All you need is a little love.

I was driving home from reffing my basketball game this evening... Kind of ruffled up because I hate feeling like nobody likes me... and a little frustrated that with scholastic issues occurring in the life of my husband.  I was planning a huge speech in my head about "I told you so's" and "don't you care's" and "Come on's" which was just causing me to get more ruffled under the feathers and drive probably way too fast.  Upon arriving at my destination to pick up the kids I was ready to let off some steam.  (Wii boxing definitely helped)  but as I continued on my journey home, the thought landed and materialized in my brain and heart...  you really just need to love you husband.  I had tried soo hard all week long to use different methods of motivation, bribing, ragging, threatening, silent treatment, distraction... the list goes on.  The final result was me being frustrated and James coming home like a tank.  I knew that all my nagging all week long did not leave a pleasant spirit in our home but I was desperate.  So desperate that I was denying myself the ability to be led by the spirit and let my prayers be answered.  I now know that the only way I will be able to help him light his spark of motivation, passion, and brilliance will be to love him harder than ever before.  (And yes I am going to read the five love languages.  (I was recommended that I read this book years ago... but didn't... guess I finally have learned part of a lesson.))

So onwards and upwards...How do you all love harder and more?  Tender mercy for me tonight.  My prayer was answered...  James did not do well on his project (even though I prayed really hard for this.  Turns out I can't control this part the mercy)... but I found out how I can help him out.

Addictions

I have friends who give me a hard time that I would much rather save coins in a jar for garagesaling ( I swear it is a verb)  than for a day at the spa or a vacation...  But it is true.  I get such a rush from getting a good deal on something I could or could not need.  (However, I always argue that we will always need something or know of someone to need something... right?)  I have been going through withdrawals this past couple months and have been needing something to fill the frugality need in me.  My solution?  Blogs... more specific "do it yourself blogs."  I have all of a sudden resurrected the crafter that I attempted at being while I was in 4H oh so many years ago.  (I never really made it passed making a jewelry holder.)  I now am able to get a rush off of redecorating my house, giving gifts with out spending and use up some of the must have garage sale finds that have been storing up.  Annie was invited to a Birthday party the other day and I put to use my "fabric flower" making skills to throw together some headbands for her.  (hehe  I even made one for me!)  I built a shelf for my bathroom, painted two plant pots, made a blanket for Annie, recovered two lamps and am in the process of making covers for my pillows!!!  Mostly all from materials that I have either picked up really clearanced or from freecycle!  Wowsers! I even picked up a new area rug for our dining room that is in perfect shape and actually matches for free!!!  Next on the list to do... redo my laundry area.  Good luck!

Just some of the little tender mercies to help us get through the day!  Gotta love those addictions!