Wordless Wednesday - Cancun Trip 2006

Show us Your Life - A Typical Day

Today we are participating in Kelly's Korner's Show Us Your Life. Today's topic is Your Typical Day. I'll warn you in advance, my days are not too exciting! Here's a run down of a typical week day for me.

5:45 AM - Alarm goes off, time to get up!
Get ready, empty the dish drain, pack a snack for work, feed and water Bandit...
6:45 AM - Off to work
Driving...driving...driving...
7:30 AM - Finally make it to work and start my day
Work...work...work....work...work...
3:00 PM - Hubby is usually home from work by now...watching TV and making some type of mess in the kitchen...
5:30 PM - Leave work
Driving....driving....driving...
6:15 - 6:30 PM - Finally make it home

When I get home, I either cook dinner, or sit down to eat. It depends on if hubby cooked. He does this about twice a week, and it's so nice when he does! Sometimes, I put something in the crockpot to cook during the day. I need to do this more often, but that involves another step in the morning, and I am kind of lazy and always pressed for time : )

After dinner, I spend about 30 minutes doing chores. I clean all the dishes, clean the sink, wipe down the kitchen counters and the range (hubby makes a huge mess in the kitchen and has some sickness that does not allow him to clean dishes. It's quite amazing really) Then I usually do some laundry (either washing or putting away), and then my chores are done. It is usually about 8:30ish by this time. Then the hubby and I watch some TV, do a few things on the internet, and are in bed by around 10PM.

Those of you that have children - how do you make time? I can't imagine fitting one into this schedule! I have so much respect for you Mom's out there that work - I have trouble keeping up with just the two of us!

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 12

We only have a few more days of our challenge left!

Yesterday, I tried to guess hubby's dreams and desires. Well, the conversation was not as detailed as I imagined (go figure) and I had a hard time bringing it up. For some reason, I felt silly. So, during a commercial I blurted out, "What are your dreams?". I got the side eye. "What are you talking about? What dreams?" I had clearly confused my poor husband. I stuttered through some explanation about, um, like, if you could do anything what would it be, and if you could plan your life to go however you wanted...etc. His response - "I would have millions of dollars and live on a beach". Hmm...not what I was expecting, but I'm totally in for that dream! Then, being the girl that I am, I started asking more questions.

"Would you have a big successful job?"
"No."
"How would you get the money?"
"I don't care, I just would have it."
"What would we do all day?"
"Whatever we wanted."
"Would our families live there?"
"Sure."
"Would you have a nice car?"
"Yep."
"What kind?"
"I have tons of money remember? I'll have lots."
"Why are you asking all of these questions?"
"Oh, just wondering."

So, that didn't go as I envisioned, but that's okay - I could live on a beach with millions of dollars - ha!

Here is Day 12

Ask him how you can pray for him. We are assuming that he is a believer. If he is not, try it anyway, unless he has told you not to bring up spiritual things. For instance, if he is burdened about something at work, ask, "How can I pray for you that God will honor your good efforts?" Or, "I know that your boss has not been showing you the respect that he should, how should I pray for you?" Think of something that has been troubling him.

I love this! What more personal a gift could you possibly give to someone other than prayer? I think it is so wonderful to pray for others. I am working on doing this more myself. I am trying to make a list each day of people to pray for. I always pray for my hubby, but I never ask him what exactly he would like me to pray for, for him. I'm excited to do this one.

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 11

Hi Ladies!

We are getting close - here is Day 11 - (I encourage you to read Aimee's posts, she has some wonderful tips and insights that I don't copy over to my posts. She is so great!)

Ask him about his dreams and desires. Say, "Honey, if you could do anything, what would you dream of doing? More than anything else, what would energize you?" Let him joke about sex, but say, "Apart from that, what would you most love to do and why?" He may ask you why you are asking him this. Just tell him that you were just curious and you wanted to know. After all, these are the kinds of questions that you might ask someone when you are dating to get to know them better. Don't be afraid of this. By asking these questions you are not committing to help him experience this dream. This is just a fun discussion. He isn't going to act on it just because you brought it up. Since God is at work in all of us to will his good pleasure, your husband might share things with you deep from his spirit. it will honor him that you will listen.

I think this one will be fun. I think I know hubby's dreams and desires, but I am really interested in what he will say. Here are my guesses - let's see how close I get when I report tomorrow.

• To be totally financially stable. To not have to worry about money at all, and to be able to afford to do whatever he wants.
• To travel more. I know there are lots of places that we both want to go, but do not have the time and moola right now to do so.
• To own a racecar that he can mess with and take to a race track
• To own an expensive, fast car someday
• To buy a bigger, better house (I love our house now, but he has house envy)
• To be an executive managing salespeople to their fullest potential
• To buy a boat
• To start our family (and not be scared of it)

Good luck ladies! I'll report back tomorrow.

Marriage Monday

Today we are participating in Married Monday's from Marriage Tales. Today is Introduce Your Spouse!

Here is Jeff, my wonderful hubby -



Jeff is 29, with his 30th birthday quickly approaching. He sells payroll services for a national company, and loves his job! I'm so proud of him. He loves all things sports. He is a huge Texans fan, loves the Astros, and enjoys following the Rockets. He and my Dad share a love for NASCAR as well.

Here are a few fun facts about my husband -

He is very neat. Like, OCD neat. Not Clorox clean, unfortunately, however. He cannot stand clutter. I, on the other hand, like things clean, but am not bothered by clutter at all.

He loves his family. He would do anything for them (or us, I guess I should say!)

He loves our dog, Bandit, more than life itself. It's adorable how he dotes on that dog. He is our child.

He wants a racecar. Not one like NASCAR, but one that he can mess with and take to some type of race track. We are working on this goal. I don't really understand it, but I agree that he needs some type of hobby and something to keep him busy. So, a racecar it will be!

Jeff is very loyal. To his God, to his wife, to his family, to his friends. This is one of the initial things that attracted me to him. He is a wonderful son, friend, brother and husband.

I am a lucky girl!

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 10

So, last night I fulfilled my challenge, and listened to hubby talk about all of the news shows he saw yesterday, and tell me about all the weather all over the state - this was very interesting to him. And, I listened. And then, to take it one step further, I watched a show with him that he just loves and I truly think is terrible - South Park. He loves this show and laughs and laughs. I think it is awful and totally inappropriate, but I watched it with him. He truly seemed pleased.

Day 10

Apologize. Think back over the last couple of days (or weeks) when you should have apologized for something. Say, "I was reflecting on something that I said the other day. I said that disrespectfully. What I said was wrong. I am sorry. Will you forgive me?" He may have been 90% to blame. This is not done to re-open the subject. you are apologizing for YOUR disrespectful part. If he starts justifying himself just say, "Honey, You don't have to get into that. I am apologizing for acting disrespectfully. Will you forgive me?" When he says, "Yes," respectfully say, "Thank you," & go do something else. Walk away. Please do not use this as an occasion to rehash the conflict. The showing of respect during this two weeks is not done for the purpose of getting him to look at his failure to love. You are showing respect in obedience to God's word.

I have been really good at apologizing. We are learning to apologize and forgive even the littlest things in our bible study, and I have a really guilty conscience - so I tend to apologize quickly. I will give him a general, "I'm sorry for any time that you felt I didn't respect you, can you forgive me?". I think he will like that : )

Good Luck!

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 8

Hi Ladies! I am so sorry that I am two days behind on our challenge - I was sick on Friday, and well, there is no excuse for yesterday. We had an incredibly busy (but fun) weekend and were still doing stuff around the house that we had neglected.

Anyway, here is Day 9!

Ask his opinion on some issue related to his expertise or interests. Phillipians 2:4 says, "each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." If he is a political junkie, ask a sports questions. Ask a question in an area that interests him. You are also letting him know that you respect his insights.

If you can get him to really get excited and you have several questions prepared, look out. He will be more than happy to talk about his interests with you. Go for it!

My husband talks. A lot. I try really, really hard to always listen - and I always do when he talks about his job. My Daddy says that the most important thing I can do to support him is to be an active participant in his job. Since he is in sales, he faces a lot of rejection on a daily basis, and it is important for him to have a cheerleader that listens and encourages him like only a wife can. But, he always wants to have these long talks about what he saw on the news, or heard on the radio, or whatever...and it's a lot to take in after a long day of work when I just want to be still and quiet. So, tonight I will actively listen and ask questions.

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 8

Hi Ladies! Well, we are over half way done!

Hubby appreciated me thanking him for working hard for us and providing our home. I liked that one :)

Lesson #8



Relay a compliment about him. Reflect over the last few weeks. Did someone say somthing positive about him and honoring to you about your husband? Build him up (1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.") Say, "I forgot to tell you, but so and so said this about you..."

I like this one too. I'm going to try it out tonight!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

This has been my favorite Valentine's Day ever. I love being married. Jeff was so thoughtful. Not only did he have flowers delivered to my office that were like our wedding flowers, but he bought me a spa day too!

I was also thoughtful....I changed my last name...finally. It's almost been a year since we got married. I put my temporary license in his card, and he thought it was a ticket - ha! I also bought him this frame with our last name. He loves it, and it looks perfect in our front hall.

I even cooked dinner on Valentine's Day. I make honey mustard pork tenderloin, asparagus, and risotto. Yummy! It was a success!

I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 7

We are halfway done with our Love and Respect Challenge! Hubby has been so sweet over the past week, and I think that it is because I have been so sweet : ) These little challenges really do make a difference.

Last night went well for us. I tried really hard to sit and watch hours and hours of TV, but I couldn't do it without messing around on the Internet just a little bit. But, Hubby seemed happy and content to have me sitting there with him all evening.

Here is Day 7 -

Leave a note for your husband that says, "Thank you for wanting to work hard for our family. Your desire and commitment makes me feel secure". Words healing. Proverbs 16:24 says, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones". Hang in there. You are halfway through! Keep an open heart toward God. Let God act on your behalf in response to these plans. Proverbs 16:9 says, "The mind of a man plans hi way, but the Lord directs his steps".

I am going to do this tonight, I'll let you know how it goes!

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 6

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day! Ours was great, I'll post with pictures tonight.

Here is Day 6 of our challenge -

Think of something that your husband would enjoy doing this evening. Say, "I'd like to watch the football game with you, when is it on"? Or, "I know that you have been talking about cleaning out the garage, I'd like to help". Whatever it is that he would like to do that you may not normally be interested in. If he declines, that is fine. you sent a positive message. If he says ok and the game comes on at 8PM, be there and excited. Maybe even go the extra mile. If he loves the Carolina Panthers, put on some black and blue. Get into it and make it fun!

I am going to do this tonight, and watch Monday night TV with him. He loves Monday night TV, and I rarely devote 3 or 4 hours to sitting on the sofa, doing nothing. This is so hard for me, because there are always so many things that need to be done at home. Not to mention that I have the smallest attention span ever! But, I think that he would really enjoy me sitting there with him quietly, watching all his shows : )

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 5

Hi Ladies!

So, we are on to Day 5. I will complete my Day 4 assignment tonight, when I verbally praise my husband in front of others. I'm excited to do so!

Here is Day 5

This one is kinda funny to me, but I think it's cute. I have a feeling that I am going to get the side eye from hubby when I do it. Squeeze his muscle and tell him he is strong. (stop laughing, I can hear you) Do not make a big deal about it. Just do it quickly and in passing. Remember, you are not a man and you won't get this. Commenting on his strength is commenting on his manhood. Maybe he has been working out and you can tell him that you are noticing his changes while you squeeze his muscles. if that isn't an option, maybe you could just tell him that you want to feel his strong muscles to see what they feel like. Then you could compliment him. Maybe simply ask to see his hands. Tell him that you never realized how strong his hands looked. This might feel more comfortable.

Jeff and I have not been working out. Actually, our "post wedding" bodies have become sort of a joke between us. We worked out to the max before our wedding, and were both in the best shape of our lives. Needless to say, we are no longer in that shape..haha! So, if I try to tell him he has big muscles, he will know something is up. It might even hurt his feelings. So, I am going to go with the strong hands option. I might tell him tonight while we are holding hands walking into the concert or something so that there is no further room for a long conversation, just in case he thinks I have lost my mind : )

Good luck ladies! If you are doing this challenge, let me know how it's going!

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 4

Welcome to Day 4!

Jeff and I had bible study last night, and learned some pretty amazing stuff about God's plan for marriage. I plan on sharing it with you, I just have to take the time to sit down and type it out - stay tuned.

Day 4 of the Love and Respect Challenge - Verbal Blessings.

When your husband is around, say something honorable about him in front of your children or his peers. Perhaps say, "When it comes to math, few are as smart as your dad. Why don't you ask him to help with that question." Or, "Your dad works every day so that we can live in this home. He is a very hard worker." Or, "do you know what I admired about your dad when we first met? It was..."
This kind of thing is not hard for us women. We are only talking about a few sentences. God has gifted us to communicate. If you are thinking that you can't do this, you are lying to yourself. The truth is that you don't WANT to say something honorable to a man that you don't feel is as nice as he should be to you. You are locked into the idea that he must earn your respect. I know that you might be upset with him and that he should also be honoring you. Remember, the most mature one moves first. The more respect you give, the more opportunity he has to (in return) show love. A mature wife looks beyond her husband and speaks these words because the Lord wants us to. 1 Peter 3:9 says, "not returning....insult for insult, but give blessing instead."

This is easy for me. I don't have children, but I can say nice things about Hubby tonight at the wine tasting, and tomorrow night out with our friends. I like today's assignment : )

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 3

Hello All!

Day 2 of the challenge was slightly uneventful. When I got home, hubby was sitting on the sofa, computer in lap, as always. I sat by him, kissed him on the cheek and told him I missed him today. His comment, "Ewww, you have lip gloss on". Then, he decided to cover his nose with his sweatshirt because he didn't like the new lotion I was wearing, so I had to go sit in the other chair. Ahh...maturity. Well, I guess I get a A for effort?

Day 3 Click for the link or read below.

Tonight make his favorite meal or dessert. Proverbs 31:15 says, "She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls"
You are making deposits into your marriage. During this two week period be prepared for your husband to do something unloving. you have greeted him, hugged him, and made his favorite meal, but later he yells at you for moving his keys. Ignore it. Don't throw your hands up saying, "Respecting you doesn't work. You are as unloving as ever." You are fasting from complaining for two weeks. Lower your expectations. You can't expect him to change in every area of his life because you did three nice things. Do this for God and not for your husband. God commands you to do this. I invite you to take this one step further. We are all guilty of not looking our best. I look ways at home that I would never have when we were dating, or even engaged. I have started freshening my make up on my way home from work, and I don't change clothes until well after dinner. I look my best for my coworkers every day, and I really don't care what they think. He deserves this too, and I care what he thinks! Don't only make his favorite meal or dessert, but also "get ready". Wear something other than lounge clothes, put on a little makeup, set the table nice, and show him that you have gone out of your way to make him feel special.

I can't make hubby dinner tonight, we have our marriage bible study and due to our busy work schedules, we are meeting at the church. But, I am going to ask him what he would like for dinner for Valentine's day, and I'll make whatever he chooses. And, I'll look pretty and set a pretty table. Sometimes it is truly impossible to move commitments around to make things work. I can't imagine what you wives that have kiddos feel like - I have enough trouble balancing work, God, friends and my husband. I think that's a sign that we are not ready for a baby just yet. God bless all of the Mommies out there!

Good luck tonight!

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge - Day 2

So, last night didn't go completely as planned, but it worked out very well. Hubby called and said he was getting his new radio system (it's called something else but I can't remember what, something that I don't see necessary - making the music louder, but it makes him happy) and asked if I would pick him up there and take him to dinner so that he didn't have to wait there for another couple of hours. Of course I said yes, I love going out to eat! When I picked him up, I gave him a big smooch and told him that I missed him today. He answer was, "No, you didn't, but that's a nice thing to say" haha!

Anyway, we had a wonderful dinner at a new sushi place, and then spent the next 2 hours and Garden Ridge waiting for his car to be done. I didn't realize that he had never been there with me. He really enjoyed it! He got a new cooler, a file box for his car, and a new tool for his grill. I got a stand for my cookbook, and new towel hook for our bathroom that we just painted, some hangers, and a cute little towel wrap that I am going to have monogrammed for his sister for a wedding shower gift. All that for $65! We had so much fun looking at all of the art, and planning new things that we would like to do to our home. It's so hard to drag him to stores to do stuff like that, but I think he really enjoyed it and was appreciative that he wasn't sitting at Car Toys. I'm going to work on greeting him as soon as I get home for the remainder of the challenge. Maybe then it will become a habit : )

Day 2 Challenge

I think this one will be easy for me. Here it is -

Greet your husband and give him a hug. Let him know again that you missed him or were thinking about him today. Again, this is secondary to what you are really feeling. Just do it. If he says something like, "Wow, two days in a row. Do you want money or something"? Ignore it. He is saying this to you because he is noticing your actions and they feel good to him. What may feel like sarcasm to you is playful bantering to him. After you hug him, leave the room. Don't allow for a conversation about your new behavior. This isn't a game, we are just trying to avoid getting into a discussion of unresolved issues that you are not equipped to handle just yet.

Good luck! If you are participating, let me know how it is going!

I came across this verse today, and it just seems so fitting to all the little fights and arguments that seem to happen day to day.

This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

14 Day Love and Respect Challenge

I came across a new blog this week, the Women's Marriage Ministry. I love it! She is currently doing the 14 day Love and Respect Challenge. I am starting a week behind, but I'm really excited to try it! As a new wife, I have a little trouble with the respect part of my marriage, most times I think I know better than my husband does, and I'm struggling with letting that go. I'm hoping this challenge will help me out in that area : )

So, here is day 1 - Tonight or tomorrow when your spouse comes home, greet them at the door. Don't yell from another room. Physically meet them at the door. Let them know that you missed them today. (even if you didn't)

Well, hubby gets home hours before I do, and I can pretty much predict that he will be on the sofa, the computer in his lap, watching the news when I walk into the door. He never gets up. Ever. Not that I expect him to, but it would be nice to be greeted at the door. Anyway...so to modify this exercise for our situation, I am going to hug him on the sofa when I get home and tell him that I missed him today. I usually say hi, and then greet the dog, because he is always oh-so-excited to see me, and then I do whatever dishes are left in the sink and start dinner. So tonight, I'll take a minute and hug him and tell him I missed him.

I'll let you know how it goes!

Valentine's Cards

I heart Valentine's Day. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but I love sending out Valentine's Day cards. This year, he told me no. So, we compromised and I got to send them out to our immediate family. Sigh. Marriage is all about compromise, isn't it?

Since I don't get to see my grandparents very often, I made the sugar cookies in the shape of hearts, and put them in these little treat bags I bought a Kroger. I also saw cute ones at our dollar store, but I had already bought these. I am going to ship their cookies to them on Monday so they will have them by Valentine's Day. Just so they know someone is thinking of them.

Here's a picture of our card. I ordered them from Vista Print. I love that site!

Do you send out Valentine's Day cards? Or am I the only crazy one?

Beauty Must Haves

On Kelly's Korner, the Show us Your Life for today is beauty products. I am a hair girl. I have naturally frizzy, wavy, thick hair - and it has taken me all of my 28 years to figure it out. In my older age, I've embraced my hair and started enjoying it. Notice that there is nothing about make-up in this post. I wear it everyday, but it is not something that I really enjoy. I don't like trying new things, but I don't love the things I use everyday either. My make-up treats always come from my Mom - and she buys the best stuff!! Anyway, below are my hair must haves. If you have curly hair that you straighten, I strongly recommend them.

Yes, this is a toothbrush. Not just any toothbrush, but the Walgreens Dobson Large Head Firm Toothbrush. I know, it looks like something that your Grandfather would use, but it is THE BEST teasing brush I have ever had. My old hair stylist recommended this to me, because I was having a really hard time teasing my hair with a regular brush. It is amazing, and I can work in little sections without making a rat's nest on my head. And, it's little, so I can carry it in my little clutch when we go out for touch ups. At $3, it's a beauty steal.

I live in Houston, and each and everyday feels a little tropical. We have a ton of humidity here, which is really hard on a girl with curly hair. I use this Biosilk Silk Therapy everyday after I finish styling my hair. A tiny little drop smooths my hair and protects it from the humidity. I usually reapply at the end of the day if we are heading out somewhere. Word to the wise - if you try this DO NOT put it on top of your head. You will look like you haven't washed your hair for a few days. It's oily. The bottle costs around $15 - and will last you for years.

I don't remember life before this brush. I have to give my Mom the credit - she discovered it and purchased it for me. It's called The Marilyn Brush - Double S Pro Round Brush - 3 inches. I love, love, love it. Every morning, I blow out my crown, and the hair that frames my face at a minimum. This brush does it all. It's a little heavy, and your hand will be a little tender when you are done with a full blow out, but it's worth it. I have had it for 3 years, and it is still like new. It's a little expensive, around $40 - but I consider it an investment.

And, I think it goes without saying that I could not function without my 1" Chi Iron. It saves me so much time and effort - I don't remember what I did before I had it! Truly worth the investment.

What are your beauty must haves?

Simple Pleasures

A blog post on Kelly's Korner today made me think of life's Simple Pleasures. In my opinion, life is all about the little things. As a newlywed, it is amazing to me how my idea for the Simple Pleasures in my life have changed over the past year. The things that give me joy are evolving as I evolve and become more comfortable in my marriage. I guess that means I am evolving as a wife - which is a wonderful thing!

Here are a few of my current simple pleasures:

Snuggling on the sofa with my husband

Waking up to the sound of rain on our bedroom window

Giggling at something silly my husband has done or said

Playing with our dog, Bandit

Watching a beautiful sunset

Lazy weekends full of watching football

Coming home to a clean house

Having time alone at home

A great glass of wine

Spending a weekend with my parents

Recognizing God's work in my life

What are your simple pleasures?

The Smith Wedding

I love weddings. I especially love them after we had our wedding. I'm so much more appreciative of all of the details after planning my own. I just had to share some of the beautiful details from Lindsey and Greg Smith's wedding. It was beautiful! They were married at Saint Pauls Downtown, and had their reception at the Houstonian. It was a very classy, fun night. Above are the welcome baskets that guests staying at the hotel received, with a handwritten note from the bride and groom. Isn't that thoughtful?

They had two packets of personalized hot cocoa. It was so fitting, considering it was the coldest weekend of the year!

Her escort card table was beautiful! It had pictures of the bride and groom throughout their childhood and highschool years.

The tables had gold organza overlays - dazzling! The menus were tucked into the napkins at each place setting. The food was so good. In lieu of favors, they made a donation to a charity. I love that.

The bride and grooms first dance.

The happy couple!

The bride and her Daddy.

I love the combo of colors she chose for her flowers. So unique.

Her niece and flower girl. She did great!

Her bridesmaids wore beautiful, full, floor length dresses.

They had these blowie things for their exit, along with tiny silver stars. As you can see, my husband was a huge fan of his.

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Smith!