Many years ago, a very good friend of mine said that she and her husband have weekly dates and she recommended that all married couples do the same. I scoffed at the idea, at at the time, since all of our children were very young and I didn't like to ask for sitters. Now that we have enjoyed nearly two years of dating on a regular basis, I have to agree that it is the lifeblood of our friendship.
Dating means leaving the house and going somewhere else. It's funny how we can forget how to do such a basic thing. It amazes me how much younger we both act and feel when we are in our vehicle alone!!! At that point it doesn't matter where we go as long as we can both focus on being together.
Tonight we enjoyed a Thin Mint Blizzard at Dairy Queen. We ate it in the van. Two spoons. One cup. We watched the teens come in and out and talked about them. We listened to pop music from the 60's, 70's and 80's and remembered our own highschool days. If only we'd known back then how it would all turn out...God is so good!
Dating helps us to remember a time when we could think of nothing but one another. It's like looking at a wedding album. It conjurs up loving memories. Those memories seem like strangers during the difficult days of marriage. It's so good to go back.
We are the same two people who thought they were in love 22 years ago. It helps us to remind ourselves of how things were back then. We spend alot of time and energy on the serious parts of maintaining our marriage and family life. Now it makes sense to me that we also should balance those efforts with nostalgia, reminiscing and fun! And we can do it with only four dollars and one hour away from home!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Busch Gardens with friends
We've taken full advantage of our Fun Passes at Busch Gardens this summer! Bob and I have gone alone for date nights, double date night, "older girls with Mom and Dad" night, and many family evenings with only our family, or with our friends. As of tomorrow we have one month left...
Last week when we joined two other families at the park there were twenty-two children between the six of us adults!!! It was fun and challenging to keep everyone entertained and safe!
We all ate dinner together and coordinated many roller coaster rides, kiddie rides, and time in the Land of the Dragons. It was great fun being with such gracious folks. We enjoyed the challenges as much as the thrills on the rides! It often attracts the attention of the workers at the park to see so many children together. Thursday was no exception. A lady who sold drinks to us in New France had many questions and sweet comments for me and the other two moms. We always pray that our words and actions will bless other people, but most often we leave encouraged!
We've included photos of our friends, but since our blog is now open to all readers, I won't identify each of them since I don't have their permission to do so. That said, these are some of our dearest friends and we adore their families and often treat their children like our own. It's such a blessing to be in community with other believers.
The log flume was one ride that most everybody could ride. So the moms waited with the babies/littlest ones on a bridge that the flume went under. It was fun trying to capture their pictures as they floated under us.
These four boys were thrilled to ride together. One of them had never been on any rides before. It didn't slow him down!
Moms and dads were glad to cool off in the water where the little ones were allowed to play!
The smokehouse/barbeque place has become our favorite dinner spot. The portions are generous and yummy. It's also right near the Griffon, one of our favorite roller coasters!
This is our family below, but Kendal is taking the picture, and Noah is in the stroller by the table.
Our digital camera died shortly after this trip. So unless our backup camera takes some decent shots, our blogging with pictures could be limited! We were given tickets to a local baseball game on Monday and took another family along. A neighbor came to our door asking how many tickets we could use. God pours His blessings upon us everyday!!! We invited our friends, who live nearby. There were nineteen of us! We took alot of pictures and had a good time, but the photos are ruined...
Last week when we joined two other families at the park there were twenty-two children between the six of us adults!!! It was fun and challenging to keep everyone entertained and safe!
We all ate dinner together and coordinated many roller coaster rides, kiddie rides, and time in the Land of the Dragons. It was great fun being with such gracious folks. We enjoyed the challenges as much as the thrills on the rides! It often attracts the attention of the workers at the park to see so many children together. Thursday was no exception. A lady who sold drinks to us in New France had many questions and sweet comments for me and the other two moms. We always pray that our words and actions will bless other people, but most often we leave encouraged!
We've included photos of our friends, but since our blog is now open to all readers, I won't identify each of them since I don't have their permission to do so. That said, these are some of our dearest friends and we adore their families and often treat their children like our own. It's such a blessing to be in community with other believers.
The log flume was one ride that most everybody could ride. So the moms waited with the babies/littlest ones on a bridge that the flume went under. It was fun trying to capture their pictures as they floated under us.
These four boys were thrilled to ride together. One of them had never been on any rides before. It didn't slow him down!
Moms and dads were glad to cool off in the water where the little ones were allowed to play!
The smokehouse/barbeque place has become our favorite dinner spot. The portions are generous and yummy. It's also right near the Griffon, one of our favorite roller coasters!
This is our family below, but Kendal is taking the picture, and Noah is in the stroller by the table.
Our digital camera died shortly after this trip. So unless our backup camera takes some decent shots, our blogging with pictures could be limited! We were given tickets to a local baseball game on Monday and took another family along. A neighbor came to our door asking how many tickets we could use. God pours His blessings upon us everyday!!! We invited our friends, who live nearby. There were nineteen of us! We took alot of pictures and had a good time, but the photos are ruined...Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Am I learning anything?
One would think that since I started this blog I must have had many lessons to document for posterity. Either my memory is failing, or I'm not learning much. Maybe I've been neglectful because the moments that I intended to record are small, quick and generally in the middle of some chaos.
If there is a reoccurring theme for me, as a wife, it is to be patient. I'm learning to wait for my husband's thoughts by not filling every quiet moment with my voice and my ideas. If I don't say everything that is on my mind, he often shares his ideas and they are impressive. I would've liked to have known that years ago!
If there is a reoccurring theme for me, as a wife, it is to be patient. I'm learning to wait for my husband's thoughts by not filling every quiet moment with my voice and my ideas. If I don't say everything that is on my mind, he often shares his ideas and they are impressive. I would've liked to have known that years ago!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Fourth of July Fun!
It was such a busy and wonderful weekend! On Friday night, we attended a concert of the US Fleet Band in the city park with Grandma Butler and many of our friends. We visited during the concert and ate alot of popcorn. The fireworks were beautiful and the music was very patriotic!
Over breakfast on Saturday, in place of morning bible study, we discussed what Independence Day is really about. It was a lively conversation about the brave folks who put their lives on the line when they signed the Declaration. Bob and I even serenaded our family with our version of the "Star Spangled Banner".
In the afternoon we celebrated with our church family at a pool party picnic in our neighborhood. It was a gorgeous day and loads of fun! There were over fifty children swimming, playing and eating. Our hosts graciously reminded us of the meaning of the Fourth and lead us is a prayer of praise and gratitude for our many freedoms, physical and spiritual.
When everything was cleaned up, our family, and the host family of the party, headed to Busch Gardens for rides, more fireworks and dinner! More fun! We are blessed!
Below is our family with Grandma Butler before the concert.
Kendal, Kelsey and I designed matching clothes for the girls in our family. Kendal made herself a shirt and sash, and Kelsey made a coordinating sash for herself, while I sewed t-shirt dresses for the three little girls. We were able to get their t-shirts on sale at Kohl's. Noah's outfit was free with a coupon! (girls, including me, think this is as fun as attending the event) They all wore their new outfits all weekend. I washed them at night, of course.
Grandma Butler and Mary at the concert
Kendal and Kelsey with three of their girlfriends. They played Uno on the blanket during the concert.
We were so glad to see Ms. Ennis at the concert too! She's hugging Kendal, Joy and Noah here.
Watching fireworks.
Noah at the pool party on Saturday. Our friend, Jennifer, took this great shot!
And this one of the young ladies in the pool. Kendal and Kelsey are on the far end.
These are the Butler and Ward children (minus 2) at the entrance of Busch Gardens. Both our families have summer passes, so we go together often.
Over breakfast on Saturday, in place of morning bible study, we discussed what Independence Day is really about. It was a lively conversation about the brave folks who put their lives on the line when they signed the Declaration. Bob and I even serenaded our family with our version of the "Star Spangled Banner".
In the afternoon we celebrated with our church family at a pool party picnic in our neighborhood. It was a gorgeous day and loads of fun! There were over fifty children swimming, playing and eating. Our hosts graciously reminded us of the meaning of the Fourth and lead us is a prayer of praise and gratitude for our many freedoms, physical and spiritual.
When everything was cleaned up, our family, and the host family of the party, headed to Busch Gardens for rides, more fireworks and dinner! More fun! We are blessed!
Below is our family with Grandma Butler before the concert.
Kendal, Kelsey and I designed matching clothes for the girls in our family. Kendal made herself a shirt and sash, and Kelsey made a coordinating sash for herself, while I sewed t-shirt dresses for the three little girls. We were able to get their t-shirts on sale at Kohl's. Noah's outfit was free with a coupon! (girls, including me, think this is as fun as attending the event) They all wore their new outfits all weekend. I washed them at night, of course.Grandma Butler and Mary at the concert
Kendal and Kelsey with three of their girlfriends. They played Uno on the blanket during the concert.
We were so glad to see Ms. Ennis at the concert too! She's hugging Kendal, Joy and Noah here.
Watching fireworks.
Noah at the pool party on Saturday. Our friend, Jennifer, took this great shot!
And this one of the young ladies in the pool. Kendal and Kelsey are on the far end.
These are the Butler and Ward children (minus 2) at the entrance of Busch Gardens. Both our families have summer passes, so we go together often.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Spreading the Good News
Tomorrow a journalist and her camera crew will be at our church during the service and lunch afterward. They're conducting a two-day interview of our pastor's family for a report on "Quiverfull families". It's an exciting yet challenging idea for all of us who may be included in her documentary. Please pray the Lord will be glorified in the final report. We don't think the crew members are Christians and we are fairly certain that this is a follow-up to the book, written by a feminist author, Kathyrn Joyce called Quiverfull.
The journalist, Jennifer London, found our pastor through Nancy Campbell, of Above Rubies ministry, who was also interviewed in Kathyrn Joyce's book. The book is very well written. Kathryn Joyce definitely did her homework. And of course she found some dirt on some folks who have large families and what she considers "scary" information about some of the teachings of some who promote "being fruitful and multiplying". We don't want to be defined by what is written in her book but there are many Bible verses and direct quotes from other parents that are God-honoring. So for the spreading of the Gospel to the unsaved, we are thankful! We hope that people who know the individual families will differentiate between true followers of Christ and those who have been worshipping man-made ideas.
Our family's testimony to the world is so important. People are really watching. Earlier this week at the YMCA pool a lady stopped by to tell me how beautiful our children are. She stammered and tried to find the words and finally said, "I mean they seem to be beautiful in here (pointing to her heart) too". She appologized for appearing to be staring at us and continued to praise the children. Wow! I thanked her profusely for taking the time to be an encouragment to me. What an unlikely situation. Today, the sweet lady who checked our groceries engaged Bob and me in conversation. Our children were in the van, but she had remembered a day, nearly two weeks ago, when they had all accompanied me in the store. I was shocked that she remembered us-the store had been very busy and she was not even our checker! The poor children had to wait for about twenty minutes for our huge grocery order to be scanned and baggedyet, today's checker commented on how patient and loving they had been to one another. (praise God, it must have been a really good day :) She asked if we homeschool and told us that she had been a teacher for years. She raved about our children and asked us to please bring them back into the store again! On both accounts, we were able to tell the children about what a great impression they had made on people by simply being Christ-like to one another! God uses the most unlikely circumstances to encourage us! He's so good! While we've been wondering how the media coverage of our pastor's family and our church will affect those who watch, God has been showering us with samples of some good impressions. What a blessing!
I must include that all feedback is not always so encouraging, but we try to turn even negative comments around. When Bob and I visited the YMCA pool alone today, the lady checking us in looked at our family's account and asked if we really have eight children. When we confirmed, she said, "I am one of seven. What were you thinking?" I said, "We were thinking how great they are!" And that was that! Bob said that was a good response, so I'll have to try to remember that one. : )
The journalist, Jennifer London, found our pastor through Nancy Campbell, of Above Rubies ministry, who was also interviewed in Kathyrn Joyce's book. The book is very well written. Kathryn Joyce definitely did her homework. And of course she found some dirt on some folks who have large families and what she considers "scary" information about some of the teachings of some who promote "being fruitful and multiplying". We don't want to be defined by what is written in her book but there are many Bible verses and direct quotes from other parents that are God-honoring. So for the spreading of the Gospel to the unsaved, we are thankful! We hope that people who know the individual families will differentiate between true followers of Christ and those who have been worshipping man-made ideas.
Our family's testimony to the world is so important. People are really watching. Earlier this week at the YMCA pool a lady stopped by to tell me how beautiful our children are. She stammered and tried to find the words and finally said, "I mean they seem to be beautiful in here (pointing to her heart) too". She appologized for appearing to be staring at us and continued to praise the children. Wow! I thanked her profusely for taking the time to be an encouragment to me. What an unlikely situation. Today, the sweet lady who checked our groceries engaged Bob and me in conversation. Our children were in the van, but she had remembered a day, nearly two weeks ago, when they had all accompanied me in the store. I was shocked that she remembered us-the store had been very busy and she was not even our checker! The poor children had to wait for about twenty minutes for our huge grocery order to be scanned and baggedyet, today's checker commented on how patient and loving they had been to one another. (praise God, it must have been a really good day :) She asked if we homeschool and told us that she had been a teacher for years. She raved about our children and asked us to please bring them back into the store again! On both accounts, we were able to tell the children about what a great impression they had made on people by simply being Christ-like to one another! God uses the most unlikely circumstances to encourage us! He's so good! While we've been wondering how the media coverage of our pastor's family and our church will affect those who watch, God has been showering us with samples of some good impressions. What a blessing!
I must include that all feedback is not always so encouraging, but we try to turn even negative comments around. When Bob and I visited the YMCA pool alone today, the lady checking us in looked at our family's account and asked if we really have eight children. When we confirmed, she said, "I am one of seven. What were you thinking?" I said, "We were thinking how great they are!" And that was that! Bob said that was a good response, so I'll have to try to remember that one. : )
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
More sewing
We found fabric on clearance and Kendal made matching dresses for Joy and Mary. She also complete my new shirt. And I made a dress for Mary with a Lands' End clearance peasant shirt, yard sale fabric and clearance rack trim. Anna also has a new shirt made from yard sale fabric. We love sewing with bargain materials!!!
This week Kendal sewed a swimsuit cover up with some cotton gauze that I found on clearance. There's plenty left so we'll hopefully all get something new from it!
Sweeter as the days go by
There is a sweetness that comes into our marriage when my heart lightens, breastfeeding wanes, and good ole female hormones begin to normalize. My heart turns from the baby and back again to my boyfriend, of twenty-two years. We laugh more, agree more and snuggle more. It's a wonderful time of feeling grateful that we've weathered the tougher times! If I ever find that "magic bullet" that could bring on this season earlier after childbirth, I will package it and sell it, and call it the "marriage saver".
I praise God for a patient and loving husband. I thank God for friends who sustain me and point me back to God and his word during the slumps. It is a huge blessing to still be "in love" after all we've endured!
I praise God for a patient and loving husband. I thank God for friends who sustain me and point me back to God and his word during the slumps. It is a huge blessing to still be "in love" after all we've endured!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Feminine Shirts
Kendal has designed a pattern for the trendy, peasant shirts that have flooded the stores this spring. In twenty-four hours she made three beautiful shirts and coached me on enlarging her pattern so that I could have one for myself. We used fabric that had been saved from a skirt, left-over from a dress, and some purchased for one and two dollars. At this rate we'll all be dressed in beautiful shirts that are custom-made by Kendal.
Last week I bought two shirts of this style at the thrift store and was very disappointed when I tried them on at home, because neither one fit me. No worries now. Kendal's shirts are modest and made to fit!
Last week I bought two shirts of this style at the thrift store and was very disappointed when I tried them on at home, because neither one fit me. No worries now. Kendal's shirts are modest and made to fit!
Vacation in Floyd!
This past week we took a second trip to Floyd, Va. where our friends, the Hyltons, have a cabin. It started out rainy but we had a great time. We were meeting Grandma Brenda, Granddad Bill, Kelsey and the Hyltons there. On Friday, we ate breakfast at Mabry Mill, toured the Chateau Morrisette winery on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the children fished with Granddad Bill in the lake. When the sun came out on Saturday we were able to boat, swim, fish and four-wheel.
This is our family with Darlene and Buck Hylton. They have been so generous with us. They are great fun to be with and they love our family! The two dogs belong to them, but our children treat them as their own when we visit.
Besides the four wheelers and the lake, our family, and Mr. Hylton, this photo includes the Hylton's daughter, Kristy, and her husband, Walt. They are expecting their first baby in July and we enjoyed sharing parenting advice and talking about pregnancy.
Grandma Brenda loves to ride too. This time she took Joy and Mary.
Sunday, on our beautiful drive home, we stopped to eat with Carrie and Brian in Richmond. They grilled a yummy dinner for us, again. :)
It was a fun-filled four days! We were blessed!
This is our family with Darlene and Buck Hylton. They have been so generous with us. They are great fun to be with and they love our family! The two dogs belong to them, but our children treat them as their own when we visit.
Besides the four wheelers and the lake, our family, and Mr. Hylton, this photo includes the Hylton's daughter, Kristy, and her husband, Walt. They are expecting their first baby in July and we enjoyed sharing parenting advice and talking about pregnancy.
Grandma Brenda loves to ride too. This time she took Joy and Mary.
Sunday, on our beautiful drive home, we stopped to eat with Carrie and Brian in Richmond. They grilled a yummy dinner for us, again. :)
Then, we met friends at Busch Gardens at the "Mercy Me" concert. After a couple of songs, the children and dads enjoyed rides until closing.
This is our family and the Ward family (six boys, one girl, and one on the way) at Busch Gardens.
It was a fun-filled four days! We were blessed!Isaac's 12th Birthday!
On May 29th Isaac turned twelve. He opened his presents in the morning before breakfast. 
Kendal put together the Playmobile pirate ship while the boys examined all the neat parts.
Then we drove an hour to Hertford, NC to visit Ms. Ennis. We had been planning to help her with some yardwork for a couple of weeks. We arrived at noon and started moving dirt and plants around her house. It was midday and quite hot, so when everyone was tired we quit.
We changed into our swimsuits and drove further into her neighborhood to the boatramp on the river. That's where we had a snack lunch and swam until the late afternoon.
Kendal put together the Playmobile pirate ship while the boys examined all the neat parts.
Then we drove an hour to Hertford, NC to visit Ms. Ennis. We had been planning to help her with some yardwork for a couple of weeks. We arrived at noon and started moving dirt and plants around her house. It was midday and quite hot, so when everyone was tired we quit.
We changed into our swimsuits and drove further into her neighborhood to the boatramp on the river. That's where we had a snack lunch and swam until the late afternoon.
Ms. Ennis was sweet to feed Noah while I tried to organize lunch for the others.
Mary was all smiles in the warm river water.
Isaac's checking on his new watch to see if it is truly water resistant!
For his birthday dinner Isaac had requested that we tryout 360 Pizza in Great Bridge. So after baths at home, Daddy and Grandma Butler joined us for dinner out followed by Blizzards at Dairy Queen. Everything was delicious and lots of fun!
We had to wait a long time for our pizzas, so we had time for photos, chatting, drinking rootbeer and many bathroom trips.
Isaac with Grandma Butler near the restaurant.
Our family, minus Kelsey, who was at Grandma Brenda's house in southwest Virginia.
Isaac with Grandma Butler near the restaurant.
Our family, minus Kelsey, who was at Grandma Brenda's house in southwest Virginia.This year, Isaac has been mowing the grass, taking out all the trash daily and weekly for pick up. It's also his job to sweep the kitchen after meals. He loves to assist with all outdoor projects and is a great "gopher" when we need multiple trips to the garage for indoor projects. He has a great memory and is very enthusiastic to learn about new things. He truly adores his baby brother, Noah, and takes good care of him. His is probably the must fun babysitter that Noah knows!
We are looking forward to watching Isaac grow into a godly young man. We know God has a wonderful plan for Isaac's life and we are thankful that he is our son!
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