Sentimental Reminiscing

It is a very special and talented lady’s birthday today! (The one who had me blubbering before my morning coffee a few days ago!)

Rachel, I feel very lucky to have found you as a designer, but extremely blessed to call you my friend! I hope that throughout the month of November, your Birthday Month, you find joy, surprises, laughter and love. All of which you deserve in abundance. All of which you have shown me since the day we met.

I am the one who could never repay you, for showing me how to use Expression Engine, how to upload photos to my blog, and of course all the beautiful designs you have surprised me with over the last year and a half.

To discover a close friend through that time was the most wonderful and treasured surprises of all! A friend who makes me laugh, regardless of what else may be going on in life. That is a priceless gift; one I could never repay you for. It is no secret how much I value laughter in life; you have shown both Kevin and myself many wonderful laughs, just by being yourself, and saying what’s on your mind. Another Rachel attribute that I admire, and has me wishing I could have more of.

So today, and throughout the month of November, I celebrate your birth, and my good fortune in finding your friendship through blogging.

Happy Birthday Girlfriend! And here’s to many more years of friendship and laughter! (You turn any tears into laughter.)

A toast to Rachel!

Love You,

3T

Ok, I’m hacking 3T blog because I have a few things to say.
We all get to listen to how wonderful her husband is (and I’ve met him a million times.) This man is .. wow.. I love him on so many levels. He’s smart, funny, helpful and if you spend a day with those two you can tell that he adores every little bone in her body.
He posts on her blog and you can feel the love in each post.
Well, I have some things to say about this woman and as I’m not her husband we know it’s not mushy honeymoon crapola ( )

I’ve known her for over a year and we met ... ok I’m really bad with time but it seems like forever ago.
This woman is remarkable. She’s hilarious, fun to hang out with, a super great friend who listens to me babble on when I’m having problems and won’t just smile and nod and tell me what I want to hear but what I need to hear. She’s like my long lost older sister (and I mean that in a loving way - you’re NOT old).
I hate talking on the phone (probably more than she does) so we don’t that often but when we do it’s like we never missed a beat.
I ENJOY every single minute I spend with her. I even leave my house early when I’m headed out there because I’m anxious to get there.
See, I’m one of those people who would be 100% ok if I never had to leave my house. I hate going out. I hate shopping and all that crap. If I’m going out with people or just out I usually pop a Xanax so I don’t stress out.
I don’t have to do this when I’m headed to her house.
As soon as you walk in, and sometimes even in the driveway if they meet you there, you feel like you’re at home. She’s so down to earth you don’t feel like you have to be someone else or put on even a tiny little act.
I can be me, which people either love or hate.

Sometimes I honestly feel like she does too much for me. I do a design for her here and there and add buttons and stuff.
Dana and I argue over who’s going to do it because whoever does gets their pictures splattered all over 3T’s page. (By the way Dana, I had a talk with her about that today. She promised from now on it will be 200px wide at the most).
Got sidetracked.. but yeah, a design here or there and she gives me the world or close to it anyway.
I think if I told her my brain fell out she’d find a way to give me hers.

So I’m rambling on and on and on and probably making no sense and it’s all to say Thank you 3T for being a super, wonderful, fanfuckingtastic friend. One day I hope to pay you back for all you have done for me.
I also had a blast today and will be coming out again in a few weeks and will stay until you kick me out.
Also, please tell Tayler thank you SO much for the gorgeous frames. Gary just saw them and he loves them too.
That’s another thing ... I love your kids. They are so awesome. Of course they get that from you.

I’m done with my blubbery post and don’t be mad I hacked you.

I have a strong need and desire to send out a special thank you to a close friend I originally met through blogging. This special lady has graced me with her amazing talent and skills now for over a year, and I am humbled by her generous heart.

Although my new design may not be up yet IS UP, Rachel has blessed me with yet another beautiful look for Stumbling / Grace. I am so honored to be her friend, let alone by all of the lovely designs she has created for me, and surprised me with; it leaves me speechless. (OK, I may never be completely speechless, but I think you can get my drift)

Rachel, I love my new design! I love you more! And again, a “Thank-you” seems lame and far from enough to show you my gratitude for your awesome gift! I truly thank God, for bringing you into my life.

When my new design is installed, I ask each of you to go over and show this beautiful lady some love. For her talent, her skills and her kind heart. She truly is one in a million!

I love you Rachel! And thank you, with all sincerity, and all of my heart.

Love,

3T

3T asked me to write a guest post and I agreed on one condition: That she would post what I wrote.

Agreeing was no easy thing for my humble wife, who doesn’t much care for the kind of public attention I am going to give to what I consider a blessed event--her birth. Yes, my wife will celebrate her birthday Tuesday, and though she needlessly frets about time’s relentless march - as most of us do anyway - I consider the day she was born as a way to celebrate all that she is.

And what, you might ask, may that be?

Let me tick off a few of her many attributes that give me reason to celebrate.

Her fortitude and courage. Familiar readers know 3T’s past and her struggle to get out of an abusive marriage. When she first told me her story five years ago, I was in disbelief that someone could treat her the way her first ex did.  It took great courage and fortitude to escape that nightmare, and equally great fortitude to rise above its scars. By “rising above its scars,” I mean she didn’t let the lifelong memories of that horrible period defeat her.  Indeed, she learned much from that experience that enables her to look at life and releationships realistically and wisely.  And that, of course leads to…

Her insight and wisdom. I consider myself the greatest beneficiary of 3T’s insight and wisdom, some of which you can see in many of the posts that she’s written over the past year and a half or so.  I’m thankful for what she saw in me and her enviable ability to articulate what she sees.  I also have seen her counsel others, and her ability to get to the core of a problem.  She literally saved me from a loveless, selfish life with that insight and her uncanny ability to articulate it.  Part of that insight is tempered by…

Her faith. As a long-fallen-away Catholic who more or less acknowledged God’s presence but pretty much divorced that acknowledgement from real life, I can credit 3T with restoring my faith in a loving God who accepts our imperfections but wants us to work on eradicating them.  Though we’re not much on church going, 3T nonetheless prays with me and on her own and has taught me that God treasures us and as a reminder of His love he gave us what she has in spades, namely…

Her sense of humor. 3T can be serious, but she shares with me a joy and a sense of humor that helps break the darkness that can inevitably follow when we look too closely at all the ills that surround us.  That’s one reason why I so love our roadtrips, because they make me forget the responsibilities and the headaches of the daily grind and take me instead to a place where I can develop a temporary amnesia and loose myself in the present.  Of course, a part of that is also related to…

Her beauty. There is one thing I never put an ounce of belief in what 3T says, and that is her laments about aging.  To me, she is always barely past drinking age, and always will be.  Now, I am not going to get into any other physical-related things, but suffice it to say she is the most exciting wife I could ever hope to find, which is one reason I will always be her husband.  Another reason is…

Her loyalty. 3T is supremely loyal, and a fighter to the end.  That sense of loyalty made her a pillar of strength for me during my prostate surgery and all the dreaded months leading up to it and the painful recovery afterward.  Had she not stuck by me, I doubt I would have cared that I had a deadly disease.  With her, conquering it was in some ways as easy as recovering from the flu.

Those are just a few reasons why I celebrate my wife’s birthday and why next week I will pamper her and make her remember that while it may be her birthday, it is I and those closest to her count it as OUR lucky day.

Happy Birthday, my bride.  May we celebrate many more together.
I love you

Had he not procurred my promise to post what he wrote, this one would have been relegated to the same file two other of his posts have been sent to. Please don’t feel compelled to particpate in my husband’s “3T lovefest.” (It is enough, that he feels this way about me.) And admittedly, it was well written. I love you too, my husband.

I feel blessed and honored to live in this great country! Made so, by the courage and sacrifice of those in the military of the past and the present. God Bless each of them and their families who sacrifice so much for us to enjoy the fruits of their labors! Freedom in all its many forms.

As we celebrate the Birthday of the United States, I hope everyone will bow their heads in a silent prayer for all of the soldiers who at this very moment have sacrificed being with their families to uphold all that this country is and stands for.

Regardless of our many and varied opinions in the political realm, their sacrifice, their loyalty doesn’t change with opinion. I wish all the families who are living without their loved ones who have put themselves in harm’s way for all of us, blessings and peace. My heart and thoughts are with all of you, as are my prayers.

This photo is of an Ex-POW who shared with Kevin and I on Memorial Day weekend, his struggles during World War II as a POW. Watching him recount his story like it was yesterday, the way his eyes misted up, and the pride he had in not only his sacrifice, but that of his wife, was an image that will stay with me always. I was thinking of him this morning, and lifted a prayer for both him and his wife.

God Bless America! is my prayer today. As we go about our many and varied celebratory activities, please drive safe. And if you’re going to drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. Let’s not add any tragedy to this very special day!

All together now: HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Love,

3T

PS. Check out Rachel’s post titled Independence. This is a family who knows of this sacrifice. You’ll find it one down from the top.

Artist - Ain Vares — “Jesus Christ is Risen”
Matthew 28:1-7, Acts 2:24, Romans 4:25, 2 Corinthians 4:14, 2 Corinthians 5

May the joy of the Risen Savior be yours, this Easter and always.

Rise Again


Go ahead, drive the nails into my hands
Laugh at me where you stand
Go ahead, and say it isn’t me
The day will come when you will see

‘Cause I’ll rise again, ain’t no power on earth can tie me down
Yes, I’ll rise again, death can’t keep me in the ground

Go ahead, and mock my name
My love for you is still the same
Go ahead, and bury me
But very soon I will be free

‘Cause I’ll rise again, ain’t no power on earth can tie me down
Yes, I’ll rise again, death can’t keep me in the ground

Go ahead, and say I’m dead and gone
But you will see that you were wrong
Go ahead, try to hide the Son
But all will see that I’m the One

‘Cause I’ll come again, ain’t no power on earth can keep me back
Yes, I’ll come again, come to take my people back.

These are the words to the song Rise Again, as sung by Dallas Holms. This song has touched me like no other.  From the first time my parents played it on the record player when I was around Tayler’s age, until this very day. It’s reminiscent not only of the power behind why a lot of us celebrate Easter, but for me, childhood memories of parents who believed in the power of the Risen Christ, as well as His everlasting love. A love that would shine through my Mom’s and Dad’s eyes, that convinced me of His caring love, without a single word. If you get the opportunity, Dallas Holms singing Rise Again will bless your spirit.



Happy Easter, and may the Easter bunny leave you LOTS of chocolate too! 

Love,

3T

I can still close my eyes, and see vividly, the day we took our vows, in a Scottsdale chapel, outside, with the most beautiful scenic desert view. We were married on January 3rd 2003, in the presence of Robby, Tayler, Riley and my parents. Kevin wrote our vows, that we shared, and within 10 minutes time, we were husband and wife. The evening was spent at a reception we gave at our home, for all our friends, and my parents. Most of the friends that attended were from my work place at the time. My father was in charge of toasting Kevin and I, as a newly married couple. The house was crammed full of people, and dad had already partook of a few beers, when he rose his champagne glass to toast us. I know he was a little on the nervous side, by the time the crowd grew silent for his toast.

He cleared his throat, and very clearly stated, “To Teri & Randy.” At this point I went white and gasped! Randy by the way, was husband number two. There was nothing left to do, but laugh. By the shock on my fathers face, I know he couldn’t believe what he had just said. He did recover and gave us a lovely toast. And the rest of the evening was full of giggling over his faux pas. My wonderful husband, who is very easy going, was not flustered by the moment, and could see the humor in the toast. And the likelihood of this happening, when two middle-aged people, with enough baggage to fill a Cruise ship, takes their vows.

When we chose the date for our wedding, neither of us were aware that it was also the day of the Fiesta Bowl. So the TV room was occupied by the die hard fans, wanting to catch part of the game, as well as the groom, when he was able to sneek off. A game, that I might add went into double overtime, before Ohio State won the National Championship. The party continued on till close to midnight, with a hand full of our friends now all gathered in the TV room, drinking, talking and watching TV. The patio that moments earlier was packed with partiers, was empty, and my new husband and I danced to “our song” alone for the first time as man and wife.

Our wedding was far from traditional, unique to the two of us and memorable for us beyond measure. By the time we danced to “our song” I was out of my gown, in a pair of jeans, and enjoying the casual atmosphere, that we created with the help of some good friends. Far from wedding picture perfect, it was perfect for us.











The next morning was busy visiting with my parents, and saying our goodbyes to the kids for the next nine days. We made it to the airport 2 hours in advance, to get thru all the red tape that was airport life, post 9/11. Unfortunately the airport was crammed full with lines that snaked around the check-in point, due to the Fiesta Bowl revelers heading home. And for two hours we held our breath, as time ticked away from our departure to New Orleans. Once we made it past security, in a dead run we headed for our flight. We made it to the gate, seeing our plane still sitting there, only to learn they had given our seats away. Although our bags, of which there were many, had made it on the flight.

At which point, my new husband saw just how brutal his “blushing bride” could get. Looking back, that poor attendant didn’t deserve the brunt of my rage, but at the time, I could have effortlessly strangled her, and the rest of the airport workers without thinking twice. Our flight would have brought us into New Orleans by 4:00 PM that day. The Cruise, wasn’t scheduled to leave for Jamaica until 4:00 PM the next day. Being a pessimistic optimist, I always leave room for “error” although not expecting any. And I wanted a tour of New Orleans before heading out.

My rage at all things airport did not subside, until the attendant had us booked on United Airlines, first class. Although there was a connecting flight from Denver to New Orleans, that had us arriving at 10:00 PM. Arriving at the New Orleans airport, our next challenge was to find out luggage that had arrived there at 4:00 PM on our original flight. We managed to locate it, just as the attendant was locking up all the misplaced luggage for the night.

Now, completely exhausted, and loaded down with enough luggage, to last a month abroad, we hailed a cab. Barely fitting all our luggage and us, we collapsed inside the cab, and pulled out the hotel confirmation slip, that Kevin had booked online. A closer look at the confirmation slip, showed he had booked the reservation for the wrong date. At this point, I began to count, not wanting to say a word out loud, for fear of the amount of rage my new husband would sustain. The rest of the cab ride was in silence, with both of us holding our breath. The thought of not being able to find a hotel room at 11:00 PM at night, on both of our minds.

They had a vacancy luckily, and of course he cancelled the reservation for the wrong date. We walked around the streets of New Orleans, which for being so late, was packed with partiers, noise and music. After grabbing a bite to eat, and listening to some music, we walked around some more. I coerced my new husband into going into the seediest looking strip club, wanting to see the revelers and debauchery first hand. Unfortunately a nasty fight broke out inside the club, that had my husband more then a little concerned, and me laughing all the way out the door.



The next morning, although colder then a witches tit, was clear and sunny. We had a lovely brunch on an outside balcony of a restaurant, where we could watch street musicians perform. Although our stay in New Orleans was brief, we both enjoyed it thoroughly. We made it to the Cruise ship, with no mishaps and excited to explore our temporary home for 7 nights. I had booked a cabin with a private balcony, that we ended up taking full advantage of. Although we weren’t supposed to, we would prop the door open at night, letting the sea air into our cabin each night.

On the Cruise, we were able to explore part of Jamaica, Mexico and the Cayman Islands. The bus ride out to Negril Beach had us scared shitless, as it seemed most of the drivers there, drive like bats out of Hell. But we made it in one piece, and enjoyed the beach and Jimmy Buffets Bar. I know eventually we plan on another Cruise in the somewhat near future, wanting to see more of the Caribbean.

Our Wedding and Honeymoon, I know holds so many special memories for us. It also held several challenges that did not end with missing our flight. On the Cruise ship, I had bought some internet time, needing to keep abreast of a few different developments back home. Towards the end of the Honeymoon came the news that my mother’s breast cancer was worse then they had originally thought. That she would need a double mastectomy, to battle it. Although devastating news, my husband and I kneeled in prayer that night, and cried together. Beginning a habit of praying together, that I know will last the rest of our lives.

The other development, was the company I worked for had some problems that would take them from hiring 20 people two months earlier, to lay offs wide spread thru each department. My boss sent me an email letting me know, as he had promised. This set of lay offs, I was spared from, although several of my friends were let go. Again, we prayed together, for my friends, and the company I worked for.

Although we were thrilled to be married, it was not a fairytale of happily ever after. From the very beginning, we learned to cling together through the trials that come in all of our lives. Most likely at a higher rate, the older we get. We learned from the beginning, that we needed to cherish each day and night together. It had us promising, that we would never crawl into bed for the night alone.

We have had our share of trials over the last three years, that in retrospect, we know God is there watching over all of us. That each day, we can set our marriage and life on Him, as a foundation. He doesn’t promise us a care free life, but He gives us His comfort, joy, peace and love. And each other, until death do us part.

As my husband and I celebrate our 3rd Wedding Anniversary today, a day much like any other, I know we are saying a prayer of thanksgiving, for all of the Blessings He has bestowed upon our lives. We see His hand in our lives daily.  We lift all glory to Him, our Savior, for bringing us together, to share in our joys, heart-aches, successes and problems. And “our song” continues to be our song, fitting as it was on January 3rd 2003 as it is today January 3rd 2006.

I love you my husband, and wish you a Happy 3rd Anniversary. Here’s to 20 more!

Tim McGraw - All We Ever Find

Say exactly how you feel
Right now you’re free to say it all
There is no one here to judge you
I only love you
You’re free to close your eyes and fall
You can trust me, this is real
Say exactly how you feel

Tell me all your dreams
And what you think love means
We’ll lock the world outside
Embrace the gift of time
Promising forever
Knowing that this moment
Might be all we ever find

Every breath of who you are
Tells a story that I love
I have finally found the truth
In what I see in you
And what I feel with every touch
The simple beauty of your heart
In every breath of who you are

Tell me all your dreams
And what you think love means
We’ll lock the world outside
Embrace the gift of time
Promising forever
Knowing that this moment
Might be all we ever find

Tell me all your dreams
And what you think love means
We’ll lock the world outside
Embrace the gift of time
Promising forever
Knowing that this moment
Might be all we ever find

Promising forever
Knowing that this moment
Might be all we ever find