legos for the boys

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Shanda

((SETH AND CALEB in the plane. Caleb, a more cautious type, was quietly worried and gave up his window seat to Seth. They were excellent travelers. Seth loved going to the bathroom.))

The first thing Caleb did this morning was go to the table to continue working on his first big lego set. He is 9 and the set has 738 pieces in it. He has three older brothers and typically lets them put his sets together for him. I am proud to see that he is getting old enough to follow the directions carefully and do it himself. It takes some concentration and determination for a boy to put a lego set together, and it’s so healthy and good for their minds. Before you know it, you’ve convinced yourself that fifty odd dollars on a box of plastic bricks is worth every penny!

My husband had to work in the Orlando office after lunch, so the boys and I walked to Downtown Disney. They were already enlightened by the knowledge of a LEGO STORE, and I figured we may as well cross that off our list of things to do…..with springs in our steps we practically ran to find the legos.

Isn’t it funny how a girl’s mind changes when she becomes a grown up and a mom? I’m so used to giving the children experiences that I almost forget what I myself enjoy! If I was a little girl the last place I would want to go to would be the Lego store. (I know some girls love them and that’s great and all, but not me). On the last day in Orlando I went alone to a completely girlie store in Downtown Disney….I smelled every bar of soap and bath bomb in the place and treated myself to my own souvenirs…and everything was PINK.

We stopped to give Buzz a pat. I have pictures of this same Buzz with baby David (first trip), and then the older children, too (second trip).

Caleb likes “How to Train a Dragon” (he just finished reading the book) these days, so he was thrilled to be greeted by a fire breathing dragon made of legos.

We also found the seven dwarfs made of legos.

While admiring the sea monster made of legos in the water, the boys excitedly told me there was a bird to take a picture of. This happened all through our trip, they would point out bits of nature and I knew my family’s love for God’s creation was being was passed along to them, even if unintentional. They collected a white feather to give to Grandma, and wanted me to pack palm tree bark to take back for Uncle Dave. I am sorry, Uncle Dave but I never did pick any up for you.

A somewhat disturbing image of Snow White.

We entered the store of happiness. My job of keeping my eyes on two little boys just got even more exciting.

Seth had no trouble picking out his new set. It kills me that he lost Bilbo Baggins before we even got home. He still has the golden ring, though.

They are always so thoughtful to point their fingers, grab my arm, and say LOOK! over and over because they know how much I appreciate the legos.

This is 17 year old Jacob’s dream lego set. Only three hundred and ninety nine dollars! Awesome!

Actually, they have so many legos at this point that he put together a pretty decent death star with instructions off the computer. (=free)

( did I just say death star? like I know what I’m talking about?? who am I??)

Caleb really and truly wanted a Lego Movie set and at first I said no to the one he wanted because, if I remember correctly, it was 10 dollars more than Seth’s. But then I thought, “this is Disney, where dreams come true” and said yes. I can’t even show you a picture of it because I didn’t take one. But it’s the “Lord Business’ Evil Lair” set which includes a tiny sign that says “Where are my Pants?”, and other fun things you will only understand if you watch the movie, which I have about five times now.

I don’t know, they just pointed it out to me so I took a picture.

The Incredible Hulk was there.

Seth with Lego Woody and Lego Buzz, and trying to keep his lego set in his arms.

At the register I joined the lego VIP club, it’s about time, right? We also received a free lego set (of a car) for spending over 100 dollars.

Next, I made them go to into a shop so I could get a sweatshirt. I lost my anthropologie white sweater at the airport 😦

I made them go into the Ghirardelli chocolate store so I could get a frozen latte. (caffeine!)

Then we headed back to the room(s) so the boys could put together their mini figures.

The hotel messed up our reservations so we ended up staying in the best suite of the entire Hilton…the presidential suite.

It gave the boys plenty of room to spread out their lego sets without mixing them up.

Caleb was here::

And Seth was here::

If you have boys, perhaps they would like to see this blog post. Tell them, when you go to Disney, there are legos there!

After half a day of travel and an adventure in the Lego store, Caleb and Seth settled into their covers for a movie::Kung Fu Panda 2. Seth fell asleep.

After their rest time, we left to go to dinner with Rich’s team.

*****

vacation Bible school

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Shanda

The children were taught to notice “God sightings”, specific times during the day when they were aware of God helping them, showing them something important, teaching them, or keeping them safe. Each footprint on the map represented one “God sighting”….and by the end of the week the footprints went all the way to the promise land.

Caleb is standing with his cousin, Makayla, my brother Nathan’s daughter.

This is Gregory (Makayla’s brother) with Seth. They are both starting Kindergarten this fall.

The leaders all dressed like the Biblical Israelites.

My Aunt Mary did the decoration design, and Aunt Colleen was on stage leading the songs, stories, and announcements.

Roger and Dawn are Colleen’s in-laws and I stayed at their place during the week; I have known them throughout my whole life.

“God saves us–so trust God!”

“God gives us strength–so trust God!”

“God guides us–so trust God!”

“God gives us what we need–so trust God!”

Roger and Dawn helped my cousin Katie’s boys with a tambourine craft.

Cousin Erika was in charge of the weaving…my Sarah is in the picture, in the pink shirt.

Pretty yarns and colors. Sarah asked me to help her finish one of her weavings and then proceeded to tell me I was doing it wrong.

Outside games.

Sarah told me (she remembered later on, in the bathroom) that they played a game with toilet paper, they put the toilet paper on their backs, so silly!

The children each had a bandana to wear. Seth wore his on his ears. I watched him concentrate on making a necklace. He strung beads and a bell on a string. Guess where it is now? Dangling from my rearview mirror….because he gave it to me. Thank you, Seth.

Seth is such a busy boy that it amuses me to see him still and quiet. Look at his crossed ankles….. and there’s Grandma Dawn again. I guess she helped out all over the place.

On the last day some men brought exotic animals to show the children. Caleb was thrilled.

He was thrilled because he got to touch a snake. He is passionate about snakes.

He stayed with the snake until he had to leave for another activity.

To say he was thrilled is putting it mildly.

Then, it was his turn to do some more weaving with Erika. Also pictured: my cousin Marissa in yellow, Erika’s son Jack, and my cousin Molly in the striped dress.

You can say that this VBS was a family affair. We got to spend time with Judy P, Mrs. Butler, Pastor and Mrs. P, Cassandra P (my future sister in law), Deb V, Candy L, Pam H, Uncle Rog, Aunt Carol, Carol A, Fran, Stacie and Jamie S, the Smiths, and so many other old friends! Oh it was wonderful.

The songs are always a highlight of Vacation Bible School. Seth (in striped shirt) did all the motions and dancing along with everyone else. The songs were played up on big movie screens so the children could watch them and do the motions along with the people in the video.

This one was my favorite::

Thank you to everyone who made the week a wonderful time for all! I spoke with Franny H and we both agreed it should last two weeks! 😉

NINE on the NINTH

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Shanda

Make your own free picture slideshow

last little league games of the season

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Shanda

It is around 7:30 in the morning and Sarah and I are the only ones awake. She is tucked in on the couch, warm and toasty, with a pile of books. She has already eaten a bowl of fruit. She is my early bird this morning because she is the only one in the family who went to bed at a reasonable hour. It’s summer!

What a beautiful weekend we had with bright sunny weather and cool nights. We haven’t had to turn the air conditioners on yet this summer, the humidity has been practically nonexistent. Yes, the weekend was lovely and on Saturday we got started on Grace’s room. She and I have plans to redecorate it and it’s such fun pinning photos together on pinterest. We are painting over her bright pink walls with a light minty green, and a new daybed/trundle is on it’s way from pottery barn. Currently, the contents of her room are in the upstairs hallway and her little sister’s room. It is awful messy up there. We have a lot to do before this project is over, but the main thing is WE HAVE BEGUN and the walls have been primed, ready for their first coat of paint.

Yesterday morning I sat up in bed and stared at the clock, which I believed could not be right. Then, I picked up my phone to look; it was 9:21. I woke up Rich and asked him what time he thought it was, “7?” he guessed. He was shocked when I told him it was almost 9:30. I don’t think we have slept in that long since we were newlyweds, almost 18 years ago. Needless to say, we only made it for the actual church service, and not Sunday School.

After church was over, we drove straightaway to the Little League field for five year old Seth’s last game of the season. As soon as medals were handed out and the sound of the music faded away I felt so lighthearted, we had survived season 2014 with three boys in three different levels of play, on three different teams. I only cried once, when David’s coach reprimanded me about him not making it to as many practices and games as he should have (I lost him in the shuffle, and the text messages were going to the wrong parent) No, I did NOT cry in front of the coach (and yes, I was very overtired at the time). I needed the pep talk, he didn’t miss a single practice or game after that.

ANYWAY, David and Caleb had play offs this past Wednesday and that morning I sighed and wished that (my brother) Uncle Dave could come and watch; so I texted him and just sort of teasingly asked him to come (it’s a 3 1/2 hour trip to our place) and he said no, but then said “I’ll think about it”. I didn’t hear back from him until 1:00, when he called and said he got busy at work and couldn’t make it. I said “I understand, it’s okay.” “What are you doing?” he asked, changing the subject. “Oh, I’m in bed with Seth, he’s sleeping.”

“WELL, HE BETTER WAKE UP BECAUSE I’M IN THE DRIVEWAY!” he yelled.

I got up and ran around the house telling the kids to come quick to see who had arrived!

Yes, surprise and joy; Uncle Dave drove out all spur of the moment to watch his little nephews play ball, in what could possibly be their last games of the year.

We hung around, visiting here at home until it was time to leave for the games. Jacob showed us his card tricks. Unfortunately for the teenagers, they had already made plans for an evening at the lake, so they left at 4….and I headed to the fields with my brother in the passenger seat beside me. I drove him through to see the schools, and we had such a great time at the games, although it got to be late and he had a long drive home.

He drove back to his house through the worst rainstorm and lightening of his life, but was safely in bed by 1:30 that morning.

It was a WONDERFUL day, and I’m so thankful to God for my awesome brother (we are just a year and 3 months apart in age). My very first best friend.

OH and the boys won their games.

(we watched both games at once, standing in between the fields).

Uncle Dave eating lunch, about an hour after he arrived.

Uncle Dave and Sarah, right after she woke up from nap. He’s playing piggy with her toes.

With Sarah and Caleb (phone pic)

saying goodbye to Gracie

a hug for Ethan

at the park for the little league games

He was taking pictures of Caleb the catcher. (this was one of those “oh, this is so wonderful” moments for me)

hanging around with Sarah Joy

this handsome guy was there, too … I love how he gets nervous for our boys as they play….

playing catch with Seth

I love this picture of happy Seth.

Uncle Dave took Seth over to the Food Shack so he could pick out a candy bar. He came back and said “I think he had it scoped out because he picked the biggest one!”

They loved their peanut butter cups. Thank you, Dave, for being fun and strong and wonderfully YOU.

********

Championship game, Friday

Would you believe it?

Both our teams won, and Dave hit a home run!

David, number 14

getting congratulations from the coach after the game was won

walking around, tossing the glove, happy

Caleb and his coach after they won their game, too

waiting for their trophies

my happy boys!

******

one last cute moment::

I bought Seth his first two wheeler on Friday and he brought it to the games.

He rode alone, up and down the path by the fields, with a whistle in his mouth, using it as horn when people needed to get out of the way.

Everyone smiled to see this darling:

Happy Monday, friends!

God is good.

phone pictures

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Shanda

One of my old blogging friends from xanga (where I used to blog) reminded me of the songs I used to play on my site. I haven’t figured out how to have music automatically play on wordpress yet, but here is one of my favorites….if you play the video you can listen to the song as you look at the little moments from life in the last few days from behind the phone (handy dandy camera that it is). I’m so thankful for an easy way to take pictures of things that make me smile, in the midst of daily living. In many ways, they are my favorite sort of pictures.

Seth discovered a genius way to eat celery. A line of whipped cream!

Jacob usually takes a long afternoon nap in the living room. These teenage boys get so tired (by staying up late and powering through the day) in the typical way of this age group.

On Saturday morning, Grace played her Dad a song on the iPad. She was reminded of it while she listened to his Bible study Friday night.

Michael took this picture of my whole family, plus Jimmy, on our first trip to the ice cream place of the season. I love Rich’s natural smile in this one.

David loves Calvin and Hobbes comics and thought he would like to try sewing himself a “Hobbes” stuffed animal. He had this shirt in mind, and I told him he could use it. (stay tuned for the finished project!) I see and tuck away all of David’s continuous creativity, in my heart, he’s a great kid.

Stopping to smell the roses outside the dentist office.

I took a screen shot of one of my favorite quotes, it describes my *needs* to a “T”. I sent it to Rich and he said as much, and asked if we could print it and hang it in the house.

I took this picture at the same time David was coming in and out of the room talking about his “Hobbes” sewing project. Parker had the rare, rare, very rare opportunity to jump up on my bed. Caleb loves his puppy.

Joanna gave me this “Homemade Summer” cookbook and I sent her this picture to show her the first recipe I was about to attempt in it. “Rhubarb pie with Almond Paste”, wow that title just made me laugh. It doesn’t SOUND good, but it sure tasted good (pie post to come eventually).

It was one of those evenings when we retreated to the car during a rain shower at a little league game. We took this “selfie” for Daddy.

This was Seth’s face across from the picnic table last night at the game (games or practice– every.single.night. That’s my life right now.)

A can of lemonade is 1.25 and has 40 grams of sugar per can, it is a infrequent “yes” from my lips. So why isn’t he smiling?

David’s game last night, they won. By the time we got home it was raining so so hard, we all came in the house wet. It’s the time of year for late afternoon showers.

Isn’t Sarah funny? She has changed so much in the last few months, now talking to all the other little kids at the playground without being shy. In fact, I was highly amused by her “daring tricks” on the monkey bars (hanging upside down) and by her saying to other little kids, “You can’t DO THISSSSSS!” in a very proud way. I had to talk to her several times about it. Guess who got a blister on her tender little palm and cried and shook over it? Yes, the brave monkey bar climber herself.

I leave you with the song that Grace played for Rich. The words are a comfort to anyone, anywhere. Have a blessed day, my friends.

for dave

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Shanda

His birthday is tomorrow.

He is a steady support in my life.

We text almost daily. We talk often.

He’s the the type that will fight for you, support you, do anything for you if you have a need.

I am beyond grateful for my family, and this brother has been there every step of the way.

Dave, I hope you enjoy this little slideshow I put together for you.

for dave

the easter seth was sick

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Shanda

**Happy Resurrection Sunday**

Easter morning. The family all got up and started getting ready for church and then Seth threw up.

I had a blessed day caring for my small son, but I did miss the church services….beautiful Easter morning, I love it and what it means to my soul.

Ethan and Jacob were feeling “off” as well, but they got dressed and went along to church with Rich and the other siblings.

Since I didn’t have to get myself prettied up, I had a few extra minutes to spend on the girls. I curled Sarah’s hair up (like a flip)…but since her hair is so straight it didn’t last long. Isn’t she a darling in her pink and gray dress? I’ve always loved the look of those two colors together and I was so pleased when I found this pretty dress for her.

Grace wore an ankle length black skirt and simple gray sweater, with my cross necklace. I curled her hair a little, too, for soft waves.

I feel sad when I look at this picture because Seth was so deflated and ill…..but I still think he’s a beautiful little boy and I love this picture of Caleb and Seth, they are good brothers to each other. They fight over legos but have the best times together playing and jumping on the trampoline.

This was the best we could do for a group picture.

Ethan and Jacob both threw up during church.

While they were gone at church with their Dad, Seth was sick about 10 times. He was so comforted by me patting his back over the toilet and I would look away and wait until he was done (he was a very violent and thorough throw-upper), wipe off his face, and tuck him back onto the couch. It was a beautiful day and at one point he said, “Maybe the air would feel me better”, which translated means: “I need to go outside.” So, I spread a thick blanket on the grass and we went outside, where he promptly fell asleep under his blanket (I was worried he would get burned so I put the blanket over his head).

(Hours later, after everyone was home and it was late afternoon, Seth again got up off the couch with his blanket without a word and proceeded outside to sleep. So dear.)

While Seth slept I went into the forest to work on the Easter nests. I gave each child 7 eggs with candy inside, a chocolate bunny, a big glitter egg with candy, easter goldfish crackers, and a little gift just for them. David and Ethan got fishing stuff, Jake and Grace received art supplies, Sarah a “my little pony”, Seth a Spiderman ball, and Caleb legos.

On my way to the house, I stopped by the chicken coop and gave the hens some colored paper grass for their nesting box. 🙂

I have to say……by yesterday he was all better and was twice as mischievous and busy as usual….Rich and I both thought that maybe he was making up for the day of sleeping on Sunday. I’m thankful it was just a 24 hour bug. Jacob and Ethan went to school on Monday but didn’t eat. After a good night’s sleep they are feeling much better this morning.

Easter dinner was delicious but the boys were sad because they couldn’t eat with us. Ethan missed the mashed potatoes and Jacob missed trying the lamb. Yesterday evening I fried up some leftover mashed potato patties in butter for them and their tummies appreciated it (comfort food).

I set the table with pretty tablecloths (I even had the time to iron them, and I hate ironing), our easter egg tree, and pastel fiestaware. We had roast lamb, apple crisp, salad, and fluffy mashed potatoes. Rich loved the meal and ate a lot of lamb. It was the first time I made it and we liked it.

This poor daffodil has been frozen several times since it first grew. Still pretty, even with a few rough edges.

The first violet of spring; February’s birth flower, for THIA, and all my February sisters. 🙂

They are growing along the pathway to our side steps.

9 easter ideas, won’t you add the 10th?

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Shanda

My friend Danielle posted the most adorable springtime portraits of her children on Facebook the other day and I asked her if I could please share them here on the blog. She graciously gave me permission. They are absolutely precious, and will bring a smile to your face.

I also thought I would also share some Easter ideas with you, and perhaps others (yes you, my friend) might enjoy sharing their traditions with us, too, in the comment section.

(a glad easter)

Resurrection Sunday has deep and beautiful meaning for all lovers of Jesus Christ. In fact, Easter is my own personal favorite holiday because of the joy I feel in my heart as I meditate on all my Lord and Savior has done in atoning for our sins on the cross and conquering death on the third day, when he rose up from the grave. This is why I believe, first and foremost, that telling the “old old story” to our children should be the highest priority on this important weekend. There are so many ways to make this a special weekend for them, but if I can only do one thing, I will share the gospel TRUTH at their own level here at home, and take my children to church. Soul-needs come first.

But what other things can we do to make this springtime celebration fun and memorable for our families? Here are some simple but lovely ideas:

1. Decorate eggs (bet you didn’t see that one coming!)

You can use vegetables to dye eggs, or kool aid, or regular food coloring. But however you do it, it is fun to afterwards rub each egg with a drop or two of vegetable or olive oil. In this way, your eggs will glow like polished marble.

2. Make an Easter Egg tree

I love seeing the colorful plastic eggs dangling from little trees or bushes outside in the neighbor’s lawn. At our house, we decorate an artificial indoor tree at every holiday. This morning Grace helped me hang it with eggs, ribbons, and green plastic grass. We put our tree on the table as a centerpiece.

3. Make hot cross buns for breakfast (served with an icing cross on top, these buns are “traditionally considered blessed and believed to impart powerful protection.” (quoted from the book Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions)

I am rather busy this year, so I bought mine from the grocery store. But if you would like to make them, here is the inspiring Tasha Tudor’s recipe, of which she always made “a large quantity to serve at tea on Good Friday and for breakfast on Easter Sunday.”

1 cup milk, warmed to 110 degrees
1 packet yeast
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups unbleached flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup currents
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

In a small mixing bowl, stir the milk into the yeast to dissolve, adding 1 tsp of the 1/2 cup sugar. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, the remaining sugar, the cinnamon, and the currants. Add the milk and yeast mixture and mix well. Cover with a warm towel, set aside, and allow to rise in a draft-free place for 30 minutes. Add the salt and melted butter, being sure that the butter is not too hot, so as not to destroy the live yeast. Knead the dough lightly on a generously floured surface, then place in mixing bowl, cover again, and let rise until double in size, 1 hour or so.

Shape the dough into 12 buns and place on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise until double in size, about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove from the oven and cool on racks. When the buns are cool, make an X on top of each one with a tasty tube filled with a mixture of:

1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. light cream or milk, or enough to make the icing easy to spread.

4. Easter Basket or Nest for each child..

At our house, we have each child go outside in our woods and make their own little nest out of twigs and pine needles, leaves, and whatever else they can find, like charming, busy little birdies. Oh they have the grandest time, especially my older teenage boys (kidding). It’s all worth it on Sunday, when they troop back to the woods to discover all the wonderful goodies that the Easter bunny (me) has left them.

5. Egg hunt

I have heard they are great fun.

6. Living Easter basket

It’s too late for this year, but another idea is to take a basket, layer it with gravel and potting soil, and sprinkle fast-growing ryegrass seeds on the top. Keep the soil moist and place the basket in a warm, sunny spot. Once the grass is high enough, you can add little Easter toys and figures within it.

7. Do the chicken dance

repeatedly

8. New clothes

Use Easter Sunday as an excuse to freshen up the children’s spring/summer church clothes. I usually buy the boys each a new shirt and the girls each a new dress. I also buy snow white tights for Sarah (or ruffled bobby socks if the weather is warm) and proper footwear (pink glitter of course!) Don’t forget to buy yourself a new outfit, too, if needed.

9. Prepare a Feast

This year I am roasting a leg of lamb. I am also making a pan of apple crisp, a nice salad, mashed potatoes, and corn.

10. ?????

Leave a comment telling me what you or someone you know (like your grandmother) does for Easter!

This one gets me every time:

Utter adorableness!

Here is the link to my friend Danielle’s Photography Facebook Page: InJoy Photography

Happy Easter to my wonderful blog friends! xo

PS, most ideas were gathered from the book Mrs. Sharp’s Traditions, Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations of Comfort & Joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach

{this moment} my husband

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Shanda

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

at the end of the day.

happy birthday, rich

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Shanda

I love you.

***

You and I have settled down in our relationship, into something that is steady and true. We know each other. I know that you will say and do things that shock me at times; like that time you bought a motorcycle without saying a word to me about it. I found it in the garage one day. And that other time when you traded in the Lexus for a truck. I still really miss that car, but I have to admit the truck is more “you”.

You have stayed in the insurance business for the last 16 years but you have never let go of your dreams….you’ve done it all in your dreams….police officer, football player, race car driver, evangelist, homesteader, farmer, truck driver, there is still so much to do.

I’ll never forget the time you came home from work looking a lot more dazed than usual. You were the first on the scene of a horrible accident and had to pull a trapped man from a burning vehicle; he had already been terribly burned. You stayed with him until help came. The man died but he died in a hospital bed and not in a burning vehicle, because of your bravery.

You cry during sad movies.

You love your children deeply, in ways I am just beginning to understand as I see the genuine heartache and tears at the thought of our oldest boy soon to leave the nest.

You are an excellent father.

You are disciplined and like to see things done right.

You respect the men in your family; grandfather, uncles, father, are so important to you. You try to make them proud and I know that they are so very proud of who you have become.

You love the Lord and are passionate about teaching and preaching the Bible. In the last few years I have seen you grow and develop in ways I never thought I would see; as a missionary in Jamaica, and as a helper at the teen camp this past fall. You teach Bible study and Sunday School. You preach sermons. I’ve never seen you work so hard as when you have a message to say about God. You study all night in order to prepare.

You are teaching Ethan to drive.

You stocked the pond with fish for our boys.

You are building a treehouse with them.

You have learned to fix your little daughters’ hair.

You love to run. (you are downstairs running on the treadmill as I type this, I can hear the pounding rhythm of your feet)

Another favorite memory is from when we were first married and you couldn’t get the coal fire started downstairs as fast as you’d like; so you poured gasoline on it. The boom from upstairs startled me in the kitchen, and the look on your face when you walked into the room! You looked like someone who had a narrow escape from death, and the hair on and around your face was all twisted up and burnt.

More recently was when you blew up the kids’ basketball so hard that as soon as you touched it it exploded and tore your fingernail right backwards. That was another loud sound from your direction.

You’ve gotten your fair share of speeding tickets.

It seems you do things in big ways; big family, big job, big dreams, big home projects……..I LOVE YOU……

I love how you sometimes kiss my feet because you love me so much.

You’re an honest lover.

You hang my pictures on the wall for me.

You are generous with your money and never complain about my shopping trips, and you send me away on adventures with joy. (oh, wait a sec’…LOL)

You are the one who has the heart to heart talks with our older children, because you have the wisdom and words necessary for the task.

You are worthy of my respect and love; and you have it, with all my heart.

We are one.

It was fun to have babies with you and watch you with them as they grew.

You make me laugh.

You are silent most of the time. You take forever to answer a simple question. Sometimes I say “SPEAK!!!” and then you let out a little “woof” just to make me laugh.

I have a carrot cake in the oven for you because that is what you requested.

You leave your hat on the top of the lamp in our room and it used to bother me; but now I just leave it. I have come to love the sight of it there.

You have twice as many pairs of shoes that I do; but you also wear them out faster. You have things to do and places to go and miles to run~

Thank you for letting me have cats and chickens.

Thank you for overlooking my own many faults.

Thank you for being a good man, not a perfect man, but a good one, with strong character and a hard work ethic.

Thank you for being a provider.

Thank you for keeping yourself in good shape.

Thank you for leading.

Thank you for being fun.

Thank you for marrying me.

Thank you for never keeping your hands to yourself and making me laugh.