nest.

When I was a senior in college, I lived with one of my best friends.
Ever.
When Meg and I had a rainy Saturday
(or on the days we had hangovers)
and we didn't want to do anything..
we would drag downstairs all our comforters and blankets and pillows and fold out the futon and make a huge nest.
And watch horrible horrible bad movies on Lifetime.
Sometimes we'd watch less horrible bad 80s movies.
Or Princess Bride.
We'd order out for food and then fight over who had to get out of the nest to get the food.
Or we'd just make Claire get the door.
;)
(only Mara finds that funny)

I love to make nests.
To just take a day and snuggle yourself into a big bundle of warmth and be lazy.
Max will nest with me these days.
Mike's not a big nester.
I think he gets bored.
(that or he doesn't like Lifetime movies, I don't know which one)
But tonight is a nesty sort of night.
It's pouring.
The VMAs are on.
I still feel sorta crappy.
So we ordered pizza.
And Mike says I can make a nest.
So I think everyone should have a nesty sort of night.
Curl up.
Be cozy.
Do nothing of any sort of importance.
Watch nothing with any meaning whatsoever.
And enjoy it.
xoxoxooxox,
g

hi.

I'm here again.
Not much to say lately.
No stories.
No funnies.
No cute kids of whom to post pics.
Well, I have Max.
But he doesn't change much from day to day.
I feel like lately I'm just depressing or sappy.
Those aren't really my fave things to be.
So, carry on with your day.
xooxx,
g

happy happy love love

August 9 is a good day for love.
Yup.
It is.

Today is E and Colin's anniversary.... I still remember that day-- so clearly-- E was gorgeous, the day was gorgeous, our flowers were gorgeous... so much fun. Colin crying during the ceremony. Karen's dramatic reading. Jared dancing in his tux pants and diaper. So much love on that day.

My absolute adoration of my sisser is widely known-- I, in fact, refuse to imagine my life without her. She can make me laugh when I am at my lowest point. And is there for me-- regardless of how inane my worry or need-- without question. She is the best mom. Ever. Period. I mean, look at the 'hawk. You simply have to be a great mama to have kids with such cool hair. She is creative. She is self-depricating. She has no idea how amazing she is. She is hilarious. And she loves Colin so so much.

On August 9, 1997, I also gained my brother.
I never had a brother, you know.
But I love him so.
Colin is one of the greatest men I've ever known. He has the biggest heart-- and is capable of so much love for his wife and boys. He would do anything for them. Anything at all. And I respect and love him so much for that. He and I are the ones who are apt to cry at sappy movies and use big words simply to annoy E. He picks on me as much as any good brother should-- but he also emails me to congratulate me about scrapbooking stuff and worries about me when things are bad. I could not ask for a better brother.

Congrats on so many years of love, you two.
You guys have been through so much together and each day I look at you two, I am amazed. You are an incredible example of working to make love last-- and making life happy every single day, no matter how hard it may be. I am blessed to have your marriage as a touchstone for what should be. And I love you both. So much.

It is ALSO Hanni's anniversary.
See?
Good people get married in August.
Especially on August 9.
Happy anniversary, Hanni and Doug. I love you two mucho, too.

Be thankful for love today.
Here's to love-- for fighting for it, for making it work, for making it last, for anniversaries, for growth, and for making each other laugh through the hard times.
xoxo,
g

three.

I often tell Mike that his life got difficult the day he met me.
And sometimes... I think that's more true than I want to believe.

This man has stood beside me through so much this year.
He has literally picked me up from the ground when I just thought I couldn't bear any more.
Let me sob on his shoulder.
So many times.
Cried with me at Alex's funeral.
Lets me miss her every day.
Shared my joy when we saw that little plus sign twice this year...
And then sat with me, made me laugh, comforted me when I simply broke down in the emergency room each time after that joy subsided.
Helps me to try worry less.
And live more.
Loves me for who I am.
He holds my hand, he holds my heart.

I love you more every day, Mike. Happy third anniversary, baby.
xoox,
g