snapshots

Genius girl, genius husband

 Whispered into my ear by Keston, "Mom, I love God more than you, but I love you better than bikinis."

Now you can understand why it is so hard to punish this girl.  (The same girl who has sneakily eaten all of my gluten-free brownies and plucked too many of my spring flowers to count.)

Unrelated, but also genius:

Yesterday Frank & I had a lovely, casual lunch out. Not at the Co-op. But to a real restaurant! Did you know Jeckyl & Hyde Deli serves gluten-free pizza crusts and bread? Totally genius. There is just something special about having food in front of you that you didn't make yourself.

Also genius, Frank took me shopping to check out a laptop for Mother's Day! (This coming soon after I told him my love language is gifts... meaning that is how I express love and how I feel loved. Has nothing to do with the materialness of it, just that someone was thinking of me and figured out what I would really like). Anyway, there are five of us now using the desk top computer, and having my own laptop will help tremendously when I am homeschooling the kids. So it was a well thought out gift, even better! Now that we are debt-free, I think he wants to get me technologically caught up a tiny bit.  There might even be an Ipod in my future one day. :)

I know, this is all genius, right?

A date with my husband.

**Updated** Oh no! It was also the tenth! This should suffice for Ten on Ten, although it's a little lazy, I suppose. I am so forgetful about that! Do I get any points for having 21 instead of ten? Probably not so much.

Fulfilling #15 on the Summer To-Do List. We hit the road.  Blue skies, wind in our hair.

Sunglasses? Check.

 
 The retro eight-track stereo, handy for listening to some 70's music.

Through the historic streets of Fairhaven.

Quick stop for lunch. Handsome date, no?

Then back to the open road.

The amazing scenery from Chuckanut Drive.

Stopping to enjoy the sweeping views of the San Juan Islands.

The point in the date in which I said, "Are you trying to kill me?" He wasn't, and we survived.

A little tour of the shellfish farm, down on the beach.

A short stroll....

To a mini lighthouse.

I spotted a letterbox along the path.

Authentic beach scenery.

And a vintage soda machine. Nope, the prices weren't vintage.

Shells collected for the children.

A few photos of the MG that my date requested.

(Thanks Kevin. I knew just what to do. Even some chrome reflections like yours.)

 And that was that.  My favorite afternoon date in a long time. Romantic, don't you think? Thanks for coming along.

More on Proverbs...

{Remember when I said 'expect an Eyes of Wonder love-fest'? Here it is! I also attribute this post to a sweet woman who has been married for 33 years - she is doing something right. :)  They are both such an inspiration.}

I did not grow up in a Christian home.  I didn't hear Bible stories as a child, and attended church very rarely - dropped off at the front door when my parents needed a "free babysitter." 

In 2000, our little family of three moved into our first house, which was half a block from a newly built church.  I thought it was so cute - all wood siding and gorgeously landscaped all around it.  Long story short, it was there that I became a Christian.

I have definitley grown since then, although I still find the Bible hard to read and don't do it often. However, I love the Proverbs!  Those verses tell me what to do, how to strive in my actions, and most importantly, in Proverbs 31, how to be a good woman.  Now, obviously it would be better if I read all of the Bible, especially on a daily basis.  But, I think that God meets you where you are, and if this is where I still am, that is OK.  I strive to be a "hands and feet of Jesus" type of girl. I enjoy serving others in small, practical ways.  Meals for people that are having a tough time or a new baby. Words of encouragement, prayers, and little acts of kindness.  Those things really bless me!

But sometimes, I forget to extend that same kindness to my own husband.  After 12 years of marriage, it is so easy to take for granted.  Right now, that will be my focus, to make sure those little kindnesses are offered.  Simple things, like having an iced coffee made for him when he gets home from work. And a clean house to come home to.  While it may sound very 50's and June Cleaver, I believe it is honoring to him and to God.   So that is my plan fo rthe next while, to practice extending kindness and grace to my own husband. 

It's a good day to start, because we are going on a trip tomorrow for his business - a trip that I am not so much looking forward to! There will be lots of opportuntiy for me to practice. :)  Anyone want to join me on this little husband-kindness mission this week?

Here are some words taken directly from Sara at Walk Slowly, Live Wildly. She says it perfectly!  Below that, are some verses from Proverbs 31.  Hope you have a wonderful day!

I have heard so many women get frustrated as they read these verses…feeling like they could never live up to the “standard” that is set forth in this passage for a godly woman and mother. But take heart and don’t be discouraged! These are words of encouragement…to uplift and guide you in your journey…not a list of rules. So read on with an open heart and let God speak to you where you need it the most.

Proverbs 31:11-12  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

Edited: So funny!  Guess I'm not the only one thinking on these lines right now!  I just found this blog with a challenge to honor your husband, with about 50 people signed up.  Weird?! And I really was serious, if you want to play along on this, let me know!  Here's the other link  - Fruit in Season