Stupid, Aching Uterus...

(Due to our participation in Screen Free Week, this post was written and scheduled in advance!!)

What is this incessant urge that women get to procreate? (Or is it just me?)
Seriously, I'm 3 kids into this game of Motherhood and I still get that nagging desire to to reproduce. When I see a cousin/sister/friend/acquaintance/stranger-on-the-street who is pregnant, or even worse, holding a newborn, that maternal instinct kicks in and I just want a baby. (I kid you not, I think my uterus aches and contracts when I'm around babies!) But it's not just that I want to hold a baby. I genuinely want another child. 
For the love of all that is holy, I have three kids already!! And both sexes too, so it's not just that desire to have "some of each".
*sigh*
Logically, I know that our family right now is such a great fit... and there are plenty of reasons to NOT have another baby. So then, why do I want one so much?

Somebody please tell me that I'm not the only one...

What I Love About Sundays (Photos Only)

Marriage Matters Monday

I am not a believer in love at first sight. For love, in its truest form, is not the thing
of starry-eyed or star-crossed lovers, it is far more organic, requiring nurturing and time
to fully bloom, and, as such, seen best not in its callow youth but in its wrinkled maturity.
Like all living things, love, too, struggles against hardship, and in the process sheds
its fatuous skin to expose one composed of more than just a storm of emotion–one of loyalty
and divine friendship. Agape. And though it may be temporarily blinded by adversity,
it never gives in or up, holding tight to lofty ideals that transcend this earth and
time–while its counterfeit simply concludes it was mistaken and quickly runs off to
find the next real thing.
 
~~~from The Letter by Richard Paul Evans

Marriage Matters Monday: On the Same Page?

Are you and your spouse/partner on the same page?
Sometimes, if there's a minor lapse in communication, it's really not the end of the world. For instance, if you're not on the same page about what the plans for the weekend are, a suitable compromise can be reached. But sometimes, if you're not on the same page, it can be a BIG deal. Matters such as purchasing a home, having children, saving for the future... these are all tremendous decisions that must be made together.
In my relationship, it's hard for The Hubs and I to get two words in to each other at any given time with these kids in our faces all the time, his work, my other commitments, and just... life. So we have found that it's very important to plan for time to talk. Sometimes we do it on a "date night", sometimes we just make it a point to stay up later together on a weekend night to discuss things that we feel are important to us. We may not always agree at first (This is where the compromise comes in handy). But it's a step closer to "getting on the same page".
And if we aren't on the same page as one another, we use that time to figure out why, and how we can fix it.

So... are you and your Significant Other "on the same page"?

Marriage Matters: (Wednesday?!?!)

Ok, so first off, yes, I'm a blog slacker. I should have done this Monday, or even yesterday, but here it is... "Hump Day" and I am posting.
So, this week, Marriage Matters is about the art of compromise. As far as I'm concerned, it is one of, if not THE most important things you can master in a marriage/relationship. You have to have some give and take.
A few weeks ago The Hubs and I ran into a problem, because he apparently forgot how important it is to compromise. That, along with some other thoughtless actions, caused me to react in a manner that was probably a little dramatic, but certainly got my point across. Sometimes, I guess that's what it takes.
But, it's important not to let it get to that level. Both partners in a relationship need to make their needs/wants/desires known to the other. Only then, can compromise begin.
YOU, go to that sporting event that you have zero interest in. After all... he did go to the Nutcracker Ballet with you last Christmas, LOL! Neither of you have to totally be into the other's chosen activity, but go happily and find joy in being with your partner, doing something that they love.
Learning to compromise together, from the simplest things to the deepest, most important things, can strengthen the bond that you have with one another. And really, it's one of the best ways to keep the peace.
**An important thing to remember though. When you are compromising with your partner... don't let it become something that will cause you to resent them or be bitter. If it something you feel strongly about, it is crucial that you let your feelings be known. Don't lose yourself because you are so concerned with making others happy.

So, what are ways that you use the Art of Compromise in your marriage/relationship?

The Cheer was Here...

Well, it happened much, much later than normal, but finally, I found my Christmas cheer. Just two weeks shy of Christmas, it tiptoed softly into my heart and filled me with the welcoming warmth of the holiday. I enjoyed every last minute that I could.
I wrapped gifts, hosted a gingerbread decorating party, baked cookies, watched Christmas movies, went looking at Christmas lights, bundled up and sipped warm drinks. All in all, it was a pretty good holiday, considering some adverse situations in the family.
Now, here we are... starting a new year. The year in which my new baby will be born. And hopefully, a better year for so many people who need to see life look up a little bit.
A few pictures from our holiday: