A Little Survival Tip

By K Wrede

I confess, I can't do it alone. I can't wake up, fix breakfast, get clothes out, brush hair, brush teeth, pack lunches, get clothes on, turn off lights, turn off burners, put on lipstick and remember car keys by myself. Add two kids and a husband into the mix and life just got chaotic. (I know, I know, some of you have even more kids than that and I admire you for it!)

In the hustle and bustle of the morning routine I still want to be a kind, patient, happy mommy/wife, but I don't have that natural ability. (Our little secret, K?)

So I pray for it. Better said: When I remember to do so, I pray for it.
And I get it.

It seems whenever I ask for help to be a better mom/wife, I get it. Ideas come to my mind on what to say, how to act, and I even feel more peace inside, which then allows me to calm down a bit.

Does it really matter if my daughter hikes her mismatched socks up to her knees? Does it really matter that my son wants to wear the same underwear two days in a row?

No, it doesn't. (At least that's what the Universe tells me when I'm willing to listen.)

What matters is the people. What matters is how I treat "the people".

I write this as a reminder to myself and to all of us. Help with family relationships is never very far.

A Little...Family Time

by K Wrede

A few weeks ago, I was somewhat compelled to take an inventory of my priorities, and was disheartened to learn my current use of time was not in line with some of my long term goals. I realized that I spent quite a significant amount of time each week alone, yet am married with two (beautiful and perfect :) ) children.

Around the same time, my husband was also in place where he saw a need for more family cohesion. He and I have since made a concerted effort to be together more, and though it has only been a few weeks thus far, we have noticed a real difference in our family dynamics. We have more harmony, more camaraderie, and more . . . general happiness. Personally, I feel more of a draw to be with my husband and kids verses staying late at work and/or going to the gym. Though exercise is very important to me, I have decided that with the amount of money I spend on a gym membership, I will instead by my own set of weights and have the family join my workout!


Now, don't get me wrong, I am neither saying that what we've done is for everyone (we're all at different places in our lives and have different needs), nor am I saying that my life is now void of challenges. What I am saying is that spending more time together as a family, including just the mere desire to do so, has brought my priorities back in line with what I want out of life and has increased my family's general well-being.

You know what they say: "Family, isn't it about . . . time?" :)

A Little Lesson in Love... Marriage

by Guest Contributor Sonja

"Fifty-five," he begins.
"No fifty-four," she corrects.
"Are you sure?" he asks.
"Come on, let's say it together."
"Oh alright."
"Fifty-four long, horrible, miserable years," they chime together.
"The same year Disneyland opened."
Funny, I think to myself. The multi-billion dollar resort that bills itself as "The Happiest Place on Earth" cuts the ribbon the same year Martha and Richard White tie the knot.  I can't exactly explain my fascination with the Whites. Perhaps it's simply because he still holds her hand when they cross the street. Or that they go everywhere together, even the gym. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the way their eyes light up around each other.
I see in them a rare treasure. They have created the happiest place on earth and it's evident even in their wonderful tongue-in-cheek response to my question of how long they've been married.
Richard explains to me that when he was a young man, after he'd served his church on a mission, and served his country, he began to wonder when he'd get served. He wanted to fall in love and settle down. So he waited. And waited.
And then she came.
She walked in the room, and he knew. "It was like I was meeting an old friend."
Martha was beautiful, spunky, and seventeen.
Richard was her dashing, twenty-three year old Sunday school teacher.
He took her out for shakes and not long after that, they were married.