ode to my husband

I'm blessed to be married to a unique man.

For example, Russell has been enjoying the book "Presidents and Prophets" and one day decided to do his hair in the style of President Lorenzo Snow (see below for the inspiration).

Another thing that sets Russell apart is his birthday. I don't know another adult who loves his/her birthday as much as Russell. Remember when you were a kid and you looked forward to your birthday and reminded others about it for months, etc (Heather, you know what I'm talking about!)? Then, before you know it, you're forgetting how old you are and you don't mind. Not Russell. It's such an endearing quality and it makes his birthday so fun just because he enjoys it more than most.

Well, the big day was last Sunday, but we began the festivities on Friday (I signed up for Netflix and our first DVD's came). Saturday we went to breakfast with Russell's sister Kim, opened one present (I was sick of keeping the painting in my closet). Russell bought this painting in Brazil before he came home from his mission and I got it framed. For dinner, we got Ruby River Steakhouse take-out and ate while Calvin napped (yes, our celebrations revolve around food).

Sunday after church, Russell opened a new tackle box from Calvin and the game bocce.

My mom had a family dinner for the birthday boy.
Russell requested a Reese's peanut butter cup ice cream cake, so this monstrosity is what I came up with.
In case you're wondering, he's 27 - the candles are a 2 for 20 and a 5 and a 2 (5+2) for 7 (all we had). Again, I'm blessed to be married to a unique man. Russell is considerate, hard-working, spiritual, funny, and an amazing dad. Happy birthday, my love!

Remembering President Hinckley

Like many, I've been thinking a lot about President Hinckley this week, especially today. I served in the D.C. Branch on my mission and we ate lunch every couple weeks with sweet Sister Hardy. She was elegant. She lived in this beautiful apartment building in Chevy Chase and taught us how to properly set a table (she taught for years at a finishing school for girls). Anyway, Sister Hardy went to high school with President Hinckley and often told us stories about "Gordon." They were at a reunion dinner one night and she was seated at his table. She said that she would never forget how his skin glowed and looked so young. She explained that later she was talking to her son (Elder Ralph W. Hardy Jr. - he was serving as an area authority Seventy when I was in D.C.) about it and he turned in the scriptures to Doctrine & Covenants 84:33: "For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies." Elder Hardy had testified to his mother that President Hinckley's body had literally been renewed because of his faithfulness. I'm so thankful that our dear prophet's life was preserved because he chose to be faithful in the priesthood and to magnify his calling. He seemed to recognize this gift - even though he often joked about still being around =) - and was such an example of truly living each day. I'm grateful that he was renewed so that he could build temples and the conference center, travel the world to strengthen the church, and challenge us to study the Book of Mormon. His actions bore witness that he recognized the Lord's hand in his life, particularly in extending it. I have no doubt that he's still working hard and loving every minute.