Down Time

Our nights are usually crazy trying to fit everything in before bedtime so the kids don't wake up tired. The other night was such a blessing though. We had about an hour where we were just chilling. I was sitting on the couch, C. snuggled up so he could tell me about his day, the girls were dancing to some sweet tunes. Even K. was joining in, trying to spin and put her arms out pretty like she was one of the big girls. Pretty soon, C. was showing us the steps he was learning in school (one, two, three, bow...One, two, three, stop). Then it turned into A. and C. dancing together and me showing them some basic lifts (John was wondering if he needed to step in at this point, but the look on my face was enough to tell him he had better not :). It was just so nice. One of those nights where I look around, surrounded by people I love more than life, and realize how blessed I am. I wish I could have bottled up the evening and saved it to enjoy again and again.

What is Love?

My sister and I always joke about how different our husbands are from most of the other guys we dated back in the day. When we were young and in high school, the stereotypical displays of affection scored big points. There were dozens and dozens of love notes, flowers, obviously well-thought out dates, etc. I have to admit too that we seemed quite skilled at manipulating (don't know about that being the nicest word) our followers into producing these love tokens (we knew how to be clear about what we wanted, and we got it :). Fast forward to now. I've been married for almost 9 years, we have four kids, a dog, a house to take care of, a fridge to keep full, a sink to keep empty, a job to bring home the bacon, some seriously time-consuming church responsibilities, etc. Going into our marriage, I knew John would never win any awards for "leading romantic man." All of his love notes were occasion cards, just not the occasion we were celebrating. My valentines card was a "Get Well" card. For my birthday I received a "Sympathy" one. And it was rare that John actually signed his name. Most of my love notes from the time were from "Travis." The first time John tried to give me a flower (bought from a lady on the pier), his approach was so comical, I seriously thought he bought it as a joke for his friend Todd who happened to be with us. I think the whole event ended with him throwing the rose in the ocean. Our first kiss....I won't even go there. Let's just say we both agree it would win awards for "Least Romantic Kiss."

But here is the point. I don't have a Costco membership. John signed up with his mom before we were ever dating, and it never seemed to be a problem until the last year or so. We liked going to Costco together, it was kind of fun. But now with all the demands on our time, it is really hard to find a night we can squeeze it in. I know we need to fix this, but that is another story. So the other night I ran out of milk (I hate that I'm in that stage of life where I run out of milk). Considering everything else I needed at Costco, I decided we better make a trip. I asked John if we could pick him up for lunch and head to the Costco by his work. Nice hubby that he is, he agreed. Well, lunchtime was coming and he called. He said he'd just meet us at home, we'd go to the one down here, and that way he'd be able to help me unload it all before heading back to work. Now THAT is romantic. The kind of romantic that doesn't win awards, but leaves a bigger mark on my heart than flowery words and plants. Right before he called, I was thinking about how much I was not looking forward to unloading everything and putting it away.

We get programmed in our culture to assess love based on the things the world has deemed "romantic." But really...what is more romantic? What is a better indicator that our spouse loves us? I love my husband. I love that he changes diapers, that he does the dishes WHILE he's watching the kids so I can take care of the Young Women. I love that he goes to work everyday even though there have been times it was total misery. I love that he will drop anything to be with me when I need him. I love that not only did he not get upset with me when I backed into his car, but he felt bad that I was so upset. I love that he shares the computer and the tv :) I love that he never complains when we are having another crappy dinner. I love that he lets me put my cold feet on him at night. I love that he'll give me his jacket even though it is my own dang fault that I didn't bring one. I love that he pushes me to do things that are in my best interest. I love that he never complains about how much I like to hang out with my family. I love that he takes out the trash. I love that he'll get up in time to take Carston to school every day. I love that when he's all out of options to lift my spirits, he never fails to resort to tackling or tickling me. I'm so blessed to have such an amazing husband who loves me in the ways that truly matter.
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1. What other grown man climbs on the M&M in New York? 2. Is it really that funny when you get in my shot of the shower I like? 3. Why in the world was it so important for me to get on your shoulders? 4. I don't think any other 30 year old man had as much fun as you did in the subway-nor was there another wife more embarrassed :) 5. Do you see my frustration in trying to get a picture of us we could actually use?













(Chelsey-John no longer has legitimacy when he calls you a "poser")

Itching for a change

I'm in a funk. I think it is because we had an offer on a house I REALLY REALLY wanted! It was perfect for my plans of part-time homeschooling to start next fall. RIGHT next to a school. It had an AWESOME layout: all the bedrooms on the top floor, nice open space on the main with two large family rooms, etc. It was also in need of serious updating: I know that would be a drawback for most people, but it is a serious bonus in my book. Anyway, it was a short sale, we had an offer on it, the only offer, and they detained foreclosure because of our offer. So we wait. We were prepared to wait...that's what "short" sale means right? Waiting. Well, come to find out, while the sellers have the house up for sale, they are trying to negotiate with the bank for a loan modification so they can lower their payment and stay in their house. So things are not looking in our favor. I'd do the same thing if I was in their position, but I'm still bummed. I know the Lord will lead us to the right place at the right time. I know that without a doubt. But I'm still bummed. I was really trying not to get my hopes up about that house...but...obviously I did. So now I'm in a funk. And I'm itching to get out of it. I've been drawn to finding great remodeling blogs. Things that will inspire me. But instead of cheering me up, I think it is having the opposite effect. I don't have a new house to remodel. It would just be silly to spend money remodeling this one if we are leaving. I have already organized my house from top to bottom, so that form of appeasement is out. The only place left is my garage and it is sooooo cold that isn't even a realistic option. What to do.... Shopping comes to mind, but I don't want to spend money out of boredom and I've already hit all the after-Christmas clearances. Ideas?