Marital Monday: Who does it best?!?

We are destined to compete for the #1 spot! 

So since having the baby I think that my hubby might be going through his own version of post-partum depression because he seems to not want to let my baby go. Once he gets home he wants to hold him, bathe him, change his diapers, and if he could he would breast feed him too. Not only does he want to do everything but he wants to dictate how I do it because he feels "he knows best" and only "he can do it right". It is driving me up a wall and I love it all at the same time. At times I find it cute but at other times it is the most frustrating thing especially with my hormones being all over the place. I believe if I didn't laugh at his shenanigans so much it could definitely put a damper on our marriage. When it becomes frustrating and I find myself getting angry I just simply say please stop because my hormones can't handle this right now and that seems to simmer things down. This is an ongoing struggle of mine so I will let keep you posted as time goes on. 

<3 Audj

Marital Mondays!

Welcome to Marital Monday!! This is the first time we are posting on this topic and we wanted this topic to be real!! So today we wanted to talk about staying through the times when you love your spouse but don't really like them too much. Many people don't always talk about the times when you aren't so fond of your loved one, but if you are human then you know that in any relationship there are ups and downs and it is just about working through it. It takes time and commitment to truly work through the love and likes. We truly believe that there is no way out, there are only steps up! In those times the best help is to have one person that you can truly confide in. Someone who is in a similar life position that will understand, listen, and not judge! Just be cautious about who this person is and set clear boundaries on judgment and confidentiality. My Marital Monday Confidant is my blogger partner/sister/niece Mrs. Wendy-Ann! It helps to really have someone that can finish your experiences, relate, empathize, or flat out tell you when you're wrong. We are destined to be frank... It's not always peaches and cream.

<3 W.A.D. 2

What kind of couple are you?...

We are destined 2 Maintain Balance.
Can you think of a friend whose relationship you absolutely adore? Or that makes you want to puke? Or bang your head against the wall? What is it about those couples that make you feel that way? Are you one of THOSE couples?
Some couples become recluses. They only hang out with other married couples
(if that). They only go on trips with one another and/or other couples. People always ask us how are you guys able to maintain healthy relationships with both your single and married friends, and still have a healthy marriage. This is the answer: We Are Friends First!!
...and we are friends with each others friends. Some couples need to go everywhere with one another, and you maybe one of those couples, but what works for us is keeping some sense of independence as well as romance.

Here is a quiz for fun: http://ideas.thenest.com/love-and-sex-advice/dealing-with-relationship-issues/articles/which-tv-couple-are-you-quiz.aspx

Tell us how you did!

<3 W.A.D.2

Tips on Money & Marriage

We are destined 2 be financially sound and successful! I try to do my best at keeping in touch with most of my friends and now that I am married I have been very blessed to have a lot of friends whom have entered that journey at the same time. There is one thing that has been apparent across the board "money changes things". Going into marriage a lot of stories were out in the media about how big of an affect money has on marriages and I can be a witness to that. Even though Tae and I had lived together and paid bills together we always had our financial independence, but after marriage that changes. We joined accounts and now consult with one another for all purchases which I think was an adjustment for both of us. The difference in backgrounds can positively and negatively affect your marriage and you have to be strong and open to new ideas and possiblities within your marriage. So I found this article at http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/09/15/7-tips-for-money-and-marriage/ which highlight 7 tips to being successful in money and marriage when each person has different money management philosophies. I have included an exert from the article with the tips: If your partner doesn’t share your financial philosophy, don’t give up hope. Bernard shares seven ways couples can work together to increase their financial compatibility. These suggestions are based on conversations with “the successfully married and from experts on psychology, divorce and finance”:

• Talk and share goals. Communication is key. Kris and will take a brief vacation next month. Besides unwinding, we plan to discuss our goals for the future. It’s important for both partners to work together for the same purpose.
  


• Run a home like a business. In the forthcoming How to Be the Family CFO, Kim Snider writes that there are many similarities between managing a successful business and managing your personal finances. Your goal should be to run a profitable firm!



• Be supportive of careers. Help your partner pursue her dreams. When Kris quit teaching to become a scientist, I was ready to do whatever she needed to help her succeed. And when I decided to quit my job to blog full-time, Kris was my biggest supporter.



• Enjoy, but within reason. It’s okay to spend money to enjoy life (that’s what it’s for!), but don’t get caught up in the rat-race, and be sure to save for the future.
  


• Use a mediator. When you and your partner can’t agree on a financial decision, bring in third-party help. If you disagree about how to invest, for example, then see a financial planner.



• Maintain some independence. “Pooling resources is important,” writes Bernard, “but so is maintaining a degree of financial independence.” Many couples with joint finances also maintain separate allowances for each partner.



• Invest in your marriage. Spend time and money on your relationship. Bernard says to consider this “dollar-cost averaging your marriage”, which is a clever. When Kris and I get grumpy with each other, it’s almost always because we haven’t been doing things together as a couple.
  

My favorite tip is MAINTAIN A DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE, This has been the best tip for The Herron's because it keeps us both on track with our family goals and we do great with it!

Hope you enjoy.

<3 Audj