Now, for this week's installment of our a 2 z 4 u & me meme,
the J in my life...
My hero. My equilibrium.
My cheerleader. My sanity.
My Jim.
We've been married for 22 years and my kids will attest to the fact that on days when I've had too much and am struggling with keeping my cool, all I need to do is hear his van pulling in the driveway and I settle right down. He is a very calming presence for me. hehe. Usually. We're opposite enough that fireworks have been known to erupt, but that's not always bad. ;-)
When it comes to family, Jim is all there, providing fun, hugs, and great variety. I have to admit, I didn't like the kids sledding after dark. It was even colder and appeared more dangerous, but Jim pulled on his coveralls and went out with them, and they had hours of fun those nights we had an ice run to sled on. Living in southern Illinois, we don't usually have need of sleds, but he found a way to toboggan all together. He is tremendously creative and innovative.
Jim's the most self-sacrificing and giving man. He gets up early and goes to work and I used to make him a big breakfast--fried taters, eggs, toast, then, after the kids got up, I made them breakfast. Invariably, a little one would tumble to the table to eat breakfast with Daddy and I learned fast that if he was going to get enough to carry him to lunch, I had to cook double because for every bite he got, he gave the little one on his lap a bite. Those were special times with Dad.
No matter how busy he is, my dear husband makes it a point to spend time with each of the kids on a regular basis. He's the glue that holds us together, listening, loving, and correcting when necessary. He might not have had any sisters growing up, but he's sure adjusted to having daughters!
Jim built the house we live in. While we lived in it. That meant that he constantly had four children underfoot during the major construction, and five through the finishing process. This was a common sight here. In fact, now that the kids are bigger (LoL, our oldest is taller than Jim now) all of them work together and help each other on projects. Like their dad, our boys are handy with their hands, and this picture explains why--he rarely worked alone here at home. And he didn't just work on the house or in the shop. He worked in the kitchen, too. On Sunday (as in just two days ago) we all worked together slicing and putting apples in the dehydrator. At jam time, Jim is up to his elbows in strawberries. He leads by example.
Thanks, Hun, for all you do for us. I'm so glad we got married. You're the best of the best and I love you! =)
If you're joining us for the a 2 z 4 u & me meme by posting on your blog this week about the letter J, be sure to add your name and the link to that particular post in the linky gadget here.
Sounds like you've got an awesome man, Patty! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into your home.
ReplyDeleteI love it when God sends good Christian men to women. I call mine--MY ED.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Lovely!! It's so nice to know that there are other good, wonderful men out there (that I haven't got the last one... )
ReplyDeleteNice tribute, Peej!
ReplyDeleteSunny
Yeah, he's a keeper, Peej!
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me feel happy! There are so many unhappy marriages out there and it's wonderful to hear of the good ones!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing of your superhero! You are so blessed! :)
A beautiful tribute, Patty. You've been given a gift!
ReplyDeletePeej, what a beautiful tribute to your man!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me.
ReplyDelete;)
~~G
That was a VERY sweet post, Peej! I'm still smiling. Thanks for sharing --it's a lovely tribute! ^_^
ReplyDeleteAwesome guy:)
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful. You have such an awesome husband (and his wife is pretty amazing too :D)
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! What a happy home you all must have. God has blessed you!
ReplyDeleteI love these posts about our husbands. We are SO blessed. I have to wait for "P" though. : )
ReplyDeleteWhat a great family, Patty. Your husband sounds amazing. Thus, all the beautiful smiles.
ReplyDeletePrecious pictures! Love the glimpses I'm getting. Oh, and congrats on entering the next stage of your literary journey with a new agent! Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your husband! I loved the pictures and what you told about him.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful post, Patty. Adorable and inspiring :)
ReplyDeleteHe looks and sounds like a nice guy.
ReplyDelete