what's in a name

I related to the 'writer's block' theory when I sat at my computer, staring at a blank line, trying to decide what to title my blog. Something silly & catchy? Orange Gorillas Something simple & boring? Amy's Blog Something descriptive? Crazy Midwest Mommy Hhhhmmm,

I glanced at the clock on the computer and swore I could hear the internal ticking of seconds just mocking me and my indecisiveness. Then the 'Jeopardy' theme song popped into my head. Just as I was ready to give up and pick one of the above phrases, my eyes peered at the clock once again and I noticed it was nearing 3:33pm. Aha! Bingo! Eureka! By George I think she's got it ...... the name for the blog will be Three Thirty Three!



Wait, really ...... I have more to this story. This specific time holds meaning and memories for Dave and me. Back when we first started dating we did what typical young teenagers of that era did: laid on the bed (get your mind out of the gutters, please), twisted the short, curly cord around our finger and talked on the phone for h-o-u-r-s. One Sunday afternoon about 3 weeks into our puppy love relationship, Dave and I found ourselves talking away a sunny Sunday afternoon. A rare moment of silence passed, broken by Dave mentioning what time it was. "Hey, look at your Swatch Watch, it's 3:33:33!" You know how a certain smell, or sight or song will take you right smack back into a moment of time? Well, 3:33 does it to me every time. Sometimes I will be driving and notice the dashboard clock reads 3:33 and I'll open my cell phone and speed dial Dave, trying to get him on the phone before the clock ticks ahead. Dave will occasionally call me or leave me a message letting me know it is 3:33 and he is just thinking of me/us.

Corny and syrupy sweet, right? Well, that concoction is what keeps our marriage sailing along. It's all about the little things and picking some out to make them significant.

15 years and counting

circa 1993 at Ponca State Park in Nebraska

Awwwwww. Come on everyone; say it with me: Awwwwww

Fifteen years ago today, June 11, 1994, Dave & I exchanged marriage vows at the Presbyterian Church of the Cross in Omaha, Nebraska. It was a beautiful ceremony, as many are, but we had been 'married' to each other long before the minister announced us husband and wife. Did it happen at our first kiss? Or did it happen when we fought and made up? Or was it something meant to be and we just had to look real close and figure it out? Whatever the case, I am so glad we did.

In celebration of 15 years married (21 together), here is a list of 15 reasons I am honored to be married to Dave:

1. Whenever something happens I want to share, he is the first person I want to share it with.
   
2. He does not pass gas. He belches, quietly, but no farts.
3. Not a day goes by he doesn't ask if I need something .... anything.
4. He did not pass out during the deliveries of our three kids.
5. No flinching when I send him to the store to buy feminine products.
6. He will rub my feet, even when I don't ask/beg him to.
7. He would rather be with me and the kids than any other place on earth.
8. Blond hair, blue eyes, a cute giggle and a fine backside.
9. Dave is honored to be a father and takes his title seriously.
10. If the ice cream carton has only 1 serving left, he graciously hands it over to me.
11. I still get butterflies when he looks at me and smirks.
12. He values the simple pleasures in life and is teaching his children how to do the same.
13. Dave has never been arrested for drug trafficking or charged with manslaughter.
14. We have had our shares of ups and downs, yet I am convinced he would do it all over again and say it was worth it.
15. He makes me a strive to be a better person.

I love you, baby!!!!!