Hey thanks to everyone that made my 27th Birthday so fun. My wonderful husband hosted a surprise party where my mom kissed one of my friends on the lips. I was pretty impressed with David's effort because I really did not think we were doing anything except maybe seeing my parents after dinner. I'm also impressed that David knows me well enough to know exactly what I would want...low-key, short, not tons of people, good friends, no presents (although some of you broke this rule), my family, and little kids. I loved watching the way my friend Allison's boys interacted with Baby Thomas tonight...her youngest calls him Baby Homas and likes to stroke his hair.
This year I am grateful for our home (and several other things but that is what I reflected on today). I was looking around tonight, and I really feel like our home represents my personality and welcomes people well. I love all the unique things we have been given as gifts that I've been able to put together in one place. Decorating and making each room homey has been a great way to express my creativity and hospitality. I know the next time you are here you may not get the best meal or see an immaculately clean place, but I hope you are listened to, feel cared for, and enjoy looking at interesting things from around the world. We are truly blessed people.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Days 5 & 6
Day Five:
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29
Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is
by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only
discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.
Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is
especially important to other family members.
Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother
know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of
praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you
respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and
weaknesses he may have.
Day Six:
"...whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b
Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and
demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can
help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.
Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that
special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork - a hobby, music, gardening,
tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc. Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up
to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine
that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.
If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity
sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more
smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work...and let him know that you
have noticed.
Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29
Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is
by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only
discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.
Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is
especially important to other family members.
Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother
know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of
praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you
respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and
weaknesses he may have.
Day Six:
"...whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b
Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and
demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can
help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.
Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that
special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork - a hobby, music, gardening,
tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc. Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up
to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine
that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.
If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity
sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more
smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work...and let him know that you
have noticed.
Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Days 3 & 4
Day Three:
"...love suffers long, and is kind..." 1 Cor. 13:4
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." Phil. 4:19
Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement Challenge,
determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband.
Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement.
If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank
him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to
be both tough and tender.
Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender - especially if he hasn't had
role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help
without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone.
Then, when he moves in to help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is
responding, and express your gratitude.
Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc.
Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.
Day Four:
"...let him labor, working with his hands what is good..." Eph. 4:28
We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have
you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others
about him? Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world.
Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways.
Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and
encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values
and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take
opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.
If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more
creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part
of a successful career - such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind,
organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.
"...love suffers long, and is kind..." 1 Cor. 13:4
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." Phil. 4:19
Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement Challenge,
determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband.
Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement.
If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank
him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to
be both tough and tender.
Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender - especially if he hasn't had
role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help
without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone.
Then, when he moves in to help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is
responding, and express your gratitude.
Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc.
Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.
Day Four:
"...let him labor, working with his hands what is good..." Eph. 4:28
We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have
you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others
about him? Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world.
Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways.
Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and
encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values
and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take
opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.
If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more
creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part
of a successful career - such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind,
organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Art, Not Science
I had the big realization last week that I tend to spend quite a bit of time trying to make something that is an art into a science. I'm always trying to figure out just the right formula to be at peace and content with my circumstances. A perfect example is our finances. It's great to have a budget and a plan, but the reality is that sometimes we will go over the figure we set and sometimes I will buy a shirt at Target that I don't really need. Even at our small group this week I caught myself asking other couples for financial advice and wisdom, which in and of itself is not a bad thing, but I was looking for "just the right way" to spend money. I want someone to just tell me the rules so I can simply follow them. Other examples where I've seen this idea in my life include being a wife, mothering, cleaning our house, weight-loss, etc.
The problem with this kind of thinking is that it doesn't leave space for the beauty of creativity. I probably need a little reigning in from time to time or I would bounce all over the place, but when I catch myself being too extreme about how to do everything then I miss the art of it all. Finding peace in my home doesn't come from the perfect cleaning schedule and furniture arrangements. While I'm always up for tips, advice, wisdom, etc. I'm also going to try to start embracing the ART of life. An incredible piece of artwork usually has a few mistakes and wasn't perfectly plotted out before it happens. Maybe it's time for me to grab a blank canvas, some brushes, and a bunch of colors and see what happens!
The problem with this kind of thinking is that it doesn't leave space for the beauty of creativity. I probably need a little reigning in from time to time or I would bounce all over the place, but when I catch myself being too extreme about how to do everything then I miss the art of it all. Finding peace in my home doesn't come from the perfect cleaning schedule and furniture arrangements. While I'm always up for tips, advice, wisdom, etc. I'm also going to try to start embracing the ART of life. An incredible piece of artwork usually has a few mistakes and wasn't perfectly plotted out before it happens. Maybe it's time for me to grab a blank canvas, some brushes, and a bunch of colors and see what happens!
Skinny and Single
Hey if you are skinny and single, never fear! I'm going to be putting a lot more than just the nice talk and the diet info on here. Keep checking back, and if you don't post a comment I don't know that you are reading...:)
Day #2
Day Two:
"...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b
How did you do yesterday with your first day of blessing and encouraging your
husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you wanted to say
something negative? We hope you're off to a good start. (If you blew it, don't give up -
start again today!) There are so many practical things you can praise, if you look for
them.
Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help
around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? If your budget
allows, give him a new, small tool with a big bow attached. But make sure he doesn't
think it's part of a "Honey Do" list!
"...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b
How did you do yesterday with your first day of blessing and encouraging your
husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you wanted to say
something negative? We hope you're off to a good start. (If you blew it, don't give up -
start again today!) There are so many practical things you can praise, if you look for
them.
Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help
around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? If your budget
allows, give him a new, small tool with a big bow attached. But make sure he doesn't
think it's part of a "Honey Do" list!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Day #1
Many of you have asked me about the 30 day challenge to speak kind words to your husbands. I'll just put the links on here as I go so you can see them. That way we can do it together although it might take longer than 30 days. For the pound-off, I'm using many of the recipies from Denise Austin's book "Lose Those Last 10 Pounds" even though I have more than 10 pounds to lose. To keep track of everything I've been using FlyLady's Body Clutter Investigator Form and going to Curves. I'll put a link to the form later.
Day One:
"The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does
him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12
To refresh your memory...here's the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge...for the next 30
days:
* You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone
else, about your husband.
* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your
husband...and to someone else, about your husband!
To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above
all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you. Though
many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that
you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest
of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner.
One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the morning. How
do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident in your love? Give him a
"wake up call" that he'll never forget-a big "I love you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"
Day One:
"The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does
him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12
To refresh your memory...here's the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge...for the next 30
days:
* You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone
else, about your husband.
* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your
husband...and to someone else, about your husband!
To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above
all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you. Though
many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that
you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest
of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner.
One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the morning. How
do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident in your love? Give him a
"wake up call" that he'll never forget-a big "I love you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"
Monday, March 12, 2007
Writing, Restricting, or Nice Talking Anyone?
I am working on some articles to submit to "Kansas City Baby" Magazine. If you know of any other writing opportunities please let me know. I also started working out and "restricting calories" last week. I don't like the word diet. I have 25-30lbs. to lose, so if you want to join me for a pound-off also let me know. Here is a link to a 30 day challenge to speak kindly to your husband. www.reviveourhearts.com If you had a video camera at our house you would see that this is also an area I need to improve on. Let me see if I can use the words "let me know" and "also" one more time in this post. If you want to do the "be nice to your husband" thing also let me know.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Recipe From My Grandma
My mom sent this one to me. If you knew my Grandma it would be even funnier. Cooking was not her deal. Here at Flip-Flops and Chocolate we embrace things that are not our deals!
Grandma's Roast Beef
Accourding to your liking and the number of people you plan to serve, get a roast, any old cut will do. It can even be frozen! If frozen, start cooking first thing in the morning. Put 1 pkg of dried onion soup on top of it. Add some H2O and cook at 300 all day. About 2 hours before serving, throw some carrots and potatoes in around the roast. Maybe even some celery or frozen green beans. Or peas. It doesn't really matter.
The rest of the meal can have Sara Lee and throw in some packaged dinner rolls. Forget the rest of the fancy foods. Make a meal and nice friends and this is all you need instead of killing youself cooking-too much lost time lost in life if you're in the stupid kitchen all day!
This recipe is written exactly as my mom gave it to me 31 years ago. Enjoy the food, family, friends, and life!
Lydia Dreher
Grandma's Roast Beef
Accourding to your liking and the number of people you plan to serve, get a roast, any old cut will do. It can even be frozen! If frozen, start cooking first thing in the morning. Put 1 pkg of dried onion soup on top of it. Add some H2O and cook at 300 all day. About 2 hours before serving, throw some carrots and potatoes in around the roast. Maybe even some celery or frozen green beans. Or peas. It doesn't really matter.
The rest of the meal can have Sara Lee and throw in some packaged dinner rolls. Forget the rest of the fancy foods. Make a meal and nice friends and this is all you need instead of killing youself cooking-too much lost time lost in life if you're in the stupid kitchen all day!
This recipe is written exactly as my mom gave it to me 31 years ago. Enjoy the food, family, friends, and life!
Lydia Dreher
The Husband's Perspective
This is an e-mail from David's uncle Brad that I think you all got. If your husband would like to join "Crocs and Budwiser" post a comment after this one. However, please be aware that as the Club Founder I do not endorse this kind of sarcastic response.
Dear Adrienne,
>Sorry to be so intrusive and bold. But from the male perspective - this
>seems like a very high maintenance idea. From the wisdom of "When Harry met
>Sally", you are the worst type of High Maintenance Woman - you suffer from
>the illusion that you are a low maintenance when in reality you are truly
>"High Maintenance".
>As a result I am going to start a support group for David and the other
>husbands. My new blog and website where the husbands can post their
>thoughts will be called - "Crocs and Budweiser". The topics where husbands
>can comment and collaborate will include:
>1.) "Bye Bye Boobies" - Will my wife ever stop wearing nursing bras?
>2.) Learning to love cereal for dinner
>Membership is open to all husbands. No requirements for membership. You
>should expect inconsistency in updates and responses. Random and incoherent
>thoughts / ideas are welcome. The more controversial the better, no
>political correctness allowed.
This is a man's world baby!!!
Sincerely,
Brad B. Jewett
Dead Man Waling (Once Brenda sees my response)
Dear Adrienne,
>Sorry to be so intrusive and bold. But from the male perspective - this
>seems like a very high maintenance idea. From the wisdom of "When Harry met
>Sally", you are the worst type of High Maintenance Woman - you suffer from
>the illusion that you are a low maintenance when in reality you are truly
>"High Maintenance".
>As a result I am going to start a support group for David and the other
>husbands. My new blog and website where the husbands can post their
>thoughts will be called - "Crocs and Budweiser". The topics where husbands
>can comment and collaborate will include:
>1.) "Bye Bye Boobies" - Will my wife ever stop wearing nursing bras?
>2.) Learning to love cereal for dinner
>Membership is open to all husbands. No requirements for membership. You
>should expect inconsistency in updates and responses. Random and incoherent
>thoughts / ideas are welcome. The more controversial the better, no
>political correctness allowed.
This is a man's world baby!!!
Sincerely,
Brad B. Jewett
Dead Man Waling (Once Brenda sees my response)
Thursday, March 08, 2007
The 12 Weeks Post-Partum
It's now been 16 weeks since Thomas was born. He is such a joy. The recovery of my body, however, is not a joy. Just this week I was cleared by the doctor to begin easing into working out again. My wahzoo is just now healing after the 4th degree re-tear. In an effort to keep my sense of humor I have written a song. This little jingle I wrote about my experience as a post-birth woman. It is to be sung to the tune of "The 12 Days of Chistmas." I want to hear some singing as you read this!
THE 12 WEEKS POST-PARTUM
On the _______ week post-partum the Good Lord gave to me....
An 8lb. 4oz. healthy baby boy!
2 Size G Breasts
3 Pulled Back Muscles
4 Rounds of Hemroids
5 CLOGGED DUCTS A WEEK
6 Straight Weeks of Visitors
7 Breast Infections
8 Rock Hard Poops
9 Fat Rolls Around My Belly (and Chin)
10 Episiotomy Stitches (Twice!)
11 Clumps of Hair A Day (Coming out in the shower)
12 Weeks of Bleeding
THE 12 WEEKS POST-PARTUM
On the _______ week post-partum the Good Lord gave to me....
An 8lb. 4oz. healthy baby boy!
2 Size G Breasts
3 Pulled Back Muscles
4 Rounds of Hemroids
5 CLOGGED DUCTS A WEEK
6 Straight Weeks of Visitors
7 Breast Infections
8 Rock Hard Poops
9 Fat Rolls Around My Belly (and Chin)
10 Episiotomy Stitches (Twice!)
11 Clumps of Hair A Day (Coming out in the shower)
12 Weeks of Bleeding
Bye-Bye Boobies
I'm saying good-bye to my Gs! Yes, ladies my Gs will soon be just a post-partum memory. I stopped pumping at 12 weeks, and Thomas is now starting on solids to help his reflux. My boobs have already shrunk down to a size D and are dropping by the week. Soon I will be able to run or do aerobics without holding my chest! If any of you can prove that you will have or have had bigger boobs than a size G I will personally purchase you a bra of your choice. Promise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
