we will be there

i want to raise a boy that is actually a man

who can work on a car and fix the bathroom sink

i want to let him be someone he can love

to like who he sees in the mirror.

to smile in the worst of times.

to hold the door open.

to hold her hand.

to love with all he has

a boy that knows how to cook and do laundry

that appreciates women

a man with respect and pride

that knows the value of hard work

that is a cuddler

a man who can laugh at himself

that knows the power of truth

who appreciates music

that giggles like his daddy on christmas and can still be a child

who stands up for others and has empathy

who is curious enough to explore his own beliefs

that will listen first

that will do good and be good

most of all i want him to be happy.

I hope we are up to the task and that he knows we will be there

everyday

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give to another person, he believed in me. -jim valvano

8 months= golden

At 8 months you are our everything. You have 2 teeth and are cutting a third. You pull yourself up and are so nosy. Curious George is your favorite. You like being held until you fall asleep. Stranger is not a concept you understand and I don't know what I think about that. You fight nap time but wake up with a smile. Your whole extended family is in LOVE with you. So many grandma and grandpas and all they can talk about it you. You have no fear. You love water. You don't love sleep. Your smile is infectious. I love your rolls and your giggles. Your daddy and I would do anything in the world for you monster. Nicknames include... rusty monster terrorist monty boogy Favorite food- squash, yogurt, banana strawberry mix and drinking from mommy's drinks. What can I say? I'm in love with you.

acceptance

Or maybe it really is — that the moment you accept love, you have to accept yourself, and there’s something in that that seems unacceptable. Strange, how there’s no love without humility – no one can accept anything except on their knees. (Everything else is stealing.) -Ann Voskamp

Raindance

Beautiful

love language

talking to my cousin, who was recently married, made me examine my own thoughts on love and understanding. marriage changes things, we all know that. Especially for those who have not lived together. The first few months Rick and I lived together were such a learning experience. I was (and am) so in love with my husband that I think we both were "tender" in how we addressed issues. Rick and I had lived our own separate adult lives. Living alone allows you to become solitary and selfish- rightfully so. Allowing someone else in is difficult and is a constant state of giving a little- compromise. This leads me (and to our conversation) to love language -love language- 1. Words of affirmation 2. Acts of Service 3. Receiving Gifts 4. Quality time 5. Physical Touch I am definitely 1+5... So our conversation was how do different love languages who love each other cope? Do you strive to understand the others? Do they compromise? Do they change in response?

heart

days like these lead to nights like this