Today, hubby and I celebrate 13 years of marriage.
There are times it feels like we have been together forever...and other times it seems like it cannot be 13 years already.
In celebration of this anniversary, I would like to take this time to list 13 things I love about my hubby.
1. He makes me laugh. Everyday.
2. He believes in me, even when I don't believe in myself.
3. He is a hard worker, and good provider.
4. His personality shines - brightly when needed, and allows me to shine as well.
5. His hugs....strong, close, and warm.
6. He is a wonderful father to our children.
7. His patience - with me, the kids, and life.
8. He gives more of himself than I could ever ask. From working with Miss M on math homework before he leaves for work, volunteering time to coach Drewby's football team to helping around the house when I am consumed with my depression/anxiety or volunteer duties.
9. His positive outlook on life (I could use some of that to rub off on me!)
10. He can cook!
11. He knows what little things mean the most to me...from foot rubs and back stratching to chocolate and sleeping in.
12. He accepts me as I am....whether my anxiety and depression are in full force, or under control.
And last, but certainly not least,
13. He loves me....unconditionally and totally, through all the good and bad times we've had....and all that are yet to come.
So, as I celebrate 13 years of marriage to this wonderful man of my dreams, I want to thank him...for all the things listed above, and all the things I haven't listed.
Thank you for the last 13 years of marriage, for giving me two wonderful children, and for all the little gifts, and large sacrifices.
I love you honey, and always will.
Til next time, I'll still be...
Happily married, and
Being Brenda
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Continued Prayers
On Friday I posted about some misfortunes to the hubbies of two of my dear friends, as well as my mom.
My mom is still in pain; however, she is moving around - although slowly. She never did go to the doctor or ER.
I have not heard back from my friend whose hubby was in the car accident.
I do know her hubby is home. They have a hospital bed set up in their family room for him, and home nurses are coming daily to help her with his care.
We continue to pray for this family daily.
My dear friend, and neighbor just left my house.
Her hubby is still in the hospital, after emergency open heart surgery from an aortic tear.
He is awake now, but has suffered from some complications, which they are hoping will resolve themselves.
His kidneys are not functioning properly, although they are functioning which is a good sign.
He is also having difficulty moving his right side, as well as speaking. The doctors have stated that speech is controlled by the same area/side of the brain as right side movement, and that this will come in time, along with some therapy.
Please continue keeping these dear friends of mine in your prayers.
They are both amazing women, and have families to continue caring for as well as husband's now needing more than all their wives have to give.
Til next time, I'll still be...
Being Brenda
My mom is still in pain; however, she is moving around - although slowly. She never did go to the doctor or ER.
I have not heard back from my friend whose hubby was in the car accident.
I do know her hubby is home. They have a hospital bed set up in their family room for him, and home nurses are coming daily to help her with his care.
We continue to pray for this family daily.
My dear friend, and neighbor just left my house.
Her hubby is still in the hospital, after emergency open heart surgery from an aortic tear.
He is awake now, but has suffered from some complications, which they are hoping will resolve themselves.
His kidneys are not functioning properly, although they are functioning which is a good sign.
He is also having difficulty moving his right side, as well as speaking. The doctors have stated that speech is controlled by the same area/side of the brain as right side movement, and that this will come in time, along with some therapy.
Please continue keeping these dear friends of mine in your prayers.
They are both amazing women, and have families to continue caring for as well as husband's now needing more than all their wives have to give.
Til next time, I'll still be...
Being Brenda
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Playing Favorites
I am in a very awkward situation.
When hubby and I got married, nearly 13 years ago, I knew I was not favored by my future in-laws.
I came from a single parent household, was a well-educated, and a self-sufficient young woman.
I had a career.
My husband openly admitted to me he was the first-born (of 5 kids) in his family, but so not the favorite.
My in-laws did not welcome me openly into their family.
Matter of fact, the picture of hubby and I on our wedding day with his family places he and I in the back row. You cannot even see my whole face!
Basically you see my eyes and veil.
Yes, this picture still hangs in their living room.
It has, to say the least, made for some awkward family gatherings.
Fast forward to the present day.
Miss M is the oldest of my in-laws grandchildren, and is the only grand-daughter.
Drewby is the third born grandchild.
There are currently 6 grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Here is my predicament.
Drewby plays flag football every Saturday morning at 9:30am.
Emily cheers every Sunday at 2pm. Field hockey games are only played at two tournaments all fall, one was last weekend, one is the end of October.
Now, hubby's next youngest brother, has 3 boys. Two, M and J play soccer. Every Saturday and Sunday.
My in-laws also watch these boys and their younger brother, three days a week - and always have.
So here was my conversation with Drewby today.
D: "Mommy, are grandma and grandpa coming to my game today?"
Me: "Oh, I don't know sweety"
Hubby: "I don't know. I haven't heard from or talked to my parents all week."
(Let me digress here for a moment. I think this says TONS about hubby's relationship with his parents. I cannot imagine going a whole week without talking to my mom at least once. My dad is a different story altogether, for another time.)
D: "But why don't they come see my games. They go to M and J's games every weekend."
Here is where I, as well as hubby, were stumped.
We didn't realize Drewby, in his nearly 7 years of life, would be so aware of this fact.
My in-laws play favorites.
And my kids aren't it.
Miss M has made the same observation.
To date, my in-laws have come to one of Miss M's games to see her cheer (arrived late and left right after half-time), one of Drewby's football games, and one of her field hockey games.
Some weekends, they go to up to two or three soccer games for the nephews.
I am trying to be a bigger person and find a way to explain the in-laws behavior to my kids.
However, I am really getting tired of not only having the in-laws treat me poorly, but now my kids.
Hubby claims that his parents are not "football" people.
Really?
It's their grandkids. I don't think it should matter what they are playing.
So I figure I have a few options here:
1) Continue status quo and just tell my kids that grandma and grandpa had other plans and couldn't make it even though they do ( cough, cough) try.
2) Tell the kids as it is. Grandma and grandpa prefer to go see M and J because they (like them better) play soccer, and that it a sport they like to watch.
3) Have Miss M and Drewby ask grandma and grandpa this question themselves. And see what is said.
or 4) Call my in-laws and give them a piece of my mind!
Numbers 2 and 4 would probably start an argument with hubby, so not the way I want to go.
Number 1 is what I have been doing and am really tired of it.
So, I am left thinking Number 3 it is.
Actually, I would like to just make a point of NOT involving my in-laws is any way in our lives, but I don't think that is an option.
Hubby stays pretty low key over this, as he is used to having favorites played.
He firmly believes in just accepting his parents, and the way they treat our kids, and having our kids do the same.
What do you think?
Til next time, I'll still be...
Being Brenda
When hubby and I got married, nearly 13 years ago, I knew I was not favored by my future in-laws.
I came from a single parent household, was a well-educated, and a self-sufficient young woman.
I had a career.
My husband openly admitted to me he was the first-born (of 5 kids) in his family, but so not the favorite.
My in-laws did not welcome me openly into their family.
Matter of fact, the picture of hubby and I on our wedding day with his family places he and I in the back row. You cannot even see my whole face!
Basically you see my eyes and veil.
Yes, this picture still hangs in their living room.
It has, to say the least, made for some awkward family gatherings.
Fast forward to the present day.
Miss M is the oldest of my in-laws grandchildren, and is the only grand-daughter.
Drewby is the third born grandchild.
There are currently 6 grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Here is my predicament.
Drewby plays flag football every Saturday morning at 9:30am.
Emily cheers every Sunday at 2pm. Field hockey games are only played at two tournaments all fall, one was last weekend, one is the end of October.
Now, hubby's next youngest brother, has 3 boys. Two, M and J play soccer. Every Saturday and Sunday.
My in-laws also watch these boys and their younger brother, three days a week - and always have.
So here was my conversation with Drewby today.
D: "Mommy, are grandma and grandpa coming to my game today?"
Me: "Oh, I don't know sweety"
Hubby: "I don't know. I haven't heard from or talked to my parents all week."
(Let me digress here for a moment. I think this says TONS about hubby's relationship with his parents. I cannot imagine going a whole week without talking to my mom at least once. My dad is a different story altogether, for another time.)
D: "But why don't they come see my games. They go to M and J's games every weekend."
Here is where I, as well as hubby, were stumped.
We didn't realize Drewby, in his nearly 7 years of life, would be so aware of this fact.
My in-laws play favorites.
And my kids aren't it.
Miss M has made the same observation.
To date, my in-laws have come to one of Miss M's games to see her cheer (arrived late and left right after half-time), one of Drewby's football games, and one of her field hockey games.
Some weekends, they go to up to two or three soccer games for the nephews.
I am trying to be a bigger person and find a way to explain the in-laws behavior to my kids.
However, I am really getting tired of not only having the in-laws treat me poorly, but now my kids.
Hubby claims that his parents are not "football" people.
Really?
It's their grandkids. I don't think it should matter what they are playing.
So I figure I have a few options here:
1) Continue status quo and just tell my kids that grandma and grandpa had other plans and couldn't make it even though they do ( cough, cough) try.
2) Tell the kids as it is. Grandma and grandpa prefer to go see M and J because they (like them better) play soccer, and that it a sport they like to watch.
3) Have Miss M and Drewby ask grandma and grandpa this question themselves. And see what is said.
or 4) Call my in-laws and give them a piece of my mind!
Numbers 2 and 4 would probably start an argument with hubby, so not the way I want to go.
Number 1 is what I have been doing and am really tired of it.
So, I am left thinking Number 3 it is.
Actually, I would like to just make a point of NOT involving my in-laws is any way in our lives, but I don't think that is an option.
Hubby stays pretty low key over this, as he is used to having favorites played.
He firmly believes in just accepting his parents, and the way they treat our kids, and having our kids do the same.
What do you think?
Til next time, I'll still be...
Being Brenda
Friday, October 3, 2008
Prayer Request
This week has been a roller coaster.
I found out early in the week that a close friend's husband had been in a severe car accident.
Thanks to God, and his seatbelt, he is still alive; although he has a very long road to recovery. His wife is currently pregnant with their third child, on partial bedrest, so it is a very difficult time for her.
We have been praying for their family all week.
Then mid-week, we received some wonderful news.
Let me back track.
My sister-in-law is expecting twins. She is 19 weeks along.
About 9 weeks ago, she began having problems and it was discovered she had a hematoma (sp?) between one placenta and her uterus.
She was placed on complete bedrest.
This week, she went for another ultra-sound. The hematoma has been absorbed and is no longer a threat to the babies!
That was great news!
Fast forward to Wednesday night.
Hubby was home as it was his night off, and I was at a Home & School board meeting.
When I got home, hubby told my to place my key to our neighbor's (and friends) house under her front door mat. I asked him why.
Her hubby, who also works night shift (although somewhere different from my hubby) was rushed to the hospital from work.
She dropped her kids off at home from football practice with her house keys, and went to the hospital.
Until her oldest son got home from work, I was watching her 3 boys.
We heard nothing from her until the next morning.
She called at 7:25am on Thursday to ask for our prayers.
Her husband suffered an aortic tear and was in open heart surgery.
They gave him a 50/50 chance to live. He is 41. (This, I believe, is the same thing responsible for the death of actor John Ritter because his was not diagnosed in time)
My neighbor's hubby did survive the operation but his condition is still critical. He is in a drug induced coma at least through tomorrow to keep his blood pressure down.
And now tonight, I received a call from Lizzie, my mom.
She is home, in bed, having thrown her back out at work.
While she has had issues with her back for years, she told me on the phone that this is different pain. She is in pain lying in bed, but can barely stand or walk at all.
However, she will not go to the ER until tomorrow - despite my urging otherwise.
So, I ask for your prayers....
For the husband's of two of my dear friends - that they have full and speedy recoveries, at least as speedy as can safely be done.
For my two friends - to have the strength to continue being wonderful wives and moms, while handling everything which accompanies supporting their husbands through these difficult times.
For my sister-in-law - that all continues going well and the babies are healthy
And for my mom...that whatever is wrong with her back, is nothing serious and she recovers quickly.
I truly believe in the power of prayer....and any additional prayers from the blogosphere can only help these people close to me.
Til next time, I'll still be....
Being Brenda
I found out early in the week that a close friend's husband had been in a severe car accident.
Thanks to God, and his seatbelt, he is still alive; although he has a very long road to recovery. His wife is currently pregnant with their third child, on partial bedrest, so it is a very difficult time for her.
We have been praying for their family all week.
Then mid-week, we received some wonderful news.
Let me back track.
My sister-in-law is expecting twins. She is 19 weeks along.
About 9 weeks ago, she began having problems and it was discovered she had a hematoma (sp?) between one placenta and her uterus.
She was placed on complete bedrest.
This week, she went for another ultra-sound. The hematoma has been absorbed and is no longer a threat to the babies!
That was great news!
Fast forward to Wednesday night.
Hubby was home as it was his night off, and I was at a Home & School board meeting.
When I got home, hubby told my to place my key to our neighbor's (and friends) house under her front door mat. I asked him why.
Her hubby, who also works night shift (although somewhere different from my hubby) was rushed to the hospital from work.
She dropped her kids off at home from football practice with her house keys, and went to the hospital.
Until her oldest son got home from work, I was watching her 3 boys.
We heard nothing from her until the next morning.
She called at 7:25am on Thursday to ask for our prayers.
Her husband suffered an aortic tear and was in open heart surgery.
They gave him a 50/50 chance to live. He is 41. (This, I believe, is the same thing responsible for the death of actor John Ritter because his was not diagnosed in time)
My neighbor's hubby did survive the operation but his condition is still critical. He is in a drug induced coma at least through tomorrow to keep his blood pressure down.
And now tonight, I received a call from Lizzie, my mom.
She is home, in bed, having thrown her back out at work.
While she has had issues with her back for years, she told me on the phone that this is different pain. She is in pain lying in bed, but can barely stand or walk at all.
However, she will not go to the ER until tomorrow - despite my urging otherwise.
So, I ask for your prayers....
For the husband's of two of my dear friends - that they have full and speedy recoveries, at least as speedy as can safely be done.
For my two friends - to have the strength to continue being wonderful wives and moms, while handling everything which accompanies supporting their husbands through these difficult times.
For my sister-in-law - that all continues going well and the babies are healthy
And for my mom...that whatever is wrong with her back, is nothing serious and she recovers quickly.
I truly believe in the power of prayer....and any additional prayers from the blogosphere can only help these people close to me.
Til next time, I'll still be....
Being Brenda
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)