Marriage

3 Cheap Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

February 12, 2016 by Quin 1 Comment

Do you need a quick and cheap Valentine’s gift idea? Here you’ll find my top 3 cheap Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

My husband is notorious for saying “Don’t spend any money on me”, and then spending money on ME. The gifts he gives are simple and sweet, but still, I want to bless him too!

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He truly does not want a material gift handed to him. Crazy, I know! Hey, at least it saves us money! He will politely say thank you, but the chances are that he will never ever use the gift I give him, no matter how practical it is. IF on the rare occasion he does use the gift, it’s short lived and then it hangs out on his dresser until I stick it in the garage sale pile.

Sounds harsh, but it’s just the reality I’ve learned to live with, and that’s okay! I love that he’s a Godly Giver, I just wish he was more of a Gracious Receiver too.

Now the one exception to this is the water bottle I bought him for Christmas 2015. His old CamelBak was falling apart and leaking like crazy, so I upgraded him to a Contigo. He first tried to pass it off to one of the kids, but I insisted he use it, and he does. I ordered myself the nicer Stainless Steel Contigo. I felt bad not getting him the upgraded bottle, but I knew it wasn’t his style.

You can search the web for THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT, but at the end of the day, you know who you’re shopping for and you’ve got to keep them in mind.

• First of all, I’m bombarding his phone with mushy sweetness like the picture above. It’s free and fun!
• The kids and I recorded a video sharing what we love about him (I may share it to our YouTube Channel). I asked the kids questions (what do you love about Daddy? What is something Dad has taught you?, etc.) and they took turns answering them. My tip here is use your PAUSE button, and keep it fun.
• We’re having a Family Valentine’s Dinner where the kids and I will serve Mr.Awesome. My oldest loves to decorate the table with the good linens & dishes, so she’ll handle that. I’ll cook the main dish and offer help to the kids when I’m needed. It’s a group project!
• I’m giving him an IOU on a shirt from Amazon– because I didn’t plan far enough ahead and it takes 5-7 days to ship, even with Prime.

My objective here is to tell you don’t blow a ton of money on a gift, just because it’s Valentine’s Day. Being kind and thoughtful does not mean being foolish with your dollars to impress everyone.

Be fun, be goofy, & ENJOY this commercialized holiday by letting the most important thing be that you’ve found someone just as crazy as you to spend your days with. At least that’s how I look at it.

TOGETHER is the very best place to be.

The Scare; Finding Peace

May 6, 2015 by Quin Leave a Comment

It rained all day yesterday.
My hubby took the day off of work to take me to my doctor appointment, the one for the breast exam. I told him I could’ve went on my own, but he knew better. I needed him there with me.

My mom watched the kids, and for that I’m so thankful, since it ended up being a whole day ordeal.

As we left for the doctor and made it about half a mile down the road, I remarked that it rained just like this, the morning of our wedding day.
That made me begin reminiscing all of our days together. We married young.

While I’ve been waiting to get my test and results and just embrace whatever stage I’m in, I questioned one thing.

Was I satisfied with our days together? Was he? Was I a worthy wife to this man who loves me so deeply?

I felt at peace knowing that yes, I was very satisfied with our relationship. Even though the toughest of tough days, horrible days, hopefully unlike many of you have ever had to face, I was satisfied knowing he was on my team.
I use the “leave it better than you found it rule” everywhere, even in my relationships. I don’t always succeed, but I do give it an honest effort and pray through the ones I’m struggling with.

I decided over the weekend that yes, I could leave my family now, knowing they were better than when I found them.

I heard my oldest daughter singing hymns and worship music multiple times last week. I saw my youngest (2) praying for her meals and shouting “GOD MADE ME!” to anyone who would listen. I witnessed my son, our middle child, practicing communion and mentioning that he was the man of the house when dad was at work. He prayed for selfless things that most kids his age would never think of. I felt as if they were each mature for their age and stage, and that they were doing things that would glorify God.

I was at peace.

Then I learned that my breast tissue was healthy, and that I needn’t worry.

Which means I get to keep teaching my children, my husband, myself, and everyone else about God’s good news.

I am still waiting for the results from one more test. I’m hopeful that will turn out just fine also. The doc didn’t seem concerned, so unless the test comes in and tells me otherwise, I’m claiming I’m healed, in Jesus’ holy and life giving name!

Reflections from my 10 yr class reunion

July 6, 2014 by Quin Leave a Comment

Thoughts the day before my class reunion:
I’m not going! But just in case I do, in the next 24hrs:
Drink water
Avoid carbs
Whiten teeth
Shave legs
Thoughts just hours before the reunion:
Crap, I ate carbs!
Could I buy one of those girdle things?
I really wasn’t cute in high school, so I’m sure no one is expecting much from me.
Thoughts minutes before waking in the door:
Suck in the tummy.
Smile. Be Happy. Do not show fear.
What if no one remembers me?
I walked by a classmate outside who completely ignored me, but in the ugly-obvious way. Like I saw you, made eye contact, and now I’m going to pretend like I don’t know you so you don’t bother me… I wanted to leave right then. I begged…My husband wouldn’t let me. Who invited him anyway? 😉 jk, I’m so glad he coaches me in awkward social situations.
Thoughts post reunion:
To the guys that were jerks in high school, and made no attempt to talk to me tonight, despite me smiling your way or actually saying hi; I hope you are sweet to your wives, instill confidence in your daughters and someday soften your hearts to the whole world.
There were a few people who went out of their way to say hi to me. I was surprised and genuinely grateful for their kindness.
My “group” from high school was there. They cracked me up all night. I’m thankful for their friendship, even after not seeing each other hardly at all for the last 10 yrs.
I’m glad I skipped the $60 girdle, because the people I would’ve worn it to impress didn’t talk to me anyway.
It’s the end of the night, my head is resting on my pillow as I finish up this post. I’m glad I went because I won’t have to wonder what it would’ve been like, or be filled with regret for staying home. But honestly, real true honesty here.. It was just okay. Good night world.

A Letter to my Children… & You

May 17, 2014 by Quin Leave a Comment

Written for my children, for when they are older and will understand it more. But maybe you {my dear readers} could use this right now, too? I know I would benefit from these words being spoken to me daily.

My Dear Children,
I pray you are clinging tightly to Jesus. Be ready. Be ready for whatever comes your way, whether you think it to be good or worry it may cause strife.
I want you to be BOLD in your conversations and in your actions. You can be bold, kindly.
Act as Jesus would.

Soften your hearts. Drop your guard, & be genuine. Yes, please, please be genuine. And forgiving.
Don’t be afraid of a disappointment. Do and say the things God lays on your heart so you have no regret over the things you left undone.
Time will run out. You don’t have forever to do it all. Your life on Earth will end. Make the time for the things that matter. Quit hiding behind excuses that are inflicted by your insecurities.
They say people will forget what you’ve said but remember how you made them feel. I hope you never forget the feeling of being absolutely positively loved by me, your momma.
I want you to be aware that in this life some people will work to twist your words and hurt you. Please, when you can, stray from them. Just stray.
Make your mark on the world & shine brightly.
Take time to heal your soul. It needs refreshing more often than you’d think.
Take time to address any internal problems you feel arise.
Always be ready to move on.
It isn’t guaranteed that you will get a warning for when your time comes to meet our Heavenly Father, so just be ready.
Never forget to work in face to face conversations. I don’t care how easy social media is when you are older, it’s not the same as human contact. Use it as a tool, do not let it distract you.
I want you to know how to play at least one tune on either guitar or piano. Never turn down an opportunity to perform.
Smile, please?
When you meet “the one” never forget that they are the ONE. I believe we each only get one shot at marriage. Pray often for your spouse. Don’t be afraid to ask them to pray for you, be specific. Love them fully and passionately.
Wherever there is bad, there is also GOOD. Seek it out.
Regularly step out of your comfort zone and see how much you’ll grow.
Make time for fun!
When you need spiritual help, get it. If you need counseling, get it. Never be ashamed to ask for help.
Don’t go this life alone. Keep Jesus in your heart and goodness on your mind.
I.Love.You.
Momma

Just a Few Quick Notes

February 27, 2014 by Quin 1 Comment

I don’t have time to write out a full blog post but I want
to share a few quick notes I’ve taken at MOPS this year.

If you are a parent, you are a leader. You will always be a leader.
Put verses where you can soak them in. This is as simple as writing out a verse on a note card
and sticking it at the kitchen sink, on the mirror, or on the door so you see it before you head out.
Praise First!
Don’t keep secrets from your spouse. Share EVERYTHING. There isn’t such thing as sharing too much in
a marriage.
Men, although they are tough on the outside, are fragile on the inside. Remember that, and treat them accordingly.
It’s okay to want good things, but not more than we want to please the Lord.

Meal Time Makeover- Day 3.. Perfect?

September 29, 2010 by Quin 1 Comment

It’s day 3 and things are going well! Just a quick update, Chad’s breakfast was homemade granola bars. I made a batch yesterday so he will be able to take those all week if he chooses to. Simple and so much better for him than the store bought, although I’m sure I can find an even healthier recipe, this is what we’re doing for now.
He made his lunch. We had a nice chat over the phone while he ate.
For supper we struggled, do we order pizza, make taco’s (yes, we also have a taco Tuesday night)… or eat frozen chicken patties again. We went with the frozen chicken patties, I think their simplicity and flavor are both addicting.
During supper my sweetheart and I both were teasing the princess with “LOOK! A baby mongoose” and dipping our sandwiches her ranch when she wasn’t looking.
She’s caught on pretty quick. Without a word, she smiled, got up and grabbed the ranch bottle. She strutted her stuff over to the table and before I could say a word or get my hand up to stop her she was pouring half the bottle of ranch onto my plate (you ever have those bottles that just POUR out when you only want a dab, this is one of those). OH MY! We haven’t laughed that hard in a long time! I mean I laughed so hard I cried!!
Then my Mr. Awesome got up and announced he would be having a salad. LOL! Of course using the dressing that was left on my plate.

Highlights of my day:

The one on one time I had with each family member, even if I didn’t get any time to myself.
The awesome playdate this morning.
Grocery shopping.
Turning in old video games for store credit at Gamers.
Good phone conversations with my daddy.
Lunch with my mom.
A family walk.
A hilarious family dinner.
And now blogging. I think I might actually like blogging!

Today was a success, a true success!

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