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Three years ago, when we were looking for a new house, we had certain criteria.  The new house had to have a two car, side by side garage.  The new house had to have space for Jim's tools and a room for a studio.  The new house had to have at least 2 bathrooms (ours has 3).  We found a house with all those things, but when we were looking I didn't realize the importance of the kitchen.  I don't like to cook, so I wasn't very concerned with the kitchen.  Turns out, the kitchen is probably my favorite part of the house.  Okay, not the kitchen exactly, but the view from the table that I eat at 3 or 4 times a day.  I love looking out at our yard, watching the birds in Dylan's "bird restaurant", and for a few weeks in the spring... looking at this tree, with the sandbox calling our name...

We had another one in the front yard, with darker pink blooms, but we lost that one last spring.  I miss it, but there's this one on the other side...

What about you?  What is your favorite thing about your house? 

Besides the people in it!  Speaking of which, the three of us went to Bahama Breeze for our anniversary.  We figured it was appropriate, since we were married someplace tropical (Jamaica).  I had Jamaican jerk chicken, and the first sangria I've had in years.  Definitely have to change that!  YUM!

The Boat is Taking On Water

Remember when I wrote a post about how mothers are the captain of the ship and make sure everything is "smooth sailing"?  Well, my ship feels like it is sinking.  My "new" job?  The one in which I was doing testing at preschools, for a research project for a college?  Well, as of tomorrow, it is in the "old" job category.  I won't go into ALL of it.  But, I will say that when I interviewed for the job, I said I needed 20 hours a week.  I was getting about 9 hours over the course of 3 days!  I was spending as much time driving around, as I was working.

So, this week and last, I've been working my new 2 day a week nanny job, AND my two week notice for the "old" job.  Plus, we had to drive to Erie last weekend, (which should be a 3 hour drive, but with the ridiculous traffic that day, took us 5 hours), to go to Jim's uncle's funeral.  Let me just say that I really don't know how you moms who work full time do it.  Seriously....HOW?!?

So, on top of all that, there was Mother's Day, my 9 year anniversary, (which is today), and Dylan's field trip at school (this morning).  Today is the only day off I have this week luckily, so I was able to go on the field trip.  To be honest, I was sort of dreading it.  We were going to tour a local pet store.  "Tour" implies a lot of talking and a lot of standing, you know... still.  Not one of Dylan's strengths.

This morning I was tired, and I was grouchy.  The grouchy might have had something to do with the fact that Jim and I had a serious communication "gap".  At some point last week, we were discussing going to dinner for our anniversary.  Jim said that his friend Rachel said she could babysit.  I assumed that meant that he arranged it with her.  He assumed that meant that I would arrange it with her.  So, last night while watching TV, I asked him "What time is Rachel coming tomorrow?", and I got one of those blank stares.  (We're losing the ability to communicate, but I still love you Jim!)

How could I stay grouchy, though, when my kid gave me this "fill in the missing word" picture this morning?

It was hard to stay grouchy as he sang, "This is the way we...", the entire way to school.  "This is the way we count the school buses... This is the way we go to the school... This is the way we sit at a red light...etc"  He did a pretty good job at the pet store, and was so excited to have me along that it made me feel great.  At one point, he even hugged me and yelled "I love you Mommy!", which elicited a round of "Awww!"s from the other moms.

For Mother's Day, my two guys brought me breakfast in bed, along with my cards, and flowers.  We went out for dinner with Jim's parents and mine, and had a nice time. (Since my ship is sinking, I didn't take a single picture on Mother's Day.  FAIL).

Jim just called, and said he made reservations for the three of us at one of our favorite restaurants for tonight.  I think I can get the water out of this boat, and by next week, it will be back to smooth sailing. (I hope!)  Anyway, the most important thing to focus on is this... I AM LOVED.  Happy Anniversary Jim!

Our Story

Jim,

In March of 2000, I stumbled onto a black and white photo of a cute, confident looking artist online.  "Is your name really Raphael?", I asked, along with two other questions that had you intrigued.  You emailed back, answering my questions, and as I read what you had written, I smiled.  "I read your profile, and I must say, it was good reading.  Very endearing.  We have similar hopes and dreams, plans and schemes... only you're much cuter".  That is how our love story began.

On May 10, 2002, we stood in a gazebo, overlooking the ocean, as the adorable Jamaican minister pronounced us husband and wife.  "James and Jen-EE-fer"...Forever.  We had no idea what the future held, but we were ready to start the next chapter.

Yes, the past eight years have brought hardships.  A house with loser renters, the deaths of our grandmothers and Jack, a failed business, trying to get pregnant for two long years, infertility tests and procedures, financial struggles and a burgulary.

But, the past eight years have brought so much joy.  Vacations, parties, times spent with family and friends, a new house, and the birth of Dylan.  The hardships are big, and they seem so significant at the time, but really, it's the little everyday joyful moments that make this love story what it is.  The jokes, the laughs, the stories.  The homemade cards, the ten minute back massage swaps, holding hands while we watch TV, laughing at something funny Dylan said, arguing about the dishes or who's going to pack the bag, telling each other our best and hardest things.  That's what makes our love story special.  That's what makes it... ours.  I can't wait to see what the next chapter holds.

Happy Anniversary!
I Love You Big Time,
Jen

Seven Years of Marriage

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Six Happy Years

Dear Jim,

Happy Anniversary! Six years ago today, we stood in a gazebo, overlooking the ocean, in Jamaica, and our adorable Jamaican minister pronounced us husband and wife. "James and Jenn-ee-fer". A while later, I looked over at you on the beach, and thought to myself, "My husband! I love the sound of that!"

These six years haven't always been easy. We've been through the adjusting-to-each-other phase (could you please just show some excitement when you walk in the door?!), the hassle of your first house and the low life renters (the fly strip in the shower was a nice touch, huh?), the loss of our grandmothers, your parent's physical problems, a failed business attempt (so sorry about that - but I'm still a dreamer), infertility problems, colic, and torticollis! It has all made our love stronger, and knowing that you are in this crazy journey of life with me, supporting me and sharing life's ups and downs is the best feeling.

What could we possibly get each other for our 6th anniversary, Jim? I know! How about a HOUSE!! Finding our next house hasn't been easy, either, but we did it! I can't wait to make new memories in it with you and Dylan. One thing is for sure, it will be filled with lots of love.

I love you BIG TIME,
Jen