The children gleefully created our paper Christmas tree this past week. Tape, construction paper, and markers never looked so good plastered on the front door. Super amazing and grateful children we have! Thanks for all your understanding; from, pizza rolls instead of Domino's weekday special for pizza movie night, to paper Christmas trees and not batting an eye that allowance had to disappear, we appreciate your smiles and ability to find the blessings
A special thanks to one of our little elves for the bits of cash that keep mysteriously appearing in my purse. I know who you are little generous one. :)
We all do our best but Sam definitely shoulders the biggest load at this point. Did I mention the two overnight jobs and full-time school with an hour commute each way? It's worth another mention. Or two. Or five million.
I spend a lot of time thinking of his contributions, and as we are two ships passing in the never these days I thought I'd jot some down. So here's a list. I love lists.
1) Sam's work ethic.
2) Sam's "math brain". The math department is allowing him to take his refresher courses concurrently with his upper level courses which does wonders for his projected graduation and employment: graduation May of 2015, with paid apprenticeship opportunities starting in January 2015.
3) Sam's humility (i.e. upon my question, "What do you say to knocking yourself out for $8.50 an hour after 23 1/2 years of service to your country?" he smiled and replied, "When you need that extra $600 a month, you say 'thank you very much' and get to work."
4) Sam's test taking ability. He has been the high score all semester in both math classes (aside from his first test in proofs where he was shaking the dust off, its too scared to come even close to settling again). In fact just this week he managed his first 100%, the class average was 68%! Mind you, his other test scores weren't too shabby either, 98% and above (except again for that first in proofs). Yep, he's that guy and we're glad he's ours.
5) Sam's ability, and training thanks to many a night watch and standing duty for so many years, to catch a few zzzzzz s anytime, anywhere, and through most any noise.
6) Sam's willingness to weed out the non-essential and be happy with the basics. There is not a great deal touted these days that actually enhances life. Life's simple pleasures: stolen moments to play a game with the children, family meals, tickle monster, dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, life. Living a simple and beautiful life.
7) Sam's definition of equality, more specifically gender equality, within a marriage. We spent countless hours price comparing and menu planning and creating/filling out spreadsheet upon spreadsheet, to figure out how to scrape by for the next while. Everything in our marriage and family is "our" work defined only by who is the most physically and emotionally capable at the time.
A friend witnessed an exchange of ours recently and e-mailed me later saying she was so impressed by what a great team Sam and I make. It's no accolade worthy of a Hollywood tribute, but I'll take it. Anyday. Everyday.
8) Sam pitching in, without being asked, and washing bottles, the griddle, pots, pans, and whatever else I didn't get to, in the middle of the night between jobs. It sure is nice to wake up to a few clean dishes rather than a few dirty ones. Of course I'd rather have a husband around, but hey if I can't have him, clean dishes are a close second!
9) Sam's ability to zone out and focus. In my former life, I might have been seen a time or two having a cow about this. It can be awfully inconvenient at times. But it sure is good when you need to study and there is a houseful of crazy children! Not having to keep them quiet and perfectly behaved so he can get his school work done sure makes my life easier.
10) Sam's work ethic. It really is good enough to book end a list with.
Hard but worth it. Right honey?
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