Speaking from the Heart

My younger daughter Katherine totally surprises me.

When Katherine was younger, she had a hard time making friends. Whenever we went to the park, she clung to my side and refused to go play  with the other girls. I often had to introduce her to a group of girls, and left her to mingle.   After a few minutes, she either was playing by herself or was coming to sit next to me.

Katherine is still shy, when it comes to meeting new people. However, she does have a group of friends she hangs around with at our homeschooling co-op. Out of 6 sixth grade girls, she is friends with 5 of them. The sixth one is shyer than Katherine. The girl is the quietest one in class. During lunch period, she sits with her mom and sister. I rarely see her playing with Katherine and the other girls.

Remembering how Katherine didn't have any friends, I suggested that she should include the girl in the activities. Not getting any responses from Katherine,  I thought my suggestion went into one ear and out the other. Several days went by and I completely forgot about the conversation. However, as we were returning from dinner, Katherine announced that she will not buy anything new until she befriends with the girl. Mind you, this (not buying anything new) is a big commitment for Katherine. She rarely saves her allowances. When she has money, she spends.

Katherine is true to her words. When she went to class on Monday, she saved a seat next to her. Unfortunately, the girl was absent. She'll try it again next week.

What did you learn this week? Blog it and link it to  Musings of a Housewife.  

The kids and I have gone nonstop for the last three weeks. Today is the first day we had nothing to do. With no commitments, I spent most of my time on facebook and compteplating if I should blog again. I do miss it. On the other hand, I know it will take up most of my time. Maybe I should take one day at a time.

78%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

He gave me the whole afternoon to myself. Saturday morning began with taking the kids to their friends' house. Afterwards, I cleaned the house. The plan was to pick up the kids at 4:00, take The Inquisitor to church for a student weekend performance, and then come home for supper around 6:30.

Around 1:30, Prince Charming had a craving for smoked chicken and ribs. Thinking he was going to return home way before 3:30, he went alone. Well, that short trip lasted until 6:30. He called me around 3:45 to tell me that he was picking up the kids. Instead of returning home and turning back an hour later, he and Minnie decided to wait for Mark.

This was such a blessing in disguise. Minnie had one-on-one time with her daddy, and I had the whole afternoon to myself. What a priceless Valentine's gift. No, I didn't blog all afternoon nor search people on facebook. I included a 3 mile cycling into my rest and recreation. Lastly, I don't have to cook tonight. Prince Charming is trying out his electric smoker. Boy, those chicken smell delicious.

Happy Birthday, my Prince Charming. It is hard to believe that you were 28 when we met. My, how time flies. It has been a blissful 21.5 years. I am looking for many more birthdays together.

Do you remember our first date? We went to Pizza Hut during our study break. Even though you didn't have any food in the fridge, you insisted that I take the remainder of the pizza home.

What about the time you met my parents? We had been going out for a month, and I had not introduced you to Mom and Dad. Dad sensed we were getting serious, and he was concerned about my future with you. Now that you have a daughter, do you understand why it was important for Dad to meet you?

You finally agreed to come over for dinner. After eating Mom's Mongolian Beef, Beef and Broccoli, and fried rice, you realized that no Chinese restaurant will ever come close to Mom's cooking. One more thing, Dad liked you from the start.

My most memorable date with you was when you were 3 hours late. You had been up all night cramming for a test. You went home to take a short nap after the exam. When you woke up, you realized that it was 9:00 P.M. You called to apologized and drove 30 minutes to Mom and Dad's house for a short visit.

It seems like summer of 1987, when we met, was yesterday. You and I have come a long way. However one thing has not change is my love for you. I love you more today than yesterday, but less than tomorrow.

As more friends are getting divorces or going through separations, I begin to wonder about the stability of my marriage. Is Prince Charming's love tank full? Am I daily applying Gary Chapman's 5 emotional love languages: gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, and physical touch?

• Gift giving -Thank God, gift giving is not Prince Charming's love language. This can get expensive. Before he buys his latest toy, he researches it. I can show fill his love tank by supporting him.
• Word of affirmation- forgiveness. This is so important when we have a disagreement before bedtime. When I am at fault, I ask for forgiveness before I close my eyes. If I don't, Prince Charming tosses and turns throughout the night. This isn't fair for him, especially when he has to rise early.
• Acts of service- Prince Charming loves an orderly house. His love tank is never full, because I am still in training. I think he has already given up hope (LOL). This is to my advantage. When he gets fed up with the chaos, he starts cleaning.
• Quality time- Playing Scrabble, our nightly ritual after dinner. My love tank is also filled.
• Physical touch- Kissing him good-bye before he leaves the house.

I am proud to be the daughter of the late Major Ronald C. Bethard. My family is filled with heroes who put their lifes on the line to protect our country.

One advantage of homeschooling is I can prolong Minnie's childhood. If my fifth grader was in a public school, her days playing with Webkinz, dolls, dressing up, etc. would probably be over. She probably would be interested in boys, and would know more about the world, than I care for her to. Thank you Lord, for allowing my daughter to enjoy her childhood for another day.

Agent Minnie waiting for a report from Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew gives a full detail to Agent Minnie, as she observes the family from afar.

It is such a joy to see the girls using their imaginations.

For more Mondays on Mothering, visit Bow of Bronze

Dear Minnie,

11 years ago today, Dad rushed us to the hospital. Judging the way I was feeling, I knew you were ready to see the world. If the train had stopped us, you would have been delivered in the car. Needless to say, Dad was happy that didn't happen. Once we arrived at the hospital, there was nothing holding you back. We arrived at the hospital at 6:30 AM, and I was holding you at 6:45.