Dec. 7, 2009 - Christmas Products
Posted By EclecticEducation
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
Nov. 23, 2009 - Menu Plan Monday
Posted By opheliag
A little late, but here is the plan for the week:
Breakfasts (all served with fruit and egg if desired) -
Oatmeal muffins
Banana bread
Pancakes
Leftover pancakes
Baked oatmeal
Cereal
Cereal
Dinners -
Pork roast (crockpot) with gravy, brown rice, salad, green beans
Tilapia, wild rice, coleslaw, birthday cake
Fried rice (using leftover pork and rice)
Turkey, stuffing, salad, glazed carrots, cranberries, green beans, corn casserole, pumkin pie
Leftovers
Turkey potpie
Chili (crockpot), cornbread
That's the plan for this week. Check out the other great menus at I'm an Organizing Junkie. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! |
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Nov. 23, 2009 - Christmas Resources
Posted By EclecticEducation
Nov. 23, 2009 - Simple Woman's Daybook
Posted By opheliag
FOR TODAY...
Outside my window... Sun is shining. Flowers are all in bloom. There is a little hummingbird flying amongst the flowering bush right at my window. I love to watch his little wings beating so fast.
I am thinking... about trying to incorporate a stricter schedule. My daughter seems to need her time more scheduled. She tends to have behavorial issues if she doesn't know what is coming next. I think before talking to the docter, I might try tweaking some things at home.
I am thankful for... my husband's job. It isn't perfect, but he hasn't been laid off yet.
I am wearing... jeans, long black shirt, and cute little black tennis with no socks.
I am reading... Windy City by Scott Simon. A novel about politics in the fair city of Chicago. Very funny.
On my mind... learning more about learning disabilities and behavorial issues
From the learning rooms... We are taking the week off!!! Yeah!!! Then, we hit the books hard and steady for the next couple of weeks before Christmas break! We will be doing some turkey crafts and working on some art.
From the kitchen... leftovers for lunch, pork roast in the crockpot for dinner, and a big turkey defrosting in the fridge.
Around the house... hearing the kids laughing and playing outside on their swingset.
From my picture journal... My youngest son with his pet dinosaur
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Nov. 18, 2009 - Prescription Problems
Posted By opheliag
What happened to the days when the pediatrician handed you a paper prescription which you then took to the pharmacy, waited for a few minutes, and went home with the medicine?
I had to get some Amoxicillin today for my youngest son. He has the beginning of an ear infection and has had and upper-respitory infection for going on three weeks now. Time for some antibiotics. Here's how it went today:
Our pediatrician uses the latest and greatest technology to send a fax from her laptop to the pharmacy with the prescription information. The pharmacy receives it, and it sits for a whie. I call about it and get connected to some sort of out-sourcing place who answers calls for this pharmacy. They have no information on the prescription. Of course they don't, it is sitting at the actual pharmacy. I'm not allowed to talk to anyone in the actual pharmacy because they are busy helping other clients. The outsourcing place has no information on my son, my insurance, previous prescriptions, nothing. They keep wanting my son's cell phone number because the prescription is probably under his number. My son is three. Unless he has done something I know absolutely nothing about, he does not own a cell phone. My son's name is Gabriel; not Gabrielle, and yes, I'm sure about that. My son's name is not Eric. My son's name is not Melinda. Yes, I am really sure about that. I spent twenty minutes answering stupid questions, and getting no answers to my questions.
Finally, I decide to just go to the pharmacy. The prescription is filled and waiting on me. Great communication there.
Here's where things get even more interesting. I had to play twenty questions with the pharmacist. Who was the prescribing docter? What was my son being treated for? On and on it went. Why did she need all of that information? I wasn't getting some sort of narcotic or something weird. It was Amoxicillin. He hasn't been on antibiotics since Easter of 2008. It's not like he is on drugs all of the time. It was really weird.
Anyway, if that is how technology has advanced customer service int he pharmaceutical field, I would prefer old-fashioned methods. |
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Nov. 16, 2009 - The Teacher and Technique (or the introduction)
Posted By opheliag
I've started many blogs in the past but seem to get bogged down by the sheer volumes of topics that skitter through my brain on a daily basis. This time, I am going to focus my blog on our schooling efforts. The focus is going to be on the daily stuff. What works for us? How do we use manipulatives? What curriculums do we use and how do they work? Those types of things. I love reading other people's blogs and finding out just that type of information.
Who am I and why would anyone care about what I have to say? Good questions!
I am a homeschooling mom to three bright, beautiful children. My oldest son is 8yo and has been homeschooling since K5. He spent a little time in daycare during his infancy but soon came home and has stayed. He would be in 3rd grade this year if he was in traditional schools. He is doing some 2nd grade, some 3rd grade, and some 4th grade work at the moment. My only daughter is 4yo. She has been begging to do school since she was 2yo when her oldest brother started. She does some phonics and math work right now. We are getting ready to start a new reading program that came highly recommended. She is reading short, 3-letter words but seems ready to keep going. My youngest son is 3yo. He is content with puzzles, scissors, markers, dry-erase books, workbooks, and stickers at the moment. While he doesn't ever appear to be too interested, he still seems to be learning.
I am a reader and have brought that into our school. We use primarily living books following along with Ambleside Online for the curriculum. Teaching grammar, literature, and history are so much fun for me. We breeze through those subjects. Art and music are constants. My daughter is the artist and says she is going to be a "real" artist when she grows up. We study pictures and paint and draw. My youngest son is the musician. He loves to dance and sing, so we play music almost always. My ipod has quite the selection, and this little 3yo can turn it on and find his favorite songs! I am terrible in science and math, but they still must get done. My oldest son has taught me to like science just a little. He loves it and gets so excited for it. My husband is the math whiz in the house. He balances me out with a bit of logic!
I live in a large metropolitan area. We visit lots of museums to make up for the lack of acres of woods to explore. We visit local parks and hike the local trails.
I am not an expert because I am still learning as we go. I can only share what works and doesn't work in our homeschool with our children.
My husband and I have taken the words of William Butler Yeats as our motto, "Education is not the filling of the pail, but the lighting of a fire." |
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