Wait For It...The Rest of the Story

Right after I finished yesterday's blog post about Mark's surgery, I looked up to see a dear friend of mine walking in.  Holly and I taught together MANY years ago in Little Rock.  She had been watching my posts on Facebook and came to sit with me.  There is a lot more to the story about why it was so special for her to come but I won't share that for now.  I will just say that her being there was a huge blessing; we were able to talk on and off for the next couple of hours. It was a good distraction for me.

I can't say that I was overly nervous or worrying the whole time. I honestly was so tired I didn't have much energy to be anything.

However, one thing kept me a little on edge.

Since we sat in the waiting room for so long (we were the last family to leave), I started to figure out how the whole thing worked. The phone at the front desk would ring, the receptionist/hostess would answer, then she would call out information to the waiting families.

After we had been waiting for about 40 minutes, we had our first call.  Surgery had started.

Then an hour and a half or so later, we had another call.  "Cloud?  They are working on him; he is doing fine."

A while later the phone rang again. I found myself holding my breath every time it did (though at that point there were still other waiting families).  "Cloud?  They are still working on him; he is doing fine."

I learned from watching the others that after the appropriate time, the doctor would walk in. Some doctors took family to the family room (which I was sitting next to) to share surgery news.  Others would just meet with the family in the waiting room.

So after the 2 1/2 hours I had been told the surgery would take, I expected the doctor to walk through the door.

But he didn't.

And more time passed.

I still wasn't really nervous (again, thankful for Holly and small talk).  But I was ready to see that doctor.

Then the phone rang again.  Except this time,  the hostess said, "Cloud?  Phone." 

I will not lie. My heart stopped for a minute. Or two. Or three. 

I had not seen one other family go to the phone.

It took all I had to say, "Hello?"

"Just wanted to let you know that we are closing him up.  It was a hemangioma like we thought. He is doing fine."

Big deep breaths.

I know I was shaking. And starting to cry. (You know, happy tears.)

So then I waited for the doctor to walk through the door again. They were closing him up which is when the other doctors usually walked in.  So I waited.

And waited. And waited.

Then the phone rang again.

And again, I was called over to the phone.

I was pretty much on edge by that point.

I even asked the hostess if this was normal.  She only smiled.

"Hello?"

"Hi, just wanted you to know that he is fine and the doctor will be out to talk to you."

I turned around to tell my in-laws, but they were gone.

While I had been on the phone, they were ushered into the family room. Then I was too.

I was feeling pretty good since I had just had the phone call, but then we waited some more.

And waited.  And waited.

Finally my father-in-law went to the front desk to make sure we were really supposed to be waiting in there.  The hostess said she would find out.

Shortly afterwards, the doctor and his team (he had two students with him) walked in.  He assured me it had gone well, that he was 99.9% it was a hemangioma (I don't think he is allowed to say 100% until there is a pathology report), and that the bone had fit nicely back in place (now held with titanium plates).  He told me what to expect for a while and then answered a whole lot of questions.  Then he was gone.

I walked back into the waiting room and said good-bye to Holly (who spent more than enough time in a waiting room with me!). 

Finally a nurse walked in and told me I could come back.  I took Mark's clothes with me and walked into the post-op area. 

When I walked in, Mark was sitting up but his eyes were closed (and of course, one was bandaged up). 

I walked over and touched him.  I got a half-smile. 

When he talked, he pretty much kept his eyes shut.

And he talked really lightly.

And when he talked, it didn't always make sense.

In fact, today we have relived some of the same conversations because he doesn't remember a word of what we talked about yesterday.

I did not get any fun videos that will go viral on youtube. In fact, I didn't get any fun videos at all. There were times he made funny comments but overall, he was just so groggy and a bit grouchy.

(One little funny though was when I told him that my friend Holly had come to the hospital.  He quickly told me that he didn't remember her being there at all.  I had to tell him that was because he was in surgery.  :)

I helped Mark get dressed (which was an experience) then listened to all of the instructions from the nurse.  The doctor stopped by to check Mark's eye movement (which was really good) and his vision (still fuzzy).  He reminded me of some of the instructions, then we were told we could get the car while they got the wheelchair.

Thankfully my father-in-law got my car for me so I could wait with Mark.  Except I had to wait for him first. 

And I waited.  And waited. 

Finally a hospital attendant asked me if I was the family of .....  I am still not sure what name she said. When I said Mark's name correctly, she nodded and told me that he was sick.  I rushed back in only to find that he needed to use the restroom before we left.  (He had been sick though earlier)  I escorted him into the bathroom because he was a bit unsteady.  While in there, his head started bleeding.  It was like a comedy of errors, me holding all of our stuff, his belt which he insisted he did NOT want to wear then, and his "barfbag" for the ride back to the hotel, while trying to clean up blood in a men's bathroom. I went back out to tell the attendant who just stared at me. I suggested they might want to get someone to clean up the bathroom.  She disappeared.  Then we waited again.

Finally my mother-in-law went to look for her (I really wanted to push the wheelchair out at that point but figured it was against policy plus I had full hands).  The attendant returned. I told her we were the gray/silver van.  When we got outside, she turned the opposite direction, looking for a red vehicle.

Finally we got Mark into the van. My in-laws had driven separately which turned out to be a good thing. They went to pick up prescriptions while I drove back to the hotel.

The drive back was an experience.

I should know how to drive in Little Rock but it has been 18 years since I lived there. 

And as luck would have it, there was construction.  Like come to a screeching halt construction.

Meanwhile, Mark (who usually drives) is trying to get me back to the hotel. But he was pretty out of it. He was also a bit whiny (which I understand). I couldn't get the temperature right. We kept hitting potholes which hurt.  He just wanted to be at the hotel.  (So did I!)

Finally we got there, somehow managed to get him up to our room, and I began the process of caring for the wound, doling out medicine, helping with clean up, fetching ice, etc.

In all, we had been gone for over 8 hours. 

It felt like 3 days to me.  To him, it felt like 2 hours.

Oh, by the way, I didn't sleep any better that night.  The hotel bed was not comfortable for me.  And my poor husband slept sitting up.  

Fast forward, we are home now.

Mark's appetite is back.

He can walk around fairly well (as long as he doesn't look down).

We kept his eye patched all day.

He is in minimal pain.

However, his eyelid is three times its normal size. And it is quite colorful.  He looks like he was in a brawl.

I am pretty sure he is counting down the hours until tomorrow when he can take a shower.

We still don't know about vision (his eye is too swollen right now). We know he can see (sometimes double) but will have to wait a few more days to find out for sure where he stands.

Now we will finish up spring break in "recovery" mode.

Then I may need a spring break to recover from this week. :)

Mark goes back next week for a follow up. I may or may not need to take him depending on his vision.  So I guess it isn't really the rest of the story. Just more of it...

More later,
Reba

Eye Love Him

I haven't done a good job posting lately.

And I definitely haven't done a good job posting since last spring when I shared the story of the tumor that had been discovered behind my husband's eye.

At that time, we were told to seek a specialist's opinion and keep an "eye" on it. 

Which we did.

Until the end of the year when we told it was probably best to get that tumor removed.  (Test revealed that it was affecting Mark's vision since it is resting next to the optic nerve)

And here I am.

In a waiting room.

Waiting.

 The doctor wanted to do this surgery in January.  It was a bit of a shock to us since we had just been told we would just watch and wait.  We asked to wait until March when things wouldn't be as crazy. I mean that in relative terms since our lives are always a bit crazy...

And suddenly it is March.

We drove over (Little Rock) yesterday since we had to be here bright and early this morning. I still don't know why we had to be so early because we just did a lot of waiting once we got here. I suppose it really doesn't matter anyway. I didn't sleep. I don't think I was nervous about the surgery as much as nervous about oversleeping. It is my spring break; I am not used to being up before the sun!

Mark's parents joined us here (mine are at home, manning my kid crew and pup).  We went out for a nice dinner last night.  Then we tried to sleep.

We arrived right on time, they did the pre-op assessments, and had him change. Then we waited. A lot. 

One thing I have learned is there is no privacy in those pre-op rooms.

Or cubbies.

Or whatever they are called.

We heard all kinds of stories and health issues while waiting.

I finally got to meet the surgeon (nice guy) and hear all of the risks and possibilities.  That is not fun.  The possibility of an overnight stay was not welcome news either. 

And though none of that was really fun, I can't help but be thankful.

Other than having babies and one very quick outpatient procedure for me, we really haven't dealt with medical issues.  Or hospital visits.

So this is new to us.

Like the "compression" socks he had to wear.  Or being asked over and over if he had dentures or any loose teeth.  Or meeting a whole team of people (who all asked if Mark takes medicine and when he last ate).  I am thankful that is new to us. 

Finally, we were told it was time.

I have done fine.  Stayed strong.  Smiled a lot.

Until they told me I had to leave.

Then I cried.  (Very thankful for the nurse who sweetly hugged me on my way out)

And now I am just waiting.  Holding my breath each time the phone rings.  And sending messages to our kids.

There are always risks, especially with anesthesia.  For some reason the 1 in 200,000 chance of death from anesthesia complications seemed a bit daunting.

And a chance of blindness.

Or double vision for the rest of his life.

Or that we are dealing with something different than we were told.

All real risks.

Though my heart aches and I will admit to being a bit fidgety, I also know I have a real God.

It doesn't mean things will go just like I want.

But no matter how they go, I have a real God who is here supporting me.  Supporting him.

One more hour to go...

 Oh, how "eye" love him.

Reba

Breaking News...

I am interrupting my own beach updates to bring some breaking news.

Mark is no longer unemployed.

Yet technically he isn't employed either.

Well, I guess he is.

Just not by someone else.

After looking at several options, praying, and exploring possibilities, we have a decision.

Mark is going to be his own boss.

Yes, self-employed.

He has a company name and everything. (Integrated Solutions Group)


There are still a couple details to work out (the whole paying taxes thing and what to do about health insurance) but otherwise, he is ready to go.

I would love to tell you exactly what he will be doing but I don't know that I can do it justice. :)

I know he will be a consultant for business development for other companies.  He can handle marketing needs.  He is also an excellent lighting designer.  And I think there is more.

Like I said, I can't do it justice.

The funny thing is he has wanted to do this ever since I have known him.

But when we were newlyweds, I couldn't handle that thought of not having a steady income.  Then we had one kid, then two kids.  No way, Jose.  Now we have four kids and a furry pup, and I said, "Go for it..."

And he is.

Looking forward to where God is leading him!


Reba

The Big 4-0

Today the love of my life is turning the big 4-0.

What a gift he is to me each and every day.

He will say this day is no different than any other day.

But I know differently.

It is the day God brought him to this earth.  It is the day his journey began, the journey that would eventually lead him to me.  This is the day his destiny of being a loving husband and a devoted father to four kids was born.

To me, it is a day of celebration.

Obviously I have not known him all 40 years (though I have heard enough stories to get the gist of who he was before me :).

But I can easily ponder and reflect upon 40 fond memories I have of him...

Oh, since this is a family blog, I will not share any of the intimate memories. :)  Those are just for him and me...

1. The day I came home and found a message on my answering machine with an apology for hitting me on the head with an umbrella (accidentally) and an offer to get together some time.  My heart was racing...
2. Our first date when we went to Applebee's for dinner then went dress shopping for me for an upcoming church event
3. The church Christmas event (soon after) where we attended, acting as if nothing was different.  The "singles group" went out afterwards, we instead retreated and just talked about life.
4. The night he attended my school's Christmas program...it was like date three or four?  That is pretty brave. 
5. The way I jumped from the couch (while sick) at my parents' house when the phone rang, so eager to hear his voice, over Christmas break
6. Looking at engagement rings at JCPenney's while taking a couple of my students out for dinner
7. Turning around in my empty classroom the day after school dismissed to find him down on his knee with a ring in his hand
8. Standing before the church, declaring our love for one another, during our wedding, except he couldn't talk.  Emotions overcame him.  (Or maybe it was the fear in the realization about what he was about to do :)
9. Our first argument as a married couple.  In Memphis.  We couldn't find our hotel.  And nobody would stop and ask for directions. :)
10. Running out to buy Toy Story on video the weekend it was released (while on our honeymoon) because it was the first movie we had seen together
11. Driving to Alabama with barely enough money to fill up our car to say our final good-byes to his stepmother who had died unexpectedly (and getting to meet some of his family for the first time)
12. Moving into a duplex right next to my sister and her husband, grilling out together on the tiny back deck
13. Telling him on our first anniversary that maybe I was ready to have children.  (All color drained from his face)
14. Our first trip to Disney World as husband and wife, riding Tower of Terror together.
15. Calling him on the phone to tell him that we were pregnant.  After I took 7 pregnancy tests of course.
16. The day he called to let me know that he was fine after his car had hydroplaned into the ditch on the interstate.
17. Moving into our first house, having my first baby shower, and coming home to find that he had lost his job...all in a week's time.  
18. The birth of our son.  We did not know what gender our baby was, and the doctor just assumed we did.  We both yelled, "But what is it???"
19. The first time he left for a business trip after our son was born.  I literally held onto his leg and begged him to not go as I realized the responsibility I would have as a parent if anything happened to him.  We got life insurance shortly afterward.
20. Watching him pull our oldest son (as a young child) around the yard on a rake
21. Him holding my hand as the doctor examined a small lump and determined that it would need to be removed (it was nothing serious, though we wouldn't know that for a week or so)
22. Announcing to him that we were expecting again as he rocked and read to our chubby faced firstborn 
23. Accidentally driving into Mexico then trying to find our way out on a trip to San Diego
24. Hearing him yell, "It's a girl!  It's a girl!" before the doctor even had a chance to say anything. I don't think the doctor ever forgave him for that.
25. The way he held me after the loss of my grandfather (a first for me)
26. Hearing his voice over the intercom at school one day as he tried to read me a sweet love letter.  He couldn't do it.  Overcome with emotion again. :)
27. My first snorkeling experience on our first family trip to the beach (the kids stayed with his parents an extra night so we had a little time alone).  We found out that fish LOVE frozen peas.
28. Watching him snorkel with sharks (he was in a cage of sorts) at Sea World
29. Telling him that I thought we should adopt.  I still remember showing him M.'s picture and seeing his big smile.  She had his heart at the first smile.
30. Our first trip to visit M. in Guatemala.  She was not nearly as excited to meet us as we were to meet her. She hid under a crib and refused to come out.  She eventually warmed up to me but if he stepped anywhere near her, she screamed and retreated.
31. Watching him baptize our oldest son at church, June of 2006
32.  Putting M.'s feet on the ground in August of 2006 in Houston at the airport...she became a citizen of the US at that moment.  To celebrate, we fed her McDonald's french fries.
33. The day we were given two possible baby boys from Guatemala to adopt.  I was torn between the two.  He had no doubt which one was our son.  A few months later, J. came home.  He definitely is the personality that we imagined him to be...
34. The day he called me at school to let me know he had just come home to find our home being burglarized.
35. Riding the street cars/trolleys of San Francisco and walking along the wharf
36. Hiking Mt. Magazine, standing on the highest point in Arkansas, for my birthday one year
37. Finding out that he had been selected as a 40 Under 40 winner for Northwest Arkansas.  Always proud of his accomplishments!
38. The day he brought our sweet pup home.  It was a surprise for the kids.  I think we were both smitten from the first moment we met her.
39. Eating a Giordano's pizza in Chicago, then walking along Michigan Avenue back to our hotel for our 15th anniversary
40. Now.  I look at him, snoozing away.  And I marvel.  God is good. I don't know what I did to deserve this (let's face it, I didn't do anything!).  But nevertheless, I am thankful for His blessing in the gift that He sent my way with this husband of mine.

Happy birthday to my main man!
Reba

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise...

Think that title in a Gomer Pyle type of voice. :)

Since I am watching my calories these days, I have to carefully plan which day I want to "splurge" (not count them). On Friday, I was cooked out. I really wanted to go to one of my favorite spots (Catfish Hole). Our youngest child had been telling me he missed going there. Suddenly I had visions of hush puppies and stuffed shrimp going through my mind.

But I also knew that Valentine's Day was coming up. We had already ordered pizza from our favorite Chicago pizza joint (it comes via Fed Ex on dry ice!) for our Valentine's dinner.

Yet I just had this gut feeling that there COULD be a surprise coming my way.

Hubby had mentioned looking into some things.

I went ahead and ate fairly lightly for breakfast and lunch.

Finally we talked about dinner.

I just point blank asked.

"Is there ANY possibility we will be going anywhere tomorrow? If not, I want to splurge on my calories tonight at Catfish Hole."

He did give me a hesitant look. Then he assured me we should go to Catfish Hole.

By the way, my "splurges" are NOT pig out sessions. In fact, I am still probably eating way less calories than I used to on a normal day.

Anyway, yesterday (Saturday), I went back to counting calories. I even only ate 1 waffle in anticipation of making mostaccioli that night.

By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in until 7:30 yesterday morning since Child 3 did not have a basketball game. We just lounged around the house (avoiding going out in the cold). We cleaned up some paperwork. Straightened up the kitchen. Worked on laundry. It was just a nice leisurely morning. Even better, Mark took two kiddos out to buy a couple of things they needed.

Around lunch time, I checked my e-mail and found a message from my husband (who was across the room from me) with the title "Thought you might enjoy this..." When I opened it up, I saw a confirmation for that night at the Loft Hotel in a nearby town.

"Um, dear, what is this?"

He smiles.

That sweet handsome fella of mine had been lying to me.

He DID have a surprise.

A night away.

He even had a sitter for the kids and the dog.

"Just be ready by the time Child 2's games are done so we can get going..."

At that time, I was walking around in pj's. I had paperwork everywhere (gathering tax stuff). I was working on laundry. And had no idea what to think.

Then dear hubby informed me that not only were we going away for the night, we were heading to the new art museum (Crystal Bridges) the next day (being today).

I asked, "Can we watch a movie tonight?"

It is VERY rare for us to go to the movies.

If we get a "date night" out, we usually go out to eat or something like that. Not go to the movies.

But I had been reading about a movie called "The Vow". And I had just been thinking that morning, "I would love to go with Mark to see that."

He said that sounded great and even got right on the Internet to buy our tickets.

I went ahead and ate fairly light for lunch, anticipating a popcorn dinner at the movies.

Then hubby left to take Child 2 to her volleyball games. I stayed home to get ready for the night and to hang with the little ones since it was their naptime.

I did not get to take a nap. A small price to pay for a night away. :)

Finally, Mark came home (Child 2 went out with friends for the evening). We threw our stuff in the car, gathered up the remaining children and the dog, and headed to my parents' house.

We said our good-byes.

The kids were more than excited by the way. The dog, well, she was a bit antsy when I was packing. But she always has fun with my parents' doxie.

Then we headed down the road.

We are like little kids when we get a night away.

Free of responsibility.

Giddy.

Maybe a little too happy. :)

We checked into our hotel room. (I was a little worried we were splurging too much but he had gotten a special on it which was even better)

Then at the last minute, we decided to hop across the street (via the car since it was bitterly cold at that point) to eat dinner at a yummy restaurant. Crabby's. Seafood of course. And steak.

Dadgum those calories.

I had already splurged.

I couldn't even splurge for the week ahead since I am doing that on Valentine's Day when I enjoy my Chicago pizza.

I decided to eat sensibly but enjoy myself too. And just take a loss in the calorie department.

We were fortunate.

We got to the restaurant early.

Their first question (since it is the weekend before Valentine's Day)?

"Do you have reservations?"

Of course not. We are flying by the seat of our pants. Being spontaneous. Etc.

Thankfully there were some tables in the bar area that were open since every other table was reserved.

Dinner was delicious.

I ate as lightly as I could while still enjoying my meal. And I just knocked off the rest of the calories left on MyFitnessPal app. Probably "undercounted" but that was okay. It was a special occasion.

By the time we finished dinner and paid our bill, we were cutting it close with the movies.

Thankfully hubby knows the area better than I do. He took the most direct route to the theater. And we made record time.

VERY thankful we had already bought the tickets and were able to by-pass the line.

We walked into the movie and found a very full audience.

We were able to squeeze in partway up.

Most people who came in after us had to sit up front. The neck-ache rows.

As hard as it is for me to resist, I did NOT get any popcorn. I really tried to be somewhat healthy.

Oh, loved the movie. It was romantic, but not sappy romantic. Just a nice movie to enjoy with one you love.

One little perk with the movie was that it was set in Chicago (unlike the actual story which was set in New Mexico). Since we went to Chicago for our anniversary, it was like taking a walk down memory lane every time they showed Chicago landmarks. :)

After we left the movie, we went straight to the bookstore and bought the book the movie was inspired by.

By the way, the book (now renamed "The Vow: The True Events that Inspired the Movie") is very different from the movie. I knew that going in. And I highly recommend the book. It is a beautiful story of love and faith. Just don't expect it to be the movie.

And yes, I have read the whole thing already.

Nights away don't have to be romantic the whole time.

Sometimes that means he can watch t.v., I can read.

The best part is we are doing it without interruption.

This morning, we enjoyed sleeping in without any children OR dog waking us up (though I admit, I missed the little furball wanting to snuggle...she wakes up early in the morning and curls up with me until I get up).

We lounged then went to the hotel gym to work out together. Well, in the same room. He did the elliptical. I hopped on a recumbent bike. It was still a treat. We rarely get to exercise at the same time. Hopefully we worked off a few of those extra calories we had consumed at dinner the night before. :)

Then we freshened up and headed further down the road to the museum.

And since this is pretty long already, I will save that post for another day. :) I guess this story is "to be continued".

Reba

37 and Counting...

Since it is my sweet husband's 37th birthday, I thought I would share 37 things about him that I love and appreciate (in no particular order)...

37. He has this thick, beautiful dark hair. I love to run my fingers through it. I see occasional gray streaks but they just look "distinguished".
36. His work ethic...Mark gives fully to his job (and oftentimes beyond).
35. His faith...he has this amazing faith in God and isn't afraid to share it. It is also unfaltering. During the adoptions, I was on a roller coaster ride. Not Mark. He never doubted God for a moment.
34. His commitment to marriage and family. We know that we are first place in his life (behind God of course).
33. His quick wit. We have a lot of fun "bantering"...keeps my mind young. :)
32. His playfulness. As soon as he comes home, the kids gather around to play, tumble, and wrestle. They love playing with Daddy; Mom is not nearly as fun :).
31. His strong arms, especially when they wrap around me.
30. The way he bursts into song. Oh, he is a terrible singer. Both of us are. But it is just fun to listen to (except when I am hearing "Silver and Gold" for the 50th time that day)
29. His flexibility...like when I have had a bad day and say "Let's have pizza tonight", he rarely argues that...
28. He can grill like nobody's business...love to have bacon wrapped shrimp and flank steak straight from the grill.
27. Though I know he loves snow skiing/Colorado, he willingly goes to the beach with us every year.
26. He can look at any building and tell you what kind of lights they need to have. How many guys can do that? :)
25. His romantic side...like the time he booked a bed and breakfast for our anniversary or the time he tried to read me a love letter on the intercom at school (he didn't get too far)
24. He is fun to be with. When we get away, just the two of us, we are like little kids. Our trip to San Francisco is still one of my favorite times we have had. I can think of nobody else I would like to ride a cable car with.
23. His domestic skills. I have mentioned before, Mark has a sink fettish. He wants it completely clean. He isn't afraid to empty the dishwasher or wash/fold clothes. He does them quite well.
22. His willingness to call. I don't like to call and order things, make reservations, etc. I will willingly do things online but I do NOT like to call. He doesn't question that (at least to my face); he just calls for me.
21. His servant's heart...he fills my car up almost all of the time, puts toothpaste on my toothbrush each night, etc.
20. He is an involved Dad. He shows up for conferences, watches sports and gymnastics practices, and takes the little ones to their "schools" in the mornings.
19. He is a great errand boy. He often stops by the store for little things we need so I don't have to brave it with the crew.
18. He gives perspective. When I am all in a tizzy about something, he can give me that calm, wait and see perspective that I sorely lack (at times).
17. His leadership...I appreciate his willingness to take charge whether with work or church or home.
16. He is a risk taker. Without his willingness to take risks, he would still be in his first job (from many years ago), we would still be living in a duplex, and I doubt we would have any children. :) He just didn't realize what a risk THAT was. :)
15. His humility. I appreciate that as wonderful as he is and how fortunate it is that he puts up with me, he can make it seem like HE is the lucky one!
14. His adventure...whether it is snorkeling with sharks, skiing down the slopes, or hopping in the car to head to the College World Series, he is ready for adventure. (Adoption being one of the biggest ones :)
13. His understanding. I do not like to watch movies that are scary or violent...pretty much limits my viewing to romantic comedies. But he saves those movies for times I am doing other things and isn't afraid to curl up and watch a chick flick with me. And without complaining I might add!
12. Keeping his hobbies in perspective. When we first met, Mark was an avid golfer and hunter. However, once we had kids, that slowed down. He doesn't get to do much hunting (more out of convenience where we live) but he does golf...usually for work during the week if he does. He doesn't want to sacrifice that time with family/kids. I appreciate that.
11. The way he smells (except maybe after his workout)
10. How he takes care of his "temple"...he is faithful about getting up to work out (well, most of the time) very early in the morning to start his day while I snooze away.
9. His commitment to prayer...he is not showy about it but he is faithful to pray.
8. He is my hero. Remember our house robbery that he came upon? His quick wit and patience kept him safe and stopped further damage/loss of belongings.
7. His deep belly laugh especially when we watch The Office together.
6. His tenderness with me (except for the recent Sprained Ankle Incident :).
5. His time. Often throughout the year he will pick up lunch and come dine with me at the school in the lounge (full of women) just so we can have some time together.
4. His care of of our house and our yard.
3. His understanding of boys...without his perpective, I would have sought therapy a long time ago over our sons! I do NOT understand them but am learning.
2. He is a good friend. (And he has a lot of them!) For me, he is my best friend.
1. After 12 1/2 years, he still makes my heart race when I catch a glimpse of him. I love you, Mark. Happy birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to My Main Man

I just want to wish a very happy birthday to my main man.

We love you!

(More to come...)
Reba and kids