Six Years Later

As I mentioned when writing about the new addition to our family, our beloved Dyson, Josh and I just recently celebrated our 6 year anniversary. We paid way too much money to simply go to a movie and dinner to celebrate the occasion. I also thought I'd pay tribute to the man who has been my husband for 6 years, but the man I love for many years before then.

The Top 10 Reasons Josh is So Raven:

1) Josh invented the term "that's so raven." Or, I should say, Raven Symone actually did that, but Josh claimed it for his own. In honor of the queen of subtle acting, "raven" became to mean anything that you do that is so indicative of your character, there's no doubt that you did it. For instance, for Raven Symone, it may be the quick double-take, or the penchant for wearing unflattering clothing. For Josh, it's looking at a menu at whatever restaurant we're at, and ordering the weirdest thing that's offered. That's so raven.

2) Josh is obssessed with hair. While he's loathe to admit it, he's going bald. And while I find him extremely handsome, I'm quite certain he'd chop off both arms to have his hair back. If you have hair, he's noticed it, stewed over it, and commented about it, guaranteed. The other night, while I was trying to figure out what in the world was going on during TV's "Lost," Josh said, "Why does Desmond have all of that stupid hair?"

3) Josh is the easiest person in the world to shop for. If it's stuff, he likes it. The more gadgety the better, but really you can't go wrong. When we were dating, I'd buy him extravagant gifts from Williams-Sonoma or Amazon. I realize now that I bought my husband, but he was relatively cheap, and I don't feel bad about it. He owns almost every kitchen gadget in America. The latest on his wish-list? Onion goggles.

4) Josh loves television, all things reality TV included. Many a night is spent on the couch watching Tivo together. This seems harmless enough, until he's talked you into entire seasons of high-quality programming like "True Beauty" and "Stylista". And then a piece of your soul dies.

5) Josh is going to write a book. He's formulating it "in his mind." He's actually a talented writer, but his latest venture is motivated by one thing: a new laptop. He figures if he writes a book and gets an advance, he can buy a new computer. It seems like a much easier plan than saving up. As for the book, he's thinking fast money, ala Stephenie Meyer. I suggested zombies in love. I don't know if he's gonna run with that.

6) Josh's kryptonite is "buzz." There's nothing that drives him more crazy then not being able to verify the "buzz" about something. . .anything. This perhaps drives his compulsion to buy the newest gadget on the market. He also joins Facebook, or Twitter, or dreams of the Amazon Kindle, or records Battlestar Gallatica EVERY SINGLE SEASON even though he knows he'll wait six months and then eventually erase it.

7) Josh loves to cook, but he's a bit of a fool in the kitchen. Once upon a time, he gave up his dream to go to culinary school, so I try not to fault him when he messes up a recipe because he saw something shiny while he was cooking, or he leaves me with a gigantic mess. And if he's on his game, his food will make you cry.

8) Josh loves his friends. He's the most loyal person I know, sometimes to a fault. He only ever sees the good in people, and, in turn, has many, many people who love him. He's the life of the party and often the funniest person in the room, even among our extremely funny friends. When we first moved to Portland, he kind of fell into a bit of a depression. I really believe that it wasn't because of the new surroundings, or his added job responsibilities, but because he missed his friends. I find myself trying to schedule social situations for him to keep him happy, much as I do my kids. But I know it's a bit of a lost cause. With the exception of a few amazing people here in Portland, a part of his heart is scattered in places like Provo, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, and Florida.

9) My boys adore him. They try to find every opportunity to tell me that they love their dad more than me, and I have a hard time blaming them. I hope they spend the rest of their lives content in their hero-worship of this amazing man. Then I'll be sure that they'll grow up smart, imaginative, loyal, hard-working, kind, and the best friend one could ask for.

10) After 6 years, he's still my favorite person. Hands down.

I love you, Josh.

Happy Anniversary

For our 6th anniversary, Josh and I purchased perhaps our best anniversary gift to date:

It may seem like an odd choice, but between my obsession with vacuuming and Josh's obsession with consumerism (in this case, with the Dyson), it was a perfect marriage.  And we're in love.

Still a Fetus

This is why we should never be allowed to have a baby girl:

Legacy

A little while ago, someone somewhere told me something Will Smith had reportedly said. (Stick with me; it gets better.) He said something about how, regardless of anything else, his children will see him run every day and read every day. I've been thinking a lot about this, as I am known to do with all sage advice from Will Smith. It makes me wonder about how my kids see me and what they will learn from me and how it will influence them. I think Will's onto something, but what other things do I want my kids to see me do every day? Pray every day? Make my bed every day? Remain calm every day? I can tell you right now those things aren't happening. It's one of the many reasons I'm terrified by motherhood. I don't want to be known for yelling about messes every day, or saying "I'm going to count to 3!" every day, or sitting at the computer writing my blogs instead of reading them books every day. It's something I need to think about, and start paying attention to. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

It also brings up another subject. How much are you allowed to try to influence your children without being seen as controlling or manipulative and sending them to lifelong therapy? Josh and I have had an ongoing discussion (argument) since we started having children. He insists that, whatever our children decide to be, we should be loving and supportive and encouraging. I insist that I will be all of those things, and they are free to choose between pharmacology and dentistry. Jonah, just yesterday, told me he wants to be a trucker when he gets older. And, if given a choice, I think he'd end up in this illustrious career:


*Extra small clown costume optional.

I know it makes me sound over-bearing and controlling, but the yin and yang of Josh and I is that he's a romantic and I'm a realist. Do I want my sons to be teachers if that's what their heart desires? Of course. Do I want them to have to struggle to make ends meet for their 8 children while doing one of the hardest jobs in existence? You see what I mean? I love ballroom dancers, but I don't want my child to pursue it as a profession. On the other hand, I have extremely talented friends who make a good living being artists and actors and teachers. On the other hand, as much as I hate to admit it, I know it won't really matter what I say.

And, let's face it: I think those kids of Will Smith are really annoying.