Afternoon Delight

Yesterday afternoon, I napped with Mally. Napping with my children is one of my favorite pastimes. They are so snuggly and sweet. When we began to wake up, she wrapped her arms around my neck and said, "Mommy, I love you as big as the universe" and then gave me lots of kisses. Ahhhhh...my life is great.

The Joy of New Underwear

One of the big events this week was going to Target. Meyer was especially excited because he received a new gift card and he couldn’t wait to buy a new kit of Star Wars Legos. Our sole intention of this trip to Target was not just for Meyer’s Legos, but we also needed other household items and Mally needed new underwear.

For me, underwear is one of those things that I forget…not to wear of course, but to purchase. I have been forced this year to buy more because of my dog’s tendency to chew up my underwear (of course if they were in my drawer or in the laundry, he wouldn’t have access to them but…), but typically, I will go years without buying a new pair. In fact, I have the same sports bras that I had 10 years ago. I just purchased a new one this year, but prior to that, I reused the same ones over and over again.

While putting away the laundry, I realized that I was doing the same thing to Mally. I am not quite sure how, but Meyer had an underwear drawer that was overflowing, but I realized that Mally hasn’t gotten a new pair since she was started wearing undies, which was before she was 2. Now at 3 1/2, it was time to get her some new ones.

At Target, the underwear isle the last place we go until we go to the toy isle. I grab all of the underwear that are in her size and let her pick her style. Had she been my first, I would have taken out the Barbies and Princesses and replaced them with something that I deemed more socially appropriate like Littlest Pet Shop, but now I realize that playing Barbies is actually a lot of fun. But that’s another blog. Anyway, Mally picked two pair: Tinkerbell and Princesses, with a little bit of help from her brother Meyer. Satisfied with her decision, we moved to the toy isle.

We got home and they played with new toys. Meyer with his Legos, Mally with her new Barbie clothes. The underwear were completely forgotten until Sunday. While sorting the laundry, Mally came across the new undies that she had picked out on Friday. She was so excited, “Meyer, Meyer, let’s try on all of my undies and do a fashion show.” Meyer did not want to try on any of Mally’s undies, but was excited to assist her in her selection and in the fashion show. She started with the Princess pack and tried all 7 on. Each time she would strut out, Meyer by her side, assisting her with the presentation, “Time to turn around, Mally.” I let Meyer give Mally her pack of Tinkerbell undies and he was so excited. It was so sweet. She was so proud of her new undies and Meyer was so proud to help her. He really is a fantastic big brother.

My Husband...My Hero

I know I should be working right now, but my mind is elsewhere. For my second post (I promise I will stop numbering my posts) I would like to express my gratitude to my husband, Ryan Schaal, the most incredible man on Earth. I truly, am so blessed.

Let me tell you all a story that illustrates his greatness. Today was supposed to be a special day for me, and really it was, but it was a day that I really was excited about, and he knew that. I was going to visit a friend in Milwaukee and going to have lunch and just generally hang out. A much needed break from work and some super special girl time. After a tour of her fantastic store (www.broadwaypaper.com), really, probably the coolest store ever, we headed off to lunch. After the appetizers of delicious tempura snow peas, I received the call I did not want to hear, "Uh, Amy, the new girl didn't show up for work."

Ahhh! I won't go into all of the details as this is a post to celebrate Ryan, but seriously...today? I am an hour away from work and I really want to finish these snow peas and try the chicken sandwich, and I know that place must have fabulous desserts. So what do I do in this situation? Who can I call to cover for me or the new girl for the hour it takes me to get back? Who loves me enough to help serve 15 children lunch, and put them to sleep?

"Hey Ry, can you go into work for me for a little bit?"

No complaints, no hesitation, just love. And when I saw him, a smile that brings tears to my eyes. The smile that says whatever you need...I love you. The smile that says, I am sorry you had to miss your special lunch. The touch on my shoulder that says, everything is great. Don't worry.

So, today, I thank God for reminding me how blessed I truly am. For I have a husband that will go into to work for me. He is the husband that constantly supports me. He is the person who smiles and the worries of the world melt away. He is the person who still gives me goose bumps as when he touches my hand. And he is the greatest father. Sure, he swears too much and likes to play video games, but if that is the worst of it, I have it made.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.