good words to remember...

Part of cultivating a good life for MARRIED folks is to let the other person be who they are. Don't try to change them. Celebrate their strengths.

Thank you Becky Higgins for reminding me.

goodbye grandpa...

Today we have to say goodbye to Randy's Grandpa, Ken.

Ken was an amazing, gentle, happy man.  I am so lucky to have known him for over 21 years.

I will miss his smile, his stories, the way he made me feel special, and the yummy cookies he made every Christmas.

We love you; we will miss you.

xoxoxo

weekend recap....

Randy's birthday was Friday and he wanted to celebrate in Seattle with us. I am never one to say "no" to a little road trip and a stay in a hotel.  I packed up the car, pulled G out of school early and the three of us heading down to meet the birthday boy in Lynnwood.

From there we headed into the big city.  Checked into our room and went to explore the city.  After dinner we took a dip in the pool (huge bonus that the water was warm!!!) and a long soak in the hot tub.  Nothing feels as nice as listening to the happy squeals of your boys while you are 100% relaxed and at total peace.

Day two started with snuggles in the king sized bed and a quick swim.  I would love to start every day with a refreshing dip in the pool.  The Westin has a wonderful cafe in their lobby.  We ordered one of the best breakfasts we have had in a very long time.  Everyone was able to get what they wanted and we ate till our belly's were about to burst.

The highlight of the day was the Pacific Science Center.  The model trains were on display; the birthday boy was in heaven.  This was our second time at the PSC but our 1st time going into the butterfly room.  One word - amazing.  I did not want to leave!  As soon as we stepped in, a large butterfly laned right on G's head and stayed there for some time.  Then I turned around and was able to witness the birth of a butterfly; oh my, it was so cool.

We watched "Tin-Tin" in 3-D on the HUGE screen.  I haven't heard much about this movie and to be honest, I really was not looking forward to watching it.  I was pleasantly surprised.  The movie is great and I really didn't mine seeing it in 3-D (I am not a fan).  We couldn't stop talking about the movie as we walked out of the theater and to the car.  Than the fun ended.

There was snow on the ground.  And we had a 2 hour drive ahead of us.  The worst part of it was I had to drive the boys and myself home without  Randy since he had  a car in Lynnwood.  UGH.

We dropped him off and followed him home caravan style, which was kind of fun.  It was a bit of a white knuckle ride till Marysville than the road was dry and I was able to relax. 

One thing I know for sure; I am one lucky girl, I love my family and they make me so happy.  xoxoxo

today...

Today is my honey's birthday.  

Randy's mom is gone so I have no one to ask what time he was born (I love to know the time for some reason).  I wish I would have written it down the last time I asked her.  This is his 1st birthday without his mom.  I wanted to make his day special to try to take the sting out of the void she has left.  Lets move on before I start to cry...

Anyway, I have been counting down the days.  I love showing him how much the boys and I love him.  How much we cherish him.  How thankful we are that he is ours.   I hope we were able to show him.

We love you to pieces Randy.  May you have many, many, many more birthdays.  May I be the one to wake up and sing happy birthday to you every year.  We love you so much. 

xoxoxox

randy's man cave....

This is what is going on at our place.  Randy is finally getting his man cave.

 View from front of shop

 Upstairs

 Upstairs looking down

Top of stairs.

flash back...

Randys dad gave me some pictures today, look at how young Randy was. Love you babe!

11 years...

Eleven years ago at this time I was getting ready to walk down the isle. I was not nervous (those went away the moment I saw Randy arrive - he really was going to marry me!); I was filled with joy and anticipation. I had imagined my wedding days for years and could not believe it was time to finally become Mrs. Brethauer.

11 years later and I think I love him more today than in 1998. I remember the day I saw Randy for the first time ~ it changed my life forever. I remember the moment I knew I was going to marry him (I was sitting in math class). I do not remember not loving him. I have no words to describe the emotions that I feel for this man. He truly saved me and helped me become who I am today.

I thank God almost daily for him. I thank God that we found each other so many years ago. I thank God that we grew together in stead of a part as we grew up. I have no idea where life will take us so I will just sit back and enjoy the ride as long as we are together.

sick hubby...

Nothing new around here. I am almost over this cold but now hubby has it. Asthma and colds do not go together very well.

It scares the hell out of me when Randy has a cold. He looks awful and just finished up on his second treatment for the night.

Cross your fingers that he gets better very, very soon. Not being able to breath is one of the worst things I could imagine.

friday night rocked...

I am a lucky, lucky girl. Not because I got to drink the fun thing above (it was very, very yummy), I am lucky because I have some great friends in my life. Jen e-mailed me the other day offering to take my kids so hubby and I could go on a date. We so needed a date.

After dropping our kids off we headed down the hill to Scotty Browns. I have been wanting to try this place for a while. I really wanted to sit outside - but no luck, it must have been senior discount hour, the outside patio was full of OLD people.

We got a great seat inside at a HUGE table, sat back an enjoyed these yummy drinks and hot wings (very good as well).

how cool is this place - this is how they serve the water.


my honey enjoying his liquid bliss.

me, already thinking of the second one.

what, all gone!!!!

After several drinks and a good dinner we headed to Wal-Mart and Target to do some lawn furniture shopping. I find it quite funny that I was shopping drunk at Wal-Mart - it's a lot better shopping there when you are a bit tipsy!

The time came (much to quickly) to pick up our boys. Jen and I enjoyed a nice glass of wine on the deck while the men watched the kids. After a while I heard "Beck, get a picture", this is what I saw:

My little boy wearing some sort of helmet pushing a baby stroller around. He makes me proud.

The only down side to last night is that I will now be craving that drink and the hot wings. I work across the street from Scotty Browns - how am I going to stay away???

One of the best Friday's I have EVER had - thanks jen!

my husbands a rock star...

Yesterday he not only finished the weeding out front but cleaned the windows inside and out! I love him.

excitement at our house....

Our house was full of fun tonight.

We celebrated Randy's birthday. He's birthday falls right after Christmas. By January people our done celebrating and just want to get on with life. Randy usually feels a bit neglected this time of year. I tried to make his day special.

Griffin ran into the bedroom this morning shouting "happy birthday daddy". That really melted his heart. I called him several times today wishing him a happy birthday. When I got home, the kids and I put up a birthday sign and blew up balloons. After dinner Randy's parents came up and we opened presents (an ipod and lots of car parts) than had dessert.

To top the evening up, while Griffin was getting his jammies on, he came running out. His bottom front tooth finally fell out. He was so excited; so was I.

Now he is in bed trying to fall asleep so the tooth fairy can come deliver her goods.

Man, I am so not ready for him to grow up. It hit me tonight, while I was staring at his tooth that my baby is growing and I can't stop him.

i'm the lucky one...

My hubby is the best.

While I was taking a 1.5 hour nap yesterday, he cooked me a great meal; a roast, potatoes and one of the best salads I have ever had.

What a treat to wake up refreshed, to a table set with flowers and yummy food. Not sure what I did to deserve that, but thanks.

Today I let him sleep till 9:00 while I got up with the kids (who decided it would be fun to wake up at 6:00 on a Sunday!).

35 yrs ago today......

Someone very special to me entered this world at 12:45 am; my very own Randy.

Happy birthday to one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. It takes a very special man to put up with my bull on a daily basis. So glad you have stuck around as long as you have. I hope your birthday was special, as vivid, as memorable as you are.

I love you.

Last night I took Randy out to dinner to celebrate his birthday. Afterwards, we headed to the mall. This great man wanted to buy me, yes ME, boots during his special night. How cool is that. We walked around the mall a bit and then to Barnes and Noble to browse the books.

When we got home, we found Sara sitting in a semi dark house. They had blown a fuse around 6:00 and the kitchen and living room were dark! She was so great about it (sorry). Glad my kids didn't drive her crazy.

Today we had a nice relaxing day around the house, than had Randy's family over for lunch to celebrate Randy. He got most of the things he wanted; best of all, the sun was out. I told him to start is list for Valentines day - guess I will be ordering more car parts.

nine years....

Today is my wedding anniversary.

I can't believe we have been married for nine years. For me the years have flown by; I still can't believe it's been that long. I remember the day I married Randy in vivid detail. The parts I cried at, the parts I laughed at, the food! It truly was one of the happiest days of my life. We have had our ups and downs, but I would not trade a single moment of our time together.

We have built a life and a family. Traditions and fabulous memories. We were crazy kids who have grown up together. I am looking forward to spending the next 50+ years with my best friend and soul mate. I love you!!!!