another happy day
When we moved to Florida, I kinda fell apart. No, no, it’s true. Search the archives for 2006 through 2007. It’s all well documented. But I knew we had needed to leave where we were, and I knew that wherever Mike went was where I wanted to be. But it was really horribly difficult.
One of the bonuses of moving here was that Mike’s brother and his wife and family lived close by. An unexpected bonus for me was that my sister-in-law’s family also lived nearby. Mike had pretty much grown up with Stacy’s family, but they were all very new to me. It was such a welcome relief when they came to provide us with a family we didn’t have here.
At different times during that first summer, both Stacy’s mom and dad told me that it might take a long time to really feel comfortable here. They relayed to me how a move years before had affected them. To say I found comfort in them is a huge understatement.They took us in… invited us to gatherings and accepted our collective quirks and oddities in stride.
They are not family by blood, but we are blessed to have them in our lives, grateful for their family feeling.
So, today, we’re wishing a very happy birthday to my brother-in-law’s mother-in-law.
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Happy Birthday, Golden Boy!
I was seven when my little brother was born. I was kinda used to being the only child, and I remember being disappointed that Mom was having a boy. At some point, I got over that. And now, not only do I have a great brother, but I got that sister I wanted in the form of his wife, Nicole. 
Today is John’s birthday, and I love him completely. He’s this forever joy in my life. It’s good to have someone to share crazy family stories with… someone to laugh at nearly-forgotten memories. He remembers my crazy first boyfriend (crazy in a certifiable way not in a he’s so silly he’s crazy way). I remember him hiding Easter eggs in my room after Easter to see how long it took for them to smell.
I convinced him to watch “Buffy” and got him hooked on that and “Angel.” I also steered him toward “Veronica Mars.” He tells me what music I’ll fall in love with, and he’s usually right.
Poor thing, he was sick the weekend I was there to meet London, but still, we had a good time. We just laid around and watched tv (I need to go add “Supernatural” to my Netflix list, care of my brother.) and laughed and talked.
I value my relationship with him in ways that I can’t even express.
Happy Birthday, John.
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Moving on…
I have been humbled by the sweet comments people have left here and sent to me regarding my last post. I am grateful.
My brother and I have had several good conversations this week, and I’m flying out tomorrow to my hometown. My brother will pick me up at the airport, and I will stay with his family while I’m there. I am still tired, but I’m also really excited about seeing them.
It seems I’m flying into a bit of family drama, but I feel a peace knowing my little brother is going to take care of me, just like he’s taking care of his wife and kids. I know… makes me sound a little like I’m 12, but I know that my dad’s upset with various folks right now, and I don’t know that I could take being the lightening rod for his upset.
And I’m given that I’m tired and a little emotionally tender right now (I’m still worried about Mandy), I’m grateful for the protective vibe I’m getting from him. I just want to hang out with his family, laugh with their son, hold their daughter.
I’d say that I’ll post pictures during the weekend, but I honestly haven’t figured out how to WordPress from my phone. Next week, I’ll post tons of new photos.
Again, I am grateful.
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Wordless Wednesday - happy family
My brother, John… his wife, Nicole (who is an angel)…and their children, London Victoria (not yet a week old) and Zachary (nearly 12). How sweet are they?
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Menu Plan Monday - Thanksgiving!
My parents are arriving from Arkansas today to spend the week with us, and the kids are very excited. My folks are pickier eaters than we are (ALL healthy ALL the time), so I’m trying to plan meals that they will both eat and enjoy (and that my kids will still eat).
With everyone off this week (Mike and I both work Monday and Tuesday, and I work Friday as well), I’ll be planning three meals a day, which seems like way too many. But I did buy the ingredients to make the first holiday cheese ball of the season. Soon, I’ll make my butter mints. Yum.
Sunday - homemade chicken noodle soup with asiago cheese bread (thank you, Publix) followed by a pear crisp with the Harry and David pears
Monday - breakfast - pancakes… lunch - leftover soup/hot dogs/sandwiches (gotta give folks choices)… dinner - pot roast with veggies from the crock pot
Tuesday - breakfast - sausage and biscuits… lunch - Mom and Dad are taking the kids to the Tampa zoo, so they’ll have zoo food … roast beef hoagies with Monday’s leftovers
Wednesday - breakfast - waffles… lunch - we’re all going shopping, so I’m thinking Cracker Barrel … dinner - Mike’s gonna smoke a pork loin… fresh zucchini and corn on the grill.
Thursday - breakfast - Monkey Bread… lunch - a traditional Thanksgiving Feast care of Mimi’s Cafe (my folks offered to buy & I jumped at the chance). I’ll add marshmallows to the sweet potatoes just for Griff, and I’ll make a non-pumpkin pie dessert… dinner - pizza (come on… gotta have the traditional Thanksgiving Pizza!)
Friday - breakfast - Chick Fil A (come on… it’s our Friday morning tradition)… lunch - Mike and the kids are on their own … dinner - I’m guessing leftovers.
Whew.
I have to admit, I’m pretty excited about the week. Holiday decorations, shopping, fun, wrapping presents. Suweet! (which, Eliza tells us, means Woohoo! in Spanish).
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