RJ and I went on a date last night. We only have two days with my family, but we just had to take advantage of the free babysitting. So, we kissed the little man goodnight and headed down Highway 49 to Old Town Auburn. My family has been living in Auburn for over 17 years. I was here for 8 of those years, and somehow, in all that time, I only made it to old town half a dozen times or less. I don't know what I was thinking - it's so cute! I should have been going more often (although don't think charming historical districs really do much for you at 16).
Anyway, we enjoyed browsing the (2) streets and peering into the historical homes. There is a new brewery in town that served some decent beer and spicy buffalo wings. It was fun to sit in the window seat, discuss goals for 2010, and laugh over Landon's latest antics. I was a bit distracted during the middle of my meal by the really drunk gal at the bar who kept hopelessly flirting with the table of guys sitting behind her. I desperately wanted to put my arm around here, lead her to the back of the restaurant, and gently explain that she was making a complete and utter foold of herself. But she was too far gone for it to have done any good.
It was a real "date" date. After dinner we took in a movie: The Blind Side. I, of course, loved it. Having a heart for adoption this movie made me tear up more than once. I don't know what God has in store for our family, but I think it is so incredible that one person can make such a last impact on another person's life. The movie had alot of similarites to the book Same Kind Of Different As Me (a read I hightly recommend). I hope 2010 will be the year I stop just thinking about stuff and get off my butt and DO something. Although we don't really want to (myself in particular) being outside of our comfort zone is often the best place to be.
Date Night
Monday, December 21, 2009
10. The Ornaments. More than 10 years ago my mom started a tradition. Every year we would each get a new Christmas tree ornament. What started out as a cute, fun idea has turned into a Christmas cornerstone. My sister and I in particular look forward to our ornament with great expectation. We can't wait to see what Mom has chosen. And while I am vain about my well decorated tree, the excitement lies in the surprise. My mom searches all year for the perfect piece. Sometimes she finds it in July on a trip with my dad, sometimes not until December 24th, but she always finds just the right thing. An tiny expression of our personalities and interests. Over time I've received a dancing penguin, a tree frog, a tiny chef, and woodland fairies.
9. Mom's bathrobe. For as far back as I can remember Mom wears her bathrobe on Christmas morning. My sister wakes us all up early and we stumble out of bed to the mantle while Mom slings her bathrobe over her pajamas. She needs that extra layer of warmth. My Mom hates nothing more than being cold. Over the years its been red, printed, plain, light, fuzzy, patterned, and I think the last year or so it's been green, but it always shows up in every early morning Christmas photo.
8. Monkeybread. Last Christmas April, my sister, made Monkeybread for breakfast. It was amazing. Doughy. Cinnamony. Gooey. Sweetness. Monkeybread was immediately established as a new Saltenberger tradition. I just love that it is never too late to start something new.
7. The Stockings. I've had the same stocking since I was a tiny baby. My Mom sewed it. (I had great expectations of sewing Landon his first stocking too. He'll never know if it doesn't actually show up until 2010, right?!) Christmas day has not started until the stocking is stuffed. As kids April and I would wake up and run to the stocking. If it was still empty Santa hadn't come yet and we had to go back to bed. I still have no idea when my parents actually stuffed the thing b/c I remember waking up and finding it empty multiple times during the night but it was always full by morning.
6. My Dad's Gift. My Mom has always been the shopper in the family. She has incredible taste. Even when I was a teenage she bought me things I wanted to wear. While my friends were trying to figure out how to return their parents' purchases I was taking my mom after-Christmas shopping with me to get her advice. So i love it when my Dad buys me a gift. There is usually something from Dad in our stocking or under the tree that Mom hasn't helped with at all. And I always love it. It might be a gift card, or something for the house, but it's the token of time and effort that mean the most. He could easily leave the shopping to Mom alone and we would all be completely satisfied, but I love knowing that he went out looking for something special for "his girls" (and RJ too!).
5. Extended Family. Growing up holidays weren't holidays if we didn't see at least one extended family member. And usually all the Saltenbergers would gather together. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins litter my holiday memories. My cousins Sallie and Will were my very first friends. We don't play any silly games, or have any traditional foods, but we love just being together. And we love to laugh.
4. Hosking Present Mayhem. For 20 years I only knew one kind of Christmas. And then RJ's dad invited me over for Christmas - Hosking style. The Hoskings have a big Christmas celebration on the 24th. Papa Richard cooks something amazing. We drink wine and eat until it hurts. And then, it's gift giving time. Now, at the Saltenbergers, gift giving is a process. Each gift is opened one-at-a-time and we all ooh and aah over it before moving to the next gift. The Hoskings to things different. It's: One, Two, Three, GO! Wrapping paper flies, plastic hurls, people are shouting, ribbon is floating. It is complete and utter mayhem. It's fantastic!
3. My Sister. Outside of Christ no one embodies Christmas like my sister. I'm surprised she doesn't make herself an advent chain on December 26th. April loves Christmas. It's because of her I make it a point to still sleep at my parents house on the 24th (thankfully RJ and his family are very compliant). She would hate it if we didn't wake up under the same roof on Christmas morning. If any of us deviate from the traditional Christmas procedure, she gently reminds us to get back on track. She is all traditions and gifts, carols and love.
2. RJ's surprise. RJ is a great gift giver. His gifts are meaningful and heartfelt. And he always surprises me. It isn't about the money. Often the best gifts really are the least expensive. It's the effort and though he puts behind it. And at Christmas he always puts his best foot forward. I used to get frustrated b/c he always outdid me, but I am learning to just accept and enjoy. I praise God for giving me such a thoughtful man who loves blessing my socks off.
1. The Nativity. My favorite Christmas memories are playing with our family nativity set. It's a ceramic set that my parents got before I was born. There is a little wooden barn, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, 3 wise men, a shepherd, a sheep, cow, and a donkey. As long as we were gentle my Mom allowed us to play with the pieces. But, although we did out best to be careful with this special toy over time it got nicked, scratched, and chipped. The shepherd has been hot-glued together at least 3 times. But the nativity is still my favorite piece of Christmas. My Mom eventually got herself a new, beautiful scene. For awhile the old nativity was in my college house, and I believe it's under my sister's tree today. I have yet to buy one for our family because I keep holding out for the perfect set. I want something that displays the important of the day. That really embodies the significance of Christmas. Yet, I want it to be approachable. I want Landon to get down and play with the pieces. I want him to really understand Christmas and all it stands for.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
There are those that would argue against young marriage. Spreading stories of couples who never had a chance to "discover themselves" before unionizing, or the need to "sow your wild oats" before being tied down. But, as a young bride myself (19 when I met RJ, 21 when married) I can testify that "success" has nothing to do with age; it's all about picking the right one (and God has something to do with it too.) I can honestly say that I haven't been bored once in the last 5.3 years. And I know 5 years isn't much when looking at a lifetime together, but lets look at how interesting my man has kept it for me so far. He might only be one guy, but he's got quite a few layers...and alot of style:
1. First he was Mr. GQ. When we met he had blond tips in his hair and a Mens Express card in his wallet. He worked out at the gym and dressed-up in pinstripes. His shoes were shiny and his hair gelled.
2. We were married. College was coming to an end and it was time to get serious about life . He dug deep and discovered his inner naturalist. Enter green hemp Patagonia pants. A tree-moss shade and balloon style legs I tried on numerous occasions to burn them. I was unsuccessful.
3. Having identified his inner hunter-gatherer he secured a position with Patagonia and joined the ranks of those who do good for the environment: he biked to work. But there was that pesky problem of pant material getting stuck in the bicycle spokes. Thank goodness the spring line offered the perfect solution. With his employee discount he was able to afford a pair of hot-off-the-press purple-colored Man-pris (capris for men). Paired with green Chaco sandals (i.e. sophisticated Tevas). Hotness.
4. But a few months later, having secured a position in corporate, it was time to grow-up and pack the man-pris in mothballs. The Patagonia highball shirt was just the ticket. Casual yet sophisticated with calico patterns, collar and cuffs, and shinny buttons. Thanks to "puppy" sales he had a dozen or more.
5. But all work and no play makes RJ a sad boy. So the weekends were filled with fishing. And the fun was so overwhelming he needed to share it with his friends. Rather than tell stories he chooses to "show" everyone all the amazing flies he used. He proudly displayed his collection by hooking each feather-tailed trout-catcher onto his sweaty, bright-yellow hat for all to see.
6. We purchased our first home. And suddenly RJ has a lot of responsibility. The first baby was on his way and the house needed a complete remodel. Time was limited. So limited there wasn't a spare minute to even change ones clothes. Home, work, church - it didn't matter. The standard uniform was worn at all times: muddy boots, grout-covered Carhart pants, and paint-stained tee.
7. The baby is here! We're feeling all grown-up. And although it is spring the mornings are chilly. Designer jeans, cashmere sweaters and espresso. Suburban Dad to a T.
8. And finally, one of my favorite looks of all.
I poke fun at my husband, but his many looks testify to the man he is. We laughed the other day thinking about his man-pris and cashmere sweaters, but I appreciate them. I even appreciate the green hemp pants. He isn't afraid to be the man he is inside. He doesn't try to play a part or conform to the status-quo. I love that he keeps things interesting and fun. He's always changing, evolving, growing.
And he's always surfing.
Enter the flannel.
Photo by Hervey Photography
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Landon's at an age where the world is his playground. It's all new and exciting. He wants to see and touch (and eat) everything in sight.
There is nothing more exciting than sharing God's creation with him. Allowing him to eat dirt (all little boys need to give it a try), pick grass, and stick his fingers in sea anemones.
I find such joy watching him express his delight in new experiences.
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