Hibernation and a Happy Birthday...

I've been hibernating. School is great, but it's a lot. The workload is immense this semester and in all honesty, it's kicking my rear. I'm learning a ton and enjoying it but it's safe to say that there are days that it feels like my house is falling apart and my family is lucky to have a hot meal and clean underwear (and sometimes, they don't). For better or worse, blogging has had to take a big back seat.

Today though, I've emerged, kind of like that groundhog but for good reason: to wish my husband a happy birthday. If anyone deserves it, it's him. In the midst of his own busy job and the stress that comes along with it, he is able to see past the mess and piles of laundry to support me and let me pursue my goal.

He is my perspective when I can't see beyond my own nose,

and solid ground where the sidewalk is dodgy.

He makes me laugh when I don't want to, which is always when I need it most.

He loves me despite the mayhem and possible meltdowns along the way.

He is a true partner on this crazy ride.

Happy Birthday to you, Todd. 

Here's to making 41 the best yet, with all my love,

Erin

Lucky number thirteen...

On our first anniversary, 

we celebrated our brother and sister-in-law's beautiful wedding in Disney World,
our second in Cape Cod  and our third in Edinburgh, Scotland.

We've been fortunate enough to slip away here and there for many of the anniversaries that followed.

Today though, on our auspicious thirteenth, Todd headed off to work, I bought new tires and had an impromptu brunch date with the little man on our cold walk home from the mechanic.

It's not how either one of us really pictured spending the day. As much as we had a common vision for our life when we started out together, we never really could have imagined the day-to-day of right now.

Honestly, some days are uneventful, messy, expensive and frustrating. Many are fun, exciting and really productive.

All of them though are filled with love, family, friendship and usually laughter.

So tonight, we'll toast to tires that are safe, a steady paycheck, happy, healthy kids and a lifetime of more days like today.

We are blessed and I am lucky.

Thanks for asking, TA, with all my love.

Erin

Karma and a Lazy Boy...

We had a great Father's Day weekend around here with two small exceptions: 

Neve spiked a fever in the middle of the Father's Day, BBQ/Pig Roast/German Fest we attended 

(she seems to be on the mend) and Todd won a Lazy Boy at said BBQ/Pig Roast/German Fest.  

It's probably my fault since I told the man who let us in to keep the raffle ticket since it would be "Over my dead body that we bring home a big fat recliner." 

My fighting words might have led to my karma.

I know I should be happy for his Grand Prize win and really I am, (or at least I'm trying) but I can't seem to get past my Lazy-boy snobbery. 

When I think of a recliner I think of these:

(not that there's anything wrong with them, especially if you own one)

muddy colors, dated, itchy upholstery and bulky shapes. 

I know they're incredibly comfortable. 

I slept on one for a week when I had sinus surgery ten years ago. 

Somehow though, they just don't seem fit into my aesthetic. 

See. Lazy-boy snobbery. 

I'm not proud.

In an effort to kick this ugly trait of mine, I turned to Google. 

Surely in this day and age there must be something out there to marry both form and function.(aka please both husband and wife)  If not, this could be a teachable moment for me in the art of  compromise and designing for the sexes.

Or, I could just end up living with an ugly chair.

Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised with what my search turned up:

all three chairs via  http://www.la-z-boy.com/

Boy has the classic recliner come a long way. 

(Just ask Brooke Shields.)

Although I would never have sought these chairs out, they're really nice and disguise that whole recliner thing seamlessly.  I would definitely consider them and keep them in mind when someday I have clients who want an "attractive" recliner.  But, the choice is not really for me to consider.

Since I usually have carte blanche when it comes to the decorating decisions around here, I think I have to let this one go and trust that Todd's good taste will prevail. His trophy from last year's fishing tournament has grown on me and really, how often does a guy win a grand prize and a free new piece of furniture?

Perhaps his taste in chairs will be equal to his taste in women ; )

What items of your mate's gives you the willies?

Erin

40...

My husband turns 40 today.

A big deal.

I wanted to write this post a week ago.

I wanted it to be well-planned and thoughtful and poignant.

Somehow, once again, life got in the way of my plans.

Actually my refrigerator did, but that's a story for another post.

Sometimes the simplest and most subtle messages convey what I want to say even better though.

Happy 40th Birthday 

to my friend and partner:

 the one who makes me laugh like nobody else can,

 the man who makes me think more critically about things that matter, 

or should matter, 

my safety net and touchstone on this adventure,

and one of the strongest, most loyal people I know.

Happy Birthday to an amazing father whose strength and love

guide our two kiddos in innumerable ways. 

The sun rises and sets with him each day.

Happy Birthday to a man who is talented and passionate,

determined, 

 and knows how to live life to fullest with everything that he's got.

Happy 40th Birthday to the man I look forward to celebrating the next 40 and beyond with.

Happy Birthday Todd, 

with all my love,

 Erin