My Husband was Impressed When...

"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates

Lately, I have been in a state of examination. I am currently examining every aspect of my life with the goal of making myself a better person. I realize, that it sounds deep but trust me, I am NOT DEEP. I just want to be the best Christ follower, wife, mother, friend, etc. that I can be.

Our pastor is currently preaching through the book of James and naturally James 1:22 hit home. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)" Hence, the reason I am examining my life. It is easy to "listen" to the Bible.  It is HARD to live out the Bible. I want to be one who lives out what the Bible says.

I am currently reading Love and Respect. (I am not finished, but I plan on posting a review soon.) I highly recommend it though. I seriously think the author has been in our home during some of our disagreements. (Makes me laugh).  

In light of reading Love and Respect and examining my life, I asked my husband what I could do to be a better wife. I know a million things I could do better, but I wanted to know from his perspective.  

His response, "I was really impressed when you had that daily list and schedule." What he was referring to was a routine I had myself on in the past. It was a daily cleaning, organizing and cooking guide for me to follow so I could keep up with my housework. I was very surprised at his response because my husband is the most laid back person (and generally not clean). 

His answer has been on the forefront of my mind. 

From his response, I realize how important schedules and routines are at every age. I don't think it is the cleanliness that he cares about as much as knowing that everything is okay and taken care of at home.  

"Let the wife make her husband glad to come home and let him make her sorry to see him leave". ~ Martin Luther

Having a routine is easily something I can do to help my husband. I am working on my schedule and I'll post it in hopes that it might help those other overwhelmed mamas out there.  

I recommend you "kindly" ask your husband what you can do to be a better wife. (Don't get defensive about his response.. do what he says). 

Did you ask him?  What what his response? 

I Broke the #1 Rule in Child Discipline

"You know the only people who are always sure about the proper way to raise children? Those who’ve never had any." -Bill Cosby  

We are in the depths of discipline. Before I had kids, I was told the importance of discipline in my child's life. I heard that consistency is key. I know of one "no-no" in discipling. When discipling your child, NO LAUGHING!  Under no circumstance can you laugh. Laughing would ultimately thwart the purpose of the discipline.  

Confession: I broke this rule, big time.

We are having major listening problems in our house. We have been trying to teach Kate to say "Yes Ma'am" when someone asks her to do something. During bath time, Justin was reiterating this lesson.  

Here is how the conversation went down:

Justin: "Kate, when Mama asks you to do something, what do you say?"

Kate: Looked up, paused, thought and stated (very seriously): "bibbidi bobbidi boo".

I immediately started laughing! I am sorry, I just couldn't help it. 

Justin chuckled, rolled his eyes and said she bleeds princess.

Oh, yes she does!

I always tell her she is my first baby and will always be my baby. She quickly replies, "I not a baby Mama, I'm a princess."  Yes... yes she is!

She is all princess!

Do you have any discipling tips or funny stories?  Leave a comment below... I'd love to hear them!

Too early to teach a baby to catch?

My husband is a hard core sports guy. This morning he decided to start working with John (our 10 month old). I think he is a natural athlete. :)

Kate's Snow Cream.. The Experience

We (meaning Kate and I) experienced snow cream for the first time today.  I am from Florida, so my opportunity to make snow cream has been limited by 60 degree lows and... well, no snow.  Justin said this type of snow was the best for making snow cream.  So, we gathered up some snow and here is the recipe / experience.  It actually tasted delicious!  (I was skeptical.)

Ingredients:

1/2 gallon snow (please, top layer of snow only)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 tablespoon Vanilla
1 cup Half and Half (or milk)

Dump snow into a large bowl.

Pour in Half and Half.

Add Vanilla.  (Justin doesn't measure, but it came out delicious).

Add Sugar.

Stir.

Enjoy!

Justin had the day off today, so while John took a nap.. we played in the snow.  (We meaning, I stayed on the porch and took pictures while Justin and Kate played in the snow).

That little mound of snow is their snow man.  (A little pitiful)

She had to wear her favorite princess hat and her favorite scarf.

Confession: I'm an ADDICT

What is one word to describe yourself? I have been contemplating this question and unfortunately my answer is, addict.

I am addicted to:

-Having Stuff
-Name Brands
-Being Liked
-Trying to be perfect (always fail at this)
-Scents (currently Tyler "celebrity")
-Hugging and kissing my kids
-Food
-Twitter / Facebook
-IPhone (to make matters worse, I want an IPad)
-Beating my husband at Words With Friends (I've even resorted to cheating)

I want to be addicted to:

-God's Word/Bible (reading)
-Memorizing God's Word
-Reading
-Changing (to become like Christ)

Several bloggers (here and here) wrote about "One Word 2011". Instead of making a list of resolutions, you choose one word to guide how you live in 2011. I am the most indecisive person and over think everything.

It has taken me almost a month to figure out my "one word", but here it is:

LOVE

I want love to direct everything I do.  My verse for the year:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35

I want the word that describes me to change.  I want my life to be a synonym for LOVE.

What is one word to describe yourself?  Do you have "One Word" for 2011?  Do you have a verse for the year?