To Know Nearly Nothing.

 

 

 

 

"Minutes later the revolving front door turned again. A dark-haired man in a white shirt entered. I watched the waiter lead him in my direction, into my room, into my corner, into the old woman's still-warm seat, eyeing me all the while, making clear to me, at least, the main course he was serving.

 

I was afraid I knew who this man was. I was afraid I knew who had come to have dinner beside me. I was afraid I knew, but for once I wasn't afraid.

 

He was my future husband, of that I was scarily certain, although I knew nothing more about him than that. To know nearly nothing of him, and to expect nothing, for the long life of our marriage.

 

When we think we know someone, you see, we are already halfway to disappointment, and no one needs a head start on that.

 

This is not how we have learned to choose our partners, is it? This is not how we greet people, is it? With an open mind? With an eager hand? Like an unopened gift? Not when we make a life's work out of finding and keeping the perfect mate, the ideal match for our economic aspirations, political views, religious preferences, height, weight, taste in coffee, and wardrobe sensibility - all the ways we foolishly see in another mere validation for ourselves. When we believe we know what's good for us, what's right, and what we're looking for - and believe me, we all do - we condemn all our current relationships and doom the ones to come."

 

-one of my favorite excerpts from Karen Maezen Miller's Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life

 

 

 

*** Photo of the sweet bouquet my Husband brought home to me for our Wedding Anniversary yesterday

Three Years.

Happy Anniversary, My Love.

Thanks for showing me what loyalty looks like every single day.

Thanks for teaching me how to be silly with the girls.

Thanks for being my very own personal chef.

Thanks for dealing with all the hordes of art supplies and herbs that I keep collecting.

Thanks for coordinating all the tiny details of our lives.

Thanks for going grocery shopping with our Eldest.

Thanks for making sure I get the alone time I need.

Thanks for answering all my annoying computer questions.

Thanks for making the bed in the Morning and putting your clothes in the hamper at Night.

Thanks for being willing to constantly go outside your comfort zone.

Thanks for being okay with us having different last names.

Thanks for helping me learn how to be better about time management (obviously I still have a long ways to go).

Thanks for going along with most of my crazy ideas.

Thanks for being such an amazing Support Person during the Births of both of our children.

Thanks for agreeing not to have a T.V. in the Living Room (even though it kills you).

Thanks for possessing the best lap in the World.

Thanks for holding my hand when I need it.

Thanks for infecting my Life with even more enthusiasm (if that is possible).

Thanks for driving us most places and for not getting (too) annoyed with my back-seat driving.

Thanks for working so hard and bringing home such delicious bacon.

Thanks for all your sappy sweet talk.

Thanks for doing all the things like dealing with the Mean Passport Lady.

Thanks for going to the both the PAIRS class and the ABC Parent Classes with me (even though you REALLY didn't want to).

Thanks for getting me a fancy Gym Membership, so I can take care of myself.

Thanks for the not fun job of paying my Student Loans each and every Month.

Thanks for constantly surprising me with good chocolate and good cheese.

Thanks for being willing to drive the crappy car to work, so I can drive the nice car.

Thanks for calling 10 times in an hour when you are worried about me.

Thanks for giving me two Curious, Bright-Eyed, Darling Little Girls.

Thanks for expressing your deep appreciation for me every single day.

Thanks for being on My Team.

Thanks for reminding me of all the good in our Marriage when I just want to give up.

The last three years have been intense, we've both been stretched and challenged in ways we never expected. I am so very proud of you and the person you have become. Thanks for choosing to spend the rest of your Life with me.

I love you.

P.S. I love remembering our Vows. Here are mine. And here are yours.

Even If It Was For Only Two Hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made to the Beach. Finally. It was only for two hours, but still...there were waves, and sand and one Brave Little Girl. She had a blast.

 

I love the photos of her trooping out to the water's edge.

 

 



 

 

 

 

She went out in the very cold water with her Daddy. A few big waves smacked her in the face, but still she wanted more. After 20 minutes or so, they called it quits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next she insisted on going down the GIANT WATER SLIDE.

 

Luckily, she had a very special friend who was willing to climb all those steps with her and take her down the slide. The video I took didn't capture just how incredibly fast the slide was (so I didn't include it)...none of the photos quite captured the experience, either.

 

We had to drag her away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although the water was frigid, it was perfect weather for hanging out on the Beach. The wind was whipping around and our Big Girl had an amazing time running around the sand, burying herself and looking for shells.

 

A friend generously watched the Little One and the rest of us got a short but some much needed Beach time.

 

It's so much more peaceful going to the Beach in September. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue the tradition. It's a good one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empathy.

 

 

It astounds me how such small babies can show empathy. From a very young age, Nye-Nye has been deeply disturbed by the sight of other people crying.

Now it's Bright Eyes' turn. She CAN'T STAND to see her Big Sissher cry. At the sound of her sister crying, she busts out with the most pathetic tears.

Here is a video I took this week. Nye-Nye was pretending to be a baby and cry. But, Bright Eyes didn't understand that and began crying herself.

Maybe it's totally wrong of me, but I couldn't resist taking this video. Look at that lower lip! Look at those tears just popping out!

Hint. The first video is more enjoyable, if you mute the sound and just watch the ridiculous lower lip stick out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday: This Moment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I haven't done this in a LONG, LONG time. But, here is our This Moment (inspired by Soule Mama). It's suppose to be one photo, but I couldn't choose. Have a great Week-end!

 

 

 

Climbing High.

Sorry it's been so long.

 

Over the last few weeks, we haven't been at home during the Mornings (when I do most of my writing) and when we have been home, the computer wasn't cooperating.

 

Now the wonky computer is fixed.

 

It's so nice to be back. 

 

What have we been up to recently? Our family joined a Gym with a decent Kid's Club (which means we spend 3 hours each day either going to or from the Gym or actually being at the Gym). We visited friends in Norfolk (and the Beach, briefly). The baby turned 4 months. Several French Yogurt Cakes have been made by the Big Girl (with a little help from myself). And LOTS and LOTS of daily Imaginary Play.

The video below is of my Big Girl climbing the Rock Wall at our friend's neighborhood Playground. She will be 2 1/2 on the 21st and is definitely in the throes of declaring her independence EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of the day (unless she is super-clingy and wants Mama RIGHT NOW).

It's been a challenge. I'm trying to find the Peace amongst it all.

Here at Catoctin Mountain Mama, this is supposed to be "The Month of Peace." Hopefully, I'll be able to share several posts on this Month's Theme. Wishing you a Wonderful September!

 

Montessori Infant Bell Mobile