Letters Home for Mr. Wicke's Birthday

Dear Mr. Wicke,

I missed your birthday.  We weren't there.  No cards.  No gifts.  I am glad that your brother filled in and brought you a cake, lighted some candles, and sang to you. 

In honor of your birthday, I am keeping your children alive and (mostly) happy.  But they miss you, my darling.  And I miss you, too.  Most of all, I am sure.  These summer trips without you serve only to remind me of how much I need you on a daily basis. 

And so, if you are sure of nothing else, know this:  That your 41 years on this earth really do matter.  That our lives would be empty without you.  That you are the best father and husband we could ask for.  Know that, and then when we see you again we will celebrate in person.

xoxo,
Your Wifey

p.s.  Griffin is not nearly as good a bedfellow as you.  I have been kicked, smacked, rolled on, and bounced around.  AND he won't let me put my cold feet on him.  I miss you, even in my (interrupted) sleep.

On Kissing

I know.

I know.

I promised a story about my Christmas angel today.  It is still unwritten.  Or rather only written in my heart because instead I am busy putting Valentine scrapbook packets together for the 3rd grade party.  And this weekend we have been busy rehearsing The 10 Virgins which I am acting in; oh, and Mr. Wicke and I had a hot date on Friday night, so I had to get my nails and toes done--in red, of course--'cause you have to look good for your Mr.

So, despite my best efforts, I haven't had time to sit down and write.

But...

in the little time I do have, I will just say, on this Valentine's Day, that I want to be kissed like this:

Photo: Alfred Eisenstaedt /Time; Life Pictures/Getty Images/Time

I think every girl, at least once in her life, wants to be kissed like this.  No wonder this kissing couple is famous.  He seems absolutely overcome and she a bit taken by surprised.  Look at that hand on her waist, that arm wrapped around her back.  Wowsy.  The testosterone makes me a little dizzy even from this distance.  That's some good kissing.

Are you listening, Mr. Wicke? 

When you get home, we can give it a try in our driveway. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Tomorrow is a big day in Mr. Wicke's life. After almost a decade he is defending his Ph.D. thesis. I pray for resounding success. And before he heads into a room to face a panel of would-be critics/peers, this is what I would like to say:

Dear Mr. Wicke,

There are not enough nouns, or any other part of speech, to express how proud I am of you. I could not have walked the long road you have persistently plodded these last many years. Literally one foot in front of the other every day. Who has that kind of persistence? You utterly amaze me with your work ethic and loyalty to your goals, and all the while you have financially supported this family, allowing me to stay home with our children without complaint. I know that earning a Ph.D. is not a part-time pursuit, yet somehow you have maintained a full-time career and been a spectacular father and husband besides. That is not only impressive but inspiring.

What I would have you know is that I see you. I understand your sacrifice. You would never complain, you are a man after all, but I know, at least to some degree, the difficulty and work that you have endured. When I think of the qualities that make a man a true success, you possess them all. I see you, darling.

And I love you.

Break a leg tomorrow.
Laurel

p.s. After you come home, and after this 345 page paper is finally turned in and there are no more rewrites late into the night, and after we have a huge blow-out party...well, you know there is a honey-do list coming, right? xoxo

Letters Home II

Dear Mr. Wicke,

I am glad to be in my mother's home. It's wonderful to see our children making friends with their cousins, aunts, and uncles, who are still are the funniest people in the world to me. But I find that it is not my home anymore. My home is with you, wherever you are and wherever you go. I miss you.

Today we are going to see Jamie's new house. Then Tamara, Shanna, and I will take the kids swimming at Lori and Joe's. Our children miss their swimming pool. Last night we walked to the park where the kids ran and played until the mosquitos chased us home again. The sun goes to bed so late here that our little ones are far off their schedule. When we returned from the park it was well after 9:30, and then they were hungry so we had peanut butter and jelly close to 10:00 at night. Strange I know.

Mom and I are awaiting the arrival of Ken, Curt, and their families tonight. Of course most of the preparation revolves around food. We made a plan this morning, although she laughed at my shopping list. "Mangos and ginger root? Have you forgotten we're in Cowley?" True enough, I may be reaching a bit.

All of this would be much better with you here, my love. Before I close, Logan would like to say that she missed you and loves you, and Griffin says that he loves you SO. He has said close to 38 times that he wants to go home. You see, his home is with you too.

Our hearts are yours always,
Your Mrs.

Letters Home I

Dear Mr. Wicke,

My feet missed you very much last night with no one to warm them. Griffin was not nearly as good a sport as you.

Love,
Your Mrs.