Decorating home for ALL members of your family

Confession: Ever since we’ve been married, I’ve been jealous of other wives who have full control of decorating their home. 

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Ever since we said, ” I do” Travis and I have had equal say about everything concerning decorating our home. He has just as much opinion and ideas about making our home, “Home”. We are also both vocal, stubborn people so we’ve had many…’discussions’ about pillow cases,  wall colors, comforters and table ware. However, through the years, I’ve just gotten used to it, thinking it’s just the way it is….but, honestly, internally I wanted full control to make our home as girly as I wanted.

I had this ‘awesome’ mindset that MY home is about ME. MY choices, MY castle to decorate.Who cares if others are living here too. MY opinion rules. ME.

Fast forward to a couple days ago, I was reading a blog about how she makes her home comfortable and “Home” for everyone in the family.

“What?!” “Not about ME?!” 

It convicted me. It made sense and also just kinda obvious. Like a splash of cold water in my face. I was able to shake my head and think about um…my family…not just what this mama likes. *ouch

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If, in your home, the daddy/kiddos don’t care- bonus for you! Chose those fabrics, flowers and flatware you love! It might be fun (relative) to involve your hubby more in those choices. He might learn that he cares and it could be a fun hobby for you both. Frustrating for you? At times.

But I’ve found items have more meaning/memories attached when we’ve gotten in an argument. For example, over a stupid lamp shade. When I look at the one we eventually chose, I smile because we are learning what the word, Compromise means. Oh and is it ever uncomfortable.

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I also have a manipulation tendancy I’m trying to shake off. For example, and fun for you to read:

I might make pieces, like this pink M, that Travis will look at and is say, “Cool Alexis….um… it’s pink” And I look proudly and say “YES! Isn’t it cool! Emma and I love it and did it together!” He so lovingly swallows his “ugh, it’s like, florescent pink” and lets me display it. It helps when people compliment it. 😉

But I hope I don’t do that very much and that I’m learning to listen and consider His opinions. I’ve learned it’s somehow tied to respect for him. It’s a lesson I’m struggling with but still attempting to understand.

So, overall our home hasn’t really changed. Just this mama’s perspective and attitude…for at least today.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, I am SO glad you are done

Today was a hard day. I haven’t had one like this in a while.

Without going into details, a lot of discouragement and disappointment was plopped at my doorstep and I had to deal with some emotions. Not that those emotions are bad, but I still had to go through them. Life is hard sometimes.

And through the day little things kept being dropped at my doorstep that right now I am about to either scream or really cry it out.

It’s like a sink full of water but the small drips keep a’comin. One discouraging news after another. Really? REALLY?!! *sigh…but as I decide to blog/process this I see a choice is before me.

Choice A: I can sit and wallow in disappointment and discouragement. (familiar road) Drop commitments because they seem too lofty and stay up late watching Pride and Prejudice. (because at least I know everything will be OK in the end…of THAT story)

Choice B: I can blog about my feelings, chatting with God about how I feel. Then come up with a plan of attack for tomorrow. Focusing on each topic and creating a strategic plan for success.

I wish I had to energy and drive to focus on plan b. But the honestly, I’m sure I’m going to waver back and forth tomorrow. I think that if I accomplish these 3 goals I will feel like I took a step in the right direction:

1. Run. Without the stinkin stroller, but heck, even with the stroller. Must keep up with the running schedule.

2. Make scheduled dinner. No substituting for an easy meal. You can do it Alexis!

3. Check mail. Starbucks card coming and I can’t wait. (Danke Mutti!)

Thanks for the prayers if I was on your mind, here’s hoping for a good Wednesday.