Do you ever just feel like you are spread in a million directions between keeping the house clean, driving the kids to all their activities, while also trying to give time to your spouse? I was feeling the same way, but I have found the perfect and simple answer to help keep things balanced.

I can’t wait to share with you how spending quality time with my spouse has improved our relationship and my blog. Whenever Mark gets home from work, we have always tried to spend at least 5 minutes (usually it’s more than that) together just talking and seeing how each other’s day went. This probably started because of me being “needy” if that’s what you want to call it, but Mark is just that caring that he gives me that undivided attention and time.

Now any good relationship, especially marriage, takes lots of hard work and attention. So 5 minutes a day is just not going to cut it. I truly want my marriage to be something spectacular not just now while I’m younger but even after we have been married for 25, 50, 60+ years.

To be sure that happens, I need to start working on it now and not wait until things aren’t so great. Our first priority is to keep Jesus Christ at the center of our relationship. It really makes a difference to us when things don’t seem to stay that way in balance.

Spending quality time together is the next way I have discovered to really help us as a couple which then in turn makes everything else in life easier including this blog. The picture below is usually how you will find us lounging on the couch every night.

I am not saying that just because we spend quality time together that we can’t enjoy our own interests separately and have to stay glued to each other’s hip constantly. We both have certain things we enjoy to do which is great for anyone. But when we do decide to do something together, I have made an effort to try to really “be there.”

We have so many distractions with our phones, computers, TV’s, work, etc. that it can be easy to be with your spouse but your mind be somewhere else. Because I have a blog, I would find myself sitting with Mark on the couch at night while we are watching one of our favorite shows together but my laptop would be pulled out with me trying to “just catch up on a few things” that I thought couldn’t wait or needed to be crossed off my to-do list.

When we try to put ourselves in two different places, we really cannot give our all like we should. I have started designating separate time to get things done for my blog like writing posts, editing pictures, social media, etc. Not only do I enjoy the time spent with Mark so much better, but my work has improved and is definitely better quality.

Sometimes we just need to sit back, take a break, and enjoy who you are with instead of trying to be the “super wife”, “super Mom”, or in my case “super blogger.” Our to-do list aren’t going anywhere.

I encourage you this week to do the same and really live in the moment. Enjoy the little things in life like I always say but really do mean. I can’t wait to hear from you how much it improves your life and relationships. Let me know in the comments below what you have found to help you with prioritizing your day and really spending quality time with those we love.

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At the beginning of the year, I shared with y’all my word for this year that would hopefully impact my life and cause a permanent change in the way I think and handle each day. That word for me is Grateful. Check out how I started my year incorporating that word into my daily life here if you missed it before.

My goal was to read Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces daily. I read it last year and absolutely fell in love with the style of writing and knew that it would be perfect to kick start this journey.

I find myself looking forward to what the next day will teach me and how I can learn from it and the leading of the Holy Spirit as I read. Ann encourages readers to make a list of things they are grateful for challenging them to list 1000 gifts total.

I started a list last year but because I am so particular about things, I decided to start over with a new list. My husband Mark gave me a new journal in my Christmas stocking that has a beautiful leather cover with a cute little closure on it. I knew I wanted to use it for something special when I saw it and not just to write random notes and doodles on.

I decided it would be perfect for keeping my list. I am such a hands on pen and paper kind of girl that I love having my list written down. You could also keep a list on your phone. There is actually an app called 1000 Gifts for doing just that. The app also has encouraging quotes from the book.

Even if I don’t have my journal with me and think of something that I want to write down, I type it in my notepad on my phone and write it in the journal later.

The more things I write down, I have noticed that it becomes more addictive to me to want to think of even more things. I find myself throughout the day, noticing those small things even more and wanting to write them down. For me writing them down makes them more real causing me to appreciate them even more.

The other fun part about a list is that you can visit it later and remember those things again. If I hadn’t written them down, then I probably wouldn’t be likely to be grateful for it as much.

Let me know in the comments below, if you are keeping a list as well and how much it has impacted you. If you aren’t keeping a list, then don’t think it’s too late to start now. It is never too late. It will absolutely change your life and your way of thinking.

I will be back next month to share a little more of my own journey and what I learn this month. See you then and as always, enjoy the little things!

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 

First of all I have the opportunity of being a part of an awesome Facebook group of women entitled #fireworkpeople that is always encouraging me with some of the best dream big quotes which I have included in pictures below. There is so much encouragement among all of us to lift each other up no matter what may be happening. Ashley Beaudin started the group and is such a gift to all of us. She is constantly posting something uplifting or sending an email to each of us to let us know how special we all are and that we matter. I want to say thank you to all of them for their encouragement and a welcome to my blog especially for them.

I was invited to share my dreams and some encouragement for all of you so that is what I am going to do. When it comes to dreams, I truly believe in dreaming BIG!! If we do not see ourselves doing something and envisioning it, then we should not expect for it to ever really come true. So I have learnt in the past few years to see myself doing what it is that I want to do and believe that it will happen in the right time.

For me there are several dreams that I am constantly pondering on and praying about. Motherhood is a dream of mine that has been in my heart for many years. Something that seemed so innocent as a child playing house and baby dolls has always truly been the blossoming of a real dream. I have been married for about three and a half years though and I am just enjoying these moments and days. Everyone says everything changes when you have children. There is no need to rush my life along and always looking to the next thing. It is okay to dream but we also must live in the moment and enjoy each and every day.

If you have read any of my other posts, then you know that I am always encouraging others to enjoy the little things in life. We get so busy with the everyday demands that we forget to enjoy the chaos. One day I feel that we will look back and miss that daily chaos if we do not enjoy each individual day now which is why Mark and I truly try to enjoy these days of sitting on the couch cuddling and watching our favorite TV shows without being interrupted by screaming children. Don’t get me wrong. I would love to have children running around, but we should enjoy the moments we are given now. I do not want to look back when we’re older and our kids are grown and regret not enjoying the times we had together before they were even born.

There are several other dreams I hold dear in my heart that the Lord knows all about. In saying that, I want to encourage others that also have BID dreams, to not just always think that they will achieve great things once their BIG dreams have come true. If we cannot accomplish great things now in the little, then why do we even think that big things will come our way? We must always remember to live for the moment no matter how small and insignificant it may seem to us. First of all we do not know how much it may affect someone else no matter how small it may seem to us. Second the “small” things are what give us the time to prepare for the “big” things. I hate even using the title “small” and “big” because the small really becomes the big depending on how we react to it and spend that time. If we were given our dreams right away, they more than likely would fail because we are not ready and need more time. When the time is right to achieve our dreams, the Lord will bless us beyond measure and beyond anything that we can even think or imagine.

If you have been feeling down on yourself or that your dreams seem so far away, I hope these words have inspired your heart to keep working hard and lift your chin. The farther away our dreams may seem, the bigger and greater they will be in the end. So I leave you with these last words:

Live for the moment.

Don’t just dream; Dream BIG!!

Find joy in the “small” things and use them to accomplish greater things.

Enjoy the little things in life.

The pictures above are also all great quotes about dreaming big that you should feel free to write down and use for  yourself when needing a “pick me up.”

Please share below what your dreams are and what you can do now to accomplish those dreams. We can all encourage and assist each other in achieving those dreams.

If you are looking for a place with encouragement, don’t forget to check out #fireworkpeople. We would love to have you!

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.

Recently my husband Mark and I had the opportunity for a weekend getaway in Atlanta. Mark had to be there for a work related conference so of course we spent our free time making the best of it. It is always good to have a chance in the middle of our busy lives to just get away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I know Mark was still there for work but it turned out that we were able to spend some good quality time together. I missed my babies like crazy and would have taken them with me if I could have but 3 dogs in an Atlanta suite is not exactly smiled upon.

We stayed at Twelve Hotel and Residencies and were treated with such high respect from the moment we pulled in with valet and all our belongings taken to our room for us. And what a magnificent view from our room of Atlanta and all the gorgeous buildings.

Once we were settled into our room we decided to go for a stroll and do some sightseeing. There were lots of memories coming to mind while walking around as well. Several years ago when me and Mark were younger and not dating, we took a day trip to Atlanta with my family and some friends. Who knew then that we would later be walking the same streets several years later but now married? A fairy tale come true!

We walked through Centennial Olympic Park with all the large fountains and kids enjoying fun in the water with their light-hearted giggles. Across the street is Skyview Atlanta, a giant Ferris wheel that overlooks the city. I wanted to ride so bad but wanted to do it at night and see the city all lit up. Unfortunately I am sad to say that we never made it back. Lesson learned that in the future when you want to do something, just go ahead and dive in and do it then before the moment passes you by.

After a long walk around the city we were ready for some dinner. There was a Mellow Mushroom near our hotel. Mark and I love a good pizza! The picture below are some giant mushrooms that were hanging overhead inside the restaurant. I always love the unique décor at each individual Mellow Mushroom location. The one in our area also has its own style.

The next day while Mark had some more spare time, we decided to treat ourselves or at least I did to some shopping!!! One the best local places around for some great retail therapy is at Atlantic Station. H&M is always a favorite shop of mine so I picked up a few “necessities” while I was there. Then splurged a little more in Victoria’s Secret with my all-time favorite perfume. I love the Dream Angels Heavenly scent. It also holds a special place in my heart because it is the fragrance Mark gave to me on our wedding day to wear.

There were also some pretty magnificent views at Atlantic Station of all the tall buildings.

Mark had had enough retail therapy for one day, (Lol!) so back to the hotel we headed for a fabulous dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. I love a great sushi roll which was incredible and the burger Mark ordered had such an outstanding flavor. Not sure what spices they used but it was out of this world. There was also this sweet red onion sauce that really topped it all off. Below is a picture Mark snapped of me at dinner. I made him delete the first one as I was caught off guard. He has a habit of taking pictures of me at dinner when I least expect it.

After dinner I had to take some pictures of the view from our balcony since it was now dark and all the lights were so beautiful. All the traffic and headlights zooming by make for a beautiful picture. Sorry to those that were sitting in the traffic though.

Now the next day required that we spend some time just relaxing at pool side. I had looked at that blue water from our balcony long enough and decided I must take a swim. We had the entire pool to ourselves. There is something about not having any stress to distract you from your spouse and just being in that very moment. The flirting and laughing are memories I will cherish forever.

While Mark did have to go to his conference, I enjoyed some quiet time in the hotel room with just me and the laptop making good use of the time to write.

The next day it was time to head home. I couldn’t complain though. We had a great time and were anxious to see our babies again. Plus by the end of the weekend, Mark and I could both agree that even though we loved the weekend away in the big city, there is nothing quite like our beautiful 5 acres to escape back to. The city can be fun but the country is where my heart belongs. Unless an opportunity came up to live at the beach then I may be able to rethink that statement and just visit the country for a weekend getaway.

Speaking of the beach. Mark and I will be taking a vacation to the beach soon and cannot wait to share with you our fun and experiences. Hope you will come along for the ride.

We all have experienced a wonderful time just getting away from the busy everyday life. Share your memories below in the comments from your favorite time away whether it was with your spouse, children, or girlfriends. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment in the moment and don’t let it pass by. And as always don’t forget to enjoy the little things in life.

Also if you have not already, please join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. I would love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or ideas you may have.