Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Romancing your Husband.......


                     Romantic Ideas for Your Husband  

Romance according to Webster:  A long poem or tale, originally written in a romance dialect, about the adventures of knights. 2.  Novel of love, adventure, 3. Excitement, love 4. A love affair.

Is this how you would define your marriage?  Or is it more like the trailer from the movie "Date Night"? (1st 30 seconds)
We love this movie, because after awhile that is what romance begins to look like and we need to refresh and reignite the spark that we once had!


Point #1.     Practice NOT doing the things he doesn’t like.
Normally flowers and chocolates are not his idea of romance.  A good rule of thumb is that if it makes my heart go pitter patter, then it probably is not the thing to do for him.  When he has expressed his dislike for something stop doing it.  
Example:  If you have an outfit you like and he has said, "Hmmm, it's not my favorite or that blue shirt reminds me of my grandma."  Probably, donate it to a charitable organization, or pass it on to your grandma, she'll probably love it.
 Does he love a picked up house, swept floor, a made bed?  Well, then do those things.

   Point # 2.    Be a GOOD student of your man. 
     I was blessed early on in my relationship with the Lord with this book, The 5 Love Languages.  This really helped me take a good look at myself, my husband and my kiddos.  It gives examples of the 5 languages that speak to all of us.  They are words of affirmation, gift giving, quality time, physical touch, and acts of service.  Knowing him helps to do the things he likes and staying away from the things he doesn't care for.  Since were focusing on intimacy you might want to find a time and dig deep for the courage to ask him what his dream lover looks like, than be that. (This idea was from the Intimate Issues conference by Linda Dillow)

  Point #3. Be interested in the things he likes.
    Being a good student means that you will know what he likes.  Now you can do something to really knock his socks off....know something about it and be the one to open up the discussion on the topic.  He will be surprised especially if it is an area that you have in the past expressed some disliking.

  Point #4.     Be Impressed with him
Watch him and be impressed.  The older we get the less people rave about us.  You though can do this for your man.  When he does something that you are impressed with tell him.  Let him know you still admire him like you did in the beginning days of your relationship.  It never hurts to say how impressed you are with his strength!  You just watch he will beam.
Build him up in front of others.  If your impressed and it is in front of other people, don't miss the opportunity to say.  He will stand a little taller.
This is important, try not to override what he says. It makes them feel inadequate and it is embarrassing.  Our guys like to be needed.  I know you are a strong woman, but, be a damsel in distress sometimes.  Need him and let him help you.  

Point #5.  Make yourself available
Be willing to just be in the same space as he is.  When he is doing a project be ready to lend a helping hand.  Also, here is a biggie.  If you are romancing your husband in such a way and he begins to draw near to you, then you need to be available for him.  I understand that sometimes it is more fun to draw the attention of him then when the time comes.....fear or some past ugliness comes up and you go into..."You can't touch this mode!"  This is so discouraging for all involved.  If you are struggling with past hurt, whether from him or some other thing, then you need to be open and honest about it with your husband and maybe need to get some help to get you through it.

Point #6. Most important …be his lover not his mother.
He has 1 mother and likely a mother-in-law and that is plenty.  A lot of us are moms all day long and it can be hard to turn it off, but you need to.  If you have trouble recognizing if you are doing that, ask a friend who you trust to tell you if they notice you treating your husband that way.  
Your husband wants to be intimate with a woman who is confident and content.  This is an area that I think a lot of us woman struggle with.  The world sets up unrealistic standards and gives a false idea of intimacy.  In order to be that kind of a woman, we need to know what the truth about ourselves and what true romantic intimacy is to look like.  So we need to consult the one who created it.  God himself!  Song of Solomon is a great place to look.  
There are other places to and the one other verse that I am going to take the time to address is 1 Corinthians 7:4.  Yikes, I know.  My husband has full authority over my body.  You want romance, give your husband what is his, if you haven't already.  Yes, I can hear all the reasons and excuses why we can't or shouldn't, heck, I wrote some of them, but in the end this is what I am told to do and so it must be what is best.  Once again,  I understand,  there may be some healing that has to take place, but you have to start somewhere.  Covering this area of your marriage in prayer is so important!  One wise prayer could be, "Lord, match up our desires."  The Lord is so faithful when we step out.

Romancing our husbands can seem strange.  It is not the way we would want to be romanced.  We are created differently.  It's really about being able to serve our husbands in a way that meets their needs and desires and usually in the mix God does an amazing thing and our needs and desires get met to.
Since the creation of time there has been a Romance story being written.  God the Creator of Romance wants us to be a part of it.  He has been pursuing a passionate, exciting, and fulfilling relationship with us.  He is the ultimate Knight and he has come to rescue us.  Are you in need of rescuing?  Is your marriage a mess or not what you have hoped for?  You can have a "Happily Ever After", when Christ is at the center of your story.

This adventure you and your husband are on will take time.  I just encourage you to take the 1st step, then take the next one.  It may be very hard at first, but the more you do it, the better it gets.


Here are a few practical ideas: (remember these are just ideas, your man might like something else)

The Out of Towner= “Don’t miss a thing journal”
My husband travels and so I write the things that happen down so he still feels connected and caught up when he gets home.  This way I am not bombarding him with a weeks worth of info. and most of the time, it ends up being a bit of a love letter to him.


Facebook flirting or texting
Just make sure it is the correct phone number if you text!

Lunchbox surprise
Notes are easy, but favorite candy or whatever he likes.

Workshirt love notes
Sneak a note in to the pocket of his pants or shirt to find later that day.

Valentines surprise week
Small surprises throughout the week and a finale on the 14th.  (start thinking now)

Do a chore for him.
Make the bed, iron shirts, make his lunch

Use SOS as a base line and write something about him and read it at bedtime.  (This may start out awkward and funny, but end fabulous.)

*When I say write him a note, I mean the kind he wants to read.  If you are a good student you will know what trips his trigger.  Also, notes that are a bit more passionate, I never used our names, just in case it gets dropped or someone else stumbles upon it by mistake before he finds it.  And of course they should always be God honoring!!!!

  Blessings, Connie

Monday, January 16, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY: January 16, 2012

Outside my window...the porch lights are on waiting for my family to arrive under one roof.

I am thinking...about the final touches on the talk I've put together on romancing your husband!

I am thankful...for my husbands job, thanks CMD.

In the kitchen...lights are out and counters are clean.

I am wearing...stretchy pants and my autism walk shirt.

I am creating...HomeMade laundry detergent.

I am going...to bed soon.

I am wondering...if I will be as tired tomorrow.

I am reading...a bunch of cookbooks from the library.

I am hoping...my underline headache goes away.

I am looking forward to...women's studies starting again.

I am learning...to serve without complaining. 

Around the house...laundry!

I am pondering...not much really.

A favorite quote for today..."All scripture is God breathed", when Paul wrote this he was speaking directly to the Old Testament.

One of my favorite things...is how good I feel after a good solid workout. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: grading for 2nd quarter, unit 2 celebration projects, menu planning.

A peek into my day...clean up, laundry, library.

Romance after 18 years!!!!  I love this guy.


                      If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries
                         please visit Peggy at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
                                                          Thanks for stopping by! 

                        Blessings, Connie
                                                                          
                                                                  

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Word filled Wednesday


"It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates.  
On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.  
There were three gates on the east, three on the north, 
three on the south and three on the west.  
The wall of the city had twelve foundations, 
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb."
Revelation 21:12-14

My thoughts have been filled with how fleeting this life is.  With the new year and a funeral to start it out, it can't be helped.   I am finding myself both looking forward and reflecting.  I wonder for what and how I will be remembered.  As I ponder my life, it has become my prayer to not waste my precious time on the things that are foolishly fleeting.  In my wrestling with one minute your here, then your gone, and my time here is finished, I have been brought to these precious truths.  I will not be robbed of even one breath or be able to sneak in one extra one.  My days are planned and they have been written for me.  My Lord holds each one in his care.  With each circumstance I face He has overseen it and ordained it for my good and His glory.  This life I live now, I plan to live in a way that Glorifies God alone and that I will be loving Him more in each moment.  My photo is from the Netherlands.  When I approached this gate, I was tantalized by it's beauty and found myself wondering who reigned inside.  There is another gate that one day I will approach, and I am so thankful that I won't have to stand on the outside wondering who reigns inside, because I already get to know.  Praising God I get to know Him now and looking forward to the grand entrance on the very day and time He has picked out for me.                      


Blessings, Connie   

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY: January 10, 2012

Outside my window...a beautiful January sun setting.

I am thinking...how difficult the release of a child is.

I am thankful...I don't have to cook dinner tonight.

In the kitchen...evidence of people living here.

I am wearing...clean clothes:) (I even showered today:)

I am creating...a talk on ways to romance your hubby.

I am going...to chose to be nice.

I am wondering...what the pages of my journal will say this year.

I am reading...an old book on properly writing love letters.

I am hoping...to be able to make it to the gym each morning this week.

I am looking forward to...getting our finances in order, again.

I am learning...I need to focus on my relationship with my man.

Around the house...are signs of spring and I get confused and forget it is January.

I am pondering...a post on funerals.

A favorite quote for today..."People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."

One of my favorite things...getting a great shot. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: my dad's Dr. appt., kids classes, menu plan.

A peek into my day...financial advisor appt.(yes another one), kids speech, dinner with 
in-laws.

This is one of those shots that I got.  It is one of my favorites.
Grandma Vicki and her grandchildren.

                      If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries
                         please visit Peggy at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
                                                          Thanks for stopping by!  
                                   Blessings, Connie   
                                       
            
           
                      

Thursday, January 5, 2012

George Lucas, Math Corrections, Guinea pig nails, and the smell of Cake Batter!

These are the things that filled my day today!
No, George wasn't over for a visit, one of my children will be presenting a speech on him, this Saturday. It is so well written and he enjoyed the research very much, being that he is the biggest Star Wars fan ever. Today we had a conversion on doing things that are sometimes hard to do. This involved the memory work that goes with presenting a speech. We talked about how sometimes, you have to buckle down and work overtime to get things done and when it is something we don't care for doing it is even harder. Which brings me to the math corrections...............

'Deep sigh'
Oh math corrections! As I speak with my child, I realize, I have approximately 3 weeks or so of math corrections waiting for me. YIKES! My own words convict me. Math was never my favorite to do and it's not my favorite to correct. It may be time to just buckle down and get it done. Now that you all know, I give you, cyber-space, permission to hold me accountable. Just for the record I have been moving it from place to place with me trying to get it done, but have been interrupted.
Which brings me to the Guinea pig nails.....

Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2, Textbook with Answer Key  -
I don't know if you know it or not, but, guinea pigs feet are a very important. They have their major arteries in their feet. They need their nails clipped about once a month and if you clip the nail to far down you could really hurt them. Oh my. Who is going to do this? Not me! So there is a sweet girl named, Stacey, who works at the pet store that does this and she did a great job. We will be seeing her monthly:) Thanks Stacey!!!! She went on about how good our Ruddie is and Carter started to beam. Then when we got in the car, Carter says, "Mom, did you hear how she kept going on about Ruddie and how good she was?" I replied, "Yeah, I did. You know how you feel so proud right now, that is how I feel when someone tells me how good you are." In reward, Ruddie got and apple and Carter a quarter! A lesson learned in this animal adventure.
Ahhhhh, the end of the day. I made it and as I sit and type, the aroma of cake batter fills the air. Cake batter blondies. As good as they smell, they taste 1,000 times wonderful. Oh, the lessons I learn from this child of mine. She just decides she wants to do something and does it. Me, well, I have to work into things. I think about it, talk about it, get use to the idea of it, and then if the feeling doesn't pass, I may do it. I am getting better, especially when it comes to the kitchen, but I have plenty of room to improve.


Thank you Lord for the lessons I learned today.
Thank you Lord for the gifts and talents of my children.
Thank you Lord for the joy of being able to train and teach them.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Word filled Wednesday

Luke 11:10
For everyone who asks receives;
the one who seeks finds;
and to the one who knocks ,
the door will be opened.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook entry





FOR TODAY: January 3, 2012

Outside my window...sunny sky and bright, white, crisp, snow.

I am thinking...how fragile life is.

I am thankful...for God's new mercy today.

In the kitchen...Tapestry of Grace binder open wide and letters from thankful friends.

I am wearing...new jeans, green cashmere sweater with a brown one on top, and my scarf.
(It is cold in here.)

I am creating...more work for myself.

I am going...to take one step at a time.

I am wondering...how my friends are holding up after a loss.

I am reading...some books on entrepreneurship.

I am hoping...to use my time wisely.

I am looking forward to...being back in a regular routine.

I am learning...how to talk to teenagers.

Around the house...lots of books.

I am pondering...how my time here is very short.

A favorite quote for today..."With great power comes great responsibility."
Uncle Ben from Spiderman

One of my favorite things...laughter.

A few plans for the rest of the week: ortho, pick-up chickens, funeral, Mini Church.

A peek into my day...financial advisor appt., kids speech.

Homemade Sweet Cinnamon Rolls made with love.
YUMMY!!!

If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Ruddie, the dog!





I would like to introduce you to the new member of our household, Ruddie the dog!
Carter has been asking and asking for a dog and Troy had talked with me
and somehow convinced me that it would be good for him to have something to
take care of. He went on to sell it by telling me that it would help teach him
responsibility and yatta, yatta, yatta. Troy initially wanted to get him a Chinchilla.
As soon as I saw one, I quickly reminded him of the woman he had married and there would
be no way we would do that. Oh I almost forgot to say that our girl Tori, is allergic to
dogs and cats, so those were out too. Then it happened. On December 23, I popped on my
e-mail and there she was. Guinea pig in need of a good home, for FREE with cage and a few days food too. I don't know what came over me, but instead of hitting the delete button, I popped open the image and there she was staring at me. At this point, I had another choice.....pretend I never saw it or throw it out to the family and get their feed back. Needless to say the price was right for my husband and my boy was thrilled to finally have a pet he could call his own.
We are all still warming up to each other and the whole idea of something else depending on us to keep it alive. We hope we can do it. She is not a dog, but it's as close as we can get.
Who knew?


Simple Woman's Daybook entry


FOR TODAY: December 29, 2011

Outside my window...it's rainy and damp

I am thinking....grey hair isn't so bad.

I am thankful...I am able to be home with my kids.

From the learning rooms...video games, blog reading, and lego building.

In the kitchen...dirty dishes to be washed and clean ones to be put away.

I am wearing...my workout clothes, again.

I am creating...scrapbook pages for my kids yearbooks that I am making for them.

I am going...to the gym as soon as I can get motivated.

I am wondering...if I have truly given my best this year.

I am reading...some books on starting a business.

I am hoping...to finish some of the projects I have started.

I am looking forward to...my man having vacation these next couple days.

I am hearing...video game noises.

Around the house...left over signs of Christmas.

I am pondering...what this new year will bring.

One of my favorite things...is coffee with my husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week...New Year celebration with friends.

Here is picture for the thought I am sharing.


This was my kids favorite Christmas gift from their grandparents.
Sugar Cereal and White Bread. YIKES!!!!

______________________________

If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries please visit Peggy at
The Simple Woman's Daybook.
~Thanks for stopping by, Connie

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Word filled Wednesday




Genesis 2:18
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.
I will make a helper suitable for him.”

GIVEAWAY



This will be my 1st ever Blog Giveaway! I'm so excited. Here is how it works. Just leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas tradition. I will put your names in a hat and pull one out! If your name is drawn I will mail off my 1st batch of His Creation Cards to you. My giveaway ends tomorrow at noon. (that way I can get them in the mail right away.) I can't wait to hear from you.
Celebrating the King,
Connie

Monday, December 19, 2011

Simple Woman's Daybook entry





FOR TODAY: December 19, 2011
Outside my window...wind blown ice on the lake.

I am thinking...I need a shower.

I am thankful...for Christmas vacation!

From the learning rooms...finishing up literature reading.
The Hiding Place and Molly Learns a Lesson

In the kitchen...smelly, melted wax on
my stove top. What a mess.

I am wearing...my workout clothes.

I am creating...4 season photo cards for a give away. Stay tuned;)

I am going...to shop with my 8th grade girls D-team tonight.

I am wondering...if time will ever slow down.

I am reading...lots of blogs.

I am hoping...to be a blessing.

I am looking forward to...

having all my gifts in order.

I am hearing...Clone Wars music.

Around the house...lots of stuff to be dealt with.

I am pondering...how she is watching me and trying to be like me.

One of my favorite things...curling up on the couch with a cozy quilt and watching a movie.

A few plans for the rest of the week...a special birthday, Christmas celebrations.

Here is picture for the thought I am sharing.

Summer fun on the Crystal River.
______________________________

If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries please visit Peggy at
~Thanks for stopping by, Connie

Friday, December 16, 2011

Choosing Sunshine Today!

Today while working out, this song played in my ear.
It has inspired me to hand write my man a letter and send it to his work.
What it will say is just for us! I will tell you though it will bless him.
Hope you to will chose to walk on sunshine today.
Choosing Sunshine,
Connie

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Got Plans?


For the last 2 months I have done a meal plan. It has seemed to be working. It started with trying to get a handle on our food budget and eating healthy. You have heard it said, maybe even from my own lips, "It is so expensive to eat healthy." This can be the truth if you don't have a plan. As we revised our budget, we took a look at what we were spending and with the help of some library cookbooks, and recommendations from good friends I have managed to have a very reasonable 2 months. The cookbook I have been using a lot is called, Make it Fast, Cook it Slow by: Stephanie O'Dea. My favorite recipe, so far, has been the baked oatmeal bars. Yummy!
It's always sad when the month comes to an end, because it means I have to plan again. (This is the most challenging part for me.) Which brings me to today. Meal planning afternoon. I try to keep it in perspective and look ahead to the time when the planning comes to a full circle. My hope is once I get a year under my belt, then I can just revise the work I have already done. Who knows maybe it's a, spend wise, eat wise, cookbook, in the making! I laugh to even think that I would be able to put my name in the author spot of a cookbook, but who knows anything is possible. Time to plan.

Joyfully His,
Connie


Word filled Wednesday: only a day late! Better late than never.



We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011




FOR TODAY
Outside my window...winter greens and bare red branches.

I am thinking...my house is to quiet.


I am thankful...that I am truly in love with my husband.

From the learning rooms...complaints about having to read about Hitler!

In the kitchen...lots of half-full and empty cups on the counter, books, pencils, and paper, too.

I am wearing...my favorite jeans and a Bronco sweatshirt.

I am creating...all occasion cards, HomeMade laundry soap, and essential oil air fresheners.

I am going...to talk with a financial guy about college tuition tonight. Yikes!

I am wondering...if I have done right by my kids.


I am reading..."Feathers from my Nest" by: Mrs. Beth Moore

I am hoping...that our Christmas tree will keep its needles until the 25th.

I am looking forward to...Carter's 12th birthday!

I am hearing...the quiet creative play of a child.

Around the house...wrapped gifts and projects waiting.

I am pondering...how it is going to all work out.

One of my favorite things...is my families laughter.

A few plans for the rest of the week: groceries, EAA, meal plan, and plan a birthday party.

Here is picture for the thought I am sharing...

Carter is one cool dude!

______________________________
If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook. ~Thanks for stopping by, Connie

2 Teens for Us and we LOVE it!!!

We make a big deal of "13" at our house. We believe it is the beginning of a transition into adulthood. We have a special ceremony where Tori will be challenged to live a life that few in our culture live today. She is encouraged to walk closely to the Lord and depend on him for discretion on how to live. It was a wonderful day and I am reminded again of what a privileged it is to be a parent. We love you Tori and are excited to share in this next stage of life with you.

JOURNEY

Life is not a problem to be solved; it is an adventure to be lived.
~John Eldredge