Category: Marriage

MORALIST • Family Proclamation Subway art

2/10/2015

The Family • A Proclamation to the World turns 20 this year. All grown up.

Its birthday makes me think of when it was announced and the subsequent comments from some people. At the time they said it was so "vanilla". Meaning that it was an ordinary. A common knowledge flavored document.

Well, prophets being what they are weren't exactly intending it for the generation it was given to. Of course it was meant to guide the 1995 generation but it was given then, when it was so "vanilla", so it would have time to sink in before today's full frontal assault on its principles began. It gave us time as a people to prepare our minds and hearts to really understand God's mind.

Print Family Proclamation Subway Art Download • Fits in your Scriptures

Gift Download 5" x 7"

It also makes me evaluate how I've passed on those principles to my kids. They're the ones that are really going to have to get out there and articulate the Proclamation's point of view. We've tackled some of the tough subjects - gender, same sex attraction and marriage, gender roles - but we'll continue to talk.

Gift Download 5" x 7"

This little download is a Family Proc summary at your finger tips. Puts it in kind of a fun format. Usually I make downloads for My Ring Thing but this one was a special request for a particular purpose and needed to fit inside the scriptures (5" x 7"). Maybe you can use it in yours. Go to our download page here for your gift copy.

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MATE • DIY Valentine's Day Test Tube Treats

2/2/2015

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I'm in heavy like with Valentine's Day. The Boyfriend usually isn't home for it. (Works on an oil rig) But, this year he will be. So I'm pretty excited to celebrate. This is for him. (He doesn't read the posts regularly, usually all in one sitting, so I think he won't see this. If this is you Boyfriend, DON'T continue reading)

I was totally inspired by this pin on my Graphic Love board.

I made it into a Valentine's Day Countdown. Give one test tube treat a day. I think I'm going to do love notes instead of candy. Sometimes we don't say enough to those we love the most.

So, another Valentine's Day for those of you who are in heavy like too.

Buy • Print • Cut • Label • Fill • Give

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MATE • Valentine's Day Word Search for Your Perfect Match

1/31/2015

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Gift I gave the Boyfriend about 15 years ago

About 15 years ago, before chalkboards were hip, I made an Anniversary Chalkboard Word Search for my Perfect Match. It took a couple of versions before I got it right and was a lot of work. This Valentine's Day I decided to offer an easy version to download. Print, cut, frame, and give. Way less work than I originally went through. You can find it here. Our shop is here.

Valentine's Day Project • DIY Word Search • Perfect Match (Print • Cut • Frame • Give)

8"x 8" and 5"x 5" Download Found in our Etsy Shop

If framed with glass then it can be used with a dry erase marker and reused.

For your Perfect Match get our download or make one of your own.
Happy Love Month.

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LOVE • Love is All You Need, Really???

6/26/2014

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It's been camp, camp, camp on my brain. And I have a few things to share with you about that. But, for today, I've got a print in our Esty shop that I did before the camp rush.

All You Need Is Love, Oh And... DIY Print • LDSNEST.com

Esty Print

The Boyfriend and my anniversary is next month (we're celebrating 32 years) so marriage has been on my mind. I kept seeing "all you need is love" or "love is all you need" everywhere on Pinterest when I was doing a little research. Anyone who's been married any length of time (or even for shorter periods) knows it takes more than love. Sure it's the basis, but if it were all up to love we wouldn't have any broken relationships. Married or otherwise.

DIY Print • All You Need Is Love, Oh And... • LDSNEST.com

Etsy Shop

"Love is all you need" is such an over simplification. Love is the start and the driver but it better get some other passengers on board (forgiveness, patience, fidelity, kindness, etc.) if it wants the fuel to go anywhere for any length of time. Can you tell I have strong opinions about this? Do you?

Well I didn't want anyone in this house thinking that all they had to do was have a little love for a strong relationship so I put my thoughts to paper. And tried to make it handsome. You can find it here.

What are 3 qualities besides love that you think a relationship, any relationship, needs?

PS • You might want to give it as a wedding gift. Just a thought.

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MATE • 5 Non Verbal Secrets to Connect with Your Spouse (Besides Sex)

5/16/2013

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Don't underestimate the non verbal.

Despite its lack of words it's still saying something. YOU'RE saying plenty to your mate without even speaking.

To help with your non verbal language here are 5 secrets to connect with your spouse, besides the obvious one, sex.

1. MAKE EYE CONTACT • Eyes say so much. That's if you're looking. So look. Really look at each other. In the eyes. When were mad at each other we often don't want to look at each other (unless it's glaring) because it can break down barriers. Sometimes we can't say something, or don't say it right. Looking into each other's eyes can communicate feelings without the barriers of words. There's intimacy in looking into someone's eyes with intent.

2. SMILE AT EACH OTHER • Smile at your spouse. A real smile. One that comes from the happy memories you share. Everything may not be perfect in your relationship but a genuine smile says that this is a pleasant or playful moment. Moments can add up.

3. LAUGH TOGETHER • Laughing isn't always preceded by speaking. Sometimes, it's something that just happened and you look at each other and just bust out laughing. Don't hold it in. Laugh. Men like women who laugh. If funny things aren't obvious, find comics, videos, or people watching to get you going. My husband and I laugh a lot, often in bed. (No reflection of what goes on there.) He often says he hopes that our kids hear us laughing together because it's a reflection of what we have together.

4. SIT NEXT TO EACH OTHER • Find opportunities to sit next to each other. Restaurants. Church. Home. When you walk into a room go sit right next to your spouse, even if you have to displace someone else. You're a pair. It's the unspoken message to your spouse and everyone else in the room that you belong together.

5. MAKE BODY CONTACT • Without explaining all the biology, know that our brains like touch. Hand holding. Knee touching. Head resting. Random hugging. Back rubs. Leg wrapping. Something. Anything. Your body registers it and your brain files it. And your spouse feels it.

BONUS • Do them all at the same time.

On the hierarchy of relationships a spouse comes right after God. That's how important the bond is. In light of that, spending time strengthening that tie, with verbal and non verbal ways, is worth the effort.

I'm always up for knowing more ways to connect with my spouse. What non verbal ways can you share?

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MATE - 5 Ways to Put Your Man Before Babies

4/19/2013

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We love our kids. Alot. Because of this, sometimes we have a phenomenon among women with children - women forget they're wives. When a woman forgets she's a wife she forgets there's a husband. If that goes on long enough it opens the proverbial door for trouble.

Here are 5 ways to make sure you're putting your man before the babies. In fact, it's much the same way we nurture babies that we nurture our relationship with our man.

1) FUSS - We fuss over babies. We think they're adorable, clever, delightful just being in the world. Men like to have attention too. Point out the things that are adorable, clever and delightful about him. Tell him. Fuss over him.

2) LAUGH - men like to hear women laugh. Especially women they love. I don't know why but they do. Let yourself laugh with him.

3) FIRST - Babies make a fuss so we'll take care of them. Now. Often times, babies can be so demanding that your spouse thinks they ALWAYS come first. One day babies and children leave the nest. Your spouse should have a place of priority. Once a baby's fussy needs are met they become content. Give your man security by placing him in the number one position in your life and you'll work more as a team.

4) TIME - We put in the necessary time with babies. They're dependent on us and when we don't put in the time needs are neglected. Your man needs time. Your time. Time says he's important and worthwhile.

5) WATCHFUL - we are watchful of babies and their needs. We try to be aware when they're tired, hungry, or need some time to play. Same goes for nurturing a husband. Watch for signs of his basic needs being met. We aren't the ones who always have to meet the need but we can take notice and help him meet his own essentials.

These are such slight changes for most women but they can mean big changes in your spouse. Put your man before your babies, try it out.

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Mawwaige!

4/15/2013

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My husband, Nathanael, and I celebrated our two year anniversary this past weekend! We went to the Sea Life Aquarium in Kansas City and found Nemo, because that’s how all adults celebrate things.

I asked my followers on my photography page for the best marriage advice they've ever heard. Here is what they said:

Never go to bed mad, sad, hurt, misunderstood, or unhappy at each other; go to sleep with love in your heart for your spouse.
Honor your temple covenants.
Never stop playing together.
Keep a close relationship with Christ.
Laugh.
Pray together.
Use the language of loyalty; we, ours, us
Never talk trash on your spouse to anyone no matter how mad you are or how interested the listener is.
Talk to each other about everything; lose sleep if you have to.

Thank you all for taking the time to share how you keep a marriage strong! If you didn't get a change to share, leave the best marriage advice you've ever heard in the comment section below!

ps. Don't forget FHE tonight! We have mini lesson ideas here. We will have four more lesson ideas in our newsletter next month, so don't miss out!!

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LDS NEST BLOG

MORALIST • Family Proclamation Subway art

MATE • DIY Valentine's Day Test Tube Treats

MATE • Valentine's Day Word Search for Your Perfect Match

LOVE • Love is All You Need, Really???

MATE • 5 Non Verbal Secrets to Connect with Your Spouse (Besides Sex)

MATE - 5 Ways to Put Your Man Before Babies

Mawwaige!

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