Treeeeeeeeee Mama

The tree is up. This is big news around these parts. Phin’s whole world is rocked. He thought trees were an outside thing that stood for fresh air and freedom, oh sweet freedom. Now he sees that his all-powerful Mom can even wrestle one of those beasts inside when it gets too cold out.  That’s right Phin, don’t mess.

We picked it up from a one man tree lot. It’s organic. For real, that’s how this young entreepreneur pitched it. Like how I did that with that extra e there? No? Stop it. It’s clever.

Organic with organic bugs.

I was like, chill tree guy. I don’t care if those spiders are made of man engineered corn and high fructose corn syrup. You just happen to have the best tree in the city. In the world.

Then tree guy gave us a stand while I tried to avoid making eye contact with that guy who made me pee under my desk that one time. Yeah he just happened to be the only other person at the lot. On a Monday. At two. What the f?

He didn’t spoil our good time though. Jared tried to haggle and because I love me a small business I totally ruined his game. This did not please him. But he took a swig of hot cocoa out of Phin’s sippy cup (yeah, you read that right. Shame.) and put on a happy face while it was strapped to the car. Sadly we came in second place in the tree to car ratio contest. Only disappointment of the afternoon.

Phin’s reaction is truly the cutest thing in the world. That is no exaggeration my friends. He is in awe. I plug it in before I pull him out of his crib in the morning so we can feel all homey and cozy before we go face the world for the day. We step out in the living room and he whispers “Treeeeeee. Mama. Treeeee.” Then we both just stand there and stare at the beautiful thing in silence. Pretty much the best five minutes of my day.

So far all the ornaments have survived. I know, it’s early. Glass has been moved up three feet and shatterproof decor hangs out near the bottom. We’ve pretty much welcomed this tree as a temporary member of the family. We’re in love.

Crap.

But it's a stunner.

I'm full.

I ate way too much. Why? Because I have the self control of a...... crap, it's past twelve so can I blame my lack of witty analogy on the fact that it's Monday. No? Then suck, all you have to know is that if someone puts a plate of food in front of me I'm going to inhale it. It's one of those phenomenons that both amaze and disgust people. Like child birth. Or Toddlers and Tiaras. Did I just group the miracle of life with Moms who give their three year olds fake teeth and spa treatments? Perhaps I should move on to pictures.

I love this day.

I've been waiting for this. Happy count your blessings day. 

Let's get this show on the road

The one starring me and a giant plate of food. I love that show.

I know. Failure for the second year in a row. And I set the bar so low this year. Although I’m incredibly pathetic when it comes to posting what I’m grateful for, I’m very aware.

I’m aware that I was given the best, BEST child for me. Really, it’s a perfect fit. My Phin is such a brilliant and perfect little boy. How lucky I am.

I’m aware that my husband is truly my best friend. My perfect soul mate. The love of my life and more.

I’m aware that my big, crazy family is more than I deserve. My Mom and Dad. My brother and amazing sisters (that includes you Kari and Dorina). My in-laws, all of them. My beautiful nieces and nephews.  My grandparents. My cousins. I have some really amazing cousins.

I love my little house on a street I was in love with even way back when. Back when I didn’t even picture husbands or kids or dogs.

I have the best co-workers. You think you do? Impossible. Unless you work the same place I do.

My dog is the sweetest little thing. A real little member of our family. (Ugh, I guess the cat too. I guess.)

I love the four seasons I see out my windows.

I’m grateful for my family’s health.

I’m grateful my body allows me work off that rainbow chip.

Of course, I’m grateful for the rainbow chip itself. Duh.

I’m so in awe of the life I lead. Sometimes it’s overwhelming. How was I born into such a world when others weren't? I have a hard time with that.

But I’m aware.

I hope everyone else has a happy, happy holiday. I hope you’re warm. I hope you’re well fed. I hope you’re healthy. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fire.

When every other post on your facebook is this

A forecast with this 

is beautiful.

See you all Monday.

About that day I just knew.

Today I’m extra in love with my husband.

I saw something today that reminded me of him and then I remembered, “Hey wait, I really won the husband lotto.” We have a love story. I won’t share all of it. I like to think someday we will tell it to our kids who will tell it to theirs and it will spread. I imagine the only way someone would know the really good parts is if they heard it from somebody who heard it from somebody all leading back to us. The old fashioned way. Of course there are the really, really good parts that won’t be told. Ever.

I will share that Jared says he knew I was the one the moment he heard my name. He said he instantly felt relief when a friend suggested we meet. He described it as, “Ahh, finally! Finally.”

We met while he was visiting friends. He went home and quit his job the first day back. He told his employer he was moving because he found the girl he was going to marry. I didn’t know any of this. I didn’t even know if I would ever see him again. We hadn't even exchanged telephone numbers. Still, I told my parents the same. We were driving up to the lake the following week, just the three of us on the way to a family dinner, and I said quite casually that I thought I had just met the person I was going to marry. I remember them saying something along the lines of “Oh. Huh.” My mom says she knew right then. She also insists she prayed him into existence. This was before any long conversations or even one date. 

I moved into a new place with friends just after that. I plugged my brand new phone into my brand new home and it started ringing. My roommate and I were shocked anyone had our number. I answered prepared to talk to a telemarketer but it was Jared. Of course.

And then we fell in love.

He just keeps doing things to keep it that way. Things like making Phin’s Halloween costume because suddenly that felt like the hardest thing on the planet to me but I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one.  Or letting me change what side of the bed I want, whenever. Or even doing the dishes almost all of the time. He would change every dirty diaper if he thought it would make me happy. He would read a hundred books with Phin if he thought I needed some Mel time. He has.

So all I can think about this morning is how much I really love my guy. And how I have no freaken idea what to get him for Christmas. 

It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.

I’m like most sane adults. I focus in on something I want and become obsessed with it to the point of being legally questionable until that item is mine. Then after the adrenaline settles, mild disappointment sets in.

Really? The perfect discontinued, lobster patterned, J Crew swimsuit didn’t change my life? Actually that sucker still evades me. Seven years and counting. I will prevail.

Good thing the urge to acquire some random item doesn’t hit too often because really, wouldn’t that just make me a sad, pathetic person? Always chasing (lobster) tail?

Right now it’s a Christmas nativity pyramid. My grandma has one and I remember watching her light the candles when I was a wee thing and being fascinated with the way the heat  rotated the nativity. It was probably my all time favorite Christmas decoration behind the 1987 Avon Advent Mouse Calendar. I vowed that someday when I had my own house, stocked with  canned frosting and the latest RL Stine, I would own such a thing. I just forgot about that vow until yesterday.

Problem is they don’t come cheap. I don’t have 80+ bucks to spend on a whim. Or 60. Really, the budget is pretty limited in this department. So I’m going a little crazy trying to manage my Ebay watch list. I might throw up. Cross your fingers that I get the deal of the day and that I really do feel like a whole new person the moment that box lands on my doorstep. And if you happen to see a 2003 J Crew lobster bikini, size M……….

If you want to buy this one, go here