day two…

November 2nd, 2010

Today, I’m thankful for my brother, sort of… Today is my sister-in-law’s birthday, and I adore Nicole. She is smart and funny and tender and caring. And she is loyal just beyond belief. With all of this with my folks, I do not want to cause a scene. I am not a scene girl. I wish there was a way for this to not affect anyone but me, even though I know that’s not realistically possible.

Nicole has supported me and stood up for me and encouraged me. And she’s taking a bit of a stand on my behalf. Now, I’m not sure it’s what I would want, but I have to admit that it feels really good to have someone support me like that. Without reservation and without hesitation, she is standing behind my decisions. I’ve gotta say, Mike’s never been that emphatic about my choices regarding my parents. I think Nicole feels so strongly because she’s experienced some of the same things I have from them. We’re together in this life.

She’s a remarkable mother and wife and friend. And I am grateful for her. I am thankful to have her in my life.

And so in a roundabout way, I’m thankful for my brother. I’m pretty sure marrying Nicole was one of his best choices ever.

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Happy Tuesday News… all around

August 11th, 2008

I’ve got lots of big happies tomorrow! (And one belated happy… oops.) I was going to post this in the morning, but I’ve been off for four days now, and there’s no way I’ll gt up in time to post before work. So a little early, a lot late… here I am.

My friend, Courtney, is celebrating a birthday today. It’s her first as a mother. Isn’t that fabulous? I’m sure little Ally Grace is going to give her mama a wonderful present.

Like so many of the friends I have today, I met Courtney at the college where Mike and I both previously worked. Courtney was one of my student workers, and I am deeply grateful that Linda and I had the opportunity to know and love her… then and now. Happy Birthday, Court!!

(Courtney and little Ally Grace)

And today is also the 13th anniversary of our friends, Aleece and Warren. You know Aleece’s name because she’s my personal webmaster/all-around computer guru. I met Aleece - again, at work… she was a student… yeah, everyone’s younger than me - when she and Warren had just gotten married. Mike and I had just celebrated our first anniversary, so Aleece and I have gone through new marriage and old marriage and babies and jobs and big kids together. And I can’t imagine this journey without her.

(Linda and Aleece at dinner with me during my May Louisiana trip with Griff.)

And, with much shame and embarassment, I must admit that I missed my brother and sister-in-law’s anniversary. Six years they’ve been married, the sweet things. Their son is 11, and they’re expecting a baby in the spring. I can hardly wait!!

I’ve already decided the baby’s a girl. I’m working on a gonna-be-a-big-brother gift for Zachary, and I keep thinking of things to make for my new little niece. I mean, I’ll wait till they’re sure she’s a girl because I’d hate for a little boy to be surrounded by the pink things I’m envisioning.

Regardless, John did himself well when he married Nicole all those years ago. And he did our family well by bringing Nicole and Zachary into our lives. We’re blessed to have them.

(Nicole…looking lovely, as always)

And for general happy news, our dear Mandy got a promotion that she SOOOO deserved. She is now the news editor at the paper she’s reported for since college. She’s an amazing reporter - she’s Mike’s best former student - and she’s going to be an amazing editor. The paper, and the reporters lucky enough to answer to her, are truly fortunate to have her.

Go, Mandy!!

(Josh, Mandy, Olivia, and Griff during our May trip.)

… And yes, for anyone keeping track, I met Courtney, Linda, Aleece, Mandy and Josh at that same school. Mike, too, for that matter. That place and that place in time brought many, many dear people into my life. And I am grateful.

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