I just LOVE this idea!  One of the reasons I adore The Dating Divas is they are nine awesome women who all love their husbands and are committed to keeping their marriages fresh.  They come up with the best and most unique date night ideas and simple things we can do to keep marriage fun and alive.  I hope you’ll enjoy this post as much as me.

Until Monday…make it a great weekend!

**Guest Post provided by Sarina with The Dating Divas.

Once upon a time in the world of technology came a website that would create your very own personalized happily ever after… for FREE! With this program you can re-tell your own love story in the form of a customized book and dedicate it to your Prince Charming. The site provides a variety of artist’s illustrations which you personally select, put in order and add your own text. You can make, share, and read these stories online for free or, for a price, you can order your own tangible soft or hard cover book. What a great way to show your love – in a gift they will always treasure!

Here Is What You Do:

1. Go to storybird.com and create your own completely free login account.

2. Follow this quick DEMO to learn HOW to create your own story.

Check out this one that I made:

Eternity Is Not Long Enough by senoritasarinita on Storybird

3. When your own story is completed you can:

• Send your story via email (completely free) wouldn’t your husband love to have this in his inbox?
• Embed the file in your blog or website (yep – free again)
• Buy a download PDF, a softcover book, or a hardcover book

Finally…

4. Give your leading man this FREE PRINTABLE CARD with your own personalized dedication and snuggle up for story time!

Not feeling technologically inclined? Check out this homemade book craft tutorial!

However you decide to document your story – here’s to happy endings!

Comments: With more than 67,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.

Thank you for your prayers and well wishes following the recent passing of my father.  For the next week, I will continue to have guest bloggers and hope you enjoy reading their words as much as I do.  

Today’s guest writer is the awesome Dustin Riechmann, creator of Engaged Marriage, a resource that helps busy couples live a life they love.  Please check out the free Marriage Time newsletter for lots of great ideas that will keep the sparks flying in your marriage.

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When it comes to the most important relationship in your life, don’t be normal.  Normal isn’t good enough.

Unfortunately, in many relationships, “normal” represents a life of mediocrity and going through the motions.  It is simply too easy to succumb to the busyness of life and lose sight of how precious our spouse or significant other really is to us.

And it’s even easier for our partner to feel disconnected and a bit under-appreciated.  We know how we feel, and (if asked) we are quick to tell others that our spouse is a clear number one in our list of priorities…

But does your partner know how you feel?

Tell Them

It may sound trite.  It may seem overly simplistic.  But clear communication is THE KEY to a healthy and extraordinary relationship.

When you think a kind (or romantic) thought about your spouse, let them know how you feel.  Take the time to listen to them about their day and respond with some exuberance or empathy.  Show them you care by telling them that you care.

These are the little things that make us all feel appreciated and affirmed in the face of a crazy life.

Write It Down

Talking is good, but writing is great.  To leave a really meaningful and lasting impact on your partner’s heart, take a few minutes to write them a romantic love letter.  This doesn’t have to be some cheesy Hallmark spiel about angels and achy, breaky hearts…though it could be.

And it really shouldn’t be difficult.  To make it easy, here are five simple steps to write an awesome romantic letter that your significant other will cherish for life and brag to their friends about.

Just Do It

Simple, huh?

All it takes is a few minutes to create a sweet little letter that expresses the romantic feelings you usually never take the time to consider or (especially) to deliver.  With just a small effort, you have the ability to rock your relationship and make your significant other feel as special as they truly should.

It’s time.  Take the motivation you feel right now and start to jot down your thoughts.  Follow through with a heartfelt romantic letter and deliver in an awesome way.  Your spouse, and you, will be so glad that you did.

The best “pillow talk” doesn’t have to take place in bed, although I bet it will make the time you spend there more enjoyable.

Question: Have you ever written a heartfelt note to your husband letting him know how much you love and admire him?  If yes, how did he respond?

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Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

Comments: With more than 65,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.

A little over a week ago, I shared with you the great news that my father’s health appeared to be improving and he and my mother looked as though they would be celebrating their 40th anniversary soon afterall.  

A few days after posting that message, his health took a turn for the worst and he passed away this past week.  This is the reason you saw guest bloggers here all last week and the reason I’ve invited more guest bloggers to assist me this week.  But before turning it over to our guests for this week, I wanted to leave you with these words.

Below is a favorite poem of Richard Carlson (author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff).  After his wife was widowed when he unexpectedly died at age 45, she published a book which included this peom.  When thinking of my mom, and so many widows who are members of this club, I think about the advice they always give.  Have no regrets.  Say “I love you,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry” as often as needed and never let a day pass without saying, “I love you.”

Rest in peace, Dad, and thank you for loving my mom and all your children in an extraordinary way.

Tomorrow Never Comes

If I knew it would be the last time,
That I’d see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly,
and pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time,
That I would see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and a kiss,
And call you back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time,
Id hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would tape each word and action,
And play them back throughout my days.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I would spare an extr minute or two,
To stop and say, “I love you,”
Instead of assumming you know I do.

So just in case tommorow never comes,
And today is all I get,
I’d like to say how much I love you,
And I hope we never will forget.

Tommorow is not promised to anyone,
Young and old alike,
And today may be the last chance,
You get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you’re waiting for tomorrow,
Why not do it today?

For if tommorow never comes,
You’ll surely regret the day
That you didn’t take that extra time,
For a smile, a hug or a kiss,
And you were too busy to grant someone
What turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
And whisper in their ear,
Tell them you love them very much, and
You’ll always hold them dear.

Take time to say “I’m sorry,”
“Please forgive me,”
“Thank you”, or
“It’s OK,”
And if tomorrow never comes,
You’ll have no regrets about today.

©Norma Cornett Marek (1989)

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

Comments: With more than 65,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.

Annnddd…. I’m BACK!

Hopefully you all had a chance to check out our fabulous “Successful Marriages” Tele-Retreat we just put on! If not, we’ve placed all of those recorded inspirational presentations in our community for couples to listen to at their convenience. Feel free to check that out! For those of you who didn’t catch my last Guest Post, I am Tara, one of the *divas* blogging for the website, The Dating Divas.

  On The Dating Divas website, we are all about creative ideas that will help strengthen our relationships. One of our FAVORITE things to talk about is…

…DATE NIGHT!

We are strong believers in dating your spouse!! That one-on-one time to connect {or re-connect} with your sweetheart is crucial to a healthy relationship. A date is simply spending time with one another – BUT it can be so much more! I love treating date night as the one day of the week where we can create a wonderful memory that will last us through whatever the new week brings. In order to help YOU create these fun {and lasting} memories, we decided to bring you FIVE of our fun date ideas. Three of these are fun to do with just your spouse and two are a BLAST to do on a group date. I wanted to share more than one idea with all of you… as I know we all have different tastes. BUT – I have to tell you, these are fit for ANY age group! {Just ask my cute parents who about died laughing when we had a “Minute to Win It” group date night!}

You can click on any of the titles to get more information about each creative date idea. Here we go…

Love On The Run

This is one of our most popular date ideas because life is SO fast-paced for everyone nowadays. People are super busy and we don’t always have the time to put together a fun date night. Just like grabbing fast food to go… you can put together a DATE night “to go!” Grab a gift bag, print off the darling free printable to glue to the front, print off the list of fun “date ideas on the go” that you can refer to… and gather the materials needed for your NEXT date night. When it’s all prepped, you can hide it away as a surprise for you sweetheart OR place it somewhere visible & mark your calendar! Either way, it will be the start to many more great date nights to come! Oh, and the best part? Your sweetheart gets to plan the NEXT one! {Yeppers, we included “His” & “Her” tags to help out with this…}

The Bookstore Date

This one is even EASIER to plan and it’s 100% free! What’s not to love about that? All you need is the free printables included in the post and a local bookstore! Voila! The easiest date night you have ever planned. Now, if you are thinking, “But my husband doesn’t like to read…” or maybe YOU don’t enjoy reading? I promise this will STILL be fun! I am an avid bookworm and my husband is an avid book-avoider… and he absolutely LOVED this date! In fact, we had so much fun, he suggested doing it again! On the downloadable printables, there are six tasks listed that you and your spouse get to complete while at the bookstore. They take quite a while since you just MIGHT get caught up in enjoying each one! Head on over to our original post for more details on the different tasks.

Couples Minute to Win It

If you have some fun-loving friends around, then a group date is a blast to organize! Based off the hit TV show, “Minute to Win It,” this date is sure to keep you laughing all night long! With each couple already forming a team, the goal is to complete the hilarious tasks within a minute. Some of the tasks are done by one team member and some can be completed by both. I have played this with my friends multiple times, with my family, and I even had my students playing these games during one of our parties {I teach 5th grade}. Every time, it is a complete hit! My ultimate favorite is called, “Face the Cookie.” The participants place a cookie on their forehead and have to maneuver it down their face and into their mouths withOUT using their hands! Soooo funny to watch and you would be surprised how many of my little 10-year-old students were able to do it! {LOL}

The “Funky Town” Date

Another FUN group date that is for extreme EXTROVERTS is the Funky Town Date. When I was in College, I think I must have dated the most outgoing & creative guys on campus! I can’t believe HALF of the crazy things we did on our dates! I took a few of my most fun memories and combined them into what we now call… “Funky Town!” It was even BETTER experiencing these hilarious activities with my husband and our crazy friends! From eating with crazy utensils, to going to a thrift shop & choosing ridiculous outfits for each other, and ending the night with bowling… with a TWIST – we created an unforgettable memory! This date was one of my all-time favorites!

Spring Olympics

This one can be just for you & your husband OR you can turn it into a fun group date. Yes, we posted this in the SPRING, but it would be fun to enjoy the weather one last time before the chill of winter hits! By utilizing supplies around the house, you will be able to put together your OWN Olympic Games! The thought of sitting on a skateboard & using a plunger to “paddle” away completely cracks me up! If the ideas contained in this post aren’t totally up your alley, then use your creative juices… look around your house and make up different events. Don’t forget to run by the Dollar Store to grab some Olympic Medals!

Now that we have you all set for your next FIVE date nights, you might be wondering what our website all about! I told you a little above….but in case you were curious….our website is what happens when a BUNCH of super crafty friends get together & come up with solutions for strengthening their marriages.

We blog about amazing & creative date ideas, fun gift ideas for our spouses, quick & easy romance ideas, CRAFTY tutorials, and MUCH, much more!! ANYTHING that would help enhance our already ROCKIN’ marriages!! We even decided to share tips on how to look good for our man AND ideas on how to keep things HOT in a certain room…..

…but you are gonna have to visit our website for THAT! {WINK!}

Stop on by The Dating Divas to get more ROMANCE tips so you can keep dating that amazing spouse of yours! We love spreading the word about our blog….and we hope it will strengthen YOUR relationship as much as it has ours!!

Thanks again for letting me hang out with the “Happy Wives Club” crew today!

**Guest post by Angie Merrill, founding member, Happy Wives Club**

This morning I read an intriguing article about retraining our brain so that we see the sunny side of every situation.  Elaine Fox, an Oxford psychologist, says that while studies show that our genes have 30-40% control over our mind-set, it’s possible to retrain our brain through our actions.

I’ve always disagreed with the old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” It saddens me when a person gives up on a relationship, citing the belief that their spouse will never change. I firmly believe that it’s possible for anyone to change at any time.   More important, while we don’t have control over the actions or attitudes of others, we do have a CHOICE to change our own actions and attitudes. Imagine my joy in seeing this idea supported by scientific evidence in the article I read today!

What’s more, imagine how this new information can have an impact for a happier marriage!

I’m living proof. While I can’t say I’ve ever been an unhappy wife, I can share with you that there have been many times in my nine-year marriage that the stresses of life and miscommunication and misunderstandings between my husband and I have threatened to steal my joy.  But a change in my attitude and outlook has always proven to quickly remedy any unhappiness that may have tried to encroach upon our marital bliss.

One of the ways that Elaine Fox advises we retrain our brain is to count our blessings, and I try to make a habit of doing this every day. I once read a quote that has resonated with me ever since: “Imagine if you didn’t have tomorrow what you didn’t thank God for today.” So, in spite of any dark, looming clouds on the horizon—in the form of challenging moments of everyday life—I tell God what I’m thankful for, either when I wake up in the morning or when I lie down at night.  And who’s always at the top of my list, without fail? My dear, sweet, wonderful, husband.

It’s amazing how counting one’s blessings will chase away the stormy clouds and reveal the sunshine in our life. And the great thing about the sun is that it shines light upon every situation, giving us a clear and sunny perspective.

Question: Simply being grateful can change your entire outlook on life and marriage.  So what are you grateful for today?

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

Comments: With more than 65,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.

I am SUPER excited to be doing a guest post for Fawn over here on the “Happy Wives Club” website! I absolutely ADORE Fawn and am constantly amazed at everything she does for other couples and for marriage everywhere. Anything to do with having a “happily ever after” is right up my alley and Fawn is the perfect person to be in charge of such a site!!

I am Tara, one of the *divas* blogging for the website, The Dating Divas.

I am married to my best friend, addicted to crafting & coming up with creative dates for my sweetie & me, AND I loooove blogging with some of my closest friends. Life is good! On The Dating Divas website, we are all about creative ideas that will help strengthen our relationships. My friends & I were determined NOT to become “boring old couples” who sat around and watched TV all day. We wanted to continue the honeymoon, so we decided to take turns coming up with SUPER creative, inexpensive, and fun date ideas that we could all try! We are currently putting together all sorts of fabulous things to help strengthen marriage… and today I am going to share with you information about a FREE marriage retreat packed with inspiration to get your love sizzling in no time at all!!

Ah… I see that I caught your attention, huh!

How many of you would just LOVE to escape to some fabulous marriage retreat with your significant other? Listen to some amazing speakers, focus on each other, and be INSPIRED to improve your marriage even more than it already is? *sigh* Wouldn’t that be nice!?!

…and then you see the COST of those suckers! Yes, your marriage improves, BUT it usually seems to drain your bank account as a result of attending any of those events. We received email after email from our amazing readers asking for advice on how to address those issues that always seem to pop up in marriage. We started brainstorming… and hit upon an absolutely fantastic idea!!

What if WE brought a Marriage Retreat to all of YOU!!!

We got right to work, contacting all of our absolute favorite marriage experts and we are SO excited to announce our SECOND “Successful Marriage” Tele-Retreat!!

Are you jumping outta your chair right now? Read on to get more details and reserve YOUR spot today!!

Click HERE to meet all of the inspirational speakers, see what their fabulous presentations will cover, & reserve your spot today!!

Click HERE to view our Tele-Retreat “Frequently Asked Questions” Page!

**Can’t make the retreat but want to hear the AMAZING speakers? Sign up to be a community member right now. ALL of the presentations will be recorded and placed in the community the same day!

**Guest Blog Post by Jocelyn White, founding member, Happy Wives Club**

My husband of almost seven years and I are thankful to have parents that are still married.  My husband’s parents have been married over 50 years and my parents have been married over 30.  We have seen their dedication through all the joys and challenges of marriage.  One of the things we set out to learn at the beginning of our marriage was, how would we work through challenges together?

It is not uncommon to hear disgruntled spouses speak of “losing themselves” and their identity.  Once the kids left, they didn’t know who they were anymore.  We tried to figure out if there was a way we could somehow prevent that from happening, and how to create healthy habits before we had kids.

When our first anniversary came, we decided to ask one another what our dreams were, for our marriage, for our career, and as a couple.  Out of that discussion began a tradition of yearly checking-in on one another’s dreams and vowing to do our best to make one another’s dreams come true.  We committed to living life on purpose, not simply “going through” life, but committed to being intentional about the things we were passionate about, and the things we valued most. 

That started with our wedding vows, in which we wrote our commitment to choose to delight and forgive one another. And delighting in one another’s dreams and the things that interested the other most became a springboard for our continuing adventure.  After a few short years, I went from thinking movies were a waste of time, to becoming a movie buff because my husband was, from hating cold weather to snowboarding because my husband loves the mountains and skiing, and perhaps best of all, this working toward one another’s dreams set a foundation for us to find and pursue a common calling- to help end modern-day slavery and human trafficking in the US and abroad.  Along the way, we’ve both had challenging days, but that’s where choosing to forgive and delight in one another, and giving each other a safe person to make mistakes in front of, has made all the difference. And it is all the more fulfilling when our dreams do come true.

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Question: Do you and your husband share your goals and dreams with one another?  Do you partner together to achieve them? 

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

Comments: With more than 65,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.

I could not be any happier.  As most of you know, my Dad was rushed to the hospital(Mom and Dad more than 38 years ago) almost two weeks ago and after being put on a form of life support for a procedure, and then living with tubes coming out of everywhere possible the past 12 days, he was extubated yesterday.  He remains in ICU but now we are able to talk to him and he’s able to communicate and breathe (almost) on his own.

I’m happy it looks like my Dad may come home.  I’m even happier my mom will have more time to spend with her husband.  They will celebrate their 40th anniversary soon and a week ago it looked like that might not happen.  Now, we’re hopeful it will be the best party ever.

Growing up, I learned so much about marriage from my parents.  For one, they were marriage counselors so I learned alot about what not to do in marriage through the stories of many of their clients.  But I also learned what to do, one of which was being a whole person before I uttered the words “I do,” so I could give my husband all of me instead of just a part.

I’ve been a happy wife from the moment the Elvis-impersonating officiator (yes, we eloped in Las Vegas) told my husband he could kiss the bride.  And that has everything to do with how I prepared for marriage, prior to marriage.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for that gift. 

(Before I was even born)

Question: Who inspired you to create the marriage your heart desired?  Did you always know a happy and lifelong marriage was possible?

Until Monday…make it a great weekend!

DON’T FORGET: Today is the last day to enter the Santa in September contest to win an iPad for that special person in your life.  You can also win a Nikon camera.  Super simple to enter and 100% free.

Comments: With more than 65,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.

UPDATE: For those who have asked about my Dad, he is doing much better.  He remains in ICU but we’re hopeful that will not be for much longer.  The great news is it looks like he will survive all this.  Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. 

This morning, I awoke and planned to meet you here around 5am, as usual.  But unlike most mornings, the internet in our apartment wasn’t working so I attempted to upload my post for the day using Keith’s iPad.  That’s when I learned the limitations of the uber-popular iPad.  So now, I sit in the local Starbucks (whose cool vibe I’m loving) several hours later writing this post.    

With my eyes barely open this morning, I looked at my phone to see the time.  But before I took note of the 4:59am listed at the top, I saw I’d received a long text message from the taxi driver that took me all around Mauritius while I was there a few months ago (during my worldwide quest to find the secret to a happy marriage).

I’d sent a question to him yesterday via text regarding a phrase he shared with me while I was there.  Married more than 30 years, Bobby, had a lot of advice about marriage including his acronym for wife.  “You know what wife means?” he asked in a serious tone.  “Yes, of course I do.”  At least I thought I did until he started laughing to himself which let me know he must have an nontraditional meaning. 

“Wife stands for ‘Without information, argue much.’”  Something tells me there was translation lost in the meaning since that acronym would be “wiam” not “wife.”  My guess is the actual answer to that question was something along the lines of “without information fight every day.”  Either way, we shared a laugh and then I listened to his real advice.

The secret to a happy marriage, according to Bobby, is “donnant donnant,” which is a French phrase he explained meant, “to receive you must first give.”  I like that.  Donnant donnant.  When two people are focused more on what they give than what they receive, when they are determined to have a marriage made up of two equal parts, something magical happens.  The law of reciprocity kicks in, and somehow, each person receives more than they ever hoped or desired.

That’s how it is with my marriage.  What about yours?

Question: When you give to your husband expecting nothing in return, do you usually find he gives you more in return than you’d ever hoped or asked?

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

 Comments: With more than 65,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.

I am so grateful to have a guest blogger joining us today.  As many of you know, last Sunday my world was turned upside-down when my father was put on a form of life support for an emergency procedure prior to being transferred to ICU.  

He remains in ICU but is getting stronger (thank you to all those praying).  I will definitely update you when I join you here on Wednesday morning, but until then, I hope you’ll be able to relate to this guest post as much as me.

Until tomorrow…make it a great day!

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Today’s Guest Blogger: Renee Fisher @devotionaldiva.com 

If I have to describe my first year of marriage in one word it would be–wonder. As a child, I would look at my parents and wonder what it would be like someday.

As a girl, I would look at my friends and wonder why I wasn’t in a relationship. Was there something wrong with me? Was it because I was too loud, too fat, or too smart to be in a relationship?

As a young adult, I never stopped to wonder where my future husband was. Although I have to admit that I gave up the notion that somewhere my prince charming was waiting to rescue me.

I didn’t need to be saved. I already knew–and was confident in the woman I was becoming.

I got married a year shy of my 30^th birthday. Looking back I am so glad I never gave up the wonder.

The wonder of someday my best friend would meet me half way.

The wonder of waking up next to a man in my bed and marveling at his naked body while he stares at mine.

I’m still considered a “newlywed”–but I hope I never give up the wonder–because it’s when I’m just being my wonderful self that makes him and me most happy.

I am a wonder wife.

Question: Do you find yourself amazed often and grateful for the wonder of marriage and the ability to love and be loved at such a high level?

Renee Fisher is a spirited author and speaker who lives with her software engineering husband and their rescued pit bull named Star. She blogs at http://www.devotionaldiva.com.

Comments: With more than 60,000 Happy Wives Club members already actively engaged on our Facebook Community page, what better place to share your thoughts? Join me there and let’s continue the conversation.

 **THIS CONTEST IS NOW OVER AND THE REGISTRATION FORM IS CLOSED**

Yep, THREE iPads for THREE of you!!

{one iPad per winner!}

We’ve teamed up with some fabulous bloggers to make this Christmas season just a bit sweeter! We all know how CRAZY it gets around Christmas time & we wanted to do something to lessen the stress when it comes to shopping for gifts! It’s NEVER too early to start prepping for my favorite holiday of all!

So… here’s your chance to win the perfect gift for that “impossible person” on your Christmas list OR the reward you can give yourself for working so hard all year! {Who says you can’t get yourself a Christmas present?} We thought and we thought… and we thought… and we decided that BRAND-NEW iPADS would be the bomb-diggity-bomb for ANY of our readers! If you didn’t have one… then Merry Christmas to YOU! If you DO have one, then you will be able to check another person off your list! Win-Win!!

BUT WAIT, it gets even better!

Once the THREE winners have been selected to receive their iPads, we’re going to randomly draw ONE of their names and that person will also get to choose which loved one they want this lovely little prize shipped to…

A Nikon Camera shipped directly to the person of your choice!

{We are totally doing your Christmas shopping for you!!!! You are SOOOO welcome!}

 Simply enter your information in the form below so we will be able to contact you if you win. Easy-peasy!! Need an alternate entry? Please see below.

This giveaway ends on Friday, September 21st at midnight, so hurry and get your entry in today! Make a deal with ALL of your family members and friends and tell them if they enter, you’ll split the prize! An iPad for one of you and a camera for the other!!

The form below is your giveaway entry, so when you put in your info – make sure you only enter ONCE because this form is shared on all of the participating sites.

Somewhat Simple {Crafts & More}	The Dating Divas {Creative Date Ideas}	Six Sisters’ Stuff {Delicious Recipes}	Make and Takes {Crafts for Kids}	{The TomKat Studio {Party Central}
GroopDealz {Daily Boutique Deals}	Lil’ Luna {Crafts & More}	The Girl Who Ate Everything {Recipes}	Happy Wives Club {Marriage Advice}	Money Saving Queen {Saving You Money}
I Heart Naptime {Crafts & More}	Sweet! {Baking Supplies}	The Frugal Girls {Saving You Money}

*This giveaway is in no way affiliated, administered or endorsed by Facebook. For an alternate entry, please email steph@somewhatsimple.com with entry info. Open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be chosen using Random.org and will be notified by email on 9/22/12. Winners will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen.

There’s a saying, “If you want to know your priorities, don’t listen to what you say but rather look at your calendar and checkbook.”  Clearly, this quote was pre-ATM debit and people using credit cards as if it was cash, but you get the drift.  

So often I hear people say, “my family comes first,” but I wonder if I were to take a sneak peak into those two C’s whether or not they would confirm that statement to be true.

I know that wasn’t the case when I was first married.  As a matter of fact, that wasn’t the case for the first 5 years or so of my marriage.  

If you’d asked me at that time what my priority was, I would have told you without hesitation it was my family.  But if you’d looked at my calendar, you would have seen my priority was clearly my work.  My husband, five siblings, parents and other immediate family members would have to send up smoke signals to get my attention.  It’s not because I didn’t love them and it’s not because they weren’t the most important thing in the world to me.  I simply hadn’t yet learned how to align what I said and believed was most important in my life and what proved true based on how I spent my time.

Over the past 5 days, since my father was rushed to the hospital and I received a text message from my sister saying, “Dad is on life support,” I’ve enjoyed spending all week with my family.  Albeit at a hospital much of the time, it’s been wonderful.  And when I return home each night, Keith is there looking forward to me walking through the door.

My workload has’t changed; I still have a ton to do each day.  I just manage it better.  As I’m writing this, I’m thinking about the manuscript I have due to my publisher in two weeks, book chapters due to my editor almost daily, and the work I need to do in relation to my business.  But I’m not stressed because I know the thing that is most important is taken care of: family.

With everything going on, I could stop doing the things around the house Keith is accustomed to me doing.  He would understand and wouldn’t complain in the least.  As a matter of fact, he’d simply do each of the things in addition to what he usually does (we’re a shared chores household ).  But he is my priority, taking care of our home is my priority.  

Question: What does “family first” mean to you?

Until Monday…make it a great day!

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