For Valentine’s Day this year, I posted a picture on social media of my husband and I dating and then one of our current family – with kids and grandkids. Accompanying the pictures in the post, I wrote, “Choose wisely Valentines! This (dating pic) could turn into this (current pic) if you are as fortunate as I am!” But then I got to thinking and that got me to writing. I feared my quote could be misconstrued. I didn’t just Keep Reading...
Top Marriage Tips After 30 Years
Three years into our marriage, I was about 4 months pregnant. We were the first of our friends to get pregnant and were determined a pregnancy and a baby wouldn’t impact our lives in a major way. (I can hear you parents laughing now!) As part of our plan not let children impact our lives, we decided to meet at a lake to spend the weekend with our childless college friends. We picked a lake halfway between where we lived and booked a cabin. The cabin information said that it had a bed and a Keep Reading...
A Dead Cow and Young Love
Jack and I hadn't been dating long when we drove from his hometown back to college. We took a casual route on some back roads. I had my feet on the dashboard, singing along with the radio and enjoying the gentle, rolling hills when Jack said, “Look at that dead cow on the side of the road!” It was bloated and on its back. Feet sticking straight up. “Let's stop and take a picture with the cow,” were the next shocking words that came out of Jack’s mouth as he slowed the car. “Noooo, it’s Keep Reading...
Suffering Well
My grandfather will be 98 years old in January. He fell last week, broke his hip, and had a hip replacement. While caring for him, I was reminded of something that I recently read and I want to share it here. This grandfather was married to my grandmother for 58 years and cared for her when she got leukemia until she passed away. He remarried a wonderful lady and they enjoyed seventeen years together. When she, at 99 years old, became ill and began to slip away, he cared for her (risking Keep Reading...
How to Keep Your Valentine
Today is my 29th year with my Valentine. We have been married for over 26 years but we traded silly bears holding hearts, chocolate and flowers for a few years before we married. What is the secret to keeping a Valentine that long? Here are my top four: 1 ~ Go to bed mad sometimes. Yes, I just said that. And I can hear the collective gasp from the Biblically astute folks and know they are asking, “Doesn’t she know the Bible says not to let the sun go down on your anger?” Yes, I do know Keep Reading...
Wedding Fiasco
Twenty–six years ago today, I was anticipating the moment when I would stand beside my groom and we would vow to love each other forever. My bridesmaids, mother, aunt, and friends were helping me get ready for that moment. We were a busy group trying to curl hair, spray it in place, apply makeup, get dressed and keep calm! Finally, the moment had come to make my way to the back of the church. Then she said it. As I’m standing there in my dress ready to go - she said it! “You can’t get Keep Reading...
Failing my Wedding Vows?
This past August, my husband, Jack, and I celebrated 25 years of marriage! A good friend of mine was at my house one day and since the guest bathroom was occupied, I told her to use mine. She came out of my bathroom laughing and holding a picture frame. Years ago, I framed our wedding vows and hung them in our bathroom. I know that might seem strange but it seemed like a good place to hang them since we would see them daily and not many others would see them at all. Back to my friend: Keep Reading...
Owls and Chickens
As I prepare to ship out for my 25 year anniversary trip, I thought this would be appropriate to share ~ For all of my child-rearing days, I’ve been a night owl. When I worked full-time outside my home, I was more likely to hit the hay when my husband did. Then I had kids! My whole life was turned upside down - especially my sleep schedule. After the kids went to bed, that was my time. I would like to say that when the kids went to bed that it was “our” time but, to be honest, Keep Reading...