Does anyone have some to spare?
Sorry to leave you hanging, and I really do have a lot on my mind that I would love to just sit down and type out, but SHEESH! After we returned from our FABULOUS weekend, the "big red bus" (which has so affectionately become the term for our family vehicle) was unloaded...... causing a major assortment of dirty and clean laundry, bags, swim suits, and more to be generously strewn through the living room. Add to the equation that 6 children need detox or a rehab program after a weekend of being indulged by friends and family (don't misunderstand....that indulgence is exactly what I expect and even think the kids need), and you get too much work and not enough time! ;)
The weekend was restful, encouraging, refreshing....and much more. Though I don't think there was any "new" idea for the two of us, it still reminded us of our line of priorities, and we got to spend the weekend concentrating on each other. Having a strong marriage is the greatest gift we can give our children, but with 4 children 4 and under (plus 2 others) sheer volume often pushes my husband's needs much farther back than they should be. I'll do my best to elaborate more on some of the ideas and thoughts that TJ and I came home with. Most importantly, we just thoroughly enjoyed being together, adult conversation, and full nights of rest and even a few naps in between! It is hard, though, to return to "normal" circumstances, and make the shift from ideas to actual practice in our life. I've already found myself standing amid all the chores, the quarreling toddlers, the crying baby, the phone ringing, the chicken burning....and all the open communication in the world just doesn't release the same stress as a few screams and a little profanity. I also kind of like how the kids scatter when that happens. I hold much power.
Ok, so there was no profanity, this time. But you get my point. And this weekend did serve as a reminder of the power I do hold.... to destroy, or to build. To mold, or crush. To respect, or undermine. And while I may be speaking of my attitude towards my husband, there is an extremely tight link from that to the legacy I'm leaving for my children. How they view their own identity and value based on how I view/treat my husband.
Meanwhile, we're trying to plan some fantastic fun for the summer that cost little to nothing. I'm ready to enjoy the summer with my kids!
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7 comments:
What a great post. I think the most significant thing we can all give our kids is a healthy, laughter-filled and loving relationship with our spouse.
I loved this,girl!!!
You left me with a few lines to ponder...
girl, you sound so busy. i'm worried you won't be able to fit me in (my blog).
I came over through Chickadee...I had to comment because the picture of your daughter on your blog looks exactly. like. my daughter. The one with the long hair on the right. In fact, I showed her the photo and said "who's that?" and she said "me."
Too funny. And a little weird! Look forward to reading more of you over at A Familiar Path
I have three under four, I feel both your pain and your joy. There is a fourth out there, but they were all under the age of two when she was born. It was after they joined our family that I began dating my husband again. It has been wonderful. I love/hate stupid question/comments. My fave is "their father must be....." my reply is "I'm not sure, I only met him that once."
I can SO relate with you.
Glad you got some needed and deserved time away together!
Glad you guys enjoyed the weekend!
What's funny... well not really lol... is how I can even relate to pushing the husband to the "back-burner" at times... kids just need SO MUCH. Especially younger kids. I love having my babies.. but I do look forward to the day that life is easier and I have more time to focus on him. (and me lol)
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