A Rich Life

Yesterday I awoke hours before Steve's 5 o'clock alarm went off.  It's not that I wasn't tired.  I was definitely tired...especially of being an adult and dealing with adult problems.  Every time I turn around something is falling apart.  It has been a summer full of losses.  Some of them have been directed at my wallet -- like replacing our home's air conditioning system and our bedroom A/C wall unit, the microwave, our T.V., a leaky refrigerator, the kitchen faucet and Noah's filling that fell out.  Others have cost some tears like Natalie losing three teeth in three weeks (She's growing up too fast!) and saying good-bye to my 16 year old tabby.  The latest issue to hit is that a bat or two have decided to take up residence in our home's soffit and fascia.

"What are you doing up so early?" asked Steve

"I couldn't sleep," I said.

"Was I snoring?" he asked.

"No," I replied.

"Was I farting?" he asked.

"No!" I replied.

"Well...then I better try harder next time," he quipped.

"Steve!" I said as I slugged his arm.

No matter what our troubles...and over the course of more than a decade together, we've been blessed with some really good ones -- Steve is always my rock.  If you ask him what his secret is -- he'll only give you a self-deprecating response like, "Oh, I'm just not very bright, is all." In truth, he is very smart and generous and funny.  But, it's his faith in God and commitment to our relationship that won me over and continues to hold my feet steady when we come up against rocky terrain.

He often knows what I need even before I do. Sometimes it's in the form of words, "Did I tell you that you’re beautiful, today?" Other times it's that he noticed my chocolate stash was low and stopped off at Walgreen's on his way home from work.  Recently, he got really brave and took the kids by himself for the day (Natalie’s first extended car ride) to visit his friend who has a small farm located about two hours north of our home.  He encouraged me to stay home and spend my time as frivolously as possible.  “Take a nap!” he suggested. He’s told me he feels guilty that he’s often away at work or traveling, yet can’t buy me the things he thinks I deserve like my own bathroom, a vacation trip or furniture and clothes that aren't pre-owned.  It’s true I don’t have many valuables that can be bought, sold or traded, but that’s okay...because I plan to keep him.

What happens with Daddy...stays with Daddy
That is, unless he decides to bring home pics!
I couldn't believe he let Noah drive the Gator.

Natalie had so much fun.
She keeps asking, "When can we move to the country?"

My most precious assets...Thanks, Steve.