Memoirs

Personal narratives on major experiences in my life

A Single Dad Life

STARTING FRESH

September 18, 2015January 13, 2019 3 min read 30 views

I lost my first wife, Jeseca, to cancer eight years ago. Why start with that? Well, because …

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By Jon Graves

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A Single Dad Life

Four years later…

June 18, 2011April 17, 2016 1 min read 14 views

Just looking at this familiar, but so far removed from present life screen is strange. It’s been …

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By Jon Graves

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A Single Dad Life

Time for a change

November 6, 2009 2 min read 24 views

It’s been a long time since I’ve written, and I’ve missed it. I’ve made myself busy; I’ve …

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By Jon Graves

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A Single Dad Life

Year 3 is about to begin

August 3, 2009 1 min read 15 views

The boys are back again! Well, that’s not entirely true. Now they’re at their aunt April’s house …

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By Jon Graves

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A Single Dad Life

Just 1GB at home

July 17, 2009 1 min read 15 views

Yeah, my boys have left town. They’re in Indiana right now and the house is so quiet…so …

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A Single Dad Life

Love never fails

July 9, 2009 3 min read 18 views

I heard Daughtry’s new album yesterday. I know it’s not out yet, but through Rhapsody I was …

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By Jon Graves

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Join Me On Instagram@mr.jongraves

THE DATE NIGHT CHALLENGERS EP 4: Best Valentine's Day Gift for Your Spouse (has to be from @amazon under $20)
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I searched far and wide on Amazon to find @mrs.lindseygraves some great gifts. From purses and bags to lingerie and massage oils to couple's games, novelty items, sentimental coffee mugs, warm socks (she's ALWAYS cold), pampering kits, bath soaps, signature pendants, DIY resources and chocolates. Check my story to see where I landed. 🎬
What are YOU planning to do to make this Valentine's Day special for your spouse?
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If I win, Lindsey gives me a back massage and folds my laundry (HUGE thing for her). If she wins, I'll be hauling 3 tons of gravel to our backyard. Guys: You know what you need to do. Get me across the line with a win.
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#datenight
#love
#couple
#loveher
#kisses
#hug
#amour
#forever
#togetherforever
#happyvalentine
#hearts
#sweet
#adorable
#happyvalentines
#valentinesweekend
#loves
#valentines2019
#relationship
#valentinesgift
#valentineday
#happyvalentinesday
#couples
#valentine
#relationships
#kiss
#valentines
#romance
#hugs
#datenightchallenge
#marriage — 28 3

THE DATE NIGHT CHALLENGERS EP...

Super Bowl Sunday. But first, church. Double tap if you agree. — 21 1

Super Bowl Sunday. But first,...

Datenight Challenge: Valentine's Day
Rules: Best date idea under $50; gift under $20

My Theme: Fun & Glam on Valentine's Day (I'd take the afternoon off so we can start early)
2PM Photos and fun at @pendrysandiego
3:30PM Dream Talk at Fifth & Rose
5PM Dinner at Barrio Star $22 for $40 value @Groupon
7PM Guys & Dolls Show at @coronadoplayhouse w/@Groupon $15.75/ticket
9:30PM Ice cream at @delcoronado $15
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#datenight
#love
#couple
#loveher
#kisses
#hug
#amour
#forever
#togetherforever
#happyvalentine
#hearts
#sweet
#adorable
#happyvalentines
#valentinesweekend
#loves
#valentines2019
#relationship
#valentinesgift
#valentineday
#happyvalentinesday
#couples
#valentine
#relationships
#kiss
#valentines
#romance
#hugs
#datenightchallenge
#marriage — 36 5

Datenight Challenge: Valentine's Day Rules:...

I can't begin to explain how cool this weekend has been for me. First, @everenmaxwell released two separate new songs, including his first release on new label @apostlerecords. And yesterday @thechristiangraves attended his first film festival, where @outsidethelens screened two of his @patchwork.studios stop-motion films for an audience of nearly 100. This smile says it all. I couldn't be prouder.
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Keep killing it guys!!!! I love you both so much!!!!!
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#dadlife #prouddad #parenting #teen #teenmodel #filmmaker #sandiego #outsidethelens — 52 7

I can't begin to explain...

The Date Night Challengers Episode 2: What is the best way to show your HUSBAND that you love him? (Married content - proceed with caution) 😬

LINDSEY:
I ask Jon how I can love him better at any given moment, but the best thing I have found is to first study him - so I can give him what he wants when he wants it, before he realizes he needs it, and before he asks.
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If he has a headache, I get him Advil, rub oils on his neck, and pray for him. If he is tired from a long day, I try to cook him yummy food. .
Also, with my verbal and non-verbal communication, I try to show him that I respect him and believe in him. .
And, this post wouldn't be complete if I didn't discuss SEX. One of the best ways I can show my husband that I love him is by being intentional about being an amazing lover. .
JON:
I think there's a simple recipe: emotional support + physical intimacy = happy husband. .
Men are emotional. They may not talk about their feelings, but they experience a ton of challenges in a day that play on their sense of self worth and impact their state of mind. Most days start with stress, and can get better than expected or unravel completely. So listening to see where your man is emotionally and adapting to his needs is a great strategy.
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Physically, I don't know a man who doesn't respond well to gentle touch. A healthy sex life is obvious, but combining it with sensitivity to his emotional state and the respect that it conveys is far more powerful if you want to strengthen your relationship.
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Bonus: If you know what brings him to life (mine is to do anything athletic), do that for/with him. .
Do all of these and believe me, he will do all he can to make you the happiest woman on earth.
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THE PRIZE: .
If Lindsey wins, Jon will give her a massage. 🥰
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If Jon wins, we will go on a date to Boomers (Jon's favorite place).😉
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What do you think? Who won this one?
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PLEASE VOTE in our stories: @mr.jongraves & @mrs.lindseygraves
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#thedatenightchallengers #DATENIGHT #marriedlife #romance #marriagegoals
#ilovemywife #versailles
#datenightideas #marriage #goodadvice #advice #wisdom — 35 0

The Date Night Challengers Episode...

DATE NIGHT CHALLENGE BEGINS
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Lindsey and I are intentional about nearly everything in our lives. One of the things we've found is vital to our wedded bliss is to make time to spend with each other, especially as parents of 16 & 20 year old young men. So we're starting something I hope everyone jumps in on. Date Night Challenges.
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Our first challenge is a lead up to Valentine's Day: Lindsey asked me "What's the best way to show your wife that you love her?" Best answer wins.
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My answer:
You have to know what makes your wife happy and what makes her feel loved to be able to deliver. You might also consider what she doesn't love, since those can steal from the joy you're trying to bring her. For instance, Lindsey doesn't like spending a lot of money on things, so I have to be careful most of the time.
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But she loves personalized gifts, things that require thoughtfulness (and time). She also loves nachos, molten lava cake, Reese's peanut butter cups, surprises, peonies, 1-on-1 time, and very nice, large hotel rooms.
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So if it were me, I could pick one or all of those things to show her how much I love her. I'd have to @groupon the hotel to show her I planned and saved money, but the goal is to see her smile because she knows I made her my priority. That's what Valentine's Day (and frankly, marriage) is all about.
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To see @mrs.lindseygraves answer, click on her tag. .
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Vote for my answer in my story. If I win, she has to watch 3:10 to Yuma with me. 😁
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We're going to be doing this every Saturday, and posting the results the next day. Should be a lot of fun. And I look forward to to hearing a TON of input on what we didn't think of.
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#thedatenightchallengers #datenight #marriedlife #married #love — 37 9

DATE NIGHT CHALLENGE BEGINS ....