Is That A Tree Or A Bush ?

My wife and I go on walks in our neighborhood as often as the weather and time allows.  It is nice to get out and spend some alone/together time while getting a little exercise and enjoying the clean Colorado air.  There is a feeling of relaxation that always happens throughout the process of the stroll.

But sometimes (and very often lately) I am filled with frustration.  This stems from two different bothers that happen during these walks.


First, when did people stop caring about their trees or bushes completely blocking the sidewalk?  Isn't this an HOA violation?  Doesn't the homeowner have some responsibility to allow a clear walkway on the city-installed sidewalk?  It's even more frustrating than the folks with 2/3 of their monster truck parked across the sidewalk/driveway overlap.

Second, when did people stop understanding the difference between bushes and trees?  Most trees are not intended to have branches from the bottom to the top of the trunk.  That's what we call a bush.  Trees should have a tree-like shape.  There are so many trees in our neighborhood that have not been maintained and now look like bushes.

Both of these situations frustrate me to such a point that I am seriously considering bringing garden shears with me on our walks.  Snip snip.  Now there is room to walk on the sidewalk.  Snip snip.  Now you have a tree again.  Snip snip.  You're welcome lazy homeowner.  I won't even send you a bill!


Song Of The Day:
There's plenty of songs about trees or walks out there, so I opted for one about cutting.  Gloria Estefan's song "Cuts Both Ways" is both a great tune and also sound like it could be describing my feelings about these tree/bush bothers.

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How Was Your 4th Of July ?

Around this Case household, the 4th of July has come to mean one set thing for the past five+ years: a day at the VGRA pool.  My wife has been the President of the Pool Board for this local community pool for most of that same time period, and has done a remarkable job leading the board and helping turn this pool around (but that's another story for another post).  On this day every year, the pool has a MASSIVE party, primarily for pool members.  The party has had a few elements change of the years, but one thing has been constant: it's just plain old good family fun!  There are relay and individual races (including watermelon pushing contests and wet t-shirt swimming [trust me, it's hard to swim in an over-sized wet t-shirt]).  There is also a series of "money dives" for different age groups (to make it more fair).  I'm grateful for the strong swimmers each of my kids are because they always do well in those money dives.  To be fair, almost always is the money re-invested in the pool itself by way of the snack bar, but the kids get to choose how to spend their money so it's all good.

There is also a very loosely facilitated water-balloon tossing "contest" which is depicted in the picture to the right.  Some people take it really seriously and get quite a great distance apart from one another before inevitably one of the pairing mishandles a catch and gets a balloon bath.  For others, that bath happens on the first toss.  No matter, as there are buckets full of water balloons to try again with.

As much of a challenge as it can be to watch over our 7 kids mostly by myself (remember Karen is busy running the grill or staffing the check in table or supporting the whole pool in some way), it always ends up being a very enjoyable way to spend most of our day.  I get a little swimming in and a little sun on my skin and usually a little time to read or just chat with other people.  We're usually too exhausted at day's end to go watch any fireworks, but the kids never seem to mind.


Song Of The Day:
I just love Brad Paisley's music and his song "Water" just fits nicely with the theme of this day's post.  One of the lyrics states "all you really need, this time of year ... is a place that's near: water"  Quite a bit of the fun at these pool parties involves things that aren't so much in the water as near the water.  Wise words song-writer, wise words.

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Who Is The Real Hero ?

One of my favorite stand-up comedians, featured in this blog before HERE if you want to see one of his routines, was Mitch Hedberg.  One of his more popular bits involves a description that goes roughly like this:
I have a belt that is holding my pants up.  But my pants have loops to hold the belt up.  I don't really know what is happening down there.

Who is the real hero?

It is with that symbiotic relationship of belt, belt loops, and pants in mind that I lead into today's post.

I believe that I am a pretty good person.  I live healthy (mostly).  I treat others kindly (mostly).  I strive to be a good husband and father.  I work hard (in my occupation and in other areas of my life).  I make people laugh (mostly on purpose).  I provide counsel and support to family, friends, and even near-strangers when occasion suggests it is appropriate.

It would be easy to look at all those things and have a sense of self-pride, or begin to feel a little higher than others.  It would be easy to credit myself for possessing and demonstrating those characteristics.  After all, I am me and nobody else can claim credit for my success.  They are MY successes.  I achieved them.  Yay me.

And yet ...

I am NOT the real hero.  I am not the secret behind the success.  I am not truly deserving of the credit for improvements I have made or consistency in my life.  That credit goes to the real hero.  That credit goes to the person who supports me publicly and in secret.  That credit is due to the person who quietly encourages my improvements and consistency.

It is my wife Karen who almost exclusively deserves that credit.

She is my reminder to live healthy and remain active.
She is my best example of treating others kindly.
She is the reason I know how to be a good husband and father.
She is supportive of me in all the hard work I do.
She is the one who laughs the most at my humor, and whose laugh I enjoy hearing the most.
She is my sounding board or practice patient for providing counsel and support to others.

I certainly recognize the hand of many others in this life and from the heavens who I owe a debt of gratitude to for their help as well.  But NONE of these had to choose to support me in the way she has.  NONE of these are called upon as often as I lean on her strength, wisdom, compassion, and belief in me.  I don't think I can ever really express my appreciation to her for this, but I'll enjoy spending eternity trying to do so.


Song Of the Day:
If you have ever heard the song "If She Only Knew" by Brett Raymond, I am impressed with your musical diversity.  The song is found on a CD titled Northern Voices - Faithful, which is a compilation of different artists.  But the actual singer deserves credit for this tune just like my wife deserves credit for any success I have or will achieve.  The tune itself could also easily be sung about her because what a catch she has been for me.

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Are You Ready For This ?

Today marked the last day of school for my kiddos for this school year.  This is an occurrence every year, and usually signals all sorts of upcoming events that I'm very excited about: backyard barbecues, Popsicles on the front lawn, trips to the swimming pool, little mini-vacations, and even working in the yard on family projects together.  Karen even has some great plans for a summer schedule to help keep the kids from either extreme (being sooooo bored or just playing video games and watching movies all day).  All in all, it should be a great summer vacation for everyone in the Case household.

But that's not what has me in a reflective mood.  It is what happens after this summer that has me nearly paralyzed with fears of inadequacy, both my own and that of my children.

Here are the BIG changes coming our way in early August:
- Josh Jr (our oldest) will begin High School.  Not only that, but he will also begin attending early morning seminary which starts before 6:00am.  I am NOT a morning person!  I think he will adjust just fine, but time certainly goes faster once they're labeled by school year names: Freshman.
- Ben (2nd oldest) will be in TWO different advanced classes (8th grade math and Honors English) in only his second year of middle school.  He's plenty smart enough, but I'm running out of things I can help him with when it comes to his homework!
- Brooklyn (our oldest girl) will begin Middle School.  She is ready for this, but I am NOT!  She's still my little girl but 6th grade brings with it the start of becoming a woman and I am NOT ready for her not to be my little girl any more!
- Savannah (our middle child) will now be our oldest, and therefore most relied upon, kid at the elementary school.  She's up to the task but watching out for her and her younger sister(s) (especially that crazy Catalina!) will be a challenging change for her.

Myra, who turns 4 this summer

- Myra (our youngest daughter) will begin attending pre-school.  This would be just exciting except that she is still not 100% potty trained, which always fills parents' heads with trepidation about being judged as horrible parents.

As with anything else, I'll try not to worry too much about the changes until they get here, but the gloomy cloud of possible problems seems just a short ways down the horizon.  Wish us luck!


Song Of The Day:
I heard "The End Of Innocence" by Don Henley on the radio today and it just felt fitting for the post I had in mind.  It's probably more related to my oldest son and oldest daughter switching to completely new schools, but it also seems like the innocence of all my kiddos is disappearing so fast.  I'm really not sure I'm ready for this, but I guess I have to be.

How Can It NOT Be Included ?

I took the above photo while on a date night with my awesome wife at one of our favorite restaurants which serves delicious Chinese food.

Can you see the seemingly impossible combination here?

Hint:  Check today's blog post title.


Song Of The Day:
I'm one of those people who prefers to solve riddles on my own.  Madonna's song  "Don't Tell Me" isn't about riddles, but it fits here with this post because I'm not telling you what I find wrong with this picture.  But I'm sure you can easily see it anyway.

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What's Wrong With Stability ?

Asking her on a date.  Going on that first date.  A first kiss.  Contemplating a more "serious" relationship.  Picking, purchasing, and eventually paying off "the ring."  The proposal.  The wedding.  The honeymoon.  That first night together in your small apartment.  Decorating your first space together.  That first Sunday in your new ward.  That first positive pregnancy test.  That first pregnancy.  The first childbirth.  Holding your first newborn child.  Contemplating purchasing that first home.  Signing ALL those papers when you "buy" that first house.  That first night in your new home.

There are lots of firsts that may also be lasts if you think about it.  In fact, in many ways related to finding "the one" isn't your very hope that this could be the last first whatever-it-is?

When you are as fortunate as I am to have shared so many of life's firsts with your true love, gratitude for that person and all the blessings they have brought you in your amazing life is the only reasonable reaction.

I fear that in the world today, so many people of all ages are seeking for the new and the exciting.  The freshest experiences, the latest fads and trends, the recently created concoctions are all so important and perhaps, finally, happiness and joy will come with whatever it is.  But people ... you are totally missing it!  The real joy, the real peace, happiness, and contentment in this life comes from something so many people seem terrified of finding, even as they desperately seek after it: STABILITY.

Firsts are fun, but firsts are fleeting.  Euphoric energy quickly dissipates to neediness for the next high.  This is true for more than substances or beverages, as it can be applied to anything that anyone desires.  There is untold value and comfort in consistency, familiarity, and stability.  I hope everyone can learn this and find theirs.  I am forever grateful that I did!


Song Of The Day:
Today is the 16th anniversary of my wedding to the best blessing in my life.  I am so grateful that she agreed to be my eternal companion.  She is proof that it's "Not A Bad Thing" to fall in love.  This recent song by Justin Timberlake (presumably about his wife) feels perfect for today's post.  And here's a cover of that same song by the great a Capella artist Mike Tompkins.  The video is worth your 5 minutes of time too!

Karen, I love you so much!  Happy anniversary!  Thanks for everything!

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When Did This Happen ?

Yesterday my oldest son was joking around with my wife and he climbed up in her lap, as if to act like a little baby.
Only he's clearly not so "little" any longer!
I think Karen quickly regretted his decision to effectively squish her, but I know she remembers holding him shortly after giving birth to him as though it were yesterday.

I am quite proud of the young man my oldest son is becoming / has turned out to be.  Sure he has his moments of malice or moodiness, but overall he is a very good example of what a young man and future adult should be.
In fact, the oldest daughter from one of our "friend families" recently commented that she could tell he was being raised up right ... if he were a few years older ... and then they commentary trailed off (but you could tell it was a reference to his dateability).


Song Of The Day:
It only seems appropriate for a Boyz II Men tune, since my oldest is clearly making that progression very quickly.  Their earliest BIG hit was titled "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" and seemed to be played at every high school graduation for years after its release.  It has also become a standard of a Capella music.  Great tune for a great young man!

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Are You Emotionally Attached To Your Car ?

Recently I was looking through old photos on our home computer, specifically those I had uploaded from my phone.  I came across the one at the left and it took me a few minutes to remember why I had taken it.

Then I remembered the conversation with one of my kids (I forget which one it was at the time) from this past autumn.  Whoever it was, said that our cars (Karen drives our minivan and I drive our compact car) were "dent buddies."  I didn't know there was such a thing, but the comment led me to snapping this photo, which led me today to think back on that animated short about "Susie The Little Blue Coupe."

If you've never seen the short, take a few minutes and watch it HERE.

I remembered seeing this for the first time long before I was able to drive a car myself.  And I remembered how I felt seeing the car go from new to old to unloved and then finally back to being loved again by her new owner.  At the time, I was just happy for little Susie, but now, I actually have an additional appreciation for this animation.  I'm quite attached to my car, and we've recently found out just how attached Karen is to her minivan (long story there ... maybe a future blog post).  I've driven Jazzmine (yes, that's her name) around for almost 17 years.  That's a lot of time together.  Over 170,000 miles if you prefer to measure it in distance.

So in honor of my first car (I bought her myself, all the others were borrowed or gifts), I present today's Song Of The Day which is "Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone" by Glass Tiger.  I am not sure how much more Jazz and I will be able to hang out together, but I know I won't forget her when it's time to finally say goodbye.

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9 - Why Did You Start Blogging ?

From the Facebook post little known facts about Josh Case Sr:

9 - I only started Blogging to support my wife with her goal to blog every day for a year.

My wife prefers to spend time with me (which is still odd to me because I don't think I'm anything special to hang out with, but ...) it makes her happy.  Many years ago, she decided she wanted to blog daily, but quickly realized she would have to do this in the evenings after the kids go to bed.  That had become our only real time to hang out as a couple, so she was torn between these goals.  So I started blogging as a sort of "two birds with one stone" kind of solution.  Little did I know that I would enjoy it so much (most of the time anyway) and that it would continue for so long.


Song Of The Day:
One of my favorite 80's songs is "Stuck With You" by Huey Lewis and the News.  I can't say that the lyrics apply to my relationship with Karen, other than the happy to be stuck with you portions.  I don't think we've thought about giving up (although I think that applies to blogging for sure!) but it's too good of a song NOT to use it!

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5 - How Long Did You Date ?

From the Facebook post little known facts about Josh Case Sr:

5 - I proposed to my wife less than 2 months after we first met.

Here's the deets:
We met (at a church dance) on December 17th, 1997.
We were engaged to be married on February 15th, 1998.

Basically from that first night we met I was 99% convinced I was going to marry her.  Oddly enough, it still took a while before I kissed her (I'm a shy "first kiss" kind of guy).  Also of note, I would have actually proposed to her sooner but she was in Europe for the 3 weeks right beforehand.

I mention this because the world will tell you that there is a certain timeframe you should adhere to when considering marriage.  Even I had a goal, written in my missionary journal, to NOT get married or even date anyone seriously for the first year after my mission.  I did not achieve that goal (returned from my mission on November 5th, 1997; Karen and I were sealed for time and all eternity on May 2nd, 1998) ... BUT ... I would argue that 15+ years of a wonderful marriage later proves my "there is no set timetable" point.

I would caution though, that marriage is a LOT of work and so you'd better do your homework before you make such a monumental commitment.  You'd better make sure your future spouse is willing to work at the marriage with you.  To this day, I am convinced that Karen and I squeezed a year or more of typical dating and courtship activities into those 5 1/2 months from first meeting to eternal marriage in the Denver Temple.  And we still work at our marriage every singly day!


Song Of The Day:
Sometimes you just know and that was the case with my sweet wife Karen.  In a much lesser way, you can also just know the first time you hear a song that you LOVE IT.  That was the case with "Unconditionally" by Katy Perry.  I have probably already listened to it over 100 times and I just like it more each and every time.  Lyrically.  The melody and harmony.  The thumping drum beats.  If you haven't heard it already I really hope you like it!

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You Walked To Where ?

My wife and I have been taking advantage of the warm weather all summer long by going on walks in the evening hours.  We are unable to go every day, but at least 3 times a week we have left our children under the watchful care of Josh Jr (13 years old and a darn good "babysitter") and headed out for some exercise and alone time as a couple.

The conversations we engage in have taken many forms and the walks vary in distance, but we are always refreshed and renewed afterward.  More often than not, Karen decides the route and the length of the walk.  About a week ago, we decided to walk to YoYogurt (off Powers and Stetson Hills for those in Colorado Springs).  This was the longest walk we've ever gone on, but it was great!  I know Karen's legs were exhausted after the looooong walk, but it was broken up nicely with a huge cup of frozen yogurt delight.

Methinks we will walk this route again when the rainy weather slows again.



Our house (B) to YoYogurt (A) is 1.9 miles ...
so pretty much a 4-mile round-trip walk

Song Of The Day:
Another day, another rainstorm that saturated my new sod.  :)  And in honor of this, please enjoy the classic Eurythmics tune "Here Comes The Rain Again"  Although the tune is melancholy, I was nothing but HAPPY that the rain came again!

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What Is That Game Galled ?

My wife had a birthday a few days ago, which used to mean a birthday party would be held at our home in the next 7-10 days.  But Karen and I agree that we are not big fans of adult birthday parties any more (there's no set age for this, it just felt right to stop for both of us).

Instead, Karen really wanted to have adult family members over to play some large group games and just hang out (no kids allowed).  I was able to coordinate this and tonight we had about 9 adults in our living room and Karen really enjoyed herself.

We played a game we call Shenanigans (I have blogged about it before if you want more details).  And then after a few people had to leave we played another game which we called "Psychiatrist" but I'm not sure what it's actual name is.
The premise is that one person is "it" and they leave the room.  The remaining players decide on a certain theme or ailment they all suffer from (examples from our game would be: every answer includes a number ... or ... everyone will look at the bird cage at some point during their answer ... or ... all answers must include a euphemism for using the bathroom or a toilet reference of some kind).  The "it" person, or Psychiatrist, then re-enters the room and begins questioning his clients to try and identify that common ailment or characteristic.

It is a great game, but some people just do not seem to know how to play it very well.  I suppose it requires a certain level of creativity on the part of the individuals in the group, but after a few rounds I would have guessed that people would get a little better.  Some just didn't.  But then, that probably made it more amusing!


Song Of The Day:
I am certain my cousin Matt, who is a huge Queen fan, will love today's song more than most.  "Play The Game" is referring to love, but the lyrics talk about knowing the rules and finding joy in playing the game, which we certainly did!

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A, B, C, or D ?

That was what my wife responded with shortly after I asked her the inevitable question "What do you wanna do tonight?"

I chose "C" ... which led to a viewing of probably my favorite romantic comedy of all time: Two Weeks Notice.  The movie stars Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock, and their chemistry throughout the film is just so enjoyable.  But the best part are Hugh Grants' character's lines.  His character is unintentonally pompous but is also so witty with such a dry sense of humor that I just love hearing his commentary on the different situations he finds himself in.  The BEST example of his character and his BEST line in the movie is depicted in the image below.

After a challenging day for both Karen and I, this old favorite movie ended up being just the right medicine for easing away tension and stress.
And the Song Of The Day is from the soundtrack to that movie.

"Love Is A Beautiful Thing" by the amazing Al Green seems as though it was written specifically for this film.  The lyrics, the catchy rhythm, and even the video itself speak of the power that love has to change everything.  I hope you enjoy it as much as Al himself seems to be enjoying it in the video!

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What Do You Think Of The New Master Bedroom ?

I've already blogged about my "To Do List" while I was a temporary bachelor.  But as yet, I was unable to share photos of the main project on that list: painting our master bedroom.

Karen hasn't really been after me to get the room painted, but we've been in the home for over three years now and have lived with a green wall speckled with gold-leaf like foil spots, off-set with white walls filled with holes from nails and screws.

Bottom line: It was time for a change.

So herewith are the pictures, before and after as best as I could manage.  I can post them tonight and then will wait a few days to post the blog and link to Facebook (since Karen gets home tomorrow evening and I want her to see it first).

The BEFORE Pictures

 

Bay window (plain white before)

Northeast corner (green with gold speckles before)



Northwest corner (white before)



Southwest corner (white before)
(You can see our small patch of test color choices)

The green and gold wall
(AFTER covering with two coats of white paint)

The AFTER Pictures

 

Northeast corner AFTER

Northwest corner AFTER

Southwest corner AFTER

Southeast corner AFTER
(I was unable to get the same angled
picture of the bay window after the
painting because of the sunlight)

I do not have pictures of the new room set-up, but the bed is now framed by the bay window, where it was against the green and gold speckled (flaky) wall before.  The new layout is much more open and feels like we have a LOT more space (we even have a reading chair in the room now!)  If you want to see it, come on by!  I'd be happy to show it off (especially the perfect tape lines between walls!)  :)


Song Of The Day:
I truly love my sweet wife and have missed her while she has been gone this past week. It was easier to paint with her and the kiddos gone, but I thought of her (and her anticipated reaction) while I spent many hours painting, taping, re-painting, touching up, and then rearranging the room.
To my Pretty Lady, it is true that I would do "Anything For You" (even though Gloria Estefan's song by the same name is more about lost love, the title certainly applies here!)

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I Love The "Flour" Girl ?

Parenting offers moments of frustration and moments of fun.  Occasionally, these two opposite experiences come together in one glorious teaching moment.  Today included one of those moments for my wife Karen.

A little background to provide some context ...
My oldest daughter Brooklyn (9, at the time of this post) is a great kid.  She is often helpful for no reason and for the past year plus she has taken on the responsibility of showering herself and her three younger sisters at least twice a week.  This has been a learning experience for everyone involved, mostly centered around the proper way to minimize the length of time and hot water being used for these shower times.  This lesson has not been learned very well, despite countless approaches including ringing alarms, timers, parental reminders from outside the shower, and even more hands on support from my wife.

Now I bring you to this afternoon, when Karen doused Brooklyn with flour (while she was showering for too long) to teach her a lesson about being quicker.

This did not come without multiple warnings over the last month.  It should not have been as unexpected as it was to my oldest daughter.  It probably should not have elicited quite as much joy for my wife.  But ... all in all, the message has been received and I expect the showers to be much, much more time-appropriate going forward.

When I got home from work today, I sang the chorus of the Song Of The Day to my daughter because I Love The Flower Girl.  The name of this tune is actually "The Rain, The Park and Other Things" and was originally recorded by The Cowsills and I enjoyed hearing it again recently when I watched Dumb and Dumber with my older boys.  Needless to say, Brooklyn was NOT a fan today when I serenaded her with this tune.  But I know it made my wife smile.

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How Was Your Mother's Day ?

I think it is terribly wrong that Mother's Day always comes before Father's Day.  Of course there is nothing that can be done to change it, but every year it bothers me a little more.

Husbands are left to 'set the bar' for pampering of wives and mothers on their one holiday of the year.  Obviously they deserve much more than we husbands could ever do for them in one day, one week, or even one month.  But we try in vain every year.  We coordinate breakfast in bed and delivery of gifts and handmade cards, or phone calls once the kids are away from the nest.  We try to make the day stress-free and keep 'mom' from having to do any cooking or cleaning or other, 'everyday' activities.

No matter what we do, mothers have the advantage.  If we failed miserably on their day, they have the right to fail equally as much the following month when dad's day rolls around.  They never do though.  Instead they go overboard to make sure we feel even more guilty for having planned and implemented our efforts so poorly.  If we deliver a virtually perfect day, mothers have the chance to perform the perfect 'do-over' where they eliminate the one thing that kept the day from being spotless.

It's just not fair!  :(

That said, I am one of the lucky ones because I married an awesome wife and mother.  Karen is both forgiving and supportive when it comes to Mother's Day.  She accepts whatever offering I make in praise to her awesomeness.  She doesn't rub it in (too much) when she makes Father's Day an actual perfect day (every dang year!)  She reminds me of what I should be doing to help her day be better during the day itself.

I love you Karen!  I am so grateful to you for your constant mothering of our whole family (myself included).  You never get a break.  You never get a day off (unless you're seriously sick, and even then you still never take more than a few hours for yourself).  You are always tired.  You are always working.  You are deserving of multiple mother's days each month.  Thank you for everything!

Song Of The Day:
My 'Pretty Lady' isn't known as "Karen" to very many people.  In fact, most of the day, every day, she is just mom, or mommy, or mama.  In the spirit of that reality, "Hey Mama" by Mat Kearney is the song for this Mother's Day.  Thanks for being the hot mama of our 7 wonderful children.  I love you so much!

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How Do I Love Thee ?

Today I celebrate 15 wonderful years of marriage with my sweetheart, Karen!

Our lives have changed so much in the decade and a half that we've been together, most of which has been change for the better.  Our family has expanded (and expanded and expanded) ... perhaps blossomed would sound better because it's not like we're fatties or anything ... to include 7 awesome kiddos.  We have moved through three different homes, and one just the right size for the time basement apartment.  Our sports cars (my old Trans Am) have been swapped out for mini-vans (and one BIG van).

But the biggest change has been our "us" time.

Karen and I strive diligently to find time for "us" but this gets more and more challenging as the kids grow older and we have more responsibilities placed on us as individuals.  Today was an appropriate example of the sacrifice that naturally comes to "us" time as the years progress on.

One of our daughters had her school program rescheduled for today, so we spent part of our afternoon watching her sing songs and say her part for the play.
Our oldest son also had his final band performance of the year scheduled for this evening, so we enjoyed two hours of middle-school music as our evening appetizer.

And my awesome wife didn't complain about either unromantic activity.  She may have lamented the timing of these events, but she found a way to be happy about how our "us" time often includes children nowadays.

And that's just one of many ways that I love her more now than I did before.  Love definitely grows over time and I can see that happening in our relationship ... which is pretty cool.  As circumstances change you can find yourself with a different person than you think you started out with, but that's just another side of the same person that you get to love and appreciate.

Thanks for coming with me on this incredible journey Pretty Lady!  I love you so very much!  :)

Song(s) Of The Day:
No need for explanation on these songs for today.  Just a handful of them that I love and want to share because they remind me of my wonderful wife!

"Silly Love Songs" by Wings

"For You" by Michael W Smith

"Just When I Needed You" by The Nylons

"Then" by Brad Paisley

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What Took Us So Long ?

I have no idea why we haven't bought new towels for us (Karen and I) for several years now ... but these new ones are soooooooo nice!

Our new towels.  They're PURPLE !!!

What I think I am most excited about is that we are going to actually update our color scheme and bedding and drapes, etc. in our master bedroom.  After some discussion on the topic, Karen and I agreed that we deserve to actually have a sort of theme for our master suite (bedroom, bathroom, etc.)  It is fitting that (with our 15th anniversary coming up) we have finally agreed to turn our master suite into a real sanctuary from the rest of our living space in our home.  We've decided on paint colors and Karen is planning to customer make our window coverings.  We'll search online and in stores for the right tint of purple for our bedset and hopefully have it all done by the end of the year (that might seem like a long time but that's pretty quick turnaround for us on this kind of thing).

Song Of The Day:
The artist formerly known as Prince (and now known by that name again I think) is NOT the inspiration for our color scheme decision ... but ... it would seem like sacriledge not to make his tune "Purple Rain" the song for this post.  :)

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Guys, Is It A Party Upstairs ?

While finishing dinner at the table this evening with my beautiful wife Karen, our youngest daughter Myra was watching some show on Karen's iPad.  She was mesmerized with the show.  So we decided to conduct an experiment.

I offered her some candy.  I offered to take her to the store.  I asked her if she wanted to go get ice cream.  I told her I was going to have to throw away all her toys.  I made up a short story about an elephant trying to teach a monkey to fly.

No reaction from her whatsoever.

Then Catalina came upstairs to get a drink of water.  She saw Myra watching a show on the iPad and stopped next to her for a minute.  Then two minutes.  Then five minutes.  And then ten minutes had passed.  She got caught in the same gravitational pull of Netflix (I think that's what they were watching).

So I conducted the same experiment with her as I had with Myra.  Not so oddly, the results were exactly the same.  I even offered her money and to go bowling (which is something she always asks to do).

Nothing!

Another 5 minutes passed and then her older brother Ben and older sister Brooklyn came up the stairs.  They both eventually made their way to the iPad and got sucked into the same black hole.  After another minute, Cat was finally able to step away from the screen.  I pulled her in for a hug and told her all the "offers" I had made to get her away from the screen.  The shocked look on her face was priceless.

And then, as she headed downstairs to watch a movie, she shouted back toward her brother and sisters (who were still huddled around the iPad) ... "Guys!  Is it a party upstairs?!" ... like she hadn't just been captivated for half an hour!

Karen and I did not stop laughing for a long, long time!

Song Of The Day:
The words of the song might not be related to the post, but "Look Away" by Chicago came to mind as I struggled to get ANY of my children to look away from the iPad.  It's a great song regardless of the seemingly random use in this post!

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Could We Finally Get ONE Good Sunset Picture ?!

One of the things Karen and I have struggled with, in all of our many vacations, is getting a good picture of the two of us with a nice sunset in the background.

We tried on our cruise last February.  Each night got more cloudy.

We tried on our cruise in September.  A variety of circumstances kept us from being on the right deck with a view of the sunset on each night (other people, late dinner time, exhaustion, good movies / entertainment, etc.)

Our trip, as a family, to Thermopolis, WY, also ended without a sunset photo.

And that's just in 2012!

This has become more of a quest than just a punch line or inside joke.

But last night we actually got a few very good photos with an amazing sunset over the ocean in the Gulf of Mexico.  It took a near miracle and some aggressive driving by my buddy Kevin, but we got it done!  Finally!



Our faces might not be as clear as I'd like ...
but this is still a very good picture I think!

Amy & Kevin (and Ethan)
plus
Josh & Karen (and Spencer)

Song of the Day:
An apropos song if there ever was one, "At Last" by Etta James is THE song for today!  Just a perfect title for 'the wait finally being over'.

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