My Wife's Birthday

Since I married my wife, New Years Day has all new meaning for me. My wife is a New Years baby! She was born shortly after the new year and missed being the first child born at her hospital by a few short minutes. Oh well, she's first in my book! On New Years Eve, the Ferris men came over (Steff had to work) and we enjoyed some cookies, a cheese log, and some chips and salsa. I had gone to the store with Gage to pick up some snacks and we bought Joi some "Crazy Daisies", a bouquet with lots of brightly colored daises to give her as a early birthday present. We played Wii and enjoyed a few tournaments and contests playing Wii Fit Plus and Outdoor Challenge. At 10pm, the Ferris men left so that we could put our kiddos to bed. After the kids were all tucked in and drifting off to sleep, I stayed downstairs to decorate with balloons, streamers, and gifts all piled up on the coffee table. Then I went upstairs and got settled down. Joi fell asleep fairly quickly and I watched the New Year ring in while watching Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve. The poor man looked and sounded terrible. That stroke really did some damage on poor Dick. But, I admire his courage and determination for fighting back and hosting his show with Ryan Seacrest. As I watched the ball fall in New York, I rolled over and kissed my wife telling her "Happy New Year and Happy Birthday!"

The next morning, Joi and I woke up and went downstairs. I made her some peanut butter toast (per her request) for breakfast. She's still watching points, even on her birthday. We woke up the boys and let Joi open her gifts. The boys had made her refrigerator magnets with their picture on it using Popsicle sticks. I gave her a wood tea/coffee serving tray, a sewing box, and some books that she wanted about adoption and writing/publishing. Also, I was able to find her a can of Graber Olives. Unfortunately, they were really expensive here, since they have to import them from Rancho Cucamonga. But, it was worth it to see her excited about snacking on them. We got showered, dressed, and then joined the Ferris family on a nearby sledding hill for some fun sledding. The top of the hill was covered with about 5 inches of solid ice, so it was really slippery. Joi and Steff decided to watch everyone sled for fear that the slippery ice would cause their knees to dislocate. Russell and I mostly helped the kids get set. They kept falling down or sliding down the hill before they could get situated on their sled. So, while holding on to a nearby fence, I helped hold the sled while they got in and situated. It was fun to see the kids have a good time. My ribs hurt from slipping and falling into the fence over and over again, though. Afterward, we picked up some Subway sandwiches and headed back to our house for more Wii fun, lunch, and a Diet Coke Birthday Cake (ask me later and I'll send you the recipe...it's only 2 points per slice and very easy to make). The Ferris' left early and Joi wanted some time to write her book. So, she graciously allowed the boys and I to catch a quick nap. When I got up, I started making her dinner: Chili Dogs with fries (she's so easy to please). We watched the Rose Parade that we had DVR'd earlier that morning and just hung out the rest of the evening. It was a very nice day and Joi seemed to have a good time. I'm glad she enjoyed it. She deserved a great birthday with lots of fun! I love you, my New Years Baby!

I don't say it enough, but I love my wife. During Joi's birthday lunch, I gave her the special plate. The "special plate" is a tradition that Joi started where we give someone during dinner a special plate (in our case, it's a Super Hero plate) and we all go around the table saying what we love about that person. Also, that person has to say what they like about themselves. It's a fun, family bonding experience. It wasn't hard for me to think of what I love about my wife when it was my turn to tell her the things I love about her. She has had such an incredible year. She has overcome so much, pursued her dreams, and grown in leaps and bounds. Our marriage is better now than it ever has been. She is an amazing woman! In this last year, she has written her first book and is working to get it published. She overcame some major anxiety attacks and left that period of her life behind her (which is no easy task). She lost 40+ pounds doing weight watchers and looks wonderful! She has become a better mom, a better wife, and grown more wise, more mature, and more beautiful than ever. I am thankful for everything that she is, everything that she does, and for encouraging me to be a better man. In this new year, I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for her.