Love & Marriage

Late July early August is an amazing time amongst my family.  Today for instance, is my in-laws 38th wedding anniversary.  Although my mother-in-law is quite ill, they are celebrating this amazing accomplishment a few days later at a lovely restaurant called The Boathouse, which hopefully will be someplace we will enjoy on our next visit to England!  The traditional gift for such an occasion is Beryl, which I have no idea what that is, so instead I hope they celebrate with a barrel of wine.  Cheers.

My parents will, as of this Sunday, be celebrating their 40th anniversary.  40 is traditionally gifted as ruby, which thankfully I do know what that is.  Now I cannot post what we have purchased for my parents as they will receive their offerings tomorrow, but they will not be disappointed.  My brothers are in charge of it all as I am obviously away currently, so hopefully things run smoothly.  I have faith in them, and in the fact that my Mom has probably prepared more food & excitement then is humanly possible for the guests they are hosting tomorrow.

Just a short post today to wish both sets of our parents a wonderful celebration of love, happiness and laughter.  Adam & I are lucky and blessed to have such great examples of the road to a happy marriage, and we only hope to set the same example as we approach our 15 month celebration next month! 

Which, after researching, I think the traditional gift for is popcorn.  Horray!

Oh, Brother!

July just became all the more exciting for the Dlouhy family of London, ON.  At approximately 2:50pm local time on July 12th, Liam Alexandre Dlouhy entered the world after only a few hours of coaxing.  Now, I wasn't there, but it seems everything went smoothly for both baby and Mom, Christi-Anne.

Emilie has now joined the elite of the elite and is a big sister.  I left her a message at home saying that only a few special people in our family have the honour of being a sister, and I am proud of her for taking on such a big responsibility.  Now, don't tell my brother's this, but I cherish the fact that I am their only sister, and even though I am younger, I feel a duty to protect them and ensure that no matter what, nothing comes between us and the strong relationship we have.  While I may have felt like I had three Dad's growing up, there is a great feeling of security knowing there are two larger males there for you at any time to intimidate those that may steal your lunch money or make fun of the fact you're 4 inches shorter than everyone else.  Having brothers also turned me into some what of a tomboy.  I love me some Barbies, but I do find it easier to have a relationship with the male persuasion vs. the female population.  As Dennis can attest to, I can take a softball of the chest plate without hesitation, and Mike knows that I can bounce off a homemade wrestling mat without a second thought.  I'd like to think some of my girlishness rubbed off on them, but those moments will stay between us.  (I'm no fool, they could still beat me up as well.)

Emilie will soon realize how great it is to be a sibling, and to be a sister.  But there's nothing like having a brother.  And Liam, know this now, that a Dlouhy sister (if I do say so myself) is one of the best things you can be treated to.

Just don't touch her Barbies.