Pine Cove

J and I spent our Valentines weekend (I'm trying to catch up!) at a marriage retreat. A few couples in our Sunday school class went too. It was in Tyler, TX. I had never been to that part of Texas before and I LOVED it. It's beautiful. The pine trees are huge. It's very quiet and very country. Love that. Anyway, I met my mom half way to OK earlier that day and her and my dad took the girls for the weekend. J and I then made our way over to Tyler. We were running a little late so when we got there, everyone was finishing up dinner. We ate fajitas and had a little session. We met our speaker for the weekend, and I knew by the first night I was going to like him. There were lots of couples there--more than I had thought. After the session, we got to roast marshmallows, hang out at the coffee bar, play games, or just have some down time.

We went to our rooms a little later that night. It was kind of cabin/hotel style. The rooms were small and cozy. No TV. It was secretly nice.

Saturday morning we ate a delicious breakfast. There was a little skit too. The pic is blurry but you get the idea--it takes a lot to get in front of a bunch of strangers and act like a goof. (yes, that is kleenex all over the floor--just part of the skit)

He was our guide for the weekend. He's a newlywed with no kiddos...that seems like a lifetime ago.

We had our morning session and it was very good. I liked how the speaker focused not on your spouse or on your marriage but on YOU. I liked how it wasn't your traditional marriage-retreat-speech. He basically said that YOU have to be on the same page with God in order for you to be a good spouse. So true.

That afternoon, they had picnic baskets for each couple. The basket was full of goodies; salads, sandwiches, chips, shrimp cocktail, fruit, pies, and a bottle of sparkling white grape juice complete with little wine glasses. They even packed each couple a blanket. So romantic except that it was freezing outside. We all huddled up in the rec room, spread out our blankets, and had ourselves a picnic. They packed each of us a sheet of questions to discuss with your spouse while you ate. These people are professionals.

Pouring a glass!

Cheers!

Never a dull moment with this crazy couple!

What a stud.

The gang!

We got lots of free time that afternoon. J and I went back to our room, and I took a 2 hour nap. I know, romantic right? But we were free to do some skeet shooting, horseback riding, canoeing (if it wasn't so dang cold!), or zip lining. After my wonderful nap, we ventured out and tried something new...

I'm not an adventurous person. I'm not a dare devil. I don't like trying new things. I'm pretty boring. But I found myself being strapped up with all these ropes. I had a helmet thrown on my head and I'm headed up the never-ending stair case. I tried not to think about what was going on.

 I sat on the edge of that tiny little seat for a long time. I even asked that guy at the top if he could just give me a little boost off. He replied with, "I'm sorry Ma'am, but I'm not allowed to touch you." So, I looked at J (at least we could go together!), counted to three, leaned forward, and screamed like a little girl the whole way down.

IT WAS AWESOME!!!

I did love that zip line! It was so stinkin' fun but I wasn't brave enough to try this swing...maybe next year.

That night we had our very own romantic dinner. They brought out these cute little tables so it could just be you and your spouse. We had steak, potatoes, veggies, dessert, coffee, and tea. It was so sweet. That evening we got together with our friends and played a game of Battle of the Sexes. It was hilarious. I laughed until my face hurt.

The next morning, J and I had to leave early. I had to go and pick up the girls, and he was off to the airport. But our weekend was really good. It was so nice to be able to get away, and have someone else take care of all the details!

J and I have been married for 10 years. We have had our ups and downs, but I wouldn't want to be on this marriage ride with anyone else. He is my rock and my best friend. He makes my heart full.