Some more misc. notes...

After Chip read the list of 40 things I love about him, he said to me, "How did you come up with all those things?". The truth is I could have written 40 more. And more. It's a matter of 'looking' and really thinking about all the things you love about someone. I invite all of you to try it at sometime- whether you are struggling in your own marriage/relationship, or even if you need to mend a broken one and you can't seem to see past the hurt right now. Start with a short list- 5 things maybe. Or change your list from "5 Things I love about this person" to "5 Things God loves about this person" and see I promise you some healing will begin to take place...or begin to grow.
Chip's not perfect. He'll even admit to that. Our marriage isn't perfect. We've not even had one 'perfect day' in all our years together, but I am humbled and grateful for what we do have and truly we consider ourselves blessed to be in each other's life. We're still growing and learning and trying to figure out things about the other- even after 14+ years together (counting dating/engagement), but the more I find things to love and appreciate about Chip, the more the other 'stuff' doesn't seem to matter. That's the part that can be a challenge in any relationship. To not get hung up or obsessed with the negatives and the things that are 'wrong', but instead to forgive and seek to see the good in someone- despite shortcomings. I am just as thankful that Chip loves and accepts me as I am- and also that he is willing to point out things that need changing at times.
Neither of us takes credit for loving each other through the ups and downs and ugly stuff we've been through together, but we both know that God gives us strength to love and forgive- even when it hurts. And that has been the key to our marriage as you see it today. Not perfect at all...but one that has grown and deepened through the years and can 'stretch without breaking' when the going gets rough.
So, thanks for all the nice comments to both Chip and me. But really, God deserves the credit for love that we share. I really hope some of you will challenge yourselves to write a list or even daily tell a loved one in your life one thing you love about that person and just see what happens as time goes on. Love changes things.
On another note, I know many of you have been praying for my friend, Roxanne Robbins and especially for her little friend, Okello Dickens who was so sick in a children's hospital in Uganda, Africa. I received an email from Roxanne yesterday telling of Dicken's death and her sorrow in his loss. My heart goes out to Roxanne and she continues to ask for prayer, not only as she grieves for Okello, but also for all the other children in this hospital that she is aiding at this time. The needs of the children far exceed what she can do for them- medically, emotionally and spiritually and so she appreciates our prayers for strength as she does what she can to ease their pains. My prayers are with her and those around her in a special way today and in the coming days. Thank you for joinging me in prayer.
On a different note, I have to tell you that there has been some fun developments at SIStv. This month there were a whole bunch of *new Fashionistas* added to our design team. We *old Fashionsitas* were given a Lil' SISter and we had fun making welcome layouts for them. I was hooked up with Rhian from Great Britain and it has been fun for me to get to know her a bit through her creations and designs. I made this page for her after reading her blog and studying her gallery of scrap pages. SIS is excited to have so much more creativity and ideas onboard with this new team of girls. Welcome and also, feel free to check out the new and improved SIS Boutique. It's fresh and fun and full of new things!
Lastly, I have to share this just because I know some of my family and friends will get a kick out of this true story. A couple of days ago the doorbell rang and I was busy attending to Wyndham in the bathroom and Chip was changing clothes after just getting home from work. I told the girls not to answer it if they didn't know who it was. Well, Ava proceeded to open the door and standing outside were two teen guys from our local highschool. They were selling something for their sport's team. Chip finally made it to the door and I turned to Ava when I had the first chance and said, "You're not supposed to answer the door if you don't know the person outside".
The next morning when she was getting dressed I decided to go over this rule about answering the door once again. I said, "Ava, do you remember what Mommy told you about answering the door when you don't know the person?", and she said, "yes". So I continued, "Why did you open the door for the guys yesterday without a Mommy or Daddy with you if you didn't know them?". She looked at me and said, "I did know them...they were the Jonas Brothers!".
I couldn't help but laugh...and realize I have so much to learn about parenting yet.