Relax with a Great Book

I read two books this summer. One with my daughter which I actually really enjoyed called Poison Wood Bible. It was for an English assignment - summer reading so I can't really say I was relaxing with a great book but I love that I have the time to spend with her. She will be off to college next year and its these little things that I love, reading to her and discussing what we read then helping her with ideas once in a while when she gets stumped on an assignment. I will miss these days for sure.

This is the other book I read. Its called the Husband Project by Kathi Lipp.
This summer my focus was our marriage, it started back in May. I was looking for ways to build our marriage up because we will sort of be empty nesters next year. Our younger two are seniors this year. I hear story after story about how hard marriage can be once all the kids are gone, how couples are disconnected etc.
Well the dear Lord had a different plan because my husband was injured so the book got put on hold. I did start it a few weeks ago when he went back to work after being off 2 1/2 months. Its 21 days of focusing on him.
For me this could not have been a better time. When you truly care for someone, helping them shower, changing sheets several times a day, their pretty much every need, its very depleting. I really just wanted a vacation. I realized I needed to still focus on him. He is still healing, he is still working through the let down of the summer and some major life changes.
At first he just was really surprised by all the neat ideas, some dates, some helpful situations like doing a pipe order, which is a side job of his, while he was at work, some cooking of special meals etc.
I am not completely done. I had to start spreading it out because he figured it out and it became an expectation. I don't want that out of the book. So now I am doing a couple a week.
I admit it takes a lot of time and planning to pull all of it off. Some of them I had to modify because I don't dress up, wear make up etc. So I changed the project to suit us.
I really enjoy the idea of focusing on him. It helps me from focusing on the wrong things and it really has been improving our marriage because it improves our attitudes towards one another. 

google.com/+JennWellsandSunshineOfAutumnQuilts

HomeTown Tourist for Magnolia Texas

I was raised in California, but upon meeting my husband 21 years ago, nearly 22, we moved to his Home state of Texas. We have lived in several cities around the Houston area but have had our home here in Magnolia, Texas for nearly 10 years. I love all its hometown feel and personality.

Our town has some of the cutest Boutiques such as Daphney's.
She carries an array of merchandise from clothing and gift items/housewares. I love the location of her store.
It is what our town calls the Magnolia Stroll. It has several shops and food location 

It opens up for city events such as Renaissance through the Stroll, Corks and Canvas, Hometown Christmas, Depot Days etc.  Now truthfully isn't this the cutest little porch area, she sells these little benches made from bed frames, they are darling. 

Our town is not just about food though, its about giving back, this weekend for 9/11 the county commissioner and another group hosted a lunch for first responders to show our appreciation for all they do. Recently they held a Flag Retirement Ceremony and BBQ for Veterans Day to honor members who have served. We have a Hometown Christmas Parade and Event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and our Magnolia Historical Society. There seems to always be an event to go to which celebrates people, is helping someone in some way or is just for entertainment. 
There are so many ways to get involved from local organizations that truly give back, to so many churches. I think the most unique event was this summer when they held a Men and Women in Blue to support our officers. We need more towns like this in America. 

We have an another restaurant that is called La Magnolia it is amazing. It serves Italian food and it is often a date night on Wednesdays while the kids are at church. You can get a Italian dish from the menu, salad, bread, and dessert for $10. Its so much food we always take the dessert home.

One we visit on Sunday mornings for dates is called Kitty's.

She is open for breakfast and lunch and has the best little menu.

I personally go there for breakfast.

I love our little town of Magnolia, Texas 

google.com/+JennWellsandSunshineOfAutumnQuilts