the 2 of us

Header Challenge: the 2 of us

February 20, 2013

Imac brings us the challenge for today. I suppose there could be different possibilities for this theme (best buds, 2 fish in a bowl, peas in a pod,, left & right mittens etc.), but the first thing that I think of when we say "the two of us," is my wife and me... so, that's what I went with. Check out my  pals for their interpretations on this theme: Fishing  Guy, Katney, Imac and Lew.

I took all but the "blue" pic. For that one, I snapped a pic of my friends, and asked that they swtich and take a photo of the 2 of us.  The camera settings were already figured out (slow shutter, low flash, etc.), so all they had to do was point and shoot. Did you notice that these were not taken at the same time? (different beards) The blue pic was taken in December of 2011 in front of a shop window in Downtown Chicago. Some of the small pics were taken only a few weeks ago, while my wife and I got away for our 25th wedding anniversary. The header was a self portrait from November of 2010.

 

At the company picnic in August, an elderly couple set up lawn chairs close to us. They just sat with each other, holding hands. I imagine they could teach us a lot about love and marriage.

This last shot was taken in my home, and I like how it represents my wife and me. Colors and proportions aside, the affection and intimacy characterize us well.

a Sunday afternoon stroll

Mrs. Craver and I double-dated last Sunday. This was all a gift from the other couple. After church, we dined at the Olive Garden in Bolingbrook. I ordered the Venetian Apricot Chicken. That tasted so amazing, it should be on your bucket list!

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Then we drove into downtown Chicago to see The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey at the Provision Theater. It was a feel-good event, for sure!

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Finally, we parked close to Daley Plaza and walked through the crowded, chilly streets for an outdoor display called Christkindlmarket. That's when I took out the camera and "went to town." (Yes, that pun was totally intended.)

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What's in this collage? Clockwise from top left:

1. the Picasso at Daley Plaza
2. the Channel 2 (CBS) newsroom
3. pigeons huddling around the Eternal Flame memorial
4. the wonderful Mrs. Craver next to the happiest man in the world
5. a peek at the Sears (Willis) Tower from the inside of the minivan
6. one of my favorite landmarks--the clock at Marshal Fields (Macy's)
7. an amusing, blue, light sculpture, and
8. some of the German crafts from Christkindl Market

nifty fifty

(First of all, if you're visiting... thanks!! Things have been so busy lately, that I have not been in the blogosphere very much.)

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We celebrated Mrs. Craver's birthday this weekend. It was a surprise birthday party. We had a good turnout, and it was a special treat to see that some people who live farther away made it out for the event.

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We had lots of food, tons of laughs, and... karaoke. It's funny how everyone thinks rock stars are so cool, and people wish they could sing, but put a microphone in the room, and it's like a deadly kryptonite, striking victims with a paralyzing fear. Coaxing, cajoling and putting people on the spot eventually got folks to go up there and make fools of themselves. I did it three times, myself... and for that, I apologize to every sensible ear that was offended. It was cool though, when the audience joined me do do back-up vocals, and some people even got up to dance!

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To my surprise, and great delight, the karaoke platform was not used only for silliness, but one young friend (Rachel Grace) got up and sang a touching and tender song that melted our hearts. My wife was moved to tears.

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The best part of this event was celebrating the life of Mrs. Craver and showing our appreciation for the blessing that she is in each of our lives. That woman does so much for her family and community. It was good to have some time set aside for her, as opposed to taking from her, like I usually do. Every day, I am humbled to stand in the presence of true greatness. I suppose I should sign off today by singing...

Then I saw her face,

Now I'm a believer.

Without a trace--

Of doubt in my mind...

happy valentine's day

This was Mrs. Craver and me back in 1987. We had been dating 3 months. In another 3 months, I would propose and six months after that, we were married.

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She is amazing. After two decades, I love her more than ever before. I would not have dreamed that it could be possible, but she and I have grown together and I am more blessed than any man should be.

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Last week, I was listening to a John Denver song. I like it, except it has the wrong name, because when I sing it, I can't call it "Annie's Song." As I heard it, I could only think of my Mrs. Craver.

twenty-three

Those eyes. They're like hot cocoa on a cold winter's day. Mmmm...

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On Sunday, January 23, Mrs. Craver and I will have been married 23 years. I'll tell you what--if I lost everything in the world, but still had her, I would still consider myself a rich man. You know what else? I think I walk closer with the Lord because of her, and I walk closer with her because of the Lord.

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Yeah... she's a keeper.

of thanks and giving

The skin on my knuckles is broken from fighting -- in church. Wait; let me explain... Our family had time to waste while waiting for people to arrive. My youngest son and I rolled up newspapers to use as swords while waiting. I am an amazingly proficient warrior when fighting children who weigh less than one hundred pounds. I am less proficient when my hand slams into a heavy wooden door. Especially when said wooden door is being kicked open from the other side. I forfeited the match, and we drank hot chocolate instead.

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You might already know that Mrs. Craver and I are the directors for a food and clothing pantry. A manager from our local Jewel food store contacted us about donating precooked meals for people in need. I think this is the third year they've done this. There were twelve meals the first time, and eight the following year. This time he said they would give away TWENTY NINE meals!! I had to take the seats out of the van to fit them all, and we just made it with the meal boxes going wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. They actually gave us thirty-one boxes, not twenty-nine. Way to go, Jewel!!

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This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for many things. And that includes all those people and organizations like Jewel who sacrifice a little to help a friend in need. I pray a special blessings for those homes who find themselves having a hard time this season.

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Above, we see Mrs. Craver, Brother Greg and D2. Normally, we like to deliver these to peoples' houses, but this time it was just too much, so D2 did a marvelous job of calling people to come pick up their meal boxes. Greg and his kids helped with distribution.

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Oh, and the idea for swordfighting with newspaper came from Greg and the kids. Only, he managed to come through it unscathed.