This Week Calls for Randomosity

Random Fact #1: I did finally enjoy a fabulous anniversary trip with my hubby to Kansas City on Saturday. It was beautiful, as is our love.


Random Fact #2: Despite our phenomenal Saturday retreat, this is how I've felt pretty much every morning this week:

Yesterday morning after asking God for His strength because I had none left, I came and read this. Oh how helpful it was!

Random Fact #3: My son loves dirt. I'm pretty sure Pee Wee Herman would ask him, "Why don't you marry dirt, then?" I think he would.


Random Fact #4: The white legs behind my son in the above picture will be seen much more frequently this summer. Forget the purple blotchiness decorating their backs, which are my war wounds from Baby T #3. I was in pants today and I thought I may not survive. Did I mention it was only 85 degrees? Oh yes, there will be shorts, and there will be lots of them.

Random Fact #5: I adore this picture of my mom and sweet girl:

The craziness of life right now insists on randomosity. This could be the new norm.

It May Be Just 8 Years, but We're Working On 65

Happy 8th Anniversary to the one my heart loves. I can't wait for another 57 (and more)!

One Final Blow to the Gut

This morning I received this message in my email inbox:



Hmmm... does it really say I went and I watched? Because if I remember correctly, my tickets sat on our kitchen table while I spent Friday vomiting and Saturday attempting to recooperate while caring for my sick son. Our big anniversary weekend away, a bust. Along with the money for these tickets and one of our hotel stays.

I'm not ashamed to admit I shed some tears over this one.

And then, it was time to pray. Believe me, I realize I had this one out of order - the prayers should have been first. Yet through my tears my stubborn soul began to pray, and God spoke these words from 1 Thessalonians straight to my heart: "...give thanks in all circumstances..."

My list of humble thanks to the One who is truly in control:

1. My stomach flu hit hard and fast, before we left for Kansas City.
2. A chance to be reminded (as if I didn't already know) of what an amazing man God has blessed me with. Not ONE complaint about what he was missing. Just hugs, wiping tears, and cleaning up puke on top of assuming almost complete care for our children.
3. An incredible Daddy of mine who came while Ben was at work Friday morning and took care of his grandkids while I lay immobile on the couch or bathroom floor.
4. Sophie got special time alone with Grandma, which she would not have had if mom and dad had been out of town.
5. Feeling somewhat better on Saturday so I had time to hold my sweet boy, with his third day of fever and terrible cough.
6. Whatever uknowns existed... for my Father, He loves me and knows what is best for me... perhaps He was keeping us from things we don't dare think of...

So here's to our dearest Toby Mac - the Tysons hope that you gave a fabulous show in honor of us last night. We imagine you gave us a shout out from stage, telling us Happy 8th Anniversary, and the crowd cheered because 8 years is quite an accomplishment! Way to go to that awesome couple!

And next Saturday, we hope to be back in Kansas City, enjoying a slightly belated anniversary evening away. Sans Toby Mac, but nevertheless, it has all the makings of a fabulous anniversary adventure.

February 2nd, 2000

It was TEN YEARS AGO today that I "officially" became "Ben's girl." Yes, folks, our dating anniversary was on Groundhog's Day. Before you begin to tease me, at least it wasn't Valentine's Day - now that would be cheesy. (Funnily enough, I actually said that one time in Dr. Don's marriage class and he politely informed me that his wedding anniversary was on Valentine's Day. Oops.)



This pic is from that night. He took me to see The Tigger Movie. I was a happy girl that night. All these years later, he still makes me a very happy girl.

The Clandestine Post

Shhhh... don't tell Kelly, but this is Ben. I've taken over the blog for a clandestine post!

Indulge me for one moment, but I've got to tell THE WORLD how much I LOVE MY SWEET, BEAUTIFUL, AWESOME WIFEY!!!

Tonight, I wish I could take her to eat here:


But instead we'll be here:

(Cafe Bel Ami)

I wish we were headed here:


But we'll probably hang out here:


Here's what she really deserves:


But she may have to settle for this:


I hope she knows she's a:


And she really deserves one of these:


But I proclaim today, to all of Bloglandia, these 3 things which I know:
1. I am perfect for her, and she for me.
2. I am never better or happier than when I'm with her.
3. I have the most beautiful woman in the world by my side.

Can't wait for our fun date to start tonight, my Sweetey Petey!
Ben

It's Not Even My Birthday!

My wonderful hubby brought me flowers at work tonight. I had to tell Blogger World how much this meant to me for a few reasons:

1. It was about 15 degrees out when he came in, and the roads weren't in perfect condition.
2. He got home from working all day to send me away to work, feed Sophie, bundle her up, and run to the store to buy flowers.
3. He drove the monotonous 25-minute drive to my nursing home with a toddler in the back and sang along to her Sesame Street CD the whole time.
4. There was no occasion... just to brighten my night!

Have I mentioned before how amazingly blessed I am? I cannot fathom why God chose me to be this man's wife, but I'm so thankful He did!

Teeny Tiny's Nursery - Voter Help!

We worked really hard this weekend. Seriously, if you could see how closely my feet resemble the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, you'd know that I pretty much haven't rested for two days straight. (Okay, there was that chocolate party I went to...)

Here we are, hard at work. Looks like my stomach favors ol' Marshy as well. Yikes.

Below is the bare bones of the nursery. We don't have any decorations in it yet, and honestly I don't know how we're going to decorate. I'll probably wait for most decorations until after Teeny Tiny arrives and we know the gender. We got the great idea for the dots on the wall from my friend Kenna, who did something very similar in her long-awaited Kate's room.

Here's where we need your help! Ben and I cannot decide what color of rug we want to put in the room. Since the floor is wood, we want to buy a nice area rug to cover a good amount of the floor space. We initially desired a pale green rug to compliment the darker green wall and lighter green bedding. Alas, my pale green is not to be found (unless I want to pay well over $400 online, which I most certainly do NOT want to do).

The two colors we're debating are: off-white/cream or dark brown/chocolate. Please go to the top of the sidebar and vote on which color you think would look best! We're pretty sure it should be one of those two colors, but if you have another suggestion feel free to leave it as a comment and we'll consider it!

Okay, take another look at the picture below, make a good decision, and get to voting! I'm only leaving the poll open for two days!!