14 Years and Counting......

Dear Derrick,

I know you know what day today is because you surprised me with flowers and a beautiful promise when I awoke this morning. What a wonderful way to awake from slumber! I count my blessings to know that I awake every day with the man of my dreams by my side.



Yes, it was 14 years ago today that we began our life together. I was eagerly awaiting your arrival that morning at my parent's house. Your job was to pick me up and make sure that I was on time for my own wedding. And, on time I was. I was so very excited and not even a bit nervous, because I knew pretty much from the moment we met, that you were the one. Of course, the ceremony was lovely, and spending the day with family and friends was also very touching, but, I couldn't wait to just spend my time alone with you knowing that we had an entire future ahead of us. I was very enchanted.

Fourteen years later, with 3 mortgages, 1 dog, and 2 kids under our belt, I can still say that I am truly enchanted. You know my deepest secrets and desires. You have seen me in very ugly situations, you know my weaknesses and strengths, you've heard my murmurings and complaints, you've shared my tears and disappointments, and we have laughed and loved over and over. The enchantment, perhaps, has changed, from a young schoolgirls innocence, to a strong bond of commitment that, this is it, and, this is worth fighting for.

Know that I love you, always and forever,

Monica

Going Green

Those naughty, little leprechauns! They strike again!


The MyMy said that she heard them during the night, at 12:00, 3:00 and 4:00a.m., opening closets, banging on walls, and turning on the lights. She didn't get up to chase them away however, because she loves letting them have their day of play at our home.



I seem to recall the LuLu calling her birth father last year to chew him out for not even mentioning St. Patricks Day, and all of its glory, and to ask him why she had not been notified of such occurrences?



Anyway, since the milk was already green, I decided to keep with the theme of "going green" for the day. Breakfast, of course, was green eggs and green milk, and for dinner-split-pea soup and green cornbread were served.



The MyMy covered her bases very well, assuring herself that even the slightest, tiniest pinch would not happen.



Hopefully, your "Going Green" day was successful too!

Family Garden

I have always loved the changing seasons especially when winter changes to spring. There is nothing like leaving the confines of the indoors to once again go outside and spread your wings. I love the sight, smells, and look of springtime. The spring- colored-green buds that begin to grow on the trees are such a wonderful sight of things to come. I love how crocuses start popping their tiny heads out of the ground giving a hint that it won't be long for the beautiful, colorful tulips and bright yellow daffodils to bloom. Oh such wonderful sights.

One of my favorites things about springtime, however, is the chance to start digging in the flowerbed and vegetable gardens. Once the weather gets warmer, I literally can't stop the call to go out and dig in the dark, rich soil. The warm, earthy smell of dirt is so familiar to me and comes to my mind when just thinking about it. I love seeing the earthworms that quickly crawl deeper and deeper into the ground as I continue to dig. I get so excited seeing them because they tell me that the soil is ripe and ready for planting.

This is how springtime once was for me, but no longer.



Now that I live in Arizona, spring is still wonderful, yet so different. The weather, which has been beautiful all winter, stays beautiful not only during the day, but also the night. Windows are left open all night long while the crickets music lulls a person to sleep. Lizards come out of their sleepy hibernation and are busy searching for that perfect warm rock to suntan on, and an abundance of lady bugs can be found everywhere. And still, the call to garden does come.

The soil, or should I say sand, is not dark and rich. It also lacks that wonderful earthy smell that I am so fond of. And, digging and digging does not uncover any earthworms.



Yet, gardening in Arizona can still bring pleasure. One can find pleasure in realizing that gardening in a desert can be a challenge, and overcoming those challenges can be invigorating. Also, because of the sandy soil and warm weather, watermelon and cantaloupe are easy to grow. Teaching the girls how to plant seeds and seeing their excitement is also a thrill.

Hopefully, in the end we will reap the blessings of wonderful tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, cucumbers and more. Time will tell.