13 Years of Marriage...

Yesterday, December 30th, marked our 13th year of marriage.
To be very honest, I forgot! I knew it was coming, but did not give it a second thought about what day it was. To be even more honest; my wonderful, sweet, kind, caring, sacrificial,and most favorite sister-in-law, Amanda, had offered to keep the kids for the day, and overnight, so that I could do some work around the house, which is out of control.
Then I get a phone call. "Happy Anniversary", says Cleyo.
Oh-no, I was so excited about a day of quietness, and NO interruptions, that my Anniversary was not even important to me. So, feeling guilty, I decided to make Cleyo's favorite meal;
Manacoti, salad, garlic toast, apple pie, with some wine.
Then I realize, I do not have any cottage cheese for the Manicotti, so I call my neighbors, nobody has it. And not wanting to make trip into town, I call a friend in Versailles (Kelly V), because maybe she had to go to Greenville today, (I thought I would take a chance), she had no reason to leave the house, but that sweet woman had 2 containers of cottage cheese, and drove all the way to my house to give them to me (THANK YOU KELLY).
I love my God-given purpose in life, being a mom and a wife, but I do need to have days of quietness like these more often. I feel like I am always in total chaos mode, so yesterday was a blessing to be able to not feel pressure, or having this or that, thrown at me. I would like to say that I was able to move quickly and get many things done, but with my knee injury, moving quickly is not even an option. But the quietness and peace in the house, OH MY! That was awesome! I am so thankful for Amanda, she has 5 kids of her own, and was willing to take all 8 of mine, without a hesitation! I do not have family around that I can ask to watch the kids so that I can get a break, and with 8 kids, I do not like to burden others with my responsibilities, so THANK YOU AMANDA FOR THIS MUCH NEEDED BREAK!
Dinner last night was sweet, we sat in the quiet darkness, eating and talking. The talk was also needed, as Cleyo was able to open up to me about some struggles he has had lately, and why he believes he is struggling. I do not know if I will ever want to leave the house again for a date night, it was awesome to just be at home, in quietness, with my husband. Also, we never have anything to talk about in a restaurant, maybe the home atmosphere, allows us to open up easier with each other, and maybe at a restaurant, we feel like we need to perform.
I praise God for Cleyo. He is a man of integrity, he is honest, he loves me, he loves his children, he works hard to provide for his family, and most importantly, he loves God, and out of his love for God, Cleyo tries to be a man of God. I am sooo thankful, and I praise God that Cleyo is mine!
I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen and to protect this marriage. I pray that God will guide Cleyo with the struggles he is having. I pray that I will be a respectful wife, and that I can be an encouraging wife. I pray that God will give me wisdom in quietness, as a wife.