Celebrating beginnings

Yesterday was the last day of the Hubs's first seminary class. All he has left to do is a take-home test.

Then he'll be taking the summer off and is planning to hit the books again this fall.

And, I'm sure there will be plenty of books to hit. There definitely were this quarter!


Yesterday also marked 7 years since our first date. (7 years!) We went out last night - nothing fancy, just burgers and movie - but we had a great time.

And we have a lot to celebrate.


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Yep, photos by me. Including the grainy one I took of the Hubs yesterday without enough light. Oh well.

Five years

Five years ago today, the love of my life and I were on our honeymoon.

When this entry posts, we should be just back from our anniversary trip back to Sedona. I admit I'm writing this ahead of time, because I can't sleep, I'm feeling reflective, and I know it always takes me awhile to get back to the blog when I've been out of town.

So. Five years. Not a long time, really, in the grand scheme of things. But already we've gone through a few different seasons together. We've lived 2 different places. The Hubs has worked in 5 different positions for 2 different companies. I started a business, worked 2 other places, then took the business full time. We've traveled together to California, Pennsylvania and Indiana, as well as to Peru, Mexico and Bolivia. Within our families and circle of friends there have been births, deaths, marriages, engagements, moves and life transitions. The brother-in-law who joined the Navy when we were dating has served his full commitment with the military. The cousin who started college when we were engaged is halfway through law school. The nephew who was months from being born when we got married will start kindergarten next year.

So five years is something.

Besides the kinds of changes that require updating the address book or adding photos to the album, there have been other, less tangible - but still very real - changes. Things we used to fight about that we look back on and laugh. Things we understand about each other. The way we communicate. The ways we've grown. The way we show love. Maybe we show love better, because we love more. I know that just when I think I love him so much my heart will burst, a new day begins, and I see him next to me and love him even more.


Ok, ok. I got it. I'll quit with the mushy stuff. But, seriously, if there's something worth being mushy about, isn't it this?

Happy five years, sweetheart! I wouldn't trade them for anything!

A quick update

Philadelphia International Airport, originally uploaded by Suffrboy.

Remember how things were up in the air with the Hubs last week? Well, before we knew it, the Hubs was literally up in the air - flying to Philadelphia to be with his extended family and attend his Uncle Karl's funeral. He was gone most of the week, and, I have to admit, it was hard for me. We've been married almost 5 years without being apart for that long before. Needless to say, I was superglad to have him back!

So. This week. I'm not posting a menu plan, because we really haven't gotten back into our routine or figured out things like what we're going to be eating yet. All I know is that I'll be working late (at home) on a client project, and that the Hubs is picking up dinner on his way home. (Yay!)

Also, yes, PerPoTues will be tomorrow! So write up 4 lines that rhyme and get ready to join in the Perfectly Poetical fun!

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Photo by suffrboy. Haven't even seen hubby's pictures yet, much less gotten them off the camera!

All kinds of fun Valentine's Day stuff!

I couldn't decide on one Valentine's theme, so here' s a mish-mash of stuff I thought you'd enjoy.

Cute Valentine's Day craft inspiration (via the Craftzine blog):

• Creature Comforts: Free Printable Valentine Teabag Wrappers + Tags
• HOW TO - Make Felt Hearts with Hidden Messages
• Download and Print Vintage Betsy McCall Paper Dolls
  

Money4Moms: Doing Valentine’s Day on a Budget


This week's love series from Holy Experience:

• Scandalous Love
• Love Bits
• Love Dare

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Images: Betsy McCall paper dolls - February 1955

Yep, it's been 4 years already!

If you read all of yesterday's post, you may have noticed that I was out of town. But I couldn't wait until I got back to tell you the brownie/cake story, so I made it magically appear. Do you know where I went?

Does it help if I tell you we were celebrating our anniversary (a little early)? We kind of have a tradition.

Here's another hint...


Ok, if that doesn't give it away and my bookmarks in the sidebar from the last week didn't give it away, I'm just gonna have to tell you.

Four years ago, the Hubs and I honeymooned in Sedona. Since then, we've gone back to that area every year for our anniversary. Each trip brings back memories, creates new ones and gives us a milestone to see how far we've come.

This year we set up camp in Cottonwood at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.


Despite the unromantic sounding name, it's a great campground. You have hiking, picnic areas and a river right there. Plus, flush toilets. (If you're at a campground, you're obviously not going for a whole wilderness experience, so you might as well have indoor plumbing.) We took advantage of our surroundings to get some walking in and take some time to pray about the upcoming year.



We also visited the Red Rock State Park in Sedona and did some hiking there, as well as checking out the visitor center and listening to a talk.



Yesterday we went to Jerome, walked around the town, enjoyed the views and the quirkiness, did some shopping and had delicious food at the Red Rooster Cafe.




So my legs were getting a little sore by the end of the day yesterday, and we got just a little sunburned. But, other than that, it was a great little trip.

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Photos by the Hubs and I.

Yes, poems can be cute!

Just (last night) read the sweetest little poem! (And you know I'm a poetry fan!) It's an original by the mom and son team of The Rowdy Pea blog: "The Baby Fairies."


I guess when I read it, I must've said "Cute!!" 'cuz the Hubs said "what? A poem can be cute?!"

I said, "Of course. Let me read it to you."


"...Don't you think that's cute?!!"

Here the Hubs pauses, thinking. "Is it cute because there are babies? Because they are snuggling? Because..."

I don't think guys get cute.

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Photos by me. (Or maybe the Hubs, who doesn't understand cute.)