Crazy Day... Relaxing Evening...

I read a couple of articles this week that had me thinking. I don't really know if that is good or bad. HAHA! Anyway, I was thinking about time, family, marriage and everyday life. I read in one article about a lady who lost a child. I can't even imagine the pain and suffering of an event like that. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. But I started thinking about my own kids, and I think sometimes I take them for granted. I just know they're going to be there. I don't always enjoy every moment like I should. Then we went to the beach, and I had a few minutes where I thought my oldest had been taken under by a wave. I was seriously starting to freak out. It really is important to take time to enjoy our loved ones while we have the chance. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Your kids will grow and move on. They will get jobs, go to school and be with friends. They may still be at home, but they will basically have their own life.

Time together is so important. Coming from someone who knows what it's like to not have the husband around to talk to. It became harder sometimes to agree on things and feeling that "love." I think because we weren't communicating everyday and I didn't always tell him what the boys and I did (because I would forget or just didn't think it was important, not because I was hiding anything) he always felt a step behind. Like he wasn't always part of the family. I could get mad and cause more problems, but I chose to use communication and understanding and work on these things. Marriage isn't always meant to be about your happiness alone. You have to make sacrifices and compromise. A LOT of that goes on in a marriage. Love is not always a feeling. But it is a choice. Everyday you have a choice. You can treat your spouse the way you want to be treated and reap the rewards or you can treat them the way you feel and reap that.

So, when you have had a crazy day, it's still important to take part of the evening to relax as a family. Whether it's talking, playing a game together or even all just being in the same room. make and take the time. The dishes and laundry will still be there later (unfortunately... my laundry never folds itself or puts itself away). But your kids will not always be there and if you don't treat your spouse well, they won't be there either. Make good use out of everyday. Stop and have some fun, read a book, play outside, go for a walk, bike ride or anything simple as a family. All memories do not need to be expensive, just simple time spent. TIME is so important!