The Perfect Woman

I went to a Christian Women's Conference on 12 May.

The topic was Proverbs 31.

Hmmm, this is a little harder than I thought.  Perhaps I'll just start and then see what comes out.

Well, this was my first CWC.  It was pretty darn good.  I have to be honest though, I thought it would get me thinking more deeply about my role as wife and mother.  Or perhaps give me a longer list of ideas as to how I can improve in these areas, but it didn't.  Maybe it is because I have been thinking about these things for quite some time anyway. 

I came away with some Bible references that I still want to read though.  It has certainly increased my WANT to spend time reading the Word more often.  Just prior to attending I was getting pretty good anyway (and yet just of late I've been slack again, Grrr). I also strengthened a few friendships (well I think so anyway).

If you've read Proverbs 31 you'll know that this woman has achieved perfection, so to speak...

One thing I'm sure all husbands would appreciate from the day was that everyone was told, (probably AGAIN for many women) that the best way to show husbands that you love them is to have sex. Yep, SEX!!  Men are so completely NOT like women in this aspect.  We need so many other things before we feel loved, which can lead to sex, but men just need sex.  THEN they feel loved. Sigh...  It would be soo much simpler if we needed the same things.  There might be a little less falling asleep on the lounge, then being wide awake when they drag themselves into bed, and a little more "let me clear away after dinner for you & give you a massage with no strings attached" type activities.  Yeah I know, I'm dreaming.  LOL.

Anway, there were a couple of talks, then a time for small groups to have a bit of a chat and to put on paper any questions we had for the panel.  (Yes, the sex thing came up again in question time.)  I had spent the day sitting in the "breastfeeding section" so was speaking with other young Mums.  I think it would have been nice to listen to what some older womens opinions were too though.  That sounds awful.  I don't mean OLD, I just mean older than me.  At a different stage of life I guess.  How do they see themselves comparing to this version of perfection.  Do they strive for it?  Did they ever try to get there? What advice or wisdom could they impart on me??

I spoke to a few women the following day about the Conference but didn't really get onto this.

So I know I have mentioned that I crave time with the Lord and with His word but I feel like I need more.  A friend suggested that perhaps I need to approach the ministers wife and ask if she or someone else within the congregation could act as mentor for me.  After attending the CWC I felt so inspired and uplifted that there were so many Christian Women out there.  I can't imagine the turnout if I were to go to one in Sydney.  It really was encouraging!  

I haven't done it. Yet. Still.  The finding-a-mentor I mean.  I don't want to be a burden on anyone.  I don't know how to ask.  I'm confused.  I think my kids know more about the Scriptures than I do.  I guess I'm a bit embaressed.  Everytime I come close to asking I chicken out, or it doesn't seem appropriate, or I feel I've already used up too much of valuable time (of whoever I'm speaking with).  I guess I will get to it one day.  In the mean time, I'll keep reading His word for myself.  Might even pinch all the kids bibles off them & start there.

Bye for now, K

Books to Investigate

2012 the National Year of Reading.  (Visit www.love2read.org.au for more info.)

I read this post by Jen from the Pikelet Workshop in January and although it opened up a whole load of Mummy guilt in me, I really must say "Thank you Jen for reminding me that one of the simplest things is so important" :)   I HAVE been reading to Miss Pants more (& oassionally to Big H, although i usually get hime to read to me as part of his homework) and I'm quite enjoying it!  I really am.  We read the same book several times on the boys swimming lessons afternoon.  We read most nights at bed time, time permitting.  Some days we read after lunch. I think I'm starting to pronounce the Spanish bits in the Dora the Explorer books properly but I could be wrong.

I've been thinking lately that perhaps I should get myself to the local library & investigate their little kids programs, for Miss Pants and I to attend with Little H in tow, and the selection of books available for my ever inquisitive 8yr old, Mr Magoo.  He LOVES to read!  I love that he loves it.  I've always hoped that his enthusiasm would be passed on to Big H but alas, no luck as yet.  A lovely lady from Bible study, who invited me to morning tea, was telling me about a series of books her ten yr old loves.  I asked the name of them twice & still forgot so I'll have to follow that up. Mr Magoo will be taking part in the Premier's Reading Challenge with the school this year so I'd love to have a great range of books available to him other than ones he's got at home (since he's read the majority of them).  You can find out more about the Premier's Reading Challenge here.

I've come across some books recently that I think I would like to read (or perhaps buy) too. For myself.  I used to love to read.  You know, when I had more time for ME. Lol.  I recently read Bitter Chocolate by Lesley Lokko.

You can find it online here

 "Three girls in search of a missing piece of their lives; three girls who will change their worlds to find it ..."
My sister-in-law lent it to me while I was in hospital during my third trimester carrying Little H.  I quite enjoyed it, although I didn't finish it until after he was born.  I just didn't have the time (once home) to finish it until I made the effort to find "me-time".  I set the older kids up with a movie after lunch during the Summer holidays when it was better for them to be inside at that time anyway and I'd take Little H and my book to my bed.  I'd feed him, wrap him and lay next to him reading while he slept.  I never once dozed off, although if I hadn't had that book I surely would have.

If you were a MasterChef 2011 watcher you may remember Merle Parrish from the Cudal branch of the Country Women's Association.  Remember the Peach Blossom Cake?  Well now you can get the recipe from her new book, Merle's Kitchen.

You can find it online here

I don't think I really NEED any more sweet treats being made in my house because I have this tendency to over induldge but to get PROPER recipes from someone with this much experience making cakes for the everyday life (as opposed to restaurant style fancy) I could just be convinced.  Yesterday there was a local book signing by Merle but I missed it.

I came across this book completely by accident during the week.

You can find it online here, or through her blog

I had never even seen the Down to Earth blog before.  I had a little read about Rhonda's view of the book.  I think I'll quite enjoy it.  One thing she said which stuck in my mind is that (paraphrasing here) while it is called "a guide to simple living", everyones idea of simple living is different and she hopes to inspire the simple in all of us.  She has had book signings in Sydney, Melbourne, etc lately, as you would expect, but she was also at Bathurst in regional NSW on Friday and I had too many appoitnments in the morning to get there in time.  I was quite excited about it until I realised I wouldn't be able to make it. Oh well.  If I do get hold of the book I can send away for signed name plate for it.

The final book I wanted to share with you is called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Ruben.

I took a peak inside the book here and when I read "I wanted to focus on a different subject each month... I resolved to tackle "Marriage," "Parenthood," and "Friends,"..." I KNEW I'd have to read the book in full.  I've been thinking LOTS about these three things lately.  I heard about this book from the Planning With Kids facebook page.  You can also find out more about the book, the author & perhaps your own Happiness Project here.

I'm REALLY hoping I get to read these books in the next few months.  Perhaps when I have a little more time.  I guess I need to MAKE the time.  Me time :)

Bye for now, K

WIP: What a Week...

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I know, it's late again but I've had a HUGE week.  It's been rather full of NOTHING.  Ok, not so much nothing, more nothing particularly "crafty".  I've spent quite a bit of much needed time thinking about & doing things for my husband, my kids & ME!!  Yes, you read correctly... ME.

Point 1.  In the past fortnight I have a joined a women's Bible Study, with creche.  This school term they have been looking at relationships.  The first week I went was all about the marriage relationship.  I found it inspiring & insightful.  I really quite loved that it gave me some wonderful things to ponder.

Point 2.  I admit it.  I am dealing with Post Natal Depression, again.  I have had it in varying degrees after each of my children.  I promised to share more about it with you all so that you may be able to help others going through it rather than feeling powerless.  I will still do that, but just not yet.

Point 3.  Point 2 has contributed to my inability to follow my crafty pursuits as I would have liked, but also necessitated my need to spend more time thinking about my gorgeous husband and kids and how I can be a better wife and mother.  Strangely, several blogs have helped me with this.  Ok, perhaps it's not strange.  Perhaps I just think it is strange.  One post about putting your husband before your kids can be found on the blog 71 Toes.  I started reading this blog before I found that particular post & Shawni was always going on about how wonderful her husband is and I was thinking "What is wrong with this woman?", then I read that post and it all made sense.  After reading a few others things really started to click.  I think about various couples whose children have grown & left home and can see that what Shawni says makes perfect sense.  71 Toes is now one of my favourite blogs.

Hmmm, I know I haven't really said much, but in a way I guess I've shared quite a bit more today than I have previously.

I hope you've all had a fantastic week.

 Bye for now, K