Category Archives: Marriage

February 20, 2009 · 6:00 am

Six years and one more little person later…

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Six years ago tomorrow, Kris Takle entered my life.  No, it’s not our anniversary.  But, it is a special day that we have acknowledged every year since.  Because, since that day, my life has never been the same.  Our commitment is based first and foremost on our commitment to Christ.  To live a life fully devoted to Him.  So, we can then be fully committed to one another.  Believe me.  We are well aware that when our “connective-ness” is out of whack, our relationship with Christ usually is, too. 

Our journey together isn’t without challenges.  We’ve faced difficulties and disappointments.  But, we keep on pursuing Him.  We keep on pursuing one another.  Because, we know that in every situation, the goodness of God can always be found. 

I can honestly say that I love him more today than I did the day I married him.  Cliché, I know.  But, it’s true.  So very true.  I hope fifty years from now we are still bringing glory to the One who saved us by His completely amazing, breath-taking grace. 

And, I hope we’re watching our children and grandchildren do the same.

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.  Psalm 34:3

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February 17, 2009 · 6:00 am

He could be Mr. Mom.


The hubs works hard.  No doubt about that.  I wish I could do what he did, but I doubt I could ever land a plane quite as smoothly as he does.  I also have a bad habit of giggling when I talk to air traffic controllers.  And, if someone said “De-Ice”, I’d probably break out into something as ridiculous as “Ice, Ice Baby.”  I’m just being honest.

He’s good at what he does.  I’m usually decent at what I do.  But, could we trade places?  I found out in a recent conversation with Kris.

Me:  “Do you think you could ever be a stay-at-home-dad while I was the income earner?”

The hubs:  “Oh, you have no idea.  Absolutely.”

Me:  “No, you couldn’t.  You could never stop looking at aircraft for sale on the internet or……”

The hubs:  “I absolutely could.  I would be the best SAHD ever.  The kids would always be dressed so cute, er, except for Anna.  You’d come home from work, and I’d show you the new clothes I bought them.  Then, you’d be wondering, ‘How much did that cost?’  Then, I spend my free time planning vacations and talking to my friends on Facebook.”

Me:  “Could you be any more subtle?”

It’s like he doesn’t even know me. 

For the record, I’ve participated in practically zero shopping given the current state of the economy.  And, I only spend a portion of my time on Facebook due to the, ahem, demands of writing and Twitter.  Oh, and let’s not even begin with my volunteer commitments.  So there ya go. 

Okay.  Please, excuse me while I get back to researching deals at Disney. 

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February 13, 2009 · 6:00 am

He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love.


My Valentine left yesterday for a trip.  I asked him before he left if he’d like his Valentine gift today, or if he preferred waiting until Monday upon his return home.

“Err, Monday will be good.”  He answered.

“Aha!  You want to wait until Monday, because you do not have me a gift!”  I responded, aware of my own marital trap.

“Exactly.”  He said.

“That’s okay.  I was just messin’.  I don’t have you one either.”  I told him.

I laughed.  He thought I was kind of mean.  I thought I was kind of funny.

I’ll miss him on Cupid’s little holiday.  But, I always miss him when he’s not sitting right beside me.  And, I can look into those Scandinavian eyes anytime and celebrate our crazy love.

While Kris’ love for me is pretty wonderful, it cannot compare to the love God has for me or for you.  He lavishes us with extravagance every single day.  Perhaps, we become jaded from over-exposure to things such as a bird chirping, a sunrise, or even our child’s laughter.  But, His love is extravagant. 

Even, when we mess up unbelievably, He still loves us.  Much like when our own children make a mess of things, our love for them never wanes.  Don’t we love them more today than we did the day before?  {Okay, so don’t answer that if you couldn’t get your kids in bed fast enough last night.  I feel your pain.}

I am forever amazed that we are the center of a divine love.  Wow.  It’s really hard to grasp sometimes.

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  Ephesians 3:18

Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day, Kris Takle.  You are my favorite person, and I love you big.

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February 9, 2009 · 6:00 am

He sent frequent text messages.

My boy donned a tuxedo.

 

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And, Anna….well…..

Let’s just say Kris didn’t win the fashion wars.  I was sure of it when I returned home to see her wearing this.

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A lovely tank top in the heart of winter. 

I sure did miss that girl.  Kris decided to document their chain of events by sending me regular text messages.  Here was the first incoming message:

“I am about to fall over with laughter listening to Anna talk her shew-wee out.”

Um, how do you spell “shew-wee” anyway?

He took her to Redrock Canyon Grill for their first date night, a local favorite for watching sunset while you dine.  Kris messaged, “She has quite the appetite….and the cow bell just went off for sunset, and she wants to go ring it now.”   He continued, “I think I have {the cow bell ringing} under control now.”

When he sent this one:

“I miss you guys, but we are having a blast.  This is precious for Anna and me.” 

I knew sweet memories were being made.

In the meantime, John Henry and I had our own fun celebrating the wedding of a very close family friend – my God sister, Sandyn who married Captain Elic Colwell who is the brother of Lindsey Takle who is the wife of Dr. Leiv Takle, Jr. who is the brother of Kris Takle who is the husband of me.  Yes, six degrees….

And some pics just for funsies.

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(An itty bitty part of the wedding party, and John Henry doing his best imitation of my dad.)

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(John Henry with his cousins, Bella and Macie.)

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(My dad and son.  Two of my favorite men.)

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The groom, Elic, the bride, Sandyn…her sister, Brittany, Andy & Carson Thoms)

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I could’ve taken that little guy home with me.  For real.

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Oh, and me with my completely beautiful mama. 

That’s it.  We’re all tired.  And I’m happy to be back with my husband and fashion trailblazer.

How was your weekend?

 

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January 20, 2009 · 6:00 am

Sometimes, all you need are chocolate and sleep.


Our kids spent the weekend with their Falon and Jenny (Falon’s mom.)  That meant two full days of KT and Dusty Takle time.

To commemorate our all adult weekend, we decided to do a little staycation at the Skirvin Hilton downtown.

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We arrived (sounds like we drove for hours, doesn’t it) at the Skirvin on Saturday afternoon….after a grueling 15 minute drive. 

We had planned to hit Bricktown, and Live.It.Up.  But the thought of even leaving the hotel to get dinner did not sound the least bit appealing.  So, we decided to eat at the little pub in the hotel. 

To top off our wild and crazy night, I stopped by the hotel shop and picked up a couple of sundries.

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It’s not Junior Mints or Sour Patch Kids, but they’ll do in a pinch. 

Sidebar:  I know those roots of mine are quite disturbing.  I apologize for the sudden gasp you just let out.  This serious matter will be rectified this week.  And, if you think that’s bad, you should see my toes.  I’m a total train wreck.  Perhaps, I need a full day at the spa.  Ahem, Kris Takle.

After I enjoyed a few bites of chocolate, it was time for you know what.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is where the magic happened.

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That’s right.  Ten hours of uninterrupted sleep.  TEN hours!  Told you it was magic.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some personal items to attend to.

 

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January 13, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Redemptive Story


A few months back, I wrote a post called “I Struggle With Porn.”  In this post, I led you to the story of Chris and Cindy Beall.  I really do hope you were able to read their incredible story of redemption.  Since that post, God has been taking their story to a whole new level – allowing them to minister to so many marriages crippled by pornography and infidelity. 

Also, since that post, Cindy Beall has become a dear friend.  I know.  Right?  Okay.  Enough name droppin’.

Cindy has added a new author on her blog. 

Mr. Chris Beall himself.

Yesterday, Chris posted a video answering many questions about their story.  It’s a little lengthy but worth the viewing.  I wanted to encourage you to hop on over there and listen to Chris.  I also want to encourage you to share their story with others.  Not only will you appreciate Chris’ transparency, but you will see a man with a heart after God. 

Chris and Cindy like to use the phrase “better than new” as it relates to what God did in their marriage.  And, they have no doubt whatsoever, that He will make your marriage better than new, too.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. Chris Beall.

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January 8, 2009 · 6:00 am

Give ’em some praise.


While taking John Henry to school yesterday, I told him, “Thank you.”

“For what?” He asked.

“For being John Henry Landreth.  I wouldn’t want you to be anyone else but you.”

His blue eyes lit up and a smile raced from ear to ear.  “You’re welcome, Mom.”

I so want my children to know that they are wonderful JUST AS THEY ARE.  That they are fearfully and wonderfully made. 

God makes no mistakes.

He knew us long before we were ever conceived.

I usually don’t give you assignments.  But let me encourage you to tell your children today that you are so glad that they are who they are.  Who God created them to be.

 I bet they smile.

Oh, and I can’t even believe I’m going to say this….

But.

Boomer Sooner!

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December 31, 2008 · 6:00 am

Revelations and Resolutions.


Revelations.

– I can gain weight faster than I can lose it.

– Plans change, but God is still in control.

– I love being a momma.  Love it.

– Marriage can be tricky.  Time alone with my husband does wonders.

– Anna’s fashion skills are evolving.  Just not sure what they are evolving into.

– I use the word “ridiculous” a lot. 

– It’s ridiculous how windy Oklahoma is.

– There is no problem chips and queso can’t cure.  At least, for a moment.

– John Henry has a heart after God.

– American Idol is the best thing on television.

– His mercies are still new every morning.

– Sometimes, I’m a monster.  According to Anna.

– Bratz dolls are ugly.

– It’s the small stuff.  The small stuff.

– Always check John Henry’s pockets before going through airport security.  Check again.

– Anna’s bedtime prayers are some of my favorite moments.

– Taking cheap shots at your spouse is so uncool.

– I have days that I doubt.

– But, God still parts the Red Sea.

– It’s amazing how many turtles one can trap.

– I have precious friends.

– The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory…. Exodus 15:2

 

Resolutions.

– Put more of my worries into the “God box.”

– Give more.  And more.  And more.  Until it hurts.

– Encourage John Henry more.

– Become more aware of God’s presence in my life.

– Anna’s spunk and creativity are God-given.  I want to embrace it more.

– Organize my family photos.  Finally.

– Spend less time on the computer.

– Read more.

– Have more sex.  There.  I said it.  You’re welcome, KT.

– Write more.

– Call people I normally don’t call.

– Have tea with Anna.

– Give each of my children one day where they choose every food and activity for the day.  Within reason.

– Look into Kris’ eyes an extra few seconds.

– Have more quiet time with God.

– Watch every episode of American Idol.

– Give John Henry more of me.

– Laugh harder.

– Surrender all of me to Him.

– Buy the 80G iPod. 

– Write a handwritten letter.

– Be more attentive to the whispers.

– Be more careful with my words.

– Listen to my friends.  Really listen.

– Love.

– Love.

– Love.

 

What are your revelations and/or resolutions?  Come on.  Share one.  Share them all!

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December 10, 2008 · 6:00 am

Love and Marriage.

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Kris and I recently had one of those sit down, let’s talk about our relationship talks.  No need to go tellin’ tales out of school.  We are doing just fine.  We’ve just let a few of those important marital-like things fall to the bottom of the list.  And, no.  I’m not talking ‘bout sex.  I am talking about those moments where you shut down computers, cell phones, and children and just enjoy each other.  You know.  Connect. 

It’s so easy to let life go by and time pass in a marriage and not have conversations with your spouse that make you pull in the reins, breathe deep, and take care of the things that really matter.  Each other. 

Monday night, we had a little date night.  We ate sushi and didn’t even talk about airplanes or children or if my jeans made my hiney look big.  ‘Cause y’all know he is going to mess that one up, albeit unintentional.  Then, we laughed together through Four Christmases. 

It’s funny.  That little conversation gave our marriage a lift.  We immediately returned to taking the time to connect.  Kris is good with those conversations.  He is just as comfortable sharing his heart with me as he is in a cockpit.  I love that about him.  He takes good care of us.

Hmmm.  What’s a good scripture to put here?  Oh, I know.  “He who finds a wife, finds what is good,” (Proverbs 18:22.)  Tee-hee.  I’m just funnin’.  Okay, not really.  But, let’s make this fair.

Oh, never mind, I can’t find a scripture I like.  Wait.  That didn’t come out right. 

I’ll just end the way my daddy has concluded every wedding ceremony for the past thirty plus years.

 “Let not your voices lose the tender tones of affection, nor your eyes forget the tender ray with which they shown in courtship’s day.  And, greatest of all, let God be enthroned above all else at all times.”

What do you and your spouse do to connect? 

* Keep it clean.  This is a family blog.  Most days.

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November 4, 2008 · 6:00 am

There’s a new Takle in the house!


No, not this house.  I do apologize for yesterday’s slack.  But, I have a good excuse.  Really, I do! 

I thought it might be appropriate to blog on the election.  Since, after all, today IS the day.  But, seriously.  Do you really want to see or read any more of the democratic process?  Me either.

Talking ‘bout love is so much sweeter. 

So, let me tell you a little story.

Once upon a time, there were two brothers.

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One found love with yours truly.  (That would be the one on the left.) 

The other, well, we just hoped and prayed he would find that girl.  (That would be the one on the right.)

After much waiting (and wondering), Dr. Takle (you KNOW that’s the one on the right) did just that.  Both boy and girl traveled long roads to find love in each other.  And, this fabulous girl brought with her the most beautiful package.  TWO.PRECIOUS.DAUGHTERS.

She embraced him and all of his medical talk that we usually just nodded our heads to as if we comprehended every single word.  He loved on her with the kind of love you read about.  And, he gave two little girls a safe place to fall, a safe place to be held, and safe place to be loved.

So, the day came (that would be Sunday) for the two to become one.  Tears flowed through the vows.  And, before we knew it, they were a family.

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It was a perfect day. 

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They rode off into the sunset.  And, happy days are sure to follow.

 

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Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Dr. Leiv & Lindsey Takle.  And, their two beautiful daughters, Macie and Bella.

God is good.

See?  I told you I had a good excuse.

Don’t ya just love love?

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