Mort

"So, Bob? I saw a picture you made on the wall in your classroom. Who's that guy?"

"His name is Mort."

"Is Mort from a story you read?"

"No. He's just Mort."

Back-to-School Night

Dear Mom, I really hope you have lots of fun. My teacher is really nice. Thank you for letting me go to this school. Thank you for packing me good lunches. Thank you for being a great family. I hope you love Miss Wilson. I love you!
Love, Bob

It's National Dog Day

We just love him.

The Review Is In

"Bob? Did you have fun at the vow renewal party?"

"Are you kidding? It was the best night of my life."

The Vows

Photo Lora Somoza

We did it. Last night, surrounded by family and friends, we renewed our vows. We prayed, we ate, and in the Jewish tradition, Mr. Rosenberg and I were carried around on chairs as we all danced the hora. It was wonderful and I have never felt more loved.

My Vows
I promise to let the dog sleep on my side of the bed.
I promise not to take it personally when you add Sriracha hot sauce to everything I cook.
I promise to create a life of shared moments and thoughtful years.
I promise that I will love you.
I pledge to listen to your advice, most of the time.
I pledge not to take score, even if I'm totally winning.
I pledge to always admire your huge, strong, kind, and determined heart.
I pledge that I will love you.
I vow to listen for as long as it takes for you to feel heard.
I vow to stand with you as we watch our son grow to be a man.
I vow to be your cheerleader in the days when it all feels too much.
I vow that I will always love you.

Mr. Rosenberg's Vows
I will always finish the "bottom half" of your coffee when you no longer want it.
I will not ever get up in your business about haircuts or salons even though I never realized how many appointments are required to make this happen.
I will always love your point of view even if it's not (Especially because it's not) the same as mine.
I will never suggest a "couples retreat."
Even though I have a hard time living in the moment, I vow to be here now and to stay in the present going forward, because these moments include you and Bob, my favorite people.
I will always be your biggest fan - prepared to smackdown with your mom over rights to this title.
I will keep all of the happy places we have found together etched in my mind (snuggling with everyone on the bed, the dog beach in San Diego, our first time being in Cambria on the bluffs) and look forward to so many more.
I will always want to take you out on romantic make out dates.
I will always be a loving dad to Bob and get tearful when I think about how much I love our family.
I will accept and return all the love you give me.
I will take you in my pocket with me everywhere.

Photo Jennifer Heftler

Smacksy Sunday Links

You will be called on to expand.

Ways to practice compassion.

Resolving the mystery of the Mona Lisa smile. Fascinating.

And opossums eating bananas.

Happy Sunday.

Smacksy Saturday Photo: Retro Rosenbergs

2005. I was a bridesmaid in my dear friend Kim's wedding. 

Mr. Rosenberg was in his buy sunglasses at the Chevron mini-mart phase.