Constant Contact

I travel a lot and often don't get to see the kids and Shannon for a week or two at a time. Although it is hard on us all when I'm gone, we make it a real focus to talk to each other at least once a day. This has really helped keep each others spirits up.
I was recently at a engagement and while traveling with a group of other guys, one of them said that he hadn't spoken to his wife in three days. I had to ask what seemed to me the obvious question, "Is she mad at you?" He, very matter of factually said that she wasn't, he just forgets to call her and they don't really think about it too much.
I honestly could not understand that thinking.
One of the greatest things about modern technology is the fact that there is really no excuse not to get in contact with the ones you love on a consistent basis. We are so blessed to have the ability to get on a phone or computer and communicate with those we love most. We don't have to wait weeks or months for the post to come as in the old days. We aren't paying a crazy per minute charge to call long distance. There is literally no excuse not to have daily contact.
I want to be able to encourage Shannon when she is having a rough day while at home with the kids by herself and I need that in return from her while out working. However, it's not just the encouragement, it's more often just the reminder of our relationship. How much I love hearing her voice. How much I enjoy teasing the kids or just hearing about their day. Every day!
We, like Oprah, have found Skype recently. It's a great, free way to not just talk but to see them and they me.
Make it a habit to call your spouse at least once a day, just to check in on them and see how they are.
Husbands, one phone call in the middle of the day to say "I love you" or "How are you doing" will be much appreciated by your wife.
Wives, the same right back at you. We love to know that you are thinking of us throughout your day. Even in the middle of "slaying the dragons" there is always time for a quick, "I'm proud of you, I believe in you, I love you" from our princesses.

How did she get THAT gene?

The kids are old enough now we have them share in cleaning the dishes duties. The other day it was Avery's turn to load the dishwasher. Although they all take longer then needs to be taken to load, Avery has a way of really dragging it out. About 1/4 of the way through she decides she has to take a bathroom break. No big deal. She comes back about 5 minutes later to begin again. After another 15 minutes of taking her time loading she suddenly has to go to the bathroom again. It was then when I realized she does that a lot when it comes to work. She will get started then suddenly have to go to the bathroom. This will happen a few times during whatever the assignment will be. She can go all day playing with friends or watching a long movie and never have to get up, but when it comes to work, all of the sudden her bladder starts tapping at her.

Suddenly an even bigger realization came to me... I did the exact same thing growing up. I started to have flashbacks to working concrete with my step dad during the summers and I would often find myself having to go to the bathroom, just to get a break from working, even if just for a few minutes. I would do it during house chores as well, hoping that the five minutes I spent in the bathroom would mean when I got out the work had somehow magically diminished.

Avery and I definitely share some personality traits like being nosy by wanting to be involved in adult conversations, a desire for attention and a love of laughing. Those I attribute to being a third child. Since she was borne, everyone has said she looks like me but is the "bathroom gene" something that could actually be passed on?

Looks and middle child personality traits, those I get, but I never realized I could pass on the "I'm working, therefore I must go to the bathroom" gene?

This is a test to my site through my phone

New look, new feel, new direction

Hey Everyone,
First of all, I know it's been a while since I posted. I have been going through some major changes and have not had the time to post anything. In the meantime it has given me a chance to think about the direction of my blog and what I really want to do with it. Up to now it has been simply an advice blog. Tips and ideas I have from my book and my events. Even though I will continue to do so, I have now decided to add more about my life and what is going on in our family. The idea behind this new direction is to show the ideas and principles I teach actually being put into action.

Ideas, tips and tricks are fine and good, yet the purpose is also to show how they can work in your life, marriage and family.
In addition, some of the blogs will be video blogs...If I can ever figure out how to make the video cam work with sound.

I hope this finds you all well and the new direction of the site excites you as much as it does me.
Dino

P.S. I did hold a drawing of the winner for the contest. I did it with the video cam. Unfortunately as you just read, I am having difficulty getting the sound to work on it. As soon as I get that to work I will post it. The person who won goes by the name S'mee and I don't know who that is, so I will need their contact information.

New Look Contest

In celebration of Spring we have grown a new look for the blog. As you can tell, we have made it match our web site with our main logo and information as well as changing the name to The Business of Marriage.

In honor of that we want to get your feedback on the new look as well as ANYTHING else you want to comment on. Just for leaving a comment you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 American Express gift card. That's right, just for leaving a comment, you could win a $25 gift card to spend as you like!

I love getting feed back from all of you and I appreciate your support of my mission to change the direction of divorce in this country.
By the way, the winner will be announced on Monday April 6th so you better hurry!