Monday, August 10, 2009

Ode to a Redhead Named Floyd

I would be remiss if I did not take moment to offer a shout out to one of my the greatest people who ever graced our planet - my beloved Grandpa Floyd!

Floyd was hilarious, warm, uncomplicated, and true.

Floyd had this mischievous grin that always let you know when he was up to something. And he was always up to something!

Floyd called life as he saw it, and wasn't afraid to call a spade and spade.

Floyd LOVED golf, before golf was remotely cool.

Floyd was one of my greatest friends and was the best pal I could ask for when I lived with him and my grandma during high school.

Floyd shared a crazy bond with my Ellie that transcended everything - even his ailments over the last few days of his life. She will always be his sunshine.

We lost Floyd on New Year's Day 2005. But he made sure his Utes had the Fiesta Bowl well in hand before he went. He passed away during half time. Yes, Floyd made us smile to the very end.

Floyd was the best man, husband, father, and grandpa. EVER. And I am so happy Dave and I chose to be married on his birthday!

Happy birthday Floyd!

I love you!

P.S. SMILE DAMMIT! SMILE!

Lucky Number Seven

It's hard to believe it's been seven years! I can't seem to decide if that's because it feels like it has only been a moment, or because it feels like our life was never any different. Regardless, it's a pretty fabulous occasion - to hit seven years of marital bliss and still feel, well, blissful. So to mark this auspicious occasion, I thought I would take a moment to brag about the man I had the good sense to marry.

Dave is wicked smart. Not just keeping up with the PhD students smart. He is scoring the highest in his class while working full time smart. He literally is a rocket scientist. And I must admit I tend to smirk a little every time I get to say that!

Dave has an amazing sense of humor. He is a living embodiment of the guys from The Big Bang Theory. Seriously. And the man swears by Python and Mel Brooks. In fact, we fell in love over Young Frankenstein. No joke!

Dave is a FABULOUS dad. And his girls are hopelessly devoted to him. Dave will move heaven and earth so he can have dinner with his girls and tuck them in at night. Even if it means going back to work until two in the morning.

Dave has a refined appreciation for the finer things in life. He has been by my side on opening day for Star Wars and Star Trek. And he gets the wonder that is Firefly. Need I say more?

Dave has a ridiculously big heart. He will put himself out at a moment's notice to help anyone who might need him. When we got a call telling us my brother's basement was flooding, all I saw of Dave was a streak holding a shop vac as he ran out the door.

Last, but certainly not least, Dave is a FRAKKING AWESOME husband. He is goofy, patient, loyal, and fun. Even in our worst moments he has never wavered in his commitment to me or our family. Plus Dave is a flat out blast to live with - even if he does leave his clothes all over the floor!

Yes ladies and gentlemen, in the words of my friend Portia, "Dave is skeewompus, but in the best possible way." Amen, sister! Amen! And I am one lucky girl as a result!

Happy anniversary, cute boy!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Let me explain....

Has it really been two months since I added a post to this thing called blog? And what a post to leave on. A bit maudlin, don't you think? I'm not even sure where to begin with all that has transpired over the summer. Rather than bore you all to tears with any drawn out reminiscing, let's hit the highlights, shall we?

Dave has been traveling quite extensively for work. While it's been fabulous for him to see and do some of things he has seen and done (Don't ask! He can't tell!), the girls and I decided we like our family considerably more when we have "our Dave" around. On the bright side, Dave has a job. And a darn fine one at that!

The girls experienced yet another marvelous birthday week. (For those keeping score, they turned five and three and yes, their birthdays are a day apart.) We dined. We partied. Their beds got magnificent princess makeovers. The Ariel and Tinker Bell cakes were a hit. And I felt just a little sad as I marked the occasions of my little buddies getting bigger and more independent.

I finally finished the chapter from h&%# and sent it off to my advisor. The response? Split it in half, double it's length and detail, and voila! You shall have two chapters from one. The bright side? My advisor is finally convinced that I have the makings of a strong dissertation. Thank goodness!

So where does that leave us now?

Dave is working insane hours solidifying his position and projects for the next round of layoffs that are due next month. He is also preparing for his PhD qualification exams next week. Good times! At least GI Joe comes out this weekend. It will be manna for his soul!

I am diving into the revisions to try to get the very first, FULL draft of my thesis to my advisor by the end of next month. Tears will be shed. Gelato will be consumed. And there will be much rejoicing. I am also working on developing a religious studies curriculum for a new academic institute that is in the works. Tentatively named the Institute for Religion, Government, and Diplomacy (or Community, depending on what day it is) it looks like it could be an amazing resource for all of the area universities. (And it may be a real life academic gig for me. As for now, it's all pro bono, baby!)

Ellie starts kindergarten in two and a half weeks. (Remember in the epilogue to Harry Potter when he describes his son leaving for Hogwarts as a little bereavement? Yup. It kind of feels like that.) She alternates between excited and nervous, but is ready to be a big girl. Ellie has also decided that it is her calling in life to be a ballerina. Thus, ballet has been added to her fall schedule. And she can hardly wait. In truth, neither can I!

Ginny starts preschool at the beginning of September and has no fear whatsoever. She is ready to go. To meet and greet. To charm and amaze. Her summer has been focused on mastering the one physical skill required to enter said preschool. (For those of you who don't know what I am talking about, my sincerest apologies. I'm not about to discuss it here!) Ginny reminds me every day that she isn't little. And that she is lovely. I cannot argue with her there! (At least on the lovely part. She will always be my little munchkin.)

So there you have it. The life and times of our family. Riveting, no? I would promise to do better in the coming months, but let's be honest. A prodigious blogger I am not. Nevertheless, I shall endeavor to offer the occasional glimpse into the wonderful insanity that is our life. For now, the girls are hungry. And there are peanut butter sandwiches to be made! Tally ho!