Mary Ellen's Favorite Time of Day...

is...

when...

DADDY COMES HOME!

And she wanted to write him a little note:

I Am Loved By My Sink,

and my husband is the really good kind of crazy.

Dinner

This morning I emailed Ben some dinner options:
a. poppy seed chicken casserole w/ rice, corn and butter sauce, seasoned green beans
b. chicken fajitas
c. tortellini primavera (aka "the good stuff" = 3 cheese tortellini pasta mixed with pepper stir fry veggies, sour cream, and pesto sauce) with a piece of grilled chicken and a slice of garlic bread
d. tarragon chicken salad w/ sliced apples, crackers, & a salad
e. pizza & salad

Bet ya can't guess what he chose!

Brazilian Béchamel Pizza

Mmmm.... my mouth is watering.
A Facebook friend's status said something like "Toni is making homemade pizza tonight," and I immediately thought about the best pizza I've ever had in my life (from "The Best Italian Cafe and Pizzeria" in Gatlinburg, TN).
Check this out:

Brazilian Béchamel..................	16" Med $19.95 18" Lg $22.95
A rich white sauce with green pepper, onion, celery & seasonings on a thin crust; complimented by several different flavors.... Chicken, Red Pepper, Spinach, Pineapple, Mild Banana Peppers & topped lightly with Feta cheese, finished with Pesto. You'll never know till you try it!

The Robinsons have got to go to Gatlinburg next winter -- besides, I want to teach Ben to ski.

Storytime with Ben

One of my favorite things about being married to Ben is listening to (and reading) his stories. He always keeps me laughing. I can't wait for Mary Ellen to appreciate storytime with her daddy.

I recently read through all of his previous blog posts, including some from Chisholm Project (when he lived in a bad neighborhood on purpose), and I was reminded again of a few reasons that I was so impressed with him for 4 years (before I impressed him). He is just so very good with words.

My favorite funnies from his old blog:

#3 The neighbors' goat -- the funny part is in the comments

#2 Teaching Shay grammar

#1 Ben, the rat

It's our anniversary.

Exactly one week after Ben and I started dating, we had our first pre-marital counseling session with Greg Graham. As part of our homework assignment for that week we had to list reasons we wanted to marry each other. After two years my list stands unamended.* I'm so thankful to be Ben's wifey.
1. He loves Jesus and helps me to do so more.
2. He's a good leader -- it's easy to follow and submit to him.
3. We're pretty like-minded and have similar interests.
4. He does the truth and doesn't just talk about it.
5. He'd disciplined in many areas.
6. He's passionate and compassionate.
7. He's wise.
8. He likes children.
9. He loves the church.
10. His personality is well-balanced: serious and fun.
11. He's a good communicator and teacher.
12. I really enjoy his company, especially listening to him.
13. He's mature and responsible -- a man of conviction and commitment.
14. He understands what's really important and seeks to live for that end.
15. He's a life-learner, always learning and growing.


*Except that I could add more to the list.

my baby's daddy

Sometimes after Mary Ellen's evening meal, if she's still really awake and we're ready for her to be really asleep, Ben will take her into the dining room to our piano and play and sing with her in his arms. What an amazing illustration of Zephaniah 3:17 -- of how our Father consoles His own children with His love.
"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph 3:17 (NIV)

Bun's obedience

I just wrote this on a friend's Facebook wall. It made me laugh so I thought I'd share it.

Thanks for cheering on my growing belly! That IS funny.
Ben used to do that; he'd get really close to my belly and say, "BUN, LISTEN TO YOUR DADDY: YOU NEED TO GROW!"
He's kinda let that subside now that he sees some evidence of Bun's obedience.