The best birthday present September 28, 2008

We went to dinner at Rachel’s parents today to celebrate our birthdays (mine was 2 weeks ago, hers was today). While we were there, Rachel got a call that we had been waiting for since Thursday, a call from a friend who has been going through some hard times lately, but has still been helping us along our journey. I don’t think anything I could have gotten Rachel for her birthday would have meant as much to her as this call did today. For this, and many experiences like this as we’ve been making this journey together, we will be forever grateful.

After 8 1/2 years together, I am more convinced than ever that there is no one better for me, today and always, than my dear Rachel. As we’re together, in happy times and sad, she helps me find a way to be better every day, and helps me realize that happiness like we share makes all the hard times worthwhile. I consider her companionship my present every day. I love you dear!!!

-Jon

What a week September 26, 2008

Once again, the waiting process has been hard this week. Decisions other people are making are affecting us more than decisions we’re trying to make for ourself, and that’s hard for two people who are used to being in control of our situation. Friends are, in general a great help right now in keeping us (relatively) sane, but it’s going to come down to us just finding a way to trust that if we hold on, the light will come.

-Jon

An Angel By Your Side September 24, 2008

 

 

May you always have an angel by your side
Watching out for you in all the things you do
Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days
Finding ways for your wishes and dreams
To take you to beautiful places

Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun
Giving you the strength of serenity as your guide
May you always have love and comfort and courage
And may you always have an angel by your side

May you always have an angel by your side
Someone there to catch you if you fall
Encouraging your dreams
Inspiring your happiness
Holding your hand and helping you through it all

In all of our days, our lives are always changing
Tears come along as well as smiles
Along the roads you travel,
May the miles be a thousand times more lovely than lonely,
May they give you the kind of gifts that never, ever end:

Someone wonderful to love
And a dear friend in whom you can confide
May you have rainbows after every storm
May you have hopes to keep you warm
And may you always have an angel
By your side…

 

~Emilia Larson~

 

 

This post is dedicated to a brave woman who is teaching me so much about love. How I adore her!

-Rachel

Big Things are Coming… September 21, 2008

…we just are working on the ‘when’. As Tom Petty said, “The waiting is the hardest part.”

-Jon

Happy 30th Birthday! September 15, 2008

 

So cute!

Today is Jon’s 30th birthday. Yup, the world (mostly me) is celebrating 30 fabulous years of Jon. In order to celebrate, I thought I would make a list of 30 things I love about Jon.  Too bad he isn’t 112 because there are more than 30 reasons.

 

1. he gets me (I could technically repeat this for all thirty)
2. he can add really big numbers in his head
3. he loves to travel and see new things
4. he took me to the circus for my birthday last year
5. he gets goose bumps during the national anthem
6. he knows how to fix everything
7. he knows how to cook
8. he scrubs toilets
9. he is reliable
10. he loves our nieces and nephews more than words
11. he is tender
12. he is patient
13. he goes swimming with me even though he doesn’t float
14. he loves my family
15. he helped build our family lodge
16. he holds me when I cry
17. he plays games with me
18. he wins most of the time
19. he has a big heart and loves to serve others
20. he loves his family
21. he does the laundry
22. he understands the words I make up
23. he can reach the high stuff on shelves
24. he is foxy!
25. he is foxy! (so foxy it is worth mentioning twice!)
26. he knows a little bit about everything
27. he knows how to be silly
28. he wishes me “happy birthday time” at 9:28pm
29. he is my favorite person
30. he is going to be an incredible daddy!

 

I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with him. Here is to a wonderful day and another fabulous year of Jon.  I’m so lucky he is in my life. 

-Rachel

Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, And In-Laws! September 1, 2008

 

Jon's Parents

Last night we had Jon’s parents over for dinner. Aside from being the parents to my favorite person, they are two people I admire and love. We had salmon and sweet potatoes and they didn’t even laugh for me about being obsessed over making two orange foods. I’ve watch too many cooking shows that talk about having a diversely colored plate.  It was fun chatting with them and Jon had a great time showing his dad the projects he is working on around the house.

 They are good in-laws who have always cared about me. I first got to know them about 8 years when I went camping with them in Moab. Jon’s dad likes to talk about me helping unload the truck and setting up his tent in addition to mine. For me, the thing I remember the best is meeting the family dog, Nibbs. She wasn’t a normal dog. As long as I was petting her, she was a sweet dog, but as soon as I pulled my hand away, she would snarl and bark like she was ready to attack. Apparently, that meant she wasn’t done being petted – I still don’t get it. Either way, It was there I got to know Jon’s parents.

In the 8 years following that trip, we have grown closer and spent countless time together as a family.  They are completely supportive of our decision to adopt. I was touched once again last night to hear of them taking advantage to tell their neighbors and friends about our desire to adoption. I’m proud to carry their name, and am grateful for the love and support they give me… even after serving them two orange foods for dinner.

-Rachel