Dear Boy,

One more thing. Before naptime, Nolan decides to draw a picture of the items needed for a trip "further than the Pioneers". He and Beagle are headed out on the journey to trump all journeys. So Nolan is explaining to us about this expedition and how arduous it will be, using his detailed drawing to help in his description. As Nolan goes on and on, Gerret finally interrupts in typical Pook fashion, "Uhh. Nowin? Can I go on the trip too?"
Nolan's response is immediate, "No Gerret. This trip is not for you. You would never survive, because there will be no candy."

Hi My Boy,

It's raining again. I love it. The lilac transplants appear to be less dead already. I transferred the boys clothes to their new locations this morning while the boys "camped" in the living room. They were superhero campers and brought along Ricki Raccoon as their sidekick. They have a great time together as evidenced by the complete destruction of the living room. They make a good pair of brothers. Sure, they have frequent squabbles, but I think that has more to do with their ages. Besides, more frequent than squabbles is a lot of getting-along and having fun together. I'm glad the Lord knew better than we did that Gerret needed to join our family. He has been such an unexpected blessing, complete with countless learning experiences. I also made bread and ate bread. Maybe I should make more. I only meant to try it. Turns out, it was really good. Now the boys and Cocoa are watching George. I hope you're having a good day. I look forward to being with you all day tomorrow.

Love from a lady.

To My Closest Friend and Deepest Love,

We have a modest first harvest! The boys and I went out to pay our respects to the deceased and weed-ridden of the garden and lo and behold, a cucumber, green and full! The tomatoes sadly droop like they've needed water for the past three weeks, but by some miracle produced two red cherries and another on its way! We also reaped some lettuce and a handful of beans from Gerret's plant pile. I've spent the morning sorting toys in the back room. The boys have been playing nicely together for about two hours now; the second miracle for this Monday. And I saw yet another amazing butterfly amongst our flowers. It had fled before I returned with a camera. I had wanted you to see it, my third Monday miracle.

Thank you for a lovely weekend on the opposite ends of twin lakes. I love being everywhere with you, but especially in nature where there is an endless supply of wonder and beauty.

I love you so much.
From your lady

PS. I tallied the exclamation points. 3! I mean, 4! Uh-oh, 5! I better get some help, 6! 7. There. Seven exclamation points, and all entirely necessary, thank you very much.

To My Boy,

I apologize for my emotional instability this morning. I blame it on the pregnancy. The feeling that my body is not my own is hard for me to swallow. If there is anything in my life that I have felt the most control over, it is my physical health and abilities. Perhaps that is a reason I like to run. I feel powerful when I can master my body, when I can overcome pain or hardship, when I know I have made myself stronger. And there is very little of that going on these days. Add to the mix increased blood flow and a production of hormones that could supply an army of normal women and you've yourself a mess. That's me. So sorry.

Thank you for being patient and kind with me. I love you because of something I can't explain, but I have so many reasons to appreciate and trust you. You are my greatest blessing. You are my dearest friend. Being married to you is the most comfortable, happy proposition. Thank you for thinking I'm worth your time and effort, even when I am unarguably crazy. Thank you for showing me charity and gentleness despite my flaws. I enjoy every moment with you and every thought of you in your absence. You make me feel like the luckiest lady ever in the history of ladies.

From, a crazy

Dear Boy,

Thanks for mowing. Mowing makes me grumpy. I hope it won't make you grumpy, but I don't think the same type of things frustrate you. A good thing about being married is that we're different so we can learn from each other and be of some mutual support. I can drive at night and you can mow without destroying something. Nice team we've got here. Let's have a baby.

Good Morning,

I'm never quite sure if I should wake you in the mornings. You always seem so peaceful and I know it's when you sleep the best. Today it was a particularly difficult decision to make because as I sat up I was draped in the most exquisite red light. It spilled in from the window like a thin drape and beyond in the distance a deep red sun was just beginning to rise up out of cloud and tree.
It was awesome.
Sorry I didn't wake you. I took a picture instead. It doesn't quite do it justice, but it's the best I could give you without a wake up call.
I love you. Every moment you give me is cherished.
Maybe for family night we can go into the garden and weed and the boys can have their wheelbarrow to catch the weeds? It really needs to be done. It's looking more and more like the field behind it and less and less like a garden :) We could make something with berries for dessert. Or, if the boys don't get a nap we can share some cereal for dessert. I'm sure they wouldn't complain.
I love you.
.a boy

To my friend,

I love you.
I'm at home missing you right now. This was some planning meeting you and your sister undertook. Or am I right in suspecting the contribution of time has more to do with your mother than sister? ;)
I think it makes time apart drag longer when the estimated time has elapsed and we are still apart. You're such a comfort to me. Even when my brain won't work and I'm frazzled and frustrated with myself, imtake solace in you. Maybe that's too easy. Maybe that's a cop-out from actually ever addressing concerns, but no matter, I enjoy your company above all others.
I wish I could give you the world and any opportunity on a platter. I'm sorry I can't. I know there's a lot to be said for fighting and struggling through things together, but I guess sometimes I long for more epic endeavors than simply making a living. I feel like a pair like you and me, a pair like us is meant for more. Maybe thats why we've both felt unsettled in traditional roles. We both have a conviction of the necessity of those traditions, but we both feel our abilities are ready to encompass those roles and more.
But what? and how so?
I think we've worked great works together and I agree with your closing comment last time that we ought to endeavor to project more together. I think also though, that we have our own particular inclinations too and we need to pursue those and expose them for what adventures they may bring. You love the piano and music, and while I would like to learn the piano as a tool, I don't think I'll ever have the interest in it that you do, nor do I think I should force that. I'm beginning to feel that when the scriptures speak of talents, they are heavily implying inclinations. I think you're wonderfully given musically and I think you should pursue that in whatever manner you chose and however far you choose to pursue it. I'll support you every step of the way. Beginning with piano lessons.
I love listening to you play and I'm so happy to at long last have a piano in our home. It adds a definite air of sophistication to our living, don't you agree? It also colors the air with wonderful ideas and impressions as you play. Every home should have a piano. There's something about a piano that, to me, hints to education and greatness. To peace and meditation. It's very presence feels transcendent to me and, while that may seem silly, the home with a well loved and well used piano can't be a house that doesn't know a higher power. It's in every note.
Well, I'm going to go wake up the boys so they aren't asleep too long. When we put them to bed at 8pm I don't want it to be an hour after they woke up which it's likely to be if I let them sleep to their heart's content.
I've loved your smile since I first saw it cross your lips.
.your friend

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