I realize that I am not a regular contributor -- in fact, I think this is my first entry (other than comments) on our blog. I have prepared a few posts, but I have never published them. For some reason, I am resistant to actually put it out there, but for my beautiful wife, I will do it today.
I am at work today, and with school tonight, I probably won't see Mara until late this evening (provided she can stay awake until then), so I wanted to publicly wish Mara a Happy Birthday, and let her (and readers of the blog) know how much I love and appreciate her.
I am always amazed by how she cares for the boys - when I have had them for even a few hours, I am at my wit's end. They love her so much - Sethie is usually happy to see me in the morning, but will claw his way to mom when he catches sight of her.
Thomas told me yesterday that "it would be fun if mommy went to work and daddy stayed home and we could play transformers all day every day!" When I asked him if he would really like that, he said no, because mommy "takes good care of me." I didn't follow up on the implications of that statement.
She is also very humble - her story that was included in the anthology has been mentioned (along with her name) in many of the reviews of the book, including Publisher's Weekly and the McClatchy family of daily papers. In fact, I may even get in trouble for mentioning this... but as those of you who read this blog know, she is an excellent writer, and I am very proud of her.
Mara is also supportive and encouraging of both my (never-ending) school and work endeavors, and has been my mental and emotional anchor for the last 6+ years. She is the love of my life, and I feel so so lucky to have her. She is my best and closest friend.
Happy Birthday Maralee!
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19 comments:
Happy Birthday Maralee! Hope you have a wonderful day and that you enjoy yourself! Nate and the Boys are in great hands with you, and I hope I can get down to Princeton sometime this year to see you guys in your new place. Love, Your Oldest Big Brother, Cory
Happy Birthday Maralee!! We are so glad you are a part of the family. Every Thanksgiving I am reminded of how you became part of our family. I wish we were closer so we could see those boys growing up. Have a super day - I hope you get some time to yourself for a little pampering.
Love to all
Poulsens in Colorado
Oh man. I got on here this morning and I have a little tear in my eye over this. Thank you for the wonderful comments and birthday wishes. I can't believe I'm soooooo old! I really wish we could be closer to all our fam. I miss you all so much! And to my wonderful Nate...I would run to Hades and back if it meant I could run it with you.
We are so glad you are in our family!! We hope this is a calm and happy year for you- not that excitement doesn't add spice to life. Happy Birthday! You are so good for Nate and such an awesome mom to your boys! Have a wonderful day! We love you.
Love, Brent, Bec, and Girls
Hear Hear! Mar-Bar is the best of both worlds...a great sister and an even better friend! She is loyal, kind, and funny - I could go on with the superlatives but there isn't enough room. Hope you have a grand B-day! All my love!
Dear Mara,
We hope that you have a wonderful Birthday. September is a wonderful month for a Birthday it is one of my favorites. We love having you in our family, you are such a great wife for Nate and a wonderful Mom to you two sons. Have a great day, we will be thinking of you.
Love,
Greg and Catherine and Family
Dear Mara,
I know I already sent you a little e-mail, but I got so happy reading your birthday blog that I just had to be a part of it, too! I love you, and really enjoy your thoughtful mind and caring insights, not to mention your love for Nate and those two [other]wild and crazy boys! We are all so glad you're our "sister!"
Much love,
Liz
Dear Maralee,
Your so adorable! You deserve a great birthday. I wish the the best of all days and a great year this year as you embark on new experiences. Love to you and all, Maria, Sarah, Mary, and Peter.
maradear
birthdays are wonderful days to feel loved. yournate loves you so much and it is so wonderful to see. good love, good relationships. life is so much better with them.
i'm *very happy* to count you as myfriend.
blessyou
heather
Dear Sister-in-Law,
We are so blessed to have you in our family. You are such a wonderful wife to Nate and a great mother. We love having you in our family!! We hope you have a very happy birthday!!!
Love,
Troy, Kris & Boys
Hey Maralee,
I just wanted to wish you a Happy Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have a great one. I miss you so much! Me and the girls can't wait to see you in October. I'm excited about meeting your newest little one. I love you woman!!! I hope you have a great day!
Love Megermoo
Like, Omigosh, you are like SOOOO old! I can't believe you're 30 either.
Next time we get together, we'll have to compare our gray hairs - you may have kids, but I have...MY FAMILY!
And n8, I'm glad you realize how lucky you are. And I think it's totally sweet of you to blog about it!
Felicidades, Nuera, (daughter-in-law)
Mother-in-law jokes aside, you make me feel so loved and appreciated that it is a joy to visit you and be in your home and to share time with you and your precious family. We love watching you as a mother, and are so grateful for the tremendous love and support you give our son. Peter joins in sending love and best wishes for a healthy, satisfying, and joyful year.
Mom Poulsen
Oh, Man! How did I miss out on the fact that it's your birthday today? Sending happiest wishes your way!!
Love, Kendra
A big thank you, gracias, merci, etc. etc. to everyone who posted birthday wishes today. You gave me a huge smile on my face all day long and made this being 3-0 business not seem TOO bad. :) I'm so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family and I love all of you very very dearly.
Mara, you are such an incredibly talented, creative and amazing person. I feel privileged to know you and have been tremendously blessed by your friendship. You have so many great qualities—the ones that I’ve appreciated most are your kindness and listening ear. It’s so easy to talk to you about anything and everything—all the drama that happens with my crazy extended family included! And, like everyone else has mentioned, it is so wonderful to be a witness of the love you and Nate have for one another (sigh). Have a most wonderful birthday! YOU ROCK! Love, Teresa
I am a very lucky guy to have my Maralee, and thank you all for acknowledging that.
Hey Mar. Happy Birthday from your beloved Oregonites! (You can tell this greeting is from us, because it's late!).
We have enjoyed reading your accounts of everyday life, loves and laughs, and hope that you keep it up. We're not in touch nearly as much as we'd like, and these glimpses help us feel more connected to you and your fantastic family.
Here's hoping your birthday was filled with many, many reminders of how much you are loved and admired.
Love, Dan and Robin and co.
Having no sense of time or date (as Nathan knows since if I wish him a Happy Birthday it is usually months late), I want you to know belatedly what a great addition you are to the Poulsen family.
I know that Nathan loves you and that he wouldn't be the same without you.
You are a wonderful mother and a talented lady.
Best wishes,
Jen Duffin & family
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