This past weekend I thoroughly enjoyed a visit with our some of our dearest friends on the planet. As an added bonus, we went to our church home and had a great worship experience with old Friends in Christ. I was so grateful for it all. What a blessing. I repeatedly told people, "This is like recharging my batteries."
But of course... as it WILL often happen... there had to be one shadow over the whole sunny-sky experience. Standing in church, visiting, laughing, hugging with friends, a lovely church-mate comes up to me, leans in close and asks, "When is the baby due?"
I'm confused. "What baby?" I ask.
"Oh, I thought you looked like you are pregnant again."
*crash*
Happy moment gone.
First off, everyone on the planet should know you NEVER ask that question... EVER. No one should EVER approach a woman, no matter how strong one's suspicions about that woman's "condition," and ask THAT question.
But, truly, I'm not offended, though. Really I'm not. Because I know I've gained back all the weight I lost last year. And it's no one's fault but mine. I know exactly what I look like, and why this Precious Person would ask such a question. And really, I should be grateful. It was just the kick in the pants I needed to rejoin Biggest Loser Club On-Line, as opposed to putting it off... again... as is my habit.
I'm not hurt, and I'm not going to get "titchy" over it. I've decided I'm going to USE it. I'm going to laugh about it while I'm on the treadmill or with weights in my hand. I'm going to think about the next time I see this Precious Person, and how she will have NO misconceptions about any budding conception within me (tee-hee).
So, to this Precious Person, thank you. You've given me a true kick in the pants to get restarted.
But seriously, don't ever ask that question again.
Ever.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
Have I mentioned my son Reece?
At the store tonight, Reece grabs a desired movie off of the shelf.
"Mom, can I get this movie?"
Me: "Ask Santa nicely, and he just might let you have it for Christmas." (A patent answer this time of year.)
Reece, roughly shoving the movie back on the shelf: "Oh, yeah, like he's gonna listen to ME."
[sigh]
Out of the mouths of babes...
"Mom, can I get this movie?"
Me: "Ask Santa nicely, and he just might let you have it for Christmas." (A patent answer this time of year.)
Reece, roughly shoving the movie back on the shelf: "Oh, yeah, like he's gonna listen to ME."
[sigh]
Out of the mouths of babes...
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Our Family Christmas Letter 2009
I've copied and pasted this from our family's regular Christmas letter that we mail out every year, partly in hopes of being a bit more "green" this year, but also to include all of those "new old friendships" that have resurfaced this year.
No matter the medium, all of our communication is sent/uploaded with lots of love!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I’ve gone through about a hundred different ways of starting this year’s Christmas letter. A lot has happened in our 2009, I don’t know about yours. Our lives have changed in some very significant ways. So, how do I begin to sufficiently encapsulate all that has happened, and what it has meant to us?
Well, the very best way I have come up with is to tell you that my God is GOOD. My God does not follow the same rules of fairness that you and I have, but my God is good. My God is loving, even when it doesn’t look like it. My God is supreme and sovereign, even when I’m questioning Him in hurt or anger. The Hand that delivers you to it is the same Hand that will deliver you through it, this has been my mantra this year. My God is in all things GOOD.
Galen lost his job this year. Not once, but twice. Within the same organization, no less. (It’s weird, I know.) Last year, I wrote in our Christmas letter that Galen was the Director of Alumni at Ottawa University, and how much he was enjoying that job. Then, the economy hit the university, and in February, almost a year to the day of his promotion, Galen was one of several who were let go. The university graciously created a position for Galen in the Admissions office, so as not to lose him completely. Although not overly happy with the shift, Galen saw the prudence in keeping *a* job in the current market, and accepted. However, by June, the Admissions office was making major changes and eliminating positions to make way for a new admissions model. God was rapping on Galen’s head – hard – that it was time to go.
The doors of opportunity were thrown open towards Bethany College in Lindsborg. We pulled up stakes and stepped out on faith. Galen began his new job as Director of Annual Giving (a.k.a “The Fund-Raiser Guy”) in early August. It’s not an easy job, especially these days. But Galen has come to love the college, he loves the job, and fully appreciates the challenge before him. But, never fear, fellow Braves! Even though we don the blue-and-gold with pride and joy, our hearts will always bleed black-and-gold. (Well… at least one ventricle, anyway.)
Again, I cannot say it enough: God is good. I look back on how difficult it was to say Good-bye to our lives in Ottawa. Those roots ran deep, for all six of us. But I see as well how GOOD God is for sending us here. We went through all of that because He could not have been clearer that THIS is where we’re supposed to be right now. Lindsborg is a wonderful community; embracing and friendly, culture-rich and enthusiastic about Christ. Bethany is an impressive organization and we’re both very grateful to be working here.
“Both.” Yes, I wrote that correctly. Galen and I BOTH are working for Bethany.
After being primarily a stay-at-home mom for who-knows-how-many-years, I’ve gone back to work! Well, part-time. But still! ... The Bethany Social Sciences building took me on as their secretary in late August, and they’re still putting up with me, bless ’em. They’ve made it easy to foray back into the working world, and I’m enjoying the people I work for very much. I miss directing my choirs and teaching my private students, yes, but I’m not idle in my music pursuits. I’ve stepped to the other side of the music stand and have started taking voice lessons again, and I’m very much looking forward to joining a choir in the area and sing with a group again soon. This extraordinary little community has no lack of quality music avenues, and I’m very excited for some new learning opportunities.
“How have the kids handled all of this?” you ask.
It hasn’t been easy on them. Ottawa was the only community they’d ever called “home.” But my kids are tough. They’re compassionate, patient and trusting, too. And their parents have relied on those attributes more this year than ever before. They’ve adapted very nicely, all-in-all… Again, Lindsborg has made it easy.
Kagen had a great sixth grade year at OMS. His spring semester added another year to his age and a couple of new inches to his height. Over the summer he enjoyed another fantastic week at Camp Mennoscah and helping out with various Bible schools in the area. Kagen jumped head-first into Lindsborg Middle School with his typical wit, charm and accepting spirit. His fall semester added football to his schedule… and yet another couple of inches to his height. [sigh] His team fought their way to a winning season, and Kagen thoroughly enjoyed playing lineman on the team. He’s still enjoying trumpet with the middle school band, Scholars Bowl, and is still keeping up his excellent grades and making new friends. His thirteenth birthday is approaching in February, and he has nothing but ornery grins toward his parents about becoming a teenager. Oh yes, pray for us all.
AJ rolls along as AJ ever does: sweet-natured, diligent and thoughtful. He had no problems finding the same interests in Lindsborg that he held in Ottawa, for which we are grateful. AJ is still keeping up with his piano lessons and Scouts activities. He also had the opportunity to spend a few days at Camp Mennoscah this summer, and he can’t wait to go back again! He’s ever the excellent student and friend-maker, and he certainly made the most of all the opportunities being eight years old afforded him this past year. Understandably, he’s even more excited about having just turned nine a few days ago and what those new opportunities will be, too!
It’s always a challenge to “sum up” Reece. This child is one, big, walking dichotomy. You can’t peg him, because he’ll surprise you, either way. His spring semester of kindergarten was as wonderful as the semester previous. His summer was full of playtime, friends and fun, as it should be. Moving was hardest on him, of all the kids. But, mercifully, some hands of friendship were extended to him rather early-on after we moved, which helped his transition to a new school that much easier. He’s still the same fun-loving, imaginative, quirky little monkey that can exasperate and entertain us (often all at once). Reece is working through his challenges bit-by-bit, and we know he’s going to be very successful with all of them. We praise God for an excellent teacher, an excellent school and his good friends! These factors give the rest of his First Grade year a lot of hope. Reece has also joined Scouts, and is looking forward to some martial arts classes in the spring. He’s loved being six this year, and can’t wait for seven in April!
My last child is in her last year of preschool. Kind of the end of an era, on the “mom-o-meter.” I was highly doubtful we would find a preschool program here that matched the high expectations Westminster Preschool set for us… but we did. Soderstrom Preschool here has been such a wonderful program with which to be a part. Just like last year, Emilie loves it; school days are good days. She is a whiz with letters and early reading skills, and we love how her preschool is fostering those abilities so well. Emilie is still quite the mommy-care-taker to her vast nursery of baby-dolls, and has endless delight in playing “school” with them. It’s very fun watching her grow into a thoughtful, sharply intelligent, caring little girl. Five is such a great age, and she will certainly enjoy every day of it.
And I have to include at least a couple of sentences about our extended families, of course. Both sets of parents are doing well, and continuing to give and thrive in their respective communities. They have blessed us in ways immeasurable this year. My brother and his wife are continuing to impact people’s lives through their lines of work in Newton. Galen and I became the proud aunt and uncle to our second niece, Grace, in November. We are VERY excited to go to Wyoming over Christmas break and love all over her, her big sis Claire, and her parents.
2009 has been a year of looking forwards and back… very often at the same time. It has been a year for the history-books, for our nation and for us personally. (I’m shaking my head in disbelief at the realization that the first decade of the 21st century is near a close. Weren’t we just chanting “Y2K Compatable”, like, yesterday?) So many of our loved ones have struggled this year, be it with job insecurities, a myriad of personal struggles, or health issues. And, at the same time, so many of our loved ones have experienced new joys, found new peace, and deepened their well of gratitude. I fervently hope that you holding this letter know that whatever your 2009 has been like, God is good, all the time. Know that we extend to you friendship and Christ’s love. With all our hearts, we pray for peace, guidance and revival. May you be richly blessed in the new decade ahead!
In Him,
Galen, Blakely, Kagen, AJ, Reece and Emilie
No matter the medium, all of our communication is sent/uploaded with lots of love!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I’ve gone through about a hundred different ways of starting this year’s Christmas letter. A lot has happened in our 2009, I don’t know about yours. Our lives have changed in some very significant ways. So, how do I begin to sufficiently encapsulate all that has happened, and what it has meant to us?
Well, the very best way I have come up with is to tell you that my God is GOOD. My God does not follow the same rules of fairness that you and I have, but my God is good. My God is loving, even when it doesn’t look like it. My God is supreme and sovereign, even when I’m questioning Him in hurt or anger. The Hand that delivers you to it is the same Hand that will deliver you through it, this has been my mantra this year. My God is in all things GOOD.
Galen lost his job this year. Not once, but twice. Within the same organization, no less. (It’s weird, I know.) Last year, I wrote in our Christmas letter that Galen was the Director of Alumni at Ottawa University, and how much he was enjoying that job. Then, the economy hit the university, and in February, almost a year to the day of his promotion, Galen was one of several who were let go. The university graciously created a position for Galen in the Admissions office, so as not to lose him completely. Although not overly happy with the shift, Galen saw the prudence in keeping *a* job in the current market, and accepted. However, by June, the Admissions office was making major changes and eliminating positions to make way for a new admissions model. God was rapping on Galen’s head – hard – that it was time to go.
The doors of opportunity were thrown open towards Bethany College in Lindsborg. We pulled up stakes and stepped out on faith. Galen began his new job as Director of Annual Giving (a.k.a “The Fund-Raiser Guy”) in early August. It’s not an easy job, especially these days. But Galen has come to love the college, he loves the job, and fully appreciates the challenge before him. But, never fear, fellow Braves! Even though we don the blue-and-gold with pride and joy, our hearts will always bleed black-and-gold. (Well… at least one ventricle, anyway.)
Again, I cannot say it enough: God is good. I look back on how difficult it was to say Good-bye to our lives in Ottawa. Those roots ran deep, for all six of us. But I see as well how GOOD God is for sending us here. We went through all of that because He could not have been clearer that THIS is where we’re supposed to be right now. Lindsborg is a wonderful community; embracing and friendly, culture-rich and enthusiastic about Christ. Bethany is an impressive organization and we’re both very grateful to be working here.
“Both.” Yes, I wrote that correctly. Galen and I BOTH are working for Bethany.
After being primarily a stay-at-home mom for who-knows-how-many-years, I’ve gone back to work! Well, part-time. But still! ... The Bethany Social Sciences building took me on as their secretary in late August, and they’re still putting up with me, bless ’em. They’ve made it easy to foray back into the working world, and I’m enjoying the people I work for very much. I miss directing my choirs and teaching my private students, yes, but I’m not idle in my music pursuits. I’ve stepped to the other side of the music stand and have started taking voice lessons again, and I’m very much looking forward to joining a choir in the area and sing with a group again soon. This extraordinary little community has no lack of quality music avenues, and I’m very excited for some new learning opportunities.
“How have the kids handled all of this?” you ask.
It hasn’t been easy on them. Ottawa was the only community they’d ever called “home.” But my kids are tough. They’re compassionate, patient and trusting, too. And their parents have relied on those attributes more this year than ever before. They’ve adapted very nicely, all-in-all… Again, Lindsborg has made it easy.
Kagen had a great sixth grade year at OMS. His spring semester added another year to his age and a couple of new inches to his height. Over the summer he enjoyed another fantastic week at Camp Mennoscah and helping out with various Bible schools in the area. Kagen jumped head-first into Lindsborg Middle School with his typical wit, charm and accepting spirit. His fall semester added football to his schedule… and yet another couple of inches to his height. [sigh] His team fought their way to a winning season, and Kagen thoroughly enjoyed playing lineman on the team. He’s still enjoying trumpet with the middle school band, Scholars Bowl, and is still keeping up his excellent grades and making new friends. His thirteenth birthday is approaching in February, and he has nothing but ornery grins toward his parents about becoming a teenager. Oh yes, pray for us all.
AJ rolls along as AJ ever does: sweet-natured, diligent and thoughtful. He had no problems finding the same interests in Lindsborg that he held in Ottawa, for which we are grateful. AJ is still keeping up with his piano lessons and Scouts activities. He also had the opportunity to spend a few days at Camp Mennoscah this summer, and he can’t wait to go back again! He’s ever the excellent student and friend-maker, and he certainly made the most of all the opportunities being eight years old afforded him this past year. Understandably, he’s even more excited about having just turned nine a few days ago and what those new opportunities will be, too!
It’s always a challenge to “sum up” Reece. This child is one, big, walking dichotomy. You can’t peg him, because he’ll surprise you, either way. His spring semester of kindergarten was as wonderful as the semester previous. His summer was full of playtime, friends and fun, as it should be. Moving was hardest on him, of all the kids. But, mercifully, some hands of friendship were extended to him rather early-on after we moved, which helped his transition to a new school that much easier. He’s still the same fun-loving, imaginative, quirky little monkey that can exasperate and entertain us (often all at once). Reece is working through his challenges bit-by-bit, and we know he’s going to be very successful with all of them. We praise God for an excellent teacher, an excellent school and his good friends! These factors give the rest of his First Grade year a lot of hope. Reece has also joined Scouts, and is looking forward to some martial arts classes in the spring. He’s loved being six this year, and can’t wait for seven in April!
My last child is in her last year of preschool. Kind of the end of an era, on the “mom-o-meter.” I was highly doubtful we would find a preschool program here that matched the high expectations Westminster Preschool set for us… but we did. Soderstrom Preschool here has been such a wonderful program with which to be a part. Just like last year, Emilie loves it; school days are good days. She is a whiz with letters and early reading skills, and we love how her preschool is fostering those abilities so well. Emilie is still quite the mommy-care-taker to her vast nursery of baby-dolls, and has endless delight in playing “school” with them. It’s very fun watching her grow into a thoughtful, sharply intelligent, caring little girl. Five is such a great age, and she will certainly enjoy every day of it.
And I have to include at least a couple of sentences about our extended families, of course. Both sets of parents are doing well, and continuing to give and thrive in their respective communities. They have blessed us in ways immeasurable this year. My brother and his wife are continuing to impact people’s lives through their lines of work in Newton. Galen and I became the proud aunt and uncle to our second niece, Grace, in November. We are VERY excited to go to Wyoming over Christmas break and love all over her, her big sis Claire, and her parents.
2009 has been a year of looking forwards and back… very often at the same time. It has been a year for the history-books, for our nation and for us personally. (I’m shaking my head in disbelief at the realization that the first decade of the 21st century is near a close. Weren’t we just chanting “Y2K Compatable”, like, yesterday?) So many of our loved ones have struggled this year, be it with job insecurities, a myriad of personal struggles, or health issues. And, at the same time, so many of our loved ones have experienced new joys, found new peace, and deepened their well of gratitude. I fervently hope that you holding this letter know that whatever your 2009 has been like, God is good, all the time. Know that we extend to you friendship and Christ’s love. With all our hearts, we pray for peace, guidance and revival. May you be richly blessed in the new decade ahead!
In Him,
Galen, Blakely, Kagen, AJ, Reece and Emilie
My youngest son: The cause of my laugh lines and all my grey hair.
If you haven't picked up on it somewhat by now, let me cease any ambiguity and just out-and-out tell you: Reece is a handfull. I often joke he is the reason for all of my budding grey hair.
Reece is funny, smart, sweet, very entertaining, he can be amazingly empathetic at times... But he also has some problems with his temper, focus, and emotional maturity (even for a six year old). To the point that it's often a concern.
Reece has had a delay in his language skills; we've had him screened and tested several times by a myriad of doctors, clinicians and other sundry experts. His physical formation of speech has improved a thousandfold over the past few years, so that's not really a concern any longer, but he does struggle constantly with language comprehension and processing. Again, we're seeking the right solutions along all the right avenues. It could be a learning disability, it could be a neurological problem, it could just be something he'll have to grow out of, who knows? We're exploring all options as best we can.
This comprehension problem has contributed to some of his outbursts and problems with frustration and anger, no doubt. But my gut tells me there is some need in him that we haven't laid our hands on yet, and still have yet to uncover and meet.
We have been BLESSED with some wonderful teachers the past few years. His preschool teachers were perfect in their caring and intuitiveness with him. The exact same can be said for his kindergarten teacher last year. Wonderful women, all of them, and we are always grateful for them each.
But then we move to a new community, without knowing what we'd be getting into or what kind of teachers our children would land... And God directed Reece's path to *THIS* particular First Grade teacher. She is absolutely wonderful, and I cannot say enough good things about her. What a relief to send this wonderful Handfull to her very capable and genuinely caring hands five days a week.
No parent wants their child to be "the difficult one." I tell Reece's teacher that all the time; we're trying very hard to steer him in the direction of model behavior and cooperativeness, for her sake as well as his! She has enough on her plate as it is, without Reece's meltdowns. But she is wonderful with him, and we're so grateful that Reece has THIS teacher at THIS time in his life.
It's not all struggle and worry with Reece. Know this: That funny, smart, sweet-natured-ness is the real Reece, and it gives us laughs and joy more often in the day than frustration or concern. We just have to get the Real Reece to shine through more evenly and consistently. Through God's guidance, and all the expert help we can get our hands on, he will. The Real Reece is the source of all my laugh lines creeping across my face. And bring on some more, I say!
Reece is funny, smart, sweet, very entertaining, he can be amazingly empathetic at times... But he also has some problems with his temper, focus, and emotional maturity (even for a six year old). To the point that it's often a concern.
Reece has had a delay in his language skills; we've had him screened and tested several times by a myriad of doctors, clinicians and other sundry experts. His physical formation of speech has improved a thousandfold over the past few years, so that's not really a concern any longer, but he does struggle constantly with language comprehension and processing. Again, we're seeking the right solutions along all the right avenues. It could be a learning disability, it could be a neurological problem, it could just be something he'll have to grow out of, who knows? We're exploring all options as best we can.
This comprehension problem has contributed to some of his outbursts and problems with frustration and anger, no doubt. But my gut tells me there is some need in him that we haven't laid our hands on yet, and still have yet to uncover and meet.
We have been BLESSED with some wonderful teachers the past few years. His preschool teachers were perfect in their caring and intuitiveness with him. The exact same can be said for his kindergarten teacher last year. Wonderful women, all of them, and we are always grateful for them each.
But then we move to a new community, without knowing what we'd be getting into or what kind of teachers our children would land... And God directed Reece's path to *THIS* particular First Grade teacher. She is absolutely wonderful, and I cannot say enough good things about her. What a relief to send this wonderful Handfull to her very capable and genuinely caring hands five days a week.
No parent wants their child to be "the difficult one." I tell Reece's teacher that all the time; we're trying very hard to steer him in the direction of model behavior and cooperativeness, for her sake as well as his! She has enough on her plate as it is, without Reece's meltdowns. But she is wonderful with him, and we're so grateful that Reece has THIS teacher at THIS time in his life.
It's not all struggle and worry with Reece. Know this: That funny, smart, sweet-natured-ness is the real Reece, and it gives us laughs and joy more often in the day than frustration or concern. We just have to get the Real Reece to shine through more evenly and consistently. Through God's guidance, and all the expert help we can get our hands on, he will. The Real Reece is the source of all my laugh lines creeping across my face. And bring on some more, I say!
Monday, October 19, 2009
All I Want for Christmas...
My youngest son has been front-tooth-less for about three or four months now. In spite of the whole corn-on-the-cob issue, it has not bothered him nor us in the slightest. I might even miss "the gap" once it's gone. It's hard to make Reece cuter than he is, but I think two missing front teeth has just about done it. But alas, he'll have to settle on his "usual cuteness;" the gap is closing.
Apparently, they are in a race. I swear a few days ago, the one on the right (which I'll call Fang) was coming in slightly ahead of the one on the left (which I'll call Chops). Then, it seemed Fang and Chops were in a dead heat. Watching him read tonight at bedtime, I couldn't help but notice Chops is inching ahead. I'll keep you abreast of these exciting details as they unfold.
(D'you think I could get some sponsorships, like NASCAR does? Maybe get some tiny advertising stickers to plaster on his teeth... We could charge for "air time" everytime he spoke or smiled... Hmmmm.... I'm making some phone calls in the morning!)
Looking at Reece's racing teeth makes me chuckle, because I keep thinking of the day they came out.
Late last spring, my mother decided our family needed a trampoline. Apparently, there was something about our landscaping that screamed "Must have large bouncy circle, riiiiiiiight... HERE."
This actually turned out to be a cool family toy. I discovered it's hard to stay in a bad mood after a few bounces, and we came to appreciate how much energy it burned off of our kids, while still keeping them in one spot. Considering Reece, that's no small feat, lemme tell ya.
One beautiful May evening, Reece and his brothers were bouncing away on the trampoline, having a wrestling match (trampoline + sumo wrestling moves = hilarity to the "n-th"). I was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, when all of a sudden, through the back door bursts Reece.
He held his hand under his chin.
"Hey, Mom, look!" [ptooey] "Kagen knocked my teeth out!" he shouted gleefully.
He dropped them in my hand, turned tail and shot back out the door to finish his wrestling match.
Not a trace of blood or tears. Just anticipation to get back in the game.
"Oh, OK," was my stunned yet brilliant response.
And, now we have yet another "Reece" story to chuckle over.
Race results to be posted soon.
Apparently, they are in a race. I swear a few days ago, the one on the right (which I'll call Fang) was coming in slightly ahead of the one on the left (which I'll call Chops). Then, it seemed Fang and Chops were in a dead heat. Watching him read tonight at bedtime, I couldn't help but notice Chops is inching ahead. I'll keep you abreast of these exciting details as they unfold.
(D'you think I could get some sponsorships, like NASCAR does? Maybe get some tiny advertising stickers to plaster on his teeth... We could charge for "air time" everytime he spoke or smiled... Hmmmm.... I'm making some phone calls in the morning!)
Looking at Reece's racing teeth makes me chuckle, because I keep thinking of the day they came out.
Late last spring, my mother decided our family needed a trampoline. Apparently, there was something about our landscaping that screamed "Must have large bouncy circle, riiiiiiiight... HERE."
This actually turned out to be a cool family toy. I discovered it's hard to stay in a bad mood after a few bounces, and we came to appreciate how much energy it burned off of our kids, while still keeping them in one spot. Considering Reece, that's no small feat, lemme tell ya.
One beautiful May evening, Reece and his brothers were bouncing away on the trampoline, having a wrestling match (trampoline + sumo wrestling moves = hilarity to the "n-th"). I was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner, when all of a sudden, through the back door bursts Reece.
He held his hand under his chin.
"Hey, Mom, look!" [ptooey] "Kagen knocked my teeth out!" he shouted gleefully.
He dropped them in my hand, turned tail and shot back out the door to finish his wrestling match.
Not a trace of blood or tears. Just anticipation to get back in the game.
"Oh, OK," was my stunned yet brilliant response.
And, now we have yet another "Reece" story to chuckle over.
Race results to be posted soon.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Lucky Thirteen
Today is my anniversary. Galen and I got married thirteen years ago today.
Thanks!
[Assuming you, the reader, have just mentally said, "Happy Anniversary!"]
Nothing big. We've had a lot going on the past several weeks and decided to keep things very low-key this year.
[Now assuming you've just asked, "What are you doing to celebrate?"]
I decided this morning it might be kind of fun (...for ME, at least. Mildly irritating to others.) to update my Facebook and Twitter status every couple of hours or so throughout the day with "Thirteen years ago today, at THIS time, I was..."
I can't wait for 5:45. At 5:45 on September 21, 1996, the ceremony was over, we were pronounced "husband and wife" and began our recessional down the aisle, our first walk as a married couple. I will never forget that walk together. The ceremony preceding was beautiful and wonderful, but I admit, parts of it all are a bit hazy. I think adrenaline and nerves surrounding a big event will do that to you. But the reason our recessional walk together is so vivid, is because it was that moment when a loud, bright realization hit me - hard - and these words went through my entire being like an electric shock to my soul:
"What the hell did we just DO?!? We just got MARRIED!!!"
I can almost hear you laughing, confusedly.
I can also almost hear you saying to yourself some variation of "Well, no duh, Blakely, 'you just got married'... it was your WEDDING DAY!"
Yes, I get that. I get the whole "wedding means getting married" thing, believe me.
But, you know, despite the weeks of planning for it, talking about it, thinking about it, praying about it, pre-marital counselling, eating, breathing, sleeping it... it was THAT moment, walking back down the aisle on Galen's arm... a minister just moments before finalizing our status before God, sealing us together in the most sacred of ways... that it just HIT me: I really, truly and sincerely MARRIED. We did it. For the rest of my life, no matter what God puts before us, Galen and I are... married. Wow...
Then the next thought that ran through my head was something along the lines of, "Is Galen INSANE?!?" Occasionally I still ask myself that question... poor guy.
That was a stunning realization, in the very truest sense of the words. I was joyful for it then, and I can tell you from every fiber of my being, I'm even more joyful for it all now. He was my best friend then and he most certainly still is now. I'm sometimes amazed that I can still make him laugh after 24/7/13yrs together. Can't he just predict everything I'm going to say, anymore? Doesn't he know me well enough to be bored by now? I now know what the old cliche means, "I love him more now than the day we got married." He's a good man. He's my gift, undeserved, and once upon a time, un-looked for. I not only love him, I like him, too.
Happy anniversary, Galen!
Thanks!
[Assuming you, the reader, have just mentally said, "Happy Anniversary!"]
Nothing big. We've had a lot going on the past several weeks and decided to keep things very low-key this year.
[Now assuming you've just asked, "What are you doing to celebrate?"]
I decided this morning it might be kind of fun (...for ME, at least. Mildly irritating to others.) to update my Facebook and Twitter status every couple of hours or so throughout the day with "Thirteen years ago today, at THIS time, I was..."
I can't wait for 5:45. At 5:45 on September 21, 1996, the ceremony was over, we were pronounced "husband and wife" and began our recessional down the aisle, our first walk as a married couple. I will never forget that walk together. The ceremony preceding was beautiful and wonderful, but I admit, parts of it all are a bit hazy. I think adrenaline and nerves surrounding a big event will do that to you. But the reason our recessional walk together is so vivid, is because it was that moment when a loud, bright realization hit me - hard - and these words went through my entire being like an electric shock to my soul:
"What the hell did we just DO?!? We just got MARRIED!!!"
I can almost hear you laughing, confusedly.
I can also almost hear you saying to yourself some variation of "Well, no duh, Blakely, 'you just got married'... it was your WEDDING DAY!"
Yes, I get that. I get the whole "wedding means getting married" thing, believe me.
But, you know, despite the weeks of planning for it, talking about it, thinking about it, praying about it, pre-marital counselling, eating, breathing, sleeping it... it was THAT moment, walking back down the aisle on Galen's arm... a minister just moments before finalizing our status before God, sealing us together in the most sacred of ways... that it just HIT me: I really, truly and sincerely MARRIED. We did it. For the rest of my life, no matter what God puts before us, Galen and I are... married. Wow...
Then the next thought that ran through my head was something along the lines of, "Is Galen INSANE?!?" Occasionally I still ask myself that question... poor guy.
That was a stunning realization, in the very truest sense of the words. I was joyful for it then, and I can tell you from every fiber of my being, I'm even more joyful for it all now. He was my best friend then and he most certainly still is now. I'm sometimes amazed that I can still make him laugh after 24/7/13yrs together. Can't he just predict everything I'm going to say, anymore? Doesn't he know me well enough to be bored by now? I now know what the old cliche means, "I love him more now than the day we got married." He's a good man. He's my gift, undeserved, and once upon a time, un-looked for. I not only love him, I like him, too.
Happy anniversary, Galen!
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