Editor's note: This article was originally published on Becky Moseley's blog, Tales of Beauty For Ashes. It has been republished here with permission.

Respect.

What is it and why does it matter so much?

Did you know that most men crave, even need, respect more than love? That is a foreign concept to most women who long for a man to love them.

What inevitably happens in a relationship or marriage, is the woman loves her husband the way she longs for, and respect is forgotten.

Ladies, your man NEEDS your respect.

Alright we get it, we want to respect our man.

But, how?

Maybe it is because I am teaching my toddler the ABCs, or maybe it is just because it is catchy, but I came up with a list of things we can do with and for our man to make him feel respected following the ABCs.

The ABCs of Respect

A - Admire him

B - Brag on him

C- Cheerleader

D- Demonstrate

E - Engage

F - Forgive

G - Greet him

H - Helpmeet

I - Interest

J- Just do it

K - Keep yourself up

L - Learn

M- Makeout

N - Nag less

O - Open up

P - Pray

Q - Questions

R - Remember

S - Smile

T - Talk positive

U - Undivided attention

V- Very carefully criticize

W - Wife, not mom

X - eXamine yourself

Y - Yes more

Z - Zip it

I highly encourage you to work on some of these each day.

Try something scary and ask your man, "What are some things that I do that show you respect?" Then follow up with, "What are some things that I do that show disrespect to you?" That should keep you busy.

The post The ABCs of respecting your man appeared first on FamilyToday.

We are headed to a family vacation next week.

My husband, toddler, infant and me are all headed to my parent's house.

It has been a while since they lived with a toddler, since it the last time was when I was one.

Therefore, I created this list 20 things to know before having a toddler in the house.

1. Milk will be spilled.

2. We are potty training, accidents happen. Most of the time, they occur at the worst moments possible.

3. Don't count on nap time. It's never a sure thing.

4. If they miss nap time, there will be a greater amount of fussing during the day.

5. Expect a daily dose of tears and tantrums.

6. Expect that number to increase exponentially if they are hungry, tired, or you have something they want.

7. You will see a nudey booty.

8. Bedtime brings out the wild side, expect running and screaming in delight, possibly naked. See #7

9. Bath time is a full room event. There will be water on the walls, floors, counters and you. You won't need to shower after, since you will have received one during that time.

10. They pick up more than you think. If you swear, so will they. If you pick your nose, they will do the same. They will probably try to pick YOUR nose to see what's so interesting.
11. Toddlers have no filter. Luckily, other people have a hard time understanding them. When your toddler is pointing out the crazy hair that a store cashier has; you might know they are making fun of it, but no one else does. Usually.
12. If something looks really gross, chances are "¦ it will end up in their mouth. Or spread all over the house.

13. Hold their hand in public. It's much easier than chasing them down the street. Who knew little legs could move so fast.

14. They are smarter than you give them credit for. If you told them to finish eating and then leave the room, when you return, it appears they did, but the dog licking his lips is a sure giveaway that it didn't happen.

15. Toddlers like to kiss you, with tongue. If you ask for a kiss on the cheek, be prepared for a VERY wet cheek when they are done.

16. If you ask for a kiss, you probably won't get it. Act like you don't want one and you have a higher chance.

17. They are adorable when sleeping.

18. They like to talk to themselves, if you listen in, you will learn about how their brain works. "Don't go poopy in the diaper, Ducky" helps you realize that she DOES understand not to, even though she persists in doing so.

19. They love to sing. They only know a few words but they will belt it out with more pride and gusto than any pop star.

20. Their "I love you" makes you forget about all the messes, spills, tantrums, etc.

Mostly.

The post 20 things to know before having a toddler in the house appeared first on FamilyToday.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Becky Moseley's blog, Tales of Beauty for Ashes. It has been republished here with permission.

Do you struggle to go deeper ino your marriage communication?

In this stage of life, when there are diapers to be changed, meals to be made and sleep to be had, it is really hard to find make the time to connect and go deeper with my husband.

I'm going to make the assumption that I am not alone in this.

My husband and I came across this question a few years ago and this year, we are resolving to make it a habit to ask it of each other each week.

This question has helped us stop and evaluate our marriage. It helps us talk about issues that we thought were buried.

What is something we need to stop, start and continue in our marriage?

OK, really, it's three separate questions.

What in our marriage do we need to stop?

What is some behavior or actions that are harming our marriage? Or even, what is something you or your spouse is doing that is not beneficial to the marriage?

What in our marriage do we need to start?

What would be good to add? What needs to be started to make our marriage even better?

What in our marriage do we need to continue?

What are we doing well? What things are we doing that we can celebrate because of their success?

Sometimes, when my husband and I talk about this, the answer is super simple. Other times, we really need to think about it. Also, I am surprised sometimes at his answers, other times, I expected them.

This is such a simple communication tool for couples to use to get deeper in their relationship.

Try it today with your spouse, see where the conversation goes.

I dare you

The post Go deeper in your marriage with this one question appeared first on FamilyToday.

I have failed at potty training.

It's true.

But, I have also succeeded.

Sometimes, you have to fail to learn how to master something.

Ladies and gentleman, my failure has made me the master potty trainer in my house.

After my abysmal failure, I diapered my little chica for a few more months. Then, on May 10th of 2014, my husband asked me what I would like to do for my birthday. Because I am a completely normal human being, I told him I wanted to spend my birthday potty training my daughter. (OK, semi-normal human)

It was a raving success. She was potty trained mostly that day, and completely potty trained by the end of the week.

How did I do it?

I'm glad you asked!

7 secrets to successful potty training

1. Don't start too early

This is THE MOST IMPORTANT!

2. When you potty train, make sure that it is warm enough

You don't want your little one running around naked in the middle of winter. Trust me on this one. We went outside for the first (and toughest) day, it was warm enough that she could just wear a little dress. Then when the timer went off, she would go to her potty seat, which was outside with us.

3. Celebrate the successes "¦ but not TOO much

The first time my daughter went to the bathroom in the potty I did a potty dance and ran around the kitchen singing, "GRACIE WENT PEE PEE, GRACIE WENT PEE PEE, SHE'S A BIG GIRL NOW!" or something similar. After my dance was completed, I saw the look on my daughter's face and realized that I might have gone a little overboard. She seemed scared to death. The next time she went pee, she was a little apprehensive of the scary mommy dance "¦ so I made sure to tone it down.

4. Make sure they can do it themselves

If you are having to pull down their pants every.single.time. then why are you potty training? Diapering the child would be so much easier on both of you. Wait until your little one can actually pull down their own pants.

5. Don't go anywhere for a bit

If you are potty training today, and tomorrow you need to run errands with your little one, that is going to mess the whole thing up. Let them master the skill of learning to use the potty before you take them to a place where the potty is not readily available.

6. Take it easy

They are going to make mistakes. Heck, YOU are going to make mistakes. Give yourself and your little one grace. They aren't doing it on purpose. If you have a loving relationship with your child, then they want to please you. So when they have an accident, talk to them about it. Remind them where they are supposed to go "¦ and then move on. Don't punish them. Don't get angry.

7. Bring the chocolate

For every piece of chocolate you give your little one, you deserve one too. Really. This potty training is HARD work!

The post 7 secrets to successful potty training appeared first on FamilyToday.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Becky Moseley's blog, Tales of Beauty For Ashes. It has been republished here with permission.

Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the greatest, hardest, joyous, and toughest job there is.

The days are long, some days are REALLY long. It is emotionally and physically exhausting. The endless diapers, constant use of the word "no," the screams of delight, seemingly endless mealtimes "¦ it is the stuff of crazy making.

So, how does a semi-normal, stay-at-home mama (like yourself) stay sane amidst it all?

Here are a few ideas that have helped me, I would love to hear any additional ideas you have in the comments!

1. Sleep

It seems counter intuitive. You don't get much sleep as a mama. But you need a lot of it. Especially if you are pregnant or nursing. Your body needs the energy to keep chasing after those precious babies. So, mama, stop checking Facebook. Stop Pinning. Put the book away. Go to sleep. Your body, your husband and your kids will thank you.

2. Have a schedule

This has been so helpful to keep me sane in the midst of the insanity. My little gal knows that at a certain time of day, it is nap time. It is just how it is, therefore, there is no fighting or fussing. She goes and gets her Ducky and crawls into bed. She also knows that after nap time, it is usually time to eat. So, it cuts down on the amount of times she says, "Eat" every day. Because of the routine, she only says it 59 times instead of 1,234 times. (kidding)

3. Mama's Time Out

This could be just time to go to the bathroom in peace. Oh, the luxuries that we took for granted when we were working. One thing that has helped me, is journaling. I love being able to process what is going on in my head and heart.

4. Teach your kids to play independently

My daughter is happy just to play by herself. Granted, I make an effort to spend time with her each day doing educational activities, but most of the day, she is happy just to play with things independently. Pom Poms have been a lifesaver. Whatever it is you use, train them to play by themselves. (Right now, while I'm working, my daughter is playing with pool noodles.)

5. Have a monthly get away

This isn't a weeklong vacation (you wish!), this is just an hour or two, for you to get away. My husband has committed to giving me this time each month. It is just a few hours where I can go and do what I want. I can journal, read a book, shop for myself, whatever. This is so important, so you can remember who you are without kids. It feels weird. Honestly, it feels a little "¦ lonely. But it is so essential.

There you have it, five simple but effective ways to keep your sanity while being a stay-at-home mom.

The post 5 ways to stay sane as a stay-at-home mom appeared first on FamilyToday.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Becky Moseley's blog, Tales of Beauty for Ashes. It has been republished here with permission.

You can usually tell how good a marriage is by the way the couple interacts with each other. It's really not that hard. Notice how she looks at him. Does she look at him with desire and admiration? Watch his hands as he stands by her. Are they solemnly by his side, or is he holding her hand? Possibly his hand is on the small of her back. How about this seemingly obvious one; do they smile at each other?

Having a happy marriage doesn't come naturally. In order to have a happy marriage, you have to have happy people. It takes work to develop the habits of happy wives.

Being a happy wife is simple enough, but we have to put our own selfishness aside to do so. Are you ready for the challenge?

8 habits of happy wives

1. Let things go

I'm sure your husband is annoying. I'm sure he's got those things that just get under your skin. Maybe it's the toilet paper roll. Maybe it's his boxers on the ground. Whatever it is, it makes you frustrated. Well "¦ let it go. One common thing among happy wives is they don't keep a record of ways their husband has wronged them.

2. Look for the good

Last week, my husband and I were just not connecting. I felt like it was his fault and told him as much. He gave me a suggestion that changed EVERYTHING for me. He asked me to look for him doing good, rather than focus on what he wasn't doing. I was amazed that when I started looking, I saw how much he actually did what I thought was missing.

3. Talk

Don't stop learning about each other. Your husband is a deep well of thoughts, feelings, emotions, hopes and dreams. (I know what you might be thinking, "Uh. Not MY husband. He's a caveman." But sometimes, those guys that are the hardest to open up, have the most they long to share.) Ask about him. Inquire about his day, work on getting to know him as you did when you were dating.

4. Less complaining, more restraining

It's easy to complain to our husband. The dog ran off and you had to chase her down the street. Or maybe, you are complaining about him. Why is he home late again? When is he going to spend more time with the kids? When do you get a break? A habit of a happy wife, is restraining the tongue. When those complaints form on your tongue, stop and think, "Do I really need to say this?" Chances are, if you wait an hour to say your complaint, you will have forgotten it completely.

5. Smile

It is amazing how a smile can not only change your own attitude but the attitude of those around you. Not only that, but it can drastically alter your appearance.

6. Touch

Most men experience love through physical touch. Most women withhold touch if they aren't feeling connected. Thus, the downward spiral starts. Take a leap of faith, be vulnerable and touch your man. Hold his hand. Kiss him.

7. Speak positively of your man

You can do this to him. You can also speak positively about him to other people. Doing so will show your respect for him and make him feel loved. It also feels good to brag on your man!

8. Appreciate him

I am sure there is something he does that you appreciate. Don't hold back, tell him. Make sure you are also doing #5 when you tell him.

The post 8 habits of happy wives appeared first on FamilyToday.

KISS in marriage. I'm not talking about kissing your spouse. I'm not going to give you different kissing techniques to try. Rather, K.I.S.S. means to Keep It Simple Smartypants! Life is hard. This is truth we all know. If you aren't intentional about keeping things simple and fun in your marriage, it will go downhill. Fast. Here are some tips on ways to keep the fun in your marriage.

1. Remember what first attracted you to your spouse

It is so easy to lose sight of this. In the midst of the dishes and the daily grind, we forget why we fell in love in the first place. It's there still -you just have to look for it!

2. Don't focus so much on the little things

Your spouse is going to bother you. Just like traffic will bother you. Lack of sleep will bother you. You will bother you. Check yourself, is the thing that is bothering you a big deal or should you just let it go? Remember, keep it simple!

3. Look for reasons to appreciate your spouse

It may seem hard at first. Especially if you are so caught up in those things that bother you. However, if you look hard enough, you will find SOMETHING! Maybe your spouse leaves the light on in the bathroom at night so you can see as you make your way there. Maybe they leave the paper out for you, so you can read the funnies (the best part).

4. KISS

OK, this time I really mean it.

5. Enjoy each other

Your spouse has their quirks. So do you. You used to think those quirks were cute, try to remember why. You know your spouse better than anyone else does, enjoy that fact. No one else will know how your husband takes off his boxers and flings them into the laundry hamper as if he were an NBA star. You are the only one who knows when your wife is sad by that certain look that shows you she's trying to be strong. Enjoy who you married, they are a gift to you!

How do YOU keep things simple in your marriage?

The post Do you KISS in your marriage? appeared first on FamilyToday.