Wordless Wednesday

Anniversary

Today we have been married 36 years. When people hear this, they often seem amazed, impressed, or even astonished. In today's disposable society, it seems to be quite a feat. I detest the term "wedded bliss" because there is no such thing! I don't know of a marriage out there that would first use the word bliss to describe their marriage. It is work ~ plain and simple. Just as the vows we recited to each other all those years ago promised, there have been times of "richer and poorer, sickness and health". When you stand before your spouse-to-be, your family and friends on that wedding day, you may think you understand these promises, but it isn't until later, when life rolls along (and sometimes over you!) that you are really asked to re-keep those promises. Therein lies the essence of marriage. You have to choose your spouse and your marriage over and over again.
Sometimes, you don't choose it. You sit across the dining room table and think, "What am I doing here with this person? I hate the way they breathe (or fill in your own verb here)!" These feelings are as loud and true as the ones you felt on your wedding day. This is when many people leave and look to start again with someone else who will be smarter, funnier, more serious, etc., etc. Who, married for a long period of time, hasn't considered an escape hatch or wondered what they are missing? Knowing you are not alone with these feelings is comforting. We all have these moments.
So, if I get this less than satisfied feeling, why do I stay? I stay because, for all his irritating traits that make me crazy, he is still the finest man I have ever met in my life. We don't agree on many things, but he is a silent force that will take care of his family and the people he loves, no matter what it takes. He will never be the guy who writes on Facebook, "I love my wife!!" He is the guy who makes sure the windows and doors are locked at night to keep us safe. He is the guy who will quietly go to Pei Wei for dinner when he really was hoping for Mexican food. He is the guy who will leave the others to enjoy the last of their dinner and glass of wine and go push the babies on the swings just because they asked. He is the guy who may not read my mind for what I need, but, when asked, he will do whatever it is I want. Not because he is a pushover, but because he loves me. He knows me better than anyone on this earth and, somehow, amazingly, still loves imperfect me! Now that is wedded bliss!!

I Scream!

Sometimes, all it takes for a day to be a good one is ice cream!
It reminds us that being happy can mean the little things in life are special if we take the time to notice.

It can really put a smile on our face!

And remind us to share the joy!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Bday Boy

Go To Snack

I used to make this snack for my family when the kids were young all the time. Somehow I had forgotten about it and haven't made it in ages. To give you an idea of how long it's been, I have never made it for the grand kids and Maddy's almost seven!! That is about to change! All it takes is three ingredients that are most likely in your pantry and refrigerator already ~ Triscuit crackers, cream cheese and salsa.
Take a cracker, dab it with a little cream cheese and then top the cream cheese with a bit of salsa. Done!! The down side is they do not keep well and can't be made ahead of time. The up side is that they are usually consumed before they make it to the serving platter!
Try it and let me know if your family likes it as much as mine.

Magic

And in the magic of a small moment, they realized how very colorless their lives would be without each other.

Happy Is as Happy Does

There was an interesting article in Sunday's paper asking questions that would help you see if you know how to be happy. Everyone claims they want to be happy, but often, we are actually thwarting our own happiness in simple ways. Do cheerful people generally a) do only activities they enjoy b) look for little ways to boost their mood during the day or c) don't give happiness much thought? The answer is (c). The pursuit of happiness can actually backfire, say experts at the University of Denver. People who place a high value on happiness have, on average, 17 more symptoms of depression than those who don't. Constantly searching and seeking to achieve happiness may actually find us further from it, rather than closer.
My husband is an example of someone who lives his life, good or bad, easy or difficult, and, when asked, would probably say he is pretty happy with all of it. Oh, it has been far from perfect. Frustration and disappointment are part of life's package, but he doesn't dwell on any of it too long. He just keeps going and expects each day to be a good one. He doesn't pursue happiness. He is just smart enough to recognize it is there for the taking.
You'd think after 40+ years of being together, I'd have picked up that lesson from him. Still working on it....