• Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - Latest baby updates on facebook...
Posted By Amy Verlennich
Just to let you know... I will be giving the latest updates on our new facebook group... so feel free to join and hear the latest on when the newest addition (who WAS due the 13th) will FINALLY decide to enter the world! :)
Click on the following link: THE VERLENNICH BABY'S COMIN'!
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• Sunday, December 13, 2009 - Post from the Past: free SHMILY time ideas
Posted By Amy Verlennich
Post made December 8th, 2008
Some of you have written asking for some ideas at little or no cost for The 12 Days of Christmas. I understand COMPLETELY what it's like to be "strapped for cash", especially this time of year as gift giving is in full swing.
Here are some FREE ideas for you to love on your hubby...
- Massages are a great gift to give! You could even make a coupon to give to him in the morning (so he would be looking forward to it all day) or mail it to him at work. To take it a step further, you could even make this a gift for the entire 12 days, picking a different body part to focus on each night (uh... I don't have to tell you what to save for last right?) A good massage is at least 30 minutes. Sometimes it may seem longer to you than it really is, so be sure to look at the clock by your bed before you begin so you don't cut your sweet husband short!
- Breakfast in bed with a smile (and nothing else but a smile).
- Making coffee every morning and greeting your hubby with a cheerful "good morning". How we start our husband's mornings have a HUGE effect on the rest of their day, as well as how eager they are to come back. (I know that I wouldn't want to come home to me some days!) Make it your goal to be cheerful each day for the 12 days. Start his morning with a happy wife. If you work outside of the home and leave before him, then having the coffee pot with coffee and a sweet note would be a thought too.
- Pray for him each day. You could use The Power of a Praying Wife for this as well. Whatever you choose, and regardless if your husband prays with you or not, get out of bed each day with your knees hitting the floor before your feet do. Pray for the man God has blessed you with. Thank Him for your husband. Even if you're struggling in your marriage, ask God to give you the strength to get through the 12 days with love and compassion and to renew your marriage. You might be surprised what happens when he finds out that you're praying for him every day. Cover your husband in prayer each day... it may seem crazy, but YOU will become a better woman for it.
- Hmmm... this next one... well, it's REALLY simple and may get one of the biggest reactions from your sweetie... but if you can't afford to get some "blessings" to wear... you can always do what God intended from the beginning! That's right... NO panties. Be sure to whisper it in his ear at the grocery store, church, or before he leaves for work.
- One of my personal favorites (and my Beloved's)... Clean Lovin'.
- Take a marker and write SHMILY somewhere on your body for him to search for.
Some more ideas (some cost involved):
- Ice cream in bed together naked... one spoon. For the ice cream lover, you could get the pints of ice cream and have ice cream in bed every night. Don't worry about the diet... this is only 12 days... get fat on each other's love!
- Some "Christmas socks" you wear... and that's it!
- 12 pair of sexy panties... one for each day.
- Mistletoe (need I say more?) You could used this throughout the 12 days as well by having it show up in various places in the house... or various times... and it could mean more than just kissing. Write up a note and let your hubby know... you may want to even make it a "treasure hunt" by hiding it in various (obvious) places... and then follow through when he finds it!
- Three bows (or other wrapping ribbons for all over your body and hair) and place strategically on your body for him to "unwrap".
Remember, the whole idea here is to do what HE would like you to do. Some men may like to take walks. Some may like to stay home and watch TV. You may bless your hubby with a coupon that says he can watch his favorite sports team uninnterupted, or it may be by letting him read a book. Find out what it is that HE would appreciate... and then do it! |
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• Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Maintaining excitement throughout THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Posted By Amy Verlennich
I've received a few great questions from some women over the past few days and wanted to share them with all of you participating in THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... SHMILY STYLE. I think that it will not only help you to know that you're not alone in some of your feelings and struggles, but to also be encouraged, so stop back over the next few days to see some of the questions women have been asking, as well as some ideas to help you get through THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS!
QUESTION: "Amy, how do you maintain excitement for 12 days of Christmas Shmily time? I tried it last year and frankly it was hard! Hubby was feeling special but honestly I just wanted to be left alone and sleep. Help me get mentally straightened out to try again!" - Jessica
I have to be honest... I struggle EVERY year with this whole thing, to some extent. Now, don't get me wrong, it's so much better than it used to be BEFORE I started the "12 days of Christmas" with my hubby... but that doesn't mean it doesn't go off without some trials, and I honestly believe that the more women that I tell about the 12 days of Christmas in order to bless their marriages... well, do you think that satan is just gonna sit back and watch my marriage flourish? Absolutely not!
It's not always easy to "maintain excitement" for 12 consecutive days, and some years are certainly harder than others! As much as I'm trying to be positive about this year... I have to admit, I've been in a slump with our move to a place where know virtually no one to plant a church with my Beloved. We have had our ups and downs, and since we are VERY passionate people... our ups tend to be "sky high" while our downs are... well, they're down right ugly. Now, take all that, add in homeschooling, kids away from friends, financial stresses and... a baby due soon... well, that just sounds like the makings for a disaster doesn't it? tee hee...
I honestly hesitated this year when I realized when THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was going to be and when the baby was due... I am literally due the day before I normally start this whole thing (which is my hubby's birthday) and so not only did I realize I was going to have the "normal" struggles of prior years... but having a baby at some point before the 12 days is up certainly means I'm gonna need to get a LITTLE... uh... creative... Not only will hormones be in full swing... but I will have a new little one "sucking the life out of me" (I nurse my babies) and that can be draining as well.
But the more I thought about "canceling" the whole thing... the more I knew I needed to do it... not just for my sweet Beloved... but because I needed to look forward to it as well. I needed to remind myself of all those reasons I fell in love with my husband... and the many more that I've fallen in love with since then.
I think we all know that by doing this... we certainly are blessing our husbands and our marriages... but I realized how I've really taken the whole thing for granted by thinking that I'm doing my husband some great big favor... when, in reality... I am equally blessed by these very special 12 days each year. By focusing on the good things about my husband, I "fall in love" all over again with the man I married... but there is still more...
I GET to serve my husband more intentionally then I normally do. Sure, I wash his clothes, make meals for him (although I don't know if he'd say that's a blessing or not considering the cook HE is), make sure his closet is full of clothing that fits and shoes to wear... but I can so easily fall into the routine of being his wife, that I forget the privilege of being so much more... a servant who acts out of love, expecting nothing in return... THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS makes me focus on my husband's wants, needs, and desires more than ever before and I find myself truly loving making him smile. It's no longer about what he's done for me... what I might get in return... or why he isn't do this or that... my focus is not on ME... and honestly women, that's right where God wants me as a wife all the time.
So, while I know 12 days IS hard to keep the excitement alive... I want to challenge you to really focus on your husband and not yourself... push yourself to go a little further when you feel like throwing in the towel... go the distance because in the end... it will not only be your husband that will be blessed... but you as well.
FYI: I made a booklet to encourage your husband for 30 weeks... in it there are a few things that might help you to stay focused on your hubby as you prepare for the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... and to help you stay that way throughout. You can find the booklet by clicking the following link: 30-week Husband Encouragement Challenge.
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• Monday, November 30, 2009 - The 12 Days of Christmas is coming!!!!
Posted By Amy Verlennich
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... SHMILY STYLE! is coming SOON!
Now, for those of you who may be unfamiliar with this SHMILY Time tradition, The "Twelve Days of Christmas" isn't talkin' about "A Partridge in a Pear Tree. It's a twist that I'm sure your husband will enjoy!
It all started because my husband and I would wind up arguing during the holidays EVERY YEAR because it was so stressful. Spending time and money on friends and family seemed to get out of control no matter how much we tried to "get better" each year and would result in some sort of argument, so A few years ago, I decided I would something different... Twelve days before Christmas just happens to be my husband's birthday, so I surprised him each day, and got us all the way to Christmas day without an argument! I found it really hard to get angry with someone that I was so focused on loving and praying for!
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... SHMILY STYLE revolves around the act of love and anything leading up to it. Now, I know this "strikes a chord" with some of you and I know that sex is not the only thing that makes a marriage good... so please don't send me emails or leave comments telling me this. (In fact, if sex is the only thing good in a marriage that's not healthy either.) What I've found to be true however, is how "taboo" sex is, especially in Christian marriages. We don't talk about it or even acknowledge it's importance in our marriages, when the fact is... God created it... and it was His intention that it is good. I understand that we, as a society have ruined that in so many ways, on so many levels... but THAT is not God's fault, nor does it change what He intended for beautiful and fulfilling and to make a husband and wife as one. Because of what sex has become because of premarital sex, pornography, adultry and the like, we have somehow become "scared" to talk about sex in a Christian marriage as if it's "dirty".
Unfortunately, sex is also one of the first things we "take away" or avoid when things get rough in our marriage as well. Let's face it, when you're arguing with your spouse, do you feel like making love?... probably not... and when that happens, the enemy begins his work at destroying our marriage... Think back to when you were falling in love with your spouse... at some point in time, there was a physical attraction... and chances are good it was pretty "intense". Just because you may have been married for awhile, that does not mean that your love making should get boring, or non-existent. It doesn't matter what stage (or state) your marriage is in right now bring the spark back to your marriage, and start with THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS!
Note: If you are in a process of healing in your marriage, or there is a hurt that hasn't been dealth with or forgiven, then please take a moment to pray the SHMILY PRAYER. I realize that some hurts and problems need more time to heal, and so this year may not be the time for THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... instead, you may want to tuck this idea away and continue to pray for God to restore your marriage, including the act of love making. (The Power of a Praying Wife is also an excellent book to begin praying every day for your husband.)
With ALL that being said, THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS involves some planning, so take some time to be thinking about what you can do to begin a year that will hopefully start a life long tradition!
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This involves an investment in your "drawer of many blessings" drawer as well... and yes, you SHOULD have one of these drawers, so make room (throw out some clothes if you have to... your hubby would rather see you in these anyway!) Start saving money and get your drawer stocked up! You'll be able to "recycle" here so the money you spend here is worth it in the end. You're investing in your marriage and that is never money wasted. (Your size is NOT an excuse either! Please read, " He loves you... quit hiding!" if you're struggling with your outer appearance. Have all your "little blessings" bought by 14th and plan for each day's surprise, along with any evening you might be able to get a sitter and go out (with your "little blessing" on to tell him about over dinner), or a friend to watch the kids so you can stay in (and put your "gift" to use)!
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Make or get a card to give to your husband on the 13th. An idea would be:
- "To celebrate the next twelve days of Christmas I have planned a special "gift" for you each day with only you in mind! Anticipate what each will bring as we celebrate the next twelve days of Christmas... twelve you're sure not to forget!" (Don't forget to sign it, SHMILY!)
So with all that being said, get to work ladies! This is going to be a year your hubby won't soon forget! Don't forget to remain especially prayerful as you plan and prepare for these wonderful days. The enemy loves to seek and destroy marriages, and he will do what he can to ruin this by getting to you and your attitude. Pray for the Lord to help you be loving toward your husband (even when the kids have been arguing all day, the laundry tub overflows, the bills are adding up, or... whatever). As women, we have a tendency to be more emotional, which certainly can backfire when things go wrong (or not according to our plans!) Stay focused on the wonderful and endearing qualities you love in your husband (just in case he upsets you... tee hee) and the wonderful gift the Lord gave you in your husband. Be determined to succeed in this wonderful "gift" to your husband and when things get tough, fight back with the strength of the Lord!
For some ideas, on what you can do for your Beloved, check out the SHMILY Time blog and please feel free to email me with more of your ideas to share with others (include your name and/or your blog address if you're willing to share that too!) AND you can sign up to join the SHMILY Time fan page on facebook too or THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS... SHMILY STYLE event on facebook!
Put the spark back into your marriage and tell others about THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by posting the blinkie on your blog/website! May the Lord be glorified as we seek new ways to put the spark back into our marriage! |
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• Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - Post from the Past: Thanking God for Our Thorns
Posted By Amy Verlennich
One of my all time favorite stories I love to read each Thanksgiving... it's worth the read... and please feel free to share what thorns you'll be thankful for this Thanksgiving!
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• Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - Post from the Past: Things to do for Thanksgiving
Posted By Amy Verlennich
• Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - Another birthday
Once again, it's been a long time since I've written, and H's 14th birthday seems a good time to break the silence. The dining room table is still strewn with balloons which, like croissants, happen every birthday. I must get clearing up soon and get the cake into the oven.
I haven't written for some time because we've had a very difficult few months following a death in N's family, combined with ongoing worries about my mum's health. I won't go into details but writing has fallen down the list of priorities for now. However...
Here's where we all are at the moment.
N is still in the same job though this may change in a few months as his work is having one of its periodic shake-ups. On alternate weekends he goes to see a relative in hospital. This, combined with my working alternate weekends, has meant a big change from our lovely cosy family times, but it's to be hoped we will get back to them at some point.
I'm still working 3 days a week - very variable hours.
J is now working full time at an apprenticeship and it continues to suit him, though the pay is dismal. He split up from his girlfriend at the end of the summer, and these two things in combination mean we see more of him. That's nice!
L is studying for her 'A' levels and has two part-time jobs, so she's the wealthy one! Well, she would be if it weren't for clothes shopping...
H has reached what are known as his 'options'. This means choosing which GCSEs to take. Aside from the compulsory ones, he's thinking of double ICT, history and one more. We are so pleased he's at least thinking of history, as that was both N's and my major subject for our degrees. Of course he may change his mind but it's nice to know one of the children is at least that much interested. He's also due to move upfrom Scouts to Exploreres soon and is looking forward to it. Apparently it's even better than Scouts!
So tonight - the family celebration, and on Friday, the party. I happen to be at work so N has bravely offered to organise this. H has made a foodlist but I really don't know what else will be happening.
Oh, and we're having new windows fitted soon. Trust us to book this in December! |
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• 10.16.2009 - Rank Watermelon Blues
Posted By ali
• Thursday, October 1, 2009 - (Trying to) Get my act together for the holidays (again)...
Posted By Amy Verlennich
So, in light of trying to "get my act together" ONCE AGAIN during the holidays, as I sit here writing this post, my printer is feverishly at work making my Holiday Planner that will give me some direction and guidance to the holiday season I've always dreamed of... or, at least, that's what I'm hoping for... tee hee...
I posted on this last year... and honestly, I even got some of it done, but "life" got out of control and I didn't do as well as I'd hoped... so, I'm at it again this year... giving it my best shot and another try knowing that if at first you don't succeed... TRY, TRY AGAIN! (Which is probably more of my "life verse"... tee hee)
If you struggle through the holidays, please feel free to join me by buying your own copy of Sheri Graham's Holiday Planner (which includes Ann Voskamp's Jesse Tree Devotional that I LOVE), or stop back here and read how things are going on my blog... maybe through some encouragement, we can make it through the holidays together! |
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• Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 23 days AFTER our move...
Posted By Amy Verlennich
Well, we're starting to settle in and things are becoming "normal" for the first time in a long time. I think it's agreed that everyone loves the new house (which helps considering this is our first move and the house is quite a bit smaller than what we moved from). We were blessed with new bunks for the kids (3 sets) and so the kids really liked coming to a new house with that surprise!
We still have a few boxes to take care of... Mike's "office" is in the living room as well as my homeschool boxes and books for everyone (which we had to downsize to only the essentials and the rest went into storage). Other than that, everything is unpacked in the house and functioning! (I will be sharing video soon.)
We have some things in storage that I would like to come into the house (some frames to hang of the kids and stuff) and one day I want to go and organize the storage shed (as things pretty much just got stacked in there since it was dark when we were unloading. That will be a good feeling when that's done and I really know where everything is (I bought hair dye before moving and with all the boxes at home unpacked, we STILL never found them so they MUST be in storage... another disadvantage to unloading a trailer at night... tee hee).
I had a "down day" yesterday, and I 'spose it was just because now that the house is more in order, there's less taking up my time (until we start school in October) and so the reality of knowing no one really set in and I was feeling alone (I know I'm never alone... but that's just how I felt). So, another day... another feeling... and I know it's all just a part of this very big experience we've been called to be a part of here in Detroit Lakes, MN!
The weather has been beautiful (which only adds to being on the lake) and Mike and I are enjoying having tea in the mornings on the deck. We're anxious for the next steps now as we begin to make plans and meet people in the area. Prayers are appreciated for those to come forward who will be a part of our launch team for the church plant.
We are currently working on the church website which will have more info. and keep everyone posted there as well. Thanks so much for all your prayers during our whole packing and moving process! Things are going better and we are all glad to finally be "home"!
You can read more about things in our VERY LATE September newsletter... (wonder what I've been doing? tee hee...) |
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