Four words

We anticipate Christmas for 364 days.  The lights, the parties, the songs, the joy... and as soon as the clock strikes midnight on December 26, there is a sadness in the air as the Christmas season is over, the long winter months loom over us as we must wait another 364 days for this joyous occasion to cycle once more.

But this blog entry is not about that.  While we do have to wait another 364 days for the wonderful day of Christmas, there is another event that is upon my family that we won't have to wait so long for!  Something wonderful happened this Christmas that our family will treasure for years to come.  My beautiful cousin, Aimee, said "yes" to committing herself to the love of her life.  Jered surprised Aimee on Christmas day but not only surprised her with his presence but surprised her by proposing, asking her to be his wife.

It was wonderful being able to celebrate with them and hear the story, the funny parts, the romantic parts, the sweet parts.  Jered will be the perfect partner for Aimee and she, the perfect partner for him.  I can see their love for each other in the way they look at each other.  I think at times, they even know each other better than they even know themselves.

I couldn't help but think back to when Caleb proposed and even before that, when he told me he loved me.  March 2008 - Victoria Falls, Zambia

Standing in the midst of the falls which felt like a downpour of rain, completely soaked, wet hair sticking to my forehead, soaked clothes hanging off me and out of breath from running through the trails to see the beautiful waterfall, Caleb held me, looked into my eyes, and told me he loved me.  That was the first time he said these words.  Those three words were monumental because he had told me he had never said those words to any other girl and he vowed he never would until he was absolute sure of the girl he would marry.

I knew those three words were as good as the four words, "Will you marry me?"

September 2008 - Canton, IL - Ashley's home

Caleb made the trek to Canton in a horrendous thunderstorm to ask me to be his wife.  He too, like Jered, surprised me with his presence but had a bigger surprise awaiting.  I came home from a wedding.  I was the first to enter the house.  The house was quiet.  Few lights were on.  Rose petals formed a pathway to my childhood bedroom.  I entered and saw my handsome boyfriend standing in my room with candles and rose petals that filled the room.  I don't remember all what was said but I do recall "Ashley, you're the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with.  Will you marry me?"

Those four words are every girl's dream.  It feels like a fairytale.  It feels surreal.  It's something you've dreamed about ever since you were a little girl when you watched Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White be swept off their feet by their Prince Charming.

I'm not one for the mushy gushy romanticism but there is something magical about being proposed to by the one man who will stand by your side and love you through thick and thin.

I am incredibly happy for Aimee and Jered; it's moments like these that bring upon the memories of falling in love.  

Yum yums

Pinterest is blowing my mind!  I can't believe how creative some people are; thank goodness they are willing to share that creativity with the rest of us.  I found a scrumptious recipe that I made for a Christmas party.  The recipe actually tastes more summery but the red strawberries felt Christmasy.  Plus they were so easy and everyone loved them!

The problem with vacation

The term "problem with vacation" is an oxymoron.  Problem and vacation do not go together. 

Allow me to address some potential problems pre-vacation:

- Money - It can cost a pretty penny to take a vacation.

- Time off work - We all have vacation days to use but most people have to use it very strategically.

- Vacation location - Because vacations can cost quit a bit, deciding and agreeing where to go can be a strain.

I get it.  The above pre-vacation problems have entered the Redelman household before.

But.  Problems must be banished from vacation.  The very definition of vacation is, "A period of suspension of work, study or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation or travel." 

I love vacations.  I love vacations and I need vacations.  Vacations have been a huge part of my family ever since I was born.   We work hard all year long and have our eyes set on that yearly vacation.  It's something to work for.  It's something to look forward to. 

It's a time to get away.

It's a time to rest. 

It's a time to enjoy relaxing, playing, being together.

It's a time where you leave your problems for a week. 

Escape.

Problems don't follow you to vacation.  They are purposely left at home.  Problems are not welcome on vacation.

The only problem with vacation is that it isn't long enough.