When we were in pre-marital counseling (with our dear ones at betweentwotrees.org) it surfaced that I was not very sweet to Brian when he was sick. Apparently I acted sort of annoyed and put out rather than kind and concerned. So lovely of me. We were working through an exercise about "unwritten rules" in your … Continue reading Tenderness
Marriage
Start There
My kids got into an argument and I'm still not really sure what about. Maybe he was the one being mean, maybe it was her, who knows. Regardless, they weren't treating each other well and it led to some yelling and crying and making a small problem into a big problem. Brian, who was fed … Continue reading Start There
I can do hard things.
Today marks two years since Poppy got her cast off. As I looked back at photos this morning, it almost felt like watching someone else's life. I can't believe we did that. I have done plenty of hard things, but the "our baby is in a spica cast" season was particularly hard. Sleep deprived and … Continue reading I can do hard things.
10 Key Things I’ve learned About Marriage
Saturday marked 10 years since the day I vowed to walk through life committed to Brian. I was 32 years old that day and after 5 years of dating him, I assumed that I was as prepared as anyone could be. But you can never know then what you know now. I have learned countless … Continue reading 10 Key Things I’ve learned About Marriage
The One Thing Every Good Dad Needs
I grew up with a dedicated father and I know what a gift that is. He miraculously figured out how to "dad" well, even though he only met his own father once and had no example to follow. And of course he isn't a perfect father (as no man is) but he is a great one. … Continue reading The One Thing Every Good Dad Needs
Glimpses of Light
I was talking with a friend recently about this season of parenting small kids. She said that her husband refers to it as "The Dark Ages." And yes, he loves his life and his wife and his babies, but I know what he means. These are some dark times. The Dark Ages lacked intellectual enlightenment (I … Continue reading Glimpses of Light
After Dinner Walk
One of my favorite past times is the After Dinner Walk. 10 minutes, 20 minutes, an hour- whatever we can pull off. Nothing beats getting out the door to roam around the neighborhood on foot. So much good in there. Being present, working off some of that meal, the beauty of the outdoors, space to … Continue reading After Dinner Walk
Diamond in the Rough
I used to be sharp. Really I was. I could remember most things, I contributed intellingenly to conversation and I could accomplish more than two tasks each day. It's somewhere in my distant memory, but I do remember (and miss) that me. I've also been looking a little rough lately. I shower less often than I go … Continue reading Diamond in the Rough
The Good Yearning
Five bunches of peonies have made their way into my house over the past two weeks. And I've been really holding back. I've mentioned my vase-collecting-flower-loving habits before, but there are certain seasons where I go hog wild. Like when peonies show up. If I don't enjoy their tight little bundles (soon to be bursting blooms) … Continue reading The Good Yearning
We Are Winning
As for chores, I don't think that mowing the lawn and doing the dishes carry the same weight. My husband mows the lawn about once a week and I do dishes for a few hours each day. He pays bills twice a month, but I do laundry always. But then I think about how he works full-time, is … Continue reading We Are Winning