my gift to tom: a bicycle built for two!

I must say that I was so, so, so excited to give this to Tom. I really wanted to come up with something good. I knew I couldn't top his thirty day countdown idea, but I at least wanted to surprise him. He's not easy to surprise, and not easy to find gifts for either. So, when this idea popped in my head, I was absolutely thrilled on a few levels. First: he just had his 6th knee surgery about a month ago, and one of the things he can do is ride a bike. But, how much more fun could it be right next to each other. Plus, if he gets tired, I can do most of the work. Second: it's for an anniversary gift. The symbolism of a bike for two on an anniversary is so perfect! I think it should be the gift for the 30th from now on! Well, maybe a little earlier in the marriage - before knees are hurting. Ha Ha Forget the diamonds or pearls or gold or whatever. The bike inspires togetherness and activity and bonding and love! We can ride to the beach or the woods or take it with us out of town, so we can sight-see together. I can't wait!

one: bracelet

Happy 30th Anniversary to us! We have reached the final day of Tom's ever-so-creative gift to me. What a lot of work it was for him! What a lot of fun for me! Thirty different cards and thirty different gifts. Tom is an amazing man, and he e is the best gift I could ever have. He's my best friend, my knight in shining armor, my loyal protector, my generous provider, and above all, he doesn't just have my back, he is my back. (sigh) He lifts me up when I'm down, he encourages all my dreams, he makes me laugh, he challenges me, and he lets me be me. I know I was blessed beyond anything I could have imagined when God allowed me to be with this wonderful man he created. I am honored and humbled. I love you lots, honey!

two: chicken salt and pepper shakers

Yes! More stuff for the kitchen! Yes! More chicken stuff for the smiles! I don't like to go overboard on chicken decor, but these are awfully cute, and I really didn't have any salt and pepper shakers like these. Practical and adorable - that's a great combination. Only one more gift left....

three: cast-iron grill pan

Tom knows I love a good cast-iron. It is so perfect for cooking, and of course it is old fashioned, so what's not to love? This is a pan for searing meats. I wonder if he's hinting to me that he wants a good, juicy steak? Won't they look beautiful?

four: holly yashi earrings

These are beautiful earrings! When the sun shines on them, they cast glittery sparkles all around the room - like a disco ball. They are really appropriate because Tom used to go crazy over buying these for me in our early marriage - until I finally told him enough of the Holly Yashi earrings. It turns out the company, which was started right in our home town, is also celebrating their 30th anniversary: Extremely perfect!

five: dish towels

Aren't new dishtowels the greatest? Stain free, snag free, and beautiful. It's so nice to reach for a brightly colored towel. My other towels were very boring, and these are so cheerful. Some might not be exited for towels, but I love useful things - and I will dance around the kitchen with these! Yippee for new towels!

six: a toaster

Well, I guess no wedding or anniversary would be complete without the gift of a toaster! Ha Ha So, here's mine. Actually, I am really glad to get this from Tom. We have been without a toaster for at least a couple of months. Last time after I cleaned out the crumb tray, it quit working when I plugged it back in. It might have been the only time I cleaned it out. Maybe it just couldn't handle the stress. I'm not really sure. But, yay! We have a toaster again!