on this (important) day

This morning, when Brian wished me a happy anniversary, I didn't respond appropriately. With open house last night and school starting tomorrow, I temporarily forgot today's importance. It's not like I didn't know that the 24th is our anniversary - it's just that my thoughts and preoccupations were focused (as usual) on our children. (I could also use the excuse that I often have no idea what the date is, but that seems weak.) So, when he wished me a happy anniversary, I said, "Shit." Thankfully he was humored, rather than hurt, by my lack of attention. (Part of what I love about this husband of mine is his good, easy nature.)

Next year is our tenth, which seems big, happy, and important, and I promise - I won't forget.

Brian's Birthday Cake

Sarah decided that we should make a spring themed birthday cake for Brian. She didn't exactly "say" that we should do this, but instead she came downstairs one day last week, with a folded-up piece of paper in her hand and a sneaky grin on her face. (You know that look.) As you can see, she'd written "spring", "Daddy", and "cak" along with that long line of letters that I can't translate. I hadn't really decided on anything, but I was leaning towards some really yummy chocolate cupcakes . . .

Instead, we made worm cake. Eric suggested that we add some rocks and flowers "to make it look like a real spring garden", so we added those. He also suggested adding some birds, trying to catch the worms, and some trees, but we skipped that. We kicked Brian out of the house for the "surprise", which was nearly achieved, until Eric "whispered" into Sarah's ear just before Brian walked out the door, "Let's make Daddy's worm cake NOW!"
We made WAY TOO MUCH, but it was fun and tasty. They were so excited to see Brian's response and (of course) to eat the stuff. I find it humorous that even on the grown-up's birthday, it's all about the kids! Happy 39th, Brian! :)

Praying Mantis

Brian took these pictures of a praying mantis while walking with the kids at the Historic Occoneechee Speedway trail. They walked while I ran, and when I finished Eric eagerly showed me where they saw it, but unfortunately, it had moved on.

the story of us

We got married eight years ago today. I told Brian that I wanted to try and recapture the photos from that day, just for fun. He agreed to help - the results don't have quite the same effect that they did when we originally took them, but they make me laugh, which is one of things that I love about my husband. (He's a funny guy, that one.) Happy anniversary, Brian!

NC Botanical Garden

Brian had the camera when we went to the garden last weekend, and he captured some great moments . . .

Writing notes to the fairies

and mailing them.

Digging in the dirt

and spreading seeds.

Racing around the "track"

and catching her breath.

Peeking through the hole in the wood

and looking from another perspective.

Oh yeah, and the natural beauty too.

Happy Dad's Day!

Sarah drew Brian a princess for Father's Day and she made sure that I explained what it was, just in case the crown, dress, and high heels might have been mistaken for something else. Eric drew a lot of snakes, the moon, a house, and his "name". I gave Brian some beer and his favorite chocolate (which he greatly deserves, for being such a good dad.) And while I'm on the topic of great dads, Grandpa and Grandpop are two of the best I know.