I just returned from exciting Lancaster, PA., from my anniversary vacation with my darling wife. We have been married 18 years. I think that we have had an anniversary vacation for 17 of those 18 years; we missed one year due to an impending birth.
We had a great time. On the surface, much of what we did for five days would seem pretty mundane to most people: walking, shopping, bowling, playing games, driving, watching movies. But we did them together. We fed each other (mostly emotionally, not physically). We discussed the Bible together. We worshiped together (she has a pretty voice). We talked about parenting, and reaffirmed that we are on the same side.
I highly recommend an anniversary vacation to renew and recharge the relationships of married couples. Time alone together is wonderful.
Today was the first day of returning to homeschooling for my wife and my kids since our vacation. I was home, since I like taking a day off between being out of town and returning back to work.
The wife had it rough today, as she got a bit of attitude from both kids. Several times I had to comfort her and brainstorm ideas with her about how to respond and cope. At one point our daughter was being pretty short and cheeky with my wife in the dining room, so my wife came into the kitchen where I was to ask for suggestions. We talked about strategies and possible consequences, all within earshot of our daughter.
After the missus and I finished our conversation, I went and sat next to my daughter in the dining room. She glanced at me and continued her schoolwork.
"Did you hear what Mom and I were talking about?" I said.
"Yeah," she replied.
Calmly, I said, "I just spent four days helping Mom feel loved and peaceful, and I don't appreciate you undoing my work in one day. OK?"
"OK," she said.
I left it at that.
Yay, you DIDN'T fall off the planet...I was sure you were somewhere!!
ReplyDeleteYou're a good man, my friend!
yes, you are a good man:-)
ReplyDeleteand drew and I are discussing a possible anniversary vacation for ourselves--especially since, for the first time ever, I actually get paid vacation time on this job!
I think your response to the situation with your daughter was perfect. I always think it's good for kids to be reminded that their parents are whole people -- more than parents. And I agree no one should undo the work you did of helping your wonderful wife feel loved and peaceful. I bet your point came through loud and clear!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathie and Jess - I appreciate the "good man" compliment. The wife seems to think so, right about now...
ReplyDeleteNina: She's a pretty sweet kid, and doesn't often need much heavy-handedneess. From me, at least. Sometimes with the wife my daughter continues with her eye-rolling tone of voice while in the very act of denying that she is doing it.
Ah well, at least she isn't chasing boys.