P Diddy

That was not an intentional lapse! My laptop plug fell apart and we had to order a new one! So, finally, back to blogging! I felt that I should dedicate a post to Pete and I as well. I often update the kids goings on, but not often ours. Or his anyway. So, here we go with my Pete update. I think he has had a pretty great year, so far.

I can hardly believe that next month we will have been married 10 years. I am still crazy about him and so grateful that he seems somewhat interested in me as well. He is a wonderful husband. He cooks us great dinners at least once a week. He helps with homework. He encourages me in any endeavor. He (sometimes) will listen to me rant for hours at whatever situation is currently driving me crazy.  He does sweet things like booking a re-wedding at Chapel of the Bells because he wants to get married again. Or maybe he just wants to go to Las Vegas. He insists that we take a trip, just the two of us, once a year. This year is Puerto Rico, after our wedding, like a real honeymoon.

Macy's kind of rules us sometimes but it also provides us with an amazing life. This year was crazy, with the grand opening of City Creek Center. Lot's of time and work for Pete but it may be one of the most beautiful malls ever. Unfortunately there is also a great deal of travel involved. I think I have come to handle this pretty well and we are now pretty comfortable with the whole routine overall. This will year will mark 18 years at the same company for Pete and with that comes an awesome 6 weeks of vacation plus some comp days. I am so blessed that he is a traveler like me and we fill up as much time as we can on the road. In exchange for our week alone Pete is willing to give us an annual Disneyland trip and I am super excited to go at Halloween this year. A first for me!

Pete continues to be a great dad. He is obviously coo-coo crazy over his Olive Jane and she is pretty great at talking him into things, like, a walk to the Mexican market around the corner, another episode of Petes dreaded Nickelodeon pre teen show, or a trip to Las Vegas or Wendover, both of which are happening this month. She recently negotiated the retirement of a Pete disliked leotard for a brand new one from the dance store that cost half a weeks groceries. FYI, she does not actually take dance. He is so encouraging of Hans' many pursuits and loves to introduce Hans to new music. He has taught him some guitar, a little banjo and Hans is pretty excited to get going with his new thumb piano. He is 100% accepting of each of ours kids and loves them unconditionally. He has been a great source of help to the older kids and as they get older he is a great sounding board for them. He helps them to see the big picture and encourages them to make good choices. He is able to sit in the front seat while Siobhan drives, saving me from a panic attack, even though she is a really great driver. I think he is a great example to all of them.

This year brought a few challenges to my thought and feelings on our relationship. Outside sources can sometimes have a way of weaseling in causing you to think about your priorities. In this case, it made me realize how much I absolutely love being with him. He is fun, really fun and loving. He loves me, faults and all. I just cannot imagine a day without him. He came to me at a time in my life that I wasn't sure what I would do to get to the next day. He has built a life for us that has enabled me to devote my days to our kids and our home. He takes us to new places and gives us new experiences. He takes care of us and never ever makes us feel as if it is a chore or a burden. He makes me feel special. I just love him and thank him for all that we have together.