Deuces

We had such a great time at Knotts before Christmas, we decided to do it again! Waiting to ride the log ride  (aka "boat ride") Our first time in the hot air balloons

My body hurts.   It feels like I went clubbing.   I guess I kind of did.   It was Christmas at our house- which always has an unexpected twist each year.  And this year, among several twists and dramatic moments (including ruffled feathers in the adult gift exchange) the most enlightening part of the evening is when Chris, aged 42, pulled everyone into the kitchen for a "robot dance competition".  Despite the pride I put into my 20 seconds in the circle, it was my nephew, Nathaniel, who won the prize.  We were pretty silly last night.    (There was a lot of Mark Ronson's latest played throughout the evening.)   I got all the things I needed and could want from Christmas day. I welled up reading Ariel's Christmas card and opening her 'main' gift to me- a jumpsuit I had randomly  pointed out several months ago as we were window shopping.   And she remembered and obviously splurged on it an...

Up early to start baking fresh breads for our evening fete.   Up by 7 a.m. to sit by the fire sola, beaming as I concoct the "Thank You" letter from Santa to Sayler.   Sitting idly, warmly, as I think of Sayler, Ariel and my Husband sleeping soundly.   Smiling widely as I remember last night watching Into the Storm with those same 3 and my mom who quipped "this isn't very Christmassy..."   Feeling excited as I picture my mom's face at the surprise gift for her- a hand-crafted table with a careful paint and stain that Lloyd labored over for many days and nights.  Today he and I will deliver it and place the carefully measured table to perfectly fit her kitchen.   Feeling so thankful for all the presents under the tree-a sign that we can afford them for each other-that we are employed and earn and are giving with ourselves and others because we can be.   And though I haven't at all peeked, by my husband's...

Maria reprimanded me for lack of blogs... and it isn't because I don't have much to say...it is, perhaps, because I have too much to say.   Too many things in a year gone by too quickly... too slowly... too painfully in the growing department, too full in the raising of a daughter department.  Too many things I once wanted to share that I now hold too close.... privately, quietly, with great uncertainty.  But I had, for certain, one of the best days of the year last Friday. That... I want to share.   Each December my brother, Corbin, along with all local fire department and police personnel get gratis entry into our favorite amusement park.   It's a time to be kids, to visit the endless craft vendors in Ghost Town, toddle through Camp Snoopy and take a ride on Montezuma's Revenge- the roller coaster I first rode with Corbin nearly 30 years ago when we went with our parents for the Halloween 'Knott's Scary Farm' adventure.     ...

"I'm going to call my brother...he'll know... " I huffed.   I had given my husband far too many clues and I knew he wasn't even close to knowing which 1980's flick I was struggling to name.   The phone rang twice before Corbin answered "go".   I smiled, knowing my brother was being humorous.  "2 Things: are you still taking Sayler and I to Knott's Berry Farm this weekend?"   "Yes."   "Great. Second thing... what's that one movie from the 80's where there's a computer game and,   like, a  guy in a trenchcoat and, like-"   "..War Games?"   "YES!  YES!  Thank you."   And there it was.  The reason Jesus made me a little sister to someone (else) who watched too many movies as a kid.   I couldn't get that 1983 flick off my mind.  Lloyd, Sayler and I were on the strangest and sweetest movies-down-memory-lane adventure over the weekend: a tribute du Robin W...

"Please don't fall asleep!" my daughter pleaded as I curled up into the over-sized sofa, the fire lulling me into slumber as we discussed baby dolls and tower-building.   It is only 6:30 p.m. and though the day has been full, from a 7 a.m. run to a late afternoon, very successful, Christmas shopping session I am nonetheless inexplicably exhausted.   I vaguely recollect my husband making mention of much ado about coffee earlier in the day (it's possible I wasn't listening as intently as a good wife should).   And so, moments ago I sluggishly made way to the garage, where I could hear his circular saw whirring.  I peered into the cold, concreted room that houses all his tools- many of them purchased as gifts over the years- often settling on the Bosch tools, seeming to fit Lloyd's capable personality.  I am, quite surprisingly, a bit of a tool-snob.  I momentarily marveled at his latest under-taking- a hand-crafted piece of furniture- th...

It feels like winter, and it delights my soul. I picked up Sayler from daycare, her exuberant mood making the grey skies joyfully appreciated. "I am happy", she said, smiling wide. With a smile to match I asked, "why are you happy?" "Because I love you..." She followed. Confident. Certain. Without pause. She loves me. Of that I am sure.  And I couldn't remember if I had ever been told just as such "I am happy because I love you". I don't think I could ever forget the moment. Other joyful moments: