Twenty-Nine Things

On this day, twenty-nine years ago, my mother-in-law was in labor with her first child. Being in that phase of life where all your friends are having kids (welcome to the world Macy & Silas!), I can only imagine what was going through her mind. All the months of preparation. The nervousness of my father-in-law. That little boy that popped out was raised and shaped and formed to be my husband. I love him. So, in addition to other celebrations (we started early last night with a homemade lemon pie by E. during our Tuesday Night Group), I thought I would name twenty-nine things that are pretty special about him.

1. His diligence to housework (and serving me)
2. With one look and not even a word said, the ability to make me laugh until my stomach hurts
3. If I'm ever trash-talking someone in the privacy of our home (i.e. venting), he'll listen, and then defend them (frustrating at the time, but so many other people would just jump on that train, ya know?)
4. He always dances with me at weddings, and enjoys it
5. His stubbornness, and his ability to admit when he's wrong
6. He challenges me
7. His passion about work, even though it's (boring-to-me) computer/mathematical/engineering/meshing stuff
8. He loves our animal-children almost as much as me (:
9. When we are dressing fancier, he'll make an effort (without me saying anything) to match me and even change outfits to do so
10. He pushes me and tells me I can do something when I feel defeated (and he's always right)
11. His adventurous spirit
12. No joke, his fried eggs are the best, hands down
13. A lot of people might call him reserved, but in our relationship he's not afraid to tell me when something is bothering him
14. He plays tennis with me on the hottest summer days
15. My husband talks in a very specific baby voice, and after months of dating and initial resistance, got me to do the same
16. His massages are better than a licensed masseuse
17. He trusts me
18. He makes wise financial decisions
19. He bought our house, knowing I would love it, even though I had never stepped foot in it
20. Pajamas, in his mind, are known as "jams"
21. He likes to try new things, and you know, put himself out there
22. He calls me out (usually hate it at the time)
23. He respects his parents
24. He loves my mom and brother
25. His dream is to be a stay at home dad (big dream there, buddy!)
26. He gives me a kiss every day that he leaves for work before me, and on the mornings that I leave before him and forget to give him a kiss, he texts me later to tell me how off his day feels
27. There is always a song playing in his head that he's drumming to. Always.
28. He's the best vacuumer this side of .... he's just the best vacuumer (couldn't think of the ending to that phrase
29. He cleans up the dog poop in the backyard by throwing them in neighboring overgrown bushes. So don't ever walk through said bushes.

Happy birthday, babe! I love you!

Travel: Crooked River SP | 2-4 November 2012

Two of my best friends' birthdays occur just a few days apart, so it has become somewhat of a tradition to go camping on or near those special days. This year was no different, however, it is sometimes a challenge finding a place that is somewhat equal distance between SC and FL. Well, for those of you in similar predicaments -- looks no further than Crooked River State Park in St. Marys, Georgia! This park has actually been a group favorite since our first trip for Memorial Day weekend in 2008. We have gone back several times since then, so it remains a top choice. It's a bit in the middle of nowhere, but driving distance to pretty cool things -- our favorite two destinations being Cumberland Island National Seashore and Jekyll Island.

Reminiscing about past trips is probably another post for another day, but let it be said that this trip was magical like every other. We chose Jekyll Island as our day trip on Saturday, and amidst the biting sand fleas there is real beauty abound. The driftwood, live oak, expansive beaches, cute and cheery white (and also dilapidated) houses on the main drive, grassy picnic overlooks... For those that may not know, the Memorial Day weekend trip in 2008, and specifically, our drive out to Jekyll Island, is where J. first asked me to be his girlfriend. We piled sand on one another and never looked back. (: One of my favorite things about this present trip, however, was watching Jasper experience the beach for the first time. He found other dogs to chase/run around with, and while he's still cautious of water unknown, he got plenty of wet - and sandy. I also loved watching our closest friends meet, and love him, too. This is ultra sappy, but Jasper is like our toddler child, and when your best friends offer to walk, play with, and hold his leash, you are filled with this insurmountable joy because they love him like you do.

As always, this trip was much too short, but I'm so glad it happened. On our drive home, J. and I stopped in Savannah for lunch. Another city that is so dear to my heart... Must go back soon.

2008 Flashback: