What a beautiful life

I was driving home from work last week. It was around 7:15 at night and the sun made the sky a beautiful watercolor mix of pinks, purples and blues. The radio was on, but not too loud because I had the window down to feel the wind through my hair. The sunset behind the mountains in the west, turning the mountains in the east into tall, salmon-colored giants. A thought passed through my mind: Life is beautiful.

Then, "Chain of Love" by Clay Walker came on, and I turned up the radio to listen. What wonderful words. What a beautiful message.

A slide show of loved ones played in my head. This song made me think of Margie. She is the picture-perfect image of selflessness. I really do believe that all of the wonderful things she has done for me and Ryan have shown me the importance of "the chain of love." Perhaps that was her motive in doing those generous things. Well Margie, you got through to me, and every generous thing will be a continuation of the generosity you have shown to me throughout my entire life. Thank you to all of those who have also helped Ryan and I out. Tamara and Neil, you KNOW that we would be living on the streets, hitch hiking to school if it weren't for you. Mom and Dad, Ryan and I have wonderful memories of our fun and fabulous vacations that we've taken together, and we have you to thank for those. Grandma, other Grandma and Papa, Aunt Carla, Aunt Wendy, Bailey, Jen, and all you others, I don't want this to turn into a huge shout out, and I know probably none of you read this, but most of all, thank you for your gifts of love. This, I will pass on the most.

Just tonight, it was the same scene. Driving home a little after 7, the sky.. not as pink as last week's, but still beautiful. A new song came on the radio. I listened. It was Kenny Chesney and... what? Dave Matthews? What are YOU doing in a country song? It doesn't matter who was in it, but the guitar brought tears to my eyes.

As I listened to "I'm Alive," I began to think about how grateful I am to be alive. Life is precious. Every breath is a gift. And if the day ever comes, I will fight for my life because of the treasures pointed out in this song.

Please, take a few minutes to just listen to the words of these songs. Oh my gosh, they are amazing.

And for those of you who can't stand country... well, frankly, I don't care.

Just so you all have this in writing...

I have stopped biting my nails. Yes, yes, it's true. After 21 years of biting, I've stopped.

...and Ryan continues to bite his...

Beautiful New England

Oh, home sweet home.

It was so nice to be home. Here are some beautiful pictures from my week and a half back East.

My mom, me, Aunt Carla, Gramma, and Margie a.k.a. my lady loves <3

Steve Carell's house in Marshfield, MA

The beach behind Bev's new house in Cohassett, MA

Cape May, NJ

Cape May, NJ

Ocean City, NJ

Exactly HOW messy is Ryan?

This messy:

...so messy I put my apron on him while he ate! He doesn't do well with pasta... I wonder how long until we start using our kitchen table? I just like it as a decoration. My table looks like something out of better home & garden magazine! Too beautiful to move every night.

Today we went to Jersey's first birthday party. Wow, what a beautiful little girl, with absolutely wonderful parents!

The crew, plus Jersey

Little Jersey