marriage – The Ludvigson Lace Lady Blog

Life is Lovelier With Lace…and a Christmas, “I Do, I Do!”

22/02/2018

In the midst of the Great Preparation for Christmas one year, long ago, there was a young couple about to make a decision that would change the course of history, for them…and the generations to follow.

First, there was Tim. He was quite sure he had found the ‘girl of all girls’ that he hoped would be his wife.

And then there was this girl, who hoped that this guy would finally propose! The ring had been chosen months ago. For a guy she knew quite well by this point, she knew there would probably have to be the element of surprise involved. So she was purposing to be prepared.

Because he knew that she was determined to know, his maneuvering was that much more unascertainable.

We are speaking of a marriage proposal .

The date was December 15, 1979. He had invited her to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre to see “I Do! I Do!” This invitation was officially offered two months in advance.

“Hmmm,” is all she could say. And, “What will I wear.” 😊

He gave no other ‘subtle’ hints. But what more would you need!

I had nothing to wear! As a ‘poor college student’ my options were limited to the typical comfy ‘study-wear.’

There was this girlfriend of mine, with some gorgeous evening outfit options. But, how might I phrase my question to her? “I think I’m going to be proposed to on this night; can I borrow your clothes?” Probably not.

However I worded this odd request, I ended up with a very nice, borrowed outfit. And what else did I have to do, but practice saying, “Yes!”

I have no idea what this man with the probable ring in his pocket had to do with the two months of waiting. But finally, the night of all nights arrived. I was dressed and ready when he arrived at my door.

As my apartment door opened, I saw my handsome man of my dreams (and future) awaiting to enter. He had a surprisingly LARGE gift box in his arms! Purple. Bachman’s flowers. Not a long box, which would contain long stem roses. Of course, he had already done that. Not original enough. And too annoyingly predictable.

I opened the LARGE purple box to find a Christmas silk flower arrangement. A sleigh motif. Nice. Let’s see now, where is the ring hiding…

No ring in the Christmas sleigh arrangement.

And off the Chanhassen we go. The atmosphere was romantic. The food was delicious, although I didn’t taste a thing. The play was…on the topic, you might say!

So, at this point we have experienced a wonderful evening, with all plans – on both our parts – playing out well. My dress and my ‘Yes’ were vigilantly ready for that moment. And he, so smoothly continued to carry on ‘whatever’ his plan was…

Watch “Gaither Vocal Band – Winter Wonderland” on YouTube
Gaither Vocal Band – Winter Wonderland: https://youtu.be/wJ8QGlwDIc0

On the way home…how romantic! The music from the car radio was filling the air with, “In the meadow we can build a snowman…and pretend that he is Parson Brown. He’ll say ‘are you married,’ we’ll say, ‘No, man. But you can do the job when you’re in town!'”

I hummed along, in pure delight, as to what was about to happen to me! ‘Yes!’ I continued to practiced…

We arrived back at my apartment. About 12:30am. Instead of coming in for a while, he just said, ‘goodbye’ at the door. With a goodbye-at-the-door kiss.

And that was it! No proposal! No ring!

I went in the bathroom and sulked. Unbelievable. I really thought this would be the night! And it wasn’t! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!

And then, there was a soft knock at my apartment door. ‘Oh, who could that be? At this hour! And I am so forlourn. I don’t want to see anybody!’

Going to the door, dispite how I felt- opening it slightly. Looking out, it was Tim. With a sheepish grin. “Oh, I forgot.” Handing me a small velvet ringbox, he asked. HE ASKED!

“Will you marry me?”

And with all my preparation forgotton, I blurted out, “ARE YOU KIDDING!

Thankfully, I recovered from this out-manuevering man’s method. I said, “Yes!”

And the rest is 37 historical years.

Life is Lovelier With Lace …

Oh my, oh my, oh my. I love lace, yes I do.

But my man. Comparitively speaking, my man makes lace look…unlovely. Gentlemanly then. Gentlemanly now. All-giving love, always. Sacrificial care, easily documented.

I have been blessed with Tim.

Not only do I have my Tim, I have my Tim, who loves my lace.My Tim, CEO of LUDVIGSON LACE.

December 15. Celebrated every year. Celebrating, “Are

you kidding!”

May the LOVE of Christmas be yours today,

Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

http://ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

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Life is Lovelier with Lace, a Kiss, and a Prayer

01/02/2018

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“We’ve Only Just Begun” ~ The Carpenters

🎶 “…white lace and promises; a kiss for luck and we’re on our way!” 🎶

Probably the most popular wedding song of a nostalgic era decades ago – mine! And The Carpenters were my favorite! Even so, their song was not a part of our wedding.

I don’t know why!

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Probably because our wedding program was already too long. It was critiqued as a musical concert already! The Carpenters, We’ve Only Just Begun, was surely lost in the hustle and bustle of wedding preparation, I guess.

But wonderful wedding song, nonetheless!

Click here for The Carpenters, “We’ve Only Just Begun”

Watch “The Carpenters “We’ve Only Just Begun”” on YouTube
The Carpenters “We’ve Only Just Begun”: https://youtu.be/8JgEptmz_eE

There are so many choices to be made when planning a wedding! Whether you want to or not, you must define your taste in color and style:

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•Where will you marry •Who will marry you •Indoors/Outdoors •Wedding Dress •Wedding party: Who/How many •Wedding Party Attire •Wedding cake •Grooms Dinner

And then there’s the •honeymoon: •Where •How much $$$$ •How long

What about the •Wedding Registry?

Now here was most difficult for me. From college dorm life to, how will I decorate my dream house?

I’ll let you in on a secret: I didn’t have a clue!

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It is interesting, the registry choices that Tim and I made together were, generally speaking, not that far off the mark!

• I still love my China pattern

• I love my crystal!

• I love my lace!

• My stainless steel mixing bowls are as shiny as they were on our wedding day! (…yes, I have used them!)

• My Pyrex mixing bowl (with handle) only left my kitchen a few years ago. I think I gave it up to the thrift store because there was a chip. Or, possibly one of our boys inherited it? I loved it! Used it ‘for everything!’

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•Kitchen bowls •Bathroom towels •Blankets •Iron/Ironing board. Just not on a bride’s mind on her wedding day. At least, not on mine!

It really is ‘a kiss for luck’ as the Carpenters sang. Unless you have the Lover of All Souls by your side!

And that is why I cherish the Marriage Prayer: a prayer for the wedding couple to the Lover of All Souls. How desperately every couple needs Him as they embark on the everyday of married life.

Please listen to my Marriage Prayer, recited by Bill Pierce, on my blog post, “Life is Lovelier with Lace. . . And the Marriage Prayer”:

https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com/2018/02/01/__trashed-2/

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I did not grasp the intensity of this prayer until I was preparing it for my parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary! Tim and I had been married for 24 years at that time. Now I pray it regularly. And our Lover of All Souls, hears.

Life is Lovelier with Lace. . .

Just like The Carpenter’s 🎶 kiss for luck, 🎶 wedding trends come and go. But there are times when lucky trends just will not do. Maybe that is why The Carpenters never made it to Tim’s and my wedding. We needed more than luck as we began. We needed a marriage prayer to the Lover of our Soul.

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Lace, a Kiss and a Prayer remain:

♡ Lace, my hook and thread

♡ Tim, my husband

♡ God, the Lover of My Soul

And love for all three, they are to me!

~ Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

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My Shop: http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

My Website: ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TimDebbieLudvigson

@LudvigsonLaceAftcra @LudvigsonLaceLadyBlog

My Blog: ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

#theludvigsonlaceladyblog

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Life is Lovelier with Lace. . . and the Marriage Prayer

01/02/2018

Many years ago now, we were preparing for my parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. In searching for a favorite poem to share for their anniversary program, I had great difficulty finding a written copy.

The poem I remembered was a prayer for a marriage ceremony. There was soft music playing as a backdrop to the reading. The recitation was made by a familiar deep, bass voice – a voice renown for his music and his radio broadcast, Nightsounds. His name, Bill Pierce.

Then one suggested a starting/stopping of the old stereo system method, while another wrote frantically. He would assist.

So with pen and paper ready, and his finger stationed at the stereo’s start and stop, we began.

All was going well. He had to back up a few times. But progress was sure. The end was in sight.

Until suddenly, I just broke down in tears. In front of my son.

‘Looking foolish,’ I thought.

But I was so touched by the words of this prayer. A beautiful outcry for a faith journey only to succeed with the God of Love before you:

“O God of Love,

You have established marriage for the welfare and happiness of mankind. Yours was the Your plan and only with You can we work it out with joy. You have said, “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him.” Now our joys are doubled, since the happiness of one is the happiness of the other. Our burdens now are halved, when we share them, we divide the load.

Bless this husband.

Bless him as provider of nourishment and raiment. And sustain him in all the exacting and pressures of his battle for bread. May his strength be her protection, his character be her boast and pride. And my he so live that she will find in Him a haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.

Bless this loving wife.

Give her tenderness that will make her great, a deep sense of understanding and a great faith in You. Give her that inner beauty of soul that never fades – that eternal youth that is found in holding fast the things that never age.

Teach them that marriage is not living merely for each other; It is two united and joining hands to serve You. Give them a great spiritual purpose in life. May they seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the other things shall be added to them.

May they not expect the perfection of each other that belongs to You. May they minimize each other’s weaknesses, be swift to praise and magnify each other’s points of comliness and strength, and see each other through a lover’s kind and patient eyes.

Now make assignments on the scroll of Your will as will bless them, and develop their characters as they walk together. Give them enough tears to keep them tender, enough hurts to keep them humane, enough failure to keep their hands clenched tightly in Yours and enough success to make them sure they walk with God.

May they never take each other’s love for granted, but always experience the breathless wonder that exclaims, “Out of all this world, you have chosen me.”

Then when life is done and the sun is setting, may they be found then as now, hand in hand – still thanking God for each other. May they serve You happily, faithfully, together, until at last one shall lay the other into the arms of God.

This we ask through Jesus Christ, Great Lover of All Souls. Amen.”

~ Louis H. Evans

“What a beautiful prayer,” I thought as my son had to watch me wipe an escaping tear from my eye.

Please enjoy Bill Pierce’s sharing of The Marriage Prayer, here:

https://youtu.be/MP7Z-bpCZgk

Life is Lovelier with Lace…

With hook and thread in hand and this prayer on my lips – for my own marriage, I offer this prayer for you and yours also.

~Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

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Click here:

My Shop: http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

My Website: http://ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

My Blog: https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

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Life is Lovelier With Lace…and a Christmas, “I Do, I Do!”

16/12/2017

First, there was Tim. He was quite sure he had found the ‘girl of all girls’ that he hoped would be his wife.

Because he knew that she was determined to know, his maneuvering was that much more unascertainable.

We are speaking of a marriage proposal .

The date was December 15, 1979. He had invited her to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre to see “I Do! I Do!” This invitation was officially offered two months in advance.

“Hmmm,” is all she could say. And, “What will I wear.” 😊

He gave no other ‘subtle’ hints. But what more would you need!

I had nothing to wear! As a ‘poor college student’ my options were limited to the typical comfy ‘study-wear.’

However I worded this odd request, I ended up with a very nice, borrowed outfit. And what else did I have to do, but practice saying, “Yes!”

I opened the LARGE purple box to find a Christmas silk flower arrangement. A sleigh motif. Nice. Let’s see now, where is the ring hiding…

No ring in the Christmas sleigh arrangement.

And off the Chanhassen we go. The atmosphere was romantic. The food was delicious, although I didn’t taste a thing. The play was…on the topic, you might say!

Watch “Gaither Vocal Band – Winter Wonderland” on YouTube
Gaither Vocal Band – Winter Wonderland: https://youtu.be/wJ8QGlwDIc0

I hummed along, in pure delight, as to what was about to happen to me! ‘Yes!’ I continued to practiced…

We arrived back at my apartment. About 12:30am. Instead of coming in for a while, he just said, ‘goodbye’ at the door. With a goodbye-at-the-door kiss.

And that was it! No proposal! No ring!

I went in the bathroom and sulked. Unbelievable. I really thought this would be the night! And it wasn’t! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!

And then, there was a soft knock at my apartment door. ‘Oh, who could that be? At this hour! And I am so forlourn. I don’t want to see anybody!’

Going to the door, dispite how I felt- opening it slightly. Looking out, it was Tim. With a sheepish grin. “Oh, I forgot.” Handing me a small velvet ringbox, he asked. HE ASKED!

“Will you marry me?”

And with all my preparation forgotton, I blurted out, “ARE YOU KIDDING!

Thankfully, I recovered from this out-manuevering man’s method. I said, “Yes!”

And the rest is 37 historical years.

Life is Lovelier With Lace …

Oh my, oh my, oh my. I love lace, yes I do.

But my man. Comparitively speaking, my man makes lace look…unlovely. Gentlemanly then. Gentlemanly now. All-giving love, always. Sacrificial care, easily documented.

I have been blessed with Tim.

Not only do I have my Tim, I have my Tim, who loves my lace.My Tim, CEO of LUDVIGSON LACE.

December 15. Celebrated every year. Celebrating, “Are

you kidding!”

May the LOVE of Christmas be yours today,

Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

http://ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

Life is Lovelier With Lace. . . And the Deer in the Headlights!

31/08/2017

“Oh my! August is almost done!”

Time was flying for the Ludvigson Lace Lady!

“They say that happens as you get older.”

And that is true. The month of August was filled with activity. But she can’t recall anything majorly earthshaking.

“At least for Tim and me!”

Earthshaking for our country? Yes! First there was devastation in Charlottesville, Virginia. And now we are into the midst of Hurricane Harvey!

“Our prayers have been focused on our county’s needs, for sure.”

But the Ludvigson Lace Lady and Tim, needless to say, still carved out time to celebrate 37 years of marriage!

“Out to dinner!”

Yes, just as they did from the very start. They have always loved the cozy, quiet, candlelit tables with soft music. Just the two of them.

“And we did it again this year!”

The atmosphere of the restaurant gives perfect opportunity for talking together. For sharing. And what has been shared down through the years has now become so vast, it would be difficult to compile a list of topics!

“We could even admit that now all we have to do is stare into each other’s eyes, and communication is complete!”

They pretty much know what each other is thinking.

The Ludvigson Lace Lady has been so blessed with Tim. Sometimes she just has to get the Kleenex box out and let the tears flow. She becomes overwhelmed with how good God has been.

“He has been by my side through the good and the bad. Through difficult circumstances, Tim as been sure and strong. Like a rod of steel. And as for fun times, we have laughed through many, together.”

Sometimes the laughter is a nightime regular. And quite possibly a nuisance to the neighbors!

“I can’t help it! Tim is so funny!”

Let’s see. If a list could be compiled:

•Major Job Changes •Pizza Parties Times Friends Times Encore •Sweeping Moves Across the USA Times Three •Neighborhood Block Parties • Emergency Room Visits Times All Members of the Ludvigson Family •Symphony Concerts •Wedding Diamond Lost

•Infertility and Adoption Times Four •4th of July Mega Picnics •Diabetes Discovery •Camping in Colorado •Diabetes Low Blood Sugar Times Many ER Personnel •Disney World •Pneumonia Times Three – Simultaneously •Broken Wrist •Ludvigson Lawn Service – Spring Care •Playing Canadian Brass Music •Car Accidents •Homeschool High School Graduation Programs •Meningitis Emergency

•Ludvigson Lawn Service – Summer Care •Smashed Thumb Emergency •Hymns for Him •Homeschool Rivalry Medical Emergencies •Blue Grass by Hymns for Him •Back Surgeries •Ludvigson Lawn Service – Autumn Care •Ludvigson Lawn Service – Winter Care •Saxon Math •Mille Lacs Lake •WBLA •Ludvigson Boys Videorama •Ect…

“Oh! Please stop! TMI! And this is just a drop in the bucket. No wonder we just stare into each other’s eyes in the candlelight!”

There is no way to contain the experiences through the years. Many times the major ordeals do not hold as much value as the minor momentous particulars of a day.

It all carries significance. Every single moment. And when the Ludvigson Lace Lady slows life down enough to reminisce, that is when the tears start to flow. She knows there is no way Tim and she could have survived their married life alone.

“Without our Significant One (God) the whole thing would have crumbled. Marriage. Family. Life. Crumbled.”

Life is Lovelier with Lace…

And so, what can I say? To summarize a romantic candlelight dinner to celebrate 37 years in a few words? It makes me think our glistening eyes would look more like two deer in the headlights!

There is more than we can say. And there is One Who is More than we can understand, regarding His love and care for us.

In the years ahead, whether our eyes resemble romance remembrance or the deer in the headlights, Tim and I will know Who is with us every step of every day.

And so we continue on to year thirty-eight.

But how does my lace crochet play into this memory recall? Oh my! Without the hook and the thread to slow me down, I would not remember anything! Crocheting is so very soothing. It creates a time to reflect.

So yes, I will continue crocheting – and reflecting – as I move on into another year with my Tim ♡.

On to ~ 38 ~ with Tim and my Hook,

Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

Click here:

My Shop: http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

My Website: ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TimDebbieLudvigson

@LudvigsonLaceAftcra @LudvigsonLaceLadyBlog

My Blog: https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

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20170425_221501-COLLAGE — “The Ludvigson Lace Lady “

Life is Lovelier with Lace. . . and the Marriage Prayer

04/08/2017

Then one suggested a starting/stopping of the old stereo system method, while another wrote frantically. He would assist.

So with pen and paper ready, and his finger stationed at the stereo’s start and stop, we began.

All was going well. He had to back up a few times. But progress was sure. The end was in sight.

Until suddenly, I just broke down in tears. In front of my son.

‘Looking foolish,’ I thought.

But I was so touched by the words of this prayer. A beautiful outcry for a faith journey only to succeed with the God of Love before you:

“O God of Love,

Bless this husband.

Bless this loving wife.

May they never take each other’s love for granted, but always experience the breathless wonder that exclaims, “Out of all this world, you have chosen me.”

This we ask through Jesus Christ, Great Lover of All Souls. Amen.”

~ Louis H. Evans

“What a beautiful prayer,” I thought as my son had to watch me wipe an escaping tear from my eye.

Please enjoy Bill Pierce’s sharing of The Marriage Prayer, here:

https://youtu.be/MP7Z-bpCZgk

Life is Lovelier with Lace…

With hook and thread in hand and this prayer on my lips – for my own marriage, I offer this prayer for you and yours also.

~Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

Click here:

My Shop: http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

My Website: http://ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

My Blog: https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

Life is Lovelier With Lace. . . And Dubbed “Debbie”

24/02/2017

Did you sit in the Debbie row in elementary school, as I did? If grade school for you was in the early 1960’s, you probably did.

Yes, we had a special place to sit – just because we were Debbie! Or Debby, or Debi…or Deborah. As a child, I had no idea why there were so many Debbie’s!

But the recent passing of Debbie Reynolds was a confirmation of the Great. Debbie. Following.

Yes, our parents were in love with Debbie Reynolds. And I don’t blame them! Ms Reynolds was a terrific actress. Can she ever dance! And sing! And, my what a sweet innocent smile she wore!

Must have been a mite disconcerting to my mom, that I was one of so many Debbies. “Oh, but, Mom! I’m One-in-a-Million!”

It seemed that my mom chose to give the spelling of my name a new little twist each year, as she filled out the school paper work. Possibly she was more concerned about my individuality!

As all the different spellings piled up in my school records, I wasn’t sure, myself, how to spell my name! Creative motherly love in action, I must say!

Watch ‘Debbie’ dance! Click below:

Give A Girl A Break (1953) – Balloon Dance: https://youtu.be/DhNrp33bTRw

When it was time to register for Tim’s and my marriage license, I found opportunity to simplify life in the name category: not only did I change my last name to Ludvigson, but I also claimed one spelling of Debbie. So from the genesis of our marriage, my official spelling of my first name is D-e-b-b-i-e. Whew! No more worries!

As for Ludvigson, spelling education came early on. The explanation of its simplicity was tutored by Tim, himself. Over coffee. Across the Embers table – surrounded by vast chatter of other young singles from our church.

“So, how do you say your last name? And how do you spell it?” This was me, just making conversation…and, no, I was not making inquiries!

“It’s very simple,” quibbed Tim,“it’s just three short vowel sounded syllables, put together.”

“Oh?” said I, not too amused at the notoriety of its simplicity.

“Yes,” says he. “And you put the three together, like this: Lud/vig/son.”

Little did I know at that time, that I would use this illustration over and over again as his wife, turned Mrs. Debbie Ludvigson.

Only I also had to add – as I had heard later on by, this, my husband – “L-U-D-V (as in Victory) – I – G (as in George) – S – O – N”

“Now, that is the trick of the trade,” I surmised! And in every new conversation, needing name specifics, this must be attached!

Life is Lovelier With Lace. . .

Legacy Letters

Names given are significant. At birth. At marriage. And for that reason Legacy Letters is noteworthy. Legacy Letters are custom built to bring lasting worth to a name. Your name.

Legacy Letters are a specialty item of LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra. A simple display of your name! Usually the lettering is framed. In a shadow box frame, it looks especially nice. And there is a good chance that after hanging on your wall now, it will hang similarly on your son’s wall in the future!

Legacy Letters

For a name – your name – is with you forever! Your name is significant!

Significantly dubbed,

Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

Click here:

My Shop: http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

My Website: http://ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

My Blog: https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

20161209_151900-1 — Legacy Letters in a Shadow Box

20160926_160558 — Legacy Letters in a Shadow box

Life is Lovelier with Lace…and Chocolate ♡

08/02/2017

Chocolate. It is medicimal for females. I cannot confirm this logically, for it is not a logical phenomenon. But illogically, it is quite proven:

We need it when we need it.

Immediately following my tonsillectomy at only two years old, I remember preferring chocolate over soothing ice cream on my post-surgery throat. My memory clearly envisions a hoarded bag of cheap chocolate stars, during my recovery; I was afraid my siblings might snatch them from me! Even though it hurt my throat, I passionately ate them.

Chocolate, in its primitive form was hidden in my mother’s underwear drawer, in the form of chocolate chips! “Now, how did you know that,” you may ask? “I’m really not sure! Probably my older sister told me.”

Further proof of the female ‘connoisseurism:’

It was my mom’s underwear drawer, meaning she partook.
My older/only sister told me about the secret chocolate chip hiding place in mom’s underwear drawer; proving she partook!
I, the younger sister/daughter admittedly partook!
No other females in the family – proving all females in the household were taken by the chocolate craving!

On my mother’s behalf, I must confess that the chocolate chips were not kept in the kitchen drawer simply because they would not make it into the cookies which were meant for the whole family’s benefit.

So days, weeks, years went by with chocolate survival limited to a hoarding level between my mom, my sister and myself!

Then, as a chocolate loving high school graduate, I was on to life – a search for chocolate all by myself. No chocolate home ties. With Mom’s chocolate chip drawer far away, I was asking myself: “Is there chocolate…at college?”

It was during this time that I learned the price of chocolate! As I wandered through the mall and smelled fresh baked chocolate chip cookies from a nearby vender, I realized I could buy for myself!

But I did not. “Too much! $$$!!! For just one? No way! I can make a whole batch for that money!” Thus limiting my chocolate consumption at this point of my life. (Remember my love for baking? See blog, “Life is Lovelier with Lace…and the Ludvigson Kitchen”)

“It’s the caffeine that I really need from a the chocolate-fix,” I tried to convince myself. And so these were the college years where I was not seen without a coffee cup in my hand, be it ceramic or styrofoam, at home or abroad.

Toward the end of those college years my chocolate consumption was limited only because I made quite a self sacrificing decision regarding my self indulgent behavior: NO sugar. This would have to include chocolate.

My! I actually refused chocolate for many years! And consumed caffeine in mega doses…there is definitely a connection!

Then came the moment of my cave in. Yes, I caved in. I totally…caved in. Let me explain.

It was 1987. Tim and I had been married, almost seven years. We lived in our Little Rock apartment. FamilyLife and our foster baby Joy were our consuming occupations.

Tim was quite busy with job responsibilities, whether in the home office or flying to conference locations. All was well, except for one thing: he was shedding weight. No matter what I cooked or baked for him to fatten him up, he continued to lose more. Initially,Tim was NOT overweight! So when he lost, it was quite revealing.

As I rolled out homemade cinnamon rolls and baked fresh chocolate chip cookies – for him (not me!) and he ate them – he continued to lose more weight! And, to my dismay, he refused to go to the doctor.

It was not until a business trip we both took to Minnesota and a consequential visit with Tim’s folks, that the answer came.

Over freshly baked chocolate cake – lovingly prepared by Tim’s mom – the answer came. Short, sweet and to the point:

“You have diabetes,” Tim’s mom blurted out with confidence that can only be gained by a mom who raised another son with that very condition. An emergency trip to the family doctor’s office only confirmed it.

Sometimes it takes the insistence of a mother-in-law to make things happen.

So now the tables were turned. Or they would be, as this confession will soon reveal.

Days, weeks, months passed by. Information, menu changes and insulin instruction were gathered and applied. We were finally settled in a new way of life.

No sugar for Tim. “Should be easy,” you might be saying, “since you were already not doing sugar.”

Yes, it should have been easy. But it was not. To this day, I cannot give a logical explanation except that, “out of love for Tim,” the following misfortunate new beginning happened to me:

A typical evening was about to transpire. Grocery shopping was needed to be done, and baby Joy needed her little bedtime routine. Tim took care of Joy and I went “Krogering.”

That illogical need (chocolate!) snapped in me as I placed the grocery items on the conveyor belt for the cashier ring up and bagging. “I need a Snicker! NO! I need TWO Snickers!”

The (female) cashier was so wonderfully understanding! She did not lecture me. She did not raise her eyebrow. She did not even ask me, “Shall I leave these out of the bag for you?”

As I made my way through the parking lot to unpack the grocery bags into my parked vehicle I had a thought, “How am I going to eat this before I get home?”

I was so confused as to why I suddenly had this unshakeable urge to consume Snicker bars. “For so many years I lived sugar free!”

With no clear reasoning coming to mind, I just drove around the neighborhood, with my groceries in route, eating Snickers quite contentedly!

And from that night on, this lady, The Ludvigson Lace Lady, has not been free of sugar, or chocolate! And Tim has!

My guess is that the stress of his new prescription of no sugar brought on an equally new sugar prescription for me! Most specifically, CHOCOLATE!

Now you may join Tim in laughable disbelief. I don’t mind. And neither does Tim!

The truth is, Tim was and still is a winner when it came to adhering to a diabetic diet. He continues to exercise great sugar restraint in his eating habits. And I do not want to make it difficult for him. So, consequently, my chocolate fixes are best met alone. And hopefully not too frequent! With zilch extravagance. A bit of cheap chocolate goes a long way!

Snicker on the Run! So if you ever see me at Walmart, adding a Snicker bar to my groceries on the conveyor belt, please join the cashier with an understanding smile. Somehow this song seems fitting as I waltz out of the store with my ‘Snicker on the Run:’

🎶’Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in a most delightful way.’🎶

Life is Lovelier with Lace..

It is the same with my crocheted lace. It is not necessary. Quite an illogical finery. A finery that makes our female world divinely feminine. Not necessary, but without it, quite sterile.

In a day, I might be entertaining some cruel thoughts and hoping they will not accidentally escape through my mouth as discouraging words. But with a glance at some fine, illogically crocheted lace, my spirit is calmed and a trace of a smile can run through my mind and possibly flow across my face instead. “What an effect lace can have on a soul,” I muse.

“Love. Trust. Wait. Be thankful,” my Lace Counselor reminds me. And with that I take a deep breath, pick up my needle and carry on with my intertwining thread.

20170202_082613-collage — Lacey ♡ Lover’s Knot ♡ Scarf ♡ Soft Pink

By the way, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

20170204_115629-collage — Lacey ♡ Lover’s Knot ♡ Wrap ♡ Cloud Grey

Don’t forget the chocolate!

~ Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

Click here:

My Shop: http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

My Website: http://ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

My Blog: https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

20170202_083750-collage — Lacey ♡ Lover’s Knot ♡ Wrap ♡ Valentine Red

Life is Lovelier with Lace. . .and the Male Delivery

25/01/2017

Our move to Arkansas from Minnesota was initially defined as for change of occupation. Tim had resigned from over 10 years in Sears retail and I was working for an insurance company in downtown St. Paul.

The dual occupation we endeavored together at this point was with a ministry focus. We were excited to begin using our energies to encourage The Family. Marriages, specifically. Since only wedded five years at this point, we were great candidates for FamilyLife staff: we were still in the magical newlywed mode, but we were also aware of its feisty reality.

Even before the moving truck had been loaded in St. Paul and unloaded in Little Rock, Tim and I knew part of our southern adventure would be prolife involvement, in the name of Bethany Christian Services.

Our hearts had already been prepared for passionate involvement. The combination of the heartbreaking discovery of our infertility and a first-time comprehension of abortion defined, created an energy within us to do something. We did not know what that would be, but it would be something .

9a2bdb19bf27f74bdbf73c2a039eeb78 — Pinnacle Mountain – Little Rock, AR

That something was first of all Bethany Christian Services (BCS) foster care. And soon after that, adoption.

BCS foster care and adoption process was a wonderful experience for Tim and me. We were privileged to work with the finest of social workers. As counselors to the infertile couples and the birthmoms, they brought comfort. As advocates for the the unborn, they were resolved to see the end of abortion.

4dd79d43d207acc1519c9a0e6418a5ee — Northwest Arkansas

Wading through paperwork was a necessary discomfort in the application process. But truly strengthened our resolve in the pursuit. For both foster care and adoption.

The foster care program for us meant caring for each newborn baby only until the adoption process was legally completed and the baby could be delivered into the arms of the adopting parents.

We were preparing to keep each baby in our home for an average of two weeks. “That is how long it usually takes,” our BCS social worker shared with us.

After we were approved, we began to create the baby room in our little apartment home, for each and every short term love affair with each and every sweet newborn foster baby assigned to us. In the end, we had all that any baby would need! Crib. Changing table. Rocking chair. Drawers full of newborn sleepers. Onesies. Clothes in hues of pink, blue, yellow, green, purple and all the colors of the rainbow.

Also, I found – in one volume book – a library of baby information! In this large resource we had all the answers for any question regarding our babies to come!
We were ready!

At first, there was no foster care needed. More waiting. Something Tim and I had already grown accustom to. Then, the phone rang! We were to receive our first baby! We were to go directly to the hospital, and bring her home.

“Bring an outfit. She will be in a hospital gown,” our social worker informed us.

She was so tiny. “5 1/2 pounds,” the hospital staff claimed, as they laid her in our arms.

Tim and I placed her in the car seat, and cautiously drove home. Her crib awaited her. Diapers galore. Drawers of clothes…

But the rocking chair was my favorite. I rocked her, and rocked her. And then I rocked her some more. Praying for her and singing to her as the rocking chair ruts grew deep into the carpet.

FB_IMG_1503642511744 — Foster Baby Joy ♡ One Year Old!

“Only temporarily in my arms, sweet baby. You will be with your Forever Family soon.” I lovingly reminded both her and me. “I will give you all of my Mommy’s love until then.” And then, I followed with a silent warning to myself, “Only two weeks, Debbie.”

Two weeks turned into more. “There was a legality. It will take a bit longer. Will you continue caring for her?”

“Oh, my! I get to hold you in my arms a little longer,” I silently whispered to her. I loved her. I prayed for her. And her Forever Family. “All is in God’s Sovereign hands.”

After many, many weeks and after all legal issues were ironed out, this precious foster baby’s Adoption Ceremony was held in the BCS office, a special adoption suite. We lovingly referred to this suite as the Adoption Hospital.

“No less joy-filled pain in delivery here, than the other hospital delivery room,” Tim and I decided.

The simultaneous joy and pain in this adoption hospital was not the usual physical pain of childbirth, followed by the joy of a baby’s cry of the first breath of life outside the womb.

But it was the emotional joy and pain, mixed into one pot, which ultimately brings to a baby a loving plan of life. Somehow the birth parent, the adoptive parent, the foster parent and the social workers have been straining through a kind of labor pain, to bring this life plan to birth. And this all happened in the adoption hospital.

Tim and I were happy for the adoptive couple. And sad for the baby’s difficult transition. But happy for the baby’s ultimate Forever Family. Happy for the BCS staff for the adoptive plan fulfilled. Sad for the same staff that walked through the grief with the birthmother. Sad for the grieving we were about to experience as long term foster parents.

All in all, how very helpful to observe all the love given for the sake of one baby. And we knew all this was soon to happen again to us. With one difference: we would be acting a different role. We would be the adoptive parents.

Yes, our own adoption file had recently been activated!

FB_IMG_1480017378422 — The Ludvigson Boys

One question required in the adoption application process for Tim and me to answer was, “Would you want a girl or a boy?”

No hesitation in our response! After the agony of infertility. After comprehending the injustice of abortion, the answer was simply, “Either, and/or both!

With a smile under my breath, my unstated desire was twins. I had their names picked out. But how did we know what would be best for us? “That is something only God knows.” A learning curve learned through our infertily struggle.

FB_IMG_1480017413109 — The Ludvigson Boys

We knew now that any life was perfect for us! Boy! Girl! Twin boys! Twin girls! Twin boy and girl! And beyond!

And so how blessed Tim and I were to receive our own adoption call only a few months after our foster baby and her adoptive parents had received theirs!

FB_IMG_1480017408230 — The Ludvigson Boys

On that wonderful day, emotional overflow, once again! Of course, exceedingly happy for ourselves! But grieving for another. Our baby boy had also been in short term foster care , and as foster parents, we knew there would be a sense of loss for them.

Most certainly we knew of grieving loss felt by the precious birthmom. And my our hearts broke for her.

FB_IMG_1480017390870 — The Ludvigson Boys

This scenerio has been played out in Tim’s and my life even three more times. Exuding joy beyond imagination. But also the grieving loss felt by their birthmoms. Grief and joy, simultaneously. Bittersweet. But good.

FB_IMG_1480017418427 — The Ludvigson Boys

Good, because life is always good. It’s an easy choice, really. Life. It is good.

Now for the grand finale: “Boy or girl?” asked the Bethany staff each and every time. “Either, and/or both,” our answer each time remained.

Yes, God’s choice for Tim and me, “Boy!” “Boy!” “Boy!””Boy!”

A Male Delivery each time! And yours truly has been living as Queen, in a House of Males!

Life is Lovelier with Lace. . .

FB_IMG_1503642740508 — The Ludvigson Boys

How do you exist in an all – male environment? For a time, I thought I should make myself fit more into their mold. Male stuff ruled! Even in decorating my livingroom!

But I began to rethink, “No! these young men need to see the girliness of life too!”

So, I brought out my lace… and made more!

With the loveliness of lace all around them, each one has proven to man-euver quite well!

Still man-euvering through my lace,

Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra

20170123_102533-collage — Lacey ♡ CloverFields ♡ Afghan ♡ Ecru

Click here:

My Shop: http://www.aftcra.com/ludvigsonlace

My Website: ludvigsonlace.simdif.com

My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TimDebbieLudvigson

@LudvigsonLaceAftcra @LudvigsonLaceLadyBlog

My Blog: https://ludvigsonlace.wordpress.com

20160211_161658-1-collage — Lacey ♡ Lover’s Knot ♡ Scarf ♡ Creme de Menthe

Life is Lovelier with Lace. . .and the ~Left Turn~

09/01/2017

It was midmorning. April, 1989. We were enjoying balmy spring day in Minnesota. I was inside, packing for a flight back to Arkansas.

What a delightful time we had had the past week reuniting with friends and family, while helping facilitate the FamilyLife Conference in Minneapolis.

What a joy it was to have our precious 14 month old son with us! Many were able to meet him for the first time. Grandma had made herself available to babysit in the hotel room while I assisted Tim in the FamilyLife bookstore.

After the conference, we headed north to Grandpa and Grandma’s for a short visit, before returning home. We had a wonderful time! But now the packing had to get done and the flight time was on our minds. “Don’t want to miss the fight, you know!”

Grandpa was prepping the car for the trip to the airport. It would take the same amount of time to drive to the airport as to fly from Minneapolis to Little Rock. “Good time for a quick nap,” thought Tim, from the left side of the back seat, after luggage, baby and wife were all settled in the car.

Baby was in his carseat, brought from Arkansas, knowing enough car travel would merit its lugging along. The car seat was located on the right backseat of Grandpa’s car. And I sat in the middle.

So Tim rested his head on the left windowed door for a quick shut eye. I was attending to my wriggling little one. “He will soon settle down for a nap too,” I hoped.

Twenty minutes down the road. Just south of town. “Ready for the longer treck to the Cities now.” Tim is sleeping. Grandma took her seat belt off, “just for a minute – I must take my coat off; car is toasty warm now.”

“Good for her,” I thought. “I don’t even have my seat belt on. Not while riding center in the back seat!” It was a nice car, though. Brand new. Plymouth, Acclaim. Factory ordered, 1989. Blue. Mom’s and my favorite color. So happy for them.

Then, life went into slow motion for me as I watched my dad grip the steering wheel with both hands, pushing the brake seemingly through the floor and warning us, “Hold on!”

And just like that, it was over. We were sitting askew in the center of the highway. All was quiet in the car. All except my baby. I looked toward him, my right. There was a bit of blood coming out of his mouth. I could see, because he was crying. He was otherwise safely snug in his car seat.

I looked to my left. Tim was awake from that shut eye. Blood was everywhere. His head had hit the clothes hanger hook, above the left window.

My attention then turned to my mom and dad. They were both conscious. My mom had a huge goose-egg right above her right eye, which was swelling fast. Dad laid calmly behind the steering wheel. “There goes your new car, Audrey,” was the next words from his mouth.

Friendly help gathered outside the demolished vehicle, hoping to stop oncoming traffic. We waited for police and ambulance assistance.

Grateful we were alive. Grateful for baby carseats. Grateful for protection – even though Tim and I were not wearing seatbelts. We were all transported to the local hospital, for emergency care.

~A Left Turn~

It was a driver making a left turn onto the highway, blinded by a truck making a right turn off the highway, at the same intersection. And we were right behind that truck…

My dad had seen it coming, and tried as best he could to stop our vehicle. Dad had been taken by boarded stretcher. After examination, we were informed that if going any faster than we were at 40 mph, he would be quadriplegic.

My mom, because she had removed her seatbelt, ‘for just a minute’ had crashed the windshield, making a mess of her head and the windshield! Tim had stitches where the hanger hook hooked his forehead. Our baby had only just bit his tongue and was romping around wondering, ‘what in the world happened to the rest of us!’

Surprisingly, I walked away fromy the totaled vehicle with a small gash on my left leg. After examination, I was prescribed crutches.

Needless to say, we did not make our flight home. After mending at Grandma and Grandpa’s for a few days, we finally flew home, successfully.

In another month, everyone had seemingly mended. Or so I thought. Unbeknownst to me, I had injured my back.

Add another 3 months, back surgery was scheduled and completed. Slowly but surely I resumed to my job as ‘mommy’and ‘wife.’

Very grateful for the ability to walk again.

After decades of years, I still cry out with a thankful heart for the same.

The following June,1990, Tim and I went shopping for his Father’s Day gift. A Lazyboy recliner! Only when we arrived at the store, he insisted I was the one to try out all the many options, to find the most suitable, for him.

‘For Tim, or for me?’ He insisted it was for him.

But I am the one using it. I have enjoyed his Lazyboy every day since the day of that purchase. It has been the most satisfying therapy for my back than anything else.

Still he never claims it as his…♡

Life is Lovelier with Lace…

Tim’s blue Lazyboy is my crochet office. It is in this chair where I have found opportunity to rest my back and to crochet. And my Crochet Counselor, namely ♡ Jesus,♡ meets with me regularly in this place, offering me comfort – body, soul and spirit.

Gratefully crocheting in Comfort,

~Debbie Ludvigson

The Ludvigson Lace Lady

LUDVIGSON LACE ♡ Aftcra