Thankful Thursdays: I'm not giving up

So back in another lifetime, I used to post on a blog of mine that was anonymous to the world wide web.  I was still posting on that one when I created this one, so when I came across Jason Mraz’ new video {at the time} "I Won't Give Up", I had to post it. I mentioned how I couldn’t help but think of my husband and of the life we’ve lived through.  Married couples go through much, but we have lived a life most don't ever expect to live.  

I can say, despite all the craziness that has happened, some things remain, and the one being this four letter word called Love. How can I rightly convey all that I have learned; all that I am grateful for? My husband, he teaches me so much and says so much and loves so much, despite of who I am, or really, of what I’ve done.  When I struggle with life or with what I think of me, Jus often says or does things that paint such a beautiful picture of who God is…and I am reminded once again of a powerful story of Love...of Truth...and of Grace...

of the One who transforms.


Last week, we set Storytellers to tape on our dvr and Jason Mraz was going through a few of his songs, talking about the behind the scenes on each. At first, we did it for Cj because he loves watching, or rather playing his guitar, with the concerts {seriously? what toddler is watching palladia as much as mine??} but then Jus and I really liked this song and truthfully, I just wanted to hear the story behind it.

To Write Love On Her Arms  {I will have to repost from my old blog about them at another time} shared this on Facebook last night and I was just reminded about all of these things, all over again. 


I had to share.

Get More: I Won't Give Up (VH1 Storytellers Sneak), Music Videos, Live Performances

"I've been given everything...and yet, one still experiences melancholy"

There are a many, many songs that capture the emotions and brilliantly speak the heart's language. If I were to go into each of them and why they captivate me for whatever reason that might be, I would have to dedicate an entire blog to such a project {ooh, an idea}.  So, for the time being, this is just one of the many that resonate with my being. 

If you are interested, this is the original video that caught my attention...

"I won't give up" by Jason Mraz

Happy Birthday Husband!

Today is my husband’s birthday – not a milestone one, but still one that is very special, because he was born 34 years ago, today! I love celebrating birthdays. It’s a brilliant excuse to indulge without getting accused of being outlandish. I mean, it’s your day! Take off from work. Go do something you have never done. Dance in the Rain. Enjoy some extra calories (ok, ok, but don't take it too far). I firmly believe we get to make one day of the year an exceptional personal day. Also, since I am quite a diva when it comes to my own, I require it to be a big-deal-kind-of-birthday.

But with that said, it is hard for me not to think like that for the people that I care about, and most especially for my favorite-est person in the world. With all that we have been through, he deserves more than just a day dedicated to commemorate his entrance into existence. I truly do wake up sometimes in utter disbelief that I am married to someone as wonderful as him. I hope a day does not go by without him knowing by my actions and words just how much he means to me. So in this effort, today I just want to profess a true admiration for my husband.

He’s a man among men, and truly deserves having it shouted from the treetops (I would say mountain tops but we don’t have any mountains in long island). I was drawn to him in the past, not only because he is tall, dark and handsome (which he really is!) but because of who he is. His character is captivating and as a lawyer, he has stood out in a culture that often lacks integrity.  He continues to mature and today he is man that is intelligent, but compassionate, tender and yet so strong. He has convictions which he will not compromise but somehow does so with such gentleness and grace. His confidence blends well with humility and is so damn appealing. To top it off, he makes everyone laugh.

We will have been married ten years this August, (we've been married almost a decade!! ahhhh!) and to say that I have been a handful to deal with, well that would be an understatement, and yet even through all of that PLUS the erratic-pregnant-hormonal-waves over the last several months, he continues to stick by me. I haven’t seen him throw his hands in the air (maybe he does behind closed doors!) and he still likes me for whatever mysterious reason that may be. And you should see the way he adores our boys. I am so in love with the fact that he is so in love with our little guys. I don’t often hear many promising statements about husbands & their children, but Jus, he can’t get enough of them. He has transitioned into fatherhood so effortlessly, I am truly blessed. He is a good, good man.

Jus, you are my partner, my soulmate, my best friend ...you are so smart, so hardworking, so gifted and soo hott. Love you babe. “You are so handsome, my love, pleasing beyond words!” SoS 1:16a

Happy Birthday Husband!