In the past year we...

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the Justin and I promising, in front of our friends and families, to love and support each other for the rest of our lives.  We've experienced a whole lot of life in the past year... here's some thoughts Justin and I have on the subject

In the past year we've realized that two people (and two dogs) can be more of a family than a mom and dad with ten kids.

In the past year, we've suffered three miscarriages, but gained a lifetime of perspective and insight.

In the past year we've lost more than one "friend", but learned the true value of real friendship.

In the past year we've struggled to make ends meet, but have learned to trust that God will always provide for us.

In the past year we've faced anxiety and fear about the future, but have learned that as long as work together we can take huge leaps forward.

In the past year we've learned that Justin is NOT a fan of developmental psychology, and that Candice has no clue about Discrete Mathematics.

In the past year we've learned that Candice still has no desire to return to public education, but that she's still passionate about helping kids with special needs, AND that there is a way respect both of these things.

In the past year we've learned that we will probably be really great parents, and that we have a long road ahead of us to get there, AND that all of the struggle will be more than worth it in the end.

In the past year we've learned that sometimes the people you "should" be able to depend on aren't always so dependable, and that as long as we depend on each other, we will always get through.

In the past year we've learned that each of us have strengths and weaknesses, and that we need to play to our strengths, and that we really balance each other out.

In the past year we've learned that Justin is a baby whisperer, and that Candice is great at papercrafts.

In the past year we've learned that we really are the very best of friends, and how important that foundation truly is.

In the past year we've learned the true power of the these words:
 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

just a few random thoughts

Here's (a small sampling) of what's on my mind this week.

thought the first -  it is FAR too hot to be May.  If this is an indicator of what this summer is bringing, I'm in trouble.  I've never been a fan of hot, or the sun in general.  Combined with the abysmal air quality of the Inland Empire, it's miserable.  It hurts to take a deep breath.  When I'm driving home from another, cleaner, area of So Cal and I can see myself driving into the brown cloud that covers the valley, it just makes me sad.

thought the second - when I was a kid, here in Riverside, we had smog days at school.  They weren't nearly as exciting as the snow days other kids look forward to.  Smog days meant that the air quality was so poor that we, as elementary school kids, couldn't be allowed outside to play at recess.  Instead we had to sit in our classrooms and play heads-up-seven-up. 

thought the third - one of my dearest friends lost her father this week.  It was a long time coming, but it's still shocking when the end arrives.  It brought to mind 13(!) years ago when I lost my own (step) dad, which was completely unexpected and very quick.  I don't think a person ever fully recovers from losing a parent, I think it changes you forever.  And still, all these years later, there are still times when I think, "I wish I could share this with him, I wish he was here to help me through this, I wish he was here..."

thought the forth - My friend, mentioned above, is an only child.  I've seen her struggle with her dad's illness and her mom's (unfortunate) behavior for the past year.  I have tried in every way possible to help/support/advise/love her through the year, but I know it's not the same.  I'm thankful for my (many) siblings, despite the battles we endure and the distance between us, it's good to know you share that history with someone.  I always planned on only having one kid, but seeing her struggle, I think there's value in having/adopting more than one so that they will always have someone.

thought the final - I'm so thankful for the advanced technology in our industrialized for inventing the crock pot and the electric tea kettle.  Today, when it's so hot and gross outside and I'm considering turning on the AC (another technological wonder I'm grateful for), it's so comforting to know I can cook the chicken for my cold chicken salad in the crock pot.  And I can boil water for some deliciously healthful green tea in my electric kettle.  No need to turn on the burner and heat up the oven, which heats up the kitchen, which continues straight on to my living room. 

Here's the simply wonderful looking salad we're having for dinner tonight.  It should be cool, crisp, and chock full of healthy goodness...

spinich salad with chicken avocado and goat cheese...

thanks to recipe girl for the recipe on the link and this mouthwatering picture...