Stopping to smell the roses

My niece got married on the weekend.

It sounds so bizarre to say "my niece". You see my husband was a "surprise" baby, so his siblings are much older, like 18 years older. Therefore, his nieces and nephews are in their 20's and 30's now.

They are grown-ups, getting married and having babies.

So, on the weekend, my niece got married. She has been with her partner since her teens, they have two beautiful boys and now they are married.

Weddings always get me thinking about my own marriage. As I listen to the vows being spoken and watch as the love is shared, I think of the vows that we spoke on our own wedding day and wonder if we still uphold them.

I always take it as a chance to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, of my own relationship. In the hustle and bustle of life and everyday, we can often lose sight of each other, taking for granted what we have built over the years. Relationships are so important and they need nurturing. Just like a rose, they need care and attention.

When I was first married, my mum gave me an article she had found in Body&Soul magazine, it basically said you need to make time for each other, no matter what. I believe that and still do, which is why Hubby and I are always making time for each other, whether it is a date night, a night away or our nightly cuppa together.

Do you and your partner get to spend some quality time?
Do you think about your relationship at weddings?

Six roses and 14 kind words

Last night Hubby arrived home carrying a box of six red roses saying, "These were at the front door".

I was perplexed to say the least. I said, "Are they from you?"

He said, "They are six red roses, they better be from me."

Still perplexed. I read the card.

Such a complete and utter surprise. Hubby is not normally a flower buyer. Tears filled me eyes.

I have been having a rough time. I'm sure Hubby has too.

Our Little Mr 0 has been sick for weeks, sleep hasn't been high on his priority list and now drinking his milk isn't high on the list either. It takes it out of you, the worry, the exhaustion.

Our Little Miss 4 is going through a "phase" of whining and back chatting. It takes it out of you, attempting to navigate this new behaviour and be the best parent you can be.

On top of this I have my own insecurities about my body image, parenting skills, and hoping that I am the best wife that I can be too. These seem to be exacerbated  by my complete and utter exhaustion.
 
Then Hubby gives me six red roses and 14 kind words. He is a keeper and I love him with all my heart. I couldn't navigate this crazy thing called life without him by my side.

Hubby, thanks for asking me out.

Does your partner surprise you?