Through The Maze: A happy happy birthday

Still running for the cheese (or why this blog still exists)

As my regular readers can tell, this has been a dry year for me. Just look at the number of posts this year vs. 2008! Awhile back, I had considered either shutting down the Maze, or starting a new blog that would more accurately reflect where I am in life now. Truth be told, sometimes I come here, look around, and feel distinctly hypocrytical about the things I want to write. I'm sure I'm not the only one to ever be in that kind of place.
As the time in between posts has grown longer, I came to realize something. Without the past years' material, where I am now makes very little sense. What good is the destination without the journey? As Christians, so much of the best stuff that happens to us is in the times God is molding us to His image. To throw away the evidence of that process would somehow cheapen the result, I think.
So, here we are, dear friends. I think my little mousie may just have rounded a corner finally. Some things will change around here to reflect the changes in my heart. And you know what? That's ok. As much as I typically rage against anything changed in my life, I'm learning to accept the God-given ones. My prayer is that some of you may be encouraged by what you read here. Hey, you may even be challenged. And of course, if you know me, then you know you always stand a good chance of being offended too. Not intentionally, to be sure! Just know that what you find as you wander this Maze with me may surprise you as much as it does me.

All that to say this:

Welcome to

Monday, April 21, 2008

A happy happy birthday

Last Saturday was MonkeyMan's 7th birthday. Time flies when you're not payin' attention!

We were able to give him a real birthday for the first time. I think that gave Mr. P. a sense of pride that he has never had before. It was truly the most perfect day we could've asked for.

Earlier in the week, we were very brave (or quite stupid, depending on which way you slice it) and decided to invite all the family to our place for dinner and presents. For those who aren't in the know, there hasn't been a meeting of the in-laws (i.e. both sides of the fam) since our wedding almost 6 years ago. Yeah. That bad. Well, everyone behaved! Shock and amazement! (no, really)

The weather was beautiful. We had the windows open and the fresh air flowing. Our favorite pizza in abundance, and MonkeyMan got many of the gifts he wanted.

Then the 4 of us, plus the kids' former foster mom who is also Mr. P.'s aunt, went to Wrestlefest 12 over at Mr. P.'s old high school. It was a fundraiser put on by the NEW (Northeast Wrestling). One of Mr. P.'s old buddies wrestles for them and helped us get pretty good tickets at the last minute. Thanks again Kurt!

I really think the kids held up well, considering they were both exhausted to the extreme. Tank has been over sensitive to noise lately, so I don't think he enjoyed it as much as MonkeyMan did. We got lots of pics and even though we had to leave before it ended because it was getting too late, I really think the memories made will be treasured.

Mr. P. is particularly proud of this picture. It's him, MonkeyMan, and Samoa Joe!

Now I admit I was so impressed by this lady. Awesome Kong looks way scary on tv, but in real life, she is just so nice! She sang MonkeyMan a little birthday song and spent time chatting with the kids before this pic was taken. Yes, that's me. I'm a huge fan and couldn't help but a little childlike excited over this.

I'll pop up a few of the other decent shots I got, though I warn you. I'm a lousy photographer! I'm just learning this whole digital thing and well, I was never the best to begin with. LOL.

My menfolk before the show.