While discussing a certain best-selling “erotic” literary trilogy:
“You know those books started out as Twilight fan fiction? Twilight fan fiction!”
“At least she finished writing them. Bam!”
“Shut up. Honestly, she just took Twilight and threw some S&M stuff in there. Ugh. Makes me want to kill someone.”
“You do know the ‘M’ in ‘S&M’ stands for masochism, not murder, right?”
Filed under humor, marriage, relationship, scene from a marriage
Song Lyric of the Day:
Tell me one more time / What is this thing called love / I’m not quite sure / As to what is going down / But I’m feelin’ hunky dory / ‘Bout this thing that I found
Heavy D & the Boyz / “Now That We Found Love“
Fifteen years ago today, on an unusually cold and snowy April day in Knoxville, Rich and I tied the knot. I could write something sappy, deep, and meaningful, but I’ve already taken care of that in years past.
This year, I will simply thank Rich for being my best friend through thick and thin, for being with me through all the ups and downs, the highs and the lows, and for being the best dad possible to our own little Curly Sue. I love you, honey!
This is what you look like when you wake up one day and realize you’ve been married for 15 years.
Filed under anniversary, marriage, personal, wedding anniversary
After driving out of our neighborhood on the way to day care:
“Oh my God! I forgot my phone!”
“Really? You never forget that.”
“It’s OK. I can go home at lunchtime to get it.”
A few blocks from day care:
“Oh my God! I left my work laptop at home!”
“Are you OK?”
“Ugh. I’ll drop you off at work then go home to get it.”
A few blocks from work:
“Oh my God! I forgot my wallet! It’s still in my camera bag from Coraline’s ballet class last night.”
“What is going on with you? You’re like me, but on crack.”
As he’s getting out of the car and looking through his backpack:
“Aw, crap! I left my wallet in the garage!”
Laughing my ass off:
“Oh my God! We’re senile!”
Filed under humor, marriage, relationship, scene from a marriage
Song Lyric of the Day:
High on a mountain top / We live, we love, and we laugh a lot / Folks up here know what they got / High on a mountain top
Loretta Lynn / “High On a Mountain Top“
Last summer our friends hosted a party at their family’s mountain house, and since then Coraline has been obsessed with the idea of a “mountain party.” So you can imagine her delight when Rich decided to rent that same house for his 40th birthday party this past weekend. Friday night we hosted family, and Saturday night we hosted friends. We were running late both nights (maybe my fault as I put the pro in procrastination), but we managed to pull off a pretty great party each time.
Friday I made herb-crusted pork tenderloin, roasted garlic-ranch potatoes, salad, and my patented garlic rolls for a sit-down family dinner. Saturday night I made some of my better appetizers/finger foods (per Rich’s special request), while friends brought some sides and sweets. I stayed primarily indoors Saturday night instead of hanging outside by the bonfire since I was having too much fun gabbing with friends (while keeping an eye on Coraline) to head out into the cold.
Sunday turned out to be an unusually warm day, so for our last day at the cabin we enjoyed a nice bike ride, then walked to a nearby family-style restaurant for breakfast. I am still kicking myself for not grabbing my camera like I planned, since I thought, “Oh, it’s such a short walk and it’s only breakfast.” Which is why when we saw the bald eagle that had just flown over our cabin perched in a tree on the way to the restaurant I only had my phone handy to take pictures. Always take your camera, Pattie: I KNOW this. Ugh.
The best shot of the wild bald eagle I could get with my camera phone.
What I loved most about staying at the cabin was the quiet. Even though we were close to the main drag, it was so quiet most of the time that you could hear a pin drop. It was glorious. And it was a perfect setting in which to host family and friends. It means a lot to us that so many people took the time to head out there to celebrate my old man getting officially older.
All in all, I think Rich had a great time celebrating the big 4-0 this year. I know I (and Coraline) certainly enjoyed helping him usher in a new year.
Coraline helps Rich finish off the mandarin orange cake I made for his birthday.
You can see some pictures from Rich’s long birthday weekend here.
Filed under birthday, family, marriage, personal, relationship
Today is Rich’s birthday, the 17th one I’ve celebrated with him. And it’s a biggie: his 40th. While I think I said everything there was to say last year, I still want to wish him all the happiness in the world and that all his birthday wishes come true. He’s my best friend, a fantastic father to Coraline, and the best husband I could ask for. Here’s to many more happy birthdays to you, my love.
Rich with a statue Coraline calls the Penguin of Death.
Making homemade play dough together
Coraline and her poppa laughing it up
Our little family
While opening Christmas stockings:
“Nickels? Two rolls of nickels?”
“I’m not very good at the stocking thing yet.”
“Clearly.”
Filed under humor, marriage, relationship, scene from a marriage
“And then we watched some Monsters vs. Aliens.”
“What?! Oh my God, I can’t believe you let her watch that!”
“Why not? She loves it.”
“Because it’s violent and scary, that’s why. Wait, that’s not right, is it?”
“Good grief. You’re thinking of Alien vs. Predator.”
“Oh. Yeah, I am. Whoops. Wrong movie.”
“Puh-leez. If I were going to have Coraline watch an action movie, it would at least be a good one.”
Filed under humor, marriage, relationship, scene from a marriage
After my pinky toe PIP reduction follow-up appointment:
“Want to see a picture? Look!”
Noticeably paling: “And this little piggy went ‘bleccccccch.'”
Filed under humor, marriage, relationship, scene from a marriage
“Why does my puppy’s breath smell like a humidor?”
Gasping: “My cigar!”
“Your cigar?”
“I was smoking a cigar outside and tucked the unfinished part in the windowsill.”
“The puppy-level windowsill?”
“Yeah.”
“Didn’t think that one out, did you?”
*Believe it or not, this was Caleb, NOT Troubadour.
Filed under humor, marriage, relationship, scene from a marriage
After explaining to Coraline what a submarine is:
“You know, I’ve been on a submarine.”
“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at Disney World doesn’t count.”
“Dammit.”
“I know how you think, boy.”
Filed under humor, marriage, relationship, scene from a marriage
