Love Letters

Today I stumbled across a lovely blog post in which Amber writes a Marriage Letter every Monday to her husband. As I read her thoughtful note, I pondered what mine would have looked like over the past 9-ish years. I'm ashamed to think that my notes would not be nearly as thoughtful, and would probably be filled with nagging angst (note to self: let go), or go something like this:

Dear Ryan, I am exhausted from scrubbing bathroom floors, changing poopy chonies, and working an extra three hours from home after an 8-hour work day. Thanks for picking up Taco Bell for dinner. If it's okay with you, I'll catch up with you another day - I promise I'll write something real sincere. Also, it's trash day tomorrow so don't forget to put the cans out. Much love, your snoring beauty

I'd probably throw in a couple of cliches about love and reminisce about one of our favorite memories. But I love that Amber (we're on a first-name basis) really has devoted time and consideration into her letter (something I used to do, pre-babies), which reminds me that a good marriage doesn't just happen. It requires constant care and reflection, in a deliberate way, not something that happens by chance. My favorite part of the letter is this:

Our marriage has been one little failure after another, strengthened by every single time we say, “but I’m still here.” Patience is when you say, “but I’m still here.” The patient love is what inches us forward, believing in the unseen. Patience is when you walk on the waters of hope for me, when I’m refusing the vision.

It makes us feel like a miracle

Lovely and honest. Thanks for keeping it real, Amber. We are all trying to figure out how to do marriage best. I wouldn't say that my marriage has been one failure after another, but I will admit to making the same mistakes and demands over and over, sometimes learning, while sometimes choosing pride and callousness instead. This marriage business can be a tough road at times, but promising to hang in there together makes those sweet stretches even more worth it. And, yes, sometimes it does make us feel like a miracle.

Here's to more date nights, less nagging, and a promise of relentless grace and patience for the one whom my soul loves.

My Mother's Day = Wonderful

Why My Mother's Day Was Amazing:

1. Sleep. I think it is what every mother of an infant desires most, and it is what I got. Ryan let me sleep until 8:00 on Sunday, which is wonderful. I feel like a million bucks now!

2. Mother's Day Tea with my mom, sister, and our escort, Jake. This lovely event was hosted by Latinas Unidas and held at the Vineyard Restaurant where we grubbed on sweet bread, chile rellanos, mango salsa, and enjoyed just one of Joel's Lemon Drops (please try this...it will knock your socks off!). There was a Sexy Shoe Contest, though I didn't dare enter with my comfort-based apparel choices. Jenn won a great original oil canvas by a local artist, Mom got a Grandma's Baking Kit, and I got a prize for being the mom with the youngest child (finally...all those sleepless nights paid off!). I also got to see two moms honored as Mothers of the Year (one of them had 16 children and over 50 great-grandchildren, and the other raised four girls after being abandoned by her husband when the youngest was just two).

3. Time with my mom, who is amazing and wonderful.

4. Time with my kiddos, who are fun and adorable.

5. Dinner with the Fam, but no cooking for me! Because it is so hard to share holidays with multiple families, we decided to celebrate Mother's Day on Saturday, where everyone could enjoy the day guilt-free. Dad made his fabulous Pappy's Chicken, Ryan made some non-lumpy mashed potatoes, and Evan and Jenn topped it all off with some amazing Strawberry Shortcakes. Yuuuuuuum!

6. Handmade gifts, like this one that Emily made for me.

Flat

Which is worse?
a) Flat Hair
b) Flat Chest
c) Flat Tire

Although some might contest, after this weekend, I would like to confirm that the answer to this question is C - Flat Tire.

Emily, Jake, and I had enjoyed a $1.50 Costco Hot Dog Deal, sifted through our newly developed photos, and were happily on our way home from Fresno. I debated hitting Nordstrom Rack on the way out of town, which in hindsight probably would have saved us the cost of a new tire and two hours of my life spent on the side of the road that I'll never get back. Shame on me for ignoring the urge to shop at the Rack...that's a lesson I won't forget. Anyway, I hit something on Highway 41 but wasn't totally convinced my tire was flat (despite the error light that literally said "Low Tire Pressure"). In my defense, "Low" doesn't necessarily equate to "Zero" when talking about tire pressure. I finally pulled off to the side of the road completely filled with dread (reminder: two little kids still in the back), and proceeded to do what any self-respecting, minivan-driving woman would do: I called my dad (Ryan was working...bummer!). Thankfully, he was in Fresno with my mom and brother, so they all halted their shopping to come help me out. Dad and Anthony changed my tire (thanks, guys!), and Mom helped me keep the kids entertained (think: Wheels On The Bus and Itsy Bitsy Spider - Thanks, Mom!). I was quickly on my way and both kids napped when we got home (BONUS!!!).

It all turned out okay, but this is not a way I would recommend spending a Saturday morning.

Easter

This year, our Easter was spent in Palm Springs in a very relaxed way. We got up, packed up our stuff, and had a little Easter Egg Hunt (all those eggs for just Emily!).

Uncle Tony helped Emily find ALL the eggs:

We stopped to take a picture to send to Daddy:

Jake couldn't participate in the Egg Hunt, but he was a good sport while being pushed in his stroller by Ga-Ga and being held by Pa-Pa ("Little Pa-Pa," as Emily calls him, since "Big Pa-Pa" is great-grandpa Mindt).

Then, Emily and Anthony fed the geese...candy. Emily wanted to give the birds some of the treats that fell on the ground during her high-speed hunt. So..We finally took some family photos, but it was a challange getting Emily to look at the camera while she held a bucket full of candy. Talk about temptation!

And after an Easter Brunch at Marie Callendar's, we said our good-byes and headed home. Before we left, though, Emily offered to drive Big Pa-Pa's RV home for him:

We finally started our long trip home. Yikes...7 hours in the car with a 2 1/2 year old, and a 3 week old on Easter Sunday. Don't be jealous.

Palm Springs

We took our first road trip! I headed down to Palm Springs with the kids for a little 4-day getaway. My parents and grandparents were so kind to share their timeshare and space with us. Unfortunately, Ryan had to work, but we decided to go anyway. Mom was our co-pilot on our drive, but she was mostly on Pacifier Duty, as the Jake-ster did not like being without his (thus, we've dubbed him the "Lazy Sucker").

Well, we had fun once we got there. Here are some pictures of what Emily did the entire time (swim!):

And here's what Jake did (talk and coo and stare at Ga-Ga and Pa-Pa):

We were so sad to leave, as it was wonderful watching Emily and Jacob spend time with their grandparents and great-grandparents. And thank goodness all those extra hands were happy to help, because there is no way I could have done it alone!

Pictures of Jake

Because Blogger has some size restrictions, we decided to post a link to pictures of his first week. Click below and enjoy!

Baby Jake

Taking Two For the Team?

Anthony is our stud baseball player. We spend the spring season just like he spent his years ago...at the ball fields cheering on our team. In his junior year, and in his second season with the Varsity squad, he has gravitated into quite the utility player, making himself useful at first base, third base, pitcher, and catcher. Baseball is his thing. He plays the other stuff for fun, or to keep in shape, but ever since he was little, all he has wanted is to play baseball. Year round. During this year's football season, all we hoped for was an injury-free few months, so he would be healthy and fit for the spring season. We all got our wish, but Game 3 into the preseason for Madera High baseball changed things a bit.

I was sharing my mental disconnect with the whole "Take one for the team" command a few weeks ago at Anthony's game. In baseball (or softball), this is often taken in the literal sense, and your HBP (hit by a pitch) just might be the RBI that is needed to win the game. That was just one of my shortfalls in becoming a super athlete. And here's my justification, 10 years later:

Fracture of the ulna. Cause: Hit by a Pitch, on two different At-Bats, in the same spot.

Anthony had surgery the next day. He has a plate, a few screws, and a macho-looking scar. Mom cuts his food now, and out of sympathy I helped him put away clothes. He seems to be healing well, but the doc said he should expect to be out at least 8-10 weeks. Yikes. That's the approximate length of a standard baseball season.

We have no doubt he'll recover, get stronger, and step into another pitch, taking one for the team.

Arrrrgh!

Because what would a blog be without a few inside jokes?

On Sunday, February 8, 2009, I witnessed an event that will be furthermore referred to as "The Great Lego Pirate Episode of 2009." It appears that there was a seizure of the Mindt Household as waves of Lego pirates took one of their own as hostage. All Lego pirates have been apprehended and, thankfully, no one was injured. Blasted scallywags!

Christmas Morning

Things I look forward to Christmas morning:

5. A visit from Santa.

This tradition started only last year after Emily's terrifying visit with Santa at the mall. We were thoroughly amused by her reaction, so we arranged a special visit from Santa to the Mindt home. Sweet.

This year, we reminded Emily again that Santa had candy and presents, so she hesitantly obliged.

Ten minutes later, with no tears and probably only a small amount of subconscious trauma and childhood scaring, she emerged with her proof of victory...her very own "baby tuff" (baby stuff).

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4. Breakfast

Everyone has their own tradition surrounding breakfast on Christmas morning, but ours is simply better than yours.

Smoky Sausage Casserole and Orange Blossoms.

Some variations this year: Orange Blossoms minus the vodka for the pregnant one and the underaged, and Orange Blossoms minus the orange juice and the vodka (ie...just the ice cream) for Emily. Yum-O.

3. The thumbs-up to enjoy the day with child-like enthusiasm.

Case in point...

-searching a tree for a glass pickle

-a coloring contest between Emily and her favorite Uncle Tony

-gleefully opening stockings to find grown-up presents like lottery tickets!

-"showing" Emily how to use her toys (playing with a 2-year old's gifts)

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2. Family

We're all here! Even though we have another family to share the holidays with, and Jenn and Evan have the same, we all still meet together.

Since Ryan had to work Christmas Day, our family graciously offered to get up and meet at 7:00 am. Although that is no feat for us and our natural alarm clock (dubbed "Emily"), my sister loves her sleep-in time. Thanks for giving up a few hours of sleep so we could share a few hours together!

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1. Seeing this sweet smile all day long.

Because, who wouldn't like to see these chubby cheeks so thrilled with everything from boxes to paper to books?

Christmas Tree Lane

Christmas Tree Lane, Fresno, CA: One of our favorite (albeit slightly overrated) Christmas traditions. Instead of fighting other cars down Van Ness, we go during Walk Night, when you get to run over people with your stroller and chase your two-year old through rich peoples' bushes.

Here are some pics from our trip in December:

Yay for new times with old friends! Thanks for coming, Chloe! Emily wonders if we REALLY think we are fooling her with this 2-dimensional yellow man in a red suit.

And I cannot leave out the Great Mud Incident of 2008. Shortened version:

Emily resists holding hands while walking.

Emily falls in mud.

Kim takes pictures.

Chloe laughs until she cries mascara.

Overall, it was another splendid walk down Van Ness Avenue, and one was definitely plan to repeat next year.

Christmas for a Cause

Last weekend Ryan and I hired a babysitter, got into our "going-out-clothes" and went out! We were given tickets to Rotary's annual Trees for Charity event. (Thanks Mom and Dad!!!) This unique fundraiser benefits a local Rotary chapter, but is also an avenue for other non-profits to raise money for their cause. Each non-profit decorates a tree and brings it to the event. Those trees, as well as some gorgeous wreaths, are auctioned off. There were two this year that were very dear to us: the Madera Chamber of Commerce's tree was themed as "Harvest of the Valley" with jeweled fruits, bumble bees, and butterflies, and Community Action Partnership of Madera County (my work) did a beautiful "Father Time" tree with old clocks, and lots of ribbon and gold to benefit our Relay for Life Campaign.

Generous hearts...delicious food...beautiful people. What a great way to kick off the holiday season!

DIY

Do-It-Yourself. Because we roll like that...we took our own family portraits this year. I mean, really, how hard could it be to have 9 people sit still and smile at the same time? Well, take a look and judge for yourself.

Some comments...starting at the top left and going clockwise:

• Mom, objecting to having her photo taken (unsuccessfully, apparently)
• Emily, trying to understand why she is in a family photo with Auntie and Uncle. The resemblance to Mom and Dad is close, but not quite. We can't pull a fast one over on her.
• We try to take pictures...really. Emily was obviously determined to be uncooperative.
• Anthony needs to run faster.
• Controlling the child...it takes a village.
• Dad can't figure out why this is so difficult.
• Getting closer!

We did finally get a good one...but you'll have to wait to see it!

Christmas, Madera Style

This past week we headed to downtown Madera to enjoy the Candlelight Holiday Wine & Cocoa Stroll and Tractor Parade. Talk about juxtaposition...the refine-ness of wine against the okie-ness of tractors. That's how Madera does Christmas and we loved it! The Chamber of Commerce hosted a stop on the Stroll, so we hung out there while Mom helped serve patrons.

The parade was only a block away, so we bundled up and headed out. Emily was a little frightened when the fire engines blew their horns, but other than that she loved it (her love of the parade is pictured at left...haha)! Who wouldn't love these elaborately decorated tractors plowing down Main Street?

Tractor photo credited to Wendy Alexander, Madera Tribune

Thankful

Mom and Dad were so gracious to invite us to spend Thanksgiving with them at a cabin near Bass Lake. We were there for 4 days of relaxation and fun. Highlights of the trip:

• Beating the guys at Battle of the Sexes. What what? F-14 Tomcat? Being a tomgirl (and being on Mom's team) pays off.


• Long walk to Ducey's. So what if I had to call for a ride back? I'm pregnant and my leg hurt!


• Turkey Day. I have to be honest. I could do without the food. It's good and all...I mean, I'll eat. But I really love the snacks we have all day long while we play games and watch movies. And what I love more is being with people I love and adore.


• Taking a nap in a comfy chair with my favorite blanket. I know...simple pleasures.

Other random stuff:

• Dad and Mom did dishes all weekend. Don't you miss us living at home? Thanks for being good sports!
• Emily slept in a closet. Cruel and unusual, you think? Psh...she loved it. It was a walk-in closet off the room we stayed in and she thought it was her own santuary. Don't be jealous you didn't think of it.
• The Rock Band infatuation just might be a precursor to the Mindt Family Travelling Band. Ryan on vocals, Jenn on bass, Evan on lead guitar, and Anthony on drums. Dad, Mom, and me are the groupies, I guess. I wish I could share the video...but I've been threatened.
• 'Remember the Titans' never gets old. We watched it...again, and loved it...again.
• Anthony does not fit into a Size Small letterman's jacket. Carrie picked up his jacket and put it on. Anthony took that as an invitation to put her's on. Just for future reference, Anthony: women can put on a men's t-shirt, but that does NOT mean you can wear her's. Double standard? Okay, but it's true.

All this is to say that I am so very thankful for a family that has fun, eats well, and loves to be around eachother. We toasted to the families that we could not be with: North for our Oregon family, South for Ryan's family, and East for the Kansas Mindts. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sappy Saturdays: The Ghost of Halloween Past

I've never been a big fan of Halloween. I don't understand a "holiday" for which the intent is to scare people. Even as a child, I wasn't that into it. Don't get me wrong...I love candy and I have some great memories, such as Mom dressing my sister and me up as bunches of grapes, wearing GaGa's homemade clown costume, and some much more recent. Here is a rundown of Halloween for the past few years...

2004: Kim and Ryan attend their first Pimps and Hos Party. Kim refuses to dress the part, but instead goes as the trampy secretary. Ryan wins the Pimp of the Year award, one which we do NOT proudly display. This experience also produced Ryan's first visit to a thrift store.

2005: Also known as "The Year the Costumes Just Didn't Work." Ryan's slight obsession with Napoleon Dynamite leads to him being dead-set on going to Glen and Catherine's party as Napoleon and Deb. Ryan was thrilled that he found snow boots and a walkman. Kim couldn't find a dress with puffy sleeves, so her mediocre costume elicited titles such as "Crazy 80's Girl?" Good party. Bad costumes. Mom and Dad blew us (and everyone who attended the Halloween Ball) out of the water when they showed up on the Harley wearing these amazing costumes.

2006: Yesssss! Three week post-partum means I don't have to dress up and go anywhere. We put this crazy costume on Emily for 20 minutes to take pictures of our sweet baby. As you can see, Emily is thrilled to be dressed as a pea pod.

2007: Fun Halloween with a one-year old! Emily helps to carve her first pumpkin, and dresses as a bumble bee. Kim is politely peer pressured into dressing up for work (very fun after all!) and throws together something completely unoriginal according to the Port Hueneme crowd, but our Madera friends thought it was great.

So eventhough Halloween isn't a holiday in my book, I see why it is fun for kids. For example, Emily loved her costume so much that she wore her Raggedy Ann socks to bed a few nights ago. She had a ton of fun, and always said Thank You when given candy (makes Mommy so proud!). So, now that it is November 1st, we are completely Halloween-ed out. Here are some pictures to prove it: