Have you ever had someone say something so precious to you that you wanted to make sure you never forgot a word of it? Several weeks back, Eric and I were having a conversation with my brother-in-law, David, and my sister-in-law, Vanessa. In the midst of our conversation, David said that Vanessa was the best thing that happened to people without them even realizing it. I’m sure I didn’t get that quote exactly right, but as soon as he said it, Vanessa was floored. It was such a sweet and powerful statement. Even when we know someone loves us, it’s so reassuring and emotionally healing to hear … [Read more...]

New love is so exhilarating; it can leave you feeling like you’re floating on air. In fact, when trouble comes your way, such as a bad day at work or a fight with a friend, you can sit back, smile a silly smile, and think, “At least I have my honey!” Though new love slowly turns into experienced love, it is still fun to reminisce about those early butterfly days when you are years into your marriage. New love is awesome... for you and your sweetheart, but sometimes it can be a source of dread and boredom to those around you depending on how you handle it. When I was in high school, I can … [Read more...]

“Did you take the trash out?” “No, I’ll do it in the morning before work.” “What?!? You know you always press snooze twenty times and you’re late for work every day as it is! Take it out tonight.” “No... I’ll take it out in the morning and I’m NOT always late for work. Don’t tell me when to take out the trash. I’m a grown man! I’ll take it out when I feel like it.” “Don’t talk to me like that and if you acted like a grown man I wouldn’t have to remind you to do basic chores. Sarah Ann’s husband, Bob, never has to be reminded to do anything and he’s sweet to her ALL the time!” “Well, go live … [Read more...]

Some days it would be easier if we all just understood each other. Sure, it would be boring, but at least we wouldn't be dumbfounded when people react to the world in a completely different way than we expect. Whatever makes sense to us can seem like the only way to live. Sometimes I'll whisper something to someone and moments later that same someone is blurting it out to the world. My first thought is, “What was he or she thinking?” My second thought is, “Did he or she realize that I did not want that information repeated?” Sometimes we expect everyone to understand the world just as we … [Read more...]

When something is weighing heavily on my mind, I cannot wait to talk about it with Eric. Whether it's a good idea I have, something I want to do, or something that is causing me worry, I look forward to sharing my mind with my husband. So picture this potential scenario: Eric's been working with no breaks all day. Two people demand something of him at the end of the day. The air conditioning in his office broke down early that morning and he has been sweating all day. To make matters worse, he forgot his lunch bag and has not eaten a morsel since breakfast. While all this is going on, I am … [Read more...]