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My Overthinking

Philly Area mom, Life forever changed by adoption

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November 1: I love you day

11.3.10

13 years ago, we met at a McDonalds.
He gave me a single rose.
And, he told me he loved me.

Every year since, we’ve remembered the day. We don’t celebrate it like our wedding anniversary. But, we remember it. And, every year, part of remembering it has meant a trip to McDonalds.

Funny how we made the most unromantic spot in the world one of the most romantic places in our history.

Last night was just a little different. We went out to dinner to a local pub. I couldn’t bear the thought of dinner at McDonalds (much to our 4 children’s chagrin).

But, there’s no way we would break this tradition. So, we went to McDonalds for dessert. Even though we have 10 lbs. of candy at home, we let the kids get ice cream. And, we sat and smiled as we remembered.

But, now, we’ve got 4 kids with us too (note our little Lydia as Ashlyn took our picture). So, we also spent some time talking about silly stuff and giving belly blasters.

I am so thankful that he loved me then and has loved me everyday since.

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: daily life, Kelly, Mark

Sunday Snapshot: {12 years and silk curtains}

9.27.10

12 years ago today, I married the love of my life. 12 years later, he still is.

Every year, we’ve done the traditional anniversary gifts–for our first anniversary (paper), he gave me 365 pieces of paper in a binder with one word on each telling our story. Every year followed with very creative gifts to fit the traditional gift.

This year was silk. I was fully expecting some pretty lingerie (sorry if that’s too much information especially for both the moms reading this). But, he went a bit outside the box this year (apparently making a poster board covered with 730 cotton balls with a poem in the middle for our cotton anniversary is within the box) and splurged.

A subscription to the Walnut Theater! And, you will notice that one ticket is missing because we went tonight to see Curtains–a very cute musical, comedy/mystery.

Took this on Mark’s blackberry during intermission–the show was about a cast putting on a show (called Robbin’ Hood) during which cast members are murdered. 
I loved going–even stopped at a little Chinese bakery in Chinatown on our drive there. And, I am very proud to report that I practiced a little bit of elementary Chinese I’ve been learning in Ashlyn’s class there. They were impressed and told me my accent was perfect. And, I apologized for knowing only some simple phrases including “How old are you?” and “I’m six years old.” And, the things I bought were so good (and so super cheap!).
Being at the theater like this takes me back. I was a music theater junkie in high school and into college. I couldn’t get enough of auditions and dance routines and costume fittings and spotlights and cast member parties. And, my friends and I used to go down to Baltimore and get student tickets to see the various shows at theaters there. So fun. I love musicals. You sorta step out of reality a bit; for 3 hours, you can sit back and be entertained by people who speak loudly and break out into song spontaneously to make their point. Too bad life isn’t like that. (I may just try it out tomorrow…) 
Mark and I sat there and enjoyed the theater and being together and just remembering that it’s not all about the 4 kiddos who were asleep at home after Grammy so awesomely managed to do bedtime for them all herself (she pretty much rules). Gotta invest some time for us too. 
And, though his failed attempt to work in a silk gift totally flopped–he couldn’t find any real silk lingerie so he found me a silk top. It’s a halter top. Yup, he bought me a halter top. One that might as well be lingerie. I could never wear this thing out; I mean, I am a married woman (of 12 years). So, though I hate being a returner of gifts, I’m afraid this will have to be returned.
But, I did hear the cast tonight mention a silk curtain. And, I am pretty sure I saw some of the ladies wearing silk dresses. I’m sure silk was on stage tonight. 
So, I’m a happy woman on my silk anniversary.
And, I think he’s pretty happy too. 
4 more shows to go—White Christmas is next. It’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Nothing like Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and then White Christmas on Sunday to get you in the Christmas spirit. Can’t wait!
(And, if you want to know, I had set out to get him silk boxers. Apparently, they are more of a seasonal Christmas item. So, I had to settle for silk-y boxers which are probably a whole lot more comfy anyway….if you want to know my personal opinion.)

Ni Hao Y'all

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: Mark, Sunday Snapshot

What Every Father of 4 Wants for His Birthday

9.11.10

a day without us
Kidding…sort of…

We gave Mark a retreat basket and permission to go away for a day by himself. He got lots of goodies in there that he likes like cashews, Reese’s peanut butter cups, Peligrino, and caramels. Then, he got a couple good thinking books, a notebook, a pen, a sealed envelope with notes from the kids to read when he’s away, and a cool paperweight from Dos Besitos with a map of Baoji and Xi’an (where Lydia is from and where we were to get her).

Happy birthday, Mark. Thank you for your commitment to growing in Him. Know that I support you 100% in that–even when it means time away from us or from helping me with the parenting duties. Thank you for being a godly leader in our home.

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: Mark

Sunday Snapshot: Father’s Day

6.21.10

Mark’s first Father’s Day as a father of 4–and I think it was a success. It started with a big breakfast and some gift giving. Each kid gave Mark a book–books he’ll hopefully get time to read while we are vacationing since he doesn’t get a lot of free time as a father of 4 (hoping he gets some on vacation!). Lydia gave him Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China. Drew gave him Tim Keller’s book Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith — I’m looking forward to reading this one as soon as Mark closes the cover.  Ashlyn gave him Around Phoenixville, a history book about our hometown. Mark totally gets into that sort of thing. And, Evan gave him The Clock Without a Face, a really fun book for us to read to the kids that is a mystery with very neat illustrations on each page of each floor of a 13 floor apartment building. We read a bit of it today and we were all into it. And, my gift to him…a night out with two guys from church for some fellowship and encouragement, something we both really need. I think that was the best gift I could have given him right now. 

That is, in addition to the lunch he requested: honey chili bacon cheese dog. 


I know, totally gross. I think it belongs on that website This is Why You’re Fat along with bacon wrapped meatloaf and burgers in between Krispy Kremes. Ick. But, he seemed pretty darn happy with it (note the picture with his mouth open so wide it looks like his jaw unhinged). And, well, it is Father’s Day after all. FYI–I had a salad for lunch.


We managed to get all 4 kids either napping or in their rooms quietly for a bit this afternoon and both he and I napped (perfect Sunday!). After some wii and lego play, we headed out for dinner at Max & Ermas. Followed by some reading together and bedtime, then Mark headed out the door to play ice hockey where he is now. Not a bad day at all.
So, for my first official Sunday Snapshot, here is my man and my children. How blessed I am to have been given this family to surround me everyday. And, I cannot imagine facing the task of parenting these four precious lives without the wisdom and spiritual leadership of my husband Mark. He is a brave, faithful, and committed man whom I love dearly. Happy Father’s Day, Mark.

Ni Hao Y'all

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Posted by Kelly the Overthinker
Filed Under: daily life, Mark, Sunday Snapshot

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