Impressions

My cup runneth over...

Joining Mamabyrd in her Weekly Impressions post.  Feel free to add your own here, or there.

5.15.14

Twelve years ago today Dean and I were almost late to our own wedding.  We stopped for lunch.  In our defense it ended up being the only real meal we ate all day.   I wouldn't necessarily describe the past twelve years as wedded bliss (is any marriage really ever?) but there have been moments of pure joy, and moments of funny, and moments of inspiration, and realness, and devotion, and selflessness, all of which equates to love. The real kind of love that gets better with age.

In honor of our even dozen, I thought of 12 reasons why I love my Dean.  Here they are, in no particular order...

1. He never buys anything for himself
2. He's never settled for anything in his life...except for a minivan.
3. His love of vintage polyester ties
4. He kills big bugs for me
5. He measures twice and cuts once
6. He's still the best kisser
7. He's the best little league coach (and still rocks a pair of baseball pants)
8. He loves us
9. He's a sucker for a red head
10. He's still the coolest guy I know
11. He's the peanut butter to my chocolate
12. He has a sensitive soul (he's the one who remembers all the dates and nostalgia)

Happy anniversary! Here's to a dozen more!  

Role Reversal

"Doo doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo..."  That's supposed to be Twilight Zone music starting out this post.

It all started when Alan stepped off the school bus and couldn't even wait to cross the street before digging out his paper for "Citizen of the Month".

Then, later that same night, Ben's baseball coach awarded him with the game ball for being such an outstanding player that game.

Now, I'm not trying to be mean, but Dean and I are very realistic in acknowledging the talents in our children.  On any other "normal" day if you told me one of my boys earned a good citizen award and the other one earned the game ball, well, let's just say it's good to be proven wrong once in a while.

They were quite happy with their awards and Dean and I were too.  I think we even managed to hide the initial shock pretty well when they shared their good news.  It gave us a lot to discuss before bed, that's for sure.  How maybe we've set our own limits, subconsciously, for both our boys.  Oh, how I hope they keep proving us wrong and pushing past the boundaries we've unknowingly set for them.

To: Mom

She may look like your average ordinary grandma, but my mom, whom I like to call Joey, is the most adventurous person I know.  I remember one summer in my late teens, we were at Lagoon and my brother mentioned that he and my mom and an appointment to ride the Sky Coaster.  It was fairly new to the park and I honestly didn't believe him.  It's the first time I really remember acknowledging that I didn't know my mom as well as I thought I did.

Always the first in line for a roller coaster.  Always the first to say yes to a road trip (and bring the best snacks).  Always the first to want to try something new, be it food, sport, or activity.  She skied all the time before she had us.  She took Hula lessons because she found out the class got to go to Hawaii.  She dated every boy at Weber State College from 1973-1977.  And yes, (children who are younger than 18 should stop reading now), she crossed the pipe that hangs precariously over the mouth of Ogden Canyon and lived to tell about it.

I wish I were genetically inclined to be more like her.  I did get her love of black licorice and all things sour.  Her predisposition to want to be involved, and her hair color, but my thrill seeking is more in line with my father's.  

You know you have a great mom when even your husband wishes you could be more like her, yes, you heard it, he wishes I could be more like my mom and he RELISHED the years we had when her Sunday dinners were just across the street.  She really is everyone's favorite person, even Bailey the persnickety Beagle loves her more than anyone else.

She has rubbed off a little...below are just a few of the places we've been together recently.  Among them, slot canyons in Souther Utah, the top of a light house, and the jungles of Guatemala.  For some reason I'm always hot and sweaty when I'm with her...

Happy Mother's Day, mom!  You truly are amazing and I don't know what I would do without you on speed dial.. I love, and miss, you everyday!  XOXOXO

Mayor's Ride for Fitness

Despite the threat of rain we participated in the Mayor's Ride for Fitness this morning.  There's a trail by our house, and when I say trail, I mean a 3.2 mile loop of mostly asphalt through some trees.  Not quite like the trails we're used to, but we'll take it.  

I threw two bikes in the van thinking the boys would have so much fun participating in the 1/2 mile kid's loop.  Little did I know my boys no longer consider themselves "little".  At the last minute I gave in and they rode the entire 3.2 miles.  No, I didn't have my bike.  Yes, I had to hoof it.  Just so we're clear, all bikes are faster than runners and strollers, even those pedaled by 5 yr olds.  "C'mon mom", was all I heard for the whole ride.

Alan, using the handy bike maintenance station to fill a leaky tire.

In line for the kiddie loop.  The boys soon figured out they were SO much faster than the "little kids".

Joining in with the 3.2 milers...they left me in the dust.

A friend from church we ran into along the way.  

You can't see it but there are bounce houses and food stations in the background.  All of it, the medals, the shirts and, unbeknownst to me, one day Water World passes (our local water park), was FREE.  Thank you Mr. Mayor!!  I don't know your name, but let's do this more often!!  Next time just remind me to bring my bike!

Impressions

"Where's your sister?", I asked.

"Outside", they answered.

"Where, outside?", I asked.

"Um, maybe on the trampoline...", they answered.

I flew to her rescue imagining broken legs and straddled springs...

She couldn't get down so she took a nap instead.

Joining Mamabyrd in her weekly Impressions post.  Feel free to add your own either here, or there.

Kitchen Garden Progress

Garden boxes, finally!!  I'm so happy with them.  I love the size and I LOVE how close they are to our house.  I always wanted a kitchen garden and when I saw the south facing exposure and the large quantities of grass, well, it seemed like the perfect fit.  we're the only ones with a garden in the side yard, but I like to think we're just living up to the standard of weirdness we've already established with the neighbors.

If we were in Utah they would be ready just in time for the tomatoes to go in this weekend.  Alas, we are in Alabama and our neighbors are already asking if we want their squash.  I've been assured that there will be a chance for a second crop.  Apparently I can plant in August and have tomatoes in October.

How is your garden growing?  We're anxious to see something green in ours.  I have some ideas for the pathways in between and I can't wait to share.  Here's to a plentiful growing season and lot's of greenish thumbs.