The Fruit

date night at Cartwright's

Patrick and I have recently suffered some rough experiences. Thankfully though, it's us against the world, not us against each other. What a busy life we have: school, work, teaching the kids, making time for each other, planning for the future. When we got married ten years ago, could we really know the trials and joy we would have? Nope. Sometimes it seems busy and hard, but we are the happiest together we've ever been. And through several experiences that built on each other I have recently received a peace about some big worries.

One of these peace-giving experiences was a moment last Saturday when Patrick played guitar in the living room, and I recalled so many similar newly-wed days. We just worked and played and didn't think too much. Except now there was one little girl singing along with me and him; a boy needing to know the band, album, and song name; and two other boys reveling in their own ruckus. I took a picture from my point of view, where I sat combining the recipe book my mom threw together for me before I went to college with the more complete Christmas gift one I use almost every day.

I love the fruit that has come from our marriage. I wouldn't trade away my trials and all the bitter stuff of my life. The profound sweetness is the other end of the same stick, and I am so grateful for getting to hold it.

live music and recipes

our awesome men

Josie and I bringing the spring