This is what happens . . .

. . . when TheAnnabelle manages to sneak into the office when TheHusband isn't home.

She decides that she needs to sit in TheHusband's desk chair. She'll even fight to stay there. Who knew purple and gold could be so comfy?!

(If TheHusband is home and she sneaks in, she usually heads for the closet or the far corner.)

On this date nine years ago. . .

I was going to do a list of things that have happened on this date, but after reading through a list of truly horrible things and a list of truly trivial things I decided to just post about the most important thing that happened to me on this date. (Selfish, I know).

On this date nine years ago, TheHusband officially became TheHusband. That's right! Today is our ninth anniversary. And while we've had our ups and downs (and surely there are more of both to come) I couldn't be happier that I married my very best friend, the person who knows all my deep dark secrets and loves me anyway, and the person God intended for me to marry. I realize that not everyone gets that lucky and I'm ever so grateful that I was.

In honor of this day, here are the vows we said to each other nine years ago:

Today I join my life to yours.
From this day on, I will be your partner and companion
for you are my dearest love and my best friend.
I look forward to the joy we will find
in our separate and shared successes.
I welcome the challenges that we will encounter,
for I know that we will face them together.
I will listen to you when you speak
encourage you in times of doubt,
comfort you in times of sorrow,
and be a refuge of strength for you in times of uncertainty.
I will be faithful to you all of my days,
will cherish and adore you every moment of my life,
and strive to be the wife/husband God has called me to be.
This is my solemn vow.

I love you my dear husband. *head bump*

More signs of spring/summer.

While on my way to work this morning I was blessed to see a small family of geese (not the ones in the picture, which was not taken by me). The little goslings were busy looking for bugs (I presume) in the grass, while mama and papa were standing guard.

I do believe that spring is finally here to stay. At least until summer moves in.

This is what happens . . .

. . . when a certain kitty, TheDexter, tries to take a nap away from his sister.

He forgets to tuck his tail in sometimes.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms I know!

Grandma Drewlow & Mom
(May 2006)

Especially to my Mom & Grandma. Love you!

Late Bloomer

I was starting to think we would be staring at a dead tree all summer, but it turns out that this tree is just a late bloomer.

signs of life

just a late bloomer

           

Pork Diane with Baked Sweet Potatoes

There's been some life changing health news this week in the ATC household. Don't worry, nobody's dying and nobody's pregnant, BUT we are going to be making some changes in the ATC kitchen. Those changes mean we'll be trying new foods/recipes and making adjustments to some old favorites.

This week we tried out a couple new recipes and you all get a front row seat to see how we liked them. That's right this week you get TWO recipes for the price of one. Which means I better get started on sharing the directions.

Mood Alert!

Yup, this is exactly how I feel right now.

This is what happens . . .

. . . when Spring finally comes out for a day!

60 degrees? Is it possible?

AC, engaged!

Leaf buds pop!

Ohhhh, look at them go POP! POP! POP!

Can you tell that I was so happy to see blue skies yesterday? After several days of rainy, grey skies my spirit needed yesterday. Here's hoping that today is more of the same!

I hope you have blue skies where ever you are today!

The Death of Osama bin Laden

Last night President Barack Obama announced to the nation and the world that U.S. forces had killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Today, I am filled with mixed emotions about this news.

First, I am relieved that justice finally caught up to this man. Justice for the 3000+ people who died on that tragic day almost 10 years ago. Justice for the survivors, whose lives were forever changed. Justice for the tens of thousands of people who lost friends and family members.

Second, I am disheartened in the knowledge that this man's death does not end the conflict. Our troops are not coming home to be reunited with their families. The extremists are not going to end their attacks on U.S. citizens or the citizens of those countries supportive of the U.S.. More brave men and women will die because bin Laden is just as dangerous now, as a martyr, as he was when he was alive.

Third, I am fearful. Fearful of what this means for the future of our country. Fearful of how the retaliation will come, because it will come. Fearful of how politicians will spin this for political benefit.

Finally, and what I feel most, I am saddened that the celebrations which spontaneously erupted after the announcement seemed to be based more on peoples satisfaction that revenge had been served rather than focused on justice being served. There is a great difference. The tone of many comments I have heard or read today has been that of gloating and I am reminded of Proverbs 24:17. I take no joy in this man's death. This post, No Pleasure in the Death of the Wicked, (which TheHusband found) sums up my feelings much better than I could have.

And so, at the end of the day, I am left feeling empty about this man's death.