Happy Valentine's Day!

I've been thinking about this post for a little while now, so here goes...

First off, I am so absolutely, incredibly thankful that God gave me Max. He is my best friend, and I genuinely like being around him. We've said more than once that we could be together 24/7 and still get along, and it's true. That's not to say that we don't ever fight or just plain get on each other's nerves...we do. Especially when Max chews his ice cream. Or I fall asleep and leave the bedside lamp on. All night.

But, at the end of the day, we both know that the other one is there - no matter what. Marriage is not easy - there are a lot of adjustments and compromises that need to take place - but it is so worth it. I know that no matter how cranky or unloveable I act, Max loves me. And he knows that even when he's at his grumpiest, I love him. It's not a question in our minds. We made a commitment to each other before God that we are in this for life. And we didn't make that commitment lightly.

Some pretty major things happened to our family this past year and a half...things that break up some marriages. But I can honestly say that our relationship is stronger now than ever. When I was at my weakest, Max stood by me in a way that I've never seen before. And for that I am eternally grateful.

He lets me vent to him about work and politics and injustice. He makes me laugh even when I'm mad. He knows just when I need a hug. He thinks I'm beautiful. He loves God. He is an incredibly hard worker. He is an amazing Daddy to our three boys. He's my husband, and there's absolutely no one else in this world I'd want to spend my life with.

I love you, Max. Happy Valentine's Day.

Laryngitis is not my friend...

It all started with a sore throat last Monday...and it went downhill from there. Tuesday I woke up with laryngitis, and my poor voice hasn't come back yet. (yuck.)

So, we've had a pretty low-key week, mostly hanging out around the house. I think even my homebody boys are starting to get cabin fever. I'm hoping this week will provide us some opportunities to visit the park.

I did pull out the paints and create a little wall-hanging for Andrew's room. Max says it looks like it was painted by a 4th-grader, but that's sort of the point. Plus, it was my first attempt at painting more than chipboard or a solid color background. Christian wants a construction vehicle for his painting, but I'm thinking I may try a little mixed media for him. I'm feeling brave! ;)



The boys did help me bake this week. I'm beginning to think they only offer to help so they can do clean-up (see video below). :)

(My voice is better now than it was on the video, but it's still kinda pathetic.)