Night Shoveling

I've always loved the song "Nightswimming" by R.E.M. and tonight as I stepped outside and looked at the driveway, I couldn't help but to start humming the song. I changed the lyrics a little in my head...
Night Shov'ling,
Deserves a snowy night....

Yeah, we got at least 10 inches of snow today. We went to bed last night and there was no snow on the ground at all. I peacefully slept, completely oblivious to the forecast of a predicted 18 inches today. It sure arrived, in all of it's white, fluffy gloriousness. And it's due to continue....all night. Hope we can get out of our awfully sloped driveway in the morning. Hence the shoveling tonight.

Just like the second line in the song, it was a very quiet night...only the sound of our shovels breaking the still, dark, snowy air. And even though shoveling in and of itself isn't pleasant work, the whole situation directed my brain towards humming one of my favorite songs, which makes me think I must have been happy doing it.

Happy Birthday, Joe!

Happy birthday, Joe!! You are a whopping 33 years old now and still as young as ever. You enjoy playing in the snow, jumping out of the shadows to scare me when I walk by a dark room, and fishing with your dad. You still make me laugh with your funny dances and on-the-spot backup singer lyrics. The world hasn't completely stamped out your childhood whimsies.

But, in your "old age" you have matured in such inspiring ways. Your understanding of God has flourished over the last 15 years, and I know I can trust that your soul lives with Him. Your love for me is deeper than I thought possible, with each year displaying a new facet of intensity. You consistently aim to improve yourself at work, never remaining stagnant and always winning respect. You are quite a connoisseur in the areas of fine wines, cuban cigars, and good whiskeys. You are consistently adding to your list of "things to be proud of", and I am consistently proud of you.

I'm sorry that you had to spend your 33rd birthday at the DMV. I'm also sorry that the crab legs were frozen and that I was sick all day and went to bed at 7. I'm glad you got to spend the evening enjoying a cigar with Matt and eating chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake. At least something went right. :)

I wish you many amazing blessings this coming year....I love you!

Perfect Start

It's a perfect start to the new year....Joe made me breakfast. Silver dollar buckwheat pancakes, pepper-crusted bacon, and hot coffee. So delicious and moderately healthy. Our favorite Christian music played softly from Joe's iPhone and we had thirty minutes of great conversation. Down at our feet we could hear the sound of wheels turning in Jack's head as he planned a great bacon heist. Fortunately for Jack, Joe is a sucker for his power of persuasion and he scored a piece without having to lift a paw. I use that trick sometimes too. :)
Twelve hours into the new year and all is happily well. May this be an indicator of the delights this year will bring!

Happy New Year!

We wish you a new year filled with adventure, love, and an overflowing of God's amazing blessings!