(Usually) Do Everything Without Complaining

I'm not one for complaining. I can't remember ever having sent back food that I ordered, even if it was cold (granted, I've not been the victim of a meal served with a bug or human appendage visibly floating on the surface). Bad waiters/waitresses? I still leave a decent tip. If someone were to cut in front of me in a long line, I'd grumble to myself, and maybe to whomever is with me, but I wouldn't say a thing to the actual offender.

Today however, I admit...I tattled.

Hubby has had to listen to my grumbling on a daily basis for the past week. The first thing he's been hearing out of my mouth when he walks in the door hasn't been a welcoming "Hi Honey, how's your day been? Dinner's on the table. I love you. Can I help you take your shoes off? Bring you anything to drink?" (Wait, let's get real. Even on my best of days, I'd have to be heavily medicated for all those words to pass through these lips at any one time).

Instead, Mr. Wagner has been bombarded with "is IT still there?" and an "Ugh!!!" after he responds affirmatively.

I didn't want to do it but my mind kept ruminating on thoughts of the expensive, monthly "home owners association fees" that our neighborhood is charged for just these sort of things. I finally caved. Yes, I confess, it is I who submitted a "confidential covenant rules violation form" (i.e., I complained).

Dear Neighbors, I really am sorry and don't mean any ill feelings. It is a pretty color of blue. It's just not meant for your front door (at least not when the rest of us have to follow the "approved" earth-tone color scheme).

If you truly like it, please don't let my opinion interfere with your creativity. Keep it if you must. I'll turn my cheek and look the other way. After all, it's not like you painted it bright green and yellow.

Remembering Our Heroes

This Memorial Day, we would like to say “thank you” to all the veterans and public servants who have sacrificed their time, families, health, and even their lives, to faithfully serve our country.

Pause for a moment and put aside thoughts of the seemingly-never-ending presidential election. Forget differences and Republican vs. Democrat titles. Let’s get back to “United We Stand” and remember those who have and are still serving our country.

Obama, Hillary and McCain, please take a seat. Today is a day to honor our “every day” heroes. In the military or in public service, we thank you.

Photo courtesy of www.ace-clipart.Com

Special Tribute to an Old Friend

In the midst of my excitement about our future equestrian yesterday, I neglected to pay tribute to Mr. Wagner's old, faithful friend. Many of you who know my hubby will feel the pain as you realize yet another part of our college days has been put to rest. The "Red Racer" has a new home, may he R.I.P.

Twelve years and many-a-mile were logged in that old truck, including the long trip from AK to OR. This special chunk a' metal faithfully accomplished a two-hour daily work commute for over four years with no major incident. We can only hope his new owner will be kind.

In all seriousness, while it's nice to no longer resemble the Clampets, it did feel like a chapter in our lives was coming to a close with the sale. I can still remember the days where I'd see that little red truck passing by and would realize that the man I had a crush on was near. Oh well, guess I can still have a crush on him, even if he is driving a Ford.

In lieu of flowers, please leave a "comment" with your own memories if you'd like to help pay tribute to the Red Racer. No phone calls for the next couple of days please. Mr. Wagner needs time to process the loss.

Future Equestrian

"Fearless" is not an adjective that we would typically use when describing our Little Miss. However, today our girl showed great courage as she rode Lucky for the very first time. I think we have a young equestrian-in-the-making (though her daddy may not fully agree. Not that Mr. Wagner doesn't like horses, he just likes his checkbook more).

With the weather cooling down to more reasonable temperatures, we couldn't resist the sunshine and had to make a trip out to the horse barn. I saddled up and got on Lucky. With our friend Theresa's help, the Little Miss was soon aboard as well. She wasn't entirely sure about the view at first but quickly settled down and started smiling and waving from her high post.

This momma was quite proud of her daughter and her horse. Lucky didn't care one iota about having us both on his back and was most concerned about trying to sneak in a bite of grass. I couldn't help but think back to the 3 month-old colt he was when I first got him. The old guy is now 23 and yet is still in great shape. What a blessing to have my own daughter getting to learn to ride on the very same horse!

I forgot to take a camera (of course) but will definitely take pictures the next time. Here are just a few from past trips to the barn.

Playing in the wash rack (Spring, 2008)

Not too sure about that hairy "beast" (Summer, 2007)

Meeting Lucky for the first time (Early Spring, 2007)

We're Home!

Happy Mother’s Day!!! to our own moms and all the other moms out there. We hope your day has been blessed. Mine sure was. Mr. Wagner was patient enough to let me wander IKEA (A very selfless act considering his “I-will-not-stop-unless-it’s-absolutely-necessary” syndrome that rears its head every time we travel. Did I mention that we’d just left the airport after a 4 ½ hour flight and we still had a long drive home ahead of us? What a gentleman!).

Speaking of the airport, we just returned from the Midwest where we visited Mr. Wagner's side of our family. Our trip started out rocky with a cancelled flight and several flight delays. However after being re-routed through another airport and an overnight drive, we arrived at Grandma and Grandpa Wagner’s safely.

After our arrival, we had a great time and already miss everyone. It was so fun to watch the little cousins playing together and also giggling with their grandparents and aunts/uncles. We loved seeing how our nieces have changed over the past year and were excited to meet our first nephew. Visiting with the extended family is such an honor because they have very strong family ties and a long history of deep faith. I couldn't help but think time and time again how thankful I am to be joined to this family and to be able to raise our Little Miss with this lineage. Our visit was too short to spend time with everyone so we are already looking forward to the next time!

Here are a few pictures from our journey:

The girl cousins

Playing with Grandma and Cousin Owen while giving Grandpa "the look"

Catching balloons with Grandpa

Giving Jess hugs

Visiting Aunt Donna

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...Usually

You know how they say that distance makes the heart grow fonder? Our family sure experienced that the past couple of weeks. Mr. Wagner was in Denver, CO for 10 days for work and how sweet it was to welcome him home this past weekend! The Little Miss and I were over-joyed. We'd had some great mother/daughter bonding time while he was gone but we both really missed our favorite man!

Speaking of "distance making the heart grow fonder," I've decided that's not always the case. At least not when I'm running. I definitely don't grow fonder of the sport when I run longer distances. Instead, my heart just has to work a heck of a lot harder. That point was proven this past weekend when Janelle and I ran a hilly trail in hopes of prepping for an upcoming "run for the hills" 8K. Neither of us have been trail running lately and hills have definitely not been our forte but we sweated it out and did better that either of us expected. Our hearts and lungs were working overtime but our O2 levels were able to catch up on the much-more-fun downhill sections.

Janelle and I at the top of our "mountain"

No one had to call the paramedics, not because we didn't need them but rather, we had our own along with us. Paramedic Jon (Janelle's hubby) and Mr. Wagner selflessly served us as "water boys/kiddo carriers". They hiked part of the course, carrying our favorite mascots with them. With a team like this, we should be ready for the actual race in another month.

Mr. Wagner and Paramedic Jon with the kiddos.

This pic is from a different hike a month ago but they looked just like this, only a little sweatier.

April Fools

It really is April, right? What happened to all the beautiful, sunny, Springtime weather? If I didn't know better, I'd say someone transplanted us to the North Pole over the weekend.

Since Mr. Wagner is in CO for business (we miss you!), the Little Miss and I ventured down to the southern part of the state to visit my parents. According to the local newscast, my childhood hometown typically gets the last snow fall of the year in late February. I know that God is the ultimate weather man but just maybe He got His months mixed up? Actually, isn't it just like our God to have a sense of humor and surprise us with the precipitation of His choosing? Just after we tucked all our warm clothes away, out comes the chilly weather and the fluffy white flakes.

Here are a few pictures from our adventure. I'm glad that God decided to bring the sunshine back out. We loved the snow while it lasted...but being that it's supposed to be Spring, I sure don't mind that it didn't last any longer!

Little Miss enjoying a walk in the park

Fun in the snow with Papa

Later that afternoon with Nana, back to Spring already!