Monday Musings: on being a WINNER!

"A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills and uses these skills to accomplish his goals."
- Larry Bird

My husband achieved 'WINNER' status on Friday afternoon...
He became a DOCTOR! (Ph.D in Philosophy)

I'm so proud, excited, relieved, all wrapped up together about his achievement!

There were a few months, especially in the beginning of his journey, that we were not sure if we would ever see this prize, but WE did it! Wooo HOOO!!

Now, someone just needs to recognize the talent he has as an amazing professor and give him a J-O-B!



Don't forget to prepare your post for the Love Story Link Up this FRIDAY!!

Re-Ignite Date Night {#24}

Forgo the main course at dinner and skip right to the sweets with your sweetie...

~Have a 'Just Desserts' Date!~
Go on, you know you've always wanted to order off those tempting dessert menus.
Or you could bake up something together at home?
Why not take one night to save up your calories for the day and indulge!

Find the recipe for 'Naughty Ice Cream Sandwiches' pictured above at
Pinch My Salt

Working towards a years worth of
Novel Dating Ideas
shared every Friday
Here's Why!
Have a great date idea?
Email me @ 1wonderwomanwannabe@gmail.com
and I'll feature YOU for the week!

You're Invited!!

Come by next week to link up your own love story!

Don't we all just love a true life love story?
It's the season of love, so let's get together to share!
Prepare a post to link up and tell us how you and your main squeeze met, how he proposed, a memorable date, or just a sweet little simple something that makes your heart go pitter-pat.

And to make things even more fun, Mandy from Three Tea Designs has offered up a free personalized stationary design from her shop to be given away! Click on the red link to see her delightful work! Everyone who participates will be automatically entered to win. Winner will be picked at random.

Hope to see you then!

Grab a button and invite your friends!!

Living Life Without a Radar

We just got back from a long weekend visiting family (up North of all places) to escape ice and snow that went through our area starting last Thursday. On Tuesday, we started hearing reports of a big ice storm that was coming our way. Remembering last year when we were without power for 4 days, it was nice to have advance warning to give us time to prepare for what was to come. We knew that any classes that hubby would be scheduled to teach would be cancelled so without any obligations and clear and sunny weather reported for Iowa, why not take an impromptu trip to let the boys see the grandparents!? We had a great time and I even got my hair cut by one of my best buds! It turned what could have been a bummer of a weekend into a fun relaxing time!

Wouldn't it be great if there was a Doppler Radar for life ?

image credit: techicaldirector

Every week you could tune in to see what was ahead in the immediate future.... "Stressful with a 30 % chance of financial crisis", or "Happy and cheerful with nothing but laughter and success on the horizon."

With my husband just days away from defending his dissertation, this chapter of our life is coming to a close and we're doing our best to prepare for an uncertain future. It helps in these seasons to lean into Proverbs 16:9

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

When you don't know exactly whats coming next, it's nice to at least have the confidence that at least SOMEONE who knows you through and through does.

What are you waiting in faith for today?


linked to:
tuesdays unwrapped @ chatting at the sky
&
30 minute blog challenge @ steady mom

Monday Musings::On Time

"Make the most of your minutes, the free hours may never come."

- unknown

Re-Ignite Date Night {#23}

Turn an ordinary game into an evening to remember when you
~Put a New Spin on a Regular Board Game!~
Maybe this scrabble playing couple is kissing a second for every point achieved ...
Maybe they're only spelling verbs which the other person must do...
If you use your imagination, you can make up your own rules to any run-of-the-mill game to make it more entertaining and memorable (or dare I say saucy?!!)!

Today's Date Night Suggestion was inspired by
Erin @ Together for the Good
go pay her a visit and read all about their
new spin on CLUE

Working towards a years worth of
Novel Dating Ideas
shared every Friday
Here's Why!
Have a great date idea?
Email me @ 1wonderwomanwannabe@gmail.com
and I'll feature YOU for the week!

A Sure Cure for the DIS-Content

card by Valerie Kiser

grati·tude

noun

~a feeling of thankful appreciation for favors or benefits received; thankfulness~

One thing I have learned over and over in my life is the minute I start feeling dis-content, grumpy or just down in the dumps I need only change my thinking into thoughts of gratitude about whatever has got me down and I instantly get a fresh perspective.

In the midst of being irritated at my children's neediness or mis-behavior; remember the sweet adorable things they say and do most of the time, be thankful for their health, safety, and their mere presence that so many other childless couples yearn deeply for.

When I feel discontent about the state of the decor (or lack there of) my house; be thankful that I have a home to begin with. So many people loose theirs due to natural disaster, or to financial crisis.

Instead of focusing on what my husband doesn't do; remember what he does; faithful, hard-working to provide for our family, engaging, caring, deep thinker (I could go on...and I should more often)

When feeling bummed that my 1 month gym membership that I received for Christmas is about to expire; be thankful that I have a physically able body to exercise and just get moving! Got a favorite work out on DVD? Please share!

Gratitude doesn't always come naturally, it's a choice, but something we should choose in all things, even if we're not in a season of abundance... 1 Thes. 5:18: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

What will you choose to be grateful for today?

linked to:
Tuesdays unwrapped @ Chatting at the Sky
&
30 Minute Blog Challenge @ Steady Mom