Lessons Learned (Thoughts on 5 Years)

Yesterday Dan and I celebrated our five-year anniversary. Since I'm a contemplative person, I like to think back to those five years and all that happened. Somewhere along the way we went from this, 

To this, 

And this, 

To this. 

I like to think that I've picked up a few notions along the way, and dropped other notions as I've learned that they are not useful. However, five years by no means makes me knowledgeable about the ways and means of marriage. 

Thus, I'm not really surprised at my surprise that yesterday was (I think) my favorite anniversary so far. 

See, Dan left this morning for a business trip in San Diego. I'm joining him in a few days after school lets out, and we're doing "real" anniversary stuff there (you know, exciting/romantic/adventurous). However, since yesterday was a Friday and I strenuously object to cooking dinner on a Friday night after a long and busy week, we decided to get Chik Fil A with my calendar card. 

(Thanks, Mom!) 

So our anniversary was pretty simple. We did chores together, got Dan packed and ready, ate dinner watching our new (to me) Netflix show, and just relaxed together. I didn't get dressed up or worry about my hair or how the evening would progress. I didn't think about what we should talk about, or set up weird expectations about how it's going to be this idyllic romantic evening (it never is, and if you've known us for any length of time as a couple, you know we're not really into traditional "romantic" stuff). 

It was, in short, a really lovely evening together. 

Happy anniversary, my love. 

Good Love

I've linked you up to her before, and she's here again: the marvelous Sarah Bessey.



Rachel Held Evans is writing a series on submission, as it pertains to spouses and others in the church. As usually with Ms. Evans, I agree with some, disagree with some, but generally appreciate the attitude of not slamming those with whom you may disagree, but trying to dialogue and understand.



Sarah Bessey wrote this beautiful post on what mutual submission looks like in her marriage, and folks, lemme tell you...



This is what I want my marriage to look like.




"I just want to read dog-eared poetry books and cook his meals, argue with him about theology and then kiss him on the kitchen floor."



I don't need to set down rules and lines for how Dan and I will show grace and love (and yes, sometimes submission) to one another. I do need to continually remind myself of the incredible grace and love shown to me, and continually strive to extend that grace and love to my husband.



Sometimes this will mean submitting to my husband's will by him going out with friends again. Sometimes it means he submits to my will and has a quiet night in with me. Sometimes it means we carefully discuss the pros and cons of the churches we've visited and decide together which one we feel is best for us.



And that's the beauty of Sarah's post. It doesn't matter on which side of the egalitarian/complementarian line you fall. She's talking about love, self-sacrifical, servant-hearted love.



The kind Jesus gave, and asks us to give.

Mama's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

(Also applicable for awesome grandmothers.)



It struck me today how very long I've lived outside of my mother's home. In the meantime, I've been in the homes of plenty of women who willingly offer me the love of a mother, all biology aside.



But nonetheless, it's been longer than I realized since my mom and I called the same place "home."



And you know what?



It doesn't matter.



My mom will always be part of "home" for me, as will so many women who has taught me about love, grace, gentleness, and honor. And I'm thankful to have a mother who instilled a strong sense of "home," and how to appreciate that.



Home, away, or somewhere in between--Happy Mother's Day!



Also, this is a beautiful reminder about how to treat Mother's Day with gentleness. Part of my growing up has taught me that Mother's Day is not a day of rejoicing for everyone.

Linking You Up

I know, this may be the fourth or fifth time I've sent you to Jen Hatmaker's blog, but she just speaks to me so well.



In this post, she talks about being uninvited to speak at a conference because of her particular leanings on certain topics. Her honesty about doubt. Her transparency regarding her sins. Her position on drinking. (! Are we really still hung up on this?!)



Anyway, I love this post because it's about me. About my generation. About the oncoming slew of young adults who love Jesus, but aren't sure what to think about gay marriage. College&Careers who are pushing to find the balance between an intellectual, thoughtful faith and love that is lived out in service, day by day. Kids who refuse the dogma, the denomination, and long for acceptance.



These are my people. And I say, hallelujah for a woman like Jen who will "gather us" to herself and help us on the way. We need people, we need mamas and fathers and brothers and sisters and children of our own, if we really want to transform this world into a place where the Kingdom of God can be recognized.

Valentines Day and Such

Yeah, I know it's a "made up holiday."



But you know what? I still don't mind Valentines Day...yes, I tell my husband every day that I love him, and I occasionally try to make something special or do something out of the ordinary just for the heck of it...but at the same time, what's wrong with a day that reminds me to cherish and love those in my life? Dan and I don't bother going all out with tons of gifts or anything, but I enjoy a special dinner, maybe some flowers, and a little extra fun.



Besides, when you're in elementary school, it means lots of candy too!



So, whether you love it, hate it, or reside comfortably somewhere in the middle ground, here are a few shots of my V-Day Happies.



(Unfortunately due to legal stuff I can't post pics of my actual class in our heart-y glory, but I took a couple non-kid shots too.)

Cutest gift from a student. The best part? It's full of chocolate!

Our little mailboxes...thanks to the parents who sent in every cereal box they had, and are probably now living out of unboxed cereal bags. 

Aren't they cute? I don't even mind the three hours of my life I'll never get back that I spent wrapping the cereal boxes in red butcher paper. 

Glitter makes everything better. 

My gifts to the students...each kiddo got a homework pass, a funky eraser, and a homemade bookmark. Of course, one darling student (on the biggest sugar high you ever did see) decided to "eat" the bookmark and promptly threw it away. I refrained from drop-kicking him. 

Oh, also--this was for a girl. The boys got erasers like pizza and hotdogs, and bookmarks with army camo and plaid and stuff. 

Cause of aforementioned sugar rush. I was surprised to see that each additional parent who showed up brought us a treat, so this table was actually fuller by the end of the party. 

The sweetest gift of all, from my wonderful husband. I mean seriously, how cute is that?! He collected all the pieces and put it together and told me he got it for my classroom. He said he wanted something with flowers, but that would be easy to care for. 

(Now, I do know that orchids are notoriously difficult to care for, but they can also go long stints without being watered, and the hostess gift orchid that someone brought me is currently growing like mad and on its second glorious round of blooms. Knock on wood.) 

Little dog checking out said orchid. 

I have a wonderful four-day weekend ahead of me, so check back soon for some recipe-related posts...

...I feel the need to mention this since my Google Stats widget informs me that I have actual readers out there! Thanks for stopping by.