My grandparents came over this afternoon for a visit and we watched an old family movie from 1988.  It was really great to watch it and see some family members that are no longer with us and also just to see how things used to be.  My parents divorced in 1999 and our family really hasn't been the same since.  You might think that divorce wouldn't be as bad if your children are grown, which I was when my parents divorced, but you are wrong.  My mom's side and my dad's side of the family used to be really close.  I was so lucky growing up because everything we did around holidays and such included the entire extended family together.  I remember sitting on a stool at my grandma's dining room table and watching my parents and grandparents playing cards on the weekends. We had barbecues with the whole family there.  We took a wonderful vacation with my grandparents too, not both sets of grandparents but it was still wonderful.  We just had a really close, loving family while I was growing up.  Don't get me wrong, our family had problems just like everyones does but all of the good times far outweighed the bad.  Everyone got along and we were all close.  But when my parents divorced, the family split.  Not because anyone blamed anyone else or because anyone was mad at anyone else, it just wasn't the same.  We don't all get together like we used to, unless it is for a grandchild's birthday and then it is still different. Everyone seems to just be in a hurry to get back to their lives.  Nobody just hangs around to visit and be together.  My grandma and I talked today about how things are different now and how those times (on the video) were the good times.  It just makes me sad that things had to change like they did.  I know we grow older and we have children and our own inlaws and extended families but it still amazes me how different things are today.  It is sad what a difference a few deaths and divorces can make in a family.
 
I want to encourage each of you to call those you love that you haven't talked to in awhile.  Hug those that you can and tell them you love them because you never know if they will be here tomorrow.  Never think for one minute that just because your children are grown, a divorce won't change much.  It will!

Blessings,
Rashel

PS - Mom, I know you will read this so I want you to know I am not blaming you for all that has happened and it isn't directed at you at all.  It is just what was on my heart today.  I know there were many circumstances and reasons for the divorce, it isn't ever easy.  Love you!

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Rhen over at Yes, They Are All Mine tagged me for a marriage meme.  So, here are 8 things about my marriage, some of which I think I have posted before but I will do it again here.

1. I met dh at a psych hospital while doing a nursing rotation there, he was on staff not a patient LOL.

2. We dated 4 years before getting married.

3. We were not Christians when we got married but were baptised together.

4. Dh is 5 years older than me.

5. We eloped and didn't tell our families for about 2 months! (that is a long story)

6. We ate at Sonic right after the wedding.

7. We never had a honeymoon but hope to someday.

8. I honestly believe God brought us together because no one else would ever put up with me and all I have put dh through, I love him dearly!

Okay, this time I am not going to tag anyone specifically but if you are reading this and want to share your marriage meme, then consider yourself tagged!  If you do share, please leave me a comment and let me know so I can read yours.

Blessings,
Rashel

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Sometimes I take pleasure in the strangest things, today it was ironing. This morning my dh has to go to a meeting and then to a show (like a cattleman's show) for his work, so I ironed his shirt for him.  Usually I hang them right after drying or line dry and there really isn't a need to iron, but recently that didn't get done and they had more wrinkles than I care to admit.  So, I decided I would make sure he had a nice, clean, ironed shirt for today (you guessed it, I NEVER iron unless absolutely neccessary).  While he was getting ready, I ironed his shirt and it occurred to me while I was that it was the perfect opportunity to pray for him as well.  It was just a nice, satisfying feeling to be able to take care of my husband physically (his shirt/appearance) and spiritually (prayer).  I left the ironing board and iron out and plan to iron the rest of his shirts sometime today and plan to use that time to pray for him again.  My husband is a very hard working Mr. Steady and allows me to stay home and take care of our children and home.  I need to remember to pray for him as he goes into the world everyday and to be thankful for him and all he does for us.  I have started a "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives" that has really inspired me to make sure that my dh knows I love, respect and appreciate him.  You can check it out at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SHMILYtime/  They have alot of neat things on there just to read also if you don't want to join the challenge. 

Have a blessed day and remember to do something today to show your husband how much you love him!

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