Married life is fantastic, but ...



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I have been so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy being married.  The partnership is amazing!  And still, I have to get used to being with someone all the time. 

It means another person sees me at my lowest and worst.  He sees the irritable, impatient tired mother-me who is short with my children.  He is aware that my Bible sits in my drawer more than in my hands and that I am incredibly messy (and bossy) when cooking dinner.  He is eye witness to my shortcomings and all the ways I try to hide them.  It leaves me feeling vulnerable and exposed. 

It's easy for me to fall into the trap of feeling like I have to earn love, and then knowing that I don't "measure up."  Because of this fear of disappointing others, I often avoid the very thing I need to confront, confess or correct which only worsens the problem. 

"And it’s no compliment to be told that you ... are perfect. There is no freedom in it. There is no true self in it." ~ Grace Filled Living

Moody Monday

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I didn't have the greatest of sleep last night and today I just feel draggy.  Today I plan to write a thank you note...I haven't written any since the wedding and I feel very behind on that!  Today I'm remembering that four weeks ago I was on my honeymoon with the whole week still stretching out unplanned before us.  It was beyond delightful.  This week is overscheduled and busy.  Plus, I'm cooking for seven people each evening!  Tonight we are having breakfast for supper - that will be quick and easy after parent information nights at school.

I'm amazed at how quickly life has become normal after the wedding.  Of course, our normal is very different from anything I ever imagined.  I can't believe how genuinely happy we all seem to be!  I keep waiting for some kind of fallout, negative consequences, something.  So far, so good!  And that is just an unexpected blessing indeed. 

I'm still sorting out where to put all of our stuff and we walk around piles or trip over boxes daily.  But even this is a blessing.  We have more than we need, a strong and comfortable home in which to live and are living with deep joy.  Have you noticed any special blessings lately? 

Wedding Photos

Here is a link to some of our wedding photos - I don't have the professional ones yet, just these that our friends and family took.  Feel Free to take a peek!  Little House in the Foothills

~ Missy

Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson

We are smack in the middle of our first week as a family of seven...it's honestly going better than I thought.  Granted, I was keeping my expectations pretty low because throwing teens, elementary children and grownups who have lived alone and gotten set in our ways just felt like a recipe for disaster surprises.  Because of scheduling prep work and God's timing, we sort of eased our way into the full-on family fun.  We had Mr. Wonderful's daughters, then just my children, and finally this past Sunday all seven of us together. 

For the most part, it has been fun. We had a dead fish and two wet beds on our first night under one roof (Baby boy drank too much before bedtime and Sonny the wild Shih Tzu was feeling nervous, or marking territory, or something!).   My three are convinced Mr. Wonderful doesn't have a job, since he works from a home office.  They have all kinds of questions like, "Who is his boss?" and "How does he get a paycheck?"  Our fabulous babysitter has continued at our new home, even though the drive is longer...we are so grateful for her.  I know it has been an adjustment for him to work with young children in the home.  It's louder, there is more activity, more noise.  He sends me comments throughout the day by phone or text about the happenings. 

Dinnertime is fun, but cooking for seven unique people is a challenge.  I'm used to simple (elementary kid-style) meals and need ideas.  Plus the kitchen is bursting at the seams with lots of duplicate items.  We have little counter space and boxes everywhere.  The logistics of moving into a home which is already full have been overwhelming.  I'm craving clear counters and white space!

We marvel at the number of dishes and loads of laundry.  We are incredulous at thinking about the emotions of so many people...did she go to her room because she annoyed?  mad?  normal teenager?  Is he irritated at the activity?  Do they feel replaced?  Is he feeling at home?  Are we demanding too much, too soon, too many changes?  We have a lot of precious hearts to consider. 

And I don't want my groom to feel neglected!  So, I'm trying spend some time with him before tackling that laundry.  He's been a dream and so helpful.  He's more emotionally intelligent, kind and gentle even in discipline that any man I've known.  I picked well!

Oh, and yes, I am Mrs. Robinson now!  I'll talk about the whole name change situation soon - has anyone else done that?  Send me any great recipe ideas that are family friendly and simple.  I need kitchen help!  Does anyone want to see more wedding pics?