by kathilipp | Dec 9, 2007 | The Husband Project |
Part of taking care of our husbands, or anyone else, for that matter (mommies listen up here) is taking care of ourselves. We’ve all heard that when there is an emergency on an airplane we must first put on our own oxygen mask before doing so for our loved ones. (How can we take care of anyone when we are passed out on the airplane floor with only a bag of peanuts to cushion our fall?)
It’s impossible to make other people the top priority on your list when you don’t even show up on the page.
So your add-on project today is one that is all about YOU. Today, set aside time (even if it’s only two minutes) to go into your bathroom, find one of those bottles of lotion you received as a thank-you gift, and lay it on thick. Do your arms, your elbows, your heels; everywhere that’ll feel good and just a little bit luxurious.
While this add on is all about you, there will be double return on your time investment. You husband will get a softer, smoother, and more relaxed wife.
by kathilipp | Dec 5, 2007 | The Husband Project, tips and ideas |
Hello again, gals…
Here’s the final exchange between the three Project Managers; this from a wife who’s really given thought to her husband’s personal favorites:
“I totally agree with you M. My husband has not said anything. Sometimes I think I could drop a brick on his head and he wouldn’t notice! Maybe it is a guy thing! (more…)
by kathilipp | Dec 4, 2007 | The Husband Project |
We’re still listening in on our three Project Managers. Here’s the response from one of the Managers, who also happens to be a nursing mom:
“Hi,
Like you, S, I FULLY fell off the bandwagon last week as our routine was off due to Thanksgiving. So…I will look at week 3 and make some plans.
I LOVE that you two went on a date! J and I have a date this Friday–dinner out and a Sharks hockey game–the funny part will be me pumping in the car between. HAHAHA! But it will be good to get out and not have anyone interrupt our conversation–like, say, a 4 year old.
I’m wondering if either of your husbands have wondered what the heck is going on? Any reactions at all in that way? J has not really–which, either means I am not doing enough to get his attention OR I am a pretty nice wife most of the time? Not sure which quite yet. “
M
by kathilipp | Dec 3, 2007 | The Husband Project, tips and ideas |
Hi, ladies –
According to the feedback I’ve received on the project, many of you, if not the majority, love seeing what other women are doing to make it work for them.
I have the privilege of being in the email loop of three great and funny girls who are holding each other accountable. Here’s a rundown from S about what she had in store for her guy this week and some very cool changes she is experiencing:
“Last week I arranged for a babysitter and B and I went out on a real date!!! (more…)
by kathilipp | Nov 30, 2007 | The Husband Project |
OK, so I may be dating myself here.
Growing up, I loved Mr. Rogers. Although, I have to admit, the Neighborhood of Make Believe freaked me out.
I think what I loved about Mr. Rogers was his gentle attitude; and if you ask me what I remember most about the show, it would definitely be his “getting home” routine.
I loved his routine of changing from his work clothes into his “at home” duds. His transition each day marked the end of one part of his day and the beginning of the more relaxing, comfortable part.
There’s something inside our husband that craves that transition. Most men need some way to signal the end of work and the beginning of home — laying down for a little bit, reading a magazine, going to their “cave,” or yes, by changing into their favorite light blue cardigan.
Find a way to build that time into his day.
by kathilipp | Nov 29, 2007 | Uncategorized |
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) chocolate chip morsels
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
by kathilipp | Nov 28, 2007 | Uncategorized |
I love it when a plan comes together.
Even if your marriage has stayed rockin’ from the beginning, it’s a great idea to keep ourselves in check as far as our attitudes and actions. I love this testimony below because it reminds us that this is not so much about our guys and how they behave as it is about us. This is from a new friend in Texas…
“I wanted to personally give you feedback on the project. I received my friend’s call to participate in your project at a perfect time. I was becoming a bit resentful and bitter over my husband’s schedule. As I told you, he has been very busy with his work and ministry. Well of course, I have been praying that he would “hear from God” and be willing to change jobs and even change churches, but this project is changing my attitude towards him and his work. I realize that I had become caught up in my daily responsibilities and have failed to be “purposeful in loving and supporting him”. I can say that I am enjoying the work in progress and Hubby has been responsive. He’s been more positive, open, and has even made it home a couple of times in between work and rehearsals. Thanks again.”
Encouraging words for all of us, don’t you think?
by kathilipp | Nov 27, 2007 | tips and ideas |
Diane had a great question:
“I have a question already. Both my husband and I travel. He is in Houston today. Should I skip the day or just wait until he comes back and do the day I missed?”
Thanks for asking, Diane. Things can, and often do, come up within a three-week time frame. (I travel so much that if I had to wait to do the project until my husband and I were together for 21 Days, this book/blog would never have been written.) So, we must be a little flexible.
Go ahead and still do a “project” that doesn’t involve him physically being there. Some ideas:
- Write him a note that he’ll find when he gets back from the trip.
- Plan a dinner out for when he’s home and pull together your outfit ahead of time.
- Eflirt with him (an e-mail or text message) while he’s away.
- Buy his favorite snack (you can actually give it to him on another day).
- Try and get to one of his “honey do list” items so he doesn’t have to.
So keep going, full steam ahead. This will keep you focused on him while he’s away, and hopefully will make you miss him as you do these little things for him.
Kathi – Your Project Coordinator
by kathilipp | Nov 24, 2007 | tips and ideas |
One of the tenants of The Husband Project is that every job is more fun when your friends are involved. One of our wives, Sugga-Lamb, (love the nickname, teehee) gave me a sample of the letter she sent to get her friends on board.
“Hello ladies, I’m participating in a secret experiment called the 21 Day Project. It is actually a ‘husband’ project and it is to be kept secret from our husbands. I’m going to give extra love and support to my husband for the next 21 days, unconditionally. Sounds easy enough, right? Well with the busyness of our everyday lives it will be easy to put the project to the side…something I don’t want to do. To keep me on track I’m required to have 2 accountability partners. I’ve emailed 4 people that I feel will be the best supporters of this project for me. That’s where you come in. Please check out the website at www.21dayproject.com & let me know if this is something you’d like to do with me. If you’d like to participate as well, great! The more the merrier! Thanks, ladies!”Feel free to copy this letter and pass it along to the women you want to do The Project with. have fun!
by kathilipp | Nov 22, 2007 | tips and ideas |
Hi Project Managers – I know many of you will not see this post until tomorrow, as you’re in the kitchen basting and microwaving at this very moment. (MY husband is making his world famous salsa which requires a great deal of counter space, so I thought I would clear out for a moment.)
It doesn’t matter when you see the post, because this whole project is like one big Thanksgiving Day. We are learning to be grateful for the guy we already have, instead of looking over the fence at the guy who takes the garbage out without being reminded.
We of The Husband Project are actively seeking to change our marriages, not waiting around for the men in our life to change before we do. It is the extreme version of marital chicken – seeing who is going to blink first before we will be nice. Not for us – we are choosing to be nice, everyday.
One of my favorite quotes in the world is from George Bernard Shaw:
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I can think of no higher service in life than to make the most important man in our life feel special.
I pray that you choose to have a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving.
Kathi – Your Project Coordinator
