I was gone three days last week, which means that P was in charge of Caroline. While I was in Nashville having a stylist pick out my wardrobe, he was at home dealing with Caroline and her wardrobe.
Which is not a task for the faint of heart.
I tried to help him by laying out various acceptable outfits because I knew it would only be a matter of time before she tried to convince him that she could wear her gymnastics leotard with her platform disco shoes to school. And maybe a Sleeping Beauty tiara for that extra something special.
He did carpool pickup. He coordinated playdates. He came up with things they could eat for dinner.
Rumor has it they even ordered sushi one night.
And when I got home late Thursday night, he had flowers and dinner waiting for me.
Over the past several months I’ve had some cool opportunities, but they have required me to be away from home for a few days at a time.
The bottom line is I couldn’t do it without P.
Our life over the last two years has turned into an unexpected adventure. We’ve made some scary decisions together that have sometimes felt like we were holding hands and jumping off a cliff.
P worked in ministry for the majority of our marriage. During that time, I worked in a job that I wasn’t necessarily crazy about but knew that it was God’s financial provision for us. My income allowed P to be in full-time ministry, which nobody really gets into for the sweet cash flow.
Several years ago, P started his own landscape business. At first it was just kind of side job to earn a little extra money, but we’ve watched it grow into a successful business with steady work. It has been a huge blessing.
Then, two years ago, P knew it was time for him to move on from his work with Campus Life and transition full-time into the landscape business. Less than a month later, circumstances led me to unexpectedly resign from my pharmaceutical sales job.
We watched our roles switch.
A while back, someone asked him if he was interested in getting back into ministry and he said, “It’s Melanie’s turn. She supported me all those years and now I want to support her as she goes where God leads.”
And to say that he has is such an understatement.
Over the course of a marriage, life doesn’t always turn out the way you envisioned. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, good and bad. P and I aren’t the same two crazy, skinny kids that vowed to love and to cherish each other until death do we part over eleven years ago.
Those two fools had no idea all that life would throw our way and no idea that we’d be able to survive it all.
What I’m trying to say is that I have been blessed. I’ve been blessed with a man who can drive me crazy with his love of hunting shows, UFC, and leaving half a paper towel sitting on the kitchen counter, but who supports me, loves me, and makes me feel cherished.
He never makes me feel guilty about the time I’m away. He takes up the crown of Mr. Mom and wears it well.
It’s more than I could have asked for or imagined. P falls into the category of my life entitled God’s Outrageous Blessings.
Happy 38th Birthday, P.
I hope I’m half the gift to you that you are to me.
Sheryl Anne Dean says:
Big Mama,
Wonderful, Bravo, Bravo! Our godly men are amazing.
Happy Birthday, P!
Sheryl Anne
October 6th, 2008 at 4:35 am
theresa (YewNorkBabe( says:
Happy Birthday P. You both are amazing Godly people and it is so refreshing reading about you both.
October 6th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Wanda says:
Definitely….a fella to be honored!
Thank you God for P…..and for giving him to Melanie!
Happy Birthday…. Mr. Right!
Blessings to you both!
October 6th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Dena says:
…and, he keeps a super tight garage!
And, P, I’ve been known to leave half a paper towel on the kitchen counter a time or two, myself.
October 6th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Kelly says:
What a sweet tribute - hang onto him! He’s a catch!
Happy Birthday to big daddy!
October 6th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Staci at Writing and Living says:
Over the course of a marriage, life doesn’t always turn out the way you envisioned. There are twists and turns, ups and downs, good and bad.
Can I have an “Amen”?
My husband and I could have never imagined the life changes that were in store for us when we got married.
Like you, God blessed me with a great man. Happy Birthday to P. I’m sure he would agree that he’s lucky to have you, too.
October 6th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Kelli says:
Happy Birthday to Melanie’s P!
(Isn’t that a Spice Girls name?)
October 6th, 2008 at 6:44 am
tammy - GratefulinGA says:
What a wonderful testimony of your lives and love. Happy Birthday P and God’s Richest Blessing on your entire family.
tammy
October 6th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Karin in Kokomo, IN says:
What a sweet birthday present for you dear husband! I agree with the entire post. My husband sounds much like yours. We have a daughter who thinks she is a fashion diva too! I just found your blog recently and really enjoy reading it. Thank you! I’ll keep reading.
October 6th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Mrs Lemon says:
Happy birthday P! Thanks for letting Melanie do her thang without any guilty strings attached!
October 6th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Melinda says:
Happy Birthday P! Just know that your wife is almost as big a blessing to us, as she is to you! We so appreciate your willingness to let that be so!
Melinda
P.S. Melanie - THANK YOU for posting a link to my giveaway and participating in this important work. Big hugs, girl! (Don’t forget to enter yourself - if your church already has a kit, I’m sure you know a church, CPC, or counseling center who doesn’t!)
October 6th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Shelly W says:
What a great testimony to the sweetness of life. I’ve found, too, that the older I get and the longer I’ve been married (23 years this year!), I appreciate my godly husband more and more for his sacrifices on my behalf. Hey, just going to work every day is a sacrifice, and he never complains. They are a grace in our lives, aren’t they?
October 6th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Jennifer (Et Tu?) says:
What a sweet post! Happy birthday, P!
October 6th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Fran says:
Oh my!! I had me a tear at the end of that one Melanie. So so precious and what a blessing you both have in each other!!
Happy birthday P!!!!
Have a great day!
Hugs,
Fran
TN
October 6th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Elizabeth says:
Maybe it’s my pregnancy hormones or the fact that I am emotional to begin with anyways, but this post made me cry! What a wonderful blessing to have P in your life to share the good and bad with! Happy Birthday P!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:00 am
meem says:
Happy Birthday To You,
Happy Birthday To You,
Happy Birthday Dear P,
Happy Birthday To YOU!
Love, candc
October 6th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Sufficient Grace says:
Happy Birthday, P! What a sweet testimony your wife gave you this morning!!! God bless you today!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Jennifer says:
Ok seriously, I don’t even know you guys and that last part made me tear up! Happy Birthday P!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:06 am
MaggieLousMommy says:
This is a beautiful tribute to P. I think that my husband and P must have been seperated at birth. My husband has a fondness for firearms, the NRA, UFC’s and ALWAYS leaves half of a paper towel on the counter. They must be twins.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Alison says:
What a sweet tribute–he sounds like a wonderful guy. Happy birthday to P!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Margie says:
What a nice tribute. Happy Birthday, P.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:10 am
lori says:
So sweet!!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Amy says:
What a wonderful birthday gift to P! So sweet that he said it was your turn to go where God will lead. And what an adventure for the entire family! Thank you for encouraging Melanie to step forward in faith. She’s a joy and her ministry is in full force!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:15 am
life with the wisners says:
seriously. why am i crying? you people and your “dedicated to the one i love” posts. you’re killing me here.
happy birthday, P. you are one blessed man. and clearly, the ladies in your life are blessed, too.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Julie H. says:
Here’s wishing your husband a happy birthday. What a nice tribute to him.
Take care,
Julie
October 6th, 2008 at 8:26 am
rrmama says:
Happy Birthday P! I hope you have a great one. By the way, I am sure you know this alreay, your wife is awesome!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Steph at the Red Clay Diaries says:
What a sweet tribute. Like you, I feel so blessed to have my husband. Our roles are changing too. He’s always supported us financially, but now he’s applauding me as I step out in some ventures I was never brave enough to do before now.
Thank God for a marriage that improves over time — in ways we could’ve never predicted.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Katrina (Callapidder Days) says:
So sweet! Happy Birthday, P!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Big Mama's Sister says:
Happy Birthday P! Your niece, Sarah thinks your pretty sweet too…as we were saying bedtime prayers and thanking God for different people, out of the blue she said “Perry”! Hope it’s a great one!
October 6th, 2008 at 8:35 am
annie's eyes says:
You speak some serious truths and honor your guy all at the same time. Life is never what we thought it would be, but it is so much more rich when we share it with another. You offer him a wonderful gift in your words. Love, Annette
October 6th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Dionna says:
Sounds like a great man. Truly, you are blessed.
October 6th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Stephanie says:
That was beautiful - have a super birthday, P =)
October 6th, 2008 at 8:50 am
BecomingMe says:
Love is beautiful…not so much the romantic mushy gooshy kind of love…but authentic love…love that enables a man with a weak stomach to hold back his wife’s hair as she pukes in the toilet because she is carrying his child. Love that says…”you go ahead honey…” I could go on, but you know the beauty to which I am referring.
Happy birthday to your P…he’s a good man…a godly man with a lovely wife and daughter.
Terrific post
October 6th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Jai says:
Happy Birthday P, you share my dad’s birthdate, so that alone makes you a good man!
Thank God for blessing Melanie with you! You sound like a good egg! He knew what He was doing when he put the two of you together so many moons ago.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Laura says:
Happy Birthday P!! Melanie, what a great tribute to your husband. I didn’t know your full story, only bits and pieces. Can you believe God had him in Ministry and now you are in Ministry. Did you ever envision yourself serving God this way??????
Love you,
Laura
October 6th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Stephanie says:
Happy birthday P! And thank you for sharing Big Mama with us! God bless!
October 6th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Kelly @ Love Well says:
Happy, happy birthday P! Maybe Melanie will get you some more car cleaning supplies as a birthday gift.
And many, many more….
October 6th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Mel says:
What a great husband. It’s your turn. How sweet.
I laughed when you mentioned UFC. My husband was watching UFC yesterday with my daughter. He is so cute when he comes and tells me what this one guy did to the other guy. And they say guys are the only ones who nod their heads when us women tell them something.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Angela says:
How sweet! I hope to get married someday (soon) and I needed this encouragement to wait for the godly man God has for me..because I want the kind of relationship that God has given you. I hope you have a great day celebrating with your family!
Angela
October 6th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Amanda says:
There are few things more wonderful than getting to partner with the love of your life to serve God. You guys are a great team. Happy birthday, P!
October 6th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Melanie says:
Happy Birthday, Capital P!
What a sweet tribute, Melanie.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Lynn says:
A partnership for eternity. It only gets better and more exciting, trust me. May God lead you both down many happy trails! Happy Birthday P.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Holly @ Crownlaiddown says:
Happy Birthday!!
I love how God’s love is pictured here! Love and prayers for you all!
Holly
October 6th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Vicki Courtney says:
Well, I for one am personally thankful for your hubby’s willingness to play the Mr. Mom role this past week!
I too, have a husband who has given up much to support God’s call to a wife in ministry. What a blessing these men are. Happy Birthday to P.
Oh, and I posted pics from the taping on my blog today… It goes without saying that your hair looks mahvalus. Just mahvalus.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Miscellaneous From Missy says:
Happy birthday, Capital P! Isn’t God good?!
October 6th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Cyndi says:
Just beautiful. You are both outrageously blessed.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Betsy says:
Sweet, Big Mama.
Very Sweet.
Happy B-day to P.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Dana D says:
P and I share the same birthday!
Hope he has as happy of one as I am having… and many, many more!
October 6th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Lori says:
Beautiful testimony! I attribute my blessed marriage to our “submission” to God first and then to each other. Sounds like that’s what you guys have done. Not easy but oh so worth it!
October 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Missy @ It's Almost Naptime says:
Aw! Happy Birthday, P!!
And he’s cute too. You forgot to mention that he’s cute. Hey, cuteness matters.
October 6th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Kelly @ Wisdom Begun says:
What a purely sweet post this was. I am inspired to write one like it.
October 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Wendy says:
Aw…happy birthday to P! What a blessing to see a thriving marriage and a couple who appreciates and encourages each other. Best wishes for a wonderful year!
October 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Corrie says:
Happy Birthday “P”!
October 6th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Leslie says:
Very sweet post. I love to see couples bragging on each other. I also understand working at a job that you don’t love just because you flat out need the money. My sweet husband left his teaching job to start a new business as a financial planner so that I could be a stay-at-home mom someday. But it’ll be a couple of years before that business is where it needs to be for me to stay at home full-time. So we’ve both had to sacrifice and are taking turns supporting our family, but are so grateful that God is providing for us financially.
October 6th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Darlene says:
Happy Birthday to P!
You two DO sound unbelieveably blessed!
I have a husband that never makes me feel guilty for being gone for say, 5 days to Texas! That’s just an example of many trips that I have been able to take!
October 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Candace says:
Great post Melanie! P - I hope you have a fantastic birthday!!
October 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Jenny says:
Geez. That was so sweet. Have a wonderful Birthday, P!
October 6th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Kate says:
Hope P has a great birthday. :o)
Does he realize his wife looks just like Anne Hathaway??
October 6th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Patty says:
Mel,
That was so sweet. Happy Birthday to P!!
I would be a nervous wreck if I were going to some of these places you are going and you are doing so with humilty and style and grace. I can’t imagine you would need a stylist because your fashion sense is impeccable. May God continue to bless your sweet family in ways your mind could never conceive of!!
Love,
Patty
October 6th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Brickhouse says:
This was beautiful. I am so happy for you. You are extremely lucky, but you are also extremely deserving. God knew what he was doing in this one!!!
October 6th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
nicole says:
Well I’m crying. That is a beautiful testament to Christian marriage. Happy Birthday to your husband.
October 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Jordan says:
WONDERFUL post! I am not married yet, and sometimes get overwhelmed and scared at all the bogus marriages I witness on a daily basis (and by bogus I mean an unloving relationship carried on by two checked-out individuals) and by all stories my acquaintances tell that fill my head with horror. Tales of inconsideration, incompetence, and inability to give thanks where thanks is due.
Well thank you for telling me a success story. I love it!
-b.t.w: my man only uses half a paper towel at a time as well…what’s with that??
October 6th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Inna says:
Awww… Happy Birthday, P!
October 6th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Rachael says:
Happy Birthday, P! Thanks so much for sharing your sweet wife with us. Her words and ministry are a blessing for us all.
October 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Connie says:
“It’s Melanie’s turn. She supported me all those years and now I want to support her as she goes where God leads.”
That literally gave me chills. What a sweet testimony of love and sacrifice. Happy Birthday, P! Hope you two kids get to go out on a hot date!
October 6th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Big Mama's Mama says:
What a lovely birthday post for P. Sure alleviates a Mother’s heart to hear that her daughter is being taken care of well!
Happy Birthday to P !!!
October 6th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Krista says:
Aw, Happy Birthday P!
And good for you being able to leave those two alone and go off by yourself. I can’t seem to leave my child and hubby home without feeling like I MUST BE THERE. The mama guilt. It is crazy at times!
October 6th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Michele says:
Happy Birthday P! Thanks for allowing Big Mama to minister into so many hearts and homes! It’s very much appreciated.
Big Mama-Can I just tell you that your post today is the reason why somtimes..I still cry over being single. Most days I’m fine…but today just put me over the edge and it was non-stop blubbering. Now I’m sure it’s not the PMS at all..it’s just the sweetness of your post! I think to meet someone as 1/2 as nice as P would make me a happy camper!
October 6th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Lizz @ Yes, and So Is My Heart says:
It’s always good to read a post where someone brags on her husband. Hope his b-day was a good one.
October 6th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Blogaroni And Dees says:
girl, i, too, am a ufc widow. :0)
October 6th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Minnesotamom says:
This has got to be one of the sweetest tributes I’ve ever read. Happy birthday, P.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Libby says:
It sounds like P still has at least one ministry, modeling God’s design for a husband. I bet the Lord has big plans for him (for both of you) yet!
October 6th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Soldier In Training says:
Love this post. God is always at work whether our title is in “ministry” or not, huh?
Thanks for sharing and Happy Birthday to your hubby.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Marla Taviano says:
That is so cool. I loved this post.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Ashlie says:
It’s so reassuring to me as a newlywed to hear you talk about how much you love your husband and that the two of you support each other. Thanks for sharing this.
Happy Birthday, P!
October 7th, 2008 at 10:00 am
groovyoldlady says:
*sniffle* *sniffle*
That was SO sweet!
October 7th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Cindy says:
What a sweet post and wonderful husband! Happy Birthday to him.
October 8th, 2008 at 8:06 am
Mindy Howell says:
It is a wonderful blessing when we come to a crossroad in our life and realize that slowly marriage has gotten better than we ever imagined it would. It’s not all fun in the bedroom all the time like we thought on our wedding day, but a steady strength that allows us to become whom God wants us to be. Hopefully P reads your post. Maybe you can re-live your early marriage expectations, this time with feeling!
October 9th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
sweethomealagirl says:
between this one and the compassion post…are you trying to make me cry my eyeballs out? what a man, girl, what a man you have!
October 9th, 2008 at 10:41 pm