If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you know that my husband,  Eddie, is quite a romantic .  He never fails to make me feel special, and I still smile when I think of  how we met  and fell in love. In our early days, it took Eddie a little while to discover that I was not as openly "lovey-dovey" as he was, though I secretly adored his romantic antics. He  re-proposes to me  at least once a year and writes me  text message poetry . We joke about "The Five Love Languages" (a book by Dr. Gary Chapman), and that Eddie has 6 of the 5, while I have 1 or 2. (Good book, by the way). Eddie and I had a day off together, but were so tired from a busy week that we spent most of the day lounging around the apartment, taking advantage of the opportunity to just do nothing. We ended up watching early episodes of "The Office," where Jim and Pam's romance develops. In a particularly love struck moment, Eddie called to me, "I want to hold your han...

Hallelujah! The angels sang when Eddie opened a special package that came in the mail today...his diploma! He jokes that it only took him 13 years and 3 different schools to get his degree. While Eddie is my little genius (like, a for real genius), seven years of active duty Army makes it difficult to finish an academic program. Throw in Eddie's super natural distain for homework, and it all makes a little more sense. There were a few occasions when he and I were so overwhelmed with work, he needed a little bit of help with his homework. Once, I did almost an entire assignment for him and since my sister was visiting at the time, she helped me. We had to make some sort of plasma membrane thingy out of food...I don't even know what most of it was, but we got an A!!! (Kinda reminds me of a science fair project I did in 5th grade, but whatever.) So today's post is dedicated to Eddie, for all his hard work and dedication. He has something that can never be taken away and h...

Most people who know Eddie and myself will agree quite readily, that out of the 2 of us,  I  am the worry wart. There are few things that will get Eddie worked up or anxious. "Missed my flight? Eh. Late for work? It'll be fine. Riding in a death cab? When it's my time to go, it's my time." I on the other hand am fairly certain I'm in the process of giving myself a large ulcer due to stress. That's one reason why this trip to the Grand Canyon has been a welcome and unexpected change in our roles.  Of all the things that bother me, heights has never been one of them. While Eddie spent the day in his Park Ranger Training (the whole reason we're out here in the first place), I explored several hiking trails and found the PERFECT one! It was right on the edge. Not so much as a rock wall or fence to keep us from creeping up to the very brim of the enormous hole in the earth.  Proud of my discovery, I took Eddie to the trail, excited to take some pictures o...

A read a post, Plans and Sabotage , at Laugh with us Blog, and it reminded me of my own flub a while ago: ~~ When Eddie's mom and friend came to visit us a few months ago, we decided to take them to "The Lion King" on Broadway, the essence of a Broadway musical that we knew they'd love. The tickets were expensive, about $150 each, but we all agreed it would be a well worth it, once in a lifetime experience.  The tickets needed to be purchased all at once in order to get seats together, so I bought them a few weeks before their arrival with our credit card. Excited, I printed the tickets and looked them over. That's when I realized...I bought them for the WRONG weekend!!! I think my heart stopped for a second. Broadway tickets are like airline tickets...the prices constantly change and they're practically impossible to return. I immediately called the theatre, but couldn't get ahold of anyone. I called the 800 emergency number on the tickets, and sti...

My husband Eddie, is quite romantic. He brings me gifts, takes me on dates, and sends me flowers. One day we returned from lunch to find a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to our doorstep. I picked them up and noticed they were addressed to me! The return address was the flower company, so I assumed they were from Eddie. "Awww!" I mooned over them. But when I looked at Eddie, rather than seeing an adoring expression staring back at me, he looked completely puzzled. "Those aren't from me!" He accused, not so romantically or adoringly. I was just as surprised. I couldn't think of a single person who would send me flowers. It wasn't my birthday or any kind of special occasion. But curiosity, or was it something  else , overtook Eddie. He tore open the cardboard packaging like a ravage beast, searching for any clue of who the flowers could be from.  "It's from that one guy from that one place! I  knew  he had a crush on you!" I rolled m...

I hear a lot of people talk about how they're "the biggest procrastinator ever." I'm sure most of them are exaggerating however, as I'd like you to meet THE biggest procrastinator ever...my husband. The culprit There are many examples I could share with you to prove this fact, however one always comes to mind that makes me chuckle. Eddie is in the process of finishing his Bachelor's degree. Most of his classes are online and the assignments must be electronically submitted by midnight every Sunday. Late one Sunday night about a year ago, I was sound asleep, snuggled up all warm and cozy in my bed. I was deep in R.E.M cycle when suddenly, I was yanked into consciousness as Eddie hastily shook me awake. Like a patient awakening from a 3 year coma, I mumbled, "What's happening? Where am I? What's going on?" Eddie was desperately trying to ask me something, but I could not put together what was happening. After a few seconds I gained my bearin...

Today marks 4 years (1,460 days) being married to my husband, Eddie (He is a number genius and appreciates that kind of stuff...he probably could calculate the minutes and seconds in his head faster than I could add them with a calculator). As I type this now, 4 years ago, I was attempting to sleep on the floor of my sister's unfurnished, new  town house. Trying in vain to get some sleep before my wedding day, and trying  not  to panic about the rain that just started to fall outside. The rain stopped, I slept, and  the wedding was perfect . As cliche as it may sound, I knew there was something about Eddie,  literally   the moment we met . Of course, I never believed anything could happen between us, being military - he an NCO and myself an officer. This is strictly against the fraternization policy. Despite that knowledge, I found myself pulling a 24-hour shift at the staff duty desk one night, thinking about that guy, Sergeant Grimes. Before I knew it, ...

A priceless and necessary summer memory for all to possess, is a dusky, humid evening spent chasing lightning bugs. The chiggers nibbling on your ankles as you race through the freshly mowed grass, eyes fixed on the luminescent spec that fades in and out before your eyes, while arms flail haphazardly through the invisible air to snatch it in your palms. Imagine my shock and sorrow, when my husband commented that he had never done so. A crime which I felt must immediately be remedied. I don't own brilliant diamonds, or the luxurious glitter of gold. But once, my grandpa made me a ring to adorn my childishly small fingers, of a lightning bug and twist tie. Twas a piece of jewelry that lasted for only a moment on my hand, but has remained in my beloved thoughts for a lifetime.  And so, Eddie, you must accept this specially created piece. A lighting fixture, fit for all styles of decor, made of a glass jar, paper towel, and rubber band. The designer is God Himself, with only me as t...

I sat through 2 hours of ear-piercing thuds and ground-vibrating explosions. Not in war zone, but in the safety and comfort of our local IMAX Theatre, Skittles and popcorn in hand. I had  never  been to one before, when Eddie took me a few nights ago on a date. I suppose the images were sharper than a regular movie screen. It was certainly larger. But what really shocked me was how loud it was! We were still sitting through the previews when I slapped my hands over both of my ears and gave Eddie a terrified glance. Like a child sitting through fireworks, trying to enjoy the magnificent display but in painful discomfort.  I soon discovered that Eddie's shoulder was the optimum level at which to lean my head on. After all, that is the best way to watch a movie with someone. Eddie could feel when I tensed, winced, or jerked in reaction to a sudden booming sound. Only one ear drum found protection, pressed against his shoulder. And so with his hand, he reached around t...

I've mentioned before that my husband and I are big scrabble nerds. I've held the title of " The Ruler of Scrabble " for a few years now. My statistics for number of games won, highest word score, and highest game score have been mine for a while. But today my husband did something that...well, I don't know if we can call it amazing, or extremely nerdy. Probably a little of both. While I was at work, he found himself bored with nothing to do. So he played a game of electronic scrabble. He went back and forth with himself as each player, and strategically set up the board in a way that would allow him to create the mother of all scrabble words. The word that if you're playing for real, the chances are about 1 in a million that you would be able to make this word legitimately. After several hours, he completed his task. Ah Eddie. Some write poetry. Some play music. And some want only to get a word score of 1,710 points:

After a month away with the Army Reserves, Eddie will finally return home today from his psychological operations training. I am proud to report that he earned the highest score in every activity, making him the class's honor graduate. Since we both left active duty a year and a half ago, there have only been a few reminders of the difficult life that comes with being full time military. Conquering these challenges is a crucial ingredient to what makes a good soldier. So, it's no surprise to me that Eddie once again excelled, in the military and in life. Exceeds the Standard

If you’ve been here a while, then you know all about Joy , Ethan ,  Zachary , Jack , Evie , Gabby , Zoey , and Trace .  You know that Taylor is a bear and Kevin was a hero. You’ve read about triumphs and heartaches and you’ve gone gaga for Erica . You’ve run across all manner of creatures and critters like jellyfish , sparrows , texas chicks , frogs and owls , and even a Goose . You’ve seen photographs that have caught your breath and read poetry that just makes you smile, despite the world. At times you could literally smell the lilacs . Oh, and the music ! Such lovely music there’s been. Through a blizzard in Virginia , the heat of the Summertime , and even in the rain , a new song has never been far away. But it has rained a lot. In fact, it’s poured . Just the same, though, with a little help and a lot of friends , the Sun’s always come back out, bursting with new life and new inspiration. No goodbye is ever forever and each goodnight proceeds a unique sunr...

Eddie and I like to make a big deal out of each other's birthday's. For example, on my birthday I get to pick what I want to eat, where I want to go, and what I want to do. The other person has to make that wish come true, no questions asked and no complaining. Eddie has sat through karaoke night, eaten sushi, and spent the day at the mall for me. Well, today, we celebrated Eddie's birthday (his real birthday is on Sunday, but he has to work). I asked Eddie, "What do you want to do on your birthday?" The answer was simple. Nothing. I thought maybe he just needed some suggestions: Play a game of racket ball? Go to the park? Go out to eat? Go see a movie? Nothing. He wanted to do nothing. He didn't want to leave the house, or the couch for that matter. And so, in keeping with our birthday tradition, I respected his wish. We spent most of the day watching movies and eating junk food in between naps. At the end of the day I asked Eddie, "Did you have a go...

I’m used to a man in a uniform. Eddie and I met in the Army and he’s remained a soldier either full or part time ever since. I suppose the tan and green Army Combat Uniforms have become sort of hum drum for me, probably because I also had to wear them 5 days a week for 4 years. Nothing makes you feel less feminine than putting on a clunky pair of combat boots, men’s size 8, every morning. I guess when I’m wearing the same outfit as a guy, I don’t see it in the dreamy-fantasy like way that other people view a man in a military uniform. Now Eddie has a new uniform and I’m doing a double take when he goes to work every day. Button up, collared shirt with a necktie, and bulky because of the bulletproof vest he wears underneath. A leather holster around his waist with a nightstick, handcuffs, and 9-millimeter pistol. A brown, wide brimmed hat that sits straight as a ruler across his forehead. He is…a National Park Ranger. I went to visit him at work on the night shift, where he protects ...

Eddie asked me a few days ago, "What do you want for Valentine's Day?" I thought about it for a minute, then realized, we don't normally make a huge deal out of the holiday. So I offered this reply, "To be swept of my feet." Confused and slightly defeated, he nervously asked, "Have I ever swept you off your feet?" "Yes." "When?" He demanded. "When you proposed....the second time, no the third time." Disclaimer, you're about to read some cutsie, cheesy, romantic stuff, so stop here if you're not that kind of person (actually don't stop cuz I have a great video at the bottom, so at least watch that!). You see, Eddie proposed the first time, and I said yes. But since we've been married, he has proposed at least 2 other times, just to let me know he still feels that way. The "third proposal" was the most involved. We had been married for 3 years and went on a whale watching tour in New Eng...