Tuesday

S.W.A.K.


 


My hubby and I have been married 14 years.

We have three children.


I think we have a great marriage. We communicate well. We fight fair.

But I want it to be even better.

And it starts with me.

Busy schedules, demanding children, job pressures and selfishness gives our marriage a beating. And we have to fight to keep it healthy, to keep it passionate.

I entered this New Year wanting to initiate more time for us. I want to capture moments to remind him that before all of this, there was just us. The two of us.

I was flipping through January's Woman's Day Magazine and a title caught my attention "Lock Lips with Your Husband."

Reading the blurb, I learned that there is an actual chemical released when  you kiss called The Cuddle Chemical. It produces a euphoric feeling.  And an unplanned passionate kiss increases the chemical.

Now, let's be honest. I kiss my hubby everyday. A peck here. A smooch there. But a knock-his-socks off K-I-S-S? Well, there's dinner and a toddler pulling on my leg, a ringing phone, and endless homework. And not to mention the utter exhaustion I feel at the end of the day.

Well. You know. It's hard

So, besides entering the marriage challenge at The Diaper Diaries, (go check it out, it's not too late to join and it's off to a great start)


I'm issuing my own personal Kiss Challenge for myself. For 30 days, starting Feb. 1st, I'm planning to passionately lock lips with my hubby.  To block out all distractions for a few minutes and lay one on him.

I think just this one simple act will speak volumes to my man.

{You can secretly join in too if you up to some serious smooches}

The days leading up to Valentine's Day (Feb. 11-13), I will be having a little S.W.A.K. carnival. I want you to link up a post honoring your hubby anytime during those three days. It can be how you met, your first kiss, what you're doing to celebrate Valentine's Day, or about your own personal Kiss Challenge. 

For several days, I will be sharing some of my marriage secrets, my fau paxs and what I've learned.

Grab the button and share it with your readers.  

You might also want to stock up on some chap stick. I'm just sayin'.

P.S. I'm planning on giving away some helpful marriage books and items (you have to link up at carnival to be eligible) and would love to give away some Valentine's inspired gifts during the carnival. If you have a store and have something that speaks volumes of love, email me and I'll feature your store during the carnival. *UPDATE* I have 16 door prizes so far (including a gift certificate for $200!) So, keep them coming! 

Tell me what you think....can we join together {on Valentine's Day} to honor our hubbies in some way?

You DO NOT have to join the Kiss Challenge to link up to the Valentine's Day carnival!

Food for the Soul:
Song of Solomon 1:16 "[ Beloved ] How handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant."

 



 

136 comments:

megan said...

I'm in! Button is in my sidebar!
What a fabulous Valnetines Day challenge!
I'll be thinkin on what I will share...
Blessings!
Megan

Precision Quality Laser said...

I'm in! I linked to your blog too...great challenge! Oh and thanks for telling me about the IC7:5 Challenge..I'm participating in that one too!

marky said...

We are doing the 40 day love dare at the moment..and only on day 9.. I am not sure I can add the lip lock challenge on top LOL.. but will consider it.

beckyjomama said...

Sing. Me. UP!!!! I heart kissing my man! And anything to make our marriage stronger is a plus in my book!!!

Sandra said...

I'm in! Thanks for the fun challenge!

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

I'd love to say I was in for that kiss challenge, but because we swap work/kid minding schedules there are often days in a row where we see each other only for minutes at a time. I'd have to wait up until he got home in the middle of the night in order to plant one on him some days!

But its a great idea (I'll just be mindful to swap spit with him a bit more often) and I'll definitely be "in" for the 'I ♥ my hubby' carnival.

Great idea!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! I'm taking a button and will join in the carnival. =)

Unknown said...

I put your button on my sidebar and will be joining in for the carnival. I will try to do the kissing challenge too. But, we have been having a rough winter of viruses here. The amount of sickness is starting to get to me and I'm not doing much kissing right now. Just trying to get everyone healthy!

Anonymous said...

My husband thanks you. ;-) Your button is on my sidebar.

Jenny86753oh9 said...

My hubby and I started this thing were we try to kiss for at least 6 seconds before falling asleep. It's amazing how LONG 6 seconds is when you'd rather snarl at each other! But on the flip side it's not long enough on other nights!

Count me in on this challenge as well.

Jamie {See Jamie blog} said...

GREAT challenge. One of those things we mean to do but don't. I'm in. And thanks for letting me know about the other challenge, too: I'm in on that as well. ;-D

Cheryl said...

Great idea! Linking on my site too.

Amber said...

I am so in on this.

Anonymous said...

I will TRYYYYYY!!! After almost a year of nursing baby #2 (who still doesn't sleep through the night) I am not even sure I still like my husband (ha ha). Our marriage definitely needs a spark so I will TAKE that challenge, God help me!

thediaperdiaries said...

Thanks so much for the shout out!! I can't remember what week it is, but this is actually one of the challenges. WE are going to have some happy hubbies around America with all this attention :)

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

it's for a good cause after all ..I'll need to load up on my "lip plumber by Sorme" it's good stuff..if you want I'll throw that in for an extra "gift"..let me know.

Unknown said...

Great idea! I can so relate to the whole balance between children and hubby---the children usually scream loudest:)Have a great day!
Lori

Unknown said...

I'm In I could use some good smooching with my hubby He has been very very busy lately I may have to corner him LOL :D Now to make a Swak post for the button :D

Michelle@lifeinawhirlwind said...

BC (Before Kids) I made this a habit to do every day. Sadly, this has gone by the road side. Thanks for the reminder of how important this is! Time to bring back the smooching.

Leslie Ruth Petree said...

It is SO GOOD to hear a Christian woman talk about bringing back the passion on our marriages. And even better that you are issuing a challenge! I'm all in and so excited. The hubs and I have had a rough go of it lately so this all comes at just the right time...

Shane H. said...

GREAT idea! Count me in!! :)

Haasiegirl said...

this is a super cute idea. I do kiss my DH quite often, even passionately, maybe i should try to take it a step further. LOL! thats where my trouble is.

trisha
momdot.com

Anonymous said...

I think that's a sweet idea. I haven't locked lips with my husband in years (eek)...it's a nice reminder to do so.

Unknown said...

What a sweet idea! I am ashamed to say that I have no need to join in on this one, since I made a vow to do it every day when we got married.

I hope you keep on track after the 30 days are up!

BTW -- I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new bloggy look! It rocks!

Unknown said...

What a sweet idea! I am ashamed to say that I have no need to join in on this one, since I made a vow to do it every day when we got married.

I hope you keep on track after the 30 days are up!

BTW -- I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new bloggy look! It rocks!

SuZ said...

Wow, what a great idea!!!

p.s. I found you through MomDot.com

Amy said...

Just found your blog! Love what I see so far. I think I'm gonna try the lip lock challenge! Should be fun! :)

Amy

Unknown said...

I love this! What a wonderful idea - to honor our hubbies - they deserve it. I will be joining up!

Dana said...

Consider yourself linked! This is a fun one & I can't wait for Feb.1st! I may not wait. I also enjoyed reading everyones comments on this! I know my husband will thank you for this challenge, but if I get pregnant, I better win something & I'm coming after you! ~ Dana

Valarie Lea said...

Hmmmm this will be an interesting carnival! I wonder how many babies will be conceived from this carnival! :)

Time Slides By said...

I'm in. My marriage could use a little spark to get us jump starting again. This reminds me of the woman who gave her hubby 365 of intimacy for his 40th birthday. It was just on Oprah. This is just a milder more realistic version. Great Idea!

Anonymous said...

I like this :-) My hubby's birthday is Feb. 12. Our first date was on Feb. 13 . . . . our daughter was born six years to the day later. So while I juggle two birthday's and Valentine's Day every year, it is still a magical time. Am grabbing the button as I speak . . .

Muthering Heights said...

How FUN! :)

CM21 said...

What a great idea! I love the way you 'do good and not evil' to your husband in your blog. You're a fine example of a Proverbs 31 woman and I'm proud to join you in the challenge and the carnival!

Natalie said...

i'm in! i already signed up for the 1cor challenge and your carnival sounds like lots of fun!!! great idea and sounds like great prizes.

Lorina said...

Sounds like a good idea.. I'm going to sign up!

Nicole Bateman | thepixelboutique.com said...

Oh fun! I love to see couples give a little peck in public; Im not talking teenagers making out, but the ones you can tell have been together a long time. And the seniors get me every time. Its too darn cute! What a fun challenge. Hubs will like this one. ;) Grabbing the button...

Robin said...

I think I have no choice but to join the Kiss Challenge, because Greg read this! But he wants to start now as he will be out of town on Feb 1. He keeps asking when he's going to get his kiss!

Lucrecia said...

What a wonderful idea! I'm in!

healingsoul said...

My girlfriend works at Lifeway Christian bookstore and she showed me 40 Day Dare today. It looks like a powerful book for any marriage (it is not easy). But I went home with Sheet Music by Kevin Lehman. You might want to use that as one of your giveaway books.

Anonymous said...

I stumbled across your blog on momdot.com. Love the SWAK carnival! Great idea!

Kelly Dawn said...

ok I just came here from somewhere..lol..I dont remember where from...I think Janis...lol..

Button is posted and I am in...and you SO just described my husband and I only we have been married 18 years and 3 teens...ARRGGHHHHH!!! and we also have beeen thru it...

Kelly

Mrs. Valente said...

I love this idea! I tried to add the button but it is too big for my sidebar. Any suggestions?

Anonymous said...

What if your hubby "doesn't do kissing"? Seriously though, I'm all for it and would LURVE to join in, but my hubby hasn't asked for, tried to, wanted, etc a kiss since BC. Our oldest is 11y now. How pathetic am I? *sigh*

Oh well, I guess I'll just bring him a cup of coffee each day instead. THAT he does like! Way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right? ;-)

Bryce said...

Count this Aussie wife in! There will be lips locking all around the world. Wait... if you listen closely you might even hear the sound... :)

Patti said...

Thanks for the hot idea for this cold winter!We'll see if hubby notices a difference. :-)
Current family rule: Say "I love you" & smooch at least once daily, hugs for all kids (picture my hubby PICKING UP with his big man hug each of our 3 sons-ages 20, 18, 15 - who are taller than he is - love it!).

annies home said...

I think this is a great idea I have button on my blog
shopannies@yahoo.com

Sarah said...

Absolutely joining! Why shouldn't my husband get 2 minutes of the best of me every day!? I am putting the button on my blog! Yeah! :)

misty said...

i'm in!!! i've got the button on my sidebar & i'm ready to play!!! :)

Heathahlee said...

Oooh! I want to play! During a study of the book "Every Heart Restored," our class leader gave us the challenge of kissing our husbands passionately before he left for work every day, just to remind him what he had to look forward to at home. I have gotten out of that habit, but with your challenge, I hope to get back in! About to put your button on my blog!

katylinvw said...

i'm so in! love this idea!!! :)

Unknown said...

Sounds like FUN!
I'm THERE and luvin' it!

Aspiring Mom2three said...

I'm adding the button to my side bar. Looking forward to this challenge! Thanks for the push to keep it alive!

Anonymous said...

Oh count me in! What a great challenge! :)

Anonymous said...

Somedays I feel like I can't kiss enough anyway. I'm in!

Audrey (the Hepburn House) said...

What a wonderful challenge! But, how about for those who are single? I mean, I have a boyfriend...but we are not married...

Anonymous said...

Your swanky sweet button is in my sidebar. Looks like fun! Also, doing the I Cor. 7:5 Challenge!

Deborah @ Comfort Joy Designs
comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com
comfortjoydesigns{AT}gmail{DOT}com

Shanna said...

Ok, I'm in. Not sure if I'll see my husband during the whole time though. Hopefully. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Anonymous said...

I'm in!!

Wish I could join in on the Kiss Challenge, but unfortunately, my husband is in Iraq and it's kind of hard to lay one on him from such a distance. But he will be coming home on leave at the end of Feb. and I promise there will be lots of kissing going on!

Alicia said...

Such a cute idea! I'm definitely in for the carnival and the button is on my crazysubmarinelady blog. Unfortunately my husband is somewhere on a submarine and I just don't think he'd appreciate my involvement in the kiss challenge without him.

JenT said...

Ok, I'm going to try and remember to do this. But how do I put the button on my blog?

Kristy K said...

What fun! I can't wait to start!

Grateful for Grace said...

I'm in! Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife call it the 3second rule. Every day a three second kiss.

Great idea! Thanks for the encouragement.

Chaos-Jamie said...

Wonderful encouragement! I'm in!

Paula Reece said...

Awesome! What a great reminder to make our marriage a priority! I am definitely in, am taking a button, and will be linking up Feb. 11! Thanks for doing this!

Sarah said...

I'm in!! my husband won't know what hit him :)

MyLinda said...

What a great idea! I put your button on my sidebar, I would love to join in!

Anonymous said...

I really LOVE this idea!! And what a great way to get everyone to put a spark in their relationship just in time for Valentine's Day!!

Krista

World's Greatest Mommy said...

Too cool! I'm crafting a post about my husband, just for the occasion.

Nikki said...

This sounds like too much fun to pass up! I posted something today, and have another post in the works.

black eyed susans kitchen said...

The week that you are talking about, we will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. We went through the three kids stuff, one finished with college, one in college and one in high school. You are soooo on the right track. A big healthy kiss is a wonderful way to remind one another to slow down for a minute and remember what you have. I could write many stories about my husband. This is a great idea.
♥, Susan

Phyllis@Aimless Conversation said...

This looks like fun. =) I'm in.

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Thank you for updating the sidebar button. It fits great for me now.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE it! I think I'm going to join the KISS challenge too but first things first... I've added your SWAK button to my blog. I was going to anyway but after reading about the purse giveaway I thought I'd better get my hiney in gear and get it added NOW. =0) But I love the idea and will be posting about it soon too.

Now to get hooked up with the KISS challenge....

Audrey said...

I love the kiss challenge! I've been kissing my husband more lately already! I just can't blog about it too much, because my husband reads my blog, and I don't want him to know what's coming.

Angela said...

I'm SO in! I'm going to go put the button in my sidebar now. Glad I found your blog!

Anonymous said...

I'm in !!! I just need to figure out how to post your button on my blog. My husband is spectacular and I can't wait to share more about him with you all!

Tara @ Feels Like Home said...

I'm in. I've written lots of posts about my husband. I'll work on it later tonight. :)

I also posted your button.

Megan @ Hold it Up to the Light said...

What a great challenge....exactly what we need right now. I am really feeling the need to focus on my wonderful husband, and this post has given me some creative inspiration (which can be hard to come by with everything else I have on my plate).

Thanks for the Challenge....my Chris will be thrilled!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm totally in for the kissing challenge and the carnival. :) I've been very marriage strengthening oriented lately. I'm about halfway through the Love Dare challenge which has been awesome. :)

julia said...

add the button to my own page and will think about what to share!
glad to find other women who are proud of the men they married and love them fiercely!

CC said...

I already know what I'm gonna share. This a great idea.

Unknown said...

Got the button and I'm joining the challenge! Thanks

Jenn B said...

Button has been added to my blog! The hubs will LOVE this challenge!

Tammigirl said...

The spirit of this challenge is right up my/our alley! We have been asked, while spending a leisurely Saturday in the book store "Are you married?" We looked at the young man asking the question and answered "Yes!" He then asked "To each other?"

Someone has to set an example of a happy marriage, it might as well be us.

Momnerd said...

Oh yes baby! Who wants a losing weight or reading so many books challenge? (although I like those too) I am SO IN! I've got the button and I'm on board. Oh yeah, my hubby is going to love you for giving me this idea....and maybe me too, oh wait, he already does! lucky me

Ginny said...

What a fun idea, I'm in the button is up!

Megan said...

Sounds like a lot of fun! Your button is on my blog at justformeandyou2.blogspot.com

Brooke said...

Love it! I'll have one happy happy husband!
I have your button up and running!

Beth W. said...

I'm in! Just this morning my hubby cornered me for a hug...he held on for a long time...I thought that was strange. As I went back to making lunches he said, 'I'm supposed to hug you for at least 20 seconds to help you relax.' I thought he was kinda cute.

Cupcake Dessert said...

I am totally doing this!! I am on day one of The Love Dare (I started a seperate blog to journal how it goes and im excited!) and i am doing lots of things to try to nurture my marriage... I am also doing the 1Cor challenge although I haven't posted about it yet...

cajungal01 said...

Alright, I'm in. Even if it is spreading the flu (one of my kiddos currently has the flu so hopefully none of the rest of us will get it!)
:0)
Sounds like fun!
~robin

Anonymous said...

I'm in. I have the carnival button up on my sidebar. :)

aggiemomof2 said...

Love this! I don't have a blog--but I subscribe.
sylviarj@yahoo.com

The Need 2 Read said...

What a great idea!! I grabbed the button... This made me cry. I haven't kissed my husband in a year and it will be another year before he'll be home - he's in the military. I'll have to delay my "kiss" challenge, but I'll get to it...it will just be delayed. And he IS wonderful...still such a wonderful leader and family man - even from "abroad"...

Crayl said...

I am in! Such a wonderful challenge!

The Domestic Diva Wanna-Be said...

I love this! It's so sweet and I am already planning my post.
Here is a link to my blog with your button in my sidebar:
http://creativedomesticity.blogspot.com/
Thanks
Tammy

TidyMom said...

What a GREAT idea!! I put your button on my sidebar a while ago, guess I forgot to leave a comment! LOL

~Tidymom

Muthering Heights said...

Sure, I'll jump in!

Sole said...

What a great challenge! Cant wait to get started!!!

Anonymous said...

Okay, I'm in too! :o)

Courtney@Booksnboys said...

I am SO in! I just found your blog through WFMW at Rocks in My Dryer and subscribed right away! You remind me of my husband's family: three active, creative, always-into-trouble boys :)
PS - have your children ever bungee-jumped off their bunk bed with string tied to their underwear? Just wondered...

Anonymous said...

I'm in. I just posted your button and a promise to tell all.

Anonymous said...

I am definitely in. I have an amazing husband and cannot brag about him enough. Or kiss him enough for that matter. Got the button on my blog and my lips puckered.

BTW, I didn't do this to get the KS purse, but I'd love one more entry!

Anonymous said...

Got the button and I'm in! Looking forward to the challenge.

Becca said...

Such a cute idea! I am definetly in!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx said...

This is a great idea!

na said...

Great challenge! I am in...what to write now?!?

Anonymous said...

Count me in! I started practicing the kiss challenge last week when you twittered about it. I'm looking forward to the carnival!

Anonymous said...

OK I love this. My husband and I rarely kiss and when we do it seems weird- we have been married almost 9 years, have 3 kids(the baby just turned 1) and we have been through A LOT also. Thanks for inspiring me to smooch a little more!!
Carrie

Anonymous said...

Count me in. The button is on my blog.

My husband is going to appreciate you very much. And he thinks blogs are a waste of time-ha!

Kristy said...

I've put a button on my side bar and I'll be posting about my husband for Valentine's day! Thanks for the ideas and link to the Diaper Diaries.

Anonymous said...

Just found you...and have placed your cute banner on my blog.
I LOVE kissing my Honey..and anything that causes more kissing..well, it's great in my book!!!

Thanks!!!

Blessings,
Laurie

littletoesandcheerios said...

Brilliant idea!

IE Mommy Blogger said...

I am so in! This one will be a snap! I am going to participate in the 1 Cor challenge too but I have to wait till my twins are over the flu & bronchitis.... but this one, no waiting at all! Have it linked to my site too!
Thanks for the fun!

Debbie Phillips said...

Count me in though I am two days late... I will have to "catch up" by planting two on him today and two tomorrow or maybe three today. LOL He won't know what hit him. I put the link on my blog but I already posted yesterday, before I knew about this challenge about our first date and how we got together because Feb. 1st was the 25th anniversary of our engagement. Come read about it if you want, but I will link to that post in my post on Valentine week, too.

Reflections in My Mirror said...

I am already on this one - yesterday I totally surprised him (and me!) He asked me if I was OK? :) I told him I was in love with him - he grinned. Can't wait till tonight!
I love what you do on your site you are a blessing to me!

Brimful Curiosities said...

Button is on my blog. I'm in for some kissing and giveaways!

Takin' time to smell the flowers! said...

Button's on my blog sidebar too and I put a link in a post! Love this carnival, can't wait!! XOXOXO

Takin' time to smell the flowers! said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kaycee said...

This sounds like fun. I'm in!

Anonymous said...

I'm in. I'll even keep it clean, just for you, dearest!

IE Mommy Blogger said...

I want to donate a prize but I am either dumb or blind because I don't see your email addy anywhere???? on second thought...I'm probably both but I still don't see it :)
Can you contact me so I can donate a prize. I have you linked and your button at IE Mommy...this has been a fun challenge!

Modern Mama Diana said...

I am so in!! I'd love to dedicate a post to my wonderful husband!! :)

southerninspiration said...

Grabbed your button....there are gonna be some happy hubbies this week, no????? :)

Suzanne

Unknown said...

Grabbed the button. And I'm being honest here, lately I've needed a little motivation to kiss my hubs. He decided to grow a beard for winter. I'm not so into it. It tickles!!! But I am doing my very best!

Desirae said...

What an excellent plan! I've grabbed a button too to add to my blog. I'm so in!

Kristin said...

I've added your button to my sidebar and I'll be participating in this carnival. Thanks for the nudge to kiss the hubby a little more...he's gonna love it! ;)

Unknown said...

I've grabbed the button and I'm in.

Wani said...

I have a SWAK post linking up to the challenge! Come check it out!

http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2009/02/bible-reading-sexy-talk.html

Pam said...

I love talking about my hubby! I'm so in! Already posted and have the link button set up. Can't wait to read other's stories as well. Stop by at http://ramblingsofahappyhomemaker.blogspot.com.

Penny said...

I grabbed the button, and I'm in!!! Visit www.thirstysouthernsoul.blogspot.com.

Phone Photo Project by Kim said...

I'm in also! I grabbed the button and put it in my blog! Its there in all its pretty red and pinkness...along with my husband gushing writings!

Nimmi said...

I'm in. I grabbed the button and posted a link. Thank you for making me remind why I love my Prince Charming soo much.

Anonymous said...

Can't do the kiss challenge right now - but promise to do it when he gets home in April.
Great carnival Kristen - loved reading your post and the others as well!

CC said...

I've got the SWAK button on my post! :)