Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife is doing a series of saying what we are thankful for on Thursdays throughout the month of November.
Here is my list for this week:
1. I am thankful to all the veterans who have served the "good old U.S. of A!" We have a long history of having brave men and women protecting the freedoms that we all enjoy. They deserve so much love and respect. I can't imagine what my life would be like without them. I have several veterans on all sides of my family and I salute them for their service!
2. I am thankful to live in a place as beautiful as Northwest Arkansas. I am always reminded of the beauty this time of year. Fall is such a reminder about the gift of nature God has given us.
3. I am thankful to come to work each day and do a job that I thoroughly enjoy. Kids are such blessings and a reminder of the important things in life.
4. I am thankful that I get to come to work each day and have wonderful friends around me. Enjoying the people you work with makes it not seem like work.
5. I am thankful for the family I am privileged to be a member of. I know I am never alone in this world. My family has taught me so much about love and happiness. I hope to never forget what all I have learned from different members of my family.
6. I am thankful for all the friends I have in this world. I know I am not close to all of them in the same way as in the past, but they were put into my life at the right time. As I think back to all the friends I have had throughout my life, I feel so blessed for the gifts they gave me.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Not All Bad
I know in my post yesterday it may have seemed like things are rough on the marriage front, but when I really think about it, that's not really true. Yes, we may be going through a rough patch over all, but I can't think that things are all bad.
There have been changes for us to deal with over the last several months that have probably contributed to the stress I am feeling in our relationship. I would like to think that the worst is behind us. In July, hubby started a graduate program in a school that is about 2 1/2 hours from where we live. We thought he would work on his master's and continue subbing. We lived in our house in Central Arkansas for the summer so he was only 30 minutes away from school. That really made everything seem like a piece of cake. Then we came back to Northwest Arkansas when it was time for school to start. Hubby started out subbing, but then had an offer to become an instructional assistant at my school. We thought this was a super opportunity, and in reality it is. He gets to work everyday, which means more income and benefits. Yay! But, with this new job came a lot more responsiblities and time commitments. Plus, he is taking 12 graduate hours. Some are online, but he does have to drive back and forth to school 1-2 times a week.
When I look back on this, I absolutely see why we are in a rough patch. We are having to make a lot of adjustments, but they are going to be totally worth it in the end. So since I was all gloom and doom yesterday, I thought today I would focus on the good things in our marriage.
1. Love-we definitely have love for each other and we say it everyday and really mean it. I know I mean it when I say it and am pretty positive hubby does too. It's not something we just throw around. That daily reminder of love really helps me get through.
2. Support- we support each other to achieve our goals. With both of us working full time and going to school, we do support each other and never begrudge when homework has to take time away from each other.
3.Dealing with each other's quirks. I can definitely say that hubby is better at this one than I am. I tend to be high strung and get upset/in a frenzy over things and hubby patiently deals with them. He knows that is just part of who I am. I really want to get better about his quirks. However, I have already grown in that area. I am more accepting of who he is.
4. Faith-we both have faith that there are three of us in this relationship. With God's blessing, we can make it through anything together. I pray often for our relationship and that it will continue to strengthen.
5. Joint Responsibility-we both take responsibility for the relationship working. It's going to take both of us to make our relationship work and our household function. For the most part we work together to get chores done. I don't feel that taking care of the house or other mundane things is solely my responsibility. We tend to divide and conquer those things. Hubby will probably never understand how much I truly appreciate that.
6. Together and Separate-we have never been one of those couples who has to spend every minute together to be happy. We have also never been one of those couples where we had to ask each other permission to do something or spend money. I know people in those types of relationships and am thankful to not have one. I love spending time together and doing things together, but I also love a little alone time. We always tell each other what we are doing, but more because we want to, not that we have to. Controlling spouses drive me crazy and I am thankful hubby is one of them.
This list could go on and on, but now that I stop and think we have a lot more good going on than bad. I am a thankful girl for that!
There have been changes for us to deal with over the last several months that have probably contributed to the stress I am feeling in our relationship. I would like to think that the worst is behind us. In July, hubby started a graduate program in a school that is about 2 1/2 hours from where we live. We thought he would work on his master's and continue subbing. We lived in our house in Central Arkansas for the summer so he was only 30 minutes away from school. That really made everything seem like a piece of cake. Then we came back to Northwest Arkansas when it was time for school to start. Hubby started out subbing, but then had an offer to become an instructional assistant at my school. We thought this was a super opportunity, and in reality it is. He gets to work everyday, which means more income and benefits. Yay! But, with this new job came a lot more responsiblities and time commitments. Plus, he is taking 12 graduate hours. Some are online, but he does have to drive back and forth to school 1-2 times a week.
When I look back on this, I absolutely see why we are in a rough patch. We are having to make a lot of adjustments, but they are going to be totally worth it in the end. So since I was all gloom and doom yesterday, I thought today I would focus on the good things in our marriage.
1. Love-we definitely have love for each other and we say it everyday and really mean it. I know I mean it when I say it and am pretty positive hubby does too. It's not something we just throw around. That daily reminder of love really helps me get through.
2. Support- we support each other to achieve our goals. With both of us working full time and going to school, we do support each other and never begrudge when homework has to take time away from each other.
3.Dealing with each other's quirks. I can definitely say that hubby is better at this one than I am. I tend to be high strung and get upset/in a frenzy over things and hubby patiently deals with them. He knows that is just part of who I am. I really want to get better about his quirks. However, I have already grown in that area. I am more accepting of who he is.
4. Faith-we both have faith that there are three of us in this relationship. With God's blessing, we can make it through anything together. I pray often for our relationship and that it will continue to strengthen.
5. Joint Responsibility-we both take responsibility for the relationship working. It's going to take both of us to make our relationship work and our household function. For the most part we work together to get chores done. I don't feel that taking care of the house or other mundane things is solely my responsibility. We tend to divide and conquer those things. Hubby will probably never understand how much I truly appreciate that.
6. Together and Separate-we have never been one of those couples who has to spend every minute together to be happy. We have also never been one of those couples where we had to ask each other permission to do something or spend money. I know people in those types of relationships and am thankful to not have one. I love spending time together and doing things together, but I also love a little alone time. We always tell each other what we are doing, but more because we want to, not that we have to. Controlling spouses drive me crazy and I am thankful hubby is one of them.
This list could go on and on, but now that I stop and think we have a lot more good going on than bad. I am a thankful girl for that!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Marriage is Hard
I know I was told before we were married that life wasn't always going to be easy. I also know that I just took that information and filed it away without ever giving it much thought. Well, I have been thinking about it a lot lately. As much as I love hubby, marriage definitely takes a lot of work to make it survive. The honeymoon is definitely over and now reality is setting in. There are a few areas that we are having to work harder on now than we did in the past.
When couples are dating, life seems so good and easy. Both parties are on their best behavior and the electricity somehow make the problems seem non-existent. While dating, you get to focus on the fun and kind of pretend the real world doesn't exist. I wouldn't trade that time I had for anything. But, I also wouldn't trade what we have now for anything. During this time, it is showing me what hubby and I are made of. What I am finding is that we are made of perseverance. While it isn't always easy, we aren't willing to give up on each other.
Something that is really hard right now is communication. We aren't doing a very good job of communicating with each about what we are thinking and feeling. The odd things is that we can't communicate about the unimportant things like what to eat, what hotel to stay in while on vacations, etc. We are pretty good about the important things in our lives. I want to contribute this communication barrier to just being so busy and tired with school and work. But, we need to focus on being more patient with each other when trying to communicate. Instead, we just get mad and upset with each other. I'm sure this is normal, but it's so extremely frustrating.
Here are a few more things we are struggling with right now:
* patience
* compromise
* attitude and tone we take with each other
While this sounds like everything is bad, when I really stop and think, it really isn't. To me this is just another phase as we grow in our relationship with each other. Before, we may have just ignored any type of conflict and now we are really trying to work through them. I feel confident that we are going out on the other side with a stronger relationship. I know we can't do it alone, but with a lot of prayer we'll make it!
When couples are dating, life seems so good and easy. Both parties are on their best behavior and the electricity somehow make the problems seem non-existent. While dating, you get to focus on the fun and kind of pretend the real world doesn't exist. I wouldn't trade that time I had for anything. But, I also wouldn't trade what we have now for anything. During this time, it is showing me what hubby and I are made of. What I am finding is that we are made of perseverance. While it isn't always easy, we aren't willing to give up on each other.
Something that is really hard right now is communication. We aren't doing a very good job of communicating with each about what we are thinking and feeling. The odd things is that we can't communicate about the unimportant things like what to eat, what hotel to stay in while on vacations, etc. We are pretty good about the important things in our lives. I want to contribute this communication barrier to just being so busy and tired with school and work. But, we need to focus on being more patient with each other when trying to communicate. Instead, we just get mad and upset with each other. I'm sure this is normal, but it's so extremely frustrating.
Here are a few more things we are struggling with right now:
* patience
* compromise
* attitude and tone we take with each other
While this sounds like everything is bad, when I really stop and think, it really isn't. To me this is just another phase as we grow in our relationship with each other. Before, we may have just ignored any type of conflict and now we are really trying to work through them. I feel confident that we are going out on the other side with a stronger relationship. I know we can't do it alone, but with a lot of prayer we'll make it!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Five Question Friday
Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then link up with Mama M. Come on. Join in. It’ll be fun!
1. If you have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be? I would love to have an eye for decorating. I love to walk into pretty places and always wish I could recreate them on a budget. I think it would be so much fun to help people decorate their homes in ways that really brings out their personality. But, I also think that making your home perfect for you shouldn't cost an arm and a leg.
2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods? I can't believe I have to choose. It all depends on the time of year. Spring and summer I wouldn't trade anything for a house on the beach. Being able to wake up and hear the sounds of the ocean, on my could anything be better. During fall and winter a cabin in the woods would be amazing! Seeing the leaves change colors and fall off, snow on the ground, how beautiful. To me, that sounds like a good Ozark Mountain Christmas. I can't choose. I won't, you can't make me.
1. If you have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be? I would love to have an eye for decorating. I love to walk into pretty places and always wish I could recreate them on a budget. I think it would be so much fun to help people decorate their homes in ways that really brings out their personality. But, I also think that making your home perfect for you shouldn't cost an arm and a leg.
2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods? I can't believe I have to choose. It all depends on the time of year. Spring and summer I wouldn't trade anything for a house on the beach. Being able to wake up and hear the sounds of the ocean, on my could anything be better. During fall and winter a cabin in the woods would be amazing! Seeing the leaves change colors and fall off, snow on the ground, how beautiful. To me, that sounds like a good Ozark Mountain Christmas. I can't choose. I won't, you can't make me.
3. Is there any meaning/reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?
We don't have children yet, but do have some potential names. The girl name is one we just like, which is a miracle that there is a name we both agree on. Actually, I picked the name out and he had one request about it, which I could totally live with. The boy name is made up of names from both sides of the family. Again, I picked the name and hubby didn't object to it. Yay! Who knows this could all change when we actually are having a baby.
4. What is your guilty pleasure?
I love these things. Actually during the holidays, I am totally addicted. It's a good thing that this peppermint bark is a limited edition or I could be in some serious trouble. There like Pringles, you can't eat just one. I try to keep a limited supply so I don't go too far overboard. Yummy!
5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?
I definitely live in the world of straightening for 99% of the year. I do get impulses to really clean a couple times a year, but most of the time is just too busy or tired for deep cleaning to get done regularly. It would be nice. When I grow up and get rich (ha ha), I would hire someone to deep clean my house on a regular basis. But, for the mean time, I am happy with my clean and straighten method.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thankfulness on Thursday
I know last week I said I was going to do better at blogging this week, but as you can see that didn't exactly work out as planned. I was home sick with some kind of stomach bug on Monday and Tuesday and have spent the past two days just getting caught up. However, I felt it was really important to post today.
Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife is starting a series of saying what we are thankful for on Thursdays throughout the month of November. My first list will be brief because I am so tired, but they are completely heartfelt.
1. I am thankful for my hubby! He puts up with me through the good and the bad. And he does it all with very little complaining even when I deserve to be complained at. He is very supportive in helping me meet my goals. He is truly my perfect match because I don't think anyone else could handle me quite like he does.
2. I am thankful for my mom! She is truly my best friend. She has always been there for me from the start. She has always been my biggest fan and continues to be so even though I am "grown."
3. I am thankful to live in the U.S.A. I love the fact that we have the right to vote and make decisions about our country. I love the life we are allowed to live. I love our freedom. I love the principles our country was founded on.
4. I am thankful for the deeper relationship I have formed with Christ this past year. I have been reading the Bible more and in a much deeper way. I truly feel that I am not alone in any of my endeavors and that I need to be giving back to others. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I will always be a work in progress.
Whitney over at The Glamorous Life of a Housewife is starting a series of saying what we are thankful for on Thursdays throughout the month of November. My first list will be brief because I am so tired, but they are completely heartfelt.
1. I am thankful for my hubby! He puts up with me through the good and the bad. And he does it all with very little complaining even when I deserve to be complained at. He is very supportive in helping me meet my goals. He is truly my perfect match because I don't think anyone else could handle me quite like he does.
2. I am thankful for my mom! She is truly my best friend. She has always been there for me from the start. She has always been my biggest fan and continues to be so even though I am "grown."
3. I am thankful to live in the U.S.A. I love the fact that we have the right to vote and make decisions about our country. I love the life we are allowed to live. I love our freedom. I love the principles our country was founded on.
4. I am thankful for the deeper relationship I have formed with Christ this past year. I have been reading the Bible more and in a much deeper way. I truly feel that I am not alone in any of my endeavors and that I need to be giving back to others. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I will always be a work in progress.
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