Isn’t She Lovely?

“Isn’t She Lovely,” that’s the song Stevie Wonder wrote about his daughter on his album Songs in the Key of Life. The same song my mom used to play for me when I was a little girl and the same song that Husband played in the hospital room when my baby girl was born.

And, yes, she is – lovely, wonderful, beautiful, smart, funny, silly…

Just like my Miles, Milan brings me so much joy. Even though she challenges me sometimes, ahem, most of the time, her strong spirit and self-confidence make me so proud. Little girl is a go-getter, a natural born leader and I absolutely love that about her.

It’s hard to believe that she is turning five already. She’s my baby; and while I’m enjoying watching her grow into a beautiful little girl, I just want to pick her up everyday and hold her like she’s still a baby, before the day comes when I can’t.


Baby girl's birth day!

Little girl celebrating year number one...

"Disney World is the best place ever!"

Her high school sweetheart is definitely going to see this one!

Me and ballerina girl.

Happy Birthday my little princess, Mommy loves you!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Cookie Monster

Friday’s confession…

OK, it’s official. It’s impossible to eat only two Oreo cookies in one sitting – at least for me. It’s like I turn into some sort of cookie monster. Two turn into four, then just two more, and before you know it I’m rationalizing why the last three broken cookies should not be left alone in the bag. Yes, I know, it’s pretty pathetic. What’s even worse is they are not my cookies. I buy them for the kids. No really, I do. They just happen to be my favorite cookie in the entire universe, but, ahem, I buy them for the kids.

So, how about you? I can’t be the only one who loses all self-control when it comes to some really good sweets. Do tell and ease the guilt…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Got Game?

It’s Hump Day at Wifey’s House, the one day a week I dish about sex.

A few weeks ago I wrote about treating yourself to a Sexy Splurge. I do my best to try and practice what I preach – especially when shopping is involved – so I crashed Jenny over at Daily Dose of Motherhood’s Pure Romance Party and picked up this fun little game.



It’s called I.O.U., The Game of Hidden Pleasures. It comes with 42 hidden pleasure pull-tab cards that you and your lover exchange and then do whatever is revealed on the card. Directions include things like Dinner served naked, Shower for two, Erotic bedtime story and Playful ice-cube fun.

What a fun and simple way to initiate sex. Slip a card to your husband on his way off to work so he can look forward to cashing it in when he gets home; or you can use it as an I.O.U. when you need to tell him no, but keep him happy and looking forward to the next time.

Games can be a great way to keep the sex sizzling in your relationship. How about you? When’s the last time you bought, played or even made up a game? This week have a little fun with your husband and show him that you’ve got game…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Open Door Policy

I normally don’t like to put Husband on blast, but I couldn’t resist…

I’ve heard of having an open door policy, but this is a bit extreme. For a moment I thought I was caught in the movie Poltergeist …


One


Two

Three


Four

Five

Six


Seven

… until I saw Husband in the tv room with a bowl of microwave popcorn. Yes, that was seven doors he left open - including two appliances. And, I wondered where the kids get it from.

Ha.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Parent Participation

I survived the basketball game – barely – but I did. I feel like I earned a big mom stripe for this one. When I got there it was me and only one other mother (and she plays basketball in a recreational league) signed up to play. The rest of the parents were fathers anxious to reclaim their youth and show their children they’ve still got it.

Talk about testosterone.

I did however, make the starting five, shot the ball a couple of times – they didn’t make it in but my form was respectable – and most importantly I made one special little boy proud.

How about you? Do you have any parent games to play in or any special activities planned with your children? Your participation means the world to your little ones…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Basketball Mama

Friday’s confession…

Miles’ basketball camp is having a parents’ game today, I’ve been drafted to play and… I’m scared.

OK, maybe scared is a little too dramatic, more like nervous and a little apprehensive. Husband thinks that’s silly. I guess he’s sort of right. I did play basketball in high school and was the captain of my team, ahem, but that was 20 years ago. Let’s hope it’s like riding a bike and it all comes back.

I shoot hoops with Miles in the driveway sometimes and he thinks I’m “a great player!” I guess that’s really all that matters. If it makes little boy smile… I’m game.

Wish me luck!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

More Sex than Singles

It’s Hump Day at Wifey’s House, the one day a week I dish about sex.

I was reading an article online about sex starved marriages and how many couples are finding themselves “too busy” or “too tired” to have sex. The article had some interesting statistics in it including how many times per year married couples have sex – 68.5 times or a little more than once a week, according to a study done by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. The statistic that I found most interesting, or ironic, is that married people have 6.9 more sexual encounters a year than non married people.

Doesn’t that counter act the myths that we always hear? Married couples never have sex. Apparently some do, and more often than the single folks. While I take it with a grain of salt – it did appear in the article titled “We’re not in the Mood” – it still tickles me.

For many couples, once a week is blessing and for others it’s not enough. Sex is a very personal and touchy subject – literally. The frequency of it should be determined by the couple themselves, not by myths, society or statistics. While our lives often throw roadblocks in front of us that can make it difficult to find time for sex, it’s so important that we do.

So how about you? Do you know how often you and your spouse have sex and are you both satisfied with it? This week, put some thought and time into your sex life and what you can do to keep going.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

The Newlywed Life

As if I don’t have enough on my plate, I’ve decided to pile one more thing on … my new blog, The Newlywed Life.

Although there are days when I feel extremely over-extended – ahem, I’m sure most of you can relate – I absolutely love my writing career. Everything from blogging to magazine writing to promoting my new book, Help! I’m a Newlywed…What Do I Do Now? Wife-Saving Advice Every New Bride Must Know to Survive the First Year of Marriage, is just so rewarding.

I’ve especially found a real love for blogging which is why I’ve decided to add one more. The Newlywed Life was created to help new brides and wives navigate through the kinks and changes of the first year of marriage. It goes hand and hand with my book and hopefully will provide newlyweds with a little help, guidance, or at least let them know that they are not alone.

So, if you are a newlywed, or know a newlywed please check out The Newlywed Life and help spread the word. Veteran wives please know that you’re invited, too. Please feel free to leave comments and suggestions. You never know, your advice and input just might make a difference in someone’s life.

And finally, Wifey’s House is still standing strong. It maybe a bit chaotic, but it’s not going anywhere. Always remember, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing what to do in marriage, but there is something wrong with not finding out.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Daddy's Girl

Friday’s confession …

OK, I admit it, at 37 years-old, I’m still a bit of a daddy’s girl. Yes, I actually even call him “daddy” from time to time. And while he thought he got rid of me when he walked me down the aisle, he couldn’t have been more wrong.

Yes, I’m all grown up now and have the husband, kids, dog and even a little white picket fence. And while I must say it’s nice to relate to him on an adult level, to talk, socialize and even share a beer with my dad, they’ll always be apart of me that’s still his little girl. The one he gave horsy rides on his back when he came home from work; and taught to count in Spanish when he tucked me into bed; and coached my softball team when we lived in Colorado, and came to all my basketball games even though I wouldn’t jump for the rebounds; and taught how to drive in the parking lot of the local college so I could get my license at 16… the list could go on and on.

While I cherish all of my childhood memories, some of my favorite times are happening right now when I see my dad with my children. Sometimes when he and Milan are together, I see me, twenty, ahem, thirty years ago. Wow.


My dad “GP” and Milan


Me and my daddy


My “baby daddy.” Ha. I couldn’t resist.


My father-in-law with Miles. We miss you Pop Pop.

What about you? Are there any other daddy’s girls in the house? Ladies, do tell; and daddies, have a very happy Father’s Day!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Just Do It!

It’s Hump Day at Wifey’s House, the one day a week I dish about sex.

I was watching The Today Show yesterday and saw a segment about a married couple who vowed to have sex for 101 days – in a row. Gasp! Not only did they do it – yes, pun intended – they wrote a book about it called Just Do It: How One Couple Turned Off the TV and Turned On Their Sex Lives for 101 Days (No Excuses)! by Douglas Brown.

OK, I can’t lie, they caught my attention. For some people sex has never been an issue. Even through pregnancies, babies and sleepless nights their sex life has never suffered. Kudos to them. For the majority of us as kids, work, and life in general attempt to sabotage our sex lives, we need to work a little harder at making sure we “just do it.”

While 101 days in a row might be a bit ambitious, I like where they are going with this. I feel a challenge coming on, but I’m going to wait to read the book first. It comes out on June 24 and sounds like an interesting read. So, in the meantime, I think the title of the book pretty much sends a good message: turn off the TV and just do it!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Sleep Struggles #2

It must be the age. I’ve posted in the past about my son and his sleep issues – particularly his waking up in the middle of the night and being scared to sleep in his room by himself. Well thankfully he’s moved past that. I’ve also mentioned how my daughter is fearless and doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything… until last night. Now she’s afraid of the toys in her room, the dark, and the fuzzy thing in the corner (I haven’t figured out what that is yet).

While she was pretty calm about being scared, she still made it to my room three times last night and got me up out of the bed twice. I’m hoping that this is just a phase that she’s going to move through quickly. Miles’ phase was more like a really, really long period of time.

Little girl, like her mama, loves her sleep. I’m counting on that working in my favor. In the meantime, I’ll be doing my best to stay patient and will be trying to find ten minutes here and there to power nap throughout the day. How about you? Do your kids ever keep you up at night? What do you do to make it through? Sleepy parents want to know…

My little angel will get her sleep on under any circumstances – even uncomfortable ones!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Tennis Anyone?

I started playing women’s doubles recreational tennis through the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association last spring. I played tennis when I was younger, but hadn’t really touched a racquet in at least twenty years. It’s almost like riding a bike, the basics all came back. And, thanks to my fabulous coach, Andre, my game is improving immensely and I’m having an absolute ball – no pun intended.

That’s exactly why I was so pleased, and somewhat shocked, when Husband said that he wanted to play mixed doubles with me this season. Husband is athletic, he played football in college and has worked out his whole life, but, tennis has never been his game.

After only two months of playing, he’s almost surpassed me and has already turned into a great player. It’s almost amazing. It could have something do to do with his passion and “obsession” for the game. Yes, although I love it, I’ve created a monster who wants to play everyday, several hours a day.

So, Husband and I played our first match of the season on Saturday and pulled out a hard-fought victory – 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. It was great because I love playing, but it was even better because I was playing with Husband. While having separate interest from your spouse is healthy, it’s also beneficial to find common interests and activities that you can do together. It’s so easy to slip into separate schedules, but finding something that will keep you active and working together as a team can really strengthen and add a little spark to your relationship.

How about you? Tennis anyone? Or, softball, flag-football, running, bowling … What activities do you and your spouse do together? Active couples everywhere want to know…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Do as I Say, Not as I Do

Friday’s confession…

I need to practice what I preach. Between blowing the budget on Miles’ birthday party, the dog needing emergency surgery and one of the air-conditioning units in my house only working when it feels like it I’ve been living in denial and have managed to avoid looking at my checking account the entire week.

Yes, I know better. In fact, I’ve put it in writing in my newlywed book – “when it comes to money, what you don’t know can hurt you.” Yikes! What’s that saying? “Do as I say, not as I do.”

How about you? Do you ever live in denial? Imperfect people want to know…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Change, Possibilities and Excitement

It’s Hump Day at Wifey’s House, the one day a week I dish about sex.

This week I’m putting the sex talk on hold, gasp, but I promise it will be back next week. Wifey’s House is not a political blog and I am far from a political guru, but history was made last night and I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge it.

Without getting into political views, parties or picks, what’s happening in our country is exciting. For the first time ever an African-American man is the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. Wow. Whether you’re for Barack Obama or not, the change, growth and possibilities themselves are exciting. The mere fact that the choice was between an African-American and a woman is exciting. To think that my 7 year-old son and 4 year-old daughter will grow up seeing that it really is possible for either one of them to hold the highest office in the country, in the world, is exciting. For the first time in a long time the political world has me interested and, well … excited.

Now, back to sex … just because I put this week’s sex post on hold, doesn’t mean you should. Maybe you could find a creative way to unleash some of the above mentioned excitement.

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Morning Motivation

So, I’m reading Joel Osteen’s book, Becoming a Better You, and it’s got me all fired up. I’m a self-help, motivational junkie. I absolutely love it. Anything that positively motivates people to follow their dreams, I just have to read.

Anyway, I’m only a quarter of the way through the book, but it’s already so empowering. The pages are filled with inspiring advice and great words of wisdom, too many to attempt to discuss in detail here, but there is an action that he suggests doing that I think can make such a difference in someone’s day.

He suggests (and I’m paraphrasing) waking up and saying positive affirmations. Too often we start the day expecting the worst. I know so many of us are over worked, underpaid and there are not enough hours in the day to deal with all the chaos that comes our way – at least not at Wifey’s House – but when you start off the day looking at your world in a positive light, giving thanks for and expecting great things, then great things are bound to happen. Even if they don’t, isn’t it better to be smiling through the chaos instead of stressing out about it?

Your thoughts hold so much power. Try – and I say try because it is not always as easy as it sounds – waking up with a smile tomorrow and a positive attitude about all of the wonderful things that you are going to do.

Is your cup half empty, or half full? Are there any other motivational mamas (or men) out there? What do you do to stay motivated? Positive people want to know…

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

The Bigger Picture

Yes, I was one of the many who went out this weekend to see what happened next in the lives of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha in Sex and the City. No, I’m not a die-hard fan, but I’m all for a good chick-flick, especially when it contains themes that I can relate to – weddings, married-life, children, sex, self-identity, and being 40, gasp, (OK, I’m not there yet, but 37 is definitely feeling much closer to 40 than 30).

I liked it. I laughed, I cried, I thought parts were perfectly done, and I thought parts were overdone – but isn’t that why we like the show in the first place? While there was so much blog worthy material in the movie, there was one thing that really stood out to me – when Carrie and Big’s wedding got to be too much for him, and he needed to know that it was still just about the two of them. I thought that was big – no pun intended.

I love the fabulousity of a good wedding (I blogged about it last week) but I also think so often brides get caught up in the whirlwind of a “wedding” and forget about the importance of the “marriage.” When a man asks a woman to get married, I’m willing to bet that he has put more thought into spending the rest of his life with his woman, what that means and how that will change his world forever; than what color tie he should wear, who will do his hair or if he should serve chicken or steak at the reception. He might give a lot of thought to the hefty cost of his wedding day, but more often than not, he’s more focused on the bigger picture.

Maybe, ladies, we should take a hint from them. For those new brides who are in the process of planning their wedding, I urge you to have a ball and plan the day of your dreams, but… I also urge you to pay as much attention to your fiancé and plan for the rest of your life together, too. At times, it seems like your wedding day will never come, then within 24 hours, it’s over and gone. That’s when reality sets in and believe me, you’ve better be prepared for it.

Veteran wives, did you see past your stroll down the aisle? New brides and inquiring minds want to know …

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey