She's the gal who wanted a few tips on organizing her desk. Well, I took a whole day, shirked my educational responsibilities (**dreamy**) and made some suggestions.
A few days later I received an e-mail and photo of Deb's hard work!
With just a bit of tequila elbow grease Deb's desk went from this:
To this:
The only "out of pocket" expense were the shelves--baskets and bins were sitting around her house. Deb did mention that she eventually would like co-ordinating containers but is going to have to save up (couldn't we all spend hundreds on leather bins and fabric drawer!).
Way to go Deb! Thanks for sharing your success with us. If you want to read the full story, check it out here!
This is a great fancy treat. Serve it with harvest stuffing in the fall or asparagus and tomatoes in the summer!
Ingredients:
2-3 pound boneless pork loin roast
1/4 c honey
2 T mustard (I like spicy mustard but dijon or regular work great too!)
2T(more or less to taste) crushed black pepper corns (use MUCH LESS if you don't love pepper)
dash of salt
1/2 t thyme
1 T parsley
**sometimes I thinly slice garlic and then slip the slivers into tiny holes cut on the top of the roast--only do this if you are a garlic lover!**
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325
1. Lightly grease a roasting pan and put roast in it.
2. In small dish combine honey and all other ingredients. Mix well.
3. Brush roast with about half of the mixture.
4. Bake for 1 hour
5. Brush on remaining mixture
6. Bake another 30-45 minutes until meat is 160.
Number of Servings: 8
If freezing, make marinade and spread half over loin. Freeze in freezer bag. Put rest of marinade in small ziploc and freeze with loin. Thaw and bake as directed. Brush with remaining marinade as directed.
A few weeks ago at MOPs a group of little kindergardeners came in and performed for us their version of the ABCs. Rather than just doing the traditional song, the kids recited a verse for each letter they'd learned of the alphabet.
I was blown away. Here were little 5 year olds with more verses memorized than I know! Momentarily I was convinced I needed to send my children to the school that these kids went to. But then I remembered that educating my children in the way of the Lord is MY part of my commission.
So, I did some internet searching on ABC verses and found some of my favorites and here is a list I came up with.
M.E. and I both have A memorized!
A
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
B
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
C
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matt.11:28
D
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Ps:37:4
E
Encourage one another, while it is still Today. Heb. 3:13
F
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
G
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
H
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Matt.24:35
I
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except thru Me." John 14:6
J
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
K
"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 1 Cor. 8:1
L
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5
M
"Make music in your heart to the Lord...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19
N
"No eye has seen, nor ear heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Cor 2:9
O
O, God, you are my God: early will I seek you, for my soul thirsts for you. --- Psalm 63:1
P
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Q
Quench not the spirit; … hold fast what is good. --- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
R
"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." Psalm 37:7
S
"Surely, I am with you always." Matthew 28:20
T
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
U
Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it. Proverbs 16:22
V
Verily, verily, I say to you, He that believes in me has everlasting life. --- John 6:47
W
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14
X
eXcept a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.John 3:3
Y
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. Psalm 36:5-6
Z
"....Zion, do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord, your God, is with you, he is mighty to save." Zephaniah 3:16, 17
Iknow that my children might not totally understand what they are memorizing (I feel this way about multiplication tables), but one day they will and these verses of hope, love, and encouragement will be burned on their hearts.
So I love, love to entertain. The themes, the grocery shopping, the evites ... it's all very exciting.
One thing I struggle with, however, is what to feed everyone. Remember how easy it used to be to throw a party when you were a teen? Pizza, popcorn, chips and pop. Wa-la!
It's not so easy anymore. Now you have to think about who's vegan or vegetarian, who's gluten-free, who's sugar free, who has a nut allergy, who is lactose intolerant, and who eats only kosher. I could go on and on. Really, I could.
It is no problem to address these food preferences one at a time but what do you do when you need to address them all at once?
Case in point: Pax's dedication on Feb. 14, 2010.
Dietary preferences to be considered:
kosher/all organic
gluten-free
vegetarian/vegan
lactose intolerant
nut allergies
What I generally like to do for big parties is have some sort of bar: taco bar, baked potato bar, pizza/pasta bar ... but I found those ideas didn't really work this time.
Instead, I had a soup bar! The premise--everyone fills their bowls with veggies, grains, and/or meats of their choice, pours a delicious vegan broth over it, and tops off the goodness with extra seasonings and cheeses.
The broth recipe easily feeds 15 but I wouldn't hesitate to double or triple it! On the other hand, if you want this just for a small family, I'd half the recipe.
Ingredients:
12 cups vegetable broth
6 cans (14.5 oz each) petite diced organic tomatoes (read the label to make sure they are gluten free)
3-4 t. chili powder
3-4 t. garlic powder (or 4-5 minced cloves)
3/4 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
Directions:
Throw everything into a pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the flavors start to blend.
Filler:
Now the fillers are the sides that people spoon into their bowls prior to putting the broth in.
Here are some fun sides (remember this is enough to feed 15+ people so make less or more as needed)
chopped broccoli/cauliflower
4-6 green, red, yellow, or orange peppers--seeded and chopped
thawed: corn, peas, carrots
10 oz sliced mushrooms
chopped onion (1 large)
chopped celery
sliced black olives
4 cooked, diced potatoes
4 servings (1 cup uncooked) brown rice, cooked
1 lb. whole grain pasta (I used mini-penne), cooked
2, 14 oz cans drained black beans
2-4 c. cooked, cubed chicken
1/2 lb, thinkly sliced ham
1 pepperoni stick, cubed
1 lb. browned Italian sausage
1 lb crumbled bacon
1 lb. browned hamburger
Toppings:
Once the broth is on, have these extra toppings out for guests to use at their discretion.
2 cups each shredded cheeses: parmesan, mozzarella, swiss, cheddar, pepper jack
Chives
Sour cream
Tabasco sauce
Oregano/parsley/basil
Salt and Pepper
Paprika
cumin
Set up:
Have a long counter set up in this order:
Bowls
fillings
broth
toppings
spoons/napkins/drinks
Serve with:
A large salad or raw veggies in dipping sauce. I also made a batch of rolls (but this didn't help the gluten-free friends much). Don't forget dessert (we went with brownies!)
How to make the soup:
One more time.
Get a bowl
Add fillers
Ladle on soup broth
Top with cheese and seasonings.
Sample Soup Combos:
Pizza soup:
onion, peppers, pepperoni, sausage, black olives, pasta and broth. Top with mozzarella cheese and oregano.
Vegetable soup:
Onion, celery, corn, peas, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, brown rice and broth. Top with parmesan.
Taco Soup:
Onion, ground beef, black beans, celery, and broth. Top with cumin and pepper jack cheese.
Overall, this recipe went off without a hitch. Guests raved. I loved how easy it was to put together (really, open a bag of frozen corn, put in a bowl. Done).
I'll be using this recipe again and again. I LOVE it!
A few years ago there was a corny little reality show that Matt and I got sucked into watching (and without a doubt, we would have won if we were on it!).
The show was Here Come the Newly Weds. Basically the premise is to put a bunch of newlyweds together in one house, have them do marriage challenges, and then vote on who gets to stay. It was pretty comical (especially since the real challenges come when you've been married for seven years and your son falls out of the crib at the same time your daughter pukes up corned beef and you've got to get up early in the morning for a meeting but you still pull together as a team to clean and love and comfort).
Anyhow, one of the couples were Cody and Dawn Freis, pictured below. They were lovingly nicknamed "Ken and Barbie" by their peers. Not hard to see why. Now they aren't exactly my type (I prefer dark hair, green eyes, and smiles that aren't quite so large and toothy) but I think we can, in general, agree that they are a pretty good lookin' pair. What this picture doesn't show is Dawn's "Barbie" body complete with long legs, thin waist, and big boobs. Why am I going on and on about the Freis couple? I have a point; I promise.
During one of the newlywed challenges, the brides had to find 5 things they would change about their appearance and they guys had to determine what their brides would choose (this is pretty dangerous territory). The other women were not quite as attractive as Dawn and quickly chose their 5 flaws. But so did Dawn. In fact, for someone who looked so perfect, Dawn had no problem pointing out her imperfections. The other women actually made comments that if Dawn had 5 flaws then they were really in trouble.
Don't we do this everyday?
I can think of five women off the top of my head who always look good and put together, whose kids always behave, who seem to be so happy with their marriages, are confident about themselves, and are in line for the Mother of the Year Award. Do you know these women too? The women you always compare yourselves to? The women who, despite never meaning to, reduce your self-esteem to mere rubble just by having their hair and make-up on by 9:00 am?
At times, I feel like I'm the only one who is insecure and trying to gloss over my inadequacies.
Then I saw this. My friend Molly, who has a black belt in keeping it real--really, she wore a green 1980s sequin prom dress with a white T-shirt and Argyle knee highs to work on St. Patrick's Day, showed me this video last Wednesday night during life group.
I'll admit that upon first seeing Katherine it's kinda hard to watch her. I mean, here's a former model who is basically my age with serious health issues--troubles walking, missing a part of her brain, vocal problems, paralyzed face ... it's pretty heartbreaking in a world where what's on the outside is what "really" matters (sad but true).
But then you hear her perspective, that she is nothing more than the physical manifestation of what I most people feel.
She can't walk but who can walk and feels totally free?
She feels ugly but who is "normal" and feels beautiful?
She can barely talk but who can talk and feels truly understood?
She can't eat but who eats and is ever fully satisfied?
WOW!
I needed this reminder that we all feel broken. Even those moms who unknowingly make me feel like mush struggle too.
So why is it that we can't be real?
Friday night my husband, Molly and I went to see the movie To Save a Life. The acting isn't great. The plot is predictable. But my husband called it one of the most introspective movies he's ever seen.
The movie is basically about teenagers dying, literally, to be heard. Everyone is acting in order to be accepted. I'd like to write this off as teenage drama but adults do this too. Everyday I want more, "need" more--I'm trying to impress so I'll feel accepted. I refuse to be weak before others for fear of the scorn, ridicule, or judgement. Even on this blog I'm dying to know that my thoughts resonate with someone else. I hope my followers increase. Do you do this? Are you still trying to impress the popular kids at school like I am (15 years later!)?
Remember the Velveteen Rabbit and how he learned that nice houses, a smokin' hot body, being a part of the "in-crowd," good paying jobs, designer jeans and Cadillac Escalades love makes him real? Do we lack love? Is that why we can't be real?
I'm afraid we will never know love, from others or God, until we open up and are broken and vulnerable. I believe we are meant to live in community but is it really community when we only celebrate together? Is there some unwritten rule that our community of friends can only be about good stuff? Did I miss the memo that we aren't supposed to let others see our weaknesses or know where we fall short?
When did it become okay to not be real?
The scorn of "realness" is why we amass houses that are too big, eat too much, wear too much make-up, make ourselves too busy, obsess with our weight/looks/hair/boob size/whether or not we were invited to the party... We are dying for someone to love us and say we are worthy and we will do anything to get it---even forgo our feelings. We will sacrifice ourselves on the alter of acceptance.
This is not okay.
And that's why I think we have to be real with each other. We must make it okay to be vulnerable and show our weaknesses because in doing so, we glorify God. The Bible says that in our weaknesses, He is strong. How can I show the world His strength if I won't show it my weaknesses? How do I encourage someone to put their trust in Him when I don't do it? How will I teach my children that God loves them as they are, for who they are if I don't believe it about myself?
There is something powerful about being real about who we are because if I'm so together that I don't need God or relationships with others than what's the point?!
If you are reading this blog thinking I'm the paragon of the perfect wife, woman, and mother, I hate to disappoint you. If you were to come to my house you would see everything in order because I'm nuts. My kids would be obedient. My husband loving and doting. But if you looked closer, you might see that the laundry is not done (which is why that door is closed), that the carpet is filled with dog hair (despite vacuuming several times a week), and the kitchen table needs wiped down (which I've given up on until Pax is 2). If you talked to me you'd know that I'm struggling with some relationships (in-laws--are we legally bound to these people :o) ?), that I've always battled with my looks (if only I had platinum blond hair and no muffin top!), and I have troubles controlling my mouth when I'm angry. I'm not perfect. There are places in my heart and life that I have a hard time surrendering. I am broken. But He is faithful to meet me where I fall short.
You know what's amazing about Katherine's story and the end of To Save a Life and even The Velveteen Rabbit? It's restoration! At the end these people open up, become vulnerable, and break down. Their ugly comes through and ironically, that is what makes them beautiful. That's what makes them inspirational and loved. They lay it all on the table and say "I hope you still love me" and we do. We love them MORE!
*Plot Spoiler* At the end To Save a Life the lead character is with his father. They've had a bad relationship but they are spending time together--putting it back together. The boy is being redeemed to his father. And that's what will happen if we can be real. If I can be real to you, if you can look past my crazies and my faults, if I can just BE, I will be redeemed to my Father.
And that's what I think keepin' it real is all about!
You start to clean out your make-up drawer and after emptying the drawer of its contents you find a paper clip. So you leave the bathroom and go to your desk and put the paperclip in the paperclip cup. Under the paperclip cup you find a reminder to call a friend. So you go get the phone and call your friend. While you are talking on the phone you pull out your magazines so you can sort and organize them and find a dust bunny (or in my case, a dust sasquatch). So you get the broom and start to sweep. As you sweep under your couch and out comes a nail file. You put the broom to the side and walk into the bathroom to put the nail file back into your make-up drawer and on your way you end the phone conversation and hang up the phone. When you walk into the bathroom, make up junk is all over the counter. When you survey the rest of your house you find magazines strewn about the couch and a pile of dirt and hair in the middle of the floor. All this mess because you wanted to find a better spot for your deodorant? Are you kidding me?
This is the adult version of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie except it happens all to often and isn't quite so cute.
If this happens to you, let me offer you a suggestion. Get an OTHER ROOM or box.
This can be a fancy fabric number or an old shoe box or plastic shopping sack. You choose. But next time you organize something (and remember to organize in small chunks never getting out more in one hour than you can put back in that hour) keep this bag/box by your side. Whenever you come across something that doesn't belong in the room you're in, put it in the bag/box and later when you have completed your task, you can put the the stuff back in the room where it belongs.
WARNING
When you clean out the bag, just put the items in the place where they go. Don't overwhelm yourself organizing that space too. If the desk is a mess, put the clip in its spot and move on. Vow to come back to the desk when you have the time and energy to devote to it.
Why is it Tuesday's TOO clean tip?
A lovely follower contacted me to let me know that I was using the wrong TO in Tuesday's Too Clean Tip title. The follower suggested I needed to use "TO" and is a TO DO list. This is true. However, I call this a "TOO CLEAN" tip because it is a "TO DO" but generally these are extra or excessive ideas from a crazy cleaner. Thus, my play on words. TOO is correct, just not grammatically :)
In this family night (or day) adventure, we are going to explain how the Bible can help us make decisions about life!
Focus Scripture:
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
What to Do:
FOOD
First, I suggest making a fun meal as a family. Generally I like to make themed meals. Since this theme is about the Word, let me suggest Alphabet Food Night!
During alphabet food night, make as many foods as you can using letters of the alphabet.
My suggestion: Alphabet soup with apples and peanut butter, raw veggies and dip, and bread. For dessert make a healthier banana split sundae
Apple slices
Celery Sticks
Carrot sticks
Green Pepper slices
French Break
Peanut Butter
Ranch dressing
Soup (Alphabet soup, no less)
For Dessert: Bananas, Strawberries, Yogurt, granola, pineapple chunks, cherries, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream!
Another option would be to pick one letter—say S—and make a meal of only things that start with that letter:
Spaghetti with squash and salad with strawberries for dessert.
Be creative and let your children help out in coming up with the menu. And let your children help prepare the meal (even little ones will love putting forks on the table or washing produce) and clean up afterwards.
FUN
The main activity for the night is an obstacle course.
Prior to starting family night, find a room and set up an obstacle course using ropes, blankets, furniture, boxes, pillows, etc. Some ideas are to hop from one pillow to another, go through a blanket tunnel, crawl over a chair, etc. Make the course appropriate for the age-level.
To do the obstacle course:
Show your children the course with the lights on.
Have your children go through the obstacle course IN THE DARK. Time them.
Now give your children a flashlight and have them go through the course with the light on. Time them again.
Discuss which was easier and why.
Explain that God’s Word, the Bible, is like a flashlight because it guides us as we go. It gives advice, helps us know what to prepare for, encourages us, and helps us not to be afraid.
If your children want to, have them go through the course again just for fun.
Other Activities:
There are lots of other fun “word” activities you can do, especially with older children.
Play Scrabble
Do Mad Libs
Go on an alphabet scavenger hunt (find one object for each letter of the alphabet).
THE END
Memorize the family night verse.
Pray together as a family.
About family night:
In my home, family night is an intentional time of fun and togetherness dedicated to learning about Jesus. Not your style? You can omit the Bible verses and discussions and enjoy the food and activities.
lasagna (use recipe on back of American Beauty lasagna noodle box)
*From Don't Panic Dinner's in the Freezer and More Don't Panic Dinner's in the Freezer
+From Our Best Bites (use magnifying glass to search for freezer meals or search by meal name, such as "spicy honey chicken."
~Recipe on this blog
Grocery List:
MEAT
DAIRY
CANNED
BOXED
LIQUID/JAR
Grnd beef—8#
Roast—2
Flnk stk—8
Pork chops-6
Pork loin—2
Chix brsts--52
It. Sausage—4#
Chik thgs—2 pkgs
3 boxes unsalted butter
½ gallon whole milk
6 oz provolone
32 oz parm
2 bags cheddar cheese shredded
4 bags shred mozza cheese
chive/onion cream cheese (8oz)—4
2-15oz ricotta cheese
4 c. small curd cottage cheese
1 doz eggs
16 oz sour cream
Cream of mush soup—2
3—green chilis
2 large cans red enchilada sauce
2—kidney beans
2—pinto beans
6-14 oz diced tomatoes
3—15 oz tomato sauce
2—8oz tomato paste
1# whole berry cranberry sauce
2—16 oz pineapple slices
2—15 oz mandarin oranges
chicken broth (8 cups)
2 cans beef broth
Manicotti noodles—2
Bread crumbs
2-boxes onion soup mix
3# penne
Am beauty no-cook lasagna noodles--4
3 bags tortillas
Sundried tomatoes
Cider vinegar
Pasta sauce—4 large
2 low sodium soy sauce
white cooking wine
marsala wine
Lime juice
Italian dressing
Catalina Dressing (8oz)
honey
sherry
FRESH
3 heads garlic
2 containers sliced mushrooms
1 bag yellow onion
cilantro
fresh ground ginger
FROZEN
4-10 oz froz spinach
6 oz froz OJ
STORAGE
Saran wrap
Aluminum foil
40 quart zip bags
30 8x8 foil pans
gallon freezer bags
SPICES
6pkg taco seasoning
kosher salt
paprika
oregano
ground ginger
Please note that these groceries reflect enough feed to make meals for 2 families with 2 adults. You might need more depending on your family size. Also, the list is not totally inclusive since I did not include items already in my pantry (like olive oil or flour)
The first day of spring! Hip Hip Hooray! Of course it's only 21 degrees in Wyoming and there is snow everywhere but just knowing it is officially spring makes me pretty happy.
It's also a big day because it is my sister-in-law, Libby's, birthday.
Who am I kidding?
New Moon is released today! My sister and her 9 year old son went to the midnight release party and got me a copy. My folks are hand delivering it late this afternoon and I'm super excited (Matt, on the other hand, is pretty depressed).
There are Truth or Dare games on the market but they are a bit too much for me (too tacky, too dirty).
We made our own game.
Here's what you need:
Put the kids to bed.
Dress in comfy clothes.
Make a comfy sitting area.
Get 40 pieces of paper (20 for each), 2 pens, a hat, and a die
Here's how to play:
Each person takes 20 sheets of paper and writes 10 truths and 10 dares (for a total of 20 truths and 20 dares).
Scrunch up the papers and put them in a hat.
Rather than picking truth or dare, roll a die. Even numbers are truths; odd numbers are dares. (FYI, I do this because I'd NEVER pick a dare! Ha ha!)
Now take turns drawing out papers and doing what was on them/answering truths!
You can make this sexy and steamy or quirky and fun (which is more our style)!
Some of our dares included:
rapping a Christmas carol or nursery rhyme
Doing 5 naked jumping jacks
Doing a 30 second dance routine
Some truths were:
If you were going to get a tattoo, what would you get, where would you put it, and why?
Have you ever passed gas and blamed someone else?
Would you rather lick a dogs tongue or kiss its bum?
WARNING
This is meant to be fun. If there are issues in your marriage, this is NOT the time to address them (which is my way of saying--don't have truths that say things like: have you ever cheated on me?, etc.) Also, since you will draw the questions out of the hat, you might draw your own. Don't put anything in the hat you don't want to do/answer!
As my dedicated readers know, I was recently sick. And I'm nursing so my medication use is very limited. Basically what I rely on is Vitamin C, rest, and my Neti Pot.
If you aren't familiar with a Neti Pot let me explain.
A Neti Pot looks like a tea pot. This is exactly the one I have (I got it for $10 at Walgreens).
When you have nasal issues--dryness, congestion, allergies, stuffiness ... you put a saline packet into the pot and fill it with warm water. Then you put the spout up to one nostril, lean to the side and forward, and pour water through your sinuses. Yes. You pour water through your nose.
The water cleanses your sinuses and clear out mucus (which means you probably don't want to do this in front of anyone).
I don't smile when I do this.
When you use the Neti Pot you breathe through your mouth so you aren't drowning. I repeat, you are NOT drowning.
Honestly, there is a little pressure and a strange feeling (like if water has ever shot out your nose) but it doesn't hurt (unless you make your own saline solution with too much salt--which I don't recommend).
With this sickness I decided to put a drop of Johnson Baby Shampoo into the pot with the saline solution to help kill the icky biofilm in my nose. Worked like a charm.
I know there are a lot of critics and people who would never try this but honestly, it does work.
So last week I just shared my heart about sex and I was surprised by the support I received.Thank you to everyone who shared insights and encouragement.
A few comments from last week really moved me and I wanted to share them and my thoughts about them.
The first comment indicated the reader was surprised by my Orgasm post, given my profile biography.My profile says I’m a God-fearing woman who is a part of a Christ-centered home and marriage.Somehow in the world today, my love and passion for Jesus means that I am supposed to be neutral about sex (and here I am encouraging everyone to work on becoming more orgasmic with their husbands!).
This
breaks
my
heart.
As I said last week, I believe that sex was designed by God and created to be pleasurable.How has something that is a gift from God been so twisted that now God’s people are ashamed of enjoying the gift?What can we, The Church, do to reclaim the gift of sex from worldly perversion?
In my opinion, the answer is to talk about sex!
(Did you just hear the Salt-n-Peppa rap song in your head? No? It was just me? Dang it!)
Why is it women can get together and complain about husbands, moan about mother-in-laws, laugh about potty training mishaps, seek advice on discipline, share birthing/pregnancy stories, and talk about menstrual cycles and breast milk but when it comes to sex, mums the word?
Is sex really that sacred or are we just scared to be judged because maybe our struggles or issues aren’t normal?
Can we talk about sex?I’m not suggesting we be graphic and share favorite positions but surely women, especially Christian women, can come together to share thoughts, concerns, trials and triumphs in the bedroom.Sex is a gift.God called it Good.Let’s stop treating it as though it is taboo.
The other comment I received was from a woman who is very interested in sex but whose frequency desire is not matched by her husband’s.This woman refers to her situation as “an anomaly” and really it is treated as such.Even in my own church there is talk about men wanting it more than women and I even read a blog last week that encouraged women to not say no to their husbands for one month.
But what about women who don’t have this problem?What about the women whose husbands are telling them no? How do we handle this in an environment where Christian women are not supposed to want or need sex?This is a tough stereotype to crack!
I have no answers to this.But for those readers who might be the women who would prefer to have sex more than their husbands, let me tell you that you are not alone.More than one woman contacted me about this.And a few years ago my life group played a version of “The Newlywed Game” (even though we’d all been married at least 3 years).One of the questions was “Who wants it more-him or her?”There were 5 couples.Of those 5 couples, 3 of the women wanted it more than the husbands.Now this is not statistically sound or anything but I’d consider our group to be very much the norm so if you are a woman and you’d like to have sex more than you do, I think it is safe to assume other women around you feel the same way (even if they don’t talk about it).
Does anyone have a book suggestion that you can recommend that might help women who would like to have sex more but whose husbands are as interested or are physically unable to perform?
So what can we do?How can women encourage one another?How can we open up and be raw and honest about our sex lives?
The comment lines are open.Please share.If you’d like to share “out of the spotlight” e-mail me at: whereisthemeinmommy@gmail.com
When we moved into our new house I got to design our closets and I gotta tell you, it was dreamy. In my cleaning closet I purposefully made lots of shelving but with room for my vacuum and floor cleaners below. It was perfect.
Or so I thought.
Imagine my surprise when my dreamy closet started looking like this!
Are you shocked? I know--me too!
I feel like I need to justify myself.
Here's what happened. When we moved we had a TV niche built in above our fireplace. Great for the TV. Not so great for the "stuff" that accompanies TVs. We quickly realized we needed a spot for all of our cords and DVDs and VHS tapes (yes, we still have a VCR and tapes because I refuse to buy DVD versions of Barney that the kids will outgrow in a year anyway!). My great little cleaning closet became a haven for all the non-sense that didn't have a home in our new home.
Needless to say the closet became a bone of contention in my home. For whatever reason I was totally unsettled. So one Saturday organizing this closet was my mission.
I had to be realistic that the closet needed to house items not specifically intended to be there (cords, DVDs, VHS tapes, etc.). I also had to be creative. So here's what I did:
I bought bins (for large cords groups) and drawers (for phone cords and accessories). I also got some baskets for cleaning gear and a car CD organizer. I spent less than $30 at Target.
I took everything OUT of the closet and grouped them (phone items, Ipod stuff, camera gear, cleaning stuff, dvds, movies, etc).
I tackled individual groups. I minimized where I could and put items in bins (Ipod stuff in one bin, phone accessories in drawers, camera manuals and cords in another, etc.).
The DVDs were the big task. I took all the DVDs and covers out of the cases and put them in the CD case. I alphabetized the movies by genre (Action, Comedy, Drama, Family, and Romance). I left 4 spaces at the end of each genre to add more as needed (we don't buy a lot of movies).
All of these DVDs fit into one big CD case with the exception of kid's DVDs which I put into a smaller, travel sized case. Now it goes from closet to car with ease!
This was a huge space saver and I was able to EASILY freecycle the empty dvd cases (though plan B was to call schools to see if art teachers wanted them).
Now my closet looks like this!
DVD cases for kids' movies (which I kept because I'll eventually pass them on) and VHS movies are on the very high, top shelf.
The second shelf is used for DVDs (on the far left). Technology gadget stuff is in the center, and manual bins are on the far right.
Cleaning stuff is on the bottom shelf. Big bottle cleaners that need diluted are in a basket on the left and small spray cleaners are in a basket on the right.
Ironing tools are front and center and within easy grasp for Matt. (That's right, I don't iron. Domestic goddesses such as myself have limits. Ironing is mine!).
My watering can is also up front for two reasons. 1. To remind me that I actually need to water plants 2. The natural light green tone of the closet just makes the watering can look like a useful but cute accessory. And who says you can't accessorize your closets!?!
Sadly none of these items are labeled because my label maker is out of paper. Tragic comedy, I know.
Are you emotionally attached to your DVD cases? Would you ever consider organizing them like this? How'd I do?
Ooblich (pronouned Ewww--blick!) was a staple of fun at our house growing up. And the cool thing is that it provides huge amount of tactile fun at a minimal cost!
What you'll need:
Big bowl
cornstarch
water
food coloring (optional)
ziploc bags (optional)
cups, spoons, etc. (optional)
What you'll do:
Put cornstarch in a bowl.
Slowly add water and food coloring and mix it together with your hands.
Now play!
This mixture gets very hard when squeezed yet "melts" as well. It is delightful!
For younger children:
This is pretty messy so if you don't want your little one to get too dirty (or you don't want him or her to eat cornstarch) then you can put the ooblich in a baggies. The results are the same.
For older children:
Allow kids to stir ooblich and pour it into cups. Let them pour it out on cookie sheets and manipulate it.
Thanks, SD, for reminding me of this good, clean fun!
I love travel (even though I lamented about DH traveling for work. Really, I wouldn't complain if I was WITH him!)
Do you have any experience with this bug?
Symptoms include daydreaming of beaches, being without children, margaritas, and hiking boots.
My travel bug started young with parents who wanted to go everywhere in the US and Canada. They took us on super fun trips all over and I loved it. I luckily married a man who is equally interested in looking at the world. Now if someone would just finance our passion ...
With the travel bug in mind, and remembering about past adventures, I have questions! Don't you love questions? Please join in the fun and let me get to know you better. Comment away, blog away, whatever your fancy. I want to read your answers, so let me know if you're stealing this for your blog so I can hop over there and read your answers.
The Questions
Have you ever gone on a trip all by yourself and if so, where?
How many states have you been to and which ones are on your list to go to that you haven't visited?
How many countries have you been to?
Where were you born, and do you still live there?
How many states have you lived in and where?
Would you take your children on an adventure vacation and where?
I would describe my travel bug as...
What was the best trip you ever took with friends?
My Answers: 1. Have you ever gone on a trip all by yourself and if so, where? I really, really want to say yes to this but alas, I cannot. Outside of a day trip to go shopping, I've never traveled alone. I prefer to be in the company of friends or family. If I go with a group of gals I can be the person "in charge" but I rest a lot easier if I'm not the leader.
2. How many states have you been to and which ones are on your list to go to that you haven't visited? I've been to: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Missouri, Virginia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Florida, Alaska, and Hawaii. I really want to spend more time in New England and I really would like to go visit all the old Civil War battle fields. 3. How many countries have you been to? I've been to: Mexico, Canada, Antigua, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic (which was my favorite). India is my travel go-to dream! 4. Where were you born, and do you still live there?
I was born in Wyoming and I still live here (but not in the same town!). 5. How many states have you lived in and where? I've only lived in Wyoming and Nevada. Boo Hiss Vegas. I'm a cold weather person! 6. Would you take your children on an adventure vacation and where?
When my children are old enough (which means they can walk longer distances by themselves) I want them to go EVERYWHERE with us. It is important to me that we do mission work as a family. If we are talking fun only vacations, then I want to take the kids to climb Kilimanjaro OR to scuba in the Great Barrier Reef (again, we are accepting donations to fund these trips)! 7. I would describe my travel bug as...
heavily symptomatic and disrupting normal eating and sleeping patterns. Carefully, it's contagious. 8. What was the best trip you ever took with friends? Off the bat I want to say my trip to Scottsdale, AZ with my family. Tilted Kilt?? Anyhow, since the real purpose of this trip was taking my mom to the Mayo Clinic I probably can't use this answer.
Runner up--Spring Break in CanCun and the bus trip to La Isla Mujres (and if you don't get that, it's okay. Only Megan and Melissa will understand and only they need to!)
Don't blog--leave me a comment with one or two of the answers. I'd love to know!
