Thursday, July 28, 2011

6 Years

That's how long I've been married to my amazing husband. The years keep rolling by. While I don't really believe in "the one", I absolutely believe I married the right guy for me. Our marriage isn't perfect, we definitely have things to work on, but we're both one hundred percent committed to making our relationship the best it can be. And I think a huge part of that is time. As we prepared to welcome two babies into the world, just over a year ago, I wondered what kind of impact the huge transition would have on our marriage. I can honestly say it's only gotten better. Joel is a an amazing, hard working, fully engaged dad and watching him with our boys makes me fall even more in love with him. There's nothing sexier than a man changing diapers ;) But another thing, that I know not everyone will agree with, is that our relationship with each other comes first, before our relationship with our boys. Although we haven't done it perfectly, we try to make time together a priority. Just a few weeks after we became parents we went out for dinner on our first date, and we frequently have babysitters so we can get out (the bonus of a 7pm bedtime is that we can put our boys down and then go out... they don't miss out on us, and babysitting consists of watching TV at our house. Bonus for everyone!) One of the best gifts I think you can give your children is the example of a strong, healthy marriage.

Last night we enjoyed a wonderful meal out at a local inn. While we ate delicious food and drank delicious wine, we reflected on the past and dreamed of the future. But I also enjoyed the present, spending time with the person I love most in this world, who challenges me, encourages me, teaches me and loves me despite my faults. No doubt there will be some bumps, maybe even some mountains ahead, but I'm thankful for the person I get to be on the journey with. I love you Joel. Happy 6 years! xoxo

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Jealousy

Yes, it's an ugly word, but it's something I struggle with. Currently there are two areas I'm struggling with that are somewhat related. One is being jealous of moms who can easily cart their kids wherever they want. I know lots of twin moms who are constantly going out with their kids but this is something I've found a challenge. Partly it's just fear... fear that they'll both completely lose it at once and I won't be able to handle it. I'm not sure why that paralyzes me so much as my boys almost never lose it and have been overall really great wherever we take them. I've been trying to combat that fear recently and just bite the bullet and do it. Recent successes have been a trip to Coscto with the boys and taking them to a chiropractor appointment with me. They were awesome both times. It's a lot of organizing, figuring out what to do with one boy while I put the other in the car etc., but I can make it work. And don't get me wrong, I don't ever wish I didn't have two of them, but I sometimes hear stories from my mom friends of singletons who take their kids everywhere, feeding them on the go and it seems so much harder for me. I spend so much time at home. I'm trying to remember that it's just a phase and it will get easier.

The other thing I get jealous of is friends with big yards, or maybe not even big yards, just yards with fences. We live in a condo townhouse complex which means our grass is cut for us (yes, it's nice!) but our fences only go halfway so they can get through. This makes it nearly impossible to hang out in the yard with the boys without Joel around. We took them out the other evening and they basically needed one-on-one attention as they were off in different directions. After a long winter indoors, I am craving the sunshine and fresh air. We make do with short walks and trips to the park where we all enjoy the confinement of the baby swings.

In the big picture, these are very trivial things. I am blessed with so much and I don't like feeling the way I do. I think the antidote to jealousy and discontentment is thankfullness. When my mind goes to wishing for things I don't have, I try to think of all that I do have. I have healthy boys, I can afford to stay home with them (even if sometimes staying home all the time makes me a bit loopy), we have a roof over our head, plenty of food, we have a yard, albeit small. The list could go on. Gratitude is something I've been reading and thinking a lot about. I wish I didn't get jealous of people and their circumstances but sometimes I do. I'm hoping that as I make gratitude more central to my life, it's something that I'll get better at.

Monday, July 18, 2011

A Weekend Getaway

While on a birthday date in May, Joel surprised me with a weekend away to see my new favourite band, Lady Antebellum. We dropped the boys off at my parents and started on the long trek to Sarnia for Bayfest, with stops at Subway for lunch and Lick's for a bonus milkshake (mmm, SO good!). We checked into a quiet Bed and Breakfast in Petrolia, about half an hour from Sarnia and explored the small town to find dinner... a short walk through the three block strip. Then it was concert time.

I never in a million years would imagine that our first real overnight date would be at a Countryfest. I never really considered myself a country fan, but Lady Antebellum is country and I think they're awesome. I first discovered them while watching Ellen last year. Just pure talent and I'm always a fan of bands who have a piano. I like the story-telling aspect of the music and the simplicity of a few instruments and some great voices. We were packed into the crowd, surrounded by mostly teenagers sporting short shorts and cowboy hats, singing along to all the words. It was an interesting to see as I don't think I've ever met a country-loving teenager where I live. They were there for a good time, and a good time was had by all. Some musicians don't sound that great live, without the help of a recording studio, but I was pleasantly surprised and felt like I was listening to their album. They played all of my favourite songs, including this, this, this and this.

The boys had a great time with my parents and didn't see to have any issues being gone for us from 24 hours. It was so nice to stay up late, go on a road trip, enjoy good music and have extended alone time with Joel. I feel refreshed and am thankful for such a great opportunity!