Have I ever mentioned that my husband has a zany imagination? I mean off the wall, nutty stuff comes out of his head sometimes! During our dating years, we always spent the summers apart while I worked at a camp in Massachusetts and he went home to Ohio for various jobs. While separated the letters and phone calls would fly back and forth. But I loved the letters! So often they were silly drawings or tapes of him reading books to me or completely random letters filled with ridiculous things.
Occasionally I still get letters from him that bring out his silly side. But more often than not we are more serious now that we're parents and have the weight of responsibility on our shoulders.
But just recently, he has started to pass on his quirky imagination to our children. Every week or so, as we sit around the dinner table, he will begin a sentence. Perhaps something as simple as, "Billy went with his mom to the barber shop on Saturday. When they entered the shop, Billy was astonished to see ..." and then he'll look at the child to his right and let them fill in the blank. He plays the part of the narrator while we all take turns filling in the blanks with silly and often ridiculous phrases.
We laugh and giggle and snort and snicker as the story gets wilder and wilder. And before we are ready the story is done. But what I love is that my man has used his own funny imagination to teach our kids to use theirs all while having a fun family time.
Our latest story was about a Buckeye nut and a lonely letter in a mailbox. The letter had large freckled feet! Of all things. But, that's what my sweet girl came up with. She is her Daddy's girl. And now, whenever we need a laugh, we mention the freckled feet and the whole family bursts out laughing.
A good imagination is a sad thing to waste! If you've been blessed with one, use it!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A late night with a hot date!
It's hard to believe that it's almost been a month since my last post. I keep thinking about blogging, but there is just too much to write! I can't seem to get my mind to settle on any one thing.
So, I'll start out with a fun time I recently had with my beloved. After VBS finished (see future posts), I got really sick. Apparently I was run down - which really shouldn't surprise those of you who have seen how I tend to throw myself into projects. Anyway, I got sick just as my two older boys left for a week at Grandma's. That was Friday night. Finally on Wednesday, I had my first day without a fever. Little did I know that my sweet husband had planned a surprise date for us!
Our little ones were headed over to the other grandparents for a sleepover - which left Josh and I with actual date time on our hands! So, on Wednesday morning, I naturally posed the question, "What are we going to do tonight?" To which he replied, "Oh. You and the kids need to be ready at 2:15. We're dropping them off and going someplace special. Wear sneakers." Hmm. Cryptic message! I tried asking a zillion more questions to no avail. He was not budging and I was completely in the dark about our "special date".
So, at 2:15, we dropped off the kids and headed out of town. Except we didn't go the direction I expected. I thought perhaps we were going to play golf or disc golf. Or perhaps hiking. I was slightly concerned because after being sick for so long I had very little stamina and very little nourishment inside of me. Wearing sneakers made me fear that he had ambitious plans! But, as we drove east and south, I realized we were not going to any place I had imagined. And as we crossed the state line, I really began to wonder what was up.
Eventually I figured out that we were headed to Chicago. Wow! A really big date!!! But still, my sweet man would not tell me what the plans were. We arrived after about three hours in the car and rushed to Millenium Park. Once there, I found that we were just in time for the concert in the park. Now, my man knows that I grew up going to classical concerts and really miss them. I feel like I listen to lots of church music and lots of kid music, but rarely get to enjoy the classical music that is near and dear to my heart. So, this man who knows every little thing about me planned and schemed to bring me to a classical concert all the way in Chicago!
After sitting and enjoying the concert - did I mention that we unkowingly sat in donor seats and consequently had an EXCELLENT view - we decided to walk around the city a bit. Most shops were closing by that time, so we didn't do any shopping, but just walked around the city and talked. What a wonderful, unfettered few hours! Finally around 10pm we stopped to eat dinner. The food was okay, but the company was great.
Eventually we hopped back in the car and headed for home. Our drive took much longer than expected because of construction and we didn't get home until quarter to three in the morning! Good gracious! When was the last time I went on a date and didn't get home until the wee hours of the morning?!! I can't even remember.
So here's to my brilliant husband - who after 11 years of marriage can still surprise me and knock my socks off! Thanks, love!!
So, I'll start out with a fun time I recently had with my beloved. After VBS finished (see future posts), I got really sick. Apparently I was run down - which really shouldn't surprise those of you who have seen how I tend to throw myself into projects. Anyway, I got sick just as my two older boys left for a week at Grandma's. That was Friday night. Finally on Wednesday, I had my first day without a fever. Little did I know that my sweet husband had planned a surprise date for us!
Our little ones were headed over to the other grandparents for a sleepover - which left Josh and I with actual date time on our hands! So, on Wednesday morning, I naturally posed the question, "What are we going to do tonight?" To which he replied, "Oh. You and the kids need to be ready at 2:15. We're dropping them off and going someplace special. Wear sneakers." Hmm. Cryptic message! I tried asking a zillion more questions to no avail. He was not budging and I was completely in the dark about our "special date".
So, at 2:15, we dropped off the kids and headed out of town. Except we didn't go the direction I expected. I thought perhaps we were going to play golf or disc golf. Or perhaps hiking. I was slightly concerned because after being sick for so long I had very little stamina and very little nourishment inside of me. Wearing sneakers made me fear that he had ambitious plans! But, as we drove east and south, I realized we were not going to any place I had imagined. And as we crossed the state line, I really began to wonder what was up.
Eventually I figured out that we were headed to Chicago. Wow! A really big date!!! But still, my sweet man would not tell me what the plans were. We arrived after about three hours in the car and rushed to Millenium Park. Once there, I found that we were just in time for the concert in the park. Now, my man knows that I grew up going to classical concerts and really miss them. I feel like I listen to lots of church music and lots of kid music, but rarely get to enjoy the classical music that is near and dear to my heart. So, this man who knows every little thing about me planned and schemed to bring me to a classical concert all the way in Chicago!
After sitting and enjoying the concert - did I mention that we unkowingly sat in donor seats and consequently had an EXCELLENT view - we decided to walk around the city a bit. Most shops were closing by that time, so we didn't do any shopping, but just walked around the city and talked. What a wonderful, unfettered few hours! Finally around 10pm we stopped to eat dinner. The food was okay, but the company was great.
Eventually we hopped back in the car and headed for home. Our drive took much longer than expected because of construction and we didn't get home until quarter to three in the morning! Good gracious! When was the last time I went on a date and didn't get home until the wee hours of the morning?!! I can't even remember.
So here's to my brilliant husband - who after 11 years of marriage can still surprise me and knock my socks off! Thanks, love!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Remember who you are
Parents seem to always have little gems of wisdom to impart to their children at just the right moment. My husband's mother always says, "Don't forget!" as her children depart from her presence. It means, "Don't forget I love you", but was shortened to "Don't forget" so that her teens would know what she was saying without being embarrassed in front of their friends.
As we are entering into the world of preteen, I've been contemplating what I can say to our children that will have a lasting impact even when they are out of my presence. I want to impart some important words. If it's the last thing I say to them, what should it be?
My Dad always said the same words to me throughout junior high and high school. Every time he dropped me off at a dance, a friend's house, a music or sport practice or even for youth group, he'd say, "Remember who you are". At the time, I thought I knew what he meant. "Remember who you are". You are a member of our family. What you do and say and the choices you make reflect directly on our family. At least that's what my teen mind heard.
As I have matured in wisdom over the years (ha!), I've come to realize that I completely misunderstood what my Dad was trying to tell me. He wasn't admonishing me to keep the family name squeaky clean. He was reminding me to remember who I am in Christ. He was reminding me to keep my focus on what, or rather WHO, I stand for. To keep my eyes pinned on the One who made me and saved me and not to get caught up in what my friends were doing. Pretty good wisdom to impart to your child as they leave your protection.
So, here I sit, wondering what I should be saying to my kids each time they leave my reach. I don't have the words yet, but I'm sure they'll come. Until then, let me admonish you ... Remember who you are and Don't forget!
As we are entering into the world of preteen, I've been contemplating what I can say to our children that will have a lasting impact even when they are out of my presence. I want to impart some important words. If it's the last thing I say to them, what should it be?
My Dad always said the same words to me throughout junior high and high school. Every time he dropped me off at a dance, a friend's house, a music or sport practice or even for youth group, he'd say, "Remember who you are". At the time, I thought I knew what he meant. "Remember who you are". You are a member of our family. What you do and say and the choices you make reflect directly on our family. At least that's what my teen mind heard.
As I have matured in wisdom over the years (ha!), I've come to realize that I completely misunderstood what my Dad was trying to tell me. He wasn't admonishing me to keep the family name squeaky clean. He was reminding me to remember who I am in Christ. He was reminding me to keep my focus on what, or rather WHO, I stand for. To keep my eyes pinned on the One who made me and saved me and not to get caught up in what my friends were doing. Pretty good wisdom to impart to your child as they leave your protection.
So, here I sit, wondering what I should be saying to my kids each time they leave my reach. I don't have the words yet, but I'm sure they'll come. Until then, let me admonish you ... Remember who you are and Don't forget!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
A Tribute to my Sister
I'm writing this entry simply for the purpose of providing a laugh for my sister. It was her birthday yesterday and while I'd love to share the backstories behind all of these one-liners, there simply isn't space or time. So happy birthday, Sis, and I hope you enjoy this walk through memory lane! These are in no particular order. And I apologize for the large amounts of space after some pictures. That's just how they scanned in.
~ bumpy, striped pink wallpaper with giant flowers!
~ you arriving home from college with Jim's class ring on a chain around your neck and a dreamy look in your eyes at ALL times.
~ Red, Red Wine and I Just Called to Say I Love You - the first "rock" songs I knew courtesy of you.
~ the way your rug in junior high and high school always had coins stuck in it. It was a shag rug and I always knew where to go to find some extra cash! (I don't think I've ever told you that!!!)
~ the day you got special horse riding clothes - complete with the hat!
~ you and Holly playing dress up with me as the doll. Lets not go into details - I'm still scarred by the memory.
~ getting letters from you while you were in college. You've always been the one who's good at that!
~ you and your friends jumping off the top bunk onto a beanbag.
~ Jaws the mouse and Jasper the parakeet
~ you helping me write my very first love note/card complete with bubble writing and a fancy sticker!
~ playing in the playhouse that Grampy made for us.
~ watching you sneak into the house in summertime to watch a soap opera and almost daring to tattle so that mom would put on something we could both watch. Although, somehow I knew that idea wouldn't quite work out in favor of either of us!
~ the kartwheel that knocked out my bottom two teeth!
~ the cruise in Hawaii when everyone asked for pictures with the fair skinned, blue eyed girls. We felt like celebrities!
~ the license plate of your first car - I still remember it!
~ the fear I felt when I heard you'd crashed that car.
~ you playing with baby David on the floor when I was sick with the stomach flu and Josh was away.
~ hearing your laughter as you tell funny stories about your boys
~ going to the Dairy Bar at UConn as kids
~ sleepovers in your room on Christmas eve and your strict rule that I could not wake you up until 7am. I broke that rule every year!
~ giggling together until late at night during those sleepovers.
~ the youth group New Years Eve overnight at 49.
~ one of your birthday parties (I think you were 10) when everyone got a punch balloon! I had just had a shot in the butt that day and couldn't even sit down for your party.
~ your beautiful voice raised in song with three others at PCC.
~ napkin fights between you, me and Dad
~ matching sweaters for Christmas from Gail. Gorgeous sweaters!
~ many matching clothes made for us by mom.
~ you explaining to me about the birds and the bees at Grampy's house. And I didn't believe you!!
~ special luncheons at the Manchester house
~ how beautiful you looked on your wedding day!
~ getting baptized together
~ how much you remind me of Nana with your passion for cooking
~ going over to Nana and Papa's to play cards, eat sandwiches with the crust cut off or ravioli and drink iced tea with about a pound of sugar in it, and snagging candy out of the soup bowl! Oh, and I particularly remember that Nana kept a jar of double stuffed oreos just for you!
~ our time in Vienna with the Grissen kids and no parents for several days. What fun that was!
~ going to a craft fair together just after I got married. The woman at the gate sold us one adult and one child ticket. Guess who was mistaken for the child?!!!
~ Fluffenutter and PeanutButter the lop-eared bunnies
~ the beach ... searching for shells, swimming, building castles and throwing mud.
~ your love of all things nature
These are just a few. If I think longer, the list will never end! We've had some great times together and I look forward to many more over the years. Happy birthday, Christy! I love you! And may this year be full of wonderful memories with your own sweet family!
~ bumpy, striped pink wallpaper with giant flowers!
~ you arriving home from college with Jim's class ring on a chain around your neck and a dreamy look in your eyes at ALL times.
~ Red, Red Wine and I Just Called to Say I Love You - the first "rock" songs I knew courtesy of you.
~ the way your rug in junior high and high school always had coins stuck in it. It was a shag rug and I always knew where to go to find some extra cash! (I don't think I've ever told you that!!!)
~ the day you got special horse riding clothes - complete with the hat!
~ you and Holly playing dress up with me as the doll. Lets not go into details - I'm still scarred by the memory.
~ getting letters from you while you were in college. You've always been the one who's good at that!
~ you and your friends jumping off the top bunk onto a beanbag.
~ Jaws the mouse and Jasper the parakeet
~ you helping me write my very first love note/card complete with bubble writing and a fancy sticker!
~ playing in the playhouse that Grampy made for us.
~ watching you sneak into the house in summertime to watch a soap opera and almost daring to tattle so that mom would put on something we could both watch. Although, somehow I knew that idea wouldn't quite work out in favor of either of us!
~ the kartwheel that knocked out my bottom two teeth!
~ the cruise in Hawaii when everyone asked for pictures with the fair skinned, blue eyed girls. We felt like celebrities!
~ the license plate of your first car - I still remember it!
~ the fear I felt when I heard you'd crashed that car.
~ you playing with baby David on the floor when I was sick with the stomach flu and Josh was away.
~ hearing your laughter as you tell funny stories about your boys
~ going to the Dairy Bar at UConn as kids
~ sleepovers in your room on Christmas eve and your strict rule that I could not wake you up until 7am. I broke that rule every year!
~ giggling together until late at night during those sleepovers.
~ the youth group New Years Eve overnight at 49.
~ one of your birthday parties (I think you were 10) when everyone got a punch balloon! I had just had a shot in the butt that day and couldn't even sit down for your party.
~ your beautiful voice raised in song with three others at PCC.
~ napkin fights between you, me and Dad
~ matching sweaters for Christmas from Gail. Gorgeous sweaters!
~ many matching clothes made for us by mom.
~ you explaining to me about the birds and the bees at Grampy's house. And I didn't believe you!!
~ special luncheons at the Manchester house
~ how beautiful you looked on your wedding day!
~ getting baptized together
~ how much you remind me of Nana with your passion for cooking
~ going over to Nana and Papa's to play cards, eat sandwiches with the crust cut off or ravioli and drink iced tea with about a pound of sugar in it, and snagging candy out of the soup bowl! Oh, and I particularly remember that Nana kept a jar of double stuffed oreos just for you!
~ our time in Vienna with the Grissen kids and no parents for several days. What fun that was!
~ going to a craft fair together just after I got married. The woman at the gate sold us one adult and one child ticket. Guess who was mistaken for the child?!!!
~ Fluffenutter and PeanutButter the lop-eared bunnies
~ the beach ... searching for shells, swimming, building castles and throwing mud.
~ your love of all things nature
These are just a few. If I think longer, the list will never end! We've had some great times together and I look forward to many more over the years. Happy birthday, Christy! I love you! And may this year be full of wonderful memories with your own sweet family!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
To my sweet children ...
Kiddos,
I'm sorry if I scared you today. It's not often that you see me cry. Although, I don't mind if you do. But today, you couldn't see me and you just heard my heartache. I know you were worried and I'm so thankful that you care so much for me!
Not to worry, Mom's gonna be fine. I've just been dealing with this fever for days and finally hit my breaking point. I want so much to be up and caring for you all and for Dad. I want to play with you. I want to watch the older boys play soccer before camp is over. I want to do fun things with the younger two while the older two are out. I want to enjoy this last week of no school before we start back in next week. But, I'm sick and can't do those things. And you've been so sweet and so forgiving.
But my loves, I hope you are learning a lesson while I am sick. I hope you are watching your Daddy closely and seeing what a great man he is! Boys, take note of how tenderly he cares for me. Watch how he patiently waits for me to communicate my needs and how selflessly he gives of his time and energy to serve me. Learn now so that when you have a wife you can care for her in such a way. Such a woman will be truly blessed!
My sweet girl, long for a man who will treat you like Daddy treats me. You'll never find a perfect man, but don't settle for someone who won't allow you to flourish and grow. Find someone who appreciates your strengths and doesn't belittle you for your weaknesses. A man who will stick with you during your ugly moments - both on the inside and out! A man who will pray for you and with you.
My children, I can't stand to be sick and unable to care for you. But if I must, I hope that you learn what a man can be by watching Dad. You can know that he loves you because he cares so well for me.
I'm sorry if I scared you today. It's not often that you see me cry. Although, I don't mind if you do. But today, you couldn't see me and you just heard my heartache. I know you were worried and I'm so thankful that you care so much for me!
Not to worry, Mom's gonna be fine. I've just been dealing with this fever for days and finally hit my breaking point. I want so much to be up and caring for you all and for Dad. I want to play with you. I want to watch the older boys play soccer before camp is over. I want to do fun things with the younger two while the older two are out. I want to enjoy this last week of no school before we start back in next week. But, I'm sick and can't do those things. And you've been so sweet and so forgiving.
But my loves, I hope you are learning a lesson while I am sick. I hope you are watching your Daddy closely and seeing what a great man he is! Boys, take note of how tenderly he cares for me. Watch how he patiently waits for me to communicate my needs and how selflessly he gives of his time and energy to serve me. Learn now so that when you have a wife you can care for her in such a way. Such a woman will be truly blessed!
My sweet girl, long for a man who will treat you like Daddy treats me. You'll never find a perfect man, but don't settle for someone who won't allow you to flourish and grow. Find someone who appreciates your strengths and doesn't belittle you for your weaknesses. A man who will stick with you during your ugly moments - both on the inside and out! A man who will pray for you and with you.
My children, I can't stand to be sick and unable to care for you. But if I must, I hope that you learn what a man can be by watching Dad. You can know that he loves you because he cares so well for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
