The luck of the Irish...

We met on March 17, 1997.

We married on March 17, 1998.  

It's March 17, 2014 and we're still married.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!

Brothers in arms

Our house is often noisy; Boris barking at trucks and dogs, Liam speaking loudly, Galen streaming his thoughts. Occasionally we break the cacophony with music, electronica seems to be the kid's current favorite. Many of the noises I simply ignore. Sometimes I get edgy and demand lower decibels.

So here I am, going about my business when I hear Galen spewing loud, mean, unbrotherly things at Liam. Not bad enough for me to intervene, mind you, but enough to cause me a bit more attention to the listening. The spewing of brotherly love is mixed with thumps. The kind made when bodies are thrashing around on the floor, furniture being bumped, arms flailing.

Energy is being expended. Brothers are having a bit of physical play.

By now Galen's declarations are a bit more energetic, emphatic. I can hear his laughter getting ragged, his pitch a bit higher. It's time for me to look at whatever activity has been entertaining my ears.

I find that Liam has pinned Galen face down. Liam has all of his weight upon his older, taller brother, legs intertwined, one of his arms are wrapped in there somewhere.

And Liam just looks at me with this maniacal grin, gives me a thumbs up, all the while shaking his head yes....

It's that time of year, again...

I wrote this the week between Christmas & new Year's, damn, I'm a slow editor....

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2013 is rapidly coming to a close. It wasn't long ago that I was being aggravated by mosquitoes and wondering where we would watch the 4th fireworks. Now I'm wondering about the number of presents, the kid balance, and what will be served up for the big day.

Galen has learned how to wrap presents, and Liam has shown a flair for accessorizing them. Now we just need to prevent Liam from trying to wrap everything in his site for the kid next door. His generosity is beautiful.

I don't sit here and wonder what tomorrow, next year will bring. Life has already been so full. That's not to say there aren't things to get done, visit, and do. The boy's are both way behind in the number of nights spent camping, I have yet to teach them canoeing, and my wife still needs much in the way of torment and my associated groveling for apologies...

My extended family is all still walking the earth, though more than a few could use a boost of get-well juice. My extended family members have all avoided prison, though there's probably someone out there that deserves a slap on the wrist (me included.)

My household is blessed too. The bills are current, sickness has been limited to temporary afflictions, the house keeps us safe & warm, and we all seem to be enjoying what we have as we strive for more.

Christmas is wonderful, this year has been grand, it all adds up to a wonderful present.