Day 32

A couple of my favorite memories we have shared over the past 7 years involve college football as well as one of my least favorite.  The beautiful thing about that statement is the fact that one of my passions is also something that you really enjoy...SEC football.  As you remember, one of our first "dates" was a bitterly cold Georgia vs. Georgia Tech football gameback in 2000.  It was cold, wet and basically miserable, but there you were, snuggled up next to me enjoying the game or at least the company.  You never complained, never gave a "face". Instead you sat there and truly engaged and enjoyed the game.  

The second memory is going to the Alabama vs. Georgia game, in Tuscaloosa, and enjoying the the experience of your old stomping grounds.  I remember going to the Phi Mu house and eating lunch and listening to stories of the old days.  The game itself was electric as Georgia squeeked one out on a last minute field goal.  

The last one was not one of my favorite memories but I know it is one of yours.  The Alabama vs. Georgia game this year in Athens.  Everything was perfect about the day except Georgia got trounced.  Now, that is what made it bad for me, but it is the thing that was great for you.  Honestly, as hard as that loss was for me, I did appreciate the fact that your team won and that you were able to enjoy it, especially after you just had your team spirit  lifted by a week with your Alabama girlfriends. 

Randel, I love that you love SEC football.  I love that you understand that Saturdays are a day, in the fall, where you will have the girls to yourself...at least for a few hours.  Randel, I am glad you enjoy college football and that we have that in common.  

So, here is to our love for SEC football.  Roll tide!!  Win the National Championship...and you know how hard that is for me to say.

Love, 

S

Day 30

One of the things I enjoy in this whole process is the knowledge of the things to come.  In short I love being in the drivers seat knowing there are surprises to come.  

Now the funny about you is that you are not a huge fan of surprises.  Sometimes you like them, but for the most part you like to know what is coming in advance.  So let me give you a heads up...yes there are surprises coming and that should put your mind at ease.  Hope you are having fun!!

Love, 

S

Day 31

One of the conversations we have had again and again, and one we have had several times in the past couple of weeks is the unbelievable difference a father and mother play in the life of a home.  We have laughed at the ways in which we respond to our girls and how they both prefer us in different situations.  They want me to play with them but they want you to console them.  They think you are the boss of the house and aren't sure it is okay to do what I tell them it is okay to do because it hasn't come from you.  In short we feel pretty confidant that each of our girls desperately needs both of us. 

So in times like these, when you are away from home a little more than usual, the effect of your absence is felt in a very tangible way.  Randel, your girls think you hung the moon, and when you come home they run to see you as fast as they can.  When they walk in the door the first thing they do is as where you are and are sad your not here.  

Randel, you are a great mom.  In fact you are a super mom and our girls need you.  

Love, 

S

Day 29

One thing that is very clear about you and me is that we are very different as it relates to our gifts.  I have the gift of laid backness, or according to you, the gift of laziness.  You on the other hand have the gift busyness.  It is the time when you flourish and enjoy life the most.

As you have prepared for the show this weekend it is interesting to see part of you come alive that is not always alive.  You flourish when your back is against the wall and you have a lot to do.  It is when you are the happiest and it has been fun to watch.

Today as you set up your space I really did enjoy being with you even though I had to give up an exhilarating bowling experience to help.  Honestly it was worth it.  You are really good at all that you do Randel and it is fun to watch as you get in the groove of your gifts and passions.  

Love, 

Your Two Monkeys and Me slave

Day 28

In seasons like we are in I feel like we live life with a million question marks running around in our brains.  What are we forgetting, what do we need to do first, what needs to be done better, what is falling through the cracks, etc.  Unfortunately one of the things that happens is many times we take our focus off of the important things like families and relationships and focus on things that are temporal.  What I want you to know is I appreciate you when I am the one who is spinning because you are always gracious.  

In this season that you are in, trying to do all that you do, I know you feel like you have slipped a little bit in the multi-tasking arena.  But with all the huge question marks rolling around that are connected to being a mom, wife, business woman, church planter and friend, you have a lot to consider and more people to think about than you ever had before.  So don't sweat the small stuff and let me know if I can help you in any way. 

Love, 

S

Day 27

 Do you remember this movie?  We watched it together because you are all about girl movies.  I on the other hand never seem to win out on movie choices.  I always end up losing and have to watch some horrible move like "Serendipity" or "Must Love Dogs" and after the movie I always have to pretend like I like the movie even though I believe cheesy love stories like this are only a detriment to our cultures understanding of love...there is no such thing as happily ever after!!  But I digress.

Randel this is your two week notice...really 1 week and 6 day notice...that the second chapter of your life's book is going to start being written.  I want to reiterate that this second chapter will be the better of the two chapters.  Today is a day, in the midst of all the other "stuff" going on, for you to think about what you can do to make this second chapter one that when you look back on you will not have left anything undone.  This is your two weeks notice to come up with a plan that will empower you to do the things that will make your life most fulfilled.  

I am excited about this second chapter and can't wait to share it with you.

Love, 

S

Day26

So this is a week where you will be very busy.  I have experienced weeks like this before with you as you spend a lot of time in preparation for the "big event."  You will be taking your Two Monkeys business and set up for a few days, hopefully making enough to help pay for the Christmas holidays.

But in this time I know Mr. Mom will have to to step and play a bigger role in the family and I want to let you know I am up for the task.  I want you to know that just as you support me in all that I do, I will support you in all you have going on this week.  What can I do for you?  I am yours this week...just ask!!

Love, 

S