Spring break started two days later. In the beginning, I was in a tizzy with momentum. I was taking kids to parties and play dates and pizza places. I cleaned out 90% of the baby/kid clothes from the basement. I stayed on top of the trash, recycling, dishes and kid baths. And then Monday hit with its cold rain, and I lost a bit of steam. My mom came yesterday and I lost even more steam, but it was the good kind of steam. It’s where you let it out slowly and surely, because you CAN. It feels good. I then sank into the my desk chair to do some work while she took the kids to a pizza restaurant for dinner. We woke up today for the good kind of adventuring and then sank into the couch in happy relief when the sunny sky became overcast.
Speaking of adventure, Cassidy will come home on Saturday – the day before our seventh anniversary. Seven year itch and all. I think it’s quite the opposite of the seven year itch – in some ways, we’re just beginning. Beginning again. Third time’s the charm? And Rabia and Lisa’s Tuesday Ten this week is about ten things you appreciate (or adore) about your significant other.
1. His hair. Some people start off strong, and I start off with perhaps the least important part of this. I like hair. A lot. I like to run my fingers through it. A lot. And if you have a loved one with a shaved or bald head, that’s cool too! I’m sure you find other places to put your hands. Me? I like this. Only because he’s mine and it’s his. If it were something else? I’d like it too.
2. I appreciate his taste of music and how willingly he shares his wisdom of classic rock.
3. I appreciate that he lets me teach him a few things about music too..
4. He has that certain something that some of my family members have that I inherited. It’s something I imagine my father had too. It’s a love of life. It’s a passion for living. It’s joy and dizzying highs. Natural highs. It’s running and leaping.
5. It’s that he’s not anxious. I’m often amazed that people can go through life by calmly going on interviews, public speaking, getting on planes, and doing big adventures. I can do some of those things, but not without a lot of self-talk and deep breathing. There are times in my life in which I feel I can do anything, so I do know what it’s like. And it just makes me want it that much more. Permanently. And if that is not to be the case, always or never, I’m glad I have a husband with that ability, because I’m darn sure he passed that on to both of our kids. It is swell watching them play, and ultimately, I want IN.
6. I love that he’s FUN! He’s that dad who doesn’t tire. He runs around the playground and never seems to stop. And he has endless patience with our kids and all kids. The other kindergarteners all high-five him when he drops Scarlet off.
7. I adore that he believes in magic. Always has, and I hope always will. He once said that the world will try to beat it out of you, but a belief in magic is what drew us together, and hopefully it will stay with us.
8. He has a pretty great sense of humor. He could have married someone else and lived an entire life without fart jokes. Can you imagine? Well, maybe that isn’t the worst thing, but I’m sure glad he doesn’t mind my endless zaniness.
9. His nerdy/geeky/whatever obsessions. Sometimes people tell me I’m an excellent wife because I “let” him have a ton of toys and memorabilia all through our house. Well first of all, he’s not Des. He doesn’t need me to “let” him do anything. We can compromise, though. Second of all, I like all of his stuff. Third of all, he “lets” me throw my own toy bantha into the mix and everyone thinks it must be his, right? It’s not. It’s all mine. And don’t think I don’t have my own fun with his masks:
10. He’s very creative. Insanely. I can’t do it justice in a top ten list, but this whole blog will show you – all along.
Great blog! I wonder if Cassidy can get it on the Amazon! He will love it!
He did! Not from Sunday until Thursday, but I sent him a text to read it from his hotel in Brazil and he did! Some things can’t wait until he gets home.
Aw, what a beautiful post and tribute to Cassidy here tonight. Happy almost 7th Anniversary and so glad he will be home soon now, too for it 😉
Thank you, my dear! So sorry I’m so behind in everything. Spring break + solo parenting = stress. Missing you!
Aw, I hope you are enjoying and missing you though, too!
I am winding down. Today’s gloomy weather is keeping me inside. To warmer and brighter days!
Same here and just downright chilly. Seriously, bring back last Saturday’s weather and I would be a very happy camper!
It will come back! I think next weekend looks lovely. That’s our Northampton Pride weekend and in six years, it’s only ever been warm and sunny. I was worried this would break the streak, and it’s earlier than usual by a week or so. May is the ticket.
May is usually the ticket and hoping though that the Northampton Pride weekend is gorgeous now for sure!! 😉
Wish you could come. This is me, inviting you.
Awww seven years !!!!!!!!! Love the photos and love your story as it continues to change and grow xo
Lucky #7! I really can’t believe it. But I can believe this weird weather because I remember watching it seven years ago and it was just as obnoxious then!
Happy Anniversary, Tamara! You’ll be happy to see him. It isn’t easy doing it all with the kids! My favorite thing about my guy is his sensitivity. He believes in magic and me, like no one else!
Aw! That is a great thing. Belief. In magic. In you.
Thank you!
This is so sweet. I love many of the same things about Andy. Being apart is tough but just wait for the reunion, it’ll be fantastic, I’m sure!
I can’t wait! I think we’re at 24 hours now. The hardest part was that I couldn’t talk to him. When he went away in the past, he was still in cell phone reception zones. The Amazon River isn’t one of those zones. Who knew??
I so get the anxiety thing. Hubs is like the calm ying to my worry yang. He can talk me off a bridge. Happy anniversary sweetie! Can’t wait to hear about the wonderfully romantic time you had!
It’s so amazing. I wonder what it’s like in a partnership with two anxious ones. I suppose everyone deals. I always wonder that if I were more like Cassidy, we’d have no limits. We’d be leaping around and trying everything at least once.
But I suppose things are as they should be.
Yes – I think we’re all right where we should be!
Indeed! xoxo (I barely say “indeed” so when I do, I really mean it)
Indeed!!
Happy almost 7th anniversary! You two are just so adorable. I love reading about your love for Cassidy.
Thank you!! It’s been very high lately.
What a great tribute. How could you not love someone who believes in magic?! xox
Right?? I tended to be drawn to those guys.. if not, it never worked out.
Love this post!! So glad that it is just a few more days until y’all are a full family again!!!
Those 2 pictures of Des (after question 8) are some of my all time favorites!
Hope the next couple days are good ones for you!!!
We’re now down to 18 hours or so. I really can’t believe it! I’m so ready!
And thank you!
Loved seeing all the beach photos!!! I’m always in awe of Cassidy’s creativity when you post stuff. His halloween costume was awesome.
Funny because I saw it today. I had forgotten it was in the garage and I went in there for cardboard and had quite a startle. He did that in SIX DAYS!
Destiny by Zero 7 was the perfect song to listen to while I enjoyed reading your blog and looking at all of your playful pictures. You have a lucky number 7 Anniversary coming up Tamara and Cassidy! May endless years of anniversary celebrations and believing in magic be your Destiny.
You reminded me that Zero 7 and 7 year anniversary go together quite nicely!
Thanks so much for your well wishes, Eddie! I can’t wait.
All you need is love! You two fit. Or should I say you four! Love the photos and the love story! Happy early Anniversary!
Yes, the four of us! And the little dog too.
Thank you!!
What a sweet post, and the pictures are beautiful! Good hair is a plus 🙂
Cassidy always says that good looks open doors, and good hair knocks them off their hinges!
Actually, I think that’s a Sam Malone quote from Cheers. Credit where it’s due!
Awesome! Your Cassidy is my Adam and I love that!
Yes! Which is why it was so awesome to do couples Ask Away Friday!
Oh my goodness little Des and your hubby are twinners in those pictures! I love showing resemblances to the kiddos that they have with other family members.We pulled a picture out of my great grandma the other day and she looks exactly like my daughter when she was that age! A stagecoach ride, that is so much fun!
People always say Des looks just like me so I really had to pull that out to show the resemblance! They both have great hair.
The stagecoach ride was my first time! How lovely.
Your son is your husband’s mini me for sure! One of my favorite things about my husband is that he’s not anxious – and I can pour some of mine onto him when I need to, and it just washes right off! Hope Cassidy is home safely soon!
Isn’t that fascinating? I wonder what it’s like to be anxious and to be married to someone anxious. I know such things can be situational and can come and go, but I imagine I’ll never know what it’s like.
Have to agree, he does have great hair!! I think it is hilarious that the other kids high five him when he drops Scarlet off. Should I even mention how awesome it is that he drops Scarlet off? I never had that… don’t think my husband ever did that, great guy that he is. Can I ad that he is pretty organized? That would make my top 10…
He doesn’t do it often, but he dropped her off and picked her up on the day before he left for Brazil. So it’s a real treat for Scarlet and her classmates, since they usually just see boring me!
And it’s a struggle a lot. I hate mornings.
Yes, he is so organized!!
Happy almost 7th anniversary! It sounds like you guys have such a *fun* relationship, but in that sense that you really connect with each other on a deep level and you can just fully be yourselves and relish in each other and the awesome quality you both have.
Thank you! I think that’s where we want to be, because we have been there before. It can slip a lot in these busy lives. Always something to strive for!
Beautiful. I love that he has a passion for living. I admire that in others. It’s a foreign concept in my own world. Happy almost 7th anniversary!
Well I hope you do find a lot of happiness and joy. Perhaps the passion for living can still happen for people.
Oh, so much to love about this post. First, as always, the pictures! Do you ever get tired of me writing that? I loved seeing the picture of Cassidy as a toddler -and the resemblance to Des is striking. My favorite line: “It’s knowing when it’s time to come home again, and that there’s power in that too.” And his calm laid-back-ness is the perfect counter pint for you:). Happy Anniversary!
Never. I will never tire of you saying that. Please don’t stop!
I love the resemblance of the two of them too. People often tell me Des looks just like me. I actually think he looks a lot like my grandfather as a kid, but with Cassidy’s family’s lanky body structure.
Aww that’s so sweet 🙂 Nothing like someone being far away for you to appreciate them. 😛 There’s lots of things I love about Mario; as irritating as he is (and i tell him to his face) – I like being around him all the time and never get bored. I know quite a few people that are always apart from their partners and seem to always need that separation. I’m loving Des’s shirt hahahaha he’s so adorbs, I can totally see the hair thing.. It’s a thing for me too; I love to mess with Mario’s hair. He ain’t losing it anytime soon thankfully so I’ll have decades to enjoy it. I agree on the non-anxiety part; I don’t know how Mario just goes about being open to try new things and loves challenges and I fear things and have to mentally prepare myself for the most minuscule task. It’s alright though we balance each other out. 🙂
I don’t know what to blog about!! I have a million and one topics but my studies are occupying my time and I’m in career-focused mode.. So I have topics that are not complete.. I need a short quick simple post idea but my head is BLOCKED. It’s saying “we have other things to do!” The week is ending OMG! PARANOIA! Leave me in my panic mode! You must not see me like this! xoxo Tam Tam -Iva
This comment is a masterpiece, isn’t it?
I love that you never get bored with Mario. That’s key, I think. I’ve been bored in relationships before. I’ve now known Cassidy for 11 years and I’ve never gotten bored. Ruts? Sure. Annoyed as heck? Sure. Contemplating divorce? Sure.
I don’t want to leave you in panic mode! Quick! What can I do??
You ever seen someone walk by that’s super composed and poised? That’s what I look like on the exterior but on the INTERIOR this is what’s happening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM_vLbQ3_aw&index=97&list=WL
If you’ve never seen that you’ve been missing out, at 0:58 is right on point to where I’ve been lately. I’m usually freaking out about something like procrastinating on my blog work or my coursework or just too many x, y, z’s. Lol. Best part is you won’t know by talking to me but those who really get to talk to me, like Mario, he’s seen my dramatic outbursts.. I over dramatize to get it out of my system. I came home the other day and Mario was on the bed; I harshly shoved the kitten OFF the bed, dramatically flung myself on it and placed my hand on my forehead and started screaming and losing it. I kept yelling: I CAN’T TAKE IT, I CAN’T TAKE IT, I HATE THAT OFFICE IT DRAINS MY SOUL! Lol Mario was like “you’re crazy” – LOL. Was that necessary? Probably not. Did it feel great to let it out in a humorous, over-dramatic way? Hell yes.
LOL Mario and I are never bored of one another and just like you and Cassidy: ruts, yes; annoyed, we need a new word for this my dear; contemplating murder, definitely. LoL Mario says if this relationship doesn’t work out he’s hiding in a mountain and never coming out – says women are crazy. I told him between my cooking and amusement he ain’t going nowhere. 😛
LOL QUICK SHIP ME COOKIES!!!
Yup. That Elaine video. I absolutely relate.
And I did make new cookies yesterday!!
Happy Anniversary!! I think you and Cassidy are a lot like my husband and I. Complete opposites in some ways but very much the same where it counts. We learn so much from our spouse I think it’s awesome to have someone who brings out parts of you that you can’t seem to bring out by yourself! Oh and my hubby is bald… and I love to rub his head, so I guess that’s probably what you’d do if Cassidy didn’t have great hair 🙂
That’s really awesome. I know we had things in common that brought us together, but it’s so amazing to find all the differences that pull us apart OR bring us even closer together. Fascinating stuff.
I love that you chimed in about the bald head!!
This is the sweetest!!! A very happy anniversary to you both! p.s. absolutely loving your beach pictures of the littles!!!
Thanks!! I have more beach photos coming. I am painfully slow with them but I adore them. It chases away the icky feelings I have about it being 30 degrees tonight!
Okay.. so that IS a pretty sweet head of hair. 😉 haha! Great post my friend! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Right? I just love a sweet head of hair. I swear.. if Des ever shaves his head.. I will sob.
Such a wonderful post! Beautiful pictures as usual and Happy 7th Anniversary.
Thank you! I loved working on these photos and I love how they fit in with the theme, at least in my head.
We’re going on 8 years this fall! l loved reading this, and I think we should all write out a list like this to remind us why we married our partner!
Aw.. 8 years. So special! I love even numbers for some reason.
I think I should make this list at least yearly!
How cute is it that the kindergarteners all give him high fives! There’s definitely something special in that. And happy early anniversary to you two. So many people don’t make it to seven years, so contgrats!
I was thinking that! Those celebrity marriages sometimes last a few months! And sadly, I have friends going through divorces.
I feel pretty lucky to be where I’m at!
Awwww, what a sweet list 🙂 Happy happy anniversary to you guys! It’s nice to make lists of all the reasons we were drawn to each other. Beautiful 🙂 And love all of the beach photos. I’m not sure but I may have just felt a snowflake?? Either way, I can’t wait to run on some sand again.
XOXO
We got snow squalls yesterday. It totally disgusted me! Today the heat is on. Oh, help! It will get better by May, though. It always does.
And if not, I will move. I simply can’t stand this mediocrity!
Happy almost 7th! I love reading about the things people love about their spouses; it makes me think about the things I love about mine.
I totally get that! I love the same. I really do want to put together a book of love stories one day. Extraordinary in the ordinary, because love itself is a miracle.
This was so sweet to read. 🙂 I love reading about your totally awesome adventure. The love and happiness just beamed through in this post. AND THOSE PICTURES!!
I love the beach photos.
Happy Friday Eve!
XOXO
Thanks!! I still have many more beach photos to come. I can’t wait to share.
This post reminded me a bit of you. You can totally see the married couples still wildly in love. It comes off the pages of their blogs!
That is the sweetest and most “wonderfulest” compliment, thank you! I’m still crazy cray for that man. As I know and feel you are for yours 🙂
Cheers to happily ever after!
XOXO
I love these pictures, the beach would be glorious right about now! I really love the Yoga shot of mom.
I know, Nellie. The heat is on tonight. The HEAT! I just want a warm beach already!
Thanks about the Yoga shots. She’s so graceful.
Happy 7 years!
My husband can also talk in front of people without any issues. Meanwhile, I panic.
I love nerds! They are the most fun.
It’s so interesting to see spouses that can do things that make us panic!
Nerds are the best!
Awww, I just LOVE this!
It’s weird how as you were describing Cassidy, I was thinking of my Evan. They sound alike in many ways (minus the hair) lol. Evan’s ridiculously creative, he’s hilarious, he’s exposed me to some really awesome music, and he has a really geeky side.
I can tell you’ve missed him.
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo
I actually dated an Evan. What a great name! And he preferred his head shaved! I love hearing about these similarities to Cassidy. We have great men!
This is lovely! Ever since following your blog all along, I can truly tell that your husband is all of the above you mentioned. Happy 7 years! I appreciate my husband for being so supportive of what I love doing and allows me to practice my individuality. Also, I can’t get enough of the beach photos!
What an awesome comment! We have certainly had our deep issues and sometimes I can see them bleeding out into my blog, but it’s probably most obvious to me. Or him.
Your husband sounds so awesome!
Hope you have a great anniversary when he comes home –
sweet top ten about hubby 🙂
Thanks, Sue! This is pretty much his anniversary card. I think seeing each other will be a gift enough too. I can’t wait!
So fun to have your mom in town! I’m glad you were able to get a little break!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Thanks, Melanie! It was more adventurous than I expected, because spring break and all.
I’m ready for a new week!
This is so sweet, Tamara! Happy Anniversary to the both of you! We’re hitting our seven-year as well this year (what is it with us and anniversaries?). My husband loves music too and while I may not be as crazy as him with music, it’s so nice to have someone who is passionate about it.
Wow we do have some things in common! Lucky number seven, right?
They say it’s the year to give wool as a gift. So I cleaned out 90% of our baby/kid clothes. Lots of wool in there. He’s been wanting me to do that for awhile. So it’s an anniversary gift!
Aw!!! What a perfect post for Cassidy to come home to, and celebrate your 7 years of LOVE and NEW beginnings… 🙂 I’m so glad your mom came in town to help…. and that you have embraced the rhythm of GO and REST in a fine balance. That can not come easily, oh do I know!
He actually read it in Brazil which made me happy!
My mom and I had such a great time. It was truly a turning point time for us. I cooked and cleaned. It was weird!
Wonderful tribute to your love. Did Scarlet do a yoga tree pose there at the beach? Of all points, which are all good ones, I really liked no. 9, compromises are the basis of a good relationship. And, I didn’t know you have a bantha, awesome!
p.s. we will be having our 7th anniversery this year, too, in September 🙂
I think that’s a tree pose? I don’t even know! #9 is so awesome. The bantha was a gift for my 25th birthday. We couldn’t be together that year so he sent me a package of a bantha, a box of my favorite cereal and a carton of my favorite juice.
So much goodness in this post. Once again, my heart with filled with laughter and cuddles and rainbows. Your blog has the magic touch, woman.
Well yours does for me! Are we blogging soulmates??
How have I not seen little Cassidy looking just like Des in big Cassidy? Or is it big Cassidy in little Des. Well you know what I mean. Wow the reminding was uncanny! Happy almost anniversary. Glad your mom was able to come in and help out.
I know what you mean! And I like it.
My mom was here for four days and now she’s gone and I’m all out of sorts. Well Cassidy will be back tomorrow. Oh, happy day!
Happy Anniversary to you and Cassidy! How fun it will be for you both to catch up after his experiences in Brazil.
I really can’t wait! I’ve had a few photos and videos here and there, and some vague updates, but I want the full update! Tomorrow!
I never thought I could fall in love with a bald man, but it just happened. 😉 Ed starting going bald in his 20’s, so his hair never had much of a chance!
I used to say that but my boyfriend before Cassidy was going bald in his 20’s and it didn’t change a thing for how I felt about him! So I realize how small it really is, even for me.
Bald is beautiful!
Tamara, I loved this. So sweet and fun, both. I am very curious about your “third time’s the charm” comment though. Happy anniversary – hope you both have a great day!
I like your curiosity! Well we fell in love when we met 11 years ago. Then we broke up for two years. When we saw each other again, it wasn’t like falling back in love. It was like falling in love NEW a second time. As for the third time, we’ve never split or separated in marriage but lately it’s been like falling in love a third time because we’re both so much more here and in the moment. So I just liked that term!
That’s awesome. I need some of that love juju here (lol). 21 years – I’d be saying 7th times a charm, maybe? Many different phases that’s for sure!
Different phases for sure. And this third time could definitely lead to many more beginnings.
YOU SAID IT! Love is definitely the ULTIMATE adventure. I have been in love with someone for a little more than a year at this point. And as you know, through some of my comments over the past year, I have had my ups and downs – the struggle is real. The adventure is real. The amazing times are real. Nothing is perfect – but love is pretty amazing 🙂
Happy Anniversary!! Here is to 7 + more years! WOO WOO!
I know about the ups and downs! And I saw recently something positive so I thought it was a new guy. Or maybe just a new take with an old guy. Not that he’s OLD..but you know what I mean.
Love is amazing.
Same guy… I just can’t NOT with him!
Well as long as you’re happy and treated like the wonderful woman you are.. then good!
Happy 7th Anniversary! I also admire people who have a zest for life and can live anxiety free.
What a great post to commemorate your special day.
Thank you!! And yes, if I could live that way for a day. I mean I suppose I have.. but not in ages.
oh my gosh the resemblance between his young pic and Des!!! amazing. Happy 7th Anniversary. May the Force…. and Magic continue to be with you.
Some guys wear ‘dad’ well. He most certainly does. Better than well, and I admire that. Also, to continue to see not only his but also your traits emerge in your kids will be one of the greatest joys of parenthood.
The resemblance between toddler Cassidy & Des is ridiculous! They are twinning if I’ve ever seen it! Cassidy is the perfect balance for you. I love that he’s a fun dad that feeds the magic in his kid’s childhoods by bringing his own magic into the equation. And I’m loving the beach photos!