For about the past month, my husband and I have both been debating over something, trying to make a decision….and we haven’t fought over it at all….it’s not like that.  It’s nothing huge either, not a major, life-changing decision.  Just something little that will affect our everyday lives in small ways.  For me, maybe it’s a tad bigger, but not really that much…..

We’ve been debating over moving his computer in from the garage (where he has a little office set up, since he closed his local shop here in the town where we live; he still has his other shop) and putting it in what is now the office/craft room/school room.  The hard part is that it means giving up my schoolroom….and for some, that might be a piece of cake.  But it’s been a tough decision.  I’m not upset over it; I see the need for Dan to bring his computer in.  It would definitely give us so much more working room in the garage, and he’d be in the house, out of the heat, now that summer’s here.  So, it’s time….

It’s time for me to say goodbye to my schoolroom, which on the one hand is kinda sad, but on the other hand, it’s like a new beginning of sorts.  For one thing, we’ll be clearing out all the school clutter, which will be re-organized and sorted onto shelves and cupboards in our dining room.  Everything will have a place, so it doesn’t clutter up our dining room.  The dining room will probably be a much better place for school anyway, as it will be much more interactive for both my boys.  We’ll have so much more room for projects and things.  Plus, our map covers our entire kitchen table underneath a piece of clear vinyl I picked up in the fabric section (I got this idea from another homeschool blogger, but I can’t remember who; I’m so sorry I can’t give due credit).  Not sure where all our posters and things will go, but we’ll figure it out….

I’m actually excited for this new beginning.  It may seem small, yet it’s not for me.  You see, in marriage there are all kinds of sacrifices that have to be made.  There just are; it’s a given, especially if your ultimate goal is to grow old together and still be in love, to honor and cherish the one you vowed to be with for the rest of your life.  I’m excited for Dan to get in out of the heat, and I’m excited to have a newly reorganized school space.  There’s a twinge of sadness at giving up this space, yet there’s so much more happiness at providing a space that Dan truly needs.  In the winter, there was heat in the garage, and it worked out great….but now that summer’s here, it’s just not working, and if I can give to him, then why shouldn’t I?  Please don’t get me wrong here; I’m not trying to toot my own horn AT ALL.  I’m simply trying to make the point that if we, as wives, can give something of value to our husbands, then why shouldn’t we?  What’s stopping us from sacrificing and giving to them, in love?  As wives, we need to provide for their needs, as well, which could include giving up a school room or even something as small as a closet or cupboard.  Hey, and I look at it this way….I’ll get to spend even more time with him because when I’m working on my blog or on MamaBuzz or on school plans or crafting, or whatever….he’ll be right behind me. For Dan and I, we’ve had to really think about it; he didn’t want to infringe upon the schoolroom, and we both weren’t sure if we wanted it in the dining room….but after the last week of just on and off talking it over, it’s time….

Is there something you’re hanging onto….something that could ultimately bless both you and your honey if you were to just let go?

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

Last week, as we were driving the long trip from PA back home to MO, one thing just hit me square-on in the face.  We were making this long trip, battling the stomach flu in both kids and Dan, and I wasn’t feeling so hot myself.  We had just spent the night in a puke-ridden motel room (we cleaned up for sure, but I still felt sorry for the maid just because of the smell), and all of a sudden, it just hit me.  We were sick, but my kids had just had the time of their lives with the grammies and pappies.  They had just spent countless hours riding four-wheelers, building forts in the woods, catching fish, riding the subway in NYC, etc.  They had made memories that they’ll never forget.  It hit me that, instead of being afraid to let my kids experience life, due to fear of what they might learn, what they might catch (illness-wise), what they might get themselves into, I need to let them be kids.  I remember what it was like to be a kid, and I don’t think I realized back then what a glorious thing it was to truly be a kid.  So….my motivation today is to let my kids be kids, let them live life, let them experience what life is all about, what God has in store for them.  Let them be the kids God created them to be.

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

With Mother’s Day just yesterday, this song is so fitting, as we moms seek God’s guidance in raising up our children….Happy Mother’s Day!

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.

In this busy, run here, run there, hectic life that all of us seem to have now….it can be easy to let our guard down. It’s easy to become a little complacent about things….and sometimes just downright rude. All of the stress can just collide together and cause major explosions and ripple effects….

Know what I mean by ripple effects? Say you’re not so nice to someone because you’re having a really bad day….they’re, in turn, not nice to the next person they meet….who, in turn, aren’t nice to the next person they talk to, etc., etc. This could go on and on. The ripple effect from one person’s rudeness can make a huge impact on the people we love, the people we talk to on a daily basis, and even our whole communities.

Lately, God’s really spoken to my heart….just to try to be a little nicer, to add a little sugar into what I say or do. Whether it’s welcoming the new mom reviewer into MamaBuzz with a small, personal note….or whether it’s not shaking my fist at that driver who cut me off….I’m striving to be a nicer person. Being nice is not easy, as the negative ripples seem to be everywhere. However, just one person can make a difference, because being nice has ripple effects too. Just being nice to one person can lift them up, can put a ray of sunshine into their day, or just really make their day. So, how about trying it with me? Let’s strive to just be nice to each other, even when we’re scurrying and hurrying.  Let’s create some positive ripples out there.

For more Motivate Me Monday, visit Sarah at The Fifth Street Palace.