You know you need more sleep when ...

This is your first thought in the morning

Closely followed by this

When it's been a while since you last got restful sleep

When you think this is what you look like at the end of the day - or the beginning of the day

When you have this thought before noon

When you wish you were this dog

... or this cat

When you are this sloth

When the only time you do math is to figure out how long you have to sleep

When you aspire to reach these kinds of goals

When your nighttime activities include everything but sleep

When this is your response

When you don't know this feeling either

When sleep is the real key to your heart

The post 15 truths anyone who needs more sleep can definitely relate to appeared first on FamilyToday.

So many people include things in their wedding because of tradition and or because they think they have to. As soon as someone gets engaged, they begin to run down the checklist of all the things that are traditional at a wedding. But do you really need to do all the same things as everyone else?

Here are 5 things you think you need for your wedding but really don't:

1. Party favors

Think about the weddings you've attended. What do you remember most? The bride's dress? The look on her dad's face when he gave her away? The raging dance party at the reception when you slipped and fell and hoped nobody saw?

Whatever it was, I bet it wasn't the party favors. While it is a nice gesture, everyone already knows you're thankful they're there. Favors only add unnecessary monetary costs and an extra task to complete when there's already so much to do for a wedding.

2. Fancy outfits for the wedding party

Sure, the dresses are gorgeous and the suits look sharp, but at what cost? How much time and anxiety goes into picking the length, the style and the color of the dress while also trying to keep in mind what looks good on every bridesmaid while still finding something the bride loves? Next, what color of suit? What color tie? Will it be a traditional tie or bowtie?

While many of these decisions are trivial, a decision must be made nonetheless. And then who pays for the suit rentals and the dresses? There are many schools of thought: some think the bride and groom pay, some think members of the bridal party pay for their own, or some go half and half.

Regardless of who pays, those luxurious fabrics in customized colors are not cheap. Then you add on the cost of alterations, and it just gets outlandish. It could be simpler, and just as beautiful, to have the men wear suits in a matching neutral and the ladies buy cheaper dresses off the rack that match your color scheme that they could also wear again.

3. A wedding party

That being said, there's no rulebook that says you have to have bridesmaids and groomsmen at all. Like everything else for a wedding, having bridesmaids and groomsmen add extra costs. We've talked about apparel, but bouquets and boutonnieres are not cheap either when you have to buy flowers for them and maybe pay for them to be arranged if you're not in a DIY mood. Not to mention all the horror stories you hear about relationships destroyed by who gets to be a bridesmaid or maid of honor and who doesn't. Do you pick your friends, or do you pick your family? The easiest answer is neither.

4. A traditional cake

Not everyone likes cake. Not everyone wants to pick some froofy design for a cake. Nobody wants to pay hundreds of dollars for the same amount of cake you could make yourself for 10 bucks worth of boxed cake mix from Wal-Mart.

In terms of sweet treats for wedding receptions, the options are endless: cookie bars, ice cream or sundae bars. You could even make your own s'mores. Provide assorted candies that are favorites of the bride and groom. Or, place a ton of cut-up fruit and a variety with complementary dips. Anything your heart desires. Pick something you and your spouse love. Don't box yourself in just because everyone you know has had some towering cake.

5. Anything you don't love the idea of having at YOUR wedding

You don't care about flowers and don't want a bouquet? Cool. Save yourself some money and don't buy the flowers. You and your spouse don't want to do the garter toss because even the thought of it makes you both blush when you think of your grandparents watching. Fair. Don't do it.

Weddings are about the bride and groom and what you both want. It's a day for you to celebrate your love together in whatever way makes you happy. Don't do anything that doesn't make you love your wedding day all the more.

The post 5 things you think you need for your wedding but don’t appeared first on FamilyToday.

There's no on/off switch

Depression is the mind fighting itself. The part of the mind that wants to be happy is dragged down by the part that isn't chemically inclined to be happy.

Depression can make you feel like it's not worth it to explain what you're feeling

It feels like an infinite loop. It seems impossible to find a way out

Depression convinces you it will never get better than it is right now, and right now isn't that great

We try different things to try to lift our mood, but they don't always work

Depression tells you you can't do the things you most want to do, like go to school, succeed in careers or have meaningful relationships

Sometimes we try to outrun depression by staying busy, or distracting ourselves with a long to-do list

Having depression is like being trapped inside your own head with a bully, all day, every day__

Over time, depression can become all we know - all there is is "less depressed" and "more depressed"

When you've been depressed for a long time, it almost feels wrong to feel good because you don't believe it could possibly last

It's hard for people with depression to reach out for help

It's hard to feel like we add anything to the world around us

But even though it feels impossible to remember sometimes, you are needed

Darn that chicken of depression

Depression is hard, but there is always hope. If these tweets describe you or a friend you know, learn how to get help here or call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

The post 15 tweets that show what it’s like to live with depression appeared first on FamilyToday.

When it seems that so much of the world is losing its focus on the family, it's nice to remember that celebrities are just people, and they love their families just like we do.

The post 14 quotes from celebrities on the importance of families appeared first on FamilyToday.

You were working toward that "happily ever after," only to have your dreams squashed. Maybe there was infidelity; maybe there was abuse. Whatever the reasons, divorce can feel like the end of the world.

But as you fumble through the dark trying to reorganize your life, it's important to remember that there is an upside, a silver lining, to this new dark cloud. Here are a few positive things to look forward to in your future.

1. Regaining your confidence as an individual

No one enters a marriage expecting to get a divorce. As you grow together, the more you balance and anchor each other. When you go through a divorce, you lose that balance and anchor. You must re-learn to stand on your own again.

Learning to tackle life solely once again will help you find the confidence you need to move forward happily.

2. Following your own dreams and goals

What dreams did you put on hold to be a good spouse? Did you have to quit school? Did you have to move to a city you hate to further their career? Have you wanted to travel the world? Now's your chance. You get to mark your own path from this point on.

3. Taking up as much space as you want in bed

This is pretty superficial — but you can hog the covers as much as you want. It's your bed now.

4. Re-entering the dating pool

Some days, it will feel as though you're walking through a den of wolves. Some days, you'll seriously consider becoming a nun and a life of celibacy just to avoid navigating the rough waters of dating.

But other days, it will be an exciting endeavor. You've ended a serious relationship, and you've probably discovered more about what you want and need from a future one — like knowing you need someone who understands your sense of humor, or someone who isn't a workaholic, or someone who's more of a realist to combat your idealism. You'll have learned more about how to build a great relationship.

5. Discovering who really stands by you

You'll be surprised by who is supportive and who is not. Some people will make it clear that they are fair-weather friends. There will be those who choose sides and those who just don't know what to say to you anymore. But some people will display new and welcomed levels of empathy and compassion. People will find ways to help you that you didn't know you needed. In the end, you'll discover that your true support system consists of those still standing by you.

6. Finding strength you never knew you had

This will build over time. You'll find it the first time you make dinner for one; the first time you make a big financial decision without a spouse; the first time you kill a spider on your own; the first time you feel like you cannot possibly face the world today, but you do anyway. Each time you jump a hurdle you never thought you'd encounter, you realize your capacity to do hard things.

So embrace the change. Do your best to embrace the parts of the divorce process that are hard, but also embrace the parts that will help you through it. You will make it.

The post 6 positive things to remember while going through a divorce appeared first on FamilyToday.

I see you, and I know you are struggling. You can do this. I have given you hard trials because you can handle them and you can make something of this experience. I have always given hard experiences to those who I know can grown from them.

There's a purpose for your struggles. There are things for you to learn, things you'll need for what I've got planned for you next. It may seem like your world is falling apart, and you may feel lost in the darkness, but it is all part of my plan, and I've got such great things planned for you.

I understand that you cannot always be strong. You are human and you will stumble and you will feel too weak for your situation. Know that no matter what you're experiencing, no matter how overwhelmed you feel, my love for you will never change. I know you better than you know yourself. I know what lies behind you, and I know what lies ahead of you. I love you perfectly for all of the things you are and all of the things you are not.

Please remember, I am always here to help you along the way. I have made you strong, but not so strong that you don't need me. I've given you the talents you need to overcome your struggles, and I will give you the strength you need if you ask me. I will not take this trial away, but I can give you comfort and peace as you go through it.

Please talk with me. Ask me anything. Anything. Don't worry about whether or not what you ask for is possible or likely or logical. As we work through this together, I will show you anything is possible. I can tell you exactly where you need to be if you'll ask me. We can do this together.

Remember to love others no matter what you're going through. Hard times can cause people to isolate themselves and become hard themselves as they face the world, but be soft and kind. As you know, the world is already hard enough and everyone could use love and kindness.

You may not see it yet, but I see how you will use the things you learn and the strength you gain from this experience to bring so much good to the lives of those around you. Somebody out there needs you to overcome this hard time. As you overcome, others will see that they can do the same.

I always have my eye on you and I am always listening because I love you. You are never alone - you will always have me. Keep going. Keep loving. You can overcome.

Love,

God

The post What God wants to tell you when you’re struggling appeared first on FamilyToday.

Relationships would be easier if the people not in the relationship would keep their noses out of it. Once outside parties get involved, relationships can suffer. Here are five ways you might be letting other people ruin your marriage:

Comparing your spouse to others

Comparison is the thief of joy. Maybe your husband doesn't know how to fix cars like your friend's husband does. Maybe your wife isn't as good at cooking as your mother was. That's not fair. You married your spouse for who they are, not for who they're not. You married them as a whole package - talents and faults included. Appreciate your spouse for the person they are and the things they do to make your marriage great. See them for their strengths, not for their weaknesses.

Trying to live up other's expectations

This issue is partially encouraged by social media. You see pictures of an old friend from high school that just had a baby. Then your mom calls and asks if you're ever going to give her a grandchild. You and your spouse may have talked about waiting to have children, but peer pressure sets in. You start feeling like you should have a baby, too. Don't let the opinions and wishes of others drive a wedge between you and your spouse. If you've already decided with each other what is best for your marriage, agree to respect that decision instead succumbing to peer pressure.

Letting others take priority

When you got married, you promised your spouse you'd always put each other first. But now your friend calls and wants to meet for lunch. And the kids' school needs volunteers for a fundraiser. And your boss wants you to work late every night this week. And your brother needs help cleaning out his garage. When life piles up, spending time with your spouse can fall down on the list of priorities. While all these other tasks are good things, it's important to remember that you and your spouse need to support each other before anything else. Doing so is a deep expression of love and devotion.

Depending on others more than your spouse

You and your spouse are a team. You make decisions together, you confide in each other, and you support each other in hard times. Sometimes it might seem easier to do these things with a friend, parent or sibling, but this will leave your spouse feeling useless and left out. When you turn to people other than your spouse more often than you turn to them, it challenges your marriage. Trust and confide in your spouse before turning to others.

Letting others determine faults

Some people take it upon themselves to tell you about the "faults" they see in your spouse, thinking you might not have noticed. They've noticed that you rake the leaves instead of your spouse, or they see your trash can full of take-out containers. Others might criticize how household duties are being done, but it's not for them to decide. If one spouse does the raking, the other might do all the dishes. Maybe you both just like take-out. If things work for you and your spouse, it's not up to anyone else to call out what they perceive as faults.

While friends and family are a part of any relationship, make sure you are putting your spouse first. Don't let the opinions of those around you ruin the relationship you have with your partner.

The post 5 ways you’re letting other people ruin your marriage appeared first on FamilyToday.

Brangelina has come to an end.

Angelina Jolie filed divorce papers on September 19 to separate from Brad Pitt.

The couple has been married since 2014, but they have officially been a couple since 2005. They are the parents of six children.

As we watch one of Hollywood's most beloved couples fall apart, how are we supposed to maintain relationships that can actually last?

Here are five vital points to making a relationship work:

Communicate

Good communication is the foundation for every healthy relationship. If you want to have a good relationship with your spouse, you have to be able to share your thoughts and feelings with them. In return, you must listen to their thoughts and feelings. Relationships fall apart when couples feel like they can't be open and honest with each other.

Sacrifice

The best marriages happen when spouses make the other their priority. Often, this requires sacrificing your own wants for your spouse and, consequently, the marriage.

What's more important to you — the shiny new car you think you need, or the financial security your spouse is craving? Spending time scrolling social media, or using that time to connect with your spouse? What you sacrifice reveals your priorities.

Serve

Whether through your speech or the things you do for them, show your spouse you love them. When you serve them, you show that you value them and care about their well-being. To meaningfully serve them, you have to pay attention to what they need and what things are important to them. Your love for your spouse will grow as you find ways to show it.

Bond

You and your spouse are a team. You are partners in the great game of life. Build this partnership by spending time together.

Do hard things.

Do those things your spouse loves that are new to you.

Do whatever, but do it together.

As you navigate different situations together, your bond as a couple strengthens.

Love yourself

Without loving yourself first, you can't know what it means to love completely, unconditionally. You are part of a team, but you can't give love unless you love yourself - your whole self.

Recognize your value. Loving yourself helps you see what you have to offer in your marriage. Your spouse can love you more fully if they know you love yourself.

Here are 10 Hollywood couples who've made it work:

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Married since 1988 — 28 years

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick

Married since 1997 — 19 years

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

Married since 1997 — 19 years

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell

Committed relationship since 1983 — 33 years

Denzel and Pauletta Washington

Married since 1983 — 33 years

Meryl Streep and Don Gummer

Married since 1978 — 38 years

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness

Married since 1996 — 20 years

Sting and Trudie Styler

Married since 1992, committed relationship since 1982 — 34 years

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick

Married since 1988 — 28 years

Jeff Bridges and Susan Geston

Married since 1977 — 39 years

The post If Brad and Angelina can’t make it work, how are we supposed to? appeared first on FamilyToday.

'Tis the season to send children off to college. From the acceptance letter to driving away from campus, every parent of a college student has these eight thoughts:

1. "I'm so proud!"

You watched your precious child walk across that stage to receive their high school diploma, and you didn't think you'd ever be more proud. But now they're preparing for the next big step on their educational journey. You have every right to be a proud parent; you helped them reach this point.

2. "Is she ready?"

How is she old enough to be going to college? WHERE DID THE TIME GO?!

3. "College is SO EXPENSIVE."

Not only is there tuition, books and other school fees, but there's also the cost of moving your child into a dorm or apartment — and furnishing it. Depending on where you shop, it can get pricey. Remember: There are discounted resources for textbooks, roommates can share things like pots and pans, and secondhand stores are your friend.

4. "Does he have everything he needs?"

Bedding, rice cooker, laundry bins, trash cans, a jumbo-sized package of toilet paper, backpack, notebooks ...

5. "Freedom!"

College can mean more free time for parents who no longer need to manage their kids' lives. No more dragging them out of bed in the morning. No more driving them to and from practices. No more waiting up for them to get home at night. What are you going to do with all this spare time? Take up a new hobby? Learn a new language? Catch up on the sleep you missed over 18 years as a parent? The options are limitless.

6. "I'll call him every day to check in."

This is another idea, albeit unrecommended, for how to spend your time once your child is out of the house. You're probably used to seeing your kiddo every day, checking up on their comings and goings, hearing about their daily struggles. This is bound to change now that they're not living at home, and it's a change you've got to let happen. Let them spread their wings. They'll call you.

7. "I'm going to miss him so much!"

Even though your child has had episodes of exaggerated attitude or snuck out at night, and even though you yearned for the day when you were free of their antics, you're gonna miss 'em. As soon as you drop them off at their dorm and drive away, you'll realize all the gaps their absence will create in your life.

8. "She's gonna do great."

Nice work, parents. Your kid has not only survived their childhood, navigated the emotional maze that is high school, and earned grades high enough to graduate, but they've been accepted to college. You've done the best you can teaching them about the world up to this point, and they're going to go out and discover even more because of the things you've taught them. Don't worry — they'll be just fine.

The post 8 thoughts every parent has when their child leaves for college appeared first on FamilyToday.

Everyone is a sucker for some adorable puppy dog eyes. How could you not be? Big brown puppy eyes might be the cutest thing on this planet. Whether you are having a bad day, need some cheering up, or didn't get enough cuteness on your morning commute, these nine pictures are sure to please:

From puppyhood

All dogs know that this face ...

... will get them out of trouble

... Or get them a bite of whatever you're eating

Or, really, whatever they want

You wanna go for a walk at 4 a.m.?

Okay, let's go!

(Dogs are master manipulators)

But we love them and their pouty puppy faces

P.S. I lied. Here's two more pairs of adorable puppy dog eyes. More bang for your buck

The post 9 pairs of puppy dog eyes you couldn’t possibly say no to appeared first on FamilyToday.