Happy Birthday, Aleece!
I talk routinely about my personal blog webmaster, Aleece. A better word for her would be ‘friend.’ And today is her birthday.
I am grateful for this woman every day. My life is richer in so many ways because of her presence. My friendship with her is one of those lovely relationships in which I know that we’ll be friends forever. We are joined together with this unseen bond that expands and contracts effortlessly.
Aleece makes me a better person in this global community. She always has. She sees things differently than I do, and on so very many occasions, she has shown me new ways of thinking, of approaching a situation. I’m sure that every time I do something good for the environment or the planet, it’s because of her. I’m quite sure that when I think of people in far away places and take some serious time to consider them as being just like me, with the same needs and wants and basic humanity as me, it’s because of her.
As I look around my house, I see pieces of Aleece in every room. Her art is a blessing to me in ways unspoken. Sure, it’s beautiful. She creates amazing images. But for me, there is warmth in each piece because there is warmth in the way in which I think of her.
She painted this huge fish on a tapestry, and I loved that fish. I offered to buy it years and years ago, but at the time, I couldn’t really afford the price. Days after I told her to go ahead and sell it to someone else, I walked into my house and discovered the fish waiting for me… complete with the proper hanging materials.
When we moved, one of the first things I did was hang the fish. I’m pretty sure that if the house were to catch fire, after I made sure the kids were outside and safe, the fish painting would be what I would go back into the house to save. Wherever we are, once the fish is on the wall, we are home. In so many ways, I will always have a ‘home’ feeling connected to Aleece.
I am perpetually impressed with her… grace under pressure, willingness to try something new, ability to see the possibilities, unwavering love.
So, my prayer today is for a day as remarkable as she is.
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Happy Birthday, Mandy!
Today is my Mandy’s birthday. I’ve always enjoyed having Mandy’s birthday the day before mine, but this year, it’s extra special.
Mandy’s been sick this year, struggling with hospital visits and physical weakness and all manner of other things since her diagnosis with MS earlier in 2009. At various points, I wasn’t sure if she would be with us for her birthday… or would understand what was going on for her birthday.
Thankfully, neither of those unpleasant options are what Mandy’s birthday is this year. In the last week, it’s as if Mandy has come alive again, moving better, speaking better, being generally more alert and aware. She’s done really well in PT and went on a short road trip with Josh to pick out Easter dresses for herself and their toddler, Olivia.
I don’t know if Mandy’s enjoying her birthday or not, but I know that her doing better is an amazing birthday present for me.
She is strong and principled and loyal and determined. She is the ultimate champion of the underdog, of the overlooked. I am always humbled by her strength and work ethic, by her fierce protection of those she loves. I am honored to be among those she calls ‘friend.’
Happy birthday, Mandy Lou.
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Menu Plan Monday
Every so often, I decide to see how many meals I can make without going to the store… everything has to come from the pantry, fridge or freezer. It’s usually a creative week, to say the least, but it’s also a good opportunity to weed through some of the things I’d forgotten about in the back of the pantry.
This is one of those weeks, I think. 
Sunday - Mexican rice - steamed flavored rice with Ranch beans, Boca crumbles and cheese (I can do anything with some rice, a little taco seasoning and some Ranch beans.)
Monday - pancakes … We’re having a food day at work on Tuesday, and my contribution is blondies, so I’ll be making those after dinner.
Tuesday - Mandy’s birthday! - fettucini alfredo with sausage and broccoli
Wednesday - turkey burgers (my birthday! Normally, we’d do something more fun, but Mike’s got to teach his night class & won’t get home till 9:30 or so.)
Thursday - I’m hoping we’ll go out for a late birthday dinner.
Friday - Chuck and Stacy are taking the kids for the night for my birthday, so Mike and I will probably go out. I’m looking forward to a date night with Mike.
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Happy Birthday, Jerry!
Today is Mike’s dad’s birthday. I’ve mentioned before about his unfailing love. He is quite simply the personification of selfless love. He took such good care of Mike’s mom when she was ill, and now he’s enjoying his retirement with his lovely second wife, Donna.
When I asked Eliza what her favorite thing about Pawpaw Jerry was, she said, “I don’t know, everything!” Not a bad description, I think.
Happy Birthday, Jerry!!
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Happy Birthday, Mike!
Mike’s family didn’t celebrate birthdays big like mine did, and I can remember how surprised he was that I made a big deal out of his birthday when we were first together. But he went along with it and seemed to enjoy himself. That’s kinda the story of our lives together… I do things, Mike goes along & seems to enjoy himself.
I am blessed beyond measure to have him in my life. He was pretty wonderful at 20 when we first met, but he’s beyond wonderful now. Mike wears his age well. He’s settled into himself, into what he believes and what he wants. Age looks good on him.
He requested this year that we not get him any gifts. I cheated a bit, of course. The kids got him a creeper - one of those things you lie on to work under a car… you know, like the Fonz was always lying on in the garage. Griff selected their gift after lying on the ground last week to help Mike replace the radiator on the truck.
And I promised Mike that I would stop saying anything bad about myself (he told me yesterday that I pissed him off… that was a hint that maybe I’d gone too far with the beat-Chel-up theme of late). So that’s his present from me… nothing but happy Chel talk.
Enjoy it, sweetie. I love you like nothing else.
I love this photo of Mike and his brother, Chuck, at Spring Training. Mike’s standing with his best friend (you know, other than me), watching his favorite team with his whole family with him. A nice spring day, a little baseball, a little fun. For him, this is heaven. And seeing Mike happy and content makes me very happy.
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