Happy Birthday Chris!!!

In honor of Chris's 33rd birthday I put together this fun little quiz for his little birthday party/New Years celebration tonight, so I thought I would share it with all of you. And I added a few random photos too. =)

QUIZ:

1.) Which of these things is Chris incapable of doing?
a.) whistling
b.) snapping
c.) whispering
d.) all of the above

2.) True or False Chris owns way more shoes than Heather.

3.) How old is Chris?
a.) OLD!!! DANG OLD!!!
b.) 37
c.) 33
d.) 43

4.) If Chris was alone on a desert island which of these things would he most miss?
a.) television
b.) lack of human interaction
c.) ice cream
d.) his spandex

5.) Chris missed being the New Years Baby by arriving at what time on New Years Eve?
a.) 4:47 am
b.) 6:13 pm
c.) 12:49 pm
d.) 11: 33 am

6.) Which of these career paths has Chris NOT considered pursuing once he retires from the Army?
a.) Owning a Doggie Day Care/Kennel
b.) high school history teacher
c.) chef
d.) shopping cart collector at Walmart

7.) What makes Chris scream like a girl?
a.) spiders
b.) snakes
c.) baby poop on his person
d.) gaining a pound

8.) Which of these girly things has Chris NOT been known to do?
a.) pluck his eyebrows
b.) shave his pits
c.) get a pedicure
d.) use Secret deodorant

9.) Which elective surgery would Chris most like to get?
a.) liposuction
b.) calf implants
c.) pec implants
d.) hair restoration

10.) What celebrity does Chris get told he looks like?
a.) Vin Diesel
b.) Tom Cruise
c.) Sean Hayes (gay friend on Will & Grace)
d.) Matt Leblanc

11.) If I was to describe Chris in one word it would be _____________________?

12.) If I had buck for every time Chris said _________ I would be rich!
a.) Dude
b.) stinkin”
c.) dirt bag
d.) beings

13.) True or False Chris’s IQ was tested as being in the genius range.

14.) Chris is known for being_________.
a.) unopinionated
b.) quiet and reserved
c.) generous
d.) tidy

Answers:

1.)D

2.) Sadly, this is True.

3.)C

4.)B Chris is a people person. He hates being alone!

5.)A I had to get out his birth certificate for this one.

6.)C He is always coming up with new plans for his golden years.

7.)B He really does scream like a girl when he encounters a snake.

8.)C Chris loves his Secret deodorant. It was quite the hardship when he was deployed and had to use manly deodorant to save face with the guys.

9.)A

10.)A Though when he was younger and had hair it was B. =)

12.)I will accept A, B, C or D. Can't make up my mind on which one he says the most. But was interested to see what others would put.

13.) True. Though he tries hard to hide it.

14.)C Chris has the biggest heart.

Lost All My Christmas Photos!!!

I'm so upset because I just deleted all my Christmas photos!!! I'm a total moron and thought I had copied them to a folder but had not. ARRGH! I'm so mad at myself.

The kids got way too much stuff. Whitney was completely blown away by getting a lap top for Christmas. Gavin's favorites included an RC helicopter and Vulcan Nerf Gun. Ashlyn seems to like her art easel best and her Mrs. Potato head has been a big hit too.

We had the Tarbet Family over for Christmas dinner. Chris & Chris deep fried their first turkey. Steph and I were a little nervous about it but all went smoothly. This was my first time eating fried turkey and it was way better than I thought it would be. Though I missed having gravy for the mashed potatoes. It was quite the delicious feast!

Ashlyn (3) and Ben (2) decided to go out for an romantic evening stroll. Somehow managing to slip out our front door without any of us noticing. We found them halfway down our street. When Chris caught up with them Ashlyn said, "Ashlyn and Ben are looking at the Christmas lights." Also adding that she had kissed baby Jesus. Our neighbors have a nativity scene in their front yard so I'm guessing that is what she kissed. After I had lectured her on why she couldn't go outside by herself, I asked her if she was going to do that again. To which she replied, yes. I guess she deserves points for being honest. Today Chris is installing a security latch to the front door to prevent future escapes.

Whitney's Letter to the Elves

A little background before you read Whitney's letter. About a week before Thanksgiving while I was out shopping, and Chris was in charge, Whitney and Gavin decided to play rock shop on our new table. They brought in a bunch of rocks and dragged them all over the table making deep scratches. Now we'd just gotten this table in August with the plan of never buying a table again, so we were pretty upset. He has since sanded the table and is in the process of restaining and finishing it. Yesterday Whitney came home from school with the following letter. I have re-typed it exactly as she wrote it.

Dear South Pole Elves,

I'd like to give my parents a gift. They've both been very kind and good. My mom cleans our house, picked up someone's wife from the airport when he couldn't, takes care of her 3 1/2 kids (she's pregnant), and makes a cake for everyone in my family's birthday except hers. My dad serves our country, helped our friends the Kattelmans when their house flooded with sewage, takes care of his kids too, and brings in money for food and other necessities.

Before I describe the table I'd like to give them, I'd like to share why I want them to get it. My brother and I recently ruined my mom's new table. My dad loves having people over so he'd have room for people to eat with us. I'd like to give them a new table with stained parawood, 14 seats, a leaf in the middle to make it bigger and smaller, straight legs, and a flat top. Please send it to them.

From,
Whitney Weaver

Creative Differences

For about the last two weeks now I keep finding this ornament hanging on the very bottom of the tree. Every day I move it to a higher position only to find it has somehow moved back to this exact same spot on the tree! I haven't caught Ashlyn in the act but I know she is the one doing it. For some reason she feels strongly that this ornament hang from that exact spot. I feel just as strongly that this is not an ideal spot for this ornament. It has become a fun little game for us. As soon as I walk into that room my eyes are drawn to that spot on the tree and to see if that ornament has magically movd back to this spot.

We're Having a . . .

Baby Boy! Just like I have been predicting all along. =D That makes my record a perfect 4 out of 4. I have had strong feelings with all our kids about what sex they were. Now we are in serious need of help with names! Chris and I can't agree on anything. He likes Brock, Everest and Stone. I said absolutely not to all three. I like Henry to which he said absolutely not. I am 18 weeks now, getting close to the halfway mark. The ultrasound technician said he was 8 ounces and very active.

Visit with Santa

It took quite a bit of coaxing for Santa to convince Whitney to sit on his knee. She takes after her parents and looks older than she is. =) Even though she is only 9 she looks more like she's 12. When Santa asked her what she wanted for Christmas she said "surprise me". Last year she reached the point where she wanted to believe in Santa but she just couldn't swallow it anymore.

I'm still mad at Chris because I asked him to videotape and he didn't. Gavin was the first one to visit with Santa and after they got past the preliminaries of his name and what he wanted for Christmas, Santa asked him if he had any brothers or sisters. Gavin said, he had two sisters. Then Santa asked him if he had been nice to them this past year. Gavin's face was priceless. It did this slow slide into Oh, crap and then absolute panic. Santa never did get an answer to that question. I guess Gavin figured pleading the 5th was his best bet on that one. Really though I have to say he is a pretty exceptional brother, he doesn't have anything to be worried about.

I really thought this would be the year that Ashlyn would happily sit on Santa's lap. Though she was excited to see him from a distance she did not want to sit on his lap. She loves the song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and gets so excited when she hears it. She starts shrieking YES! YES! Santa Claus is coming to town! And is even starting to sing along to the chorus. Chris had to slowly ease her on over to him. This photo makes me laugh because she looks like she's doing Santa an unwilling favor by sitting on his lap. She did say thank you though when he gave her a candy cane.

Question???

We got Ashlyn a two sided art easel for Christmas. One side is a chalkboard and one side is a dry erase board. My question is whether or not dry erase markers will write on other things such as walls and arms? And if so does it come off easily? Just trying to decide if this gift is going to be more trouble than entertainment. =)

New Family Picture

About once a year, I force myself to have a family photo taken. I reason that someday I will be thankful that I did. Like most women I hate having my picture taken or more to the point looking at photos with me in them. It doesn't help that my husband is Mr. Photogenic either. Getting the whole family spiffed up and out the door is always stressful. Not to mention the challenge of getting at least one decent shot, where our eyes are at least open and aimed in the general direction of the camera. Many thanks to Emilie who not only agreed to take pictures of us but risked life and limb by standing on a very unstable picnic table to get this shot. She really went above and beyond and even photo shopped some collages and pictures too.

Falsetto

This morning Whitney was in her school's spelling bee. Each classroom had a spelling bee and Whitney won her classroom's bee. There were 14 kids from grades 3rd-6th competing. She did really well and came in third place! She went out on falsetto by leaving out a "t". =( Chris said she got gypped because he felt like the last couple of words before that were way easier (solvent and newton). I had my work cut out calming him down. You could tell most of the kids were way nervous and I felt so nervous for them. It takes courage to stand up in front of your whole school and spell words! One thing I do know is that she will never forget how to spell falsetto! So many people have told me their spelling bee stories of how they still remember the word they misspelled. =D

Highlights from Thanksgiving

Gavin and Kaden proving that they are little men in the making. Zoning out in front of the boob tube after the big feed.

Ashlyn took it upon herself to be the official roll taster. I was a total failure at taking pictures because this is it folks.

This year for Thanksgiving we had our friends the Patterson's over for Thanksgiving. Since they live right across the street from us we were able to create quite the joint feast. They made the best stuffing I've ever had and Chris actually tried their sweet potato souffle. A big step for him because he had never been brave enough to try sweet potatoes before. He ended up volunteering to take care of the leftovers for them. =) I found a kindred soul in Dave who liked my raisin pie AND my homemade cranberry sauce.

Porter and Ashlyn decided to strip down to their diapers and get naked. (They are vying for the world's record on most stubborn child who refuses to toilet train.) They both kept stealing rolls and had about 10 each.

Chris and Dave were questioned by the MP's for their suspicious behavior. They were taking the Patterson's table back to their house when the MP's happened to drive by and overhear Chris say (in his quiet little voice) Yes, the door's unlocked! They were in the doorway getting ready to take the table inside but the MP was a little worried they were relieving someone of their table.

Emilie and I mapped out our plan of attack for the Black Friday sales. She has been out every year for the last 18 years and that's a tradition you just don't mess with! It was a first for me though. I had worked in retail before but never been on the customer end. I have to say I like it much better from the customer's side. We actually got up at 3:30 am on Saturday morning which is a once a year happening for both of us. We did score some pretty sweet deals though!

Whitney and Colton did their best to never be within 5 feet of each other since he is 11 and she will soon be 10. We woudln't want anyone to get the wrong idea. It is funny to see them hit that age where they become hyper aware of these things.

Ashlyn's Sweet Earrings

Ashlyn received these sweet earrings for her birthday from her true love "My Ben". Ashlyn has a thing for younger men. She never refers to Ben as simply Ben it is always "My Ben". For the past two Sundays when I have been getting her ready for church she insists she wear her earrings. Amazingly she actually has wore them for the whole three hours of church! These babies are so special they are reserved for Sunday Best only. I couldn't get a very cute picture of her modeling them because she was being a stinker. As a side note does anyone have any recommendations for getting rid of eczema? I cannot get rid of that patch on her cheek. I have tried countless OTC creams and even some prescription creams.

Alp Noggin Hats

The talented Natalie Kattelman made this darling hat for our Miss Ashlyn. Natalie was crocheting it while at our house and Ashlyn requested that "she put lots of flowers all over it"! She has yet to learn the less is more rule of fashion. Go check out her blog www.thealpnoggin.blogspot.com and get your little cutie a handmade hat today! She has several styles and your choice of colors to choose from.

Mr. Manners

Gavin was quite proud of himself to receive a "Manners Award" at school the other day "for displaying wonderful manners". My little handsome mansome is turning into quite the gentleman.

At long last...

I started this little project back in August and it is just now finally finished. Hallelujah!!!! We got this table second hand from an older couple when Chris was in flight school. They said they'd bought it in the 50's but had to downsize because they were moving to a retirement village. We were down to only 2 of the original chairs and it was in need of an update. But the table itself is really nice wood and well made so I decided I wanted to paint it and get some new chairs. Chris wasn't too keen on the idea. I'm not sure what came over me because I am not crafty and usually a total chicken about taking on projects like this. Many thanks to Emilie who had to hold my hand every step of the way and helped me paint it in the hot garage. You're the best! Also, thanks to Chris for lacquering it after I got pregnant. He wasn't too happy about that but was too worried the baby would come out "with an arm on its forehead" if I did it myself. Though he did take his own sweet time to do it, as his way of punishing me. He is a vindictive little soul. =)

Discrimination

I saw my OB doctor today for a routine check up and I have to say I left feeling a little discriminated against. I have been to the office probably 4 to 5 times now and without fail every visit someone on the staff makes some kind of condescending comment to me about being pregnant with my 4th child. Almost every visit someone asks or assumes I will be wanting a tubal ligation when I deliver. Apparently, 4 is the number that pushes you over the edge into the "too many kids" category.
I am willing to concede that having 4 kids is something that is not for everyone. Up to this point I was able to just think to myself whatever. I had even anticipated that I would get people who would have negative things to say but I never imagined what a nasty edge some people would have. I'm not quite sure what it is that they find so offensive. Maybe if we were living on welfare or I was addicted to crack I could understand their point of view. It is true we will not be able to provide our children with a lifestyle where they receive a brand new car on their sixteenth birthday or vacation in the Bahamas every Christmas break but is that really such a bad thing?

Clarifying

It has come to my attention that my knocked up post has led some people to believe this pregnancy was a surprise. I thought I should clear things up. =) This pregnancy was not a surprise in the typical sense. Just a very sudden and unexpected decision. I literally woke up in the middle of the night with this conviction that we were supposed to have another baby. I even told Chris though I didn't expect him to hear me because he sleeps the sleep of the dead. The next morning first thing he said was, did you wake me up in the middle of the night and tell me you wanted another baby? I said, yes. He immediately jumped on the band wagon. This is not how it usually goes in our house. I have this tendency to over think and over analyze things to death. We basically have to be pushed into having a baby. We tried to blow it off with Whitney for awhile and then finally caved. With Gavin I was a little more receptive but Chris had to be brow beaten into acceptance. And Ashlyn! I literally spent months debating and agonizing over whether or not to have another. A month before Chris shipped off for Iraq for the second time I finally made up my mind to try. Chris said he could literally see people doing the math when he'd tell them his wife was pregnant. Some brave souls even asked him if he was sure the baby was his. I love our kids and I am so glad we have them! They have brought me more joy and taught me more than anything else ever could or will. It is just a huge decision/responsibility to bring a child into this world. You'd think it would get easier after three kids but it hasn't. After all, I am the girl who didn't get her drivers license until she was 18 because I was so worried about possibly having an accident and hurting someone. I think it can be safely said, that I have an overly developed sense of worry and caution.

The Eternal Optimist

The other day Whitney came home from school very excited. She said, "Mom, I've got something really exciting to show you!!!" And then she handed me this piece of paper. In case you can't read the writing it says that Whitney Weaver is a finalist for A Family Vacation to Orlando, Florida Drawing. Then the fine print says: The vacation will be 4 nights and 5 days in Orlando, Florida. It will include paid travel, hotel accommodations and theme park passes for the winner and immediate family. Total retail price is $5,000. The SchoolMall will conduct the drawing on May 15th. The winner will be notified by Mr. Earl, The Prize Man.

Now in Whitney's mind it is not a matter of if but when we win this fabulous vacation. She has spent much time speculating on which theme parks we will receive passes to and what our hotel will be like. This totally comes from Chris. He always thinks he is going to win things while I on the other hand never even entertain the idea that I could possibly win something. Too much of a realist I guess. Alright, more like too much of a the glass is half empty/pessimist. I thought to myself should I tell her the chances of us winning are very slim or should I just let her go on thinking she is going to win and then be super disappointed? Then I thought, let her believe good things are going to happen. I hear the power of positive thinking is highly underestimated. And who knows, we just might be hearing from Mr. Earl, The Prize Man on May 15th.

Happy Halloween!!!

The Pumpkin Princess.

Gavin's helmet was just a wee bit small for Chris's giant melon.

Wit's catty side coming out. =) It has become something of a tradition that I let Whitney wear make-up on Halloween night. This year when I looked at the photos I couldn't get over how old she looked!

Military posts have "official" trick or treating hours. Usually 6-8 pm. Chris likes to be one of the first ones out and the last ones home. Ashlyn actually walked for most of our two hour jaunt. Gavin pooped out before she did.

For those of you who aren't Star Wars freaks, Gavin is Commander Rex a Clonetrooper. Gavin was beyond thrilled with this costume. He got to wear it to school this morning for their costume parade. Usually, when I wake him up for school he never wants to get up but this morning he leaped out of bed like greased lighting, stumbling around asking where's my costume? And for some reason he got the most candy both at our ward's trick or trunk and on Halloween night. Even though all three kids went to the exact same number of houses. I have yet to come up with a theory for why this is but it fascinates me greatly.

Life long dream to dress like a cat. Check.

Ashlyn would scope out each house and decide whether or not Chris would accompany her. If she deemed it scary Chris had to walk her up but if not Chris was not allowed to walk up with her. She would say, "Stay Daddy" while giving him the hand signal Chris uses to teach Sadie to stay. Some were just too scary, period and she would not go up at all. Then it was Whitney's job to bring her back some candy.

Gavin passing out the candy. No one got away with seconds while he was on watch. They got one and that was it. No matter how long they stood there and stared at him.

Knocked Up

It's official I am with child, pregnant, PG, preggers, expecting but Chris's perennial, all time favorite is knocked up. Of course this is all thanks to Chris as he likes to tell me. We thought we were done but got the verdict from the Big Guy that we were not. Our due date is May 21st. Chris was really hoping for twins and was pretty disappointed to find out at the ultrasound that there was only one bun in the oven. When Whitney first found out the first thing she asked me was where the baby would be sleeping. Translation, she is worried she might have to share her room. She says she is hoping for a boy, so that Gavin will have a brother but I think there is a healthy dose of not wanting to share a room thrown in there as well. She is so spoiled! This is about the time I gave her my lecture on how I never had my own room and had to walk to school with no shoes in the snow for 12 miles. Gavin says he is also hoping for a boy. I'm interested to see how Ashlyn reacts once the baby arrives. In general she loves babies but she does not like for Chris or I to hold or pay attention to babies. Chris is his usual go big or go home self. He tells everyone! While I always feel so stupid telling people. I was trying to think of a cute/creative way to share the news on here but as you can see I came up with nada. I wanted to take a picture of Chris holding a sign that said "My Swimmers Can Really Swim" but he wasn't going for it.

Thank You Chris!!!

Yesterday we headed out to Aplins' Farm for some fall fun. If you live in the area, I highly recommend it. Lots of cute photos ops and heaven for kids. Chris got my birthday/Christmas present a little early this year, a brand new Canon Rebel XSI with lots of extras. He said he is tired of paying photographers when I can take photos just as well. I had pointed out to him that my camera wasn't as nice so I wasn't going to get the same quality shots AND that I did not have their technical know how. Now that I have a super nice camera, I just need to focus on acquiring the technical know how. I am just feeling a little overwhelmed. Okay, a lot overwhelmed. I am so easily overwhelmed. I'm pretty good at the artistic side of photography but know next to nothing when it comes to the technical side. Plus, I suck with anything mechanical or electronic. It takes me awhile to feel comfortable with a new camera and I just don't like that getting to know you period. He has been feeling like I am not sufficiently grateful. I wanted to publicly let everyone know that he is the best gift giver ever! He never forgets important dates and puts lots of thought and effort into his gifts. He spent hours researching for just the right camera and the best deal. Thank you Chris!!!! It makes me feel better knowing you at least believe in me.

The Many Faces of Ashlyn. . .

These photos are in the order I took them in. Here we have #1.) Ashlyn's pouty face. "How dare she expect me to pose for photos, I won't have it!"

#2.) "Okay, Daddy is acting like a monkey! That is pretty funny but I must fight smiling and stay firm to my convictions."
#3.) "Alright, I have gained control of myself and look madder than ever. 2 points for me."

#4.) "Oh, shoot! Daddy, Whitney and Gavin are all acting like monkeys now. I guess, that deserves at least a small smile."

*All*Star*

Whitney had a great soccer season. She was a high scorer for her team this season. But what I was most impressed with was her passing skills. I am no soccer expert but she just seems to have the knack for passing it at the best possible moment and right to the intended person. She plays on a co-ed team but it is made up of mostly boys. I have to say I get a chuckle out of watching some of the Dads try to deal with their sons being shown up by "a girl". She has been selected for Fort Rucker's Allstars' team so we are "enjoying" a few more weeks of soccer practices. Chris has been flying nights so that has given me the joy of carting all three kids to soccer practices. Not so fun for Gavin, Ashlyn and I but the price we must pay for the honor of living with an All*Star!

I'm Happy!

It seems I am always writing posts about Ashlyn but she is just at that age where they say and do the cutest things. Plus, the older two spend most of the day at school. I have more material to pull from with her. =)
Lately, if I get after her for doing something she shouldn't like say pooping in her pants (Will this child ever be potty trained???) or pushing the library's books off the shelf repeatedly, she'll say your not mad Mommy, you're HAPPY! It's a good thing I have her to help me correctly label my feelings and emotions.

Confession

Here it is, I hate when kids are learning to read and they have to sound out almost all the words so painfully s-l-o-o-o-w. I have absolutely no patience for it. It is like nails on a chalkboard to me. I have to sit there and tell myself just make it through this page. Even as a kid, I remember when the whole class would take turns reading aloud the same story. Arghh! It was torture for me. I couldn't take it then. I would read ahead just to escape the pain of it. I became expert at being able to read ahead and keep an eye on where "the class" was at. I shouldn't even complain because this period was blessedly short and sweet for Whitney. And Gavin is improving steadily too. It really is amazing how in a short period of time they go from non-readers to readers. Do I at least a few get points for ending on a somewhat positive note?

It's Her Party & She Will Cry if She Wants To!

The Birthday Girl was having something of a rough day yesterday. Ever since Gavin had his birthday she has been talking about her "Happy Birthday Ashlyn" with much anitcipation. When we started singing Happy Birthday her face did the slow crumple into tears. All I can think is that she might be coming down with something because she sure was cranky!
Opening her presents. The funniest moment of the whole party was when she opened up a glittery butterfly costume and our cute little neighbor, Porter (who just turned 3 too) yelled out "I want to wear that!" In his little scratchy voice. Ashlyn wasn't having it though.

A new stroller for her babies. No one was allowed to touch this beauty.

She seriously ate about half this bowl of Cheetos Puffs single handedly!

All partied out.

16 Years=Half a Lifetime

It struck me today right around this time in October, 16 years ago Chris and I started dating. Since we are now 32 that means we have been together for half of our life times up to this point in time. (Minus a few months when "I broke his heart and dumped him".) He is going to kill me when, he sees I posted this picture on my blog! You can't really see it in the photo but he had quite the mullet haircut going on. He hates to be reminded of this fact. Just yesterday we were in the car when we passed a teenage boy with long hair walking down the street. Chris said with complete disgust, "that kid needs a haircut!" Oh, how times change. It was one of those moments when I thought you have changed so much but yet are so the same. How is that possible??? To us Chris and another 16 years together.

What Love Is
A Fable for Our Times
by Carol Lynn Pearson

Their first touch
was at seventeen
when the moon was high
and her hair was soft
and her skin was warm
and her lips were full
and her heart beat fast
against his chest.

As he looked at her looking at him
he had never seen anything
so beautiful-
and he thought,
“Now I know what love is.”

Another touch
was at twenty three
when the rings were placed,
and the sun was high
and the church was bright
and her gown was lace.

As she looked at him
looking at her,
his eyes were moist
and his voice was soft
as he promised to be true forever-
and she thought,
“Now I know what love is.”

Another touch
was at twenty-four
when they shook hands
on the deal they’d struck
that he would stop saying
when he saw her sneak a cookie,
“A moment on the lips,
Forever on the hips.”
And she would stop
cutting out Ann Landers’ column
whenever it talked about
what women want of men
and just tell him what she needed,
for crying out loud.

As she said, “I’m sorry,”
and he said, “Forgive me,”
they held each other tight
and laughed-
And they thought,
“Now I know what love is.”

Another touch
was at twenty-eight
when he held her legs from shaking
and pressed her back
against the pain
while her body wrenched
and the head appeared.

As he held his son
he looked at her
and her hair was wild
and her skin was damp
and her eyes were closed
and he had never seen
anything so beautiful-
And he thought,
“Now I know what love is.”

Another touch
was at thirty-four
when she kissed the back of his neck
and watched him disappear down the hall,
one arm holding the child
who had been sick all day
and the other arm holding the child
who had drawn flowers with Magic Marker
all over the new kitchen wallpaper
after having flushed her earrings
‘bye-‘bye.

As she sat in the recliner
and listened to him sing,
“Home, home on the range-
hey, hush, pardner,
the little lady needs quiet,”
she smiled-
And she thought,
“Now I know what love is.”

Another touch was at forty-two
when they gave high fives
on that jubilant day when
their boy graduated with a 3.8
and got the art department’s first prize
and their daughter sang a small solo
in the school play
and was wearing the costume
she’d made all by herself
and landed a summer job
at the Pizza Palace
and told them she didn’t want
to pierce her navel after all.

“What a father these kids
must have!” she said.
“Ah, no, he said,
“you should see their mother!”
They hugged-
And they thought,
“Now I know what love is.”

Thousands of touches
through the following years
in celebration
and in grief-

when she stroked his hair
and told him she just knew
he’d get another job soon,
and cheese sandwiches are her favorite-

when the sunset from the front porch
was too lovely to watch alone

when they got that call
from the officer
in the middle of the night
about their son

when she got “employee of the year”
after the kids were launched
and he emailed everyone he knew
when they strolled the beach on Maui
after twelve years of putting
all their quarters in a row of jars

when their daughter moved back in
during her divorce

when they shared the first tomato
their first grandchild
grew all by herself

when all the children and grandchildren
were with them at Thanksgiving
and each one had a long list
of gratitudes.

Their final touch
was at eighty-nine,
and her heartbeat rose
on the monitor beside her bed
as it always did
when she heard his walker in the hall.

Her hair was thin
and her skin was cold
and her lips were dry,
but she blew him just a hint of a kiss,
which he caught with a hand that shook
and pressed it to his cheek
where the tear was.

As he looked at her looking at him
silent and smiling,
he had never seen anything
so beautiful-

And they knew that they knew
what love is.

Tagged

I was tagged by Carrie and I have been wracking my brain to come up with 5 little known facts about me. Conclusion: I am not that interesting.

5 Things about me!

1.) I have never been freaked out by insects of any sort. In fact, I find them kind of interesting. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to share my home with cockroaches but they don't make me scream in fright.

2.) Once I start a book I almost always have to finish it. Even if I don't like it. I have to know what happens.

3.) I'm obsessed with my children's clothing. I love everything to do with them. From shopping for them to washing them to dressing them. It is thrilling for me, when I see another child wearing an article of clothing that my child once had. I still remember all their clothes, where I got them, if they were a splurge or a bargain. Thankfully though I also have a complete aversion to excess clutter and stuff. Or else I would probably still be hanging onto all of it. I even like to find good homes for my favorites in the hopes of seeing them again.

4.) I don't know how to shuffle cards. I always feel really stupid about this but yet never bother to learn.

5.) I don't hold a pen/pencil in the correct grip. My sister Hollee, Whitney and Gavin all hold them the same way. I even tried to get Whitney and Gavin to hold it the right way with no luck. Genetics or learned behavior? Who knows! But I find it interesting to contemplate.

I'm tagging Diane, Elizabeth and Malia.

The rules: Link the person(s) who tagged you. Mention the rules on your blog. Share 5 things that others probably don’t know about you. Tag fellow bloggers. Visit their blogs to see what they put! Enjoy…

Tiny but Mighty!

We just got back from viewing "Beverly Hills Chihuahua". The kids gave it a glowing two thumbs up! Ever since they started previewing it they have been anxiously awaiting opening night. They kept telling me that it was coming out on October third and could we please, please go see it that night. This was a first, they have never been this wild to see a movie before. My parents have a chihuahua and this is where their love of the breed began. As you can see in the first picture, Katie isn't too pleased when she has to share Grandpa's lap with one of the grandkids. She spends the majority of her time snuggled up with my Dad. They are quite the unlikely pair!