In case you didn't know, there's a war going on

And it's the most fierce war ever waged. It's a war for souls. In the last few months two different girlfriends of mine have found out that their husbands were having affairs. Both of these women are strong Christians, believing and raising their children to love the Lord. Both of them had/have husbands who are ambivalent at best, about Christ and his love of us - for all of us. Marriage is sacred to God, it's a covenant we enter into with Him and someone we love and cherish. God wants marriage to last us our lifetime, he directs husbands to love their wife and wives to respect their husband. When someone sins in a marriage it hurts not only the marriage but God. I so clearly heard this today as I was leaving one of these friends' home: "Satan is busy, but God is stronger." Satan is not going to give up on a single soul without a fight. He sees both of my friends as a strong threat to him. These women are strong, loving Christians, they don't preach at or to their hubby's, they don't drag them to church. They simply live as women of God, living by example of His love for us. They are sinners, (we are ALL sinners) and they know it. They don't put on airs about being "perfect Christians". Because of this and their gentle love, slowly, their husbands will see God in their marriages. It may take 15 or 20 or 40 years, but I believe that with time and prayer that their partners will turn their hearts over to God. Satan cannot have that so he attacks their marriage, tempting with alcohol, false promises, adultery and the "rush" of sin. Then he covers it with lies. I found this in my bible today as I was praying for my girlfriends and it really hit home:

Ephesians 6:11-20 (this is only 11-13) Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and the cosmic powers of this dark age. So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemies attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

It continues, and I encourage you to look it up in your bible to read. It's a good one! So, if you find yourself under attack, discouraged and fearful, know that Satan is busy, but God is stronger. Surround yourself with prayer warriors and lift up your eyes to the Lord. He is our Salvation, strength and hope.

I cannot believe this!

I am livid, enraged, fearful, and out of my freaking mind! First, let me tell you that I started listening to talk radio this month. I figured that since I was now old enough to listen to talk radio, I probably should just bite the bullet and do it. Anyway, I have been listening to KTLK 100.3 FM in the Twin Cities, MN. I like it, it's conservative. Mostly my kind of thing, mostly. I am amazed at how much I have been learning too. Now, remember I don't just hear something and believe it, but it gives me the opportunity to learn about a few new things and do a little research of my own to check facts. It's really been enlightning, and at times, it gets me all ramped up. This morning was one of the latter...

"A new report by the International Planned Parenthood Federation is advocating that children as young as 10 be given extensive sex education, including an awareness of sex's pleasures.
The report, "Stand and Deliver," charges that religious groups, specifically Catholics and Muslims, deny their young access to comprehensive sexual programs and education.
"Young people's sexuality is still contentious for many religious institutions. Fundamentalist and other religious groups — the Catholic Church and madrasas (Islamic Schools) for example — have imposed tremendous barriers that prevent young people, particularly, from obtaining information and services related to sex and reproduction. Currently, many religious teachings deny the pleasurable and positive aspects of sex." the report states..."

HELLOOOO???!!!! NO way in hell are you gonna tell my child at age freaking-10 that sex is pleasurable!!!! Are you kidding me!??? Agghhh! I am so not ok with this sexualizing of our children. THEY ARE KIDS! Here's more:

"The report demands that children 10 and older be given a "comprehensive sexuality education" by governments, aid organizations and other groups, and that young people should be seen as "sexual beings.""

Ok, really I am going to freaking lose it here. NO! My child is a CHILD, not a sexual being, not an object. I am not ok with this kind of education. Not ok with it on a religious front and on a moral front. Parents of school-age kids, be aware of what's being taught to your child in public schools. Get the curriculum and protect your child from views that can damage your child. To read the entire report (if you can get thru it in one sitting without screaming) go here.

Family Fun with a value lesson!

www.veggietales.com

I am starting to learn about a whole new world of media, the kid-centered media. Most of it, in my opinion, is garbage. I have discovered Veggie Tales though and love it! It's Christian based music, videos and games for young children. Another thing I love is that on their web site they have a section for parents and it lists many games that are sorted into 2 catagories, 1 parent & 1 kid games or group games. The best part is these are not computer games, they are real interact together games! I just took a quick look at a couple...here is one I really liked. Not only is there a game, but is provides a talking point and a lesson that is easy to teach too. Great resource that I want to remember! They also have lesson guides for their show episodes too, and if you have questions, they have FREE customer suport!! How great is that?!!!

I'm sure we've all been there...

G was really sinking his teeth into the apple! You could hear them scraping. He covered it in drool in short order!

I can't be the only one who has been pretty peeved at the driver behind me who is doing some serious tailgating. I know that I got upset enough on more than one occassion so I "taught" them a lesson...I slowed waaaaay down. There, that'll teach them to drive so close behind me. Of course that only proved to tick them off and make the situation worse.

Today, however, I was the tailgater. It started like this:

I was at the apple orchard with G-Man and my parents, my sister and her hubby and 2 of her kids. We had gone on a hayride, picked some apples, looked at pumpkins, fed some furry animals (llamas and sheep) and we were just making some purchases and winding down our fun little adventure. The Hubby missed our fun because he was at his folks' farm cutting wood for our stove and taking care of some trees that had gotten a little out of control. He was using a chainsaw and he is the most mindful, careful person with power tools. He really respects them and uses them properly down to the ear and eye protection ALL THE TIME!

So, as I said, we were winding down at the orchard when I get a phone call from Hubby. "Where are you?" he asks kinda sounding weird. "Um, at the orchard still, why?" "Oh, (long pause) um, ok" Alright, now I know something is up! It takes 4 or 5 times of me asking why and what's up before I finally say, "Did you get cut by the chainsaw?" long pause, "Yes, but only a little."

Ok folks, a little cut is from paper, is there such a thing as a little chainsaw cut? At this point I start making goodbye motions and tell my mom that K got hurt (she knew he was cutting wood) and I start hightailing for the car, of course remaining calm (really, I was calm). So I ask Hubby, "would a normal person be considering going to the hospital right now for stitches?" He instantly answers in the affirmative. I love him, but he's so not normal when it comes to this kind of thing. So ya, I was tailgating to get home to him. I was trying to go 70 in a 65 and someone took it upon themself to "teach me a lesson". It upset me, I backed off, then when it was safe I passed them on the left and kicked it back up to 70. I won't go faster than that with my little G-Man in the car. Anyway, I got to my inlaws, and played nurse. He should have gotten stitches, the cut is on the outside of his knee. It's about 1.5" long, as deep as a chainsaw chain and ugly! We have it butterflied shut and clean. In a day or 2 we may use the medical super glue to hold it closed, but for now, I'd like to leave it more open to keep an eye on it.

Yes, lumberjack chaps are SOOOOO on his Christmas list, at least they are on the list I am making for him! I am so grateful that he was not hurt worse, thankfully, it was just a chainsaw kiss. This could have been really bad. Oh, and I'll never try to "teach someone a lesson" if they are tailgating me. I'll just move outta their way and pray that their loved ones are ok.

My little boy is alredy 8 months old!

I cannot believe how fast the past 8 months have flown by! My little man is 8 months old and I never could have imagined how crazy in love I could be. I also never imagined how scared, petrified, worried, anxious I could be at the same time! I have never been an anxious person but having a sweet little guy who depends on me had changed me in so many ways. All of them for the better. I do find myself getting worked up and fearful of so many of the "what ifs" that surround us. There is so much to fear in the world. I don't want my son to be raised by a fearful mom though or in an environment of fear. I want him to explore, play, search, learn, be joyful, successful, to love and be loved. So, each nite as I nurse him to sleep I pray out loud. I give thanks to the Lord for our wonderful day, for our health and family and friends. I pray for wisdom as a mom and wife. I pray that I can teach our son about God's love and be a good role model for him. I pray that he grows healthy, well, strong and happy. I pray for guidance thru all of the scary parts of life and then I drop that bag of burdens at the foot of the cross and I kiss my beautiful, sleeping boy goodnight. I am blessed beyond words!

Praise the Lord!

We had an uneventful night of sleep with just one episode of ear tugging/pushing by G-Man. Today, he is back to his old self; happy, smiley and wiggly. No screaming or ear issues. THANK YOU ALL FOR PRAYERS! I truly believe that the Lord healed his pain. We are continuing with some homeopathic ear drops by Hylands (click here to see them) one more time today. I just wanted to give praise to the Lord and thank you all for your help!

My Little Boy is a Child of the Lord

"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved along with everyone in your household." -Acts 16:31 Above, Pastor Susan with me, G-Man and K.

On Saturday our beautiful boy was baptised into God's Kingdom. It was a beautiful ceremony that we celebrated with our friends and family. G-Man is blessed to have 4 Godparents who will help us bring him up to know and love the Lord.

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Ephesians 4:5

Below, G-man with Mommy, Daddy and all 4 Godparents.

"Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed." Psalm 112:2

A blessed Easter to all!

This is one of those "belt-it-out-in-the-car" songs!

Have I mentioned lately how blessed I am?

K holding G-Man as G-Man holds tight onto Daddy's sweater.

I probably haven't said it enough. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways! My incredible, loving, giving, servant-hearted husband, my beautiful son, my family and friends, our jobs, our health..the list goes on.

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday on the Christian calendar. G-Man went to church with me at noon and it was wonderful. he decided that he was hungry 1/2 way through the service so we went into the Parent Room (cry room, family room). There were several comfy glider rockers in there and we got comfy and I nursed him while I watched the service on a TV monitor. It was beautiful to be able to praise the Lord and learn more about His word while nourishing my son in the way the Lord designed and intended in a room and an environment that was gentle and supportive.

After the service I ran into Tina and her Mom! Since there was a lunch after the service and since G-Man had eaten and was comfy, I stayed and enjoyed a wonderful lunch and prayer with Tina and her Mom. I was wearing G-Man in the sling and it worked so well to be able to move around church (which is pretty big) and have my hands pretty much free and mostly I love having him so close. Tina follows my blog and we were talking about the heartache I had when K was giving G-Man his first bottle. She helped me put words and reason on that ache...it's the realization that the little person that I grew inside me, that I nourished and nurtured, that I loved before he was born, the little man who depends on me for food and love and diaper changes is slowly moving away from me. He will never again be as close to me physically as he was for 8.5 months. Sigh, deep breath...G-man will grow up, will learn how to crawl, walk, run. He will want to go to the park without me, I will have to watch as he gets on the school bus and it drives away...and I will celebrate his achievements and cheer for him as he learns to do things on his own. But I will also worry, fret and miss the little hands that hold my finger tight as he falls asleep on my chest.

Oh one more thing, as I was leaving church a group of 3 women stopped me to remark about the sling I was wearing G-Man in and of course, his cuteness! We talked for several minutes, then as I was saying goodbye, they asked to pray over us! It was a beautiful prayer and I left church yesterday feeling so much of His love and the gift of peace and happiness. Truly, I am blessed!

peace after the storm

Deep breath, relax, exhale…I want to say “thank you” to all of you who have remembered Baby, K and I in your prayers and for passing us along to your prayer chains. I have been reading and re-reading the scripture verses that were posted for me as comments on my blog and on the blogs of two other blogger/scrapbooking/prayer friends. Those verses have been so helpful to me. Thank you! Here they are:

When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. ~Psalm 94:18-19

And

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10

And this too:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I am really feeling surrounded by peace and comfort right now. I feel like there is the same sense of hope and wonder and excitement that I had before the fibroid news at the ultrasound. I am back to being determined to *enjoy* every day of pregnancy and I believe with all my heart that I will grow a healthy child whom I get to meet in February.

Too, this morning a thought hit me like a bus. Since WHEN do I just take the word of a medical doctor as gospel? Me? Never! Yes, he is educated but his tool box is limited. He practices western style medicine only and did not seem interested in pursuing any complimentary or integrated medicine approaches. The human body is amazing! God made us pretty darn complex and I don’t believe that any single approach is ever the best answer. We need to integrate many facets to achieve whole health and wellness and vitality. I called my chiropractor and talked to her. She already has a copy of the radiology report and she is going to work with a nutritionist she trusts to put together some dietary recommendations for me. I talked to our midwife who is also a naturopath doctor and she will have some homeopathic remedies and such for me at our next appointment in less than two weeks.

K and I both feel blessed that we were lead to amazing women for my health care and that of Baby. We trust both of them and know that the Lord has brought us to the right place for care. I trust the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, and I *KNOW* that He is taking care of us. Thank you for your continued prayers. The peace and happiness I feel are deep within me and I know that we are safe. We just ask for continued prayers that we have a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery and that the fibroid becomes an inconsequential thing not affecting Baby or me in any negative way.

I am so blessed by you!

Six days ago we saw our baby for the first time! Six days ago we also found out that there was some sort of growth or tumor inside me. Six days ago my heart leapt and then moments later dropped out the bottom of my feet. I didn't know what to feel...but I did know what I needed to do. I needed to pray and lift the burden of the unknown up to the Lord. I called my Mom, my sister B, and some friends that I knew would begin praying me thru this. And they did, and you did too. 6 days later I am still filled with a sense of calm and peace. I am not filled with panic or doubt or fear. I am able to laugh and talk to this growing 11 week old baby inside me and I am able to eat healthy knowing I am giving the right nutrition to our child. It's your prayers that are at work. I know that alone I would not be this calm in the face of some of the questions that K and I have. We have since found out that the growth is a "large exophytic fibroid" that is about 2.5" x 3.5" x 3.0" at the top left of my uterus. Hopefully we can just watch it and be aware of it throughout pregnancy and it will not interfere. We have an appointment with a specialist in a week to have some of these questions answered. And I am so blessed too by the way this specialist was brought to us. Our midwife recommeded him and praised his work and ethics and diligence. Then I was talking to my chiropractor about the fibroid and she recommended that I see the VERY SAME DOCTOR! These are two women who I trust with my body and they were both telling me to go to the same specialist. It really was a God moment for me. I felt even more calm and actually happiness that we are in the right place and that He is still in control and taking care of us. Truly your prayers are at work here in our lives. I cannot thank you enough! God bless you all!

"Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalms 55:22

a little of the baby back story & updates

I knew the instant that we conceived that I was pregnant. I just knew it. I could tell. I felt this all-consuming peacefulness just envelop me. It was a place of calm, peace, safety and I *know* I heard the Holy Spirit convey to me that it was alright. It is that calm and peace and just 'knowing' that sustains me.

Near the beginning of the pregnancy K and I were going to be apart for 10 days! He was leaving to head to South Dakota to help out some friends and I was going to D.C. for that restoration class. Since we were going to be apart I wanted to take the pregnancy test while we together. I took 2 of them and both of them were negative. But I still smiled and hugged K and told him, "It's ok honey, we're still pregnant. I just know it." It was that faith in myself (and knowing my body) and that sense of calm that gave me that conviction. Finally, after I got back home 10 days later, two pregnancy tests finally read POSITIVE. I think my poor hubby was a little shocked. We had only been trying to get pregnant for one month and -BOOM- right outta the gate, we were!

We've been having fun talking about names, reading name books, reading nursing books and natural birth books. Kyle would like to find out if it's a boy or girl, but I gently vetoed him. I *love* surprises! I figure I am going to be working pretty darn hard and at the end of all that work, I'd love the surprise of finding out if it's a boy or girl after all that hard work! So, a surprise it will be! We are discussing baby room decor too. Let's face it, baby room decor is for mom and dad, not the baby! We are thinking something generic like bugs or safari or jungle animals.

I still have that sense of calm, despite some of the things that I am finding in my early research. (see yesterday's post here for details) I am grateful for all of the prayers that are being said for us right now. K and I are both admittedly scared, but we are staying calm and gentle. I am tweaking my eating habits a little bit, no more processed foods, white flour or sugars. Whole grains, preferably gluten free. I will still stay with the loads of organic veggies, fruits and meats as I have been. I was eating somewhat "clean" before, but I think bringing it up a notch is only going to benefit Baby and me. Let's face it, DQ tastes great, but it's the worst crap you can give your baby or your body. ;-) I am grateful that I have only been drinking tea and water. No bad caffeine habit to kick! I guess I wanted to just say thank you all for your prayers and well wishes and referrals for doctors with whom you have had great experiences. I did get a copy of the radiology report and talked to our midwife. It is a "large exophytic uterine fibroid." She told me that this is likely not going to affect much, we just have to keep an eye on it to be sure it doesn't affect the placenta or the baby position. She referred us to an OB who is pretty remarkable and with whom she has worked before. Our midwife will continue to be the caregiver for our pregnancy and this other doctor will be the one who we consult with for the fibroid. Once we find out more about what kind of fibroid and related issues, we'll share it here.

Wait, I just had a super funny thought pop into my head...what if I am growing a little teddy bear-like thing for the baby? Just a little toy to keep it company? Ok, ya, you can tell that I didn't sleep much last night...

Today my dear friend Tina had a great faith filled blog that you can read here. This scripture verse from her blog today is really speaking to me:

You are my hiding place, Lord; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Pretty much sums it up.

not how I wanted to tell you I was pregnant

Here is our baby! Head is down to the right, little hands in the middle and 5 white toes easily seen in the top of the pic on one foot!

I had composed all sorts of wonderful ways to tell my bloggy friends that I am pregnant. I was just waiting until today, my official 10 weeks and my first ultrasound to tell you! I needed an image to go with the blog! The good news is that Baby is great! It was moving all over the place like a jumping bean, swimming upside down, spinning right side up, kicking, waving it's cute tiny arms and even flexing it's wrists as if to wave to us! Ya, I teared up and K was amazed at how much he could see and how clear everything seemed to be. We giggled and smiled and held hands so tightly.

I am blessed with a hubby who insisted on some kind of testing and wanted an ultrasound. I never would have chosen to have one. We were blessed with a very diligent ultrasound technician. She wanted to see the whole uterus and ovaries and all the plumbing. It wasn't til she went looking for the left ovary that the mood got a little more somber. It took some finding but she got it. On the way there she found a large mass that was very black on the screen. It was 4-5x the size of my ovary and on the left side of my uterus. She, of course, couldn't make a diagnosis but she wondered out loud for us what it was. It's possible that it's a fibroid, but we don't know. I don't know how it's attached and to what, I don't know if it will affect the growth of the baby or if as the uterus grows if it may rupture taking a blood vessel or artery with it. I am sure my uterus is pretty darn vascular right now, I don't want things exploding near there!

But despite all the "what if's" I am still calm. Calm enough to not cry. I called my mom, sister and some dear friends who I know are prayer warriors. I ask you to join them. Please pray that we are lead to a good doctor, pray for discernment for the doctor and us, pray that baby stays safe and can continue to grow and thrive. Pray that this is nothing that needs any medical attention. I am reminded that God already knew this was inside me. He saw it long before we had the scan and saw it. God knows every fiber of my being. He is with me and I feel His calm presence and peace. I am blessed to know that our baby is healthy and growing like it should be and moving like crazy! Oh how I look forward to feeling some of those acrobatics!

Here is baby lying on it's back, head is on the left side looking towards right side of screen, feet are kicked up!

this is the kind of parent I want to be...

1) This is my favorite all time song!
2) I have done sprint triathlons, and cannot imagine doing a marathon much less an ironman race (2.1mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride, 24 mile run)
3) This is self-less love, Christ-like love and what parenting is all about...

For more on the insane number of races Team Hoyt has done, google Dick and Rick Hoyt or check them out on youtube, oh, and bring the Kleenex!

More Hugo Stuff

*Above, one of my co-workers, standing on what should be the main floor of a house, tipped at a 90 degree angle. What you can see is the basement ceiling.*

*The debris above used to be a home. It's completely gone down to the foundation. This is not a rare sight in Hugo.*

I can't help it, my head and heart are just wrapped around the folks in Hugo and the losses they have suffered. I am spending 8-10 hours a day in their midst for work and it's just all I can think about.

So, now that the storm has settled, what next? Who helps with cleanup? What if my insurance company hasn't called me back? How do I make a list of the things that are gone? Who can I trust to re-build my house? How long will it take? Will insurance cover that? What about my yard that is *covered* with glass? Where do I live while my home is being repaired? I wonder if I will ever find any of my photo albums? I wonder where my wallet ended up?

Now imagine all of these questions rolling through your head at once...it becomes numbing and confusing and painful all at once. I happen to know the answers to all of those questions because I work in the restoration industry. But so many of these folks are reeling still. Please pray for calm, peace and discernment for all of these folks. They desperately will need the guidance as they make some major decisions.

A moment to pray...

Thursday is the United States National Day of Prayer. Maybe you think that God doesn't listen to you or care about you...then watch this. (Scroll down to watch the Smith family video. It's just over 20 minutes, but worth every second.) Or maybe you don't know how to pray...then go here. To find events in your area where you can be a part of a prayer community go here. Faith when life is easy and comfortable is not hard. But faith in God when things are hard or not going according to our plan is hard, that's why it's called faith.

a tearful, moving tribute

I was going to post this yesterday and had it all set to go when I checked the blog of a friend and saw virtually the same post on her blog! I laughed and changed my mind. But, I really feel like I need to post this, even if Tina has virtually the same blog...

Angie and Todd Smith lost their baby girl just a few hours after she was born. They had found our during pregnancy that the little girl would not live after she was born. This is Angie's story about her daughter, Audrey Caroline. Today they have a song and slide show about her. Todd is a member of the Christian group Selah. If you have a moment, visit their blog, watch the slide show and pray for them. Oh, don't for the Kleenex.

Unmitigated Happiness is a Princess!

My niece, the Princess and my dog, the Monster. Just look at both of those faces. Sun shining down, a gentle breeze, warm, fuzzy hugs, a sucker in the mouth and eyes closed. Both of them are just soaking in the warmth and love...yep, that is the picture of pure, unmitigated, sheer happiness and joy.

Princess has a way of doing that to me. She is joy! Her hugs still the world around me and let me just soak in the moments of childhood purity, love and wonder. At the end of this post is a picture from K's and my wedding a few years ago, but this time I have my eyes closed to block out any distractions and just share her pure love and happiness of the moment. These are my two favorite photos of her. And believe me, there are TONS of photos taken of this child!


What is your pure happiness? What makes you shut your eyes and just soak it all up?



Psalm 98.4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

I saw a funeral procession today...

I was on the road for work today when I saw a funeral procession. There was the hearse, a Cadillac, and only two cars in the procession. I have never seen such a short funeral procession in all my 30-some years. It really gave me pause. If I died today, who would go to my funeral? Have I touched the lives of those around me in a positive way? Have I shared God's love and message of forgiveness in the way I live? Or have I been harsh, witchy, and mean? Have I fought for possessions that I cannot take with me or have I given of my time and sacrificed?

The bible says in Proverbs 22.9 "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor." Also, we all know this one: Luke 6.20 "Looking at his disciples, he said:"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." And in Matthew 5.16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Not that I want to be morbid, but think for a minute...what if you died today? Did you tell the people you love that you love them? Have you shown them that you love them? Have you been light to those in darkness?

ˈspȯi(-ə)ld,

"... to impair the disposition or character of by overindulgence or excessive praise b: to pamper excessively : coddleintransitive verb..." definition courtesy Merriam Webster online.


Ya, I am. I forgot the cord for my digital camera so I can't show you the happy, bright yellow daffodils, calla lily-type yellow flowers, yellow mums and yellow snapdragon springy arrangement that my hubby sent to me while I am on a business trip. The flowers that inspired me today...

When I was a kid there was NO way I would have defined me or my siblings as spoiled. We grew up in the 70's, a recession much tougher than this one, and longer too. We were working class poor I think. I don't really remember. Five years ago I would not have described our family as having been spoiled. But now, looking back from this vantage point...ya we were definitely spoiled! I have re-framed the entire definition and image of what spoiled is thanks to my hubby, K. He spoils my every single day. He tells me he loves me countless times each day. He sends me one-liner e-mails that simply say, " love you more". He hides cards in my scrapbooking totes. He leaves post-it notes on the kitchen counter saying he took the dog for a walk in the sleet while I was cozy in bed sleeping in. He heats up water for tea for me. He rubs my shoulders. He holds me extra long when he knows I have had a bad day. He falls asleep wrapped around me every night. He sends me a text message saying "love u." He is K, my love, my hubby of 2 years 8 months. Some people have said that this is just the "honeymoon phase" that he will stop. I really don't believe that. I have known K since 1990...the part of him that is observant, caring, selfless has always been there and is the fiber of his being to the core. Simply put he spoils me in the ways that matter.

It wasn't until I saw this that I realized that my parents did the same thing for us kids. Mom and Dad worked soooo hard! They never missed a parent teacher conference, a concert, a sport event, they were active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, they took us camping, took us on LONG family road trips. Dad taught us all how to hunt, Mom taught us all how cook. (some of us never really got that part!) They both taught us how to love unconditionally and how to be partners, fantastic parents and a successful married couple. They taught us about God, about Jesus and heaven. They spoiled us with the stuff that mattered. My brother and sister are amazing parents for their children and I hear both of them echoing lessons learned from our parents.

So my goal in life is simple, spoil those around me and spoil K every day. Even if it's something out of my comfort zone, if it is something that I can do for him that would make him smile, isn't that worth it? I am going to try harder this summer to go mountain biking more with him. It's scary, I might fall, but then he can help me up! (and kiss the owies!) And, we are doing it together...Spoil him by going running in the park early Saturday and Sunday mornings instead of sleeping in...the simple things in life, the things that matter.




It feels good to see the people you love smile, it feels good to take care of them, it feels right to spoil them!