Andyman the fisherman

The thing about Andy is, he's a fisherman--with all that entails.

A patient man, quiet man, soft-spoken and mild, Andy could sit by the water with a fishing pole all day. Even if he caught nothing, he would count it as time well-spent.

"Fishing isn't about catching fish," he often tells me. Fishing, for him, is about being still, thinking, and just BEING.

And, as the saying goes, still waters run deep. His placid surface hides a deeply thoughtful, kind man who loves to play pranks and tell stories. He is quietly stubborn, invariably kind .Patient and a "go with the flow" kind of guy, he is also the most steady, stalwart, strongest man I've ever met. He survived leukemia and now views life with a zest and child-like joy. In fact, he is currently winning a tickle fight with our two kids, and laughing just as much as they are.

My fisherman

 My day isn't complete without one of his big, squishy hugs that squeeze the air out of me. Life hands us our lumps and throws us our curve balls, but I know as long as I have my Andy by my side, all will be well. He's my rock, my calm in the storm, my best friend.

The world according to Nate

Time for some choice words from my son, gathered throughout the past few weeks and compiled here for your enjoyment and his embarrassment...

On my driving habits:

"I wish you wouldn't say those things, Mom."

"You shouldn't rush the other drivers! They're doing the best they can."

"You make me sad when you talk like that."

To the dogs:

"Lady, not EVERYTHING is about YOU!"

About food:


"I'm the guy who has to try all the pancakes."

"I love rootbeer. But it makes me burp a lot. But I still love it, cuz it has lots of air in it!"

"Look at this tummy! It is totally. EMPTY!"

On hair:


"I hope I NEVER have bald hair!"

"I want to have a mustache. And a beard. I'm going grow it next year."

On himself:


"I'm NOT cute! I am HANDSOME!"

"I have really big stomach muscles."

"I ran so fast, you have no idea."


What a joy Nate is in our lives! Such a dynamic, sweet little man who thinks deeply about life and the world around him. He makes me laugh, he makes me cry, he makes me nuts. :) We can't imagine life without him!!