Why Two Monday Posts?

If you follow my Facebook Fan Page you already know what a fan I am of Courtney at Women Living Well.  I share many, many, many of her blog posts with my fans because she inspires me.

So, imagine my surprise when I discovered (a little late) that she is hosting a blog hop every Monday for the month of October - beginning today.

Even though I already posted one entry (that didn't suit her hop) -
I decided to write again so I could join in - because of the appropriateness of the challenges.   Here is her challenge for today:

October 4 - Go buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home. I will be starting mine in the morning! But you can start yours at dinner time. Do what makes sense for your family. I will be placing mine in the kitchen - the main hub of my home. Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.

Thanks to a good friend I just happen to have a brand new, large, vanilla scented candle to use for this challenge.  I love the scent of vanilla in the early autumn air.  But, that is not what motivated me to join the blog hop.

This is:

I was washing dishes this morning - odd, I know. I usually postpone everything until mere moments before my husband arrives home from work.  I had decided to be more intentional about making his home a haven - before I read Courtney's challenge.  That means getting the housework done and out of the way before he gets home - so I won't be distracted when we're together.

See, I married him with one overarching intention - to improve the quality of his life.  I had drifted into apathy and was no longer living up to my own expectation.  When I was going to sleep last night, after scheduling my earlier post ("What Color Is Your Mad") to post in my sleep - I said my prayers and felt a pang, a twinge of guilt.

I determined to set a new course this week in my own behavior.

So, anyway - while I was washing dishes this morning, I was playing my favorite Dean Martin CD.  This song - the lyrics - stopped me dead in my tracks.  (No! I'm not making excuses for why the housework is still waiting for me.)  Just listen - I think you'll understand:

Sweet, sweet memories you gave-a me

you can't beat the memories you gave-a me

Take one fresh and tender kiss

Add one stolen night of bliss

One girl, one boy

Some grief, some joy

Memories are made of this

Don't forget a small moonbeam

Fold in lightly with a dream

Your lips and mine

Two sips of wine

Memories are made of this

Then add the wedding bells

One house where lovers dwell

Three little kids for flavor

Stir carefully through the days

See how the flavor stays

These are the dreams you will savor

With His blessings from above

Serve it generously with love

One man, one wife

One love through life

Memories are made of this

Memories are made of this

So there you have it.  A little bit of housework to set the scene - Courtney's candle scenting the air - Memories Are Made of This - and my husband's home will be a haven when he returns.

Thanks Courtney!  I appreciate the impact you have on my life.