Originally printed in The Lebanon Reporter, The Paper, and The Weekly--2-15-10

Of the 21 Valentine’s Days that hubby and I have celebrated, this year was by far the most romantic! Our first Valentine’s Day was spent in a snowstorm, without electricity, in a smelly cow barn complete with cow patties underfoot. Since then, it’s been pretty much downhill.

On our first married Valentine’s Day we were too poor to splurge on a restaurant, so I made a special dinner of Chicken Tonight. While dinner was simmering on the stove, we flipped on the local news and watched a segment showing a dead rat in a skillet, covered in sauce. It slid right out of some poor, unsuspecting woman’s jar of Chicken Tonight. I don’t think you’ll find that particular product on the shelves anymore.

I’ve spent Valentine’s Day waiting for hours in an unheated van while hubby made emergency HVAC service calls. I’ve spent more than one Valentine’s Day sitting on the sidelines of a bluegrass jam. And one year we spent Valentine’s Day thousands of miles apart.

Last week I attended a training conference on counseling. I learned an incredible amount of information that will help me help others, but I also learned a lot of stuff that I can apply to my own life. One session I found particularly helpful was on the subject of marriage. I was so inspired that I bought a recording of the session, and asked hubby if he would listen to it with me on Valentine’s Day. Amazingly, he agreed! He probably figured it couldn’t be any worse than standing in a heap of cow manure, or eating rat infested chicken sauce.

On Valentine’s morning we attended our Sunday worship service. In retrospect, perhaps our previous Valentine’s Days would have been better if they’d started with God. After the service, hubby made spaghetti and meatballs, and we spent time enjoying the meal with our five children. Then we got away by ourselves and listened to the CD.

The speaker began by telling a story about how his wife is always late, and how he has made many unkind remarks to her about it. I sheepishly admitted to hubby that this was the first time I’d heard that story because I was actually late to the session. Needless to say, the speaker’s words hit home in many areas.

Afterwards, we grabbed a pen and notebook and headed to our favorite restaurant, Parky’s Smokehouse. We spent a couple of hours setting some goals, discussing the future and arranging the calendar. Then we laughed and chatted while enjoying fried mushrooms and Buffalo wraps. Our time spent together was sweeter than the Comfort Bread Pudding.

As we walked to the car, hand in hand, I had a flickering thought that maybe hubby would open my door even though I usually have to be in labor or wearing a tiara for that sort of special treatment. I didn’t meet either of those criteria, so it was a no go.

I had just settled into my seat when hubby said with a certain amount of flair, “Whew! That’s a bad one!”

Almost immediately the nasty smell wafted up my nostrils. “Really?” I inquired. “You couldn’t have done that outside?”

He laughed, “I couldn’t help it. It just sort of snuck up on me when I was getting into the car.”

I hesitated. Continuing the discussion would mean having to breathe more, and I wasn’t sure it was worth it. Finally, I pulled my scarf away from my nose just long enough to say, “You know, if you had opened my door, that would have happened while you were still outside.”

“Well, you have a point there,” he snickered, “but this is so bad it probably would have followed me into the car.”

How is it you can be so deeply in love with someone one moment and then the next you are thinking about starting an all-out war over something that is going to dissipate much faster than the conversation itself? In a matter of seconds I could have convinced myself that if he really loved me he would have remembered how much I like it when he opens my car door. If he really loved me he would apologize for irritating me instead of joking about it. If he really loved me he would want me to breathe fresh air!

But then I remembered the new definition I learned at my conference: “Love is willing self-sacrifice for the good of another, that does not demand reciprocation, or that the person being loved is deserving.”

Obviously, his need to relieve painful gas pressure was much greater than my need for a rosy smelling vehicle. And he had sacrificed his desire to go to a movie in order to indulge my desire to listen to a CD lecture on marriage. So, I decided to forego that silly argument that was stewing around in my brain, and enjoy every minute of a Valentine’s Day that, in spite of it all, still smelled considerably better than our first!

Drop Ginger a note at ginger@gingertruitt.com or visit http://www.gingertruitt.com

Over the years I have come to count on the fact that even if my children refused every other medicine, they would always gladly take pink Amoxicillin!  We try not to use it unless absolutely necessary, but Hudson has had some issues that require an antibiotic.  However, HE is not as willing as his siblings to take it.  I tried forcing it all at once, but that majorly backfired!  I never knew one teaspoon of liquid could go so far.  Needless to say, I had no qualms about giving him another full dose. 

Last time I checked, I have two subscribers to this blog.  Stellar numbers!  One faithful subscriber is my online friend Diane, whom I would dearly love to meet in real life!  Her blog is http://www.tomatosoupcake.blogspot.com  Anyway, Diane, while we are here in Germany we are renting an apartment from some missionaries who are home on furlough.  I have tried to be careful not to post photos of the personal items in their home, but I don't think they would mind if I post this for you.  As soon as I saw it you immediately came to my mind. 

Love you!!



My blog is still messing up, so I can only post one picture at a time.  So, I'll post the entire arrangement, but I also have a close up of the framed print that states, "The King's daughter is all glorious within...."   That would be you, my dear! 

Five of the six wonderful students that were so helpful!  I wish them all the best in their studies at Cambridge!  They are studying to be lawyers, doctors, and engineers and will pursue their careers in Malaysia.    Michelle, Liam, Howie, Paul...and I'm kicking myself for not remembering the other two names!  Sorry, guys!!

Here are some other pictures that go with my previous blog entry.  An interesting building in Potsdam, as well as pictures of the outside of the Palace.  We were not allowed to take pictures inside.  Also, Phoebe and Hudson on the train ride, and a really creepy Nestea ad!

Well, now I am only able to add one picture to this entry.....stay tuned! 

Nathan is working in Berlin, Germany for two weeks and the toddlers and I have tagged along on the trip!  I don't think I've ever seen anything more festive and beautiful than Christmas time in Berlin!  I have been updating my FaceBook account every day with new pictures, but have been terribly slack with my blog.  I plan to come back and post everything in order from day one, but for right now I want to get these pictures up for my new friends. 

We have been here for 1 1/2 weeks, and I am still learning my way around the public transportation system.  Yesterday, I bundled up Phoebe and Hudson and we set out on an hour long train ride to Potsdam and the Palace Sans Souci.  The problem was, I ended up getting off at the wrong stop.  We walked and walked and walked, and finally hired a taxi to take us to the palace. 

Upon arriving I learned I could not take the stroller inside, it was 40 minutes until the next English speaking tour, and the tour itself lasted forty minutes.  The toddlers were getting very tired and I was concerned about taking them in by myself with no way to contain them.  The tour guide was fabulous and took extra time with them, showing them things that would be of particular interest to a toddler.  They each had their own headsets and they walked around listening and looking up at everything just as like little adults.  If only we'd been allowed to take pictures inside!  It was absolutely incredible!  This was the summer home of Frederick the Great.  Sans souci means "without a care." 

Upon leaving it was getting dark and cold.  I was unsure of the location of the bus stop since I had gotten off at the wrong one in the first place.  I wandered along until I came upon a group of young Asian men and women, and heard them speaking English.  They were also waiting for the bus to take to the train station to take them back to Berlin!   They were so kind and made sure that we got on the correct bus, and then helped us find the correct train.  They stayed with us the entire trip, chatting and entertaining Phoebe.  This was the highlight of my day!  I so enjoyed the time together, getting to know these bright, beautiful young people! 

They are from Malaysia but are studying at Cambridge University.  They are spending their holiday traveling to other areas of Europe.  After seeing us off, they headed to the airport to catch their flight back to England.  I am so thankul I had a chance to meet them, and sincerely hope they see this blog entry!  One young lady is missing from the picture, but here are the others.  

For some reason, every time I place a picture here, my entry disappears, so I am going to post the pictures in a separate entry.

The inspiration for this article came years ago from my grandmother. My dad was going through a particularly difficult time. My mom died, he had a heart attack, lost his job all in a few months.  As my grandma and I talked about it, she got tears in her eyes and said, "What I wouldn't give for him to be a little boy again, just for a little while, so I could hold him in my lap and make it all better." It was such a wistful longing, and you could see that in her mind's eye she was thinking back.

That always stuck with me, and I think about it all the time when I'm doing things with my boys. So, the article has been in my heart for years, I just had to wait for the right timing to get it down on paper. Boys are wonderful creatures, and I am so thankful for mine!!

By Ginger Truitt

Some day you will be a grown man with rough skin and whiskers; but for today, I luxuriate in kissing your sweet, smooth, little cheeks.

Some day you will work hard to make a living and support your family; but for today, I am privileged to sit on the floor and stack building blocks with you.

Some day you will run up the stairs, two at a time; but for today, I will hold your chubby little hand while we navigate the steps together.

Some day you will get up every morning, and don a suit and tie for work; but for today, I can let you stay in your jammies so we can snuggle until noon.

Some day people will have respect for the authority in your deep, commanding voice; but for today, I savor the sweetness of a tiny boy earnestly calling out, “Mama!”

Some day women will admire your handsome face and brawny stature; but for today, I am thankful to be the woman that holds you while you are still shiny and new.

Some day you will carry a proper handkerchief in your pocket; but for today I will let out an exaggerated, “Ewwww,” when you choose to eat your boogers.

Some day you will have to face a world that will be hard on you, expect difficult things of you and treat you unfairly; but for today, my lap is your protection from the world.

Some day you will wear cologne and aftershave to enhance your manliness; but for today, I will breathe in the essence of your sweet baby smell.

Some day you will walk with a determined step and even gait; but for today, I relish the sound of your chunky bare feet pattering across the kitchen tile.

Some day you will have to make decisions that will not be easy, and find answers that won’t always be clear; but for today I can guide you and whisper the answers in your ear.

Some day you might go to the bathroom without making a mess; but for today, we will work on your aim by putting Cheerio targets in the potty.

Some day you will be tempted by those who would lead you down a path that you should not go; but for today, I can teach you about Jesus and hide His words in your pure little heart.

Some day you will let out a hearty laugh and the world will laugh with you; but for today, I am the one whose heart smiles in unison with your silly giggles.

Some day your toys will include cars, sports equipment and computers; but for today, we can play pat-a-cake and indulge in your quirky penchant for pushing the vacuum cleaner.

Some day you and your colleagues will dine in fine restaurants, ordering steak and lobster; but for today, we will sit at the kitchen table and share a peanut butter sandwich with extra jelly.

Some day you will sleep in your very own house that might not be close to mine; but for tonight, I can safely tuck you into your crib and rest my hand upon your sweet downy head while we pray.

Some day you will help me in and out of the car, and steady my arm while I reach for my walker; but for today, I am the strong one and I will lift you high into the air and listen to your squeals of delight.

Some day you will call home and I will be thrilled to hear you say that you’ve found “the one;” but for today, I cherish being the most important woman in your life.

Today, I will delight in your snaggle-toothed grin, laugh when you growl at the cat, kiss your skinned-up knees, and trust that you will survive your refusal to eat anything but sausage links, french fries and cheese. For some day, a man will emerge in the place where my precious little boy once stood.


My grandmother Mary Belle holding my dad

A few weeks ago our church family took a Sunday afternoon trip to
Anderson Orchard.  Nathan and Alex had just left that morning for Belize,
and Shelby had to work, but I went with Abby, Phoebe, and Hudson.  It was
very crowded but we had such a pleasant time!  The weather was perfect.  
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day. 

Phoebe hanging out in the pumpkin patch with the baby doll we bought in
craft fair tent. 



Hudson enjoying a freshly picked apple.











It's always nice to have something fun to pass the time on a day when daddy has to leave. 
This was the perfect option!!

Martha Stewart has come out with some lovely craft kits.  I found them at Big Lots for $2 each so I picked up several.  Abby has made lots of glittery greeting cards with birds and flowers, and Phoebe has been busy making puppets and pom-pom critters.   Oddly enough, the pom-pom animals proved to be the most time consuming and difficult.   We made a pig, chicken, mouse, and rooster.  Three of them are nowhere to be found.  I think they are in hiding because someone did the poor chicken in.   I had to take pictures because it was just so ludicrous and frightening!  To think that something like this could take place in my very own kitchen! 








I'll let you know how the investigation turns out.  Somehow, I don't think this is really what Martha had in mind when she created these lovely kits. 

Two weeks ago Nathan had surgery to correct his deviated septum.  He had never been under general anesthesia before, and with his general disdain for all things related to hospitals this was a big deal for him!  He knows I took a before picture of him with his nurse Pam. 



But I'm sure he has no idea I also took an after picture!  He was still pretty loopy when
I took this shot. 



He is recovering nicely, but still has a bit of swelling and scabbing.  I am praying ever so
diligently that when he is fully healed he will no longer be a heavy snorer!  Eighteen years of
sleeping with a freight train has really taken its toll!