There is inevitably a point in marriage where the majority of conversations switch from passions, hopes, dreams for the future to something much less inspired: admin. If you have been married for a few years–especially if you have children– you know what I’m talking about.
Insurance, bills, appointments, taxes, maintaining cars, gadgets, toys, price hikes, discounts, occasional gossip—you know the drill.
Before my husband deployed, we often tried to took a day trip on weekends to reconnect. We loved getting out of our little Army town, and always loved the great discussions that only seemed to surface while driving. The conversations remind me of the ones we had when we were dating.
Now that our phone bill has dramatically spiked since he left, we can’t spend as much time on the phone. Our conversations are shorter and inevitably the admin issues are discussed first. Since I believe that talking is the way women emotionally connect to men, I have struggled with not being able to talk, at length, with my husband.
So I proposed the idea that we pick a book on marriage (he has a Kindle, so he can order them online easily) and we’ll read a few chapters a week, then discuss it and see how we can improve. (Yes, my dear husband has allowed me to lure him into my little book club!) In theory, our relationship continues to flourish and we get to talk about some things that truly excite me.
Our first pick??
We’re going to go with “Love and Respect” by Emerson Eggerichs. Recently, two friends have raved about this book and the impact it had on their marriages. Since it’s available on Kindle, the choice is pretty much a no-brainer. I’ll let you know how this goes and if it helps me to feel closer to my husband while he’s away.
Do you have secrets for reconnecting with your spouse? Date nights? Talks out on the porch? I’d love to hear more ideas!
I have so enjoyed reading Friday Fails on other blogs, but this is my first Friday Fail. It’s pretty much a week round-up of my missteps. I’ll begin with the worst ones!
1. Several weeks ago I decided to give up sweets or desserts until Easter. This has given me plenty of time to look at a food item and redetermine if it’s really a sweet. Let me explain. While at the deli on Monday, I determined that I should buy some biscotti because it would be a nice alternative for sweets. You don’t have biscotti for dessert, you have it with coffee, right? Well, when I arrived home it became clear to me that the biscotti was dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with toffee. Yet my earlier claim remains, I wouldn’t have it for dessert, so it’s okay. I know, I know, Homer Simpson logic!
2. Since my husband is deployed, and I am the only one watching our child, I have been tired. So tired in fact, that each day this week, I have gotten dangerously close to the caffeine limit that is acceptable for pregnant women. I’m actually sipping half decaf coffee right now:) Not good.
3. My maternity jeans are getting very close to not fitting. Just think about that for a second. NOT GOOD!!!
This was fun! What are some of your “fails” from the week? Share, it’s really pretty fun!
Hop over to Myra’s site for more Friday Fails!
Jackson can't contain his excitement either!!
Remember when my husband and I went to the doctor and she did a surprise ultrasound at 16 weeks?? And said she was 80% sure it was a boy?
Well, I had my “official” ultrasound on Monday and almost hopped out of the chair when she declared, “Not one mother has been right today, you’re having a little girl!!”
WHAT?!!
A little girl!
Since this pregnancy felt so similar to Jackson’s, I was convinced this baby would be another boy. The doctor’s visit last month confirmed that, and I was getting comfortable with the idea of having two boys. (My husband and I only want two children, so I thought my chance to have a girl had passed.)
Lying on the chair in the dimmed room with a hunk of gel on my belly, emotions were bubbling over! I get a little girl! First thoughts of dresses, bows, tights appeared; then the movie advanced to think of shopping, cuddle time, manicures, braids and Kindergarten!
All the little treasures I hadn’t considered.
Walking out of the hospital, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency! A desperate need to begin achieving more of my goals in order to prove to her that she can reach hers. A want to be the kind of mom she would think about with pride and admiration.
What a joyful blessing! My heart is full and my excitement can’t be contained!!
If you have girls, I would love some parenting advice, book recommendations, or peeks into special moments that you’ve shared with your daughter. I’m all ears!!
