Another year

Here I am at 36. It feels like I'm heading downhill to 40. For biological reasons this was the worst birthday I have ever had.

Thank goodness I have Mark. He really is the best husband. He has put up with my crankiness for the last few days, and when I came clean with him today about what was really bothering me, he said he knew, and that he was trying to be careful about what he said. He really is the best husband.

We really celebrated my birthday last month when we went to see Phantom of the Opera. I asked Mark a week ago if he was going to get me a small token gift for my birthday; he told me I was greedy :-) This morning when Mark was leaving for work he gave me a present. It was a t-shirt from Lands End (my favorite) and chocolate truffles. I thought that was it, I had my real present last month. BUT, around 2:30 this afternoon the doorbell rang. When I looked through the peephole I saw a flower delivery guy with a vase of red and yellow tulips; I was so excited. Tonight we went to Olive Garden, it was delicious. When we got home Mark gave me another t-shirt and a card. In one way this was the hardest birthday I have ever had to endure, but in more ways, Mark of course made it a fun birthday for me. Thank goodness I have Mark. When I am totally sad, and cranky with him, he always understands. I love him.

WORST BIRTHDAY EVER

Getting back to normal

Our life has been crazy for the last few months. I mentioned a couple posts back that my parents were coming out for a visit. The reason for the visit was that my stress level was so high I did not know what to do. I am so grateful to my parents for being willing and able to help my family; but even more then helping out my family, I am grateful that they were able to support and help me. I am also grateful for Mark's parents. They were always available to offer advice, and to remind Mark and I that we need to keep our faith strong. It was such a comforting feeling every time we would be talking to Bill and Helen to hear them say, "We are praying for you." I am also grateful for Howard and Rachel. I felt like I could call Rachel whenever I needed some support, or needed to vent my frustration, or when I just really did not know what else to do. And of course Howard: he was willing to offer his help whenever we needed it. I also am grateful to my Bishop, who was so willing to help our family.

So, what was going on? Why all the stress? What I can say is that adopting a 16 year old, who has spent most of her life trying to survive on her own, and pushing anyone and everyone away, comes with a certain set of challenges. Our life is starting to get back to normal. As a family we are working on gaining back trust and privileges.

I did not intend for this post to sound so much like a thank you note. However, I am truly grateful for the love and support that our family has given to us in a very difficult time.