Ferocious Flirting: Making Marriage Wonderful

Chivalry Originally uploaded by MontanaRaven . Blessed is the person who sees the need, recognizes the responsibility, and actively becomes the answer. --- William A. Ward Part of the power of marriage is the ability to help each other. As the years progress, we recognize the weaknesses, pressures, stresses and blindspots in our sweethearts. Once you see the need, seek to become the answer. Simple example: Your sweetie is busy with dishes, helping with homework, and trying to get ready for a meeting. Step up and take one of the burdens, like doing the dishes, onto yourself. This does not mean to take over everything your sweetie tries to do. But when your sweetheart needs help, step up and be there.

Happy Fruit Grass Originally uploaded by libraryman . We all need to take time to smile at our sweethearts. A true, sincere smile has a very powerful affect on others. It sends a message of acceptance and warmth, of love and gratitude. Consider the following quotes: If you're not using your smile, you're like a man with a million dollars in the bank and no checkbook. Les Giblin A smile is a light in the window of the soul indicating that the heart is at home. Unknown A smile is different than the cheesy grin most kids put on their faces in order to have their picture taken. When you smile let it be a true smile. Do you remember Peter Pan? In order for the fairy dust to make you fly, you had to think a happy thought. The same is true for Harry Potter and casting his famous Patronus. It is also true for smiles. To really smile, remember a happy experience in your life. It doesn't need to be related to the person you are smiling at, just a time that makes you

I tagged myself with this meme: * Where did you go on your very first date? What did you do? My very first date was a dance called the morp (prom spelled backwards). I asked her out with a bouquet of weeds. * Where did you go on your first date with your sweetie? What did you do? We never really dated, just hung out as friends. I guess the time I came back in town early and went and hid at her place so know one would know I was back would be our first "date". * At what age did you start dating? 17 as a senior in high school * How long did you and your sweetheart date before getting married? We never really dated but we did things socially for several months. * When did you know you were going to get married? This is terrible, but I don't remember. It just made sense. * What was the best date you ever went on? For our anniversary, when we were in Austin, we had dinner on a gondola on the lake. That was loads of fun. * What was the worst date ever? I had asked a gal to

Nothing makes people so worthy of compliments as receiving them. One is more delightful for being told one is delightful -- just as one is angrier for being told one is angry. Katherine F. Gerould

Pajama Gram: Gift for you Mother or Wife

?ângulos sólidos? Originally uploaded by DhubaX | Eduardo Lacerda . My daughter had a home work assignment. I don't recall if it was for health or English class, but that doesn't really matter. The assignment was to interview a parent (or guardian) about dating. Come to think of it, it was health. Anyway, there were several question she was to ask and we, as parents, had to answer. Reading the questions brought back some fun memories for me, so I decided to share the questions so you can share them with your sweetie. Either post the answers in your own blog/website, as a comment here (keeping in mind the PG nature of this blog), or write them in a journal to share with your sweetie and children, as appropriate. * Where did you go on your very first date? What did you do? * Where did you go on your first date with your sweetie? What did you do? * At what age did you start dating? * How long did you and your sweetheart date before getting married? * When did yo

I started this project back in September of 2004. Now, a year and a half have passed and there have been 250 entries posted. Most of the more than 250 entries were written by myself, a few were contributed by others and a couple were some things just floating about the Internet. Its been a lot of fun for my sweetie and I to try out new ideas and to find new ways to keep our marriage exciting. In honor of the first 250 posts, here are some of my favorites. Ambush Getaway The very first one. A great idea for arranging a get away for your sweetie and whisking them off. Holding Hands Improved There is no simpler way to express love and to hold hands. Its a great way to send your sweetie a secret "I love you". 25 Days of Thanksgiving Gratitude is most important in any relationship. That goes doubly so for a marriage. This post is an excellent great way to let your sweetheart know how much you appreciate them, at least at Thanksgiving time. The Danger of a Grand Gesture

The April 2, 2006 Hi and Lois is excellent. It shows the parents watching as a teenager leaves on a date. They then remember their dating for several panels. The last two panels: Wife: Seems like a different lifetime. Husband: Do you believe in reincarnation? Wife: Are you asking me out? Husband: Is that a "yes"? I guess I really relate to the feeling that our courtship was a different lifetime. Well, bring that part of your relationship back to life. Ask that wonderful sweetheart on a date. With the weather getting better, the dating opportunities are abundant. If nothing else, go for a walk in the park. The point is not to spend money, but to spend time on each other.

Part of a text of a talk I heard on marriage. I'll post a link to the entire thing, once it is available. "Marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other human relationship. Yet, some married couples fall short of their full potential. They let their romance become rusty, take each other for granted, allow other interests or clouds of neglect to obscure their vision of what their marriage really could be. Marriages would be happier if nurtured more carefully. "Marriage is the foundry for social order, the fountain of virtue and the foundation for eternal exaltation." True marriage is a partnership with God. Three action verbs — to appreciate, to communicate and to contemplate — are helpful in strengthening marriages. "Begin with sincere desire. Identify those actions needed to bless your spiritual unity and purpose. Above all, do not be selfish. Generate a spirit of selflessness and generosity. Celebrate and commemora

Being part of an agenda beyond ourselves liberates us to complement each other rather than compete with each other. Joseph Stowell Make your marriage that agenda and find ways to complement your spouse, rather than feeling like you need to compete with them.

Living under the Time Pressure Originally uploaded by Arnold Pouteau's . At work I have a calendar on the computer that keeps my schedule and lets eveyone else know if I am in meetings or otherwise not available. This allows me to plan my time and also manage the expectations of others. People know I won't be at my desk if my calendar says I'm in a meeting. It also keeps people from double booking meetings. My time at work is very precious and needs to be managed accordingly. One thing I do is schedule an hour a day for excersise. This simple act ensures that no meeting is schedule at that time. The computer even reminds me when its time to go workout. Isn't your time with your family no less important than your time at work? Find ways to schedule your personal life the same way you schedule your work life. When all is said and done, your relationship with your sweetie is far more important than your work or career. If need be, I will put an "appo

Small things, done in great love, bring joy and peace. Mother Teresa (1910-1997, Albanian-born Roman Catholic missionary)

Vernal Halo Tree Trance Originally uploaded by Elkhead . After 17 years of marriage, my sweetie has left me, for a few days. She is being a chaperone for the high school band trip. Its a weird feeling not having her here. I travel about once a year to training and whatnot, but she has never been the one to go and leave me home. Its more differenter than I thought it was going to be. So I've been Mr. Mom for a few days. No big deal. I arranged to work from home and so I can be here for the little critter when they get home from school. We've being having fun. The point of this posting is this: I want to prepare a little surprise for my sweetheart for when she returns. I have a few ideas, most of which have been posted previously. What I need now is your ideas. What are some romantic ways to welcome home that special sweetie when you've been apart for a few days? Email or post your comments.

I am working on getting my sweetie a free iPod . A friend of mine found this site where you can get free iPods. I told him, "Talk to me about it when I see the iPod in your hands". To make a long story short, he was able to get one for himself and one for his sweetheart. I tried it and got one for myself. Now I am working on one for my sweetie. What's the catch? The way it works is you register at the site, then you need to "complete an offer". That means to signup for some online service from the list they give you. I signed up for Real Arcade because it was quite cheap and I could cancel it if I decided I didn't really want to keep the service. Then, you need 5 people to register under you and do the same. That's it. From my experience, most people are hesitant at first. But, once they understand that its not a scam, they are happy to give it a try.

I normally avoid the "thou shalt not" in favor of the "thou shalt" in all my postings. Telling someone what the wrong answer is, is not the same as giving them the right answer. Also, having a positive approach can be more encouraging and gives the blog as a whole a more uplifting attitude. Today, I am going to break with my custom and go with a "thou shalt not". In Matthew 5:28 we read: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. This verse has been popping into my brain often over the past several months, so I am finally going to post about it. There is a lot of salacious material (I am avoiding the "p" word) available on the Internet, in magazines and in movies. I could harp on how indulging in such material destroys self-confidence, is addicting and reduces the respect your sweetheart and children have for you. There has been a lot written on the su

misty Originally uploaded by algo . I saw this saying: The best way to predict the future ... is to create it. Vision. What do you want your marriage to look like? Take a few minutes and create in your mind the "ideal marriage". Include how you treat each other, expections, and indiviual development. Some areas things to include: * What are my interests and how do I find time to explore them? * What are the interests of my sweetheart and how do I support my sweetie deleoping those interests and talents? * What make me happiest? What makes my sweeite happiest? * How do my children behave? * How do I express my love and appreciation to my sweetie? Picture in your mind the ideal world. Now identify those things YOU CAN CHANGE to bring your marriage closer to your ideal. Start making the changes. Do not try and change your spouse. Instead, make the proper changes in your behavior and your sweetie will natuarally make reciprocal changes to adjust.

Pot of Gold Originally uploaded by red74015 . St. Patricks Day is upon us. For a surprise for your sweetie, get a pot and fill it with chocolate gold coins. Mix in with the gold coins some scraps of gold paper with the reasons you treasure your sweetie and your marriage.

The Ridiculously Enhanced Pi Page National Pi Day is March 14th (3.14) festivities begin at 1:59. In honor of the occasion, I would suggest a surprise pie for your sweetie. Also, remember, in spite of what they may have taught you in math about PI*R^2, pies are really round. (Say it out loud, Gracie ). See the official Pi Day site.

Antique Car Originally uploaded by lore . Mona and Julia are old friends. They have both been married for many years. Mona is upset because she thinks her husband doesn't find her attractive anymore. "He doesn't even seem to see me anymore," she cries. "I'm so sorry for you. My husband says I get more beautiful every day," replies Julia. "Yes," says Mona. "But remember, your husband's an antique dealer."

Heartfelt Originally uploaded by andi2 . I really like the idea of this ring. It has a special mark in the inside where no-one can see it. Only the giver and the receiver will know what is hidden inside.

Another interesting article I found floating around the Internet: There are many things that you can do to strengthen your relationships. Often the most effective thing you can do involves saying just three words. When spoken sincerely, these statements often have the power to develop new friendships, deepen old ones and even bring healing to relationships that have soured. The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship. 1. Let me help Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out. 2. I understand you. People become closer and enjoy each other more when the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your spouse know - in so many little ways - that you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. And this can apply to any relationship. 3. I respect you Respect is another way of showing love. Respect dem

Previously, I posted on love letters. I just came across a wonderful example of a love letter. Here is a small excerpt: You once asked me if I would do it all again. In spite of everything, dear, the answer is yes; because all of it happened with YOU.

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For Love or Money Originally uploaded by nomm de photo . We all have heard the statistics concerning divorce and finances. Talking about money can be tricky. For some reason, people are easily offended when money is the topic. Some ideas to make talking about money easier: * Do not talk about money when tired. * Write down the decisions so you don't have to remake them * Don't wait until there is a problem. What are some of the techniques you and your sweetheart have used to discuss and plan finances.

Dancing with your sweetie is a great activity. It is good exercise as well as being fun. Now there is evidence to show that dancing might be good for the mind. In the U.S. News and World Report we read: Frequent dancing, for example, which demands musical concentration and knowing where to put your feet while engaging in polite conversation, showed a robust 75 percent reduction in risk. Activities like knitting, gardening, and traveling afford similar benefits. Having a healthy mind and body is important. Find interesting and challenging things to do as a couple. Things that don't require sitting on the couch. So here's a prescription: a few chapters of Harry Potter, the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle, and some ballroom dancing to relaxing music with a partner you really like. That just may be the real secret to happy retirement.

I have never before read Frankenstein. I've seen the various movies based on the book. However, I have never actually sat down and read the book. Well, I have been correcting that omission. I was reading Frankenstein , well actually I was listening to it on my free iPod , and was struck by the following : I wished, as it were, to procrastinate all that related to my feelings of affection until the great object, which swallowed up every habit of my nature, should be completed. I then thought that my father would be unjust if he ascribed my neglect to vice, or faultiness on my part; but I am now convinced that he was justified in conceiving that I should not be altogether free from blame. A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind, and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility. I do not think that the pursuit of knowledge is an exception to this rule. If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken

A very clever blogger shared a great notion of a simple, inexpensive and romantic Valentine's gift. Over at Cleverly Blogged we read: " I once sent [my sweetie] a card that said: You are the twinkie in my brown bag lunch of life She thought that was a very sweet thing for me to have said. So from time to time I'll buy her a twinkie as a reminder that she still is the twinkie in my brown bag lunch of life." Good work and a good example for us all.

OK, I know Valentine's Day is over, but I just saw this today. Just keep it in mind for next year, eh. Here is what you do to send your Valentine's Day wishes to a loved one: you correctly address your greeting card and affix the appropriate postage. You then place your greeting card in a larger envelope, again with the correct postage that you send to the following address: Claire Langevin Postmaster Saint-Valentin Post Office SAINT-VALENTIN QC J0J 2E0 There is also another one: To receive a unique cancellation and Valentine cachet, just enclose your pre-stamped, pre-addressed Valentines in a larger 1st Class envelope and mail it to: Love, Saskatchewan S0J 1P0

Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life ... Move beyond living together and live joyfully together. Make your sweetie laugh. Share your goals and dreams while helping your sweetheart to fulfill theirs. Smile. Express gratitude in word and in deed.

agua muy caliente Originally uploaded by juano_maldonado . As you are no doubt aware, yesterday was Valentine's day. Today, I am in hot water with my wife. You guessed it, its all over my Valentine's gift to her. In spite of my planning and scheming, Valentine's Day did not go off quite as planned. The story starts three days ago on Sunday. We came home from church to the sound of an alarm blaring through the house. Due to a high water table in the area, we have water alarms on the floor in case water starts to seep into the basement. One of these alarms was squealing for all its worth. The problem is that they are so high pitched, you can't readily tell where its coming from. So we start hunting around the basement trying to find the water. No water in the usual places. Finally, we see the water heater has a small leak. Its 13 years old and probably due to be replaced soon anyway. There go all my big, just-got-my-tax-refund, plans. This year my wife is

johanna's eleven Originally uploaded by johannal . I love you!

Same-Day Delivery on FTD® Roses from Wal-Mart Yup, you can still get roses delivered. Don't forget that a love letter is still a great last minute gift. Put it on some nice paper for added impact. Surprise your sweetie by inviting your sweetheart to a long lunch. It make for a fun and inexpensive way to celebrate. Most book stores sell "love coupons". They are a great way to let your sweetheart know you care. The coupons include things like "one night off from chores" or "go out to eat, your choice of restaurant". You get the idea. Of course most stores have valentines candy, flowers and cards. I found some on sale yesterday. Any other ideas? Go ahead and post them.

Last year I got my wife a chocolate fish. It says "You're a keeper" on it. She laughed and said, "This had better not be all my Valentine's". Today I found another one on sale. I just she is still a keeper. I'll report the rest of Valentine's after the day. Its going to be a doosey.

Happy Valentine's Day Yahoo! News Photo http://news.yahoo.com/photo/060213/ids_photos_wl/r4247569612.jpg Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/

Originally uploaded by Curlylocks . I came across an article, Altruistic Love Related to Happier Marriages that talks about alturism, marriage and happiness. The National Opinion Research Center conducted a study into alturism and published the results. First what is alturism? The study asked questions like: "I'd rather suffer myself than let the one I love suffer," and "I'm willing to sacrifice my own wishes to let the one I love achieve his or hers." This is, are you more interested in your own well-being or that of your sweetheart? What does this have to do with marriage and romance? The atricle states: Among the more altruistic, 67 percent rated their own marriage as "very happy." Among those who were profiled as the least altruistic, only 50 percent said they were very happy in marriage. We see here a paradox. The less selfish you are, the happier you are. Normally we persue happiness through selfishness. What do I want? Wha

I have to admit that even I don't think of Home Depot for Valentine's Day. Yet, there on their front page is a big Valentine's Day banner. I had to click on it. You know what, I was a bit surprised. Did you know that you can order roses from Home Depot? Me neither. But I guess you can. They even throw in a free vase. Who knew? Of course you can get your sweetie that romantic laser level kit. Or maybe the screwdriver. They do have a heart-shaped waffle maker. That would be fun.

Ok folks, its down to the wire. I hope you have taken the time to prepare a gift for your, sweetie, be it husband or wife. My sweetheart saw an article on Valentine's Day gift giving. If said that the important thing is not the gift itself, but the apparent thought and time spent of getting the gift. Just getting a bunch of roses on your way home doesn't cut it. But here we are with just a couple of days to go. Can you still get a gift in time for the big day? Of course! It is the Internet after all. Something different might be some cookies . David's Cookies not only ships cookies, but also cookie dough. Then you can spend some time baking cookies.

I was the Toastmaster at the meeting today and the topic was Cost of Love , in honor of Valentine's Day. One of the members, who has been married for 35 years, shared this thought: The cost of love, I believe, is the effort you must make to be physically, verbally and mentally attractive to your partner. You can't just let yourself go, figuring it does matter if you look like a slob on the weekends, if you don't talk to him or her other than to nag or run him or her down, or if you don't take the time to develop common interests. The cost is not money, as in time and effort to maintain the relationship. Think about the time, money and effort single people spend in preparing for dates. It is natural to want to be as attractive as possible in order to impress a potential mate. After marriage, that seems to disappear. Take the time to impress your companion.

berry sundae Originally uploaded by peggy. . Remember when you were a kid and your parents were trying to teach you to share? Or trying to teach your own children to share? Sharing an important aspect of human relations, especially romantic ones. One of the most romantic things to share is food. One of the most romantic moments Lady and the Tramp is when they are sharing some noodles. Each is eating at one end of the noodle until they middle in the middle for a kiss. When was the last time you share a sundae? For some reason the ice cream and yummy toppings are just right for sharing. For an inexpensive and fun date, go to the ice cream parlor and order one sundae and two spoons.

See over 100 Valentine's Day bears perfect for Valentine's Day. Another great out of the box type idea.

I know, I know. There is nothing unique about giving flowers for Valentine's Day. Its is most standard, in the box gift to give. Floral arrangements cost a lot of money and die after a few days. The cost problem is even more pronounced at this time of year. However, you can add a twist to the whole flower giving clique. It is possible to give flowers and be non-boring as well. You can even save a few bucks in the process. First, consider giving some different arrangements . Add something to the flowers, like chocolate covered strawberries. Maybe include the flowers in a scavenger hunt. Deliver the flowers to your sweetheart's place of work. Use the flowers as dressing on the "real gift", such as a love letter. Now cost. My sweetheart mentioned that Costco has 25 long stems with a vase for under $50.00. Shop around and look at non-traditional source like warehouse places. Also on the Internet you can get some discounts.

{woman} love.letter.project #3 Originally uploaded by Haruka . When was the last time you wrote your sweetheart a love letter? My sweetie mentioned that receiving a love letter would be a great Valentine's Day surprise. I say I must agree with her. Writing a love letter can be a wonderful excerise that moves the writer out of the ordinary rut. Not sure how to write a love letter? Not to fret, here are some great ideas to get you started, followed by places you can find even more information on the subject. Isn't the Internet wonderful? When stealing, steal from the best. Use freely from the bard , the lyrics to romantic love songs and poems. Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love. Hand written on specialty paper is nice. If your hand writing is not all that romance inspiring, consider having a professional calligrapher writing your thoughts for you. Include compliments on all aspects of your swe

Here's a truly romantic way to say I love you to that special someone. A singing valentine delivered by a barbershop quartet from the Saltaires Show Chorus . I had a singing valentine delivered to my sweetie in the hospital one year. It was wonderful and she really enjoyed it. She received many compliments by both the patients and the staff. The Saltaires are local to Utah. If you know of another such group in your area, post the contact info as a comment.

A successful marriage isn't finding the Right person; it's about being the Right person.

I saw this quote in the news today: "In the United States and Canada, humor was considered the most important trait by both men and women, getting 63 and 73 percent of the vote respectively." I don't really put much stock into such studies, but when it proves my point, then its ok. When did you and your sweetie laugh together last? Valentine's is a great time to laugh together. Like I told you before, I gave my sweetie a chocolate fish that says "Your a keeper". We still chuckle about it. Fine some way to laugh together often

Gimme a kiss Originally uploaded by oliviermela . Like Fortune Cookies , Hershey's Kisses contain a little message. And like fortune cookies, you can change out the little message for your own, more personal message. While we were engaged, my sweetie gave me a pack of Hershey Kisses that she had personalized. It was so much fun to receive and to read all the fun, thoughtful and goofy things she had written. We kept those little messages for a long time after. The procedure is simple to follow, the trick is to be careful as you go. First, get a bag of kisses and CAREFULLY make a small opening in one end. Extract one kiss and practice opening it so that you can keep the foil nice for rewrapping. Also, keep the kisses paper to use a guide. Now eat that kiss. Second, write on a sheet of paper a bunch of fun, thoughtful, complimentary, goofy little sayings. Each should be the size of the kiss paper you took out of the first kiss. Now cut out each paper but don't let th

Rusty Car in Vermont Originally uploaded by Kerstin Martin . A few years ago, I had a bad day. It was early November and we were all getting excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Then there was an unexpected company meeting and I found myself unemployed in the middle of an economic slump. Then on my way home from what had been my work, my car died on the side of the freeway. There I was, standing beside my car on the side of the road, wondering about my car, and concerned about how I was going to take care of my sweetie and kids when I heard a voice. It startled me because I hadn't even noticed the man stop. There beside me was a perfect stranger. He asked what was wrong and if he could help. Turns out he keeps a full gas can in his car, "just in case". Soon the car was started and I was on my way. I am forever grateful for that small act of kindness. What the stranger does not know is how that small act affected me and my family. That simple ac

I have been looking for a gift that is sweet, but healthy, to give my sweetie for Valentine's Day. Chocolate is easy to do, but is not particularly healthly. This year, consider something unexpected like Fruit Gifts from Hale Groves featuring Florida's Indian River Citrus

candyheart Originally uploaded by m0smith . Here is a fun Valentine's idea for your sweetie. You can make your very own candy hearts for your sweetheart. Of course, its just a picture and you can't eat it. Well, I guess you could eat it, but its wouldn't be very sweet.

Valentine, Nebraska - Heartcity USA : "As the 'Heart City' of America, Valentine is the site from which thousands of Valentine's Day greetings are mailed each year. Visitors and residents alike find that Valentine's Day greetings bearing the Heart City's postmark adds an extra special touch to the annual lover's holiday." f you would like to send special greetings with the special Valentine postmark, please complete the following. * Address your card as you would if you were sending the card from your location, stamp and all * Place those cards into a larger envelope and mail them to: Cupid's Mailbox PO Box 201 Valentine, NE 69201. * To have your cards delivered by February 14th, they need to be delivered to Cupids mailbox by February 5th. All letters received after this date will still receive the cachet but might not be delivered until after Valentine's Day * The Post Office will start sending out