My kid cracks me up

Grom used to have a "switch" on his back that would change him from being a boy to being a dog.

As he's 4 1/2 now (which is much different than just 4), the switch has been improved. More choices, but still no volume control. Can a mom hope for that in the 5 model?

Anyway... now the switch can change him from boy to dog to train to robot.

Grom was in robot mode the other day when I asked him to go potty before we left the house. He called me to the bathroom. I found him standing in front of the toilet, aiming but not peeing. Grom requested my help to get the "old oil" out. He pointed out a spot on his side where I need to "turn to open the valve". As I tickled his side, the pee started flowing. I told him to pull up his pants so we could get going.

He told me I'd better close that valve first.... we wouldn't want it leaking later.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and before honor is humility." Proverbs 15:33

Surferman is sitting on a big decision. It weighs heavy and has been at the forefront of his mind.

He asks what I think.
He asks my Dad what he thinks.
But most importantly, he's asks God what He thinks.

He is listening.

I see Surferman reading his Bible. I see Surferman praying with other men. I see Surferman seeking teaching. I see Surferman processing.

Whatever he decides...

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

"...seek peace,

and pursue it." Psalm 34:14b

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

always be with grace..." Colossians 4:6

I confess that I'm an eye-roller. Since I can't see my eyes, I don't realize how much I do it. I think it's a lot more than I realize.

I don't usually get angry. I roll my eyes.

I want to be filled with His perfect peace. I want a mind stayed on my heavenly Father. Lord, help me bring peace to my family. Lord, bring peace to me.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Thursday Thunks - 2/26/09

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. I joined to add to the biographical quality of my blog. Think of it as another way to get to know me.

1. What kind of dryer sheets do you use?

I don't use dryer sheets. Too many chemicals, the scent is too strong and I'm too cheap. I use white vinegar in the rinse cycle. If I want a little fragrance, a couple of drops of lavender essential oil on a washcloth gets tossed in the dryer.

2. How many times a week do you eat out/order in?
if you count all meals... 5 or 6 times. Recently though, Surferman keeps saying stuff like, "Dave Ramsey would eat at home." Sometimes I don't like Dave Ramsey. I think we'll be down to 2 or 3 times.

3. What did you do the night of your high school graduation?
They had a Grad Night at my High School... carnival rides, In'N'Out burgers, games, haircuts and more.

4. So Octomom is rumored to have been offered a million bucks to do a porno. Would you do it for a million?
Never.

5. If your child was born with an extra finger or toe, would you have it surgically removed?
Only if it was medically necessary. God knows every hair on our heads... I know He has a plan for every finger and toe too.

6. What was the last movie you saw?
Grand Torino. At the drive-in with Surferman. It was the 2nd feature.

7. I wanna buy you a dozen roses, what color should they be?
Orange, of course.

8. You are walking across the street, you are not quite half way when a speeding car comes... you have to run to get out of its way, which direction do you run?
To the nearest curb.

9. Tell us about a time when you were invited over somewhere and had the most awful time.
Can't think of a time to share with you all. My memory is bad that way. Bad experiences don't last very long unless it's with a business... then I can sure hold a grudge.

10. You open your front door and there is a box with a puppy in it... what do you do?
This is really unfair. What kind of a person would door bell ditch and leave a cute little puppy? Pets are great as long as they are someone else's. Don't throw tomatoes, but I'd probably take it to the Animal Shelter. Hopefully it would be adopted by someone who loved it and wanted a pet.

Read more Thunks.

"Let your speech...

always be with grace..." Colossians 4:6

I've missed blogging about the challenge a couple of days, but I haven't let up in my pursuit of encouraging my husband.

Surferman and I had an interesting exchange yesterday at church. We had a misunderstanding and Surferman decided to blame himself. Surferman wasn't very nice to my husband. I had to speak up and defend my man.

In the past, it could've been a big deal. I would've helped make Surferman feel bad. I would've worried more about affixing blame than getting through the situation.

Instead... a big hug. And on to plan B.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Daybook February 23, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday February 23, 2009

Outside My Window... it's dark. It's been raining quite a bit. There is a wet smell and things are getting green.

I am thinking... about babies. EVERYONE (ok, not really... but it kinda seems like it) is having or getting a baby. Do I want a baby?

I am thankful for... family. Surferman did the dinner dishes tonight so I could go out and craft with friends. He's the best. My parents are home from a vacation to Maui. It's nice to have them home.

From the kitchen... the yummiest Clam Spaghetti. I made up the recipe. Can't wait for leftovers for lunch.

From the schoolroom... lots of fun with Funtastic Frogs and art projects.

I am wearing... black sneakers, black pants, red shirt with Clam Spaghetti spots on it.

I am creating... a little digiscrapping. I want to make cards of the 31 Things to Pray for Your Children. I'll put them in a flip frame and keep them on my kitchen window sill. They could also be reproduced as gifts.

I am going... to have my quilting friends over this week. We've been quilting together for 17 YEARS. I'm the baby. I have learned so much from them and we have so many amazing quilts that we've made together. I still have to figure out what I'm going to have them do for me.

I am reading... still Embrace Me by Lisa Samson. She is not the easiest read. Jury is still out on what I think about the story.

I am hoping... to get my iPhone this week.

I am hearing... the tick of the clock that got new batteries today. It's not quarter to 10 anymore.

Around the house... My studio is closing in on me. I've got to do something. I have a container full of fairy figurines that I once collected. I don't know what to do with them. They don't seem to be worth anything on ebay (but you never know until they are listed) and I can't imagine sending them to the Thrift Store. But storing them indefinitely seems silly. I'm open to suggestions.

One of my favorite things... Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Maybe it's the orange wrapper?

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: It's a busy week. Writing it all down would be overwhelming. I just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. And do some laundry. The most fun thing will be Grom's buddy's 4th birthday celebration.

Here is picture I am sharing...
My new Maui Jim Palms sunglasses. They are the best. I got a pair when we went to Maui last August. Unfortunately I lost them shortly after we got home. My parents brought me back a replacement. WOO HOO! So comfortable and the lenses... I never knew there were so many colors.

And I decided to add to my Daybook.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Surferman has a line on a job. Pray for God's will, wisdom and favor. I need prayer for Quiet Time with the Lord. Pray that I'd wake up early and that reading my Bible would be the first thing that comes to mind. Grom is finally over his cold. Pray he would stay healthy.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

What's for Dinner - Week of February 23, 2009

Monday
~Crafting~
Clam Spaghetti
Salad
Foccacia Bread

Tuesday
Lentil and Sausage Soup
Cheddar Garlic Sourdough Bread
Green Salad

Wednesday
~Potluck before Kid's Club / Bible Study~
Applesauce
Slow Cooked Tamale Casserole

Thursday
~QB's (quilters) at my home~
Stuffed Eggs
Cocktail Meatballs
Lemon Ice Box Cake

Vegetable and Tofu StirFry
Rice
Mandarin Oranges

Friday
~Finally Fabulous Fun Friday~
~Men's Conference (Surferman)~
~Going Away Party (me)~
~Grom ??~

Saturday
~Baby Shower~
~Grom's "Friend Buddy's" 4th Birthday Party~
take salad

Sunday
~Family Dinner - my folks cook~

Menu Plan Monday is hosted every week by Laura the Organizing Junkie. Head over there to see what everyone is eating this week.

"And be kind to one another,

tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

It's easy to hold a grudge, but where does it get you... especially in your marriage.

I am blessed that Surferman is an easy going sort of fellow. His anger lasts a moment. He forgives easily. I can (and have) learned from him.

I really like this verse. It's one of our family verses for Grom. It speaks so much of how we need to act as husband and wives, as parents, as a family, with our friends and within the body of Christ.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Beloved

My Surferman is strong and charming,
outstanding among ten thousand.

His head is purest gold;
his hair is short
and what is left is brown as latte.

His eyes are like twinkling stars
reflected in the rolling waves
washed in foam,
sparkling with love.

His cheeks are like a sandy beach
yielding smiles.
His lips are like laughs
dripping with chocolate.

His arms are rods of steel
set with hard work.
His body is like a NBA center
decorated with mustard.

His legs are skinny like a chicken's
set on bases with funny looking toes.
His appearance is like Maui,
choice as its beaches.

His mouth is sweetness itself;
he is altogether lovely.
This is my lover, this my friend

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Thursday Thunks - 2/19/09

1. What brand & flavor of toothpaste do you use?

My newest favorite is Melaleuca's Fresh Mint Toothpaste (it's in the shower). My other choices are Pepsodent (when I can find it) and Listerine Toothpaste (again hard to find).

2. What is your earliest memory?

I have lots of memories related to photographs. I'm not sure those are true memories or that I remember what people have told me about the photo. I do remember telling my first grade teacher that my mom had a baby boy that they named after my dad. The gig was up when she showed up at the house with a baby gift. I remember hiding under my desk because I knew I was in big trouble.

3. Hot Dogs or Hamburgers?

both - but I only eat high quality hot dogs anymore.

4. If you could bring any one famous person back to life, who would it be?

I don't know who exactly. I'd need to do some research. I'd find a contemporary person who people would listen to who I was pretty sure didn't recognize Jesus as the son of God and as Savior of the world. After being in hell, I'm sure he'd be very an excellent evangelist.

5. What is one thing we would always find in your fridge... what one thing would we never find?

Always... peanut butter. Never... severed heads.

6. Did you have to go and look for the answer of #1?

I had to google the name of the Maleleuca toothpaste.

7. Why don't watermelons grow on trees?

Can you imagine the mess from downed fruit?

8. What is something that you own that you should probably just throw in the trash, but you never will?

Super old tax returns

9. I push you into a room and lock the door. I leave you there for 6 hours. The walls are chalkboards and in the middle of the room there is a box of colored chalk. What will be written/drawn on the walls when I let you out?

All kinds of doodles, probably some Bible verses, likely a to do list.

10. When was the last time you changed the oil on your car?

Ask Surferman. I don't think it was very long ago. Surferman takes good care of my van.

11. In your extended family, who has been married the longest?

I think it's my parents. 42 years in October.

12. Name one thing that is so normal to you now that someone who was your age 50 years ago would think was abnormal.

Cell phones.

13. Have you ever wanted someone or something so bad that it hurt?

A baby. Grom was a miracle from God.

14. What do you dip your french fries in?

Ketchup. I like to dip them in ranch, but have decided that french fries are bad enough. At least with ketchup I get some lycopene.

15. What was the last picture that you took?

Grom and my dad have a disagreement about the surfboard rugs in the hall. My dad likes them turned at angles. Grom likes them straight. They have an odd day / even day arrangement for them to be straight or crooked. Here's Grom gloating that they are straight on a crooked day.

Read what others are thunking this Thursday.

"A merry heart...

does good like medicine.." Proverbs 17:22
"You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy...Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" Psalm 16:11, 144:15

Usually Surferman has a great sense of humor. Life has been a little serious around here lately. Being unemployed weighs on him. He's not as playful and silly as he usually is.

This challenge continues to bring up things that we need to work on... things we should do.

We are watching my sister's girls this Saturday night. I think we'll get a funny movie to watch after all the kids are in bed. Recommendations anyone?

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

DONE #24 - Do something with an empty Altoid's box

Ticking something off my list of 101 Things to Do.

I love Altoid mints... well the cute little tins they come in anyway. I can't bear to throw them away, and have always wanted to do something with one. Here's what I came up with...
I cut cardstock to fit the box. I used scrapbook punch outs from a calendar my mom gave me a couple of years ago. I rounded the corners and then laminated the cards with my xyron and put a pretty scrapbook paper on the back. I made an extra set for Grom's best buddy.

It's a fun little game that I can keep in my purse and whip out to pass the time before the meal comes when we eat out.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18

What a great list! I imagine my marriage, my family and my life with purity, peace, consideration, submission, mercy, good fruit, impartiality and sincerity. What a harvest of righteousness there would be! Lord, I want wisdom and some for Surferman too.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

52 Things

I found this idea at Craftster. I kept mine simple. Just wanted to have fun and create something fun and romantic for Surferman's Valentine's Day gift. It was a sucess.

Make Your Own Laundry Soap

Laundry Corner, originally uploaded by house_n_baby.

This recipe is for a dry powdered version.

Mix together:
1 bar Fels Naptha Soap - grated
4 cups washing soda
2 cups borax
essential oil (lavendar, tea tree, or your choice)

Store in an air tight container.

Use 1 T in regular loads. 2 T in dirty loads.

"And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone;

I will make him a helper comparable to him'". Genesis 2:18

Communication isn't always easy for me and Surferman. We get busy and somehow forget to talk.

Today wasn't a banner day for either of us. Grom didn't have school and we never made a good plan for him. Throw in Surferman not getting a good nights sleep and our home phone being out of service and you might be able to understand.

Please pray for our communication. And better cell phone coverage for our house wouldn't be bad either...

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Daybook February 16, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday February 16, 2009

Outside My Window... dark, windy, cold, blustery... yay! winter is finally here!

I am thinking... there is so much that I want to do, need to do, have to do.

I am thankful for... family, safe travel and that I took a 4 year old to Vegas and not a 14 year old. AND that good friends finally have a baby boy to adopt.

From the kitchen... yummy macaroni and cheese. Grom said it was almost as good as the Mac N Cheese at his favorite restaurant. We also had brussels sprouts. I love brussels sprouts.

From the schoolroom... We started "playing" ("learning") with Funtastic Frogs. Math was never so much fun. I need to do some planning and get FIAR going... this week.

I am wearing... Jeans, sneakers, grey sweater and fuchsia pink shirt.

I am creating... I need a new project. I have a bunch of blogging to do and I have a bunch of babies coming into my life. I need some time to regroup and refocus.

I am going... to try a new time management system - Autofocus. It can't hurt.

I am reading... Embrace Me by Lisa Samson. I need to keep on with Shepherding Your Child's Heart. I'm in a fiction reading mood.

I am hoping... Grom has a great day at school tomorrow. He has missed a lot lately due to school holidays, a cold and our trip to Vegas.

I am hearing... rain, rain and more rain.

Around the house... I made homemade laundry soap a couple of weeks ago. It smells wonderful... lavendar essential oils, and it seems to be doing a good job of getting the clothes clean.

One of my favorite things... the library. I can "shop" online and show up at my convenience and there the books are sitting on the reserve shelf waiting for me. I can find most anything I want.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Nothing exciting, but always busy.

Here is picture I am sharing...

umbrella, originally uploaded by Special.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

What's for Dinner - Week of February 15, 2009

I didn't get to go grocery shopping last week because we were out of town. I'm going to make a quick trip to get some milk, but that's about it. My pantry will go to work full time this week.

Monday
Velveeta Macaroni and Cheese
Brussel Sprouts

Tuesday
Slow Cooker Applesauce (something like this)
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Green Salad

Wednesday
~Potluck Before Kid's Club / Bible Study~
Slow Cooker Chili (Vegetarian)

Thursday
CORD (clean out refrigerator day)

Friday
~Steak and a Movie Night~
Boulangerie Potatoes
Brocolli

Saturday
Tamale Pie
Three Bean Salad

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
Clam Spaghetti
Garlic Bread
Salad

Laura, the Organizing Junkie hosts 100s of menus every Monday. Go check 'em out.

"But grow in the grace

and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ..." 2 Peter 3:18

Surferman didn't know the Lord when we met. He wasn't saved when we married. My life could've gone terribly wrong. I prayed.

And God is good, full of mercy and grace.

Eventually... Surferman met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The growth wasn't always swift, but it has been steady.

Growth... I see him reading his Bible.
Growth... I see him praying with Grom.
Growth... I see him serving at church.
Growth... I see him watching his language.
Growth... I see him raising his hands in praise.

I know there is other growth. I don't always see it.

But when I do, I rejoice.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

"The righteous man...

walks in his integrity..." Proverbs 20:7

Except for when he forgets he is suposed to usher at church and runs off out of town to spend time with his family. oops.

We've had a great time.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

My Husband Rocks

My Husband Rocks for Friday February 13, 2009

Again this week, Katy Lin has posted some articles and blogging prompts to remind me why My Husband Rocks.

1. Tell the story of your first Valentine's Day together.

Surferman made me dinner. My parents gave him a couple of fillets. I remember cut up green apples, baked potatoes and a Little Debbie treat. I went to his place - a really beat up trailer where he lived with a pothead roomate and a couple of stinky dogs. He lived in Galaxy Trailer Park. We used to joke that he lived right around the corner, just up Uranus. (Say it aloud, it's funny.) He cleaned before I arrived, even swept off the couch. I knew it was love.

2. In reference to the first article, which "secrets" do you do well, which could you work on, which do you struggle with?

I'm working on all of them. It's a great list. You really should go and read them. Your spouse will appreciate it.

My favorite was "The grass is greenest where you water it." Amen. I'm watering the lawn.

3. If you decide to take the advice of the second article, tell us what you're going to do, or share pictures if you have time!

I want to redo our bedroom. Surferman indulged me and let me paint our bedroom orange a few years ago. I should be thrilled, but I picked the wrong color. Instead of the warm joyful orange that I wanted... I sleep in the middle of a gallon of orange sherbert. It's just a little too cluttered. It's not a sanctuary. It's not a love nest.

I hope to change that this year. A warmer color. Less Clutter. Some candles. Music. New linens.

My husband rocks!

"With all lowliness and gentleness,

with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

Expectations.

Expectation is the root of all heartache.
William Shakespeare

I don't totally agree with Will, but I do know that unrealistic expectations can get you into a mess quick. I often have unrealistic expectations for myself (you should see my to do list). I have God, Surferman, some good friends, and family to keep me in check. My expectations for myself can depress me and drive me crazy.

Unfortunately the unrealistic expectations sometimes pass on to Surferman.

I expect him to be romantic.
I expect him to be godly.
I expect him to be sensitive.
I expect him to take care of my needs and my whims.
I expect him... you get it.

He is human. Flesh and bones and sin... just like me.

Only God can provide for all of our needs.
Only God is forever.
Only God is God. Surferman is not God. He can't be God.
I can't expect him to act like God.

And if I don't... my marriage has a chance at being awesome.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Doodlebug Designs Rocks!

I redecorated!

Well... Judi at Doodlebug Designs created a new look for me.

Judi was super easy to work with. She asked a few questions and from my answers designed my new digs.

I said retro, flowers, springy, birds, orange, blue.

I say she got it.

I won my design during Bloggy Giveaways a the start of February. Her rates are reasonable, if you're in the market for a new look, give her a try.

Puddles, Google, College, Sugar Highs and whatnot

1. You are driving down the road and there is a puddle in the road. A big puddle. Not one that will really wreck your car or anything, but a big puddle. There is no other cars in front of you or behind you - do you drive through the puddle or drive around it?

If there are no other cars, I'll move to avoid the puddle. It is fun though to drive through a huge puddle... love the sound it makes on the underside of my car.

2. Go to Google Images, type in any word that comes to mind and post the 1st picture you see.

3. A college calls you up and says that you have been selected to take get any degree that you want on their dollar.... what do you choose?

I always wanted to be a doctor. Now though... I don't know if I'd want to invest the time.

4. Are you blogging on a laptop or desktop?

My lovely wonderful Macbook laptop. I love my laptop.

5. Which store, excluding a grocery store, do you shop at most often?

I'm ashamed to say, but don't think anyone who knows me would be surprised, STARBUCKS.

6. My daughters tried out for the school musical last night. Were you ever in a school play/musical? Which one?

Only as class assigments. I don't remember any of the plays names.

7. I read yesterday that a school PTA group wants to try to ban white bread, cakes, brownies or any other "treat" from their lunch menus... plus make kids' lunchboxes brought from home not include any "junk food". Thoughts on that one?

Ridiculous! Those people need to get a life and stay out of my kids lunch box.

8. How many people can your kitchen table seat?

With leaves we've had 14.

9. What time is it right now?

9:32 pm

10. Walk out the front door of your house/apartment, turn right, walk 2 blocks. What do you see?

The ocean, a highway and a cemetary.

What do you thunk? Read what others thunk at Thursday Thunks.

"Wives, submit...

to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

I'm not sure how well the next story relates to submission, but it's a good story and shows the growth I've experienced in just 11 days of this challenge.

We made a road trip to Las Vegas today. It was a l.o.n.g. drive. Both Surferman and I have "Directional Deficiency" You won't find it in the DSM, but it should be.

Here are the symptoms to look for...

• inability to differentiate between left and right
• difficulty knowing right hand from left hand (unless you look at your hands and see which one makes an "L" or pretend to hold a pencil)
• you routinely say right when you mean left and vice versa

Unfortunately there seems to be no cure and the only treatment involves GPS.

Back to the story...
A couple of weeks ago (pre-challenge), we took a road trip. Even with a GPS, we got lost multiple times and argued our way to our destination. It was pretty miserable.

Today though, we got turned around a couple of times yet we arrived at our destination without stress, without tears. It was great. It was proof the Lord has changed me.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

"Behold you are handsome,

my beloved! Yes, pleasant!... " Song of Solomon 1:16a

6 feet 6 inches. Tall and strong, not thin and spindly.

That's my Surferman.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

Crayon Resist Valentine Hearts

Grom and I used the rainy weather for fun and more fun.
Here's how we made the valentines we'll be dropping off for Montessori.
Grom will miss the party, but will still get his cards.

I was inspired by a post at Crafty Crow.

I printed heart shapes with a Bible verse inside.
"A friend loves you all the time" Proverbs 17:17
Grom colored the hearts with crayons.
I had fun helping.

Then we watercolored over the crayons.

Let them dry....
really dry.

Cut them out.Grom's going to write his name on the back and we're good to go.
We have enough for friends at school, friends at church and even some for Grandmas.

Happy Valentine's Day!

"... be swift to hear,

slow to speak..." James 1:19b

At dinner tonight we had a problem. Surferman was feeling like he was being ignored. He was trying to talk about the plans for tomorrow. Too much was going on... I was distracted. It wasn't pretty.

Often I complain that Surferman isn't listening. He felt vindicated when a recent hearing test revealed that he does have diminished hearing. One ear is pretty bad and the other isn't far behind. His hearing loss is probably from all those years of working with pneumatic power tools and banging on cars with hammers and such. I also understand that surfing and the cold water in the ear canal can also cause damage. He now likes to tell me that it's not that he's not listening, he's not hearing.

Back to today... I wasn't listening. I got a taste of how I feel when I feel like I'm being ignored. I'm going to purpose to listen better. The encouragement challenge offers an exercise... not speaking for a day unless answering a question... to focus on listening. I think I'll work on speaking less and listening more.

Read more about the 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge, and check out Kelli's blog, "Embracing the JOurYney.." as she leads us through it.

Just two rules:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!