Happy Marriage

 Do you take time for each other? I remember too well when our kids were little, that we did not take enough time for each other. There were always legitimate reasons, we thought.. the children needed me, we didn't have any money, the Mr. was working two jobs, I was worn out, etc, etc. Yes those were all reasons for not doing it, but thinking back now I realize that they could have been easily overcome.
The children would be fine without me/us for a few hours.
No we didn't have any extra money, but a walk in the park, and ice cream cone somewhere, window shopping at the mall, a quiet drive in the country, just a walk around the block... any of these require very little to no money to do. it would have enriched our marriage a lot if we had done these things. Now we have no kids at home and we can run away occasionally! It is fun! So, go make a date with your honey.. you will be glad you did!
It is true, especially in these tough economic times that many are working two jobs. When there is added stress, it is even more important to make time to spend with each other. So hubby( or wife) comes home at 10PM...can you go anywhere...can you spend any extra money? No to all! So, what CAN you do? When he/she come home late do your best to make things pleasant for them. The house is straight and there are delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. The children are ready for bed and just waiting for a few minutes with Mom/Dad. Give them that time because that is important too. Then, get them in bed and finish preparing the dinner for your spouse. Spend an hour or two just sitting together on the sofa sharing your day with each one another... Go outside and sit on the porch together, snuggle on the porch swing.......
So many time at the end of the day you will be worn out.. totally exhausted... I can't put one foot in front of the other tired. You don't feel like doing a thing! That is the time to not do anytime but take the time to plan something for in the future.. It can be so much fun to take a few minutes to plan an outing for some time later. Then the anticipation of that time can carry you through the rough days you are both having!
None of these ideas are wildly exciting. Life isn't always going to be exciting, but it can be fulfilling and rewarding if you take the time to make it so. It is the little things, many times, that bring the most enjoyment, so take a minute and make things happen!!

Our Wonderful Economy!

I am wondering... are all of you out there feeling the hit to your budgets as we are? Are you having to tighten your belts, put off retirement, forego the home improvements you wanted to do? Give me your thoughts. We have really felt it this year!!! I am trying to do all I can to help make ends meet, but it always seems we have too much month left over at the end o our money.
Here are some of the things I have tried to do:
Stay at home as much as possible
Make sure I consolidate all my town trips in to one trip a week.
Drive slower
Buying less convenience food
Eating out less
Purchasing clothes on e-Bay or at secondhand stores
AND, Selling on e-Bay, selling on Etsy, selling on Amazon, selling on Barnes and Noble... selling, selling, selling!!
Give me your ideas! I would love to hear them!