The Question of Morals

Disclaimer:  The following is personal opinion based upon my own life experience. If you find it offensive, please remember my articles are, as always, optional reading. 

I was born into Christianity, and spent my growing up years as a pastor's daughter, living both in the states, and later overseas as a missionary kid. When I was younger,  I accepted my parents' faith as my own, which was normal and appropriate.  Children often adopt the religious views of their parents; geography and culture also play a role in determining the acceptance of a particular faith or absence thereof.  As young adults, however, we are exposed to more of the world, and acquire new information. This allows us a broader perspective with which to determine our own path in life; subsequently, our views may or may not change.  

By the time I was an adult in my late thirties, I had moved completely away from religion and considered myself a dedicated Agnostic.  I met the Dashings several years later, who also happened to share an Agnostic/Atheistic view. Since the entire family loves to engage in lively debate and approach controversial subjects from every angle, my spiritual background, combined with their own perspectives, continues to inspire fantastic philosophical discussions! 

Coming from a religious background that witnessed both sincerity and hypocrisy among its saints, I was genuinely impressed that the Dashings, as non-believers, demonstrated exemplary Christian values.  Growing up listening to a plethora of ministers and sermons, I had always been taught that the 'fruits of the spirit', (love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - Galatians 5:22-23) were the direct evidence of becoming a Christian. Of course, I realized these traits weren't specific to people of faith - if that were true, it would mean all non-believers were mean-hearted jerks! 

Truthfully, though, I had never personally seen such practical application of these values so successfully demonstrated on a daily basis.  In the absence of religion, they are not borrowing these qualities from another source, nor is there any struggle to do the right thing - the Dashings simply live it because these qualities are intrinsic to their hearts.

Since leaving the faith, I've recognized a common misconception among Christians: that a lack of faith in a higher power results in the absence of a moral code.  They seem to think that non-believers, Athiests in particular, do whatever they want and whatever feels good in the moment, simply because they don't believe in the consequence of hell. 

Sound illogical?  It is.
To assign a person's morality based upon their religious preference is highly presumptive.

Morality is defined as 'principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior'.  With all due respect to Christians, the Bible doesn't own the 'corner on the market' regarding morality, nor does being 'saved' equate to behaving like a responsible adult.  If that were the case, we'd see less believers make an embarrassing mockery of their faith when their own immoral behavior is made public, and plenty of ex-believers who suddenly become hellions or common criminals the moment they leave the faith.

Of course, since we're all imperfect humans, misrepresentations are bound to happen. However, loyalties to a particular creed should compel one to be a positive role model whose actions correctly align with his or her message. Convincing arguments in favor of any religious preference should begin, and end, with reasonable, logical discussion - leaving the name-calling and finger-pointing where it belongs - on the kindergarten playground.

In the end, how we treat others who are different is perhaps one of the best indicators of our moral condition, and the true nature of our character.  

Rika


Excerpt from I Corinthians 13

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The Family that Plays Together

I've written often of one of our favorite family activities - video gaming; that activity has taken on a whole new meaning lately! Starting on New Year's Eve and every day since, we've become wholeheartedly immersed in Final Fantasy XIV, considered by many gamers to be one of the classic MMORPGs. An MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) differs from a regular RPG (role-playing game) by the sheer multitude of online players, and the fact that the virtual world continues to exist even when you are offline and away from the game. This particular game has several different 'worlds', with the capability of concurrently housing at least 325 thousand online players.

Charles, Marie, and the children played an earlier version of this game for over 2 years! This may seem a bit mind-boggling, but it's a deeply social game with intricate layers and networked activities, which deepens your commitment to the game long term. In discussing whether our family should play the newest version together, I was initially intimidated by the thought. I'd never played an MMORPG before; additionally,Charles and Marie described the game as a 'jealous girlfriend' who got upset if you decided to spend your time otherwise engaged.  I'll tell you the truth, though - turns out my 'jealous girlfriend' isn't so jealous after all, because I willingly give her plenty of time and attention!

As adults we prioritize our household and family responsibilities, but after the work is done, the gamers in us take center stage! We set up in separate rooms on the 2nd floor, and play every night after work/school, and most of the weekend too. Sid and Karana play from their respective homes. When they come over to the house, after we've visited and caught up, it's common for them to jump online and join us IVL (in virtual life) right from our living room!

The spirit of teamwork is a key factor to this game and one of the reasons we love it so.  For instance, while my main character is a gladiator whose main goal in battle is to distract the enemy while others in the group conquer it, cooking has become my favorite side job.  By consuming meals before an important battle, our characters boost our skills and stats.  Marie's main character stays busy healing us when we are wounded, so specialized meals allow her to utilize her healing abilities more effectively. Charles' main character is a archer who keeps a keen eye on all enemies on the outskirts of a battle, eliminating them before they cause detrimental harm to the group. In his down time, he enjoys relaxing and fishing from beautiful streams, and makes a point of supplying a variety of fish for me to use in my recipes.  Kaz, Sid and Karana each have different skills that allow them to not only be an important resource during battle, but also handcraft beautiful clothing and armor for the group, thus increasing our success rate with the protection these high quality garments provide.

It's been a fantastic bonding experience for the entire family, not only in IVL, but IRL (in real life) as well.  While we do utilize the game's communication method via typing into a group chat, more often than not, we're jumping up from our room, crossing the hall and poking our heads in each others' doors, eager to share a particularly gorgeous scene, dope set of armor or newfound helpful tip.  Echoes of "Check this out!", "Have you seen this?", "Did you know you could....?", and "Can you help me with a mission real quick, please?" ring throughout the house - accompanying the sounds of battle and the game's beautiful background music! We'll take snack breaks together and run down to the kitchen for nourishment, sharing our latest adventures while we eat, then breaking off with, "Gotta get back to it, c'ya!" The resulting cacophony is a beautifully organized chaos that makes it feel like one big family dorm party!

In real life, things continue to go remarkably well:  Marie recently had a meaningful visit with her family out of state; Charles is involved in reconnecting to his parents through emails and visits to their home; Kaz is bringing home excellent grades; Sid is working and also going to school part-time; Karana's little family is doing well; our granddaughter brings us smiles and giggles with her latest accomplishments, and I've received a significant promotion at work. 

As you can see, our family shares an unusual connectivity and success rate, whether it's IVL or IRL.  We always have -- and I firmly believe we always will, for we've formed the habit of shellacking the love we share with daily kindnesses and positivity.  
No matter what the activity of the moment, whether it's gaming, family vacations, or outdoor activities, we create and experience many beautiful memories together! 

This latest game just happens to be the tool of the moment for family bonding, and we are having a fantastic time!

I'll be back soon to write more articles, but for now, my game is calling!  ^ ^

Rika

The Inner Workings of our Poly-Relationship

All poly is not the same - there are different styles, dependent upon the consensus of the people involved.  Some who practice a polyamorous lifestyle may decide to date other people as they choose, with the full consent of those in the core relationship.  For Charles, Marie and I, we have committed to a policy of polyfidelity -  a closed and exclusive relationship between the 3 of us. At some point down the road, if we meet the right person who fits our family dynamic and is able to pass a series of stringent filters, we may consider adding a fourth to our relationship.  Not because we need it, but because we could responsibly manage and enjoy one more person to love. Any addition is a future unknown, however; in our Here and Now, we are fulfilled, busy and content.

In our current relationship, Charles is what is known as the 'V' or hinge.  I am physically and romantically involved with him, and while not legally married, I'm treated with the genuine respect and loving adoration of a wife. This is with the full approval and consent of Marie, his first wife of 23 years; they have their own rich and deeply bonded relationship as well.  This means Charles works diligently to maintain two fully realized relationships simultaneously - and does a fantastic job of it, too!  Marie and I have a heterosexual girlfriend relationship that continues to blossom and flourish daily. Together the 3 of us are each others' best friends, life partners and companions.

To those considering such a lifestyle, you'll definitely experience an intricately layered relationship which is difficult to replicate elsewhere.  If you're open to evolution and growth, you'll find all the joys I speak of in The Value of More, How Does that Work Exactly?, Why I Chose to be the Other Woman; however, that joy isn't automatically part of an all-inclusive ticket to 'Disneyworld'.  A poly lifestyle takes plenty of 'elbow grease' in order to reap any benefits.

Adaptability to this type of relationship requires certain key ingredients:

• A strongly rooted sense of self-identity that isn't based upon external circumstances or other people's opinions of you; while current laws are changing, at this point, society is not willing to recognize a 3rd or 4th partner in the relationship as a 'real' spouse
• Receiving constructive criticism without getting defensive or emotional; you can't let your ego get in the way when someone is simply trying to help you
• Allowing your partners to lovingly assess and identify areas where you need improvement (and doing the same for them); it becomes ludicrous to blindly insist there isn't a issue when you've got not one, but two people telling you there's a problem
• Being willing to put in the work and invest in a great deal of communication. In these relationships both the successes and the stumbles are shared with all involved, and when necessary, discussed and examined in detail
• A personal set of filters that help you rise above the routine emotional crises and "bad days at work"; it's not fair to place the burden of that nonsense on your partners. Instead, see those relationships as a reward, not a towel.
• An ability to not only handle, but facilitate unity by allowing your partners to spend time together without you. Understand that the group relationship is only as strong as the individual ones within. Each is crucial to the growth of the family unit
• Feelings of sincere compersion when you witness the ones you love embracing or kissing; if allowed to foster, feelings of jealousy and insecurity can be the downfall of a poly relationship. Compersion - is the opposite of jealousy. What a beautiful thing to have in your heart!
• Taking ownership of your own fulfillment; discover and pursue the things that bring you joy - don't expect your partners to complete what you lack within yourself
• Effectively communicating what it is you want and need; no one else is inside your head but you and can't be expected to read your mind
• A solid sense of independence that allows you to appreciate time alone; the intense nature of a poly dynamic means everyone needs space to occasionally retreat
• neediness must be replaced by emotional strength
• A strong sense of teamwork, generosity and unselfishness; this requires replacing 'I' with 'We' in order to find the best possible solution for the greatest number of people

While a poly lifestyle is very rewarding, it takes plenty of communication and hard work to transform that communication into action that yields results.  But is it worth it? Absolutely and unequivocally!  Our own relationship has grown so much that we hardly recognize ourselves. Situations that would have stopped us short three years ago are but bumps in the road these days; we're able to resolve issues quickly and efficiently as a cohesive, seamless unit. 

The usual response I get when sharing my story is, "It's okay for you, but it's not for me." 
That's reasonable - I understand it's not for everyone, just as traditional marriage, a same sex partnership or the single life isn't for everyone. Personally, I didn't know that such a thing as poly even existed seven years ago, but it's proven a richly fertile ground for my own personal growth.  This lifestyle suits me to a T - I'm content, fulfilled and growing daily.  Now that I'm here, I can't imagine anything else, and would find it challenging to go back to what society views as a 'normal' relationship.

My reply to the above question?  "You'll never know until you try!" Regardless of your relationship status or what the future looks like to you personally, the most important thing is this:  Know who you are and what you want out of life. Then, work towards that goal. Who knows, you may find yourself in a poly lifestyle one of these days! 
After all, anything's possible if you realize an open, loving heart and keep moving forward. ^  ^

Rika

Growing Pains

To those who have a solid grasp on reality and don’t need such a reminder, please disregard the following disclaimer:  The opinions presented in this article are my own personal viewpoint based upon what has and has not worked for me. Under no circumstance should they be misinterpreted as my attempt to take over the universe by convincing others to adopt my beliefs.  Without the personal conviction of life experience and relevant understanding, that would be unwise - yet there are those who interpret free speech shared via a personal blog article as dictating a certain agenda.  It is these individuals that necessitate the constant disclaimer you see here and sprinkled throughout my previous writings.

"I want to grow.".  It indicates we want to be better, stronger, more centered...but is this something we genuinely desire to attain, or just a lofty goal designed to impress ourselves and others?  Are we open to growth only when it's convenient, or are we willing to pursue it in the midst of adversity? Personally, I think the universe sends challenging situations our way when we least expect it - and quite frankly, when we'd rather just 'take the day off from growing'.  

Growth doesn't always immediately involve 'forward motion';  sometimes it involves stepping backwards and dismantling preconceived ideas.  Philosophies deemed worthy at inception risk being mere words until they are tested and proven by personal circumstance.  It's eye-opening to experience your carefully protected beliefs crumble into an idea glued together by an emotional attachment.  It takes strength of purpose to move forward without the crutch they've provided up to this point.  For those concepts that don't make the cut when we're forced to confront them in real life, our egos can make it tough to let go.  Admitting we're wrong takes humbleness and grace, even if it's only ourselves we must face with our newfound revelations. 

Sometimes that can be the most difficult of all.

I've learned that while growing is both challenging and addictive, it can also come with a pricetag attached.  As we evolve our thinking based upon personal experience and logic, our insights may not fall within what's 'popular' or coincide with the 'Best' that others profess to want for us as individuals. Unfortunately, sometimes our growth makes other people uncomfortable - especially if it accidentally exposes their own reticence to grow.

My parents, in particular, weren't exactly thrilled upon learning about my poly lifestyle, but were doing their best to cope.  Initially, they did a fantastic job of welcoming my family as theirs; Charles and Marie were impressed by how well my parents embraced them, in spite of not condoning the situation.  We were thrilled at the prospect of all-inclusive family gatherings and made future plans to get together again.

Buoyed by their ability to handle an unfamiliar situation, I opened up to them about my change of heart regarding their religious beliefs.  Even though that particular decision was years in the making, suddenly the newness and strangeness of my recent lifestyle choices were blamed.  Multiple attempts to work with my parents toward some type of compromise were not met with favor; ultimately, my 'lack of faith' proved the catalyst for enstrangement between our families.  

I am greatly saddened by not having them involved in our lives, but I can no more go back to who I was several years ago than I can go back to being 25. Regardless of whether their objections stem from a genuine heart of concern or from their discomfort with my family structure - it hasn't been easy to deal with.  Any situation can become a positive learning experience, however, and this conflict served as an impetus for positive self-discovery.

• It drove home the fact that being passive about something important causes issues down the road when you are finally brave enough to address it.  I am no longer passive, and speak my opinions honestly and assertively.
• It spurred me to learn more about other faiths and belief systems, which solidified my own viewpoints on religion.  Although I'm by no means an expert, I'm definitely more educated about this subject than I ever was growing up in the midst of a faith-filled environment.
• I've learned that sometimes people have an emotional attachment to ideas and philosophies which prevent their ability to change their mind.  I've developed the grace that allows me to accept that I can't win every battle; I don't need to.
• It reiterated the need to have a strong sense of self-identity, one that isn't based upon external circumstances or other people.  I've found that I'm my own best friend, and who I am, deep down on the inside, is fueled by core convictions and my willingness to understand.
• It's become easier to step back and see the big picture, and use logic to isolate facts from the emotions that can cloud the issue at hand.  Using this filter process allows me to pick myself up when I fall, instead of needing someone to come and rescue me.

Instead of seeking impossible perfection, I've learned the best way to achieve peace and contentment is being honest enough to let go, to change.

I've discovered I can't make everyone happy - I'm only obligated to handle my own 'shi*, and to keep fighting for what's right.  

Rika

"Victory comes in shallow breaths." - Tivius

Katy Perry - Roar - Lyrics below

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Get ready 'cause I’ve had enough
I see it all, I see it now

[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar

Now I’m floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes
I went from zero, to my own hero

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, you hear that sound
Like thunder gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)
Get ready ’cause I’ve had enough
I see it all, I see it now

[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You’re gonna hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You'll hear me roar
Oh oh oh oh oh oh
You're gonna hear me roar...

Ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar, ro-oar

Gamer Girl Highlights 2013

In January of this year, I posted an article called Female, Forty and Fighting, in which I described myself as a casual gamer.  Looking back, I have to smile at how I've morphed into a dedicated gamer over the last several months.  I'm still every bit the girly-girl I've always been, but now I also live and breathe game-speak to the point where my co-workers know better than to ask me what I did over the weekend; they realize they'll get an enthusiastic earful of my latest adventures in gaming!  At home when we share anecdotes or stories, we've developed the habit of qualifying it beforehand as either IRL (in real life) or IVL (in virtual life), just so there's no confusion! 

A quite accurate example of facial expressions I make during gaming, lol.

We haven't yet succumbed to the Xbox One yet.  With as many Xbox 360s in the household as there are family members, this would be quite an expense - plus we're so immersed in our current game we are quite content to wait and let them work out the kinks first. 

Below I'll share a little bit about this year's gaming highlights; if you haven't already, I highly recommend you try them out for yourself!

Skylanders Giants 

Skylanders and Skylanders Giants - originally intended as children's games, we soon found that the average age of players were in their mid-30s.  With light-up action figures placed upon a portal of power, this beat-em-up, loot-collecting game lets you level up your characters' special abilities and defeat the bad guys, mash-up cartoon style.  It's a blast to play, addicting and admittedly rather expensive, as it keeps you eagerly browsing the stores to add to your character collection.  There are about 70 in all, if you include their latest game, Swap Force. We couldn't bear to part with our beloved characters after we finished the game and have them safely packed away, planning to share them with our grandchildren when the time comes!

Defiance

Defiance - a massive multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) third-person shooter set in an open world post-apocalyptic landscape.  One of my favorite features of the game are the Arkfalls, in which you battle co-op with up to 20 other online players to defeat giant creatures and collect the loot left behind.  This was my very first MMORPG and a major turning point in the development of my shooting, strategy and stealth skills.  This game was also tied into the Defiance TV series; the entire family enjoyed watching this well-written science fiction drama where humans and intelligent extraterrestrial species coexist.

Saints Row 4

Saints Row 4 - a third-person shooter action-adventure game where you play a character placed in a computer simulation by invading aliens.  Throughout the game you earn and develop superhero abilities that enable you to leap over tall buildings in a single bound and glide through the air effortlessly.  These powers aid you in eventually reclaiming earth back from the aliens through campaign missions and side quests.  Navigating in games has never been my strong point, but this game's ridiculous powers allowed me to improve that particular gaming skill.

GTA 5 (Grand Theft Auto 5) - the offline story mode allows you to switch between the intertwining lives of 3 characters in a third-person open world environment.  In Charles' opinion, veteran gamer that he is, it has one of the best story lines he's ever experienced in a video game. 
Story modes aren't usually my favorite, but as soon as I tried it, I quickly got caught up in the lives of the characters.  I'm currently completing the 
side missions necessary to gather the needed items for my first heist.

My real love, though, is the 16 multi-player online version.  Although it had a few issues upon release, most of these have been fixed and a generous $500K stimulus bestowed by Rockstar Games as remediation for those of us who experienced the initial glitches.  It recovered quickly, moving on to win Game of the Year at the 2013 Golden Joystick Awards held in London this past October,  and is also the proud owner of 7 Guinness World Records.  It also boasts the largest playable area in an open world title - approximately 50 square miles; for comparison's sake, the city of Manhattan is roughly 34 square miles.

City of Los Santos at Night

Against the gorgeous setting of Los Santos, not only can you explore the city's scenery in sandbox mode and complete the usual missions, side quests, death matches and survival missions that are intrinsic to the game - you're also able to sky dive and scuba dive, compete in tennis, golf, dart, and arm-wrestling matches as well as land, sea and air races. You can buy an apartment with up to a 10 car garage, have your friends over to visit, and work together keeping the peace or playing havoc by stealing fighter jets from the military base and escaping the cops - the choices are up to you.  The detail of the object permanence along with the dialogue of the city's inhabitants is amazing.

Night View from my GTAV apartment

It's become the entire family's obsession for the last two months; after our household responsibilities are done, we've had several weekends and endless weeknights filled with family co-op sessions of GTA 5 online.  Marie and I particularly enjoy the playing the survival missions together.  Throughout the mission, we keep a random commentary going that has Charles laughing and promising to release a 'Housewives of GTA 5' on You Tube!

Survival Mission: Boneyard

While I love playing with the family,  I enjoy developing and employing my own strategies to defeat enemies single-handedly.  I love the thrill of satisfaction that comes with completing a challenging mission on my own.  I've become quite adept at handling a sniper and assault rifle, and can't wait to level up enough to unlock my favorite weapon of all time - the invincible rocket-launcher! 

It is unfortunate that video games get such a bad rap and and get the blame when a tragedy happens.  I'm no more likely to take a gun and shoot someone in real life because I played a video game, than I am to become an artist by going to an art show, or rape someone because I'm an athiest who is portrayed as having no 'Christian' morals. Strong language?  Yes, it is, but you get my point. I agree that some games, especially GTA 5, aren't suitable for young children; accordingly, games ratings are displayed on game covers as notification for the potential buyer and/or involved parent.  Despite the negative light they are portrayed in, for the average responsible gamer, an immersive video game is a great stress reliever after a long workday.  

Lighthouse at Dusk

I no longer consider myself a casual gamer, and relish the confidence that allows me to pick up any game I choose and play it successfully.  While there are those who like to insist that gaming is a time waster, perhaps I might feel the same about someone who is an avid sports fan - it's not my thing, but to each his own, right?  For me, playing video games is a very gratifying hobby and at the core of many positive family memories. Additionally, the confidence and growth I've developed IVL mirrors the growth I've witnessed in my personal life; I can't wait to experience what happens next!

Stay tuned, Ladies and Gentlemen, this journey has just begun...

Rika

Epic GTA 5 Stunt Montages

Copter Pro - Charles' character outside my Apartment Window

What Dreams are Made Of

Love....What does it mean to you?
Is it the prepackaged type that you see in movies or read about in romance novels - or the kind that volunteers to stay up late with a sick child so your partner can get some rest?
Does it involve dinners by candlelight and rose petals scattered across the floor leading to a steamy bubble bath - or the kind that cleans up a dirty kitchen so your partner can relax on the couch after a long workday?
Does it mean enduring mediocrity on a regular basis, but gladly accepting special occasion gifts given out of obligation or guilt - or does it mean making a special late night trip to the grocery store on a weeknight, just to get your partner their favorite ice cream? 

Is your love the kind that's supportive of your partner's self-fulfillment, as long as your own identity isn't threatened - or the kind that promotes their personal growth even if it means they may outgrow you?
Does it subscribe to 'working it out' unless you are too tired to talk - or the kind that understands the loss of sleep is a small price to pay for reaching an understanding?

Does your version of love avoid conflict because you'd rather not 'upset anyone' - or is honest enough to call bullshi* on unacceptable behavior?
Does it allow those you love to possess ideals that differ from your own? Does it say "Follow your heart." "Be true to who you are.", and mean it?

Love is personal and is best proven by the substance, commitment and demonstration of the participants' hearts.  

Real Love.  What's your definition?

**A special thanks to Charles and Marie, who challenge me to bring my personal best at all times, and add their vibrancy and color to my own. Your hearts are genuine and prove every single day what real love is.  
You're the best life partners this little girl could have ever dreamed up. <333

Rika