Recent life in summary

First off, apologies for being MIA the past week. When not storming, it's been really, really nice outside; combine that with work being a bear lately and sitting in front of a computer screen more than required hasn't been high on my list of priorities. So, a summary instead.

1) Compassion
I about did backflips returning from the mailbox on Friday. I received my first letter from Manthan in India, my sponsored child (as of February). My husband also sponsors a child, a little girl named Arianna from Ecuador, so I'm very familar with the letters, but I'm very excited to form a relationship with this sweet little 8-year-old boy. I did have a question for those of you who sponsor a younger child. Do you receive letters on the behalf of your child? The letter I received was written on Manthan's behalf (not translated - actually written by someone else). I didn't know if this was a first time thing or commonplace for a younger child.

2) Forever flowers
I ordered these felt lovelies from handmadecolectibles on Etsy. I'd been admiring them for a while, and a Mother's Day coupon code made me splurge. They sit on the counter near our kitchen sink, and I love to look at them.

(image via)

3) New summer dress

I purchased from J.Crew on super sale plus free shipping. That maxes out my husband's willingness to spend on my summer wardrobe, so let's hope it's a keeper. It's a cotton weave that doesn't require ironing, which it a requirement in my book.

(image via)

4) Bird watching and blueberries

A little bird is building a next in the wreath on our front door. The husband suggested we remove it before any babies are birthed there, but I refused. I'm too excited. We also planted two small blueberry bushes in our side yard. It's looking like we'll have a crop of about 20-30 blueberries this year. Hopefully, next year, our bushes will yield a whole pie's worth!

5) Birthday boy man

Last, but certainly not least, my sweet husband celebrated the big 2-8 yesterday. We ventured downtown to eat some southern home cooking at a locally known restaurant, Poogan's Porth. We grabbed dessert after, and we were still home by 8. Lame. So, my husband used his birthday as an opportunity to make me watch a guy movie (again). Enter "The Hunt for Red October." A young Alec Baldwin kept me silently cracking up (The movie was made in 1990.), but it was actually quite good. The majority of the action was set on submarines, so it was close to my husband's heart.

I love you, babe (even though you rarely, if ever read this)! Isn't he a hottie?? (Although I totally forgive you if you try to claim your husband is the hottest. I just won't agree.)

(From our 2009 honeymoon in Asheville)

Enough miscellany for today.