Kitty love, puppy love - whatever

Oh, yes, I relate to this photo completely.  A year ago Charlie drove us out to Denver, CO to pick up a schipperke puppy.  We had suddenly lost our other schip Andy in April.  Charlie loves me so much that he put aside his reservations and brought Nali into our lives.  I couldn't hide my desire for another dog and we have enjoyed a relationship that gives me permission to reveal my desires to my dear Charlie.  Even when it is a little scary.  I was prepared for him to resist and he had good reason to do so.  But that's where love comes in.  Like the obvious love in this photo. Now we're in the puppy business together again.  I am so grateful my husband understands me so well.  It is no small thing.

Charlie as a Daddy

Yesterday we gathered to celebrate Daddy's Day.  Charlie was touched with the gifts (including Beatles glasses I'll get to handwash!). He is the kind of guy who takes in these expressions of love with an appreciation not necessarily obvious to others.  But I get to hear firsthand the joy it brings him.  He is so immensely proud of his precious girls and the families they now enjoy.  Even tho' we thought I was pregnant with a boy both times, he never even had a thought of disappointment over being the patriarch in a family of females.  Hence, the pink.  Another thing that we love about our family is the laughter and creative humor that bubbles out when we're together.  This is how it has been for us since way back when we were just dating.  We started out laughing a lot and now live with the understanding that the saying "live, love, laugh" is the path to thriving as a family.  That, and our connection to Jesus, has served us well.  How I love this man who loves his family so deeply.

A time for everything

We've been away on vacation for 5 days now.  Time seems slower and we've done well to be loose with any kind of schedule or "must do's".  Each afternoon we've enjoyed a nap.   I think God is pleased that above all we just want to spend His precious gift of time "being together."  It is a beautiful, bonding thing.  I wish I could figure out how to tell the married couples of the world that "being time without agenda" is important.  This is difficult to do at home surrounded with the obvious to-do list.  In years past we figured out the fruit of being away even if it meant Motel 6 budget restraints.  We sometimes joke that we're getting on each other's nerves, but we always feel sad the first day back to work and part with "I'm going to miss you."