Love + Marriage

We choose our kids OVER and OVER all day long, but the idea behind “I choose you” can be pretty incredible when it comes to marriage.  Saying “I love you” is important, but meaning it and being intentional are what matter.

When asked to write a post about National Stepfamily Day (which is Sept. 16, by the way), I thought it would be another easy installment. After all, step-parenting is something near and dear to my heart.

Empty nest syndrome is a period of sadness or depression that sets in after your last baby bird flies the coop. I’ve seen evidence of this on Facebook for years – and with good reason.

Not only does a family play a huge role in your partner's life, they did raise them after all, but they can add a huge amount of relief or stress to your life as well.

My husband and I are making a conscious effort to share the mental load. It’s not easy. I am by nature a planner, and my husband is not.

I can take Rosemond’s advice to heart, keep my maternal ego in check, and give my husband an extra big hug tonight – because I truly believe from the bottom of my heart that the best gift you can give your child is a solid, happy marriage to your spouse.

Practical. That would be a word to describe my husband and me and our gift-giving to each other.  Neither one of us splurges or goes all out for a Christmas, birthday, or Valentine’s gift.  We get what we need all year, so we sometimes don’t exchange more than a card!  If you are like me, or even if you aren’t, and go big, here is a practical gift that gives all year long!

Let’s just admit it – we’ve all watched at least one episode of “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette.”  Sometimes you just need some trashy TV to get your mind off your own chaotic life.  My husband won’t be pleased that I share this, but we’ve watched “The Bachelorette” together. 

Before the kids, my husband and I did everything together.  We went out to eat, saw concerts, stayed up late watching movies, and traveled.  I would have characterized our marriage as “easy.”  Then we had kids.

I think I do it all. I say I do in petty arguments about whose turn it is to change the stinky diaper.  I may even vent about it to my girlfriends on a girls’ night out.  But it’s a boldfaced lie. I don’t do it all.