Finger Lickin' Good

I had a birthday this week. I came home from church to my daughter's, Spencer and my mom cooking a sumputous meal (poached salmon, baked potaoes, strawberry mango salad, homemade french onion soup, (YUM thanks Spence) and German Chocolate Cake made from scratch YUMMMMIIEE!! Avery was so excited about having a birthday party she REALLY wanted to help. So she volunteered to help blow out the candles

and pass out the cake to everyone.
Of course, she had to taste each piece before she handed it over!

I've decided my house looks a little tired so I asked for some new light fixtures for my birthday. So far Barry and I have only gotten one of the three hung. We are waiting for Ben to come and tackle the harder ones. But it's still such a boost to get a change.

A Man For All Seasons

I remember having a conversation with Ben awhile ago. Someone had told him that it was wise to date someone all four season's before you married them. Their rationale was that there is a lot that can change with each season; moods, interests, hobbies, etc. and it's best to know those things up front. Well, I'm way passed the need to find a marriage companion but I've have come to the point in my life where I can mark it by "Seasons" and I can see an analogy of finding someone for your life's partner that could endure all the season's of your life together.

Spring..the growing season, the newness of being together, of having young children, finding a path, starting traditions...

Summer...The kids all at home, the noise, the laughter, the heat of the moments, youthfulness...

Fall...the harvest, the lesson's bearing fruit, thankfulness, kid's departing on their chosen paths...

Winter...the newness of being together, of having young children in our lives again, of redefining ourselves.

I have found it to be true, you can find out a lot about someone with every season's change. I've learned that Barry would do anything for me or his kids. Barry has always been willing to make personal sacrifices ( sole exception being that little black Camero!!!) of time, money, energy so that we could have comfortable, joy filled lives. I've learned that he is a man with unparalleled integrity. I never doubt his sincerity or honesty. In the moments when no one else would know otherwise, I find him on his knees in prayer or reading the scriptures. I've learned that there is no greater joy that he receives in this life than being with his family. He is incredibly proud of each one of them. There is no man that has ever enjoyed his grand kids more than Barry. The look in those little people's eyes when they see their grandpa is a testament to his love for them. I've learned through this horrible illness my father has gone through, the capacity of Barry's devotion and love and his kindness, his incredible kindness. I love to just be together. I get flowers, just because. If he could, he would deny me nothing. How could I have known the measure of this man when I chose him all those years ago? The seasons of our lives have revealed truly a man for ALL season's and I couldn't be more grateful. Happy Father's Day, sweetheart.