There comes a time every marriage when it's necessary to tell a tiny little lie. Be it to safeguard your spouse's feelings, or to not "blow a big surprise," or just keeping the peace, I think we've all done it. Although my cover will be COMPLETELY blown when he reads this, I wanted to share a few of the false statements that I tell my husband, some more often than others. Here … [Read more...]
Why It’s So Important to Listen to Your Children
"Listen earnestly to anything [your children] want to tell you, no matter what. If you don't listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won't tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has always been big stuff." ~Catherine Wallace I saw this quote on Pinterest a few days ago and later on Facebook. There hasn't been a day that … [Read more...]
5 Things Super Happy Couples Do Every Day
I'm sure most would agree that marriage takes a bit of work. But, what "thing" worth having doesn't? We all have our good days and just okay days. Sometimes it takes a while to get out the valley of "bad" days as a married couple. Do you know a couple that seems to be really happy? Have you ever asked a couple that you admire, just how they do it? I have. I do it all the time … [Read more...]
The Thankless Job of Being a Step-Parent
Step-parents! I salute you....I know first-hand that it's not easy being a parent. So, imagine how difficult it must feel being a step parent in a lot of blended families. I'm not one, but I'm understanding more and more that most of these step-parenting roles take courage, understanding, and definitely love. I can never question my husband's love for me, because the way I see … [Read more...]
January Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
What is Cervical Health Awareness Month? The United States Congress has designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. During January, we as health care professionals, are shedding light on cervical cancer, HPV disease, and the importance of early detection. What exactly is cervical cancer? Well, let's start with the virus first. Human papillomavirus (or HPV as … [Read more...]
World AIDS Day: Is HIV/AIDS Awareness Still Prevalent Today?
In the 1990's there was a heightened awareness for HIV and AIDS. There were benefit concerts, commercials, tons of "wrap it up" campaigns and particularly in the African American community, there were celebrities that were impacted as well. Notable names like Arthur Ashe, Eric "Eazy E" Wright and Magic Johnson grabbed the attention of the community, giving a recognizable and … [Read more...]
Are Video Games Making Our Kids Sick?
Video game-related health problems are more prevalent than we may realize. Unless your child or someone you know has ever been diagnosed, you've probably never given it any thought. They can cause repetitive strain injuries and believe it or not even skin disorders! Who would have ever thought that we would see the day when doctors would diagnose their patients with names like, … [Read more...]
Ways to Help Kids Cope When Dad’s Away
My husband travels a lot on business, and of course that means that we miss him something terrible and around here that means that sometimes the kids are a lot to deal with, even more so when he's away. So, in order to help me stave of the restlessness of my little natives, I generally try to incorporate something fun for them to do that also helps to keep them connected. Here … [Read more...]
Here Are 5 Reasons Why I’ve Given Up In My Marriage
Do you know a married couple that never fights? Me neither. Two people. One life. Happily ever after - with a few inevitable rough spots and bumps along the journey. Sometimes those bumps in the road become hills and the hills become mountains and then what? Is giving up an option? Do we quickly begin to throw around the "D" word? Hopefully not, because that's always … [Read more...]
Do We Give Our Kids Too Much?
Recent conversations between myself and my kids: My 12 yr-old son: "Mom, can I upgrade to an iPhone?" Me: "Umm...Son, why do you even need an iPhone?" My son: "Well, all my friends have one." Me: [mean mama stare down] My son: "Never mind..." or this for instance, My 5 yr-old daughter: "Mommy, can I have a faster Barbie Jeep?" Me: "Why? What's … [Read more...]
The Perfect Gift for Your Spouse
Are you struggling with exactly the right gift to buy your spouse? You're not alone. I'm pretty sure a lot of us fall in that category, but should it really be that way? If we are really paying attention to our mates, we would already know from living with them, connecting with them and really observing them what they want. Or, better yet what they need. We should know what … [Read more...]
Love Your Kids Like There’s No Tomorrow – Praying for the Families in Newtown, CT
My heart bleeds for the families that have to endure the loss of their babies due to the recent massacre in Newtown, CT. I was in a toy store when my mom called me with the news, but it didn't hit me instantly. As you see, we are a nation that has endured many senseless tragedies. From Columbine to Arizona to Colorado...we've seen it happen. We live. We grieve. We heal. Never … [Read more...]
25 Ways to Tell Your Husband, “I Love You!”
I'm always researching ways to enhance and enjoy my marriage. To some, this may not be a big deal. But for busy moms like myself, there are times that we barely have enough time for ourselves, let alone a moment or two to be a fulfilling and intentional wife. Disclaimer: I make no claims to be a relationship expert. This is a list that was created to inspire you, not cause … [Read more...]
Growing Up Old School – 7 Differences between My Kids’ Childhood and Mine
Just recently, while making lunch for my young daughter, I realized that we were out of hot dog buns. I told her to use a piece of sliced bread and she looked at me like I had two heads. I laughed because it took me a minute to realize that this baby of mine has lived a sheltered life with hot dog buns, endless cable TV channels, and at least two family vacations a year. … [Read more...]
Don’t Forget To Date Your Kids Too!
A few weeks ago my oldest son brought to my attention that he'd never been to a music concert. Sure we've gone to Disney on Ice, Sesame Street in Concert and things of that nature. But, we've never gone to see his favorite band - or any band! So, I immediately scoured the net, searching for concerts in the area and found that Mindless Behavior was coming to town. I asked him if … [Read more...]