing to plan the party for me. It had to be something silly. He's turning 30 - it had to be a 'youthful' event. We agreed that a roller skating party would be a hoot. Debbie made the necessary calls, plans and sent out an email invitation. She even volunteered to make the cake! Donald was going to get a special party, and I didn't have to do much of anything! Thank you, Debbie!!!

On the fridge calendar, I wrote 'Family Night. We have plans, leaving here at 6:15p' on the Nov. 15th square. Oh, I wish I had a hundred dollars for every time Donald asked me what we were doing. My story was that I had planned something fun for him and the kids...and I stuck to it. He didn't understand why I couldn't tell him and just surprise them...but I'm sure he had a good hunch that it had to do with his birthday. We pulled into the parking lot of the skating rink and he was sort of puzzled.
D: "We're going skating? Why?"
Me: "Because we've never taken the kids. Come on, it'll be fun!"

We entered the rink and we saw balloons...friends...and family as we rounded the corner. He busted out laughing. I'm not sure he was totally surprised by everything, but he was surprised at who all was there...and who all had kept it quiet. Thank you all for keeping it on the low down!

We ate cake. We skated. We fell. And we are sore.

Actually, I think Donald may be the only person who didn't fall. Next time I'll have to 'accidentally' bump into him...roller-derby style, of course.

Ella was doing really great by the end of the night and is now convinced that she needs her own skates. We didn't put Evan on skates...he's a little top heavy and clumsy as it is. He had a good time playing games with everyone who took their 'turn' to watch him. Donald and I will definitely take the kids skating again...maybe we won't wait 8 years...I think that's how long it's been since I've been skating.

The surprise worked out great. I'm glad it's over. I don't like keeping things secret from my husband...

Birthday Boy with Ella ---- What's left of the yummy cake (and Debbie the heavy drinker! lol)


Coming soon...I'll share something I wrote to share at the party...the 'Thirty reasons I love Donald'. Stayed Tuned.

So glad...

...to have the hubby home!! It was a rainy and quiet today...quiet in my car as I ran errands ALONE!! whew! When I got home, I then took Ella out for a haircut...she did really well! I hope this keeps getting better with age. Donald took us out for a steak tonight. Beef. Something he had absolutely NONE of while in India. We had a good time. Is there a such thing as eating too many rolls? Man, they were hot & delicious! I have to say that our children are very well behaved in restuarants...guess it's in their genes to love a good meal! (I think that may have been a fat joke!! ha! oh, about us, not the kids!)

We had what seemed to be an uneventful day until........30 minutes ago. Donald came and got me to say that Ella had gotten sick in her bed. Blessing #4,358 of the hubby being home - he doesn't hurl when cleaning up vomit!! Thank you, Lord, I didn't have to deal with any illnesses while Donald was gone!!! I can remember a time back when I was pregnant with Evan, Donald was on travel and Ella had every ill she could possibly be burdened with...ear infection, eye/sinus infection, terrible diaper rash and of course, teething. I sat at church and cried one day because I didn't think I could take anymore. We all did well to make it through daddy's long trip...and the day after he gets home, she's ill. Think God knew that that would've sent me over the edge?? You betcha!! I sure do love my vomit-cleaning husband!!!

I got Ella cleaned up and changed - she went right back to sleep. We'll see what the night holds. Unfortunately we won't be able to attend Bible Study tomorrow...

Oh, and as you can see, I can't leave the blog design alone. For some reason, I see it necessary to adapt it to the season. Really, I wanted to better match the beautiful leaves I added to the title box...hope you like it!!

Home at last...

Hubby is home! :) After taking cold showers, eating mystery Indian food and sleeping on a sheet-covered wooden plank for two weeks, he's REALLY glad to be home!! Thank you all for your prayers...love to you all!

On American Soil...

Praise the Lord!! Donald is in NJ...resisting the urge to kiss the dirty airport floors! He had hoped that he would clear customs quickly and possibly find an earlier flight out of there, but there is not a flight available. He will land at about 6:30 this afternoon. The children and I will fight traffic and rain to retrieve him...and it will be wonderful! One more 'leg' to fly....

"Today's the day. The sun is shining. The..."

Can you finish the quote from this G-rated, animated film?? (The sun's not really shining, but I couldn't mess up the quote!! )
Today is the day!! It will all be over in a matter of hours when we get to pick Donald up at the airport! YAHOO!! He called at midnight to tell me that he was safe in Amsterdam. He is currently flying to Newark, NJ and then he'll fly home from there. Yippie!! Ella was excited to mark off the final sleep on her calendar this morning. Now we'll tidy up the house and make ready for Daddy's homecoming. I'm on the verge of a MAJOR sigh of relief!

I will keep you updated!!