DIYP #34 Framed Letters & {SWAK Winners}

{Keep reading for an important announcement!}

Do you need a fun kid-friendly activity for the long weekend?

Try a Valentine's Bottle Cap Necklace. I tell you how over at Blissfullly Domestic.

And now for another super easy idea!

This is for all of you readers, watchers, passers-by of the weekly DIYP.

You can do this. And the possibilities are endless:

Grab some letters in the scrapbooking department of your local craft store:

I've been trying to figure out a way to use the cool metal letters I found on clearance:

Grab an empty frame. I found this one 90% off in the leftover Christmas decor:

S-p-e-l-l it out.

I just glued down the letters and stuck it in the frame:

I have a lot of old frames, so I could get out of hand with this little DIYP!

If you haven't had a chance to visit the S.W.A.K. carnival, go now and read more than 150 inspiring love stories!

Or at least take a hint and go kiss someone! Happy Valentine's Day.

P.S. Don't miss next weekend's project! I'm going to show you how I painted that little leopard lamp table!

SWAK Valentine's Carnival Door Prize Winners:

Thank you to everyone for participating!

These winners were randomly chosen from The SWAK Carnival, Marriage Killers and Marriage Thrillers (plus the additional entries from the Door Prize Preview)! Whew!

If you see your name, please email me your mailing address within 5 days (or another winner will be chosen) and please put your prize in the memo to avoid confusion!

With A Southern Flair- "His" & "Hers" Hand towels (Value $20) Winner: Proud Mommy

From *Me Tees-"My husband/wife Rocks" t-shirts (Value $50) 

Winner: Moms Ministry & More

Bid My Cleaning- $200 gift certificate Winner: Striving to be More

Sorme Lip Gloss- (Value $10) Winner: Poop on Jelly

Sheila Wray Gregoire-2 audio downloads (value $10 each) Winners: Joy in the Journey, Tidy Mom

Pampering Beki- hand-stamped silver 'Love' necklace (Value $23) Winner: The Run Amuck

Sarah's Blue Castle $20 gift certificate Winner: If I Only Had Super Powers

The IE Mommy-Chic Bud Earphones (Value $45) Winner: Mrs. Smith

4 Reluctant Entertainers "Married, but Not Engaged"book 

Winner: Today's Housewife

Decor To Adore- Vintage Valentine Corsage (Value $14) 

Winner: BeckyJoMama

Things Remembered- Heart keepsake box (Value $25) Winner: Garibay Soup
 

14k gold Heart earrings (Value $25) Winner: Tales from a Shop*a*holic Mommy

Tote Bag-(Value $20) Winner: Extreme Housewifeing

Ring Watch by Jenni (Value $42) Winner: PS He Loves You

Ring Lipstick by Jenni (Value $22) Winner: Mommie Daze

"The Love Dare" book (Value $15) Winner: Books N Boys

"Better Love Now!" book (Value $20) Winner: Prayerful Driven Life

Congratulations! Please send me your address as soon as you can! kristenwrites@yahoo.com

{S.W.A.K} Marriage Thrillers

{Please leave a comment to be entered for one of these fabulous door prizes. All winners will be announced on the Valentine's Day DIYP post on Saturday! Comments will close at 10 pm CST Friday night.}

With A Southern Flair-2 Monogrammed "His" & "Hers" Hand towels (Value $20)

From *Me Tees-a Matching His/Hers "My husband/wife Rocks" t-shirts (Value $50)

Bid My Cleaning- $200 gift certificate for house, carpet cleaning, (most of US)

Sorme Lip Gloss-sponsored by PS He Loves You (Value $10)

Sheila Wray Gregoire-2 marriage audio downloads (value $10 each)

Pampering Beki- a beautiful hand-stamped silver 'Love' necklace (Value $23)

Sarah's Blue Castle $20 gift certificate to this great Etsy store! Check out her fun items.

The IE Mommy-A Pair of Chic Bud Earphones with Swarovski crystals in a collectible tin (Value $45) 

4 Reluctant Entertainers is donating a copy of the book she co-authored "Married, but Not Engaged". You can read more here.

Decor To Adore- a beautiful Vintage Valentine Corsage from this sweet Etsy store (Value $14)

Here are a few more door prizes that were donated locally (so there isn't a link):

Things Remembered- A beautiful heart keepsake box (Value $25)

14k gold Heart earrings (Value $25); An Adorable Tote Bag-(Value $20)

Ring Watch by Jenni (Value $42), Ring Lipstick by Jenni (Value $22)

The best-selling book "The Love Dare" from the Fireproof movie (Value $15)

Awesome marriage book "Better Love Now! Making your Marriage a Lifelong Love Affair (Value $20)

Welcome to the last day of the S.W.A.K. Carnival! It's been so inspiring reading your love stories. Please continue to read the posts, it's worth the time! I enjoyed your comments so much on the Marriage Killers post yesterday and found some valuable marriage advice!


I’ve only been married once, to one man.

And although we’re creeping up on fifteen years, my experience is limited to my current (and only planned) marriage. I know not all men are the same and they all love differently. But I think God designed men from the same overall blueprint.

I think universally there are some things we can do to bring a thrill to our marriage.

You know, besides walking around naked all day.

Take Care of Yourself
One of the best things we can do for our marriage is taking care of ourselves. I think diet and exercise are important for our own health, but I’m talking about more than that. I think it’s vital that we feel good about ourselves. I think it offers our marriage a huge boost when we like who we are: physically, mentally, spiritually and even professionally. I think getting dressed everyday, showering, and feeling good about ourselves is important in our marriages. I want to look good for my hubby. I'm not saying I don't have pajama days every once in a while, but I find it's a lot harder to stay depressed when I take care of myself.

Have Fun Together
I love laughing with my hubby. Some of the best moments are the unplanned ones where we are carefree and silly. I think we need to remember to have fun! Nothing thrills my hubby more than when I give way to a schedule and get playful. Have fun together!! Hold hands, tickle each other, take bubble baths, kiss, laugh, go on walks! Let him paint your nails. Try his favorite hobby. Remember. Recapture. Refocus. Make memories. Sometimes the best thrill is to put aside our heavy responsibilities and troubles and rejoice together.

Time Away Together
I think this is a given marriage thriller! I love sneaking away with my man. Nothing recharges our marriage like the quiet and serenity of the two of us together. But if you’re like me, babysitters are costly, dates are infrequent and vacationing alone is rare. Plan it. Budget it. If you don’t, it won’t happen. My hubby and I attended this marriage conference last weekend. It was only three hours and $30 (which fit into our budget and schedule). It was just what we needed. And if it comes down to it and you just cannot 'get away', try Date Night in a Minivan!

Time Away Alone
Time together is vital, but so is time alone. I think too much time alone can yield itself to a marriage killer, but we all need to develop self-interest. My marriage has changed just in the last year because I’ve changed. This blog is a part of that transformation. Finding my voice and pursuing what I love (writing), has completed me. My hubby has supported me, encouraged me and challenged me to discover this part of me. It has enhanced our marriage because it has enhanced me. Find something for yourself outside of being a mom and wife. Do it for you! And allow your husband the same freedom.

Just Do It
Now you know I can’t talk about marriage thrillers without going here. Sex and intimacy are crucial for a healthy marriage. They just are. I know for some wives, sex is a chore. If you struggle in this area, invest in some good books, talk to your doctor, work on it. Do it for your marriage, for yourself. When this area of life is healthy, it’s easier to handle life’s up and downs together. When this area is suffering, it only heightens life’s hardships. God gave sex to a marriage to be the icing on the cake. And when it comes to cake, who doesn't like the icing?

Kindness and Respect
I think this is a given and then I hear the way some women talk to and about their mates or I read blogs that dish out dishonor. We all have times in our marriage when it gets hard. It’s one of the aspects of a good marriage-one that’s worked through the difficult times. Putting your spouse’s needs before your own is a sign of generosity. It is a tender reminder of respect and kindness. And it’s in the little things we do: like greeting our spouse at the front door and bringing them their favorite snack...just because. It's also in the way we respond to each other and how well we listen. Sometimes this common courtesy is missing and it leaves an ugly hole in our homes.

Inviting God into Your Marriage
This is the greatest act of intimacy. God created marriage and He created wife and husband for each other. He belongs in our marriage. We’ve all heard that one out two marriages end in divorce. These statistics are reduced to .5% of marriages that pray together. There’s something holy and beautiful about praying with your mate. It is a strengthening bond in a marriage. And it is thrilling to reach this level of intimacy. The day my marriage nearly ended was very painful. I truly believe God saved it because we turned to Him. He showed us how to love one another.

What are some other things we can do to add strength and health to our marriage? I can't wait to hear from you!

The S.W.A.K Carnival is being sponsored by The Date Night Planner. This is a very helpful tool to help you plan a fantastic date night with your sweetheart! Go try it!

{S.W.A.K.} Marriage Killers

{The weekly carnival Sincerely 'Fro Me to You will return next Thursday!}

{Please leave a comment on today's post for your entry for one of these fabulous door prizes. All winners will be announced on Valentine's Day}

With A Southern Flair-2 Monogrammed "His" & "Hers" Hand towels (Value $20)

From *Me Tees-a Matching His/Hers "My husband/wife Rocks" t-shirts (Value $50)

Bid My Cleaning- $200 gift certificate for house, carpet cleaning, (most of US)

Sorme Lip Gloss-sponsored by PS He Loves You (Value $10)

Sheila Wray Gregoire-author and speaker, marriage audio downloads (value $5 each)

Pampering Beki- a beautiful hand-stamped silver 'Love' necklace (Value $23)

Sarah's Blue Castle $20 gift certificate to this great Etsy store! Check out her fun items.

The IE Mommy-A Pair of Chic Bud Earphones with Swarovski crystals in a collectible tin (Value $45)

4 Reluctant Entertainers is donating a copy of the book she co-authored "Married, but Not Engaged". You can read more here.

Decor To Adore- a beautiful Vintage Valentine Corsage from this sweet Etsy store (Value $14)

Here are a few more door prizes that were donated locally (so there isn't a link):

Things Remembered- A beautiful heart keepsake box (Value $25)

14k gold Heart earrings (Value $25); An Adorable Tote Bag-(Value $20)

Ring Watch by Jenni (Value $42), Ring Lipstick by Jenni (Value $22)

The best-selling book "The Love Dare" from the Fireproof movie (Value $15)

Awesome marriage book "Better Love Now! Making your Marriage a Lifelong Love Affair (Value $20)

Welcome to the S.W.A.K. Carnival. Please link up your love story posts here and continue to visit all the great blogs. I'm still reading and feeling very inspired!

Even the best marriages, have difficult times.

There aren't perfect marriages, just like there aren't perfect people.

Jesus was the only perfect person and he never married. Maybe that's why He stayed perfect. I'm just sayin'.

There are several things that kill a marriage. We all know the obvious, like being unfaithful and lying.

I want to talk about the less obvious:

Using the words always and never

We have a word graveyard in our home. There are a few banished words (for adults too) that have been laid to rest. The words always and never are powerful words and are rarely true. How often do we say, "You always do ______" or "I never get to ______." These words allow for gross exaggeration and put people on the defensive. May these words R.I.P. in your marriage.

Keeping Score

We are all naturally selfish people. It's our nature to put ourselves first. But when we marry, we are to become one flesh, not two halves. Putting the needs of your spouse before your own will only help your marriage. I think playing this game will kill a marriage: "You can go here, if I can go there," or "You can spend this if I can spend that." This forces us to keep records to make everything fair (which is impossible). Put the other person first. Give and it will be given to you.

Putting your children first
I love my children. They are my heart. But they are needy little people and they are not afraid to voice their demands (or commands). It is easy to put kids first because the squeaky wheel, well, you know. And as a mother, it is natural to meet our children’s needs. I think moms must be very careful because seeds of resentment and jealousy can grow during these hectic years when we feel pulled in every direction. In those moments, I have to remind myself that I am a wife. And if my marriage is suffering due to lack of attention, so will my motherhood.

Lust and pornography

This is a big one and I could write many posts on what I've learned by reading some fabulous books about the way God created men (and after being married to one for 14 years!) Men are visual. And this is a temptation for probably 95% of them. I believe many more struggle with this issue than the church or wives know. Talk with your spouse. Be transparent, loving, forgiving. But know that this isn't a part of God's plan for a healthy marriage. And there is freedom and healing.

Money
Early in my marriage, 95% of our disagreements centered around money (which is funny considering we didn’t have any). This battle was frustrating and exhausting. We worked through numerous issues, got on a budget (which I recommend) and we made the decision to share our money and have nearly equal input. (I defer to my hubby because he’s more knowledgeable in this area). We also agreed not to spend a certain amount without telling one another. If this is an area you struggle in with your mate, I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's program.

Withholding sex
Wives: Please read For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men. I think it is an essential book for every woman and I think it is a MUST READ for every woman. Check it out from the library, borrow it, buy it for $10. It completely changed the way I understand men, specifically my hubby. I learned how men think, what they retain, what they need, why they need it….and this information is based on hundreds of men, like our husbands. So, if you use sex in any other way in your marriage then the way God created it, it’s wrong and utterly damaging. Or if you don’t make yourself available to your husbands, you are making his life very challenging and you may even weaken his resolve for purity. And of course, your hubby needs to read this version For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women.

What have I left out? What do we need to watch out for that is destructive to a healthy marriage? Talk to me. (Friday we'll be talking about Marriage Thriller!)

The S.W.A.K Carnival is being sponsored by The Date Night Planner. My hubby and I discovered a new restaurant with this interactive program. We are keeping track of some fun local spots. Check out this awesome tool!

The S.W.A.K. Carnival

Thank you for joining me today for the S.W.A.K. Valentine’s Carnival. I can't wait to read your posts! (If you need info about the carnival, please click on the button).

It’s also the day for some fabulous door prizes! Please visit the following links and bookmark the sites. {Some of the door prizes will be given away today to people who link up a post, the others will be given away on Thursday and Friday, where you can enter by leaving a comment. ALL DOOR PRIZE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON VALENTINE'S DAY).

With A Southern Flair-2 Monogrammed "His" & "Hers" Hand towels (Value $20)

From *Me Tees-a Matching His/Hers "My husband/wife Rocks" t-shirts (Value $42)

Bid My Cleaning- $200 gift certificate for house, carpet cleaning, (most of US)

Sorme Lip Gloss-sponsored by PS He Loves You (Value $10)

Sheila Wray Gregoire-author and speaker, 2 marriage audio downloads (value $10 each)

Pampering Beki- a beautiful hand-stamped silver 'Love' necklace (Value $23)

Sarah's Blue Castle $20 gift certificate to this great Etsy store! Check out her fun items.

The IE Mommy-a pair of Chic Bud Earphones with Swarovski crystals in a collectible tin (Value $45)

4 Reluctant Entertainers is donating a copy of the book she co-authored "Married, but Not Engaged". You can read more here.

Decor To Adore- a beautiful Vintage Valentine Corsage from this sweet Etsy store (Value $14)

Here are a few more door prizes that were donated locally (so there isn't a link):

Things Remembered- A beautiful heart keepsake box (Value $25)

14k gold Heart earrings (Value $25); An Adorable Tote Bag-(Value $20)

Ring Watch by Jenni (Value $42), Ring Lipstick by Jenni (Value $22)

The best-selling book "The Love Dare" from the Fireproof movie (Value $15)

Awesome marriage book "Better Love Now! Making your Marriage a Lifelong Love Affair(Value $20)

I’m about halfway thru the Kiss Challenge. (This is a personal challenge I issued for the month of February to passionately kiss my hubby once a day).

It’s been fun.
My hubby has enjoyed it and he certainly hasn’t given me any lip.

If he had, I would have smacked him.

It’s also been challenging. Besides being out of town a few days, there have been a few times when I had to make myself kiss my hubby.

Shocking. I know. Especially since he’s so sexy.

Normally, if I was having a bad day and that last thing I wanted was a physical lip-lock session, I went with that thought.

But since I've committed to this challenge, on those yucky days, I pushed past those feelings and decided to be selfless. I was amazed at how quickly I relaxed, stopped thinking about my day and enjoyed it.

I am married to a good man.

He is my best friend. He is my favorite person in the world.

I love living my life with him. He knows me better than I know myself.

I pray my children share their lives with the soul mate God created for them.

Finding him is the greatest discovery of my life. Keeping him is the reward.

But. It is not easy.

After being married nearly fifteen years, I’m happy to say we’ve conquered some pretty heavy challenges. We’ve weathered some significant storms and are stronger because of them.

But taking the time to kiss, to hold hands, to engage every day is important. Crucial, even.

I have 15 more days of kissing.

No, that’s not right.

I have a lifetime.

The S.W.A.K Carnival is being sponsored by The Date Night Planner. This is a interactive tool to help you plan a fantastic date night with your mate.

I can't wait to be inspired by your stories!SWAK Valentine's Carnival Participants

1. Angie 2. Apron Strings Aflutter 3. Life At The Circus 4. Sandra (I Know He Loves Me When...) 5. Shara 6. Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe 7. Tara @ Feels like Home 8. Hadley 9. Muthering Heights 10. Carol @SheLives 11. Upstatemomof3 12. D...My Life Is Based On a True Story 13. Normal to Natalie 14. Mayangelstar 15. Nise\' 16. Kelly@Kelly\'s Krazy Kids 17. Jesica (At least we can laugh...) 18. Heidi (How I Spell S.E.X.Y) 19. Wilma (part 1) 20. Heather 21. Amy 22. Gwyn 23. Natalie--He Had Me at His Hair 24. Franticallysimple 25. Dawn @ PSHelovesyou 26. Edie @ lifeingrace 27. Don\'t Start None...There Won\'t be None 28. Comfort Joy Designs 29. Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates 30. Jenny & The Irishman 31. Tanya (In the Dailies) 32. Proud Mommy 33. Sandra (past first impressions) 34. Sarah @ Short Stop (The Moment I Knew) 35. Alicia (from StuCo to Subs) 36. KLee (what\'s your real name?) 37. Andrea 38. Amber@theRunaMuck 39. Kristin @ StrivingToBeMore 40. Alicia @ CrazySubmarineLady (His Valentine\'s Day Date) 41. Laura 42. BooksnBoys (unashamedly bragging) 43. Nikki 44. Cheryl 45. Janice 46. Mommie Daze - One Look 47. Thoughts By Kim 48. Lynn @ Rohal Call 49. Jen - 10 Years & 100 Reasons 50. Mrs. Nurse Boy 51. Jenn 52. Christy 53. Jenny 867-5309 54. Colleen - Mommy Always Wins 55. Kiy @ RC&T 56. Kimberly Kovach 57. Becky Jo 58. TV Watching Mama 59. The Porch Swing 60. Kaycee(my truck guy) 61. Andrea @Under Grace & Over Coffee - Still Twitterpated 62. The Happy Houswife ~ Opposites Attract? 63. Mishababy 64. Amy 65. Krista @ The Little Things 66. Jerri Ann 67. IE Mommy 68. Robin 69. Tidymom 70. Runningamuck 71. Rita 72. Emily O. 73. MyLinda 74. rachel@justanotherdayinparadise 75. Amanda - Garibay Soup 76. Heather @ Sugar \'N Spice & Mostly Nice 77. Christy Klein

78. Jessica Dietzel 79. Kyleigh 80. Christin 81. Bubba\'s Sis 82. Wani 83. Vanderbilt Wife 84. the Animator\'s Wife 85. Debby @ Bringing up boys 86. Rachel 87. Leanne - My Man 88. Cathy (Love of my Life - Sometimes) 89. Monica @ Daily Dwelling 90. april 91. Lisa @ Cheerios Underfoot 92. Tasha @ Hectic Calm 93. Audrey 94. Grateful for Grace 95. Amber @ Classic Housewife 96. The Miss Elaine-ous Life 97. Sarah @ Prayerful Driven Life 98. Such The Spot {Darcie} 99. Lisa @ The Berry Patch 100. Gwyn 101. Poppyseed@Sugar \'n Spice 102. Wilma PART 2 103. Crayl (Aaron) 104. Cheri @ What is it Now 105. Lori @ Building our nest 106. Kama 107. Kat @ Daredevil Parenting 108. Sparkette 109. Lois Lane II 110. Heather @ Drivel and Whatnot 111. Paper Glue Etc. 112. Jen 113. Paula 114. Dawn@PSHelovesyou (Love can be painful..) 115. Charity@Four Now 116. JA@Gravity of Motion 117. Muthering Heights 118. Catherine 119. Modern Mama Diana 120. Nimmi 121. Superjaxster @ Blogging Jax 122. If Only I Had Super Powers 123. Mr. Nurse Boy...A letter to my wife 124. Sarah @ Short Stop (The Sounds of Love) 125. Melissa Griffin 126. Jenna @ Newlyweds 127. Kim @ Situationally Single 128. Happy Mamma 129. Greta 130. Jenny & The Irishman (Part 2) 131. Allison@Slice of Heaven 132. Sandy@Tales From A Shop*a*holic Mommy 133. Wilma ~Conclusion 134. Jennielynn 135. Julie from Inmates 136. purple moose 137. Dawn@PSHelovesyou (Love is juicy) 138. Tammy @ Creative Domesticity 139. Sarah Mae 140. Christy 141. Heathahlee (better late than never, right?) 142. Laura @ Decor to Adore 143. { jamie } 144. Dana @ Composing Hallelujahs 145. Gin 146. Patti 147. Kris @ Sandhill Serendipity 148. Heather @ Want What You Have (My Great Love Story) 149. Natalie 150. Tabitha\'s love story 151. Traci @ Milk & Honey 152. Tater @ Life of a Tater 153. Tara @ Feels like Home (original link broke) 154. Regina

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