'Cause After All...

Seems as if everywhere I go, there are professed Christian women who just seem to feel as if they are just too spiritual or good or ... for their own husbands. Sometimes it's out and out verbal assaults, sometimes it's those subtle jabs, but my first thought is usually,
"Hey, you married him and it doesn't sound like he got such a swell deal, either".
Yes, I follow it with prayer!

I'm not talking about those marriages where abuse is happening (whether it's the male or female doing the abusing). That's a whole different thing! I'm talking about the regular marriages of women who simply aren't getting their way.
"I want ______ but my husband doesn't" or
"I'm so godly but my husband isn't" or
????

I have a weird sense of humor. When my *really awesome but not perfect* husband gets on my nerves, I go into super-submission mode and sing, "Stand By Your Man"!

Ok, so that's not the weird part.

The weird part is that I end up rolling on the floor with laughter because I really emphasize my favorite line:

"Cause after all, he's just a man...."

And I'm just a woman.
And he loves me anyway.

The Letter I'd Like to Send

December, 2007
Dear Family and Friends, (and those whom I don't even like but am obligated to keep on the mailing list):

Merry Christmas!
I'm running a little late on the newsletter update and I ask your forgiveness.
I say that I'm late only because I have already received so many of yours. And from reading them, it appears that everything is just perfect in your world. Isn't that wonderful??!!

So I'm going to try and update you all on our past year. And I find it absolutely amazing that another year has already passed. I still have Spring seeds that needed to be planted. Maybe they'll still be good for next year?

The leader of our pack is in fine health. Which is good. He needs it. Especially since he's still overworked and underpaid. But the great part is that he doesn't drink since we simply couldn't afford it, anyway.

I'm still at home with kids all day and all night and weekends and Holidays, too. I'm absolutely not using my college education at this point. And at which point I could, I'll probably be too old, anyway.

All three kids are still home. Only two are legally old enough to make the choice to leave. I'm actually glad to have them here. We spend an awful lot of time together as a family even though many think it strange.

The oldest dropped out of college after a year, deciding that he just didn't want to further his education. He just flat out didn't like it. But he is working full-time and paying his own bills and taxes so he's not a drain on society. And for all who keep asking, no he's not dating anyone and no, he's not getting married any time soon. Thankfully, he's smart enough not to rush into something like that. But if it does change, we'll let you know.

The middle kid is going to college and loves it. So far she has a straight "A" average and as good as that might sound, I worry that she'll become suicidal when she gets her first "B". Seems that, for all our years of homeschooling, she just can't lose that anal-retentive thing she has going. But she did graduate high school top in her class. Out of all one of graduating seniors. And in case you're going to ask, no, she doesn't have a boyfriend and no, she's also not getting married anytime soon. Ditto on the letting you know part....

The youngest is in 6th grade and doesn't hate writing as much as she used to. But she'd still rather hang out with Daddy at work and I imagine she'll attend a trade school when she gradutaes high school. But that's a few years off and things could change. Until then, she prefers only hands-on activities although I insist on the 3 R's along with those. And no, she's not dating or engaged. Just. Don't. Ask. Ok?

The girls still have their share of fusses. And all three do get on my nerves from time to time. But they're mine and I love them. And I haven't killed them.

We're still in debt. Emergencies still set us back financially. And we have no plans to travel in the future. Except to the grocery store. And the feed store. No cruise information will be forthcoming. Or flights to a foreign country. Or cross-country trips.

No, we can't come see you. Not only can we not afford to at this point but we also have many animals that have to be fed daily. Some require feedings twice a day. Yes, you can come here but only if you'll be good guests and limit your visits and keep your opinions to yourselves. You haven't been really good at that thus far.

And for those of you who've hinted for us to send you money. Get real. Ain't happening. But hey! We don't want any of yours, either.

Big hug to you all till next year,
The Family

What Could Be Worse?

I just read about another man who's leaving his wife.
It's always a sad thing when a marriage breaks up.
But in the world of religion you'd think it's the worst thing.

No, divorce isn't good.
It's a loss that gets no respect.
There's a grieving process no matter the reason.
There are the feelings of being a failure.
There's shame. Lots of shame.
And sides are chosen.
And friends disappear.
And the financial costs...

And when there are children, there are a huge amount of new problems.

But there are worse things than divorce.

Like women (or men) who stay in abusive marriages because it would be a "sin" to leave.

Or those who are left who have no education or job skills.

Borrowed

I *borrowed* this from Texas Purl Gurl. I had to do something, it was looking kinda blank here. Something to do with wandering and reading all over...

1. Who is your man? My husband. =P

2. How long have you been together? 14 years.

3. How long dated? 2 years.

4. How old is your man? 48

5. Who eats more? He does.

6. Who said "I love you" first? He did.

7. Who is taller? He is.

8. Who sings better? Neither one of us.

9. Who is smarter? He is! I gots more book larnin' and edukation but he just knows more stuff.

10. Whose temper is worse? I'm quick-tempered and he's a slow-boil.

11. Who does the laundry? Me.

12. Who takes out the garbage? Son.

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Him.

14. Who pays the bills? Me.

15. Who is better with the computer? Me.

16. Who mows the lawn? Son.

17. Who cooks dinner? Me.

18. Who drives when you are together? Usually him. In a hurry, me. Readjusting the seat is a pain.

19. Who pays when you go out? whoever has the cash.

20. Who is most stubborn? Tied.

21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Him.

22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine. His are 14 hours away.

23. Who kissed who first? He did.

24. Who asked who out? He did.

25. Who proposed? He did.

26. Who is more sensitive? Outwardly, me. Inwardly, him.

27. Who has more friends? Me.

28. Who has more siblings? Him.

29. Who wears the pants in the family? We both wear jeans. ;)