A YEAR~ NOVEMBER 18, 2008

A year ago today Steve and I were married... our family and friends.. were there.. and my Internet family heard all about it in the following weeks.. It was by far one of the most proudest and joyous moments in my life ever.

So much has transpired in a year..along with our marriage... having the wonderful experience of visiting Israel, celebrating the engagement of my niece Jennifer and her graduation from pharmacy school... surviving economic challenges as everyone else is too ... witnessing history on November 4th...
At the same time though there was sadness too.. Losing friends to illness .. Losing mom 4 months ago this past Saturday... On the one hand we know that we were blessed that she was there to celebrate with us and that she had a good life.. on the other.. Steve and I still feel a bit lost with out her... She was our weekend cohort.. sometimes we looked forward to it.. and sometimes not so much... but now that those sometimes are gone.. the emptiness she left behind is far bigger than anything I have ever known only connected in size to the loss of dad...
However, even with this year's uncertainties.. even with the losses we have experienced... there is joy..
When I look into my husband's eyes.. I am sure of things... I am hopeful.. and mostly I am happy,.
I am joyful over the smaller things in life that Steve does..
a perfect example of that .. is last week.. I was so stressed from work.. frazzled... upset.. Steve met me at the top of the steps, with homemade hot chocolate, made with skim milk, and topped off with a dollop of Redi Whip Fat free whipped cream.. it was a big hot steaming mug.. my frazzledness got left behind as I indulged before dinner in on of my favorite treats on a cool night...
Steve does not try to solve my world..... and I like that.. if I ask him to help me solve something, he does.. but he cheers me on.. encourages me.. or joins me in growling at whatever monster has annoyed me ... he listens.. most of the time...That is important to me... his laughter is like music to my ears.. and I get so tickled when I know something I have said has made him laugh... He never fails to make me happy.. . my home is in his arms.. and my heart .. well.. he is my heart... he sees me through... he believes in me well after I have given up.. and long after he should have given up on me.. sure we get frustrated with each other here and there.... but those moments are like tiny tiny tiny dots that help make up this brilliantly colored canvas of our lives together... he makes this life a great adventure.. he brings me joy.. and he walks with me no matter what.. he is my blessing...
As next week is Thanksgiving.. I will get an early start... I am Thankful for Steve... for all he does, for all he is.. for who I am because of his love .
I love you sweetness!
Happy 1st anniversary ..looking forward to Anniversary 2 and beyond...
~~~For me.. this year.. one of the coolest things I got to do .. I got to buy an anniversary card .. okay.. I bought 3 one that made me laugh, one that made me cry and one that made me smile..... I have never bought one before for a husband.. my husband (smile)... ~~~~

Wishing you all well
Wish me well too...