Friday's Letters: 5.0

 DEAR LOTTERY GODS AND GODDESSES:  Please.  Just please.  And if not me, then someone I know well.  And if not them, then make sure whoever gets it does good with it.  But really.  Pick me!!!  Please?

Dear Dad:  Thank you for buying and sending me a copy of "The 5 Love Languages."  I have been wanting to read this book for a couple years, and now I have it in my grips.  I'm ready to learn, as always.

via

Dear Liam:  Thank you for petting my hair this morning on my way out of the door and telling me: 

"I'm going to be four soon, and I'm getting bigger.  But I will always be your Bubba."  

Seriously, could you be anymore amazing? 

So as a side note:  This was prompted by the "you're not allowed to get any older" game that my friend Bri and I play with him.  I was making dinner last night, and I said that I was going to cry on his birthday (just joking with him), and he says: "No you won't.  You're going to have a cupcake.  And chips.  And that will make you happy."  I wish you could all know him personally.  This kid is something special.

Dear Collin:  Thank you for choosing "Momma" as your first "kind of" word.  We'll keep practicing.  ;)

Dear Ray:  Watching you push through this week has been nothing short of admirable.  I know how much Jewel means to you, and she will always always always be with you.  Her sweet spirit will carry on in your actions and in the love you give to others.  She was one of most precious doggies I have had the pleasure of petting, and I will certainly miss her dearly, as well.  

Jewely Jewel

 Dear bladder:  Any way that we could strike some sort of a deal where you didn't harass me every 20 minutes?  I've got work to do.  kthanks.

Dear semester:  I will not be sad to see you go in 5 weeks.  But I have learned a lot... including things about myself.  

Dear work:  You have kicked my ASS this week.  My blood pressure is up, my stress level is through the roof, my body is tense.  I am so glad that next week we'll have our trusty sidekick Ellen Bo Bellen back in the office with us.  Aren't you, work?

....and finally.... 

Dear Brenny:  If we win the lottery, let's not lose ourselves.  Let's stay true to our values.  Let's continue to show our boys what hard work and sacrifice looks like, and what selflessness means.  Let's go on a trip together.  Just me and you.  Let's open the cafe we have always talked about.  Let's still shop at Target.  Let's be us, because no one will ever do that for us.

Linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters!  Check her out! :) 

Dear Friends:  What would you do with 540 million dollars?  

Wishing you lots of luck in winning the Megamillions jackpot, and wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

Kindly~

Meghan

On Bullying

It's not easy to be thrown into the social and educational demands of adolescence.  

It's not easy trying to figure out the complexities and confusions of an evolving body and mind.

It's not easy to have braces, or acne, or a unibrow.

It's not easy to be the subject of ridicule when all you really want is to be accepted.

It's not easy to get to know yourself.

Growing up is tough.  

via

Today's post serves a dual purpose.
I already had a post in mind on bullying and have been drafting it for a while now.
Earlier this afternoon, I came across this cute post, from a blog I found a few weeks back, and in it Torie is linking up with Chelsea at Life is a Sunset.
She does a series called "Journey Forward" and it's all about self-empowerment and motivation and setting healthy goals and happiness.
Right up my ally.  Have to participate.

So in Journey Forward, you pick a word that means something to you on your path to self-discovery.   

Obviously my word is kindness.  

This week, the series is focusing on role models.  I will get to mine a little later.  

Let me first say a few words about my original thought for this post: 

Bullying. 

I was bullied as a kid.  I remember how awful it made me feel to be publicly humiliated during a time when I was trying to figure myself out.  It was a setback, honestly.  The more I was picked on about things that were totally out of my control, the further away it pushed me from knowing my true self.

It has taken me a long time to work through the residual effects of being picked on as a kid, and I have realized:

Meanness is a sick disease.  It damages.  It destroys.  It hurts.  And sometimes, it kills.  Much like some of the more serious illnesses threatening human beings, there doesn't seem to be any cure for meanness.  It hasn't been studied enough to identify solutions.  

Meanness fosters meanness.  Hate fosters hate.  You cannot combat a bully by being a bully back.  We cannot find a solution for this threat by being hateful in return.  We can only love, and care, and forgive, and be kind.

Ray Rice is a running back for the Baltimore Ravens, and he is a role model on and off the field.  On his Facebook page today, he reminded us all of the difference between right and wrong:

"I want to say something to the kids out there: Bullying is a BIG deal. It is NEVER acceptable and you may be causing a lot of damage to another person. If you don't want to be friends with someone, then you don't have to...but there is NO NEED to gang up on that person, tease or insult them. The consequences of hate can be devastating. You can be a HERO to someone who is being bullied, just by being their friend. Parents: Have a SERIOUS talk with your kids! Whether you think they are involved in bullying or not, they DO see it! Encourage your child to be a kind person and reach out to a kid who needs a friend!"
 -Ray Rice

via

I am so touched by his words, and by his sprirt.  Here is a man who makes millions and millions and could spend his time and energy doing countless other things.  And yet, he's on Facebook, trying to spread a loving and inspirational message.

This is exactly what I am trying to instill in my sons: The importance of kindness and fairness.  

Thank you Ray Rice, for being such a role model for young kids out there who are struggling with this issue in one way or another.  With someone of your celebrity and humility, people are SURE to listen.  I know I am.

If you would, watch the trailer below for the movie Bully (2012), and if it moves you, click here to bring it to your city.  

Kindly~

Meghan

Kindness is: Flushing the Toilet

Warning:  This post contains the word "poop" in several instances, and could possibly bring about a nauseating sensation.  
Reader discretion is advised.

Ladies, ladies, ladies.

What is WRONG with some percentage of the female population?  Why must we behave so poorly in an already uncomfortable situation?  

I hate public restrooms as much as the next chick, and I hate the fact that I need them.  

Yes, in fact, we all need them.  No one can go all day, everyday without "the urge" overtaking the strength of their bladder (or sphincter- love that word).  

When ya gotta go, ya gotta go.  

Am I right, or am I right?

The problem I have is this:

Not everyone goes to the bathroom with the same amount of grace and dignity that I personally try to demonstrate, whether at home or in public.  

I mean, let's just start with washing your hands when you're done with your business.  Is this not considered important any longer?  Is it just acceptable and not-digusting-at-all to finish up and touch surfaces with your germy hands?

Moving on... I realize that some of us would rather be "the squatter" than use seat protectors- they are loud, and crinkly, and totally pointless anyway.  But... if you're a squatter and mess up the seat beneath you, is it not in MY best interest that you clean up your nasty pee from the seat so that I don't have to worry about accidentally sitting on it when it soaks through my previously mentioned pointless seat protector?  Toilet paper serves many, many purposes, ladies.  Let's get creative... and sanitary?  please.

It gets to a whole other level of sofouligaggedjustthinkingaboutit when poop comes into play.  

First of all, I get it.  The bottom line here, folks, is that everybody poops.  (that's right men- we poop just like you!!!).  But could we all just agree to be respectful of each other?  

Here are some things that I think would help in poopy situations:

The Courtesy Flush:  I am a HUGE fan of this one.  Not only do I believe in sparing my stall-neighbor, but I don't wanna smell your doo either.  Just a quick, fair flush.

The Double/Triple/HoweverManyTimesItTakesToGoDown Flush:  Don't just leave your doo in the toilet for me to stumble upon.  Take care of your own shit, literally.

The Once Over:  Let's all just make sure that our poo, in its entirety, makes it INTO the toilet bowl.  Not onto the seat, not on the wall or floor.  We're not animals here, are we?  ARE WE?

And lastly, please, no grunting.

Hilarious via one of my favorite websites

Okay... well that felt good to get off my chest.

I'm sorry for the sofouligaggedjustthinkingaboutit post, and I apologize if it offended anyone. 
But I was inspired in a not-so-good way earlier today
when I was the unsuspecting victim of another woman's disgustingness.

Thoughts?  Reactions?  Have you ever felt this way?  TMI?

Have a GREAT rest of the day, and may the Poop Gods be in your favor.

Kindly~

Meghan

A(nother) Favorite Song: Part of Me

I remember Katy Perry debuting this song at the 2012 Grammy's, and I remember being all
school-girl-giddy about it.  Great song, great performance.

A week ago, she released her music video for Part of Me, aaaaaaaand it rocks my socks off. 

So here ya go!!  

Enjoy!

Lyrics

Days like this I want to drive away
Pack my bags and watch your shadow fade
You chewed me up and spit me out
Like I was poison in your mouth
You took my light, you drained me down
That was then and this is now
Now look at me

This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no

I just wanna throw my phone away
Find out who is really there for me
'Cause you ripped me off, your love was cheap
Was always tearing at the seams
I fell deep and you let me drown
But that was then and this is now
Now look at me

This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
Throw your sticks and stones

Throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no

Now look at me, I'm sparkling
A firework, a dancing flame
You won't ever put me out again
I'm glowing, oh woah oh
So you can keep the diamond ring
It don't mean nothing anyway
In fact you can keep everything
Yeah, yeah
Except for me

This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no (away from me)
Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no

This is the part of me, no, (away from me)
This is the part of me, me, me, me, me, me, no
Throw your sticks and stones
Throw your bombs and your blows
But you're not gonna break my soul
This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no

Feel the power?!  OOOO RAH!!!

PS- My little Liam turns 4 on Monday... be prepared for a sappy post in honor of him  :)

Kindly~

Meghan

A Favorite Song: Be Here Now

Hey y'all!  So sorry I was post-less yesterday.  I take classes on Tuesday evenings, and was scrambling all day to do work and homework simultaneously in preparation.  Unfortunately, the ol' blog took a backseat.

Wednesday's have become a musical day here at Smile at a Stranger.  And today, I have two songs that I simply cannot choose between.  

This first one is brought to you by Ray LaMontagne, and it is just beautiful.  

Lyrics

Don't let your mind get weary
And confused your will be still, don't try
Don't let your heart get heavy
Child, inside you there's a strength that lies

Don't let your soul get lonely
Child, it's only time, it will go by
Don't look for love in faces, places
It's in you that's where you'll find kindness

Be here now, be here now
Be, be here now, be here now

Don't lose your faith in me
And I will try not to lose faith in you
Don't put your trust in walls
'Cause walls will only crush you when they fall

Be, be here now, be here now
Be, be here now, be here now

I hope you enjoyed this, especially if you had never heard it before.  His voice is magic. 

Happy Wednesday!

Kindly~

Meghan

[in Photos]: My Low-Key Weekend

Hub works every Saturday, so I have the entire day with my boys.  We usually get out of the house, because contrary to what some might think, it's actually a harder day to manage at home.  I would much rather be out and about, letting Liam run himself crazy at a park somewhere, getting our shopping done, giving Collin a chance to nap (because he won't at home... I mean, why would he?)

But not this weekend.  This weekend, it rained.   This forced me to STAY HOME!  And not spend money.  And instead, spend time on the couch with my babies, watching Disney movies, eating popcorn, drinking soda and dozing when I felt like it.  Saturday with my boys was so low-key and so very perfect.

Here are some of the things that made my weekend special:

Kony 2012 poster on campus.  It's starting.

Baby kissy faces

Another amazing car that I want.  Right now.

These little ditties that I made the same night I pinned them .

My zexy hub

My family!!  This is Ray and Bri, who are affectionately known at Uncle Ray and Auntie B.  Like I said, family.

If these three pictures don't make you smile, I don't know what will....

His eyes.... are INCREDIBLE!

So proud of himself!

Sqeeeeeaky clean!

Sunday Dinner- Open-Faced Steak Sandwiches via Rachael Ray

Because who doesn't have their own personalized ice cream bowl that they've had for the last 15 years of their life?

I have a leeeeeeetle obsession....

Whatever you did this weekend, I hope it was perfection!!

Kindly~

Meghan

Friday's Letters: 4.0

Well, well, well Friday-  We meet again.  What do you say we go somewhere we can have a little privacy, just me and you.  It's just that I've missed you terribly....

What a hellish week this has been you guys.  HELLISH.  I mean, I am still smiling, don't get me wrong.  But I have been on the verge of a panic attack for about 3 days now.   
Wine helped.

That said... let's play Friday's Letters with the adorable Ashley at Adventure's of Newlyweds and all of her bloggie friends!  My fav link-up!

Dear Person Who Hit My Car When I Wasn't in it (again) and Cracked my front Bumper and Chose Not to Leave a Note (again)-  What the eff, man?  Really?  I drive a Scion xD... one of the smallest cars on the road.  How hard is it to avoid hitting my car?!

Dear Ruby- Next time someone hits you and I am not there... jot down a quick description of the culprit, would ya?  kthanks!

Dear Tick that Bit my Son in the Most Awkward Spot Ever- Shame on you!  How DARE you bite my son and suck his blood.  Don't you know how precious he is?  You better be glad he doesn't have an infection from your nasty self, cause if he did, you'd be toast Mister!  Well... you are toast any way, but you get the drift.

Dear Aunt Flow- Just get it over with already.... this PMS thing is really cramping my style, literally.

Dear Hub- Can you see the little hearts floating out of my eyes when I look at you? [sigh] I just LOVE you!

  

Dear Raymond Ray Ray Rizzle Carey-We are here for you however you need us to be.  Just know we are thinking of you and sending you all the love and strength and HUGS we can muster.  

Dear Football Season-  Hurry up and get here!!!!  Sunday isn't as fun without you!!!

Dear Liam and Collin-  Who loves ya?  :)

Dear Friends-  Happy Weekend to you all.  I hope that everyone gets exactly what they need out of Saturday and Sunday!

I'm hoping this weekend will shift me back into Miss Happy Pants. :)

To link up with Ashley, click the button!! 

Ciao!

Kindly~

Meghan

Notes from the Universe

"Thoughts become things... choose the good ones!"

Every weekday morning, I wake up to an affirmation in my inbox called "A Note From the Universe."

These little nuggets of wisdom provide everything from an insightful statement, to a beautiful piece of praise, and they are such an amazing way for me to begin a brand new day.

In case I have misplaced it, they offer me a renewed sense a positivity on which I can base my overall attitude.

Some days, it's as if The Universe is actually speaking directly to me, telling me exactly what I need to hear.

These notes, simply put, are a breath of fresh, valuable, HAPPY air.
 I think we could all use that, from time to time,
regardless of if you believe it's The Universe herself speaking to you.
We can all benefit from hearing positive words on a regular basis.

Here are some of my favorite "Notes" that I have received over the last year:

"Laced throughout every day of your life, Meghan, are hidden highways of opportunity, invisible crossroads of time, and golden avenues for personal transformation that if only traveled upon would reveal the extraordinary, the sublime, and the unexpected.  Yet most slip by undetected until there's first a childlike wonder at the ordinary, the routine, and the expected.  After all, it's usually a dirt road that leads to a diamond mine."

via

  "True life mastery, Meghan, is more a function of knowing what to want, than knowing how to get what you want.  Anyone can get stuff, but it takes an old soul to choose their stuff wisely." 

via

"There is perhaps, no greater debilitating belief, Meghan, than thinking there are elements of your reality that you cannot control - be they fate, karma, the influence of other people, your stars, your palm, your loves, your looks, your personality, your intelligence, your sense of humor, or chocolate. You simply decide everything, moment to moment."

"Most think that perception works a lot like a flashlight in the dark, illuminating whatever it's aimed at. The truth, however, Meghan, is that instead of revealing what's there, it creates it.  Focus is everything."

"It's true, Meghan, sometimes when you've had a difficult day, or met difficult people, been let down, disappointed, or heartbroken, it's easy to completely forget the most important thing of all... you're alive.  And you will be really happy again."

via

  "Did you know, Meghan, that it's perfectly OK, even highly ideal, to claim all is well amongst doubt and confusion? To be happy in spite of challenges? To laugh at problems? Dance without a partner? Sing without a rhyme? Talk to inanimate objects?  Go for it!"

"Meghan, don't let appearances keep you from seeing the obvious: your nature is joy, you were built for success, and money, honey, grows on trees."

via

 "What if every wrinkle, scar, or gray hair only made you more beautiful? What if every tear you've shed, mistake you've made, and challenge you've faced, only drew you closer to the light? And what if, Meghan, for every breath you've taken, every sentence you've spoken, and every path you've chosen, your fans in the unseen multiplied?  Well, I'd say it's about time you found out."

via

   "Guidance, attention, help, maybe. Love, always. Criticism, never. What to give others, Meghan." 

And lastly... my favorite--

"Meghan, sometimes, in hindsight, it may seem that your prior kindnesses were for naught, and that in the end, they were too high a price to pay for the pains you've endured.  That is, of course, until you get a little further into the future, when the pendulum has been allowed its full swing, and all the seeds you've sown have begun blooming in more gardens than you ever knew existed.  Kindness ALWAYS returns."

via

 To check out Notes From the Universe, visit Tut's Adventure Club and sign up to start receiving these beautiful messages. 


Kindly~

Meghan

The ABC Rundown

Age: 29 and rapidly approaching 30!  I may be the only woman alive who is fully ready to embrace thirtyhood.

Bed size: Queen. Obviously, I'd like a King-sized bed, but mainly for my poor hub who I corner to the edge of the bed every night.  A girl's gotta spread out during her beauty rest.

Chores you hate: Sweeping and Mopping.  I do a mean vacuum-job, but I literally refuse to acknowledge a mop's existence.  And yes, I did just say "vacuum-job," and considered being inappropriate for just a sec.

Dogs: Such amazing creatures.  Our doggie Riley Roo is such a mommy-dog to our boys.

Essential start to your day: Coffee.  Is there anything else?

Favorite color: Any shade of orange, followed closely by purple.  And the combo of the two... SHUT UP!

Gold or silver: I have switched back to wearing a lot of silver, but I think gold is SO much more feminine than silver.  Or maybe that's just how it makes me  feel.  Luxurious.

Height: 5feet7inches, and in my family, I'm the short one.  I'm pretty sure I was meant to be about 5'10" though with my feet at about a size 10.5.  Yay coffee and cigarette use in my youth!
Instruments you play: The kazoo.  Okay, maybe not.  I am a phenomenal guitarist and bassist on Rock Band!!!  Also, I played the handbells in a bell choir when I was in the 4th and 5th grades.  Impressed?

Job title: I work full-time as an Account Representative at a university.  Try not to be jealous on this one.

Kids: We have 2, as I am sure I have mentioned once or twice before.  Both are boys.  There is a miniscule possibility of having a third, and if we don't, we will adopt.  And then that's it, damn it!  No more!!!
 

Liam's got a way about him...

Live: In the Lovers State.

Mother's name: Karen.  Bless her.

Nicknames: Currently, "Meg."  And Mom.  I suppose that's more of a title though.  My hub calls me "Kitty," which I love.  Some others from the course of my history: Meggers, Megsy, PegLegMeg (funny story!), NutMeg, Megalicious, Megasaurus, SirMegsALot, Gonzo, Sugala.

Overnight hospital stays: See "Kids."

Pet peeves: This requires a "list format"

• People who CHEW really loud, especially when we're having a conversation (in person or on phone); unfinished work; 
• People who don't use their blinkers (you know, those little flashing lights that let me know when you're about to cut me off!!); 
• Rudeness; passive-aggressiveness; laziness (all oddly related to the non-use of blinkers!); 
• The skateboarders in my neighborhood; 
• Too-tight jeans; 
• Spending an hour on my hair only to walk outside into a humid-hell; 

I could really go on and on, but I'll stop for the sake of my blood pressure.

Quote from a movie or show: I'm into funny movies:

Due Date

Peter Highman: "Number 2: if you're allergic to waffles, don't eat waffles!"
Ethan Tremblay: "Then don't take me to a waffle house!"

 Hilarious.

 Righty or lefty: Both, but I work predominantly with my right hand.

Siblings: Mike and Melissa- both are younger than me, both are incredible people in their own regard.  I don't see Mike often enough as we live 2 states away from each other.  I haven't seen my sister in 5 years.  I miss them both.

Time you wake up: HA!!!  As early as 4:00 a.m. and no later than 5:30 a.m.  This is why I  get a free (daily) pass to act insane.

Underwear: Um, no comment.

Vegetable you hate: I like nearly all veggies except for peas or beans (lima, kidney).  And because I'm a freak of nature, I hate mashed potatoes.  I like hate hate them.

What makes you run late: Children.  Slow drivers in the fast lane (ooo, another pet peeve!).  Forgetting something at home.  Trying on every piece of clothing I have before settling on the first thing I tried on (aka- every morning).

X-rays you've had: Just for dental work.

Yummy food you make: I love to cook, and my hub tells me that he loves everything I make.  But my specialties are Chicken Tortilla Soup, Spaghetti, Shrimp and Herb Pasta, Eggs, Salads (any and all kinds).

Zoo animal: Sad face.

Well, this was fun and took up some time!  Thanks for sharing, Lauren!  Yours was fun to read!  We should have linked these up!  Next time  ;)



Kindly~

Meghan

I remember....

... when putting my shoes on before leaving the house didn't require me holding a baby in one hand and pointing Liam to the door with the other- purse, car seat AND diaper bag in tow.

... when I was a phone-talker.  

Not no mo'.

... when I had those crucial dancing skillzzz.

Sookie sookie now

... when all I had to worry about was homework, riding bikes after school, and what my mom was going to make for dinner.

... when I didn't know myself.

... when I thought being "cool" meant being like everyone else.

... when I thought that being really really skinny would make my really really happy.

... when I could have sworn my parents were out to get me.

... when I had more than 7 friends.

According to Facebook, I still have over 200 friends!!!!

... when I placed more emphasis on outer beauty than inner strength.

... when I realized that inner strength had a direct effect on my appearance.

... feeling alone almost my entire life, and hating it.

Alone time, now, can I please have some?

... the way my husbands hands felt on the day we got married.

... hearing both of my boys cry for the first time.

... the very moment I began to value myself.

Isn't life funny/ironic/beautiful/precious!?

Me and my little brother Michael, circa 1987/1988.  Miss you Mike  ;)

Kindly~

Meghan

A Favorite Song: Such Great Heights

Lyrics

I... am thinking it's a sign 

that the freckles in our eyes are mirror images and 

when we kiss they're perfectly aligned.

and I... have to speculate 

that God himself did make us into corresponding shapes 

like puzzle pieces from the clay.

and true... it may seem like a stretch, 

but it's thoughts like this that catch my troubled
head when you're away 

and when I am missing you to death.
 

When you... are out there on the road 

for several weeks of shows 

and when you scan the radio, 

I hope this song will guide you home.

They will see us waving from such great heights, 

"come down now,"

they'll say...
 

But everything looks perfect from far away,
"come down now," 

but we'll stay...

I... tried my best to leave 

this all on your machine 

but the persistent beat it sounded thin upon listening.

and that... frankly will not fly. 

You will hear the shrillest highs 

and lowest lows with the windows down 

when this is guiding you home. 

They will see us waving from such great heights, 

"come down now,"

they'll say...
 

But everything looks perfect from far away,
"come down now," 

but we'll stay...

Who is YOUR puzzle piece?

Kindly~

Meghan

Simple Pleasures

~Holding a sip of red wine in my mouth for at least 20 seconds before I swallow it.~

~The way hub makes my coffee every morning, and makes it better than I ever could or would.~

~This picture:~

Babies in glasses.  Can it get more precious?

~Last minute invites to lunch with a friend/

Last minute invites to lunch with hub/

Two days in a row of last minute lunches.  

Heck to the YES!~

~Alone time in my car.  I have a routine I follow, and it is just so very perfect.~

~Watching Liam eat strawberry ice-cream.~

Pure determination

~A new spring/summer purse.  Although I guess this could count as a BIG thing.~

~A mid-day text from hub telling me he's thinking about me.~

~Exact change.~

~Finding an old memory card FULL of adorable pictures!!~

December 2009 (going on 3 years ago!!)

Mr. Cool

Valentines 2010

Hims was just a wittle wittle baby!!!  Liam- 1-yr.-old

 What are some of the little things that make you happy?

Kindly~

Meghan

The Oh Shit, I'm Pregnant Show

We had returned from our first vacation together about 2-weeks prior, and we had just moved into our new 2-bedroom apartment.  

It was a Wednesday and we were about to tuck in for the night.  

We had a little "scare" and I took a little "test."  No biggie, right?

So, the conversation went something like this:

Me: [Walking out of the bathroom, nodding] I'm definitely pregnant...

Him: [White as a ghost] Wow!

Me: [Shrugging] Are you ready for this? (I may have been asking myself this...?)

Him: [White as a ghost] Ummmm, as I'll ever be.

We laid in bed for the next hour staring at each other, alternating between smiles and tears until we fell asleep. 

We called our families the next day.  I didn't know it was going to be like that.  But we did.  And everyone seemed so happy for us.  "We're having a baby."

I remember being kind of numb.  Not that I didn't want all of this eventually, but it just hit me all at once how much everything was going to change.  

We weren't even engaged at this point. 

Were we going to get married?

What were we going to do about insurance?  

Were we going to stay in this little apartment?  

Would we be able to make enough money to support our baby?  

What about us?!

He took me on a weekend getaway 10-days later and proposed to me at sunset. 

He had a ring made with a diamond my mother saved for me.  

He promised himself to me, and I promised myself to him.

 That night was one of the most special moments of my entire life.

We I My mom and I planned our wedding in a matter of 3 months!  How's that for git er dun?

We were married on November 10, 2007 at a bed and breakfast resort in Frederick, MD. 

I was 5-months preggo!  

Now, when I tell Liam about our wedding, I will ALWAYS tell him "You were there!!!"

It wasn't perfect, but it was perfection.  It wasn't sequential, but it was in our own time and way.  
I LOVE our story, as I said, and I could never have imagined it would become my life.  
Not in a million years.  
How lucky am I?  
How lucky are we all?
Who has found love in the most extraordinary of ways?
I'd love to hear!! 

It's when you least expect it... isn't it?  ;) 

 

Kindly~

Meghan