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Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Anniversary Love
Four years ago today, I met the man of my dreams, the man I dreamed about as a little girl. I vividly remember the way he looked at me when he spoke to me that first night. We both got caught up in each of the moments from that evening. He was funny and made me laugh. I wasn’t sure what to think laughing so much with someone that I hardly knew, but I could not help it. He kept my thoughts lingering on the discussions we had. He gave me reason to think about him long after our initial talk was over.
I have never loved him any less since that day. I grew to respect him and the things he represented about himself. I really fell for his charm, and then got to know his heart, and I liked that even more. I knew his two children as I cared for them at the daycare facility they attended. We could talk about their habits and interests as that was a commonplace for us. It was endearing to me to see him father small children. I was greatly interested in his personality and, of course, his interest in me. In short, we really hit it off.
Today, I am so thankful for the life that I have and for the love he provides to me. This man loves me inside and out. He loves me when I talk through his TV shows at which time he has to pause, rewind, and wait until I finish. He can turn his head if food falls to the kitchen floor and I pick it up, dust it off, and store it for tomorrow. He is always encouraging of the many ideas I ponder up and of my crazy life plans.
He has patiently taught and given me the chance to hunt, which is his passion, sacrificing perfect shots he could have taken for himself. He okayed me getting an inside cat although he swore he’d never have pets in the house…and he plays with that cat every single day. He plays and sings me my favorite songs on his guitar.
There are some people that love you because they are supposed to, there are people that try to love you the best that they can, there are people that stick with you because you’ve been through so much together…but this guy loves me because of who I am. He adores me, appreciates me, and truly wants me in his life. At least he makes me feel that way and that’s what matters.
I love his sense of humor, his intelligence, his damn good looks, and the fact that he approached me four years ago and stuck with me through everything. I believe we’ve found our place in life – and it’s right where I want to be.
Happy four year anniversary, dear. I love you.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
A year later
I posted about the Montgomery County Fair in 2011 here and made sure to take another photo again this year. Kaden and Keane were at a ball game of Kaden's again this year and this time my mother was able to attend but my dad stayed home to
Here, also, is a photo of me and my lovely momma!
It was a fine parade, with warm weather and candy. I told Keane that the only thing he missed was the Mizzou dancers. Truman the Tiger did wave at Kylie though, special girl right there.
I guess I could add that Kollin was trying to pop the rear hatch of Mom's van after the parade and instead popped the hood of the van unknowingly. Mom went to Domino's Pizza to pick up a "sausage and pepperoni pizza" she ordered only to get home and find a sausage and pepper pizza to great disappointment from Kollin. But in the meantime, while she was trying to get through traffic with her hood unlatched, a nice feller noticed it and closed it for her. It again came unlatched once at Domino's but luckily not while she driving down the blacktop. Oh, Kollin, how we adore thee, child.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
School Begins
The first day of school. The end of summer vacation. The beginning of so much more.
That day you're able to wear your new clothes with a new backpack and unused supplies. You get a new desk and a new teacher, a new class, and a year ahead of you full of learning, new friends, and lasting memories. It's always exciting to feel the atmosphere of school again, to smell the cafeteria food, and to see the classmates you didn't get to catch up with during the summer.
It's a sweet time in children's lives. This morning I thought about this being only Kylie's second year of school (third including preschool) and about how much time she has ahead of her and how much she will experience and grow through her school years. I thought about how Kaden is now in the 3rd grade and that at that age, you're feeling bigger and older than ever. And as my sister and I conference called my brother, we told him to make sure he gets a picture on his first day of 6th grade because he doesn't have too many first days of school left.
I reflected on all the different stages of life and growing up. I remember going into the 1st grade - hoping that my best friend I made in Kindergarten would be in my class and seeing all the books in the classroom that I would soon learn to read on my own. I remember the 3rd grade - we weren't such little kids anymore, we were the oldest in that wing of the school, we were treated as older children, and the lessons ahead were those of astronomy and learning to write in cursive. I remember the 6th grade like it was yesterday - being between elementary and junior high, we had our own lockers (which was a huge deal), and we got to eat in the high school cafeteria and walk through the halls of the junior high.
I realized that I am still going through steps in life: experiencing a first day at a new job, the first vehicle I purchased on my own, the first time being an aunt. I am still learning and have so much to look forward to but at the same time, there are so many passing memories that I need to hold on to and remember, and I need to cherish the time and place that is now because before long, it will be a new first and a new experience to embrace.
But what I hope for today is that all the kids enjoy their first day of school this year and also realize that soon enough, it will be the last day of school.
That day you're able to wear your new clothes with a new backpack and unused supplies. You get a new desk and a new teacher, a new class, and a year ahead of you full of learning, new friends, and lasting memories. It's always exciting to feel the atmosphere of school again, to smell the cafeteria food, and to see the classmates you didn't get to catch up with during the summer.
It's a sweet time in children's lives. This morning I thought about this being only Kylie's second year of school (third including preschool) and about how much time she has ahead of her and how much she will experience and grow through her school years. I thought about how Kaden is now in the 3rd grade and that at that age, you're feeling bigger and older than ever. And as my sister and I conference called my brother, we told him to make sure he gets a picture on his first day of 6th grade because he doesn't have too many first days of school left.
I reflected on all the different stages of life and growing up. I remember going into the 1st grade - hoping that my best friend I made in Kindergarten would be in my class and seeing all the books in the classroom that I would soon learn to read on my own. I remember the 3rd grade - we weren't such little kids anymore, we were the oldest in that wing of the school, we were treated as older children, and the lessons ahead were those of astronomy and learning to write in cursive. I remember the 6th grade like it was yesterday - being between elementary and junior high, we had our own lockers (which was a huge deal), and we got to eat in the high school cafeteria and walk through the halls of the junior high.
I realized that I am still going through steps in life: experiencing a first day at a new job, the first vehicle I purchased on my own, the first time being an aunt. I am still learning and have so much to look forward to but at the same time, there are so many passing memories that I need to hold on to and remember, and I need to cherish the time and place that is now because before long, it will be a new first and a new experience to embrace.
But what I hope for today is that all the kids enjoy their first day of school this year and also realize that soon enough, it will be the last day of school.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Fishing
We went fishing this weekend.
This time I caught the most fish. My little white with pink tip lures did the trick. Usually this never happens. Sometimes I'm the first to give up fishing.
This time we all caught at least one fish.
Kaden strung the fish onto the stringer for me, each and every time, bless his little heart.
Keane had to break my fishing line due to a caught lure in the brush, untie a knot at the reel for Kaden, and wake a little girl from a nap to catch a fish.
Kaden strung the fish onto the stringer for me, each and every time, bless his little heart.
Keane had to break my fishing line due to a caught lure in the brush, untie a knot at the reel for Kaden, and wake a little girl from a nap to catch a fish.
We enjoyed time outside, in the beautiful Missouri weather.
And we had fish for supper.
And we had fish for supper.
This weekend we also camped, we invited my little brother and some friends out, the kids went swimming, we went on four-wheeler rides, we ate BBQ burgers and hotdogs, and we had breakfast over the campfire. We watched it rain and waited for the sun to come back out.
We simply spent time this weekend. And it was time well spent.
Everything got checked off our weekend to-do list. We were able to do all of the things that we wanted to do. Add to that, the dryer got fixed, thanks babe!
Friday, August 03, 2012
Lenox is One
Happy first year to our kitty cat.
We celebrated with cake, a cat toy and treats, and party favors for us. Kylie helped decorate with post-it notes and we blew party poppers on the front porch at Lenox through the glass door (easier clean-up this way).
These days, Lenox comes cuddling and purring before we wake up, then plays rough while still purring with Keane as we get ready. He runs after Kylie up and down the hallway and hides behind corners to jump at our feet.
He chatters and jumps high after bugs and loves laundry--to hide under it, to crawl into Keane's shorts and pant legs, and to jump from one pile of clean laundry to another.
To many more years and fun times, little leopard.
We celebrated with cake, a cat toy and treats, and party favors for us. Kylie helped decorate with post-it notes and we blew party poppers on the front porch at Lenox through the glass door (easier clean-up this way).
These days, Lenox comes cuddling and purring before we wake up, then plays rough while still purring with Keane as we get ready. He runs after Kylie up and down the hallway and hides behind corners to jump at our feet.
To many more years and fun times, little leopard.
Lake Michigan
Imagine driving along a highway that turns off left onto a smaller road that travels straight towards water. You make a few curves and you head up a hill where there are people parked and walking, all towards the same direction. You find a parking spot, get out to step on sand on pavement, you reach for the hand of your lover, and follow the crowd. You pass people sitting on benches and on blankets spread out on the green grass. An old couple are holding hands facing the water. You walk along the harbor banks toward the a with an old, red lighthouse that proves it has seen waves abundantly in its history.
On the lighthouse, there are signatures written in multiple depths. If only you’d have known to bring a marker, would you have been able to signify your presence there along with hundreds of others. The beaches alongside Lake Michigan are spotted with families and children playing Frisbee, getting their feet wet and cold, and enjoying the view of all the other pier walkers.
The sun is setting. The water reflects the glow of the sun and the beautiful reds and blues that surround the western sky. The view makes the entire drive worth the while. It’s peaceful and so much is to be said by the beauty and the atmosphere during those few moments before the bright, setting sun can no longer be seen but travels downward to a different part of the sphere we call our land, our home.
This is the vacation I experienced this year. In South Haven, Michigan. Keane and I wanted a little getaway but without much expense and no air travels. He'd seen Lake Michigan before on a fishing adventure and wanted me to experience it as well. You look across the sky and see only water, trying to fathom that there is land somewhere on the other side.
There were boats, both speed boats and sail boats, traveling in and out of the harbor all day and evening. It was such a beautiful sight.
The restaurants were inviting with live music and chatting people. There were shops, and bike riders, and ice cream cones, and swimwear. Yet it was relaxing. There was no pressure to be somewhere or to get things done.
The first night we stayed in an old hotel with the feel of a bed and breakfast. There were individually designed rooms: we chose the Hunter's Cabin. The owner, Ana, was German. After hours, we had to ring a bell and she would wake up and let us in. She made strange comments that made Keane and I look at each other with apprehension.
Keane: "How are you doing tonight?"
Ana: "Oh, I think I might die."
We were told there was a girl who worked there having my same last name, a German name. We never did get to meet her but I would have liked to. It was such a neat experience.
The second night we switched to a different hotel across the street. Here we had an all-glass shower door, fireplace (which wasn't needed but we still turned it on just to do so), a King-size bed, and it's own door to the street. A bar with loud music was right outside our window, so we later found a seat on the bar's patio to appreciate the time and essence of our vacation.
We ate seafood, and Mexican. We had bar food, and Burger King. We had ice cream, beer, and a glass of wine. We made the most out of it all, took walks in the evenings, chatted about deep subjects, met a few friends and a man who built a story in our hearts.
We sat on the beach forgetting to put on sunscreen, resulting in major burns, while sipping on blueberry and raspberry beer we got from making our own six-pack.
We took an hour trip on an old sail boat representing Friends Good Will, a merchant sailboat that was captured by the British in the War of 1812. Keane helped put up and down the sails, but after sitting in the hot sun for hours beforehand, we weren't quite feeling the ship and ending up spending most of the time staring at the horizon and awaiting the return to land. All in all, I'm thankful we got to get out on Lake Michigan.
Vacations are good for the soul and good for relationships. We met a few people and shared some conversations. We bought keepsakes and postcards to share with our families. And to top it all off, we made it back home safely.
On the lighthouse, there are signatures written in multiple depths. If only you’d have known to bring a marker, would you have been able to signify your presence there along with hundreds of others. The beaches alongside Lake Michigan are spotted with families and children playing Frisbee, getting their feet wet and cold, and enjoying the view of all the other pier walkers.
The sun is setting. The water reflects the glow of the sun and the beautiful reds and blues that surround the western sky. The view makes the entire drive worth the while. It’s peaceful and so much is to be said by the beauty and the atmosphere during those few moments before the bright, setting sun can no longer be seen but travels downward to a different part of the sphere we call our land, our home.
This is the vacation I experienced this year. In South Haven, Michigan. Keane and I wanted a little getaway but without much expense and no air travels. He'd seen Lake Michigan before on a fishing adventure and wanted me to experience it as well. You look across the sky and see only water, trying to fathom that there is land somewhere on the other side.
There were boats, both speed boats and sail boats, traveling in and out of the harbor all day and evening. It was such a beautiful sight.
The restaurants were inviting with live music and chatting people. There were shops, and bike riders, and ice cream cones, and swimwear. Yet it was relaxing. There was no pressure to be somewhere or to get things done.
The first night we stayed in an old hotel with the feel of a bed and breakfast. There were individually designed rooms: we chose the Hunter's Cabin. The owner, Ana, was German. After hours, we had to ring a bell and she would wake up and let us in. She made strange comments that made Keane and I look at each other with apprehension.
Keane: "How are you doing tonight?"
Ana: "Oh, I think I might die."
We were told there was a girl who worked there having my same last name, a German name. We never did get to meet her but I would have liked to. It was such a neat experience.
The second night we switched to a different hotel across the street. Here we had an all-glass shower door, fireplace (which wasn't needed but we still turned it on just to do so), a King-size bed, and it's own door to the street. A bar with loud music was right outside our window, so we later found a seat on the bar's patio to appreciate the time and essence of our vacation.
We ate seafood, and Mexican. We had bar food, and Burger King. We had ice cream, beer, and a glass of wine. We made the most out of it all, took walks in the evenings, chatted about deep subjects, met a few friends and a man who built a story in our hearts.
We sat on the beach forgetting to put on sunscreen, resulting in major burns, while sipping on blueberry and raspberry beer we got from making our own six-pack.
We took an hour trip on an old sail boat representing Friends Good Will, a merchant sailboat that was captured by the British in the War of 1812. Keane helped put up and down the sails, but after sitting in the hot sun for hours beforehand, we weren't quite feeling the ship and ending up spending most of the time staring at the horizon and awaiting the return to land. All in all, I'm thankful we got to get out on Lake Michigan.
Vacations are good for the soul and good for relationships. We met a few people and shared some conversations. We bought keepsakes and postcards to share with our families. And to top it all off, we made it back home safely.
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