All Posts By

Kathryn

2 In Book Review

2018 Book Reviews and Recommendations

 

Scroll to the bottom to read what I think are the BEST BOOKS of 2018!

40 books I’ve read in 2018:

1. Money-making mom – (4/5) This book had some different ideas about how a mom can earn some extra money while raising kids. Written by Crystal Paine who created MoneySavingMom.com.

2. Girl Wash your face by Rachel Hollis – (4/5) Read my review by clicking here.

3. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (5/5) – Fascinating book, and I highly recommend it. Read my full review by clicking here.

4. Mother & Son: The Respect Effect by Emerson Eggerichs. (5/5)  Read my review by clicking here.

5. Conversations with a Billionaire by Ted Egly (5/5) Awesome book! Get a glimpse into this book by clicking here.

6. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (3/5) Read my review here.

7. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (3/5) – Read my review here.

8. Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud (5/5) – Loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it if you are going through any transitions. Read my full review here.

9. Breathing In, Breathing out by Ralph Fletcher (4/5) – Read my review here.

10. Love Does by Bob Goff (5/5)  – I read this a couple years ago, and downloaded the audiobook to hear the author read it! This is one of my favorite books ever.

11. Everybody Always by Bob Goff 5/5 (Review here)

12. Wise Woman Abides from The Help Club for Moms – 5/5  – Fall Bible Study book. Click here to read an excerpt.  My favorite Bible study for women.

13. Wise Woman Stays from The Help Club for Moms 5/5

14. Wise Woman Loves from The Help Club for Moms – 5/5

15. Fervent by Priscilla Shirer – (5/5)  read my review here.


16. Indescribable by Louie Giglio – (5/5) We aren’t finished yet, but the kids and I love this Devotional Book for Kids. Read my review here.

17. My Bible – (5/5) I did not read the ENTIRE Bible this year, it’s just something I read from most days.

18. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson – (5/5) Great Book!! Read my review here.


19. Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions by Lisa Bevere – (4/5) Good book full of truth.

20. Volunteer Revolution by Bill Hybels (2nd reading) (5/5) A great book to read if you work with volunteers. Read my review here.

21. Family Ministry Essentials– (4/5) Great book for anyone serving in children, family, or student ministry. Review here.

22. Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine – (3/5) There were some sweet parts to the story, but overall sad.

23. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris – (4/5) Funny stories from David’s life. It has some inappropriate parts (TMI).

24. Volunteer Engagement 2.0 – (2/5) Skimmed this book and because it’s more of a textbook and not one I’d read for “enjoyment.”

25. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems – (5/5) Awesome book about an incredible missionary! Great gift for a high school student.

26. Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott – (4/5) Anne is an entertaining writer – good book!

27.  Encountering our Wild God by Kim Meeder – (5/5) This book is full of fascinating stories of what God has done in and through people. Loved it!

28. Fully Alive by Ken Davis (4/5) – Funny and interesting. Feels like it’s written for an older age group, but overall enjoyable.

29. The Path between Us by Suzanne Stabile – (3/5) Enneagram book. How to have a relationship with people of different personalities. I listened to the audiobook and think it was too much info to ‘listen to.’ I’d probably give it a higher rating if I’d read the book.

30. 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman (5/5) I’ve read this a long time ago but this is one you could keep coming back to. The book discusses different ways our children receive love and how to provide that love.

31. What’s God Really Like? by SJ Hill (5/5) Outstanding book on our amazing God and his incredible love for YOU! This book reminded me of all the ways God SHOWS his love for me! Wow, so so good.  READ THIS BOOK!

32. Of Mess & Moxie – 4/5 Entertaining and FUN to read with lots of truth nuggets.

33. Love Does for Kids -(5/5) I LOVED the grown-up version of this book, so I was really excited to get this and read it to my kids. It’s a great book, but I may have enjoyed it more than the kids. I’m still trying to figure out how to get four boys to sit and listen. The book is FULL of great stories, and each connects with a lesson from the Bible.

34.  Strong mothers, strong sons by Dr. Meg Meeker (5/5) A book that every single mother of sons should read. Absolutely fantastic. So many scenarios with recommendations of what is normal and how to respond, what to do, etc. Really good for me in a house full of boys! I’ll be reading this again in two years when I have a teenager. This would make a great gift for the mother of pre-teens or teens.

35. The Middle Place (3/5) – This book came recommended so I had high expectations. I usually enjoy memoirs, but this book did not deliver. I felt like it was more of a letter to her own family and too personal. The book’s title: “The Middle Place” refers to being in that place of raising children and still being someone’s child. I skipped through a few parts and kept hoping it would get better. It didn’t.


36. Speak Life by Brady Boyd- (5/5) An amazing book about the power in our words. My review here.

37. The Remarkable Ordinary  – (3/5) I downloaded this audiobook because of the interesting title. There were some enjoyable parts to the book, but overall, I wasn’t crazy about it.

38. Unsupermommy by Maggie Combs (5/5) – A book every single mom should read. She speaks truth. LOVED IT and plan to give a few as gifts!

39. Cultivate by Lara Casey (3/5) – About “cultivating” the life you want. Decent book but the book was a little flat for me. However, I was “listening” to this book and may have been distracted. It has great reviews on Amazon.


40. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp – 5/5 This is one of my TOP FIVE books of the year! Ann is probably one of the most gifted writers I’ve ever read. This is a book on the power of gratitude. This would be a PHENOMENAL gift for any person you know.

Of the 40 books listed above, here are my Top 8 Favorite Books of 2018:

  1. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp – An incredibly well-written book that reminds the readers of how gratitude can positively change your life.
  2. UnSuperMommy by Maggie Combs – This would make a great gift for any new moms or moms with young children.
  3. What’s God Really Like? by SJ Hill – LOVED this book. It would make a good gift for anyone wanting to be reminded of how GOOD our God really is!
  4. Conversations with a Billionaire by Ted W Egly – I LOVED this book and think it would be a great gift for anyone needing a little inspiration.
  5. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver – So interesting. A great gift for any gardener or foodie!
  6. Love Does by Bob Goff
  7. Speak Life by Brady Boyd
  8. Strong mothers, strong sons by Dr. Meg Meeker

(Books above are affiliate links which means if you choose to purchase one, I may make a small commission without any additional cost to you.)

What were your favorite books this year? Leave me a comment!

December 16, 2018 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
1 In Christmas/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Raising children who bring Peace, Love and Hope to a Hurting World

“So God throws open the door of this world—and enters as a baby. As the most vulnerable imaginable. Because He wants unimaginable intimacy with you. What religion ever had a god that wanted such intimacy with us that He came with such vulnerability to us? What God ever came so tender we could touch Him? So fragile that we could break Him? So vulnerable that His bare, beating heart could be hurt? Only the One who loves you to death.” -Ann Voskamp

I have four young boys so there have been four Christmas nights that I’ve been up with a newborn. These quiet moments always give me a chance to reflect on the very first Christmas…

What was Mary thinking and feeling as she held her little one in her arms.

Luke 2:20 (NIV) tells us:

“But Mary treasured up all of these things and pondered them in her heart.”

What was she pondering? Was she scared? Excited? Curious?  Wouldn’t it be nice if she wrote what she learned from others, what she learned from Jesus? (I hope to get to talk to her about it one day in heaven!)

I stare into my little boy’s face and wonder who he will become. Did Mary know who Jesus would become? Was she overwhelmed at the thought that God had entrusted her to raise His Son! A child who would bring Hope and Peace for all eternity. Was she afraid she might do something wrong?

As I hold my little one in my arms, I begin to feel afraid. Though I didn’t give birth to Jesus, I am raising a child of God! A child who has the potential to bring hope to a hurting world. A child who can bring the Good News to others! What if I mess up?

Do I have what it takes?

I stop and remember that God chose this child for me at this time.

Deutoronomy 31:6:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Wow, just bask in those words for a minute. We don’t need to fear. He NEVER leaves us. He is always with us!

So what are some things we can do to invest in and mold these young lives so that they become Followers of Christ and make a positive difference in this world?

First of all … ask for God’s help every single day! Ask Him for wisdom because James 1:5 tells us:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Here are some other suggestions for raising young men and women of God:

  • Lead by example. Spend time reading God’s word and praying.
  • Stay present. Look at your children in the eye and answer their questions.
  • SMILE and remind them that they are LOVED – by you and by God!
  • Say ‘I’m sorry’ when you mess up. (We all mess up!)
  • Talk about the Goodness of God – sharing stories of what He has done in your life and the lives of others. Deuteronomy 6:7 – “Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
  • Pray together – for their “owies,” for their friends, and their concerns.
  • Sing and/or read together.
  • Practice ‘self-care’ so that you aren’t running on fumes.
  • Go to church together.
  • Download the Bible App for Kids. When they want to play on your phone, encourage them to play this first. Or play together! 
  • Love their Daddy and invest in your relationship. If you are divorced, refrain from speaking bad about their dad.

Do we have to do ALL of these things every day? No.

I think the most important thing we can do is ask God for help. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as you lead your children.

If you feel like there is something you can tweak to become the best mama to your children, do it.

Each day is new day!

Each day is a new opportunity to ask God for help. A new day to stay present in your children’s lives. Another opportunity to watch for what God is already doing in your child’s heart and life to encourage and support that!

Let’s look into our children’s eyes and remind them that God loves them and has GREAT plans for their future – He really does!!!   

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Merry Christmas friends,

Kathryn

 

This is a devotion I wrote for the Help Club for Moms Fall Study: The Wise Woman Abides

 


    December 11, 2018 By
    Share Tweet Pin it +1
    5 In Family/ Memories/ Raising boys

    Life with boys…did you really just say that?

    As soon as I swept a pile of crumbs in the kitchen, Clark DOVE into them like he was sliding into home base; then he rolled over and started doing snow angels…redistributing the crumbs all over the kitchen.

     

    George saw that Paul was wearing his underwear.

    George: You better not fart in those, Paul!

    Paul: I already did.

    Paul: When I grow up, will I be handsome like daddy and have a beautiful wife like him?

    (Okay, Paul, today you’re my favorite)

     

    Me, talking to Luke:

    Let’s say I Timothy 4:12 together…”Don’t let anyone…”

    Luke: Don’t let anyone

    Me: Look down on you…

    Luke: Look down on you

    Me: Because you are…

    Luke: Cute!

    Me: (Trying not to laugh) It’s “Because you are YOUNG!”

    Luke: (with a big smile) It’s “Because I am CUTE!”

     

    December 5, 2018 By
    Share Tweet Pin it +1
    0 In History

    Remembering President George HW Bush with one amazing story!

    Today George H.W. Bush passed away. In honor of his life, I’d like to share a story from when he served in World War 2. A family friend, Peter Mansfield, posted this on Facebook. I found it so interesting that I wanted to share it with you.

    Remembering someone is a way to honor them.  We can honor a person whether or not  we share the same political views.

    Today we remember you, President Bush, and thank you for serving our country.

     

    George H.W. Bush as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II

     

    The following account is from Bush biographer and presidential historian Jon Meacham:

    At dawn on Sept. 2, 1944, Bush was slated to fly in a strike over Chichi Jima, a Japanese island about 500 miles from the mainland. The island was a stronghold for communications and supplies for the Japanese, and it was heavily guarded. Bush’s precise target was a radio tower.

    At about 7:15 that morning, Bush took off through clear skies along with William G. White, known as “Ted,” and John “Del” Delaney. Just over an hour later, their plane was hit. Meacham wrote that smoke filled the cockpit and flames swallowed the wings. Bush radioed White and Delaney to put on their parachutes.

    “My God,” Bush thought to himself, “this thing is going to blow up.”

    Choking on the smoke, Bush continued to steer the plane, dropping bombs and hitting the radio tower. He told White and Delaney to parachute out of the plane, then climbed through his open hatch to maneuver out of the cockpit.

    “The wind struck him full force, essentially lifting him out the rest of the way and propelling him backward into the tail,” Meacham wrote. “He gashed his head and bruised his eye on the tail as he flew through the sky and the burning plane hurtled toward the sea.”

    As Bush floated in the sky tethered to a parachute, he saw his plane crash into the water and disappear below. Then he hit the waves, fighting his way back up to the surface and kicking off his shoes to lighten his load.

    “His khaki flight suit was soaked and heavy, his head was bleeding, his eyes were burning from the cockpit smoke, and his mouth and throat were raw from the rush of salt water,” Meacham wrote.

    Fifty feet away bobbed a life raft that Bush managed to inflate and flop onto. But the wind was carrying him toward Chichi Jima, so Bush began paddling in the opposite direction with his arms. Bush would later learn of horrific war crimes committed against American captives at Chichi Jima, including cannibalism.

    “For a while there I thought I was done,” Bush told Meacham.

    He was alone, vomiting over the side of the life raft and slowly grasping that White and Delaney were gone. Hours passed. He cried and thought of home. Barbara would soon receive a letter from him saying “all was well,” but she had no true way of knowing. The letter was dated before his plane had been hit.

    Bush, who would win the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism under fire, thought he was delirious when, suddenly, a 311-foot submarine rose from the depths to rescue him.

    “Welcome aboard, sir,” greeted a torpedoman second class.

    “Happy to be aboard,” replied the future commander in chief.

    Thank you for your life of service, Mr. President!

    December 1, 2018 By
    Share Tweet Pin it +1
    1 In Food/ Recipe

    Chicken (or Turkey) Enchilada Chili

    Crockpot recipe:

    Ingredients:

    • 2-3 frozen chicken breasts (or leftover turkey!)
    • 2 – 10-ounce cans of enchilada sauce (or one large can)
    • One can of corn
    • One can of black beans (drained)
    • One can of pinto beans (drained)
    • One can of great northern beans (drained)
    • One can of diced tomatoes
    • 2 cups of chicken broth (turkey or vegetable broth will work too)
    • One small red onion- chopped finely
    • One green or red pepper – chopped
    • 2T chopped chilies in adobo sauce
    • 1 T garlic
    • 1 T chili powder
    • 1 T cumin
    • 1 T salt
    • 1 T pepper

    Optional ingredients:

    • Half a cup of fresh cilantro
    • 4 corn tortillas, cut into very small pieces

    What do to:

    1. Put two or three frozen chicken breast at the bottom of a crockpot. Pour all of the other ingredients into the crockpot. Stir.
    2. Cook on low for eight hours or high for four hours.
    3. Remove chicken breast, shred with two forks. Put the chicken back in, stir again.  Put the chicken back in, add a half cup of whole milk or cream. Stir again.
    4. Serve topped with any or all of the items listed:
      • cheese, 
      • sour cream,
      • crushed tortilla chips,
      • jalapenos

    *Optional: Use some of that leftover turkey!

    First, add all the ingredients to the Crockpot (except chicken or turkey). Cook on high for about an hour, then add some of your leftover turkey (shredded or chopped in small pieces). Cook on low for about an hour. Add cream, stir, and serve!

    Want the vegetarian version? Leave the chicken and turkey out!

    Instapot Recipe

    My friend Suzanne edited this recipe for the instapot.  She said she used whatever was in her pantry or freezer (such as frozen tomatoes from their garden).

    The men in her family smoked their turkey for thanksgiving and the leftovers made a delicious chili!

    Ingredients:

    • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
    • 1 medium chopped onion
    • 4 cloves minced garlic
    • 4 cups chopped turkey
    • 8 peeled, quartered tomatoes
    • 1 can chili beans (not drained)
    • 1 can black beans drained
    • 1 can navy beans drained
    • 1/3 cup of sliced jalapeños from a jar
    • 1 package Enchilada sauce
    • 1 carton Turkey Bone Broth

    Instructions:

    • First mix the enchilada sauce and the turkey broth together and set aside.
    • Set Instapot on sauté to high and immediately add the olive oil
    • Once hot, add onions and garlic.
    • Stir and cook for 3 minutes till softened.
    • Stir in turkey and tomatoes and continue to sauté for 2 more minutes.
    • Now stir in the 3 cans of beans and the jalapeños.
    • Lastly, pour the broth/sauce mixture into the Instapot over the beans and turkey.
    • Cancel sauté setting.
    • Place lid securely on Instapot.
    • Select pressure cook on high for 8 minutes not to release steam.
    • You can either let the Instapot decrease in pressure after cooking (OR) carefully adjust to release steam manually.
    • Remove lid carefully and enjoy your chili!
    • We served ours with cilantro, cheese of choice and sour cream.

    Thanks for reading! Happy cooking!

    November 28, 2018 By
    Share Tweet Pin it +1
    8 In Finding our place/ Moving/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

    How to fit in as a Minnesota transplant

    1. If you like coffee, Caribou is the only option. Don’t say the S-word.

    2. Cheer for the Minnesota Vikings. Not that other team.

    3. Buy a cabin up north. Not somewhere in the south, where it’s warm. Up north.

    4. Embrace the “hotdish” as the fifth food group.

    5. Sign your children up to play ice hockey.  It will cost all of your money, most of your time, and a few of your teeth, but it’s worth it.

    6. Be Nice. Passive aggressive counts as nice.

    7. Soft drinks are called “pop.”

    8. If someone cuts you in line, you can kindly ask them not to “BUDGE.” Or be Minnesota nice, and allow them to go first.

    9. Encourage your ENTIRE family to move to Minnesota. Don’t leave anyone out – second cousins, third aunts…they all need to move here.

    10. Finally,  spend all weekends and holidays together…in your cabin…up north.

    CLICK HERE to read my Minnesota Bucket list! Top 25 things I want to do here.

    Another post you may enjoy: 8 ways to LOVE where you LIVE

    November 26, 2018 By
    Share Tweet Pin it +1
    1 In Raising boys/ Review

    10 Best Gifts for Boys ages 10 and under

    Looking for the perfect gift for a young boy in your life? Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just because, finding something that’s fun, age-appropriate, and engaging can feel like a challenge. To help take the guesswork out of your search, I’ve listed 10 great gift ideas for boys 10 and under—tested and loved by my own four boys (and approved by me!). From creative kits to outdoor gear, there’s something here for every kind of kid.

    .

    .

     

    Rocket Launcher

    1. Rocket Launcher

    A really fun gift for boys!

    .

    .

    2. Nerf Gun and extra bullets

    Do boys ever outgrow nerf guns? All the men in my house love them. I recommend including extra bullets and protective eye gear.

    A larger gun with extra bullets, click here.

    Protective face mask, click here.

    Protective eyewear:

    Exta bullets:

    .

    .

    3. Rocket Balloons

    This is an entertaining toy for all ages. The set comes with 100 long balloons and a pumper. You or your kids can blow up the balloons and watch them fly around the room and do tricks. Great for cold days when you are stuck inside. Again, NO batteries required and the balloons can be re-used once or twice.

    .

    .

    Clark got a new jersey and signed card from Don Beebe

    4. Sports Jersey

    You can’t go wrong with a jersey from their favorite team!

    .

    .

    mega blocks

    5. Megablocks for littles (1-5) or Legos for bigs (6-12)

    A classic toy!

    .

    Clark’s hat

    6. Hat

    Clark loved this Cowboys hat he got for his birthday and Luke loved receiving his first Waggle hat as a birthday gift!

    .

    .

    rc car

    7. RC Car

    My boys, young and old, love their remote control cars.

    .

    .

    football

    8. Any ball – soccer/Kickball/football

    You can never go wrong with ANY type of ball for a boy.

    .

    .

    Luke, just after his first birthday

    9. Plasma Car

    This bike gets used more than any other in our home.

    .

    .

    Ride on jeep

    10. Ride on Car

    Great for ages 2-8. I avoided ride-on cars for so long because I want my kids to RUN and burn energy. However, we were given one, and my boys have loved it, and so do all their friends.

    .

    Need ideas for a TEEN BOY? Click here!

    For additional Christmas gift ideas, click here!

    For the best INEXPENSIVE stocking stuffer ideas, click here!

    For an amazing Christmas on a budget, click here!

    .

    The links above are Affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item I’ve recommended, I will earn a small commision at no extra cost to you.

    November 19, 2018 By
    Share Tweet Pin it +1
    3 In Marriage/ My Journey

    The Story of Us – Our Wedding Day!

    I knew from our first date that I wanted to marry Ted Egly.

    We got engaged, chose our day and it was here… the day I’d dreamed about my whole life.

    Our wedding day: November 17, 2001.

    Friends and family had gathered from all over the country, and the morning started with many of us gathered to finish decorating the church and preparing food for the reception.

    Thank you to my mom and step-mom for delicious food and the beautiful display!

    After wrapping up the last minute details…we got ready and broke a “wedding day rule.” Ted and I chose to see each other before the actual wedding. I LOVED breaking this rule because it was the first most memorable part of our day.

    Ted was waiting for me at the front of our wedding chapel, all by himself. I walked down the aisle alone to just Ted. No one else was in the chapel. As I walked alone down the aisle, I was so nervous I could hardly breathe. This was really happening! When I got to the front, Ted held my hands, and we got to enjoy a few minutes together before our big day. We pushed “pause” on all the craziness of the day, to connect and speak a few words to each other….our last words before becoming husband and wife. The moment with just the two of us was unforgettable, and one of my favorite moments of the day.

    After that, everything happened so quickly. We were joined by our photographer and all 18 of our bridesmaids and groomsmen. Yes … 18. I have FOUR natural sisters, TWO step-sisters, TWO cousins that are like sisters, and ONE (soon-to-be sister-in-law). Add that up, and you’ll see that I have NINE “sisters.” Ted had no brothers. Thankfully, he has a lot of great friends.

    Our Bridal Party

    We chose to take pictures BEFORE the wedding, so afterward we could enjoy as much time as possible with our family and friends.

    At 2 PM on November 17, 2001…it was time for me to walk down the aisle.

    Because I had just had a ‘practice’ run a couple of hours ago, I was no longer nervous or jittery!  I was relaxed and enjoyed this second walk down the aisle. I DELIGHTED in every step. I soaked it all in. I tried to look around and see each of the 200+ people who came to celebrate with us. I wanted this time to freeze so that I could fully absorb how special this day was. Walking down the aisle, surrounded by all the people I love, was the second sweetest moment of the day.

    I LOVED this moment

    We said our beautiful vows and enjoyed an incredible ceremony. I loved every second of it, but when Pastor Randy announced us as Mr. and Mrs. Ted Egly…that was the best, sweetest part of the day! This is the moment I’d waited my whole life for, and I was the happiest I’d ever been.

    The world’s happiest bride!

    We turned toward our guests, and walked down the aisle side-by-side…as husband and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Egly! Our bridesmaids and groomsmen followed close behind, and we had a few minutes to celebrate with them, right outside the doors of the chapel. This was another incredibly SPECIAL moment that day.

    After the ceremony, we all gathered for the reception. We had some yummy appetizers and cake, fun and memorable speeches and toasts, and then we danced and danced (another favorite part of the day)! Our first dance was to the song, What a Wonderful World by Louie Armstrong. We also took some dance lessons before our wedding, and had fun practicing some of what we learned.

    It was a day for the books. A day I will NEVER forget. Though so many things were ‘perfect’ that day and I loved SO many moments, there were a few things that went wrong…

    The Pastor who married us wasn’t registered in our state and could not sign our marriage certificate. Thankfully, we were in Tulsa, OK, which meant that half of our guests were pastors. Pastor Hagin signed our marriage certificate.

    We also ran out of drinks. (Where was Jesus in that moment?) But I’m not talking about wine. We ran out of all liquids. Jake Blonsky, our Best Man, gave a speech and toasted us with a pitcher of salsa. Since many of my guests and I would choose a good salsa over water, we survived.

    As we were leaving our reception, I realized that I had barely eaten anything all day. I grabbed an hors d’oeuvre and put it in my mouth. “Crunch” – I bit into a raw onion in that first bite of food. We walked out to the car as our guests were shouting: “Kiss! Kiss!” Ted did kiss me and got to taste the onion I had just eaten! Mmmm…WELCOME TO MARRIED LIFE, sweetie. He still remembers that moment with “delight!”

    Our wedding was one short day, but marriage is a lifetime. Though our wedding was fun and had many memorable moments, the most important part was the person I married. That’s the ONE part of the wedding you do NOT want to mess up. I’m thankful I married a man of faith, honor, and integrity. I’m grateful for my husband.

    Thank you, Ted Egly, for loving me through thick and thin, good and bad. Fresh breath and onion breath.

    Happy 17 years!

    And if you are interested, here’s an open letter I wrote to my newlywed self.

    If you were at our wedding, leave a comment with a memory you have of the day!

    PS – Sorry for the blurry pictures. When I get a chance to upload the original wedding photos…I’ll include those!

    November 17, 2018 By
    Share Tweet Pin it +1
    13 In Family/ Marriage/ My Journey

    A letter to my newlywed self

    Dear Kathryn,

    Welcome to marriage…it’s going to be an incredible adventure that will challenge you to become the best version of yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind as you journey together into the future. Twelve tips for ‘happily ever after…’

    1. Please remember that YOU ARE ON THE SAME TEAM!

    Don’t try to WIN a fight and don’t get so defensive. Remember he loves you and wants the best for you.

    In fact, when you are fighting, instead of trying to come up with all the things he’s done wrong (to justify your anger), think of all the things he’s done RIGHT and it will change your attitude.

    2.  Don’t let little things become BIG things.

    Don’t fight over something that is fixable. You are going to get mad at Ted for stealing the blanket at night. Don’t get ANGRY, just GET ANOTHER BLANKET!

    3. Choose friends wisely!

    Be careful about choosing your closest friends. Your friends, and their marriages, will impact YOU and your MARRIAGE! Choose friends who fight for GOOD marriages. If your closest friends are criticizing their spouse, it’s easy to do the same. Choose friends who speak highly of their spouse (when they are around AND when they are NOT)!

    4. Get some counseling.

    You are coming into the marriage with some baggage. Talk this through with a trusted counselor who shares your values. It will do you, and your marriage, some good.

    5. Say THANK YOU!

    Be grateful and don’t take things for granted. Thank Ted for working hard, thank him for the things he does around the house, thank Him for his integrity. Thank him for loving you well. Be thankful, stay thankful. Tell him THANK YOU for the big things and the little things.

    6. Be your husband’s cheerleader! (Not his critic)

    He may not have anyone else encouraging him. Always cheer him on!

    Don’t ever say things that make him look bad or mock him in front of others. You are the LAST person who should ever do that, and it will make you both feel bad.

    “Be a raving fan publicly but an honest critic privately.” – Andy Stanley

    7. On listening…and responding

    Listen without formulating a response. Listen to UNDERSTAND.

    Don’t say “You ALWAYS” and “You NEVER!”  Don’t blame.

    “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply…seek first to understand, then to be understood.” – Stephen Covey

    8. The ‘D’ word…don’t use it.

    Remove the word ‘divorce’ from your vocabulary. You may want to sleep in another room some nights and work things out in the morning. You are in this for the long haul.

    9. Don’t say: “That’s just the way I am.”

    We can ALWAYS learn, grow and become better.

    10. Always be kind.

    Sometimes you’ll be tired or irritated, but you don’t have to be rude. Be kind.

    No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

    11. Respect

    You were raised in a house full of women and don’t know how important “respect” is to a man. Do some research on this word, and apply what you’ve learned. (Spoiler Alert: Your future involves a house full of MEN)

    12. When going through a hard time…keep going!

    Tough times will come, fight the problem and not each other. It will get better.

    There’s a rainbow in every cloud. – Maya Angelou

    Love,

    Kathryn –

    17 years later, I still do NOT have all these tips mastered. I’m a work in progress.  I’m still softening my rough spots and learning to love Ted. But those are some things I wish I knew from our first day of marriage!

    What tip would have helped YOU as a newlywed? Leave a comment!

    Most importantly, if you’ve found this post helpful, please share it on Facebook or Twitter.

    November 12, 2018 By
    Share Tweet Pin it +1