The Arrows of a Warrior {Family Friday}

A couple of weeks ago I shared with you a craft I did - a wooden arrow made of scraps of wood I found in our garage.  Yes, arrows are on trend, and they are super cute, but for my hubby and I they have a little more meaning.  

As the days of summer tick on I am reminded daily that August is looming.  This will be the month in which my first baby will move across the country to start the next chapter in his life. On his first deciding to attend school so far away (1600 miles away - a 26hr drive), my mommy-heart was naturally saddened.  But, I knew he had earnestly prayed about his decision and really felt this was where God was leading him.  I am beyond proud of his academic accomplishments, and the blessings those have afforded him.  But I would only be kidding myself if I didn't think the distance was going to be difficult. Since the time of his decision, God has made it clear over and over again that this indeed is where he wants my baby to be.  He has answered prayer after prayer concerning the transition - a church whose pastor has Oklahoma ties, a BCM director whom he has already connected with, and so on.  As I study his face and his countenance I know that he is ready, and I feel confident sending him out into the world.  

Back to the arrow. The Bible tells us that children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior.  

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.

-Psalm 127:4

  
As my hubby and I pondered this verse, we agreed.  A warrior most likely is not going to keep his arrows in his quiver for safe keeping.  No, he is going to shoot them out into battle.  So, as the days pass this summer I am soaking up every moment - trying to memorize his face - and my hubby and I are cramming in those last moments of instruction as we prepare to shoot our first arrow out into the world.  May he be a light for You Lord.

You can see the arrow got a little extra decoration in the form of a piece of card stock printed with his destination attached with gold thumbtacks.  

This portion of our hallway (dark skinny hallway - impossible to photograph) has been lined with pics of all the kiddos at their 1st birthday (the pic on the left of course) for years.  Entering into this new phase - this will be the new tradition:  senior pic next to 1 year pic, with arrow of destination above.  I love being able to celebrate with my children and I am excited to watch their lives unfold in the hands of The Lord.

Linking up at Titus 2 Tuesday

Dad is Great! {Family Friday}

In honor of father's day being right around the corner, I thought we would talk about Dad!!

My hubby shared with an article he saw on facebook this week about how Dad's aren't dumb. As we have been in the business of raising children over the last eighteen years, hubby and I have often discussed our disappointment of the media's portrayal of Dad's.  Dad doesn't know what he's doing with the baby.  The kids are allowed to do whatever they want on dad's watch. Everything falls apart when mom's not around. Dad's babysitting??  

I don't know about you, but that's not how it works around our house.  My hubby is an integral part of the parenting team.  He has never "babysat" our children.  He manages just fine, if not better, when I am not around.  He is great with babies, and I know without a doubt that my kids are in the best hands when they are with their Dad.

I am so lucky that my kids have a Dad like they do.  One that models how to work hard, how to love a wife, and mostly how to love The Lord.  

My kids love their Dad so much, and if you ask them why they will say "because he plays with me" without hesitation.  :)  And it's true - he will wrestle in the floor with them...

Go sledding with them...

Even play in the mud with them...

Ya, they love their Dad, and so do I.  I am so thankful for the father he strives to be and the Father he strives to be like everyday.  

This video is a great picture of what being a Dad is all about :).

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there doing their Dad thing!!  Us mamas are thankful to have you by our side!!

More About Marriage and Get Aways {Family Friday}

Hello all!!  Did ya miss me??  I sure missed you!! But, the break was definitely a good thing!!  Now that we are home, I am ready to get back into the swing of things, including blogging things.  

Let me just start by saying, taking this trip was THE best thing my hubby and I could have done last week!!  We did n.o.t.h.i.n.g. but lay on the beach, walk on the beach, read on the beach, and eat.  (And apparently take selfies - HA!!) No joke. It was fabulous.  

Let me follow that up by saying, all married couples need to make time to get away.  If you have kids or not.  If your kids are little or big.  If you think you have the time or not.  

Sadly, the last time we did this was 10 years ago. Oh, ya there have been several times over these past ten years when the kids have gone to grandma's and we have stayed home alone - but it's just not the same.  

You don't have to go far.  You don't have to spend a lot of money.  You don't have to do a lot of things.  But, do your marriage a favor and get away from life.

We had no idea how stressed we actually were. How tired we actually were.  How emotionally drained we actually were.  Until we took the time and removed ourselves, and actually allowed ourselves to truly rest.  We rested our minds, bodies, and soul.  

We spent a lot of time reconnecting.  Talking about all the things we have tried to talk about at home and got nowhere.  It was such a lovely time of reconnecting and rejuvenating for our marriage.  We will not wait so long before we do it again.  

Whether a few days, or a week - do it - take time for just the two of you - away.  

Happy weekend friends, and I will be back next week with some fun things to share!!  :)

Linking up at Titus 2 Tuesday / Works For Me Wednesday