Day 121: T.G.I. ...Can't Hear You

Aha:
Friday afternoon was one of THE LONGEST afternoons at work. I was busy and all, but the hours just dragged. Anxious to get home and be free to do what I want for a couple days, I couldn't help but watch the clock. Sure enough time slowly passed, but pass it did and once 430 came I shot outta there like an absolute rocket!
I am thankful for Fridays, and especially Fridays after 430pm. I love having time to myself and my little family. We didn't have any major plans but I still look forward to the time we get to spend together--free from work and other responsibilities.

Haha:
Perhaps you'll not find this as funny as I did, but I overheard my boss answer his phone and this is how it went.
He: Hello?
(pause)
He: Can't hear you.
(click)
Me: (laughing)
He: What?
Me: Uh...did you really just hang up on them like that?
He: What was I supposed to say?
Me: Most people say, "I'm sorry, but I can't hear you. Can you try calling me back? I'm going to hang up now."
He: Oh, I just have no patience for calls like that.
I had the giggles so bad after that. The way he said, "Can't hear you." was just so blunt that it struck me absolutely funny. lol

Day 117: Hibernation and Regurgitation

Aha:

Clinton fell asleep on the couch last night and didn't come to bed till 2am. I slept like crap till he came. That sweet boy opened up some windows to cool down the room and within about 5 minutes of him climbing into bed I was finally able to fall asleep.

Despite the lack of sleep I did fine staying awake at work and even got a little nap when I came home. So...off to bed I go and I'm making sure Clinton comes with me from the start! :)

Haha:

I was talking to my mom tonight and she was telling me about their drive home and how my dad had food poisoning and was puking for the first 5 hours of their trip. Anyway, this reminded me of when my parents, Clinton and I went to the Oregon Coast the weekend after we got engaged.

It was February and the sea was choppy but Clinton had never been whale watching so we hopped on a boat and hoped for the best. Well, it was raining so we couldn't stand outside to watch the horizon and avoid seasickness. So, within about 20 minutes my dad was puking off the back of the ship, I was heaving over the side and Clinton was favouring a garbage can inside. Mom was fine though.

And to boot, we didn't even see any whales. What an expensive bout of bulemia that turned out to be. Ha!

Day 115: Lost in Pancakes

Aha:

Clinton took me to IHOP for supper last night. He knows how much I love their pancakes and our trip there was on a total whim. What a lovely surprise!! Thanks, Honey!!

Haha:

Well, I finished Lost yesterday and I gotta say, the ending had ME lost. I spent the next 20 minutes on Lostapedia.com trying to figure out what it all meant.

In the end, I think the story ending could have been better but overall I liked the show. I mean, I must have with all the time and laziness I dedicated to it. Lol

Day 112: Caring For Our Kind

Aha:

I got up to take Peter for a walk. Clinton got up and said he was going to go get the mail (located at the end of our street). When we got to the mailbox, Clinton grabbed what was in there, as well as Peter's leash, and kept walking with us. :)

It was so nice to walk as a little family. Thanks, HB, for coming with us!

Haha:

Clinton will use any desperate measure to get Peter to leave my lap and go to him. Tonight's attempt was clips from YouTube of puppies crying.

Peter's ears perked up and his little head couldn't possibly have been crinked farther to the side. He was so concerned. It took a lot of clips and coaxing but Peter finally jumped off my lap and up on Clinton's.

However, once he noticed no puppies were actually on Clinton's lap, he jumped down and came back to me.

I'd definitely say Peter is momma's boy!

Day 103: The #1 and #2s in My Life

Aha:
Happy Birthday to my H.B.!!! Clinton celebrated his 33rd birthday by sleeping in, mowing the lawn, changing his tires, going for a walk, watching ALF (I bought him the complete series, as well as three more seasons of The Simpsons to add to his growing collection), and eating key lime pie. Doesn't sound like the most exciting birthday to me, but he got to pick all of our doings so he must've enjoyed it!
At any rate, I am so thankful to be married to such a wonderful man and I love that I have at least one day a year to celebrate him. Love you, H.B.!!

Haha:
TMI WARNING: I told Clinton at one point today that I felt like I needed to go #2. A moment passed and then I said, "Yep, I can definitely feel that I need to go."
And then he started singing, "I feel it in my fingers...."
To which I promptly responded with "Ew." and laughter.

Day 102: Going for a Walk and the Highest Bidder

Aha:

Our little family enjoyed a lovely stroll this evening after a really great thunderstorm. The air was a bit crisp, but the company was perfect.

Thank you, Clinton, for suggesting we go for a walk (though Peter's obvious hints were hard to miss); I really loved being with you!

Haha:

We had a meet-n-greet with the bishop today and he reassured us when we walked in the door that he didn't have any callings to extend to us quite yet. However, he did tell me that apparently a couple different auxiliaries are fighting for me and so far, he's up to a dozen-and-half cookies as bribes for me to be placed in particular positions. Ha! 

So, I'm sure by this time next week I'll know my new calling at church...I'm gunning for Relief Society pianist!! :)

Day 95: Happy Women's Day

Aha:
Mother's Day. Two words, when put together, that typically make me cringe.
However, today I have found myself smiling thinking of all the children I've had the chance to mother: my nieces and nephews, my friends' kids, some of the young women I taught, and the random kids I've sat with at church when their mom's just looked desperate for help.
Sometimes I think this holiday should just be called "Women's Day". It would make it a lot easier to enjoy for those like me who have yet to be, but desperately want to be, mothers. But being a woman--I've got that covered! It is part of my nature to nurture and love; to teach and to play; to comfort and to soothe. I'm inherently a mom.
I wanted to give a shout-out to my mom for raising me to be who I am. I know you don't feel like you "measure up" but you do. You are the perfect mom for me!
I also want to thank my sisters (SIL's included) for letting me help "raise" your kids. You have no idea how special your kids are to me and how much being their aunt has blessed my life.
To my friends, thanks for calling me the "Baby Whisperer". I love snuggling your little ones and lulling them to sleep. Doing this makes me feel special and needed.
To the women who have handed me their kids without saying a word, thank you letting me help.
For those with kids I know this day can be hard as well and I hope you can find joy in it. We have a sacred work to do and we cannot do it alone. Thankfully we are surrounded by other women (moms, sisters, friends, aunts, and even the occasional stranger) who can lend us help when we need it.
May we all find a reason to celebrate who we are, cause being a woman is pretty amazing.
To all women I wish you a Happy Women's/Mother's Day.

Haha:
If you'll excuse the swear word in the title, here are two videos that make me laugh cause they're totally true! To all women, enjoy "'Crap' Girls Say: Episodes 1 and 2".

Day 94: He's Always So Happy

Aha:
I was in a bit of a mood yesterday and every time my grumpy pants showed themselves, Clinton would say, "Awr you feewing gwumpy again? Awr you Ms. Gwumpy Pants?"
I'd either stare at him or look away as my reply; while inside I was thankful for his positive attitude.
I can't say his baby talk helped or hindered, but I can say I am grateful he didn't let my grumpiness affect his happiness. I really love that about him.

Haha:
During one of my grumpy bouts, Clinton reminded me of a joke. Now, if you know Clinton, picture his getting-ready-to-tell-a-joke-he-thinks-is-especially-punny face/voice.

He: Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: "Does this taste funny to you?"

And then he did his I-just-told-a-punny-joke prideful chuckle.
Boy, I love my Clinton!

Day 78: I'll Scratch Your Back if You Massage Mine

Aha:
I haven't been sleeping well the last couple nights and have woken up in the most contortionist-y ways. Needless to say my neck and shoulders are super tight. Fortunately, Clinton was kind enough to rub my sore muscles and remove the severity of the tension. I'm looking forward to a much better sleep tonight!
Thank, H.B.!!

Haha:
Our parking pad is located in the back of our property, however the only way to get in is from the front door--unless someone is home to let you in the back slider.
Well, I was taking a nap on the couch when Clinton knocked on the slider door.
Grumpy and groggy, I opened the door and said, "What? Are your legs broken or somethin'?"
He, laughing, "I could ask you the same thing. You just didn't want to get off the couch."
True. I didn't.
Turns out two lazys don't make for a very strong fight.
Ha!

Day 70: Behind the Scenes

Aha:
I just want to say how thankful I am for my friends and family. I know I have people praying for me and sending good vibes my way. Thank you for that. Thank you for thinking of me!

Haha:
OK, this post is TMI but I was shocked, amazed and totally befuddled to the point of laughter; it's too good not to share.
Have you ever heard of the "Ghost Poop" phenomenon? It's when you go poo but when you look in the bowl there's nothing there, and when you wipe there's nothing there either.
Well, World, this happened to me today.
I KNOW I went, but the evidence was totally missing. I literally bent down to peer further into the bowl and couldn't find anything...and I was clean as a whistle. LOL!
Craziest thing. Oh man, I'm still laughing about it! Ha!

Day 65: Clinton's a Pro Mover

Aha:

So glad the work week is over!! This week has been very long and tiring with moving into and cleaning the disasterous mess we rented. It's starting to look like a home instead of a meth house, so that's good. Ha!

Seriously though, Clinton has worked so hard to make this place sanitary and I am so thankful for all of he has done!

Haha:

Clinton and I were commiserating about the wiles of moving and he recalled an experience from his mission that made me laugh out loud.

He said that he was asked to help a member move a washer upstairs. Not only was the stairway very narrow, but each of the steps were extremely shallow--to the point that he was balancing everything on his tiptoes. He said that the machine was the heaviest thing he'd ever carried and that by the time he made it to the top of the stairs he thought his back was going to go out.

Baffled by the weight of the machine he decided to open it cause it felt like something might be in there. Sure enough! It was a quarter of the way full of rocks! Rocks! Why would there be rocks in there? Bwahaha!

He said he was so mad! Oh man, I'm laughing just thinking about what must have been going through his head back then. Who puts rocks in a washing machine anyway, especially when you're having people do you a favour? Ha!

Day 64: Hairy, Scary Move

Aha:

Huge shout out to Clinton for all of his hard work getting our new rental ready (during what was supposed to be his vacation week). This place is/was a huge, dirty mess and Clinton's been scrubbing everything down and cleaning all the carpets and floors. In addition, he's been shopping and buying replacements for all of the things we sold/donated before we left Milwaukee. 

Thank you so much, Honey!!

Haha:

As Clinton was cleaning out the drain in the bathtub upstairs he said, "The person who lived here before must have had a lot of long, blond hair. There's enough in this drain to make a donation to Locks of Love."

(Shudder)

Day 59: I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked...and Peter Pooped

Aha:

You probably didn't know this but we live in the same neighbourhood as the stake centre; it's literally one street away from us. Well, I decided to take Peter for a walk before the second session of General Conference began and as I was on our way home I passed by the church. On the sidewalk across the street I saw two missionaries talking to a couple. I couldn't hear everything but as I was passing one of the elders just started bearing his testimony about how living the gospel has blessed his life.

I didn't stick around to listen but it put a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. I love to hear people talk about Jesus; especially in such "out of place" places. In fact, some of my most spiritual discussions have happened in commonplace locations.

A blog isn't necessarily "out of place", but I too love Jesus and am thankful for His gospel in my life. His message is good news! It is one of selflessness and charity and I am thankful for the example He gave me to follow. I love that so many people in the world want to be like Him, regardless of religious affiliation. He is The Good Shepherd and I am so happy to be one of His many sheep trying their best to get back to Him.

Haha:

Now that the weather is improving and much of the snow has melted, I took advantage of the first opportunity I've had to pick up all of the crap Peter has relieved himself of over the winter.

There was only the thin layer of a plastic produce bag between me and the grocery bagful I gathered of cold dog poo. 

It was an interesting bonding moment between mother and pup. Each handful of crap inspiring memories of what he must have eaten that particular day. Every mound reminding me of the special responsibility I have in taking care of my little boy. All of it, a token of love. 

Or at least that's how I tried to see it instead of as the gross job it really was.

When I came back inside and told Clinton how much I had to pick up he said, "Yah, Peter really puts out a lot of poop."

Thanks. I know.

Day 52: Ooo-Ooo Witch-ay Woman

Aha:

My husband is a real trooper. He has a level of patience I will never understand. And for his patience I am so thankful! 

I love you, Clinton. Thank you for realizing the source of my craziness and loving me regardless.

Haha:

You would not, or maybe you would, believe how grumpy I was this morning/afternoon. Here're a few samplings of my sour moments from today...feel free to laugh, I know I am...now.

1. After I had taken a shower this morning I came back into the room where Clinton was still in bed. As I walked into the room he was making a huge yawn and I totally mimicked it...kinda sorta mocking him.

Why I was annoyed with him yawning I don't know.

2. When I was folding laundry today I made a very big point of mentioning to him how nice I was for folding his laundry too.

Gee, aren't I sweet?
3. Clinton and I went to Costco. When we got there I told him 3 things we needed before I ran off to the bathroom. While I was in the bathroom he ran and got all those things and proceeded to the checkout. When I got out of the bathroom I called him but he didn't answer so I meandered through the store and grabbed a few other not-on-the-list items. When I called him again to tell him I was ready to checkout he answered and said he already had. He also had my purse with him so I couldn't pay for my extra items.

Unnaturally I was miffed. I stormed past him out of the store and sped-walked to the car. When we got in the car we talked. I had thought he was just not answering my calls but in reality he couldn't hear his phone ring. He had found all the things ON THE LIST and bought them, as requested.

Moral of the story...get the facts and realize the kindness if others before blowing things totally out of proportion. And yes, I sincerely apologized.

Oh, there's more, but fortunately my total witchiness only lasted a few hours and I spent the second half of my day in much better spirits, but HO-WEE I was a real piece of kick-you-in-the-crotch meanness. Thanks PMS!

Day 45: Apparently I Love Him Most When I'm Awake

Aha:

I gotta say, I really love my Clinton. We had no plans for today but spent the whole day together. We watched some tv, ran some errands, got some yummy East Indian food, did a little shopping, and then came back home to eat some Whoppers and watch Schindler's List on tv.

I have to admit that hanging with my best friend all day is pretty great way to spend a Saturday.

Haha:

When I woke up this morning Clinton told me about an interaction we had when he came to bed last night. Peter and I were already asleep in bed; I in the middle of the bed, and Peter on Clinton's pillow.

He: (barely lifts up the corner of the blanket on his side of the bed)

Me: DON'T!

He: You're on my side of the bed.

Me: (mumbling) No I'm not!

He: (getting into bed)

Me: STOP!

He: (pulling on the covers)

Me: You're taking my covers!

He: I just need some blankets.

Me: UGH.

Apparently I'm a real sweetheart in my sleep. Lol

Day 37: Working for The Man

Aha:

Got to do a nice thing for my HB today and it felt good. Nothing major, but we met for supper after a really long day for him at work. I knew he was tired and just wanted to go home but he sweetly made an effort to share a date with me. 

While we were eating he mentioned he'd have to stop for gas on the way home so I offered him to just take my car home and I'd take his to the pump. He declined at first but, after much persistence on my part, he finally relented and took my car straight home.

When I got there I found him reclined in the living room, relaxing. Made my heart happy.

It's the little things, but in a relationship every little bit counts. 

Haha:

You ever quoted Seinfeld during an interview before? Better still, you ever mentioned newly-wed...ahem..."activities" in an interview before?

Well, as of today I have done both. And despite this, I have received feedback that they really loved me. Lol

Sometimes I really wonder why I don't sensor myself more, but now I'm glad I didn't! Ha! It was one of those moments when I thought to myself, "Stop it, Dani. Stop while you can!" But my mouth stayed open and I had to just hope for the best. Fortunately it worked in my favour.

What quote and story did I tell?

At one point in the interview they flipped on the lights in the sunlit room and joked about it feeling like a sudden interrogation. 

My response: Pretty hot under these lights, eh Seinfeld?

They told me the CEO loved Seinfeld and the fact that I could quote it was big.

Then later I brought up how Clinton loved Mad Gab so much when we were first married that instead of constantly acting like a typical newly-wed, he'd sometimes climb into bed and want to play Mad Gab. (Sharing this was especially unnerving to me. What the heck compelled me to tell a total stranger, let alone someone with whom I was seeking employment, something so..."intimate"? Sheesh, Dani.)

Oh well. They loved me anyway. Lol

Day 23: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Aha:

Finally home from all of my travels after one week in L.A., followed by 24 hours at home before flying to Grande Prairie for five days. Needless to say I'm exhausted but I feel so uplifted at the same time! I absolutely LOVE my inlaws and am so thankful I've had such a healthy dosing of them! I feel so spoiled!

Thanks Logans...I really love you all!

Haha:

My flight was delayed by two hours this afternoon giving me time to get back in the car with Terri and her kids and briefly extend our visit. 

We decided to run to Costco and if we hadn't I'd have never witnessed this hairstyle tragedy on an otherwise very cute girl...

What happened here?? Poor thing.

I feel like a jerk a bit for posting this, that's why I blocked her face, but if I can post a bad mullet I can post a bad hairdo too. So sad!

Day 21: Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill to Fetch a Pail...of Honesty

Aha:

I had one of those sad parenting moments today that really make your heart sad and glad at the same time.
Long story short, I caught one of the kids lying to me over something not so minor.
I knew they were lying and it was breaking my heart that they didn't feel like they could tell me the truth.
Finally, after about an hour and a half, the truth finally came out.
I took them aside and told them that of all things, being lied to was my least favorite. That lying makes me sad because it seems I can't be trusted by them.
I gave them a big hug (in which they lingered), thanked them for admitting the truth, and told them that I wanted them to be good and make good choices. I wanted them to know they can talk to me about anything and that above all, I loved them.
Consequences were divvied out and I turned to leave. The moment I did I totally got choked up.
These kids aren't even mine but this little situation really made me think a lot about what things must be like for those who do have kids, and what it'll be like when I have my own. This poor kid went to great lengths to avoid telling the truth and when it finally came out I didn't get mad, I really truly just wanted them to succeed in being honest. I felt so much love for them it hurt! And that lingering hug was the best kind of heart-warmer ever!
Is this what it's always like? Is this what it's like for God and His children here on Earth? How much forgiveness and love He must have for you and me!! He will patiently wait for us to admit our error and when we do He will be there to love us even more, not less.

Haha:

Before bed the kids and I were sitting in the living room reading nursery rhymes and after each one Eden would promptly reply with his own funny version of that rhyme.

We were having a great time!

One of the rhymes spoke of two little children who had some sort of cafuffle and ended up getting hurt or something. Eden's rendition included something about the kids suing each other and how someone came out loaded from their lawsuit.

We all laughed and then Sam said, "Eden, these kids are like three years old. If they're suing this young they must be from the states! They're pretty fast to sue over really dumb things in America."

Oh, how I laughed at that cause it's so true! 

Day 9: Valentine's Day Proposal Dream Come True

Aha:
Eleven years ago today I said "yes".
Sometimes I stop and think about how crazy-fast the time has flown. I have been married to my absolute favorite person for the last 10.5 best years of my life. Though his proposal was questionable at first (see below), he ultimately won my heart and I can't be more happy.
Happy Valentine's Day, Clinton. You really are my favorite.

(Doodles from back when we were dating)

Haha:
You may or may not know this story, but since it's its 11th anniversary and it's too good not to share, I hope you'll indulge me a little trip down memory lane.
Before we were engaged I had a dream.

---I dreamt that Clinton and I went to a really fancy restaurant. We sat at a very fancy table and were having a fancy time. During our conversation Clinton said, "I have something for you..." he pulled out a really beautiful red ring-box, opened it and said, "it's a box, and inside is a ring for you." I gasped in wonder and then in shock as I noticed the ring was just a rusty old key ring. Begrudgingly I put it on my finger and said a curt, "Wow, thanks."---end of dream

Well, I thought the dream somewhat funny and decided to tell Clinton all about it. He thought it was funny too...and apparently ingenious for his upcoming trip to see me during Valentine's Day in Portland.
On Valentine's Day 2003, I decorated the crap out of the hallway outside his room with candies, a big "I love you" banner and cut-out hearts. The message was in noway subtle. :)
And neither was his to me:

(This is how he decorated my bedroom)

(Glow and the dark stickers moved around strategically on my ceiling)

So, anyway, I had made some reservations at Multnomah Falls Restaurant for their special V-Day dinner. As time was approaching for us to leave I noticed Clinton was taking forever in the bathroom. I asked if he was alright and he assured me he was. Still, he took another 10 minutes or so.

We finally make it to the restaurant. Unfortunately for us, we were both full of nerves and hardly ate our rather expensive meal. I was nervous cause I was pretty sure he was going to propose and he was nervous cause he knew he was going to propose. Well, dinner and dessert came and went and no proposal. However the whole time Clinton kept touching his collar rather obsessively.

We left the restaurant and headed back toward home. Clinton asked me if there was anywhere else I wanted to go and when I couldn't come up with anything he suggested we go to Mt. Tabor (it's a mountain located within the city, pretty cool). It was a typical winter day in Portland, cold and rainy. I figured he'd only make me go out in the cold if he was going to make it worth my while. :)

We got out of the car and he lingered for quite a while getting things out of the trunk. When we finally set off I noticed he was carrying an extra coat and had his other hand full, but I couldn't tell with what.

So, we sit and he turns to me and says, "I have something for you."
Me: Oh?

He: It's a box and inside is a ring for you. (pulls out this beautiful red ring-box)

Me: Oh, my gosh!

He: (opens the box and smiles)

Me: (gasps, then gets a confused look on my face when I realize the size of the ring is way too big. It's dark outside and I can see the ring is sparkling, so I reach for it and upon closer inspection realize it's a key ring. Remembers my dream.) Oh.

He: (laughs)

Me: (feeling foolish for thinking I was going to be getting engaged)

He: Ok, I have something else for you. Do you want to know what it is?

Me: (relieved) Yes. :)

He: (hands me a pair of scissors) These are your mom's. I borrowed them, can you give them back to her?

Me: (starting to feel really disappointed and somewhat upset) Ok...

He: (laughs)

Me: (tries not to cry)

He: Do you want to know what I borrowed the scissors for?

Me: I think so.

He: Well, you see (starts pulling at his collar), I have this thing wrapped around my neck, and in order for you to get it you'll need the scissors to cut the string. (out pops my ring on the dental floss necklace he'd been spending all that time in the bathroom concocting before dinner and double-checking all throughout dinner.)

Me: (smiles and cuts the string)

He: (says a lot of sweet stuff) Will you marry me?

Me: Yes, of course!

He: And you see, the ring is still shaped like a keyring.

Me: (swoon)

Well, that was 11 years ago today and even though his proposal kinda set me for a loop in the moment, it just goes to show how clever and romantic he is. I am so thankful for my forever, funny valentine. 

(see how it looks like a split keyring?) :)

Day 34: God Bless Me

Aha:
Question 6:  What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
I think that without question, the hardest thing I've ever experienced/am experiencing is infertility.  There's something to be said of watching everyone around you so easily achieve what you've worked, cried and prayed for for so many years.  I ruined at least one really wonderful friendship and experienced strain in my marriage and family because of impatience, envy and jealousy.  One year in particular I lost count at 32 baby shower invites in a period of about 9 months.  Putting a smile on my face with every announcement or pregnancy story was literally more than I could bare.  I was bitter, I was angry, I was hurt and I was devastated.
One afternoon, I received a phone call from one of my family members.  She was hesitant and carefully told me that she was expecting another baby.  Of course, I knew it before then.  That's one thing I've noticed--a sort of sixth sense--I can often tell someone's pregnant before they know or decide to start telling others, it's what I would call a tender mercy.  Anyway, she apologized and started to cry.  I told her, "I have to go now." and then I hung up the phone and cried like I'd never cried before.
Had I really sunk so low that people felt they needed to apologize to me for being pregnant?  What had I let happen to so many people I cared about that they felt they needed to skirt around their happy news for my sake?  Why did this have to be so painful?  I couldn't take it anymore.  My heart was so broken.
I told the Lord I couldn't do this any longer; the hurt was unbearable.  I was so unhappy and so tired of feeling dark and bitter.  I needed to let all of this go but couldn't begin to know how.  I prayed that my heart could be softened, that the pain would go away and that I could be healed.
Now, I've heard people bare testimony of the power of the atonement and always wondered how they could possibly know.  Sure, Jesus died for us and all so that we could be forgiven and he'd know how to help us, but how could anyone really know or feel anything more than that?  I will tell you, that I know the atonement of Jesus Christ is real and it truly can heal our hearts and save our souls.  The moment I finally let go of all of the hate and bitterness I'd been clinging to and finally opened my arms to the love and healing power of Jesus' atonement--I was finally set free.  I'm not going to lie and say that I never feel pain over infertility because I totally do, and I still cry about it at times, but I'm not bitter anymore.  I can actually be happy for my friends and family (after a quick cry) and I am filled with hope that God has a plan for Clinton and me--and that it's better than anything else I would have or could have ever planned for us.

Ha ha:
The other day I was talking to a coworker and had to sneeze.  As she continued to talk I turned my head to the side and sneezed into my shoulder.
Ooo, that felt a little wet.  Best to take a peek.
So I looked on my right shoulder and noticed a giant booger clinging for life on my wool sweater.
Meanwhile, my coworker keeps talking and I sorta duck down, hoping she doesn't see it over our little wall between our desks.
I grab a tissue and wipe my nose and then "casually" wipe off my shoulder, hoping any residual sheen is absorbed by the barely-soft tissues they provide for us at work.
Talk about embarrassing!