Happy Valentine's Day!

We're poor, we don't have much, but we have love. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world because I have a husband that I love and who loves ME for who I am. It is unconditional. He makes me smile, he makes me laugh, he has given me two amazing children.

Coming from a family that seemed to run rampant with divorce, I have great pride in the fact that for twenty years, I have been in this amazing relationship. Is it perfect? No. There is no such thing. I make him crazy. He makes me crazy. But at the end of the day, we have each other and that is better than any heart-shaped box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers.

I hope that all of you have an amazing Valentine's Day and have someone amazing to share it with. Much love, my friends!

Because He Loves Me...

I've been under a little bit of stress this last week - as those of you who read daily are surely aware of. When something happens I tend to get very angry, very fast and stay that way for very long. But yesterday...well, I was quite honestly devastated by some circumstances and just about curled up in to a ball to cry when my Knight in Shining Armour came to rescue me.

Again.

Frank and I have been together for twenty years. No one thought we could make it that long and really, the first 3-5 years were rocky but then we hit our stride and I love him more and more each and every day.

As I was lying on the bed yesterday like a zombie, he came and laid down next to me and reminded me all of the ways that I am "okay" and that the people who are doing these heinous, back-stabbing things are really the ones that are not okay. They do things out of meanness. They create drama because they are bored and that by hurting others, it keeps the focus off of them and their craziness. For nearly an hour, this wonderful man just sat there and held my hand and told me how much he loved me and how he hates to see me so distressed. I mean, there was a Mission Impossible movie marathon on and yet he still came to me and put my needs first because he could not bear to watch me being so sad.

I am so blessed!! I can get through just about anything with this man by my side. It's not the first time he had to give me this kind of a pep talk and I really wish that it was the last. I really dislike feeling that bad about myself. I am better today, not great, but better.

I've said it before, friends, and I will say it again - God may not of have blessed me with a big house, a fancy car, an endless wardrobe or luxury vacations, but he blessed me with a man who loves me unconditionally and has given me a GREAT marriage. Thank you, Lord!!!

A Heartfelt Easter

Yesterday was Easter Sunday. It felt weird this year. Not just the day in general, but even the time leading up to it. I was not in to making plans, I had no idea what I was making for dinner until the day before...all very unlike me. Michael informed us that he did not want any eggs or baskets, there was no need for an egg hunt. All he really wanted was a chocolate bunny and maybe, just maybe a little gift. Considerate, right?

So yesterday began with the giving of the chocolate bunnies and gift cards plus the DVD of "Bolt". The boys were very thankful. I got up and got myself ready for church but I just was not feeling it. Michael and I went to church (Nick went with Beckah) and we got there early and really had no idea where we were supposed to go. After some random wandering, we found out. Michael went to his service and I headed off to mine. I had the opportunity to sit with an old friend. We see each other from time to time but she was truly surprised to see me at church yesterday. When she invited me to sit with her and her family, I readily agreed. The music was nice, the sermon was relevant but I still wasn't there.

Then came the closing of the service and they sang "Amazing Grace". And I wept like a baby. I hear this song all the time on the radio at work but standing there and singing it brought me to my knees. Thankfully, my friend had tissues because I was a mess. Not only does this wonderful song/prayer say so much about what Jesus did for us, but it was one of my grandmother's favorites. Standing there singing it reminded me of all of the times she came to church with me and sang it while standing beside me. My heart hurt. On a day where we are to remember the one who died and rose again for us, I was also remembering the one that I am missing the most. I was a mess by the time I got home.

BUT...when I got home, there was my wonderful husband. My knight in shining armor. Ladies, everyone should have one of these. Frank doesn't go to church with me and I have learned to deal with that a very long time ago. But when I got home yesterday he was deep in to my "honey-do" list that I have been wanting him to do for ages. The yard was clean, the broken swing set was dealt with, tools were put away, air filters were changed...I mean, the man WORKED all day right up until dinner time. Acts of service is truly my love language and on a day that I needed it most, my man came through. It's just another reason that I love him so.

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Easter. I hope that you were surrounded by those that you love the most.