Should I Color Away My Experiences?

My hair is going gray. There is no way around this, it's in my genes. My mother had a full head of gray hair by the time she was my age, as seen in this picture when Jeff was born. I at least am not that bad, but I am going gray. Here's the thing though, it's not really bothering me. I know it should, especially being a hairdresser, but it doesn't. I earned all of those grays on top of my  head, one by one. Should I just color away all of those life experiences?

Take A Mini Road Trip

This is one of our families favorite things to do. Just get in the car and go. Sometimes the destination is predetermined, other times we just make it up as we go. The point is, we are together having fun. It always involves a stop at the grocery store for snacks and the gas station for pop, and then a day of conversation and laughs follow.

The Man Cave: Mating Rituals On Mars

“Romance” is a word that does not belong in the Man Cave. We do not speak it, except in reference to our wives. For a man to publicly outline his ideal romantic day is to essentially surrender his man-card. It is to open himself up to the ridicule and scorn of his peers. So what the heck am I supposed to do when Kathy asks me to write 400 words about what men find romantic? Crap.

Romance From Venus

With Valentine's Day on my mind this month, I thought it would be interesting to compare what the word "romance" means between women and men. So, this post will be a two parter. Today will be my answer to the riddle "What does romance mean to you?" and tomorrow will be Aaron's answer. I think both sexes can learn a lot from this. I will start by saying that I think Valentine's Day is one of the most unromantic days of the year. Before you roll your eyes at me, let me explain.

Beaded Glass

An easy way to dress up your Valentine's table and make it look fancy is to add beaded wire to the stem of your glasses. A great project that any age can do.

Life Can Hurt Sometimes

You know, sometimes you are just sitting there minding your own business when life reaches over and sucker punches you with a lesson. This is usually highly unexpected and a very humbling experience. I received a pretty good smack down  Saturday afternoon.

Holiday Muffins

A quick and easy way to ad Valentine's Day flair to your regular ol' muffins. Add a bit of red food coloring to your favorite muffin recipe. Then bake your muffins  in holiday wrappers and top with holiday sprinkles. 

Easy, inexpensive and festive!

Cookin' In the Kitchen

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I think the way to a woman's heart is through watching her man do house work ;o). So, this date is a win win! 

Coupons Of Love

We live in a coupon mania age. Groupon, Living Social and Tipper have taken over our inboxes. You can't leave for the grocery store without those little scraps of paper, giving you cents off the dollar, in hand. Why not give a personal coupon to your significant other this Valentine's day? I have made up a few for you to print out to get your creative juices flowing. Remember though, the more personal and thoughtful, the better!

Who is St. Valentine?

I have always been a big one on learning the true meaning of holidays and talking about them with our kids. Why do we celebrate the things we do? What is this holiday even for? You would be amazed at the origins of some of the holidays we celebrate. Today, Valentine's day is a holiday of love and romance, but what started it all? Who really was this St. Valentine?

Reinvent The Warm Fuzzy

The warm fuzzy. Remember those from your childhood? A little token with an upbeat saying designed to make the receiver feel all warm and fuzzy. You can do this simply by leaving little "I Love You" notes for your family to find. 

Strong Families Start With Strong Marriages

Awww... aren't we cute? That was so long ago. Look how young I am. 18 to be exact. Yup, that's right, you read that correctly - 18! I think there were a lot of people that lost bets on Aaron and I that day, long ago. Let's face it, odds were against us. I was 18, he was 20. I was three month pregnant and just graduated from High School and he just had a minimum  wage job. Not the best way to start out a life together, but we were madly in love and determined to make it work.

Hit The Court

This time of year it gets hard to think of inexpensive dates with the weather so crummy. This is one of our favorites! And the beauty is, it's only the two of you! If you don't know how to play, or you are as athletic as an albatross taking off for flight, it's okay. No one is around to see you in all of your non-glory.

Heart Napkin Folding

Napkin folding is quite an art form in many high scale restaurants. It really dresses up the table and makes it look extra special.

Dress up your Valentine's table this year with a quick and easy way to fold a regular, paper napkin into a great Valentine's Day decoration. 

Include The Kids!

Getting out for a special occasion, like Valentine's Day or an anniversary can be difficult. It's hard to find the money sometimes to pay for a babysitter and a dinner out. Been there done that!! Don't despair, you can still have a romantic evening. Just solicit the help of your kids and get them involved.

Top 10 Romance Movies That Guys Like

Whenever you think of Valentine's Day you think romance movie! But, it's always difficult for a gal for get her guy to sit down and watch one with her without comments and gagging all the way through. So, ladies, here are my top 10 pics for romance movies that guys will like too.

1. Princess Bride - 1987 - Rated PG

Very easily the number one pick on this list. This movie has, hands down, the best sword fight ever filmed. An awesomely told tale of a kidnapping, pirates, giants, an evil prince, torture and true love.

Couples Massage

Since we are coming up on Valentines Day I will start this blog off with a Valentines theme. I am always looking for great date ideas that are inexpensive. This date was a highly successful one for Aaron and I that we have done several times.

The Blog Launch

Why am I starting this blog? I have spent over 20 years of my life being a wife and mother. I have learned many things in this role, most of which that I am not perfect. I launched my baby boy, only 6 months old, off of a water bed by plopping my butt on the opposite side. I left my daughter at Fred Meyer when she was 10 years old and didn't realize it for about 45 minutes after getting home. I was even quietly asked to leave a public library once because I couldn't keep control of my kids and they were disturbing everyone around me. Not my most shining moments. More importantly, however, I have learned that you can have a very close knit, happy family, even if you are not perfect and make mistakes. No one is perfect, hate to break the news to you, but you can learn from your mistakes and do better the next time. Even if it means writing a note on your shopping list that your daughter is in the toy section so don't leave the store without her.