Promise

It's funny how life/God sends messages your way, especially when you are least expecting it.  This month Lewie's daycare has chosen a theme called "Rainbow Gardens."  As a result, he is doing all sorts of rainbow crafts--hand print rainbows, rainbow bubbles, rainbow sand art. 

He started talking about rainbows in the car.  At first I didn't understand what he was saying, but once I remembered this month's theme, I blurted out, "Oh rainbows.  Yes, did you learn how to paint a rainbow today Lewie?"

About five minutes later, it started to rain.  In fact, it almost seemed like rain was on one side of the car and the sun was on the other side.  "Look Lewie.  We're having a sun shower."

I no sooner commented on the sun shower when Lewie shouted, "Mommy, rainbow.  Rainbow, Mommy, Rainbow."  There, on the right side of the car, a beautiful rainbow appeared from behind the clouds.  I was taken aback.  The last time I saw a rainbow was about seven years ago.  I was taking a walk, thinking about my husband-to-be when it appeared.  At that time, I was certain it was a sign that our relationship was meant to be.

Now, seven years later, a rainbow appears again as I'm thinking about my husband and our marriage...Is it a sign of hope?  Is it a promise for a better tomorrow?   Little Lewie and I admire it until it fades into the backdrop.   I wish I had my camera; still, maybe if I stopped the car to take a picture, I would have missed the moment.  "Take a long look Little Lewie," I whisper.   "We might not get a chance to see another one for a long, long time."

A similar rainbow to the one we saw--courtesy of Google Images.

Belated Valentine's Day Wishes

Did you ever wish you could stop work or freeze it for a couple of days?  I sure do.  My new job has been incredibly difficult these last few days, which has kept me from writing my posts and responding to my favorite blogs.  (Please forgive me!)

My little guy wasn't very interested in putting together his Valentine's Day cards this weekend, so I took care of all twelve of them--carefully making sure to place the heart stickers in the appropriate spots.   While my little boy didn't seem to have the slightest interest in hearts or Cupid's arrow, my husband and I tried to make the most of the weekend.  We went out on Saturday evening to a local theatre (called The Seven Angels Theatre) and saw a special Valentine's Day comedian performance.  The three comedians were hilarious, and to start the evening out right, the theatre served champagne and chocolate in the lobby prior to the performance.

On Sunday, we attended a special Valentine's Day Anniversary Mass.  Any married couple who was celebrating a special anniversary this year (in increments of 5) could sign up to renew their vows.  Since my husband and I will be celebrating exactly five years of marriage in June, we decided to sign up.  It was a very nice time indeed even though we felt silly celebrating our 5th when there was another couple celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this year.  (If my husband and I ever celebrated 65 years of marriage, I would be 90 and my husband would be 95!)

I hope everyone had a sweet celebration this weekend.  May friends, family, and acquaintances, in the spirit of Valentine's Day, continue to show you more love and blessings throughout the week. XOXOXO.

My husband and I in the church lyceum after renewing our vows.

Happy Wife, Happy Life!

I have a wooden block that I display in my kitchen window that says, "Happy Wife, Happy Life!"  I had to buy it because I think (and I'm totally being subjective here) it's true.  As the primary financial advisor, bookkeeper, errand runner, housekeeper, and caregiver of the family...ehem...it's wise to keep me happy.  If something's off kilter or I start feeling unappreciated, you better believe I have something to say about it, and the angst ends up disrupting the normalcy of our daily household routine.  Simply put...it's wise to keep Mama happy. 

Over the years, the "rules" for keeping me happy have changed.  When we first married in 2006, for example, most of our "squabbles" resulted from me not feeling we were spending enough time together.  I verbalized my frustrations all right, and there was no question that I had the following expectations.

• Saturdays were to be "our night" and not a night for band practice.
• Band practice was to be limited to no more than two days per week, and these days were to be planned so I wasn't left sitting at home by myself without plans of my own.
• Curfew was midnight.  (Anything later required a phone call and an explanation, so I didn't worry.)

Yes, as a newly married couple, we were still juggling the balancing act of keeping our independence and identities while trying to put our relationship first.  As someone who had given up her "girls' night out" of dancing until 2 a.m., I understandably wanted my husband to give up his late night band practices with the guys, which involved some hanging out and partying.

Now, five years and one child later, our relationship is in a different place, and our "squabbles" are about other things like household finances, bills, and free time.  Now, to make me happy, I have a new set of expectations.

• To save as much money as we can for an emergency fund, our son's future, and day trips/vacations.
• To give each other an equal amount of "free time" away from the house for "recharging" after a long week of work, errands, and childrearing.
• To schedule much needed family time on the weekends (especially since our time together is limited on weekdays).
• To assist with household chores, like laundry, vacuuming, etc. etc.

The days of worrying about who's out late partying are long gone, and instead, we find ourselves trying to balance our needs around our very hectic schedule of daily living.  A "happy wife" for me translates as having a husband that helps out around the house, watches Little Lewie from time to time so I can go out shopping or take a long hot bath, and stays committed to saving money so that we can plan for a solid future together.  Any interruptions in this very fragile plan, and Wifey Poo becomes cranky.  Ultra cranky.

Yes, in these five short years of marriage, I've learned some valuable lessons.  I've learned that priorities change,  relationships evolve, and that a "happily ever after" doesn't come without it's fair share of squabbles, tests, and compromise.  We're not a perfect couple, but we do have two very important things in common--we love each other, and we love Little Lewie.  As long as we keep these two very important realites the mission and central focus of our marriage, Wife and life should be happy, very happy.