Posts Tagged ‘Jonathan’
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About two months ago, while I was visiting with my neighbor-friend Rachel, I realized: Sometimes a man’s job is better left to a woman. We were hanging out in her backyard with all our kiddos when she said she was planning to mow later that day. Being the non-mower in my marriage I thought that seemed a little odd, until Rachel said why: She wanted to do things that would normally be her husband’s task in order to free him up to spend more time with the family.
Sometimes a man’s job is better left to a woman:
Since having that conversation with Rachel, I’ve started to look for ways to “free up” Jonathan. I have even gone so far as to clean out the garage {which is notoriously man’s land in our family} because I knew Jon wasn’t going to have the time to do it – but would stay up late just to get it finished. Aside from wanting to bless Jon, I admit, it is always pretty nice having him come home from work saying things like “Wow, the yard looks great!”, which is great motivation for this wifey-mama.
What are man jobs that you do?
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12 month photo project is a challenge started by Tara Whitney. Here’s what you do:
- Take a photo of your family once a month.
- Write a few things about that month.
- Make it into a book at the end of the year.
June just might be my favorite month. Well, actually, I have 4 favorite months and June just happens to be one of the four.
Hannah turned 1 two weeks ago. It was an amazing time of fellowship with our friends and family. Having her turn 1 seems far more surreal than with Julia. Now that Hannah is getting older, that just means Julia is getting even older. A very bittersweet feeling. As for The Bear, she’s a walking machine. From her first step, it took her a few weeks to really gain confidence – but now – now she wiggles out of my arms until I put her down so she can walk. She refuses to wear shoes, which doesn’t surprise me in the least given Julia’s original reaction to them.
As for Julia Mabel, we are getting some where in the “Why?” department. Last week I started a new rule that she needs to ask full sentence questions {“Mama, why are we going for a walk?”} to help 1) stop her asking so many why’s and 2) make her think through her questions. Oddly enough, the full sentences haven’t slowed her down nearly as much. They did for a couple of days, but not any more. But, I think we’re both less frustrated by the question/answer conversations because we are having just that, a conversation. Secretly I wish there were a way to get paid every time she asks “why?”. I think I could easy use that money to pay for both girls to go to an Ivy League university.
Jonathan officially left his PhD program. He had resigned in May, but after some processing, decided that perhaps he needed to stay in the program after all. As it was, he was enrolled in the Department of Engineering {DE} but doing research under the School of Library and Information Science {SLIS}. Jon regularly sees his advisor from SLIS but never from DE. When he went to speak to his DE advisor, he was informed that too much time had lapsed between his comprehensive exams and dissertation so he would need to retake the comprehensive exams {and a few classes?}. Well, long story short, he decided enough was enough and he left the program. It was hard on him at first, but as time goes on he’s feeling like he made the right decision.
It seems like every month goes by faster. It’s been a joy to reflect back each month a really take everything in.
Happy Father’s Day!
Posted on: June 20, 2010
- In: Life
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I can’t even begin to tell you all just how much I love Jonathan as a father. He is truly the dad to the Windhamettes that I always wanted as a girl. He is kind and loving. He is thoughtful, affectionate and ever-giving. He showers them with attention that only a father can do. It is beautiful and has brought me much healing in regards to father/daughter relationships. I am more than blessed to share this life with him. More than blessed to have him as the father of two vivacious girls. In every sense he has truly earned, not the title of father, but the prize of being called a daddy.
Happy Father’s Day, Jonathan! I love you and can’t tell you enough for how amazing of a father you are! Thank you for sacrificing for our family and for striving to stay the course with your Heavenly Father so that you can continue being the father our girls need.
Reasons I like Jonathan being gone
Posted on: June 8, 2010
- In: Life
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I decided rather than wallow in self pity about Jonathan’s absence this week, I should write a list of all the reasons I like him being away from the house. Here are the three I came up with {the first two came really easy I might add…}:
1. I get a lot more sleep
By nature Jon is a night owl and I am an early bird. Since Hannah was born I have taken to staying up late with Jon so we can spend more time together. But, I still wake up early. Meaning, I get less sleep. However, while he’s away, I normally am in bed asleep by 9:30 {and I’d even consider that on the late side}.
2. My house stays really clean
One of the things I loved about Jonathan while we were dating is that he was a clean guy. His room was clean, he was organized, etc. And while that’s transferred to our marriage, it seems like when “Daddy’s home” our house is a mess. Not that he’s doing it, it’s just that typically speaking, we aren’t nearly as concerned about how our house looks as we are about spending family time together. But, while he’s away, I get into ultra-organized-mom mode and our house stays in pretty great condition {which is a plus this week, since my Mom will be here tomorrow night and we are hosting a party on Saturday}.
3. I get a cooking break
I love to cook. Yet for some reason, if Jonathan’s not eating with me and the girls, I just have no desire to cook a big meal. So all this week, my menu plan looks like this: bean and cheese tacos, quesadillas, beans and rice, oatmeal, cereal, spaghetti pie. Impressive, don’t ya think?
I came up with a few other reasons, but I didn’t think “Sleeping with a baseball bat in my hands” or “Getting to drink a full pot of coffee” were really valid reasons to celebrate my single motherness for the week.
The thing is, I’m kinda a brat
Posted on: June 4, 2010
- In: Life
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I’ll be real honest, I can be a brat. I won’t sugar coat it for ya – some days I’m down right selfish and rude. I like my way on my time at my say. It ain’t pretty and it sure ain’t godly. Part of me wonders if I don’t look a little like this:
Jonathan is leaving Monday for a business trip to Chicago and won’t be back until Thursday night. Over lunch yesterday, I was giving him a hard time about being gone {especially since we’ll miss our normal date night}. Even though I could tell it was annoying him, I kept on going, kept on being bratty. Finally Jon just said “Aren’t you happy that I provide for you?” Say what? This business trip is for me? All your hard work and effort is so I can stay at home? Yes, yes it is.
The thing is, I’m kinda a brat. And while I was pouting about a business trip that my husband is taking, I failed to realize he is taking it for me. He is going to ensure that I can continuing staying at home with our daughters. He is going to ensure that we have a roof over our heads and live comfortable lives. He is going to ensure that he holds true to his words – that he will protect, provide and care for me and our family. He is going because, well, he’s just plain awesome at his job and his boss wants him to go. How can I pout about that? How can I be upset about having such a great man?
By the end of our conversation I was struck with this verse: “It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. {Proverbs 21:19}”. I apologized to Jon and before lunch was finished the air was cleared. I walked away with this one thing in mind: “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.” {Proverbs 18:22}.
I want to be the kind of wife that my husband treasures. One that lifts him up and allows him to do what God has called him to. One that is supportive and kind. One that speaks with love and humility. And I am grateful that I have a man like Jon, who is always understanding, continually pointing me towards truth. Thanks for all you hard work babe. I love you.
- In: Life
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12 month photo project is a challenge started by Tara Whitney. Here’s what you do:
- Take a photo of your family once a month.
- Write a few things about that month.
- Make it into a book at the end of the year.
Is May ending already?!? That can’t be. Because if that’s the case, that means 1) Hannah turns 1 in two weeks 2) Jonathan is done with his crazy weekend MBA course 3) Julia had her tonsils removed and 4) I’m just standing here wondering “what just happened??!”.
Whew. Does time ever slow down? May has been a whirlwind of a month. Julia had an amazingly quick recovery from her tonsillectomy. The following weekend was Mother’s Day, so it was an extra bonus to have her feel so well. My Mother’s Day was really, really nice. Very relaxing and I felt extremely loved {the dozen roses Jonathan gave me did the trick}. Plus, the night before Mother’s Day, our dear friends, Matt and Kristen, gotten engaged. While we weren’t there for the proposal, we did get to spend time with them right before and after. It was a sweet time and we’re thrilled for them both!
As of today, Hannah took her first steps! She doesn’t go far {just 3 or so steps} but she’s “walked” several times between Jon and me. It’s a bittersweet moment in this mama’s life.
Jonathan’s career path has really been in flux this last month. He has been deciding whether to finish his PhD or to focus more primarily on his MBA. After getting some strong council, he’s putting his MBA classes on hold until he has finished the PhD program. Our family is now shifting our schedules to allow him more time to work on his research during the evenings. It’s going to be challenging having him gone more, but we’ve decided to do it in 4-6 week groups so that no one gets burned out. Hopefully the end will be here before we know it!
We spent Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. It was a blast! Despite the Windhamettes having such little sleep, they did really well the whole trip {although there might have been one too many suckers consumed to ensure obedience}. We spent a lot of time at festivals and in Millenium Park. It was great being away from normal life for a while, but Jon and I agreed, as much as we love big cities, we really love our little city life.
*Yes, I am totally wearing the same jeans as I did for last month’s family photo. Just realized that…
Chicago, Chicago!
Posted on: May 29, 2010
- In: Life
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{Be sure to check out my flower hair clip giveaway!}
I have a love of big cities. Thankfully, so does Jonathan. And from what we can tell, both girls seem to be pretty impressed with them too. So this weekend we are going to Chicago.
Here’s a list of great things to do in Chicago with kids:
1. Lincoln Park Zoo
It’s free and open to the public. It’s in the middle of the city {well, technically it’s not in the middle, but you’d think it was} with several entrances and exits, making it perfect for just popping in and out whenever you need. They do some pretty incredible water shows with their seals and their mammal habitat allows you to get amazing up close views of leopards, tigers, etc.
2. Chicago’s Children Museum
While a little on the pricy side {$10 per person over age 1}, it’s suppose to be one of the best museums to visit. There are 3 stories of fun to be had and it’s located off Navy Pier. The downside? It’s 3 stories of fun, meaning, you’re not going to be able to see it all in one visit. Our family is still debating if the girls are too young to really enjoy themselves this go around.
3. Navy Pier
While our girls are too small for the ferris wheel, it’s perfect for older kids. But, with all the candy shops, fast pace atmosphere and sites to see, it’s bound to be a hit for our people-watching kids!
4. Shedd Aquarium
We took Julia when we came to Chicago in November 2008. However, she was a little on the young side at the time but I think she’s going to love all the “fishies” this time around. The Shedd has thousands of displays of beautiful sea creatures, ranging from otters and whales to octopus and dolphins. It makes for great and fun learning experience.
5. Millenium Park
Millenium Park is more than just a park. They host concerts, festivals, free workouts and beautiful scenery, among other things. You could easily spend half a day musing around exploring the Cloud Gate, the Crown Fountain, and the Lurie Garden. It’s a great place and perhaps the site I’m most excited to visit.
The post you’ve all be waiting for…
Posted on: May 24, 2010
- In: Life
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My house is clean!!
I hosted a baby shower on Saturday morning, so Jon and I spent Friday night {and Saturday morning!} finishing up painting and cleaning the kitchen. Jon actually finished painting at 8:30 am and the shower started at 9:30!
Here’s the end results of our remodel and the new wall Jonathan finished:
And for your my pleasure, here’s Hannah – who just had to have her picture taken.
Never ask a man to do a woman’s job
Posted on: May 6, 2010
- In: Life
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Cause this is what happens:
Earlier this week Jon changed Hannah’s diaper since I was making lunch. She comes back with her onesie on the outside of her pants. I could barely stop laughing long enough to snap the photo. Maybe it’s a new fashion trend?
On another note – these two look nothing alike. Seriously, it’s like I gave birth to Jonathan’s mini-me:
Jonathan and Sarah
I’m pretty opinionated.
I’m very loud.
I’ve been known to speak then think.
And despite all that, I’m loved by one very understanding man. One of the greatest things about Jonathan is his overwhelming patience for me. Even in all the crazy things I do and say, he gives himself to me more and more everyday.
Indeed, I am loved.
A Wife Loved Like The Church 
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