Eileen on Him . . . at least, I try!

Thirteen on the Thirteenth

Thirteen years ago today, The Chief made me an offer I couldn't (and didn't want to!) refuse.

Even though it was on the eve of Valentine's Day -- a Friday the 13th, no less -- his proposal was completely unexpected! 

I was never a big one for celebrating "Hallmark Holidays," but we had a chance for a kids-free date (his girls were 10 and 6 at the time), and had agreed to exchange simple gifts before going out to dinner.   I had gotten him a plaque that would look good on the wall of his dining room, and he got me a single red rose, and a mug.  The mug was decorated with a rainbow, and the saying, "When God closes a door, He opens a window."  The Chief had loaded it up with my favorite sugar-free peanut butter cups. 

He gave me his gift, first.

"Aw, how sweet," I said, putting the mug down on the table, and reaching for my gift for him.

"Wait a minute," says he, picking up the mug.  "What's this, under all these chocolates?"  I eyed him curiously as he dumped the candy into his hand ...  uncovering a small, black velvet box.

I gasped.  He opened the box, revealing a beautiful ring composed of three diamonds (one for him, and one each for Step 1 & Step  2!) and got down on one knee.

Of course, I said "YES!" 

And I've never, ever regretted it.

Happy Engagement Anniversary to my Chief! :)

Hope Springs "Internal"

Seven year old Taz has struggled with reading.  I haven't been sure if it was a question of readiness on his part, or a poor fit between his style and the programs I'd been using, or some combination of the two; but we've valiantly stuck it out together, coming at it from a variety of angles, and he is finally, really reading. 

Not struggling; not guessing:  Reading. 

He's not ready for chapter books by any stretch of the imagination, and he needs lots and lots of practice; but his confidence is booming, and it's such a delight to see!

Taz and I were chatting last night, and -- I don't remember the context, but it wasn't this -- I threw the word "perseverant" out at him.  "Do you know what that means?" I asked him.

He nodded enthusiastically.  "Sure.  'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.'  Like with my reading.  I have to be perseverant.  Right, Mom?"

It really surprised me.  Reading time has often been hard, even almost unpleasant at times.  (Switching to games has helped.  And focusing on sight words, since he's quick to pick them up; and that got him started reading when he couldn't see the patterns and the "rules" weren't making any sense.)  For him to have such a philosophical take on it seems surprisingly ... mature.

A priest once told the Chief, "Don't ask God for patience with your children.  Ask Him to let you know their hearts."  

Last night I learned a little something of the Hope that is in my little boy's heart.  And yes, Taz.  You are so right!

RIP, Mr. Jacques

Oh, this just made me so sad.

Brian Jacques, of course, is the author of the awesome Redwall series.

I don't even want to tell Junie B.

Story here:  Brian Jacques, beloved children's author of the Redwall series, dies at age 71.

Bring It, Snow Miser. We're Ready.

For some reason, every time there's a storm on the horizon, there seems to be a run on the local supermarkets for milk, eggs and bread.

Why?  Is French Toast the ultimate snow emergency comfort food?

We didn't need to hit the stores today to prepare for a possible snowstorm tonight.  But we did hit the pizzeria! :)

(And the Chief made plans to work from home tomorrow ... just in case.  Which makes us really, really happy!)

There's a fire in the wood stove, pizza in our bellies, and plenty of hot cocoa ingredients in the cupboard.

Heck, maybe we'll even have French Toast for breakfast!

Hopefully, no one will have any trouble tonight, and all will stay healthy, safe and warm -- and maybe even the Chief can relax and get a good night's sleep. 

But don't forget to keep your Guardian Angel handy if you need to be out in this!

Oh, and speaking of the Snow Miser ...