How we met

Emma pestered me into submission on reading a book she read for one of her classes. It is a GREAT book! It's called the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Obviously Whit and I are not having marital problems, but even so, the book was really helpful!! It helped me realize how solid our relationship is in almost every area, but also goes into ways to improve your communication and strengthen even your areas of success.

One of the things it discusses that prompted this post is the couple's "fondness and admiration" for the other. It says that the way in which a couple tells (or remembers) their story of courtship, beginning with how they met, is an indication of how strong this particular element is for them. I thought back to how we met with fondness... and admiration. Hahah. Seriously though, thinking about it made me want to document it. Mostly this blog is just so that the story will be included in the blog book Cassidy has talked me into making in a few months (on my one year Blog-i-versary.)

Emma and I had a good friend in the singles ward, Clint Jones. He introduced us to various anime films, came over to eat a lot and went to see movies with us. He also just came over to hang out and was a good conversationalist. Clint Jones, although a good friend, wouldn't have made the blog except that we owe it to Clint that Whit and I are married!!

It all began on November 12, 2005. He invited Whitney to an Austin singles activity... and I was the Activity Committee Chair. I was pretty busy at the activity, but Whit had asked Clint to point out any girls pursuing a grad degree or who had one (so he could avoid the preteens--haha) and Clint had pointed me out. Apparently Whit liked what he saw (25 pounds less than he sees now...*sigh*) and came over to talk to me as I was eating some grapes at the refreshment table. He tells me now that he was impressed I had pulled off such a succesful and fun activity. It was hard to fail in any activity at the Rollins Ranchm of course.

We only talked briefly. He played his trump card, telling me he was in medical school. I fixated on the fact he was still a student and some of the effect was lost. The tiny part of me that had for years told my Doctor Hungry mother, "No mom, he's not in med school", or, "nope, not a Doctor, just an accountant" reared up and paid attention, though. Haha. He also, very politely came over to tell me bye when he left for the night and commented on how fun the activity was, proving he was courteous.

The moment of truth came a few days later. Whit had asked Clint for my number and called me. I was on my way home from work when he called and when I answered the unfamiliar number he said, "Hello." I asked, "Who is this?" He said, "Your best friend in the world." I said, "Mom?" (I talk to my mom all the time--at least once a day!)

He recounted to me later it impressed him that I was so close to my mom. He then proceeded to explain he had gotten my number from Clint Jones and asked if I would go on a date with him. NO HANGING OUT, or AKWARD hedging. He called and asked me out. He said later that he listened to the "Eye of the Tiger" to get up the guts to call and ask me out! Whatever works!

Our first date was great. He showed up dressed nicely and I had to change because I was in jeans. I was impressed he wanted to make a good impression. I found out later he had just come straight from work! He was terrified when he saw my dog--he hates dogs. He decided I was worth it, though, and pursued me in spite of my dog!

We went to Trudy's and as usual had to wait an hour to get a table. We talked the whole time and near the end of dinner, I found myself inviting him to accompany me to my work Christmas Dinner. (A formal affair.) He said he was thinking in his head, "Sweet--it's going well--she's asking me to see her again." He took me to a bookstore to walk around and look at books. He had no way of knowing I loved books. He hugged me at the end of the date. I had had such a great time, but none of my roommates were home, so I texted him saying, "I had this great date tonight--I really like the guy. None of my roommates were home, so I thought I would tell you instead." He called me and I talked to him for his whole drive home.

Now I think all of you readers (all three of you) should recount YOUR stories of how you met Mr. Right. :-) Do it with fondness and admiration!

Big Fun week

We had a great time Saturday. We went to Hershey Park. It was really fun! Eli rode several rides, some by himself. I am sure most of you will be pleased to hear I didn't take my camera, so no new photos of that.

BUT Dora wore a new dress today and I did get that on camera. Also, I caught a shot or two of Eli that were pretty cute. I tried to get him to lie on the floor by Dora at one point, but he was not interested in doing that! (Sadly). THEN he came back later and tried to do what I had asked, but he was too far away and facing the wrong way. Oh well! It was cute he tried to do it, so I took a photo to document his efforts. (I guess he had to do it on his own time and in his own way..."Self" anyone?)

I really like Dora's little ducks, and so did Eli. He kept saying "Duck" and pointing.

Dora moves ALL the time. It's kind of hard to get a photo where a part (if not most) of her is not blurry. I had a few cute ones on the couch, but she was REALLY busy, so most of them were too blurry to be any good.

This one was from a few days ago, but I think it shows what a special little bond Eli and his Da-da have.

I also got this video of the two of them goofing off.

A few photos of Dora...

I am photo crazy...

Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus!

We had a fun morning! We took Eli and Dora to the Circus, with Emma, her friend Amber and Dr. Barrus (Bryan is a friend of ours who just graduated from medical school). He starts his residency in NY in Orthopedic Surgery soon.

Anyhow, here are some photos!

Eli kept clapping when he saw things he liked. He sat on my lap the whole time, and Dora was with Whitney. Eli had no interest in sitting on his own, which surprised me.

Both kids were SO good. The only bad thing that happened was the people behind us spilled their soda all over our bags--one of which was my $500 coach purse! GAH!

Bryan was great with Eli--he kept feeding him cotton candy (which came with the hat you see everyone wearing), which he gave to Eli. Bryan also got stuck feeding Eli fruit snacks. He did it once and Eli loved it--I think he wishes he was born royal so someone would feed him all his meals.

Here Eli decided to return the favor. Bryan was a good sport about letting Eli feed him!

Emma and Amber...

Wow, the tigers were Eli's favorite, I think. Grrrr.

The elephants were a close second...

This was the grand finale, I think.

We had a GREAT TIME!! Moral of the story? 22 month olds do great at the circus!!

Oooh la la

I did a little photo shoot with Dora today when Eli went down for a nap. She's wearing a new outfit from Grandma Stuckey I really like!! She would NOT stop smiling! I got like 47 out of 50 good photos! Here are a few:

This first one was just to show what a tiny little thing she is... doesn't she look cute sitting on the sofa alone!?

You can't tell but she was laughing in these! She's so happy!

She slid down a little here... but she's still happy!

Work

This is only my second blogpost ever.

I have had an interesting past couple of weeks. First off, it was so much fun to see the Payne family this weekend. I wish more people could come visit--we have the room and the invite is always open (especially to Moses Lake people!) Nothing beats having fun with family and the Payne family will be hard to top!

I took care of some sick kids and kids that were pretty banged up in car wrecks this week. I also took care of some homeless people that had nothing more than what they were wearing. I take care of people every day in situations and circumstances that really make me grateful for all I have. I also take care of people who have absolutely no one in the world to care for them.

After a particularly hard and busy night, I came home exhausted and went to bed. Bridget let me sleep in, Eli did not cry, and Dora was an angel. When I woke up and went downstairs, I saw my family, in my home. Everyone was happy (although Bridget was tired). Eli laughed and ran over to give me a hug and said "da-da". It felt good to be surrounded by people who love me.

I am so lucky for my family, and blessed for all those who have helped me get here. There is so much suffering and heartache and loneliness in the world. While having kids can be very difficult most of the time, nothing removes frustration and loneliness better than your son saying "ah wa waah" or (I love you), and a hug from your wife.

This may not make sense to anyone but me... be grateful. There are literally thousands upon millions of people that would do anything to be loved and cared for by someone and I think those of us who have that love and care take it for granted.

-Whitney

A Payneful Weekend

My broken tailbone still hurts, but that's not the Pain I am referring to... The Payne family came to visit us on Saturday after seeing the sights with Golden and Julie. We had a fun weekend, especially Eli who basked in all the attention.

These first two aren't from this weekend--the first was last week. Whit worked lik 36 hours and I guess I was pretty tired when Emma came over. She snapped this one.



Then this one is from this morning--I took the kids on a walk (after running 6 miles at the gym--so I went almost 8 miles all told today! I had to make up for all the weekend pizza.) and look! They both fell asleep! Dora woke up minutes later, but Eli slept more than 3 hours!

My fat little angels!


I liked this shot of Eli...

This is Whit's cousin Abe and his fiance Grace. Aside from being lovely, she is one of those rare people who actually (seems) to like playing with other people's kids! She made friends with Eli (and so did Abe) and both kids were all smiles with her. I am sure she will be a GREAT mom! You can see Eli warmed right up--he even trusted them to hold his revered blanket while he traipsed around the room.

Dad and Dora...

Uncle Calvin was the life of the party... :-)

Aunt Jane really was the life of the party. I think she usually is... What a SWEET and funny lady.

Thanks for coming to Hershey! We had a great time. Hopefully on your next trip we can see more sights (it was raining so we didn't hit Hershey Park...) We did set off some fireworks, but I didn't get photos of that this time. Whoops!