6 Things I Love

1. Gary, of course! Aw, look how handsome he is! I have loved Gary since our very first date when he opened every door for me, offered me his arm whenever we walked anywhere, and laughed when I spilled his fries in the planter in front of the ASB. I knew I was going to marry him New Years Eve 2000. I had gone home to California for Christmas and New Years, undecided as to what to do about Gary. On New Years Eve, I opened the door to see Gary standing there with two of our best friends. He had driven all the way to CA to surprise me and be with me for New Years. We've been inseparable ever since. He is calm and level-headed, which I knew I always needed. And he is fun and romantic which I knew I always wanted. He lets me (and sometimes makes me) talk until the wee hours of the morning and always makes everything all better. He never judges me, except when he judges me to be better than I actually am. :) He's the kind of Dad who gets tackled and tickled by the boys as soon as he gets home and wrestles with them while I finish dinner. He gives the best, biggest hugs. He is the kind of husband who would, and has, worked four different jobs at one time to provide for our growing (not currently) family so I could be home with the boys. He is in the process of getting his Masters. I'm so proud of him. So yeah. . .in conlcusion, I love Gary. :)
2. I love these four little fellas right there. Andrew is fun and observant and protective of his little brothers. Ryan is silly and compassionate and protective of. . . me. Benjamin is adventurous and cuddly and hilarious. Spencer is happy and patient and sweet. These boys are so creative. It is rare to have toy be used for its original purpose around here. Give 'em a roll of tape, toothpicks, straws, toilet paper rolls, and. . . dirt, and they're set for days. They all still love to "hold me" which I absolutely love. They make me happy when I'm sad and happier when I'm happy. I love my boys!
3. I love my parents. I was with them this last weekend and they're just the best! They work so hard and have such strong convictions and they never waver. I always leave them feeling reenergized and ready to take on anything. I've seen them do it and it helps me know that I can too.

4. I love creamy milk chocolate weight loss shakes from Costco. Whoa!! Before you freak out about the "weight loss" part. . .1st- you haven't seen me this week, 2nd- they're delicious!! If you've ever wondered what it would taste like to drink liquid Coco Puffs- here's your answer! They're great breakfasts on those busy mornings or a smart snack when I'd rather eat cookies-lots of cookies. But, I also love to keep one in the fridge and take little sips of heaven throughout the day.


5. I love to read. Sure, most people do and I'm not saying I love it more than you do. I think many people would say they love it more than anyone else in the world does, and I just can't compete with that. But, I can say that I love to read so much that I force myself not to. :) Strange? Yes. I only let myself read an actual novel-ish book every couple of years or more because reading is all I want to do once I start. In junior high and high school, I would come home, change into my awesome pajamas, and read until dinner- that is, if I didn't have to work at Baskin-stinkin-Robbins after school. I recently read a series of books (you can probably guess which ones) and I now have to take a good two-year break. You will be missed, my books, you will be missed.

(Now, if I could control myself and have some self-discipline and just read as something to do on the side, I'd read all the time. But, it's just not possible at this time. I love going into "that world" too much to have it be a-few-minutes-a-day sort of activity.)

6. Speaking of awesome pajamas- I love pajamas. I don't wear them as much as I used to, as in, all the time. It's not that I don't crave pj's all day, but I just don't have time to change into them. And it's the strangest thing, but sometimes I even feel like a bum. Maybe that's because my pj's aren't as cute as they used to be, like the famous ones my Mom made us every year for Christmas. These days, they're bleached, holey pj pants and one of Gary's old shirts from high school ( that have somehow magically survived years of abuse and washings.) But, there's nothing like changing into soft, comfy pajamas after a long day, or in the middle of it!

Thanks for the tag, Linds! Now, I tag all ya'll- I mean it- don't be shy! You know you want to! What are you waiting for? Here I come to your blog to check. . .