Make time for the big people.
I wanted to write a blog that talked about our successes as parents. I write, with great pride, how proud of our children we are. They are all unique, all successful in their own ways, and all have amazing qualities that attract people to them. That's something to be proud of... But tonight I want to write about something we did wrong. Times were very hard when our children were young. The truth of the matter is, we had four children in car seats for two years... That's should indicate how close in age our children are. At that time, my husband and I struggled very much to make ends meet financially. We didn't have family or friends to rely on for help--- so many times, this meant two to three extra jobs for us both. And I know many would think that is impossible, but it wasn't. What it meant was kissing goodbye at the doorway, sleeping different hours alone, and being with our children a lot. More than a lot, close to every second of our lives was built around the needs of our children, their schedules, and how we could make it all work. Not much time was spent on us, nurturing our marriage, or doing adult things. In addition, our knowledge and experience of how cruel the world can be made us want to always be with our children. This life made it virtually impossible to have any adult time. Which brings me to the point of this blog.
First, our children mean the world to us and more than anything, our family time is sacred. We enjoy it and having family time has made our family grow unusually close and strong together as a family unit. I love it that our children are our best friends outside of each other. I wouldn't change anything, but one thing... I somehow would have made sure we could have made time special time for mommy and daddy.
This weekend is the second weekend getaway my husband and I have ever took without our children. It has been fascinating. From silly question games, five minute truths, nights out on the town, etc, etc, etc.... We found each other again. The person we dated 23 years ago. That person, my husband... He is still my rock. He still opens my car door. He still tries to do what makes me smile-- even if it means going boating which he hates, BUT I love. He still listens to me, plans our future based on my wants, my hopes, and our dreams. He still fights to be with me and to keep my affection. That is noble and it speaks volumes of how much love is capable of and of how strong the bonds of love can be.
These getaways helped my husband and I stay connected. It happened through those games, through our talks, our planning, our fun times out, and our 5 minutes of truths (which is when I discovered my husband hates boating). Our reconnection happened because we made time for each other. I encourage every married couple with children to make time to nurture their marriage. Our hearts were always focused on our children and they have turned out pretty good. All I'm saying is as a parent, don't forget to set time aside for the "big people".
Enjoy your married life!
First, our children mean the world to us and more than anything, our family time is sacred. We enjoy it and having family time has made our family grow unusually close and strong together as a family unit. I love it that our children are our best friends outside of each other. I wouldn't change anything, but one thing... I somehow would have made sure we could have made time special time for mommy and daddy.
This weekend is the second weekend getaway my husband and I have ever took without our children. It has been fascinating. From silly question games, five minute truths, nights out on the town, etc, etc, etc.... We found each other again. The person we dated 23 years ago. That person, my husband... He is still my rock. He still opens my car door. He still tries to do what makes me smile-- even if it means going boating which he hates, BUT I love. He still listens to me, plans our future based on my wants, my hopes, and our dreams. He still fights to be with me and to keep my affection. That is noble and it speaks volumes of how much love is capable of and of how strong the bonds of love can be.
These getaways helped my husband and I stay connected. It happened through those games, through our talks, our planning, our fun times out, and our 5 minutes of truths (which is when I discovered my husband hates boating). Our reconnection happened because we made time for each other. I encourage every married couple with children to make time to nurture their marriage. Our hearts were always focused on our children and they have turned out pretty good. All I'm saying is as a parent, don't forget to set time aside for the "big people".
Enjoy your married life!
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