"Thriller"- 24 years running!

Since this is technically "the family's" blog, I have often attempted to get my hubby to contribute in some way. In honor of his birthday I asked him (forced, really) to fill out an I-Verb for all those that don't really know him. So here goes:

His I-Verb

I search: for answers.
I wonder: if I'll ever graduate.
I regret: going to school.
I love: chocolate carmel pudding.
I care: about my family.
I always: like to sleep.
I worry: about nothing (this is a very true statement.)
I am not: afraid.
I believe: in God.
I sing: in the shower and the car.
I dance: only when asked.
I argue: when you're wrong.
I write: for grades.
I win: every time I play McKell.
I lose: when I'm not playing McKell.
I wish: no one else would worry.
I don't understand: why people worry.
I think: we should move to Arizona.
I can usually be found: at home, work or school.
I need: to pass this (Accounting) test.
I forget: where my keys are.
I am scared: of losing my family.
I am happy: right now.

I also thought I'd include some of My Favorite "Hubby Factoids."

- He makes me throw out my socks when they get holes and he monitors the monthly disposal of my contacts.
- He doesn't particularly enjoy Veggie Tales but he'll watch them for me.
- He surprises me with tissues at the perfect moments (how'd he know I was gonna need them?)
- He can cook (which is wonderful.)
- He can read people like books! Seriously, it's a little scary sometimes. (He says he really developed this talent on his mission. I even interviewed him about it for a religion class.)
- He makes me get outside my comfort zone (I pierced my ears.)
- He always drives on long car trips.
- He lets me tell him the ending when I read a good book.
- He cleans my fish tank.
- He has better fashion sense than me.
- On the Color Personality Test he is a red-yellow. (I'm a blue-white.)
- When I'm sick he takes really good care of me (Jambas, hugs, priesthood blessings, movies, etc. etc.)
- As a child, he loved to vacuum.
- He trusts me to cut his hair.
- He has really white teeth (I'd love him if he didn't, but . . .)
- He tells me Mission stories (and can't stop once he gets going.)
- He did the taxes all by himself this year and didn't make me help.
- He clips The Kiddo's nails (cause I'm too scared to.)
- He gets SO excited at all The Kiddo's little developments.

And I Love Him! Happy Birthday, My Babe. :)

For My Papa

I doubt that Dad will remember this story, as the details are fuzzy even for me. I was pretty young and I don’t remember where we were or what we were doing, but we were in a line and I was holding tightly to his hand. For some reason, we lost contact for a moment and I hurriedly reached up, grabbing onto his hand again. Then a kind, but unfamiliar voice said, “Well hello there!” and I looked up into a stranger’s face.

I had grabbed the wrong hand.

While I don’t remember all the details of this story, I do remember how awful and scared I felt. I knew that I never wanted to hold the wrong hand again.

Watching Dad’s big hands over the years has made me want to emulate their actions. I can easily picture them . . .

- At Work. Dad is innovative. A handyman. Mr. Fixit. We all know that Dad can and will get it done. He’s always busy and always willing to help, from cleaning the house to homework. He serves and puts others first. Always.
- Playing, Drawing, Throwing a Ball. Ultimately, just being with the kids. He taught us to ride bikes, drew pictures for us during Church, and of course played ball (basically every kind). And he is the Scrabble master.
- Tapping Out a Rhythm. Dad taught me to love music, which is where so much of my testimony was founded. He has immense talent for singing and writing music as well.
- Giving Hugs. Dad is gentle. After tough games or recitals, he provided amazing comfort and encouragement with a “love” or a pat on the back. Now his grandkids love feeling safe with him close.
- In a Handshake. He is man of integrity. Always honest, and always friendly. He’s pretty good at chatting too. ;)
- Folded in Prayer. At our house it often takes a long time to get the chatter to stop for family prayers. Dad would sit with his arms folded, patiently waiting.
- Holding Mom’s. My parents have always been very united. At our house you couldn’t go ask Mom if Dad said “no” (and vice versa). They counseled together, attended the temple together and treated each other with respect.
- Giving Father’s blessings. Dad magnifies his priesthood. He’s ready at a moments notice if asked for a blessing. He accepts callings willingly.

And the best thing Dad has given me is a better understanding of my Heavenly Father’s hand. Dad taught me to look for and recognize the Lord’s tender mercies in my life. As I’ve watched his hands, I’ve seen the Lord’s, as Dad has so often been the instrument.

So thanks Daddy! I love you. Happy Birthday!

(excerpts from my Father’s Day talk, 2007)

Tender

I've been trying to capture this face for a long time now, but I felt guilty pulling out the camera. How could I not?

And this one is just to make me feel better.

Thanks for Sharing

The Kiddo has recently picked up a new hobby.

That's not sucking. It's chewing. And we're talking full fists in the mouth . . . well nearly full fists. I'm pretty sure he could shove it all in if he wanted to. There's no teeth to run interference.

Of course excessive hand gnawing also leads to excessive drool which leads to this . . .

diameter + saturation = duration of holding

And a whole lot of it.

But I Still Love Technology

Internet. Lame.
Go. Turn.
Slowly. I wait.
Patience.

Cookies I want.
Recipe, I need.
Still going.
Still waiting.
Patience.

Browser freezing.
Computer seizuring.
Baby waking.
Cookies, not baking.

No patience. Lame.
Go! Turn!
Ugh.
My internet.