Hi Everyone, 

Thanks for stopping by! Do you ever wonder what happened to the romance in your marriage? Do you miss those "fireworks" you experienced during your dating days? 

This week I'm sharing a blog post I wrote for the Quad City Moms Blog. It's about marriage ... more specifically, keeping the spark in your marriage when you're feeling burned out. 

I'd love it if you'd check it out. Have a great week!

Sheri

I can’t believe it’s already strawberry picking time! This time of year always reminds me of my great-grandma. We picked strawberries every summer at her house when I was a kid.  

We’d pull into the driveway, chickens squawking and scattering across the barnyard, while the lingering dust followed us in from the gravel road behind. I’d unlatch the picket fence gate, walk past an old water pump, and head up the wooden steps of the big, white farmhouse. Almost always, a fat yellow cat snoozed on the top step, requiring a firm scoot before we could push open the squeaky screen door. 

“Come on in,” Great-grandma’s shaky voice would call. She’d walk over to greet us, drying her freckled wrinkly hands on her apron. Then she’d dig out her white enamel pan and reach for her flowered bonnet hanging by the back door. Aprons and bonnets were part of her, like her gentle smile or thinning gray hair. Like a real pioneer woman, she’d tie her bonnet securely under her chin. Peeking out from under the brim, she’d stroll out with us to the strawberry patch. 

My mom, brother and I would pick the plump, ripe strawberries and listen to the clatter of chirping birds, and the occasional crowing of an ill-tempered rooster. Of course, some of the juicy berries ended up in our bellies instead of the pans. 

After awhile we became bored. That’s when my brother would start thinking of ways to make his own fun, like flinging strawberries at me when mom wasn't looking, or shouting “snake,” just to see if I’d shriek. I’m sure we fussed about aching backs or sweaty foreheads, but when the job was done, Great-grandma gave us a special treat that made it all worthwhile – an ice-cold bottle of Mt. Dew from the bottom of the fridge.

Today, one of Great-Grandma’s aprons hangs in my laundry room. Her apron reminds me of those carefree days of picking strawberries. Back then, life was easy. I had no responsibilities, and my biggest problem was my older brother’s pranks. 

But Great-grandma’s life wasn't easy. In her lifetime she’d scrubbed clothes on a washboard, pumped water from a well, and even baked cakes in an iron cook stove. Oh how I appreciate modern conveniences like microwaves, washers and dryers, and air conditioning! 
 
My great-grandma never ventured far. She lived in the same small community all 95 years of her life. But she loved her neighbors and her family. She was humble and kind - and her faith got her through the hard times. Though she lived a difficult life, she handled the hardships with courage and strength. Thinking of her life inspires me to strive for the best in mine.

Join the conversation! I'd love to hear about your childhood memories. Did you visit your grandparents (or great-grandparents) over the summer? What's your favorite summertime memories?

Daddy's Arms
by Sheri Zeck

Precious little baby girl,
upon her entrance in this world;
so secure and safe from harm,
gently placed in daddy’s arms.

Resting on his chest to sleep,
he prayed the Lord her soul to keep.
A love that’s way beyond compare,
her daddy’s arms were always there.

But in his arms there’s so much more,
fun and games are what they’re for!
Arms outstretched and open wide,
to catch her on the curly slide.

Flying kites and throwing balls,
Her daddy’s arms could do it all.
Loving arms that squeeze so tight,
then tuck her into bed each night.

Little girls grow up too fast,
and baby days so quickly pass.
But daddy’s arms will stay the same,
his strength and love will never change.

Lately I've been hearing voices in my head. It’s usually at night when I’m trying to sleep. It sounds something like this:

Hey batter look at me, I’m a monkey in a tree. 

Or ...

Walk her, walk her, just like Betty Crocker … go Betty, go Betty, go!

If you've never been to a girls’ softball game, you don’t know what you’re missing. Oh my goodness. There is never a quiet moment. The cheering never stops. 

I thought of my middle daughter, the pitcher. How does she concentrate with that racket going on? Isn't it distracting? She gets to hear ...                                                      

Watch the pitcher, watch-watch the pitcher. Is she high, is she low – is she fast, is she slow? Watch the
pitcher …

Or ...

Rolling, rolling, the pitcher’s going bowling! 

I got my answer the other night after Taylor’s game. She ran over to me as soon as it was over. “Hey Mom, did you see my bunt?”

I couldn’t believe she had to ask.  

“Of course I saw your bunt! I was sitting right behind home plate. I cheered before the first pitch, and then I screamed super-loud as you ran to first base. I embarrassed Emily for heaven’s sake. You didn’t even hear me?”

She tilted her head. “Nope - didn’t hear you.”

Now I was baffled.

“Well, what about when you’re pitching? I’m always cheering for you when you’re pitching.”

“Nah. I just block it out.”

As I sit here in my office, I am keenly aware that I’ll soon need to learn how to block out some other noises around here. Today is the last day of school – and tomorrow my home will become a place of commotion and chaos. I’m okay with that, until I need to write.            

I can’t concentrate with girls giggling or sisters screaming or a piano pounding or music blaring or doors slamming. And then there’s the ever-popular interruptions, like “How soon ‘til we eat?” and “Tell her to stay out of my room!” 

Like every summer, I’ll have to re-learn how to block it all out. Eventually, I’ll be like Taylor at her games. I won’t even notice. Then before I know it, all three girls will head back to school.

Of course then I won’t be able to concentrate - it'll be way too quiet.

Hi Everyone!

If you're like me, housework tends to slip down the priority list during these busy summer months. (Okay, who am I kidding? It's not just during the summer!) 

But instead of feeling stressed, I'm trying to enjoy summer in the midst of the mess. It's a lesson I'm learning from my kids.

This week I'd love for you to pop over to the Quad City Moms Blog and check out the post I wrote. Thanks so much!

Have a great week,

Sheri