Derek's Birthday

So it was Derek's birthday on Monday- the man is back to a youthful three syllables at twenty-eight years old. He was king of the world for a day- even though he was studying for a test Tuesday morning. He picked his meals for the day: German pancakes with apple pie filling for breakfast, banana bread and smoothies for lunch (I learned that it's highly advisable to use the black bananas. Otherwise... it's just weird. It turned out white and a little mushy and way too banana-flavored. 'Course, I think I may not have cooked it quite long enough. But still.), and "spider pizza" for dinner. (This one turned out even better than the one pictured, but since I didn't take a picture this time, this is what you get.) Then of course, the usual as far as cakes go: Dark Chocolate with chocolate pudding "frosting".

Well, ok, maybe picking your meals for the day doesn't really make you king for a day. But I did give him extra back and head scratches (he's a very itchy guy) and back rubs. As for gifts, it was somewhat anti-climactic. Thanks to my dad and Ethan and Amiee (youngest siblings), he got a little pre-birthday something (a cd about Joseph Smith by Truman Madsen and some delicious snacks. He also hoardes snacks.). Thanks to Zan he got a weird rose card- which he then opened to read, "Ok, honestly, who cares what the card looks like? Just take your cash and be glad I remembered." He loved it.

So what did I get him? Well, first of all, we gave him a bag of fun-sized Snickers, some dark chocolate Cadbury bars and some other gourmet dark chocolate squares. Then I followed this up with a world map. Which begs a background story. We once had a world map. A lovely world map. It was mounted on this styrofoam-type mounting stuff (yeah, no idea what, can you tell?) and it was wonderful. Well, last year I started playing around with antiquing altered books and other things and thought it would be a good idea to try that on the map. Well, shoe polish did NOT work on this stuff. I ruined probably a good quarter of the map with it. About a month ago I started trying to mask the damage and used a stain- which worked perfectly on everything I hadn't already ruined, but did nothing for the damaged portion. So it's already ruined. What can it hurt? I took a match to the corner.

Well, I guess it looks... alright. But mostly weird. Not like a cool display piece. More like a weird burnt map that would need explaining anytime anyone looked at it. So I got him a new one. Frankly, I like this one better anyway.

Finally, I got him a new Lord of the Rings sword. He already has Anduril, the sword of Aragorn, which he reforged from the shards of Narsil; as well as the sword of the Witchking. I got him Herugrim, the sword of King Theodrin. Unfortunately, the sword didn't arrive until today, so it missed the actual birthday. In any case, he opened his package today and loved the sword. Here he is, weilding his new toy:

Meanwhile... what do you think was happening to the packing peanuts?







They had a ball. And then we spent at least 1 1/2 hours cleaning up the mess. It was atrocious. But I did figure out that you can eliminate the annoying static cling by spraying them with water. Amazing.

Save Big On Batteries Jill? I wish...

So Jill posted this video about how you could save a bunch on batteries by taking apart a 6V lantern battery. Naturally, I went out and bought one and had Derek pry it open for me. Maybe I bought the wrong brand or something, but we definitely didn't find 32 AA batteries inside. We did have fun slamming it into the pavement on the driveway and finding out what is inside four giant something batteries, though. And we felt pretty cool, like we were the guys on MythBusters or something.

Roadtrippin'

So over the break before fifth quarter started (that's right-- fifth quarter-- Derek is officially a second year med school student), Derek and Avril flew out to Boise to see his family and bring this sweet little ride back. Now, naturally, Avril loved flying on the big airplane with Daddy. She felt so important. Up until now, in her memory, she's only experienced other people coming and going on airplanes--- Grandmas, cousins, Mommy's friends, aunts, uncles... Now, she can number herself in the ranks of those who ride in airplanes. Just getting ready for her trip, she felt pretty important. She packed her little purple backpack full of all the most important things she was sure to need on her trip-- pen lids, nail clippers, doll shoes, paperclips, about three miniature stuffed animals, Candyland movement pieces (you know, the little Gingerbread men. She calls them "manager guys". At least I think that's what she's saying.). When she was finally ready, we put all her stuff together and got ready to leave in the semi-darkness of the pre-dawn-- yes. We left K-ville at 3:30am. Ew.

Anyway, the week was naturally spent (for Derek) immersed in the world of Magic the Gathering, dueling and battling with his fellow wizards, his brothers. They also discovered a marvelous new version of Dungeons and Dragons--- D&D Miniatures! You get actual pieces premade and do battle with them on the table. Yes, they loved it. My nerdy husband and his brothers have found meaning in life. In fact, I was told that I would be provided with my own starter set of Miniatures, but I have yet to see evidence of this. So far it has been just a lot of fast talk and empty promises.

For Avril, the week was spent being inundated into the world of Spoiling Grandma without the balancing (aka "naughty") influence of The Mom. This translates into movies (she learned all about the Little Mermaid and her "naughty" daddy) galore, candy, any kind of yummy sugary cereal she wanted, toys, dolls, clothes, books, swimming, etc. And she got to spend time with her cute little cousin, Izabel. Apparently, they had a great time, and I have photographic evidence, but it's not available digitally. So... too bad for you.

The horrible drive back also allowed for a well-stocked fun trip for her. Grandma bought her a roadtrip care package: new Disney Princess dolls, books, stickers, coloring book, My Pretty Ponies, candy, goldfish and treats. I think she was in heaven. Derek and Weston, however, pretty much wanted to die. A twenty-four hour straight-shot drive across the country always drains the will to live. Especially when there's no A/C and no cruise control. And especially when you run out of gas 15 miles outside Laramie, Wyoming and no tow trucks are willing to come at 1am. Fortunately, highway patrol came along and gave them a ride back to Laramie and they wound up delayed a mere 45 minutes. Not too bad, all things considered.
They rolled into town Sunday (the 2nd) afternoon, just in time for Weston to get rested up for another horrible day of traveling all day Monday, this time by plane. Read: sick layovers. Thanks for the awesome scheduling, Kirksville Regional Airport. (Does the sarcasm come through? Do I need to add something else to convey it better?)

It's Official

I fear I've been rather haphazard in my use of the word "official" of late. In fact, this fear was confirmed this evening at dinner when, upon hearing my somewhat questionable use of the word, my husband replied, "I don't think you exactly understand how to use that word. I've noticed you've misused it quite a bit over the last few days. Perhaps you should go find a dictionary or a thesaurus and go make up a few practice sentences and then report back."

Anecdotes

So my family cracks me up.

This morning Avril comes into our room holding a framed picture of Jesus surrounded by some children under her arm.

"Mommy, Jesus is sad and so I have to make him happy. So I'm going to get him toys. I need to got to Wal-mart to get Jesus toys to make him happy, ok? So I need you to get me a car so I can go to Wal-mart and get some toys for Jesus because he is sad and I need to make him happy."

I told her to tell Derek her idea. She repeats herself to him. Now we're both trying not to laugh, and she is completely oblivious. She is very serious about her quest. But I suppose if she gave Jesus some toys, that probably would make Him happy. I can't say the same for me, but I think He'd appreciate it from her.

Anecdote #2:
We're sitting in the kitchen eating lunch. Derek says this to Xandri, "Hey there... do you want a bolus?"

Bolus: n. a soft, roundish mass or lump, esp. of chewed food.

A bolus?! What are you, a med student? Or better yet, a mother bird? A wolf even?

Yes, the man then proceeded to offer her his chewed up sandwich, which she polished up with satisfaction. This is the man I married. He feeds my child chewed up food. And terms it "bolus".

Two Points of Interest

First, this seems more scary to me than interesting: my toothy little almost-eight-month-old thinks it's a good idea to start trying to crawl up stairs. Do you have any idea how many stairs are in my house?! I knew this day would come. I was just hoping it wouldn't be for another couple months! Also, she's got two more teeth coming in on top! Or she will soon.... I can't believe how big she's getting and how fast! I'm so sad Derek is missing out on so many of these fun developments.

Which brings me to my second point of interest: Derek in Texas. Yeah, that just plain and simple sucks. I mean, how do you tell your two (almost three)- year-old that Daddy isn't coming home for THREE MORE WEEKS? It breaks my heart every time I hear her crying about how much she misses her Daddy. She fell off a chair today and after I comforted her and she calmed down enough to talk, all she could say was, "I want my Daddy!" I just feel so inadequate! I know I can only fulfill half of her needs: I can't imagine trying to be a single parent. And every time I have to tell her she won't see Daddy for three more weeks (2 1/2 now), I torture myself by trying to imagine what it would be like to tell her Daddy's never coming home. It makes me sick to my stomach.

Anyway, I didn't bring that up to complain. What I really wanted to say was that Derek is loving The Texas. Although it's so hot he feels weird if he's actually dry, he's really enjoying his combat training, land navigation and weaponry training. I'm so proud of him for following his patriotic sense and serving his country this way. I miss him something fierce and hope he never has to leave again. But underneath it all, I'm just proud to know I married a man who won't shirk his duty when it calls.

On the other hand... when he loses his rifle during night navigation, I kinda have to wonder what's really going on over there!

Derek's Very First Loaf of Bread

Yes, that's right. He did it all by himself. Isn't it gorgeous? Creative, at the very least...
It still tasted great. I love my helpful husband.

Derek's Study Habits

Please just notice the Nerds arranged by color.

Five Glorious Years

So, Derek and I celebrated our fifth anniversary last weekend. Yeah, I know, I lost my $20, too. Who knew, right? But, wow, what an amazing weekend! We don't usually do a date night because of various reasons (mostly scheduling a sitter around Derek's random studying habits), so it was really refreshing to be able to spend this time together. So a big thanks to Katherine for the overnight sitting and to Melody... and maybe Paul... for babysitting in the morning.

Our lovely night began at the Thousand Hills Lodge for our evening repast...

Now, I'll be honest. It was subpar. I was expecting a little more. First of all, the ambiance was certainly lacking. There was little to no decor, even though they had an amazing view over-looking the lake. Furthermore, their menu was limited and few things on it appealed to me. The food wasn't incredible, but it was good. The steamed broccoli was, perhaps, the best steamed broccoli I've ever had, though. I sent my compliments to the chef on it. I hope he wasn't offended that it was limited to the broccoli...

We also brought Xandri along for dinner (since I'm still nursing her it seemed like it would be the best idea just to have her there for the night). In retrospect, we should have just gone to our favorite restaurant and left her home with the sitter, picking her up right before we went to the cabin.

After dinner, we went back to the cabin where I had set up the OTM table (non-med students read: massage table) and treated each other to some delicious massages. I had also decorated the room a little with candles, music, LOTS of pillows and the like to set the mood (thanks again Melody for your lovely furnishings in that department). Things started getting a little amorous when we started kissing, but there's nothing like two big eyes looking at you from over on the other bed to kill the mood. It'll make you laugh, but you can't quite get back to making out until those big eyes go to sleep.

I had expected the rooms to be cramped, the decor outdated and the beds uncomfortable, much like a Budget Inn or something. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were actually quite roomy and the beds and bedclothing were indeed rather comfortable. Unfortunately, I woke the next morning with a bit of a migraine. Derek offered to take Xandri into our morning sitter (again, thanks Mel!), pick up some breakfast and let me sleep it off. When he returned an hour later, I was ready to rock and roll.

So now... the fun part. For the reader anyway... We went and rented a couple kayaks for about 1 1/2 hours and paddled around the lake. It was so refreshing to be outside in the amazing weather, using our bodies (we both looked down on the lazy people reliant on motors) to propel our boats through the water and just enjoying each other and nature in general. (Lucky for us, they gave us half off the rental price for being students and renting in the morning. Love it.) We found a great little cove with a swim dock in it, tied up the kayaks and laid out for a while.

Now, you may think this was the end of our anniversary celebrations. And in all fairness, it could have been enough. But not for me! I wanted to make the ACTUAL day special. We're usually moving across the country on our anniversary and I can't recall for sure if THE day has ever really been celebrated before. SO. Calling on the brilliant planning strategies and expertise of my friend Eugena, I orchestrated a meal that I think I can claim was not only the best meal I've ever made, but the best meal either of us have ever eaten (barring the outrageously expensive and amazing meals we had at two upscale French restaurants in Georgia...).

Once again, Melody came through with some of her cool decor and I was able to once again, set the mood for dinner. Perfectly planned out and perfectly executed, all the food was ready at the same time and warm at the same time! Yeah, I didn't know it was possible either. Derek didn't actually believe that I made the focaccia bread or the dessert, a panne cotta with fresh strawberries and blackberries (which I totally forgot to take a picture of... crap!). I had to tell him three times on each of them that I did.

Anyway, this is what was on the menu: salmon al cacciatore, grilled portobello, red onions and bell peppers, rosemary and basil focaccia breads, and panne cotta. My mouth is watering even now. I never knew what I had in me. All in all, it was a fitting celebration for five glorious years. I think I may have convinced him to stick around for another five. I know his magic hands & the OTM table convinced me.

Guilty Elation

It surprises me almost daily how happy I am right now. Derek is in med school and I'm still adjusting to having two children and spending all my time keeping my home and finances in order. My life is so full of projects and just... life... that I almost can't keep up. I don't feel like I have room to breathe sometimes.

But somehow, I feel like I am on a cloud most of the time. I can't remember a happier time. Somehow my marriage is more fulfilling than ever. Somehow my life at home with only one car between the two of us and only a phone and the internet to connect me to the world outside is even more fulfilling than studying to graduate magna cum laude from BYU or spending my time working. Maybe that's because I wasn't passionate about what I was doing. I've been spending more time focused on those things and people that mean the most to me. I'm developing talents that have lain dormant while I was completing my degree. I'm rediscovering interests, such as philosophy, theology, literature and art. I'm uncovering my inner chef and learning about crafts that I enjoy. And somehow, flashes of guilt occasionally darken my sunlit life.

Guilty because I am aware of how poignantly unhappy so many others are. So many other med school wives deplore med school for the time their husbands spend away from them. They are often unhappy and frustrated with life with crying, whining children. Mine cry and whine, but that is the exception, not the rule and I can almost always lay the blame for that right at my own feet. I consider that a positive, because to me, that means I have the power to correct it.

Still others of my friends are going through difficult times as well. Three have broken off or postponed meaningful relationships. Another is experiencing financial/job stress. My parents are still going through a divorce-- who knows what a strain that is for my siblings who are still living at home or nearby. I've read so many blogs lately of people who are depressed or angry or scared of themselves. These are the things that sully the purity of my elation. That others who are close to me know not the joy that I experience on a daily basis weighs my soul. And as far as I know, this difference has nothing to do with worthiness or righteousness. Most of those suffering are good, pure, righteous individuals. I dare not ask myself the question, "When will my turn come?" I'd rather not know. I'd rather enjoy as fully as possible this time while it is at my doorstep. So though that guilt occasionally mars my happiness, I do what I can to lift the burdens of others for a time; but when I am left to myself and my family, I choose not to dwell on that over which I have no power. That, I believe, is the secret to maintaining such happiness as has found me.

"Depend not on another, but lean instead on thyself...True happiness is born of self-reliance."
--The laws of Manu

Birthdays

Well, today is Derek's birthday. The difficult thing for me is, first of all, how do you handle the Sunday birthday? It tends to be a bit difficult to celebrate ON the day, but at the same time I hardly think it should pass unnoticed--even if it had been celebrated the night before. I've decided to go ahead and make the day special (i.e. he's king of the world today and picks his meals), but all the hoopla happened last night. Plus, let's be honest. How much of this celebration was for Derek and how much was for Avril? She opened at least half of his presents and extracted far more enjoyment from his helium balloons than he did. Did I expect anything different? No. In fact, I really played to her enjoyment!
Furthermore, Derek is a riddle wrapped in an enigma when it comes to birthdays. Two weeks ago, I suggested we attempt a SuperBowl birthday party. He seemed to like the idea, but when I mentioned it again a couple days later, his interest had decidedly waned. So I asked if he would prefer a small get-together. He perked right up. Then he decided he probably needed to study. This Thursday, two days before the party was potentially going to be held, he still hadn't decided on a guest list or if he even wanted a party. He finally made up his mind. Yesterday. At noon. So of course I wanted it to be special and fun and have good food, so I rushed to the store and got a bunch of stuff for hors d'oevres and what not (the MOST delicious bruschetta recipe--- if you ask me, I'll get it to you), chips and salsa, the classic chocolate pudding cake, dip brought by the only friends who knew in advance. Luckily his two single friends had no plans and showed up for a short time. But the two couples I talked to could only tentatively agree to come--- neither did. Next year, I'm throwing a surprise party.