Pumpkin pie in April

Yep! That's what's for dessert!

I like having things to celebrate, and today just happens to be
 Chris' half birthday! Neither of us have ever celebrated our half birthday before, but hey - it's never to late to start! To be honest, I thought about it two months ago, because I had a leftover can of pumpkin from Christmas, and it's Chris's favorite. So I figured out when his half birthday would be, and then put an alarm on my phone to go off a week before so I wouldn't forget! 

So. . . happy half birthday to Chris! We're celebrating with pumpkin pie, American Idol with Erik and Amanda, and planning for IB Economics (blehhh! complete sarcasm). That, everyone, is the unfortunate news about next year's teaching assignment for Chris. But because this is meant to be a happy and celebratory post, I won't utter the words again. They have the connotation of a four-letter word to me at this point.

But the pie. . .

The pie was good.

Sorry, the crust decided not to show up for this picture.

It will be Chris' motivation to get up early enough for breakfast tomorrow :)

American Idol was good too. 

It's fun to have an American connection, and watch it with friends on a weekly basis. 

{Philip is my favorite! I'd have his CD on repeat all day.}

Goodnight from Jakarta! 

annnnnnd. . . dummy of the year goes to me! just realized it's NOT Chris' half birthday after all -- it's next month. wow, that's embarrassing. don't make fun of me, because i'm being honest and posting this blog anyways! it just means we got to enjoy pie :)

Happy Birthday to the BEST mom-in-law around!

From the proposal night. . .

to the wedding day. . .

and every day since then. . .

I can't begin to say how great Linda is! 

I'm sorry to those who have horror mother in law stories -- I just can't relate! The worst thing she's done to me is let me drink sour milk from the fridge! Okay, she didn't know it was sour, but she did laugh at me. . . at least I think she didn't know. . .  

If that's all she's got, I think I can handle it! ;)

But all joking aside, she is such a blessing in my life. Ever since Chris and I started dating, she's been a great friend. If I was having a rough day, she knew when to ask, or when to just give me a hug. She's always given great advice too. Not in the "I'm older so I know" kind of way, but more like the "I've been there, and here's what I learned" kind of way. There's a big difference and I know I can come to her about anything without feeling judged or silly for asking. We've laughed together, cried together, and spent many cold bundled days watching baseball together. I've learned a lot from her just by watching the way she loves and serves those around her. She's an inspiration to so many, and I'm lucky enough to be a part of her family and call her "mom" :)

 So -- thank you Linda, for the incredible role model, mentor, and friend that you are to me!

 I couldn't ask for more! Happy birthday to you!