If you were to hang a motto in your home, what would it say?

If you were given $100,000 to celebrate someone or something, who or what would you celebrate?

If you were to fast-forward your life five years, where would you be and what would you be doing?  What changes would people see in you?

If you could take back something you said in 2009, what would it be?

At the beginning of 2009 I made note of the following resolutions suggested by Sally Albright and share them with you now for possible inclusion in your list as you prepare for the new year.

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Couples

#10: Exercise Together
Exercising together as a couple can make getting more exercise fun, and you and your spouse can truly have a “healthy” relationship.

#9: Cook Together
Cooking dinner together is a great way to spend time together.

#8: Play Games Together
Take the time to have some fun with your spouse by playing games together — especially in the colder winter months.

#7: The Little Things
Sometimes, it’s the littlest of things that really matter. Something as simple as setting the coffee machine to brew in the morning or opening the car door for your spouse can really show how much you care.

#6: Get Romantic
The types of romantic gestures you do really depends on what your spouse considers to be romantic, whether it be bouquets of flowers or cuddling together and watching a football game on TV.

#5: Listening
Truly listen. Keep in mind that your spouse isn’t always in search for answers and may not want to receive advice. They just want your ears all to themselves.

#4: Fewer Arguments
Make a New Year’s resolution to argue less.  Pick your battles wisely. Most importantly, learn to compromise.

#3: Compliments
Taking the time to compliment your spouse shows them that you do still love them, you appreciate them, and you still find them attractive.  Surprise your loved one with compliments during appropriate times, such as when they dress up for a dinner out, do a job well done, or the way they handled your child’s misbehavior.

#2: Dates
A little alone time with your spouse can be all that you need to feel reconnected with them.  Having a special date night at the end of the week can give you and your loved one something to look forward to.

#1: Saying I Love You
Say it often, say it with meaning.  A simple I Love You can melt someone’s heart.

If you were going to a costume party next week, what costume would you wear?

If you could grant any three wishes to one person, to whom would you grant them?  Why?

I often tell my five kids that they can never move away from home. Even if they get married someday they have to buy the house next door and move into it if they want to leave our home. The oldest is only eleven years old so I have at least another ten years to indoctrinate them.

I don’t really expect to be able to hold them that closely forever. Some day I will have to let go and permit them to exercise their independence. Well, maybe not . . . .

According to a new Pew Forum survey, 13% of parents who have grown children have had one of their adult sons or daughters move back home in the last year. The bad economy has driven the number of returning adult children higher and higher. Social scientist are referring to these returning adult children as “boomerangers”.

The economies effect on this group is apparent in a number of other interesting statistics. Only 7.3 % of adults aged 18-29 now live alone. And, only 46% of those between the ages of 16-24 are currently employed. (Click here for additional data.)

If the economy doesn’t make a come-back I may just get my wish — I may get to keep my kids at home forever.

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• From The Mouth of Babes
• UFO Magnetism

__________

If you could be any age for the rest of your life, what age would you choose?  Why?

Yes, I am involved in a conspiracy. I hope this confession doesn’t put me on a CIA, FBI, or Homeland Security watchlist.

Not only am I involved, so is my family and the people at church. Before I confess anything more, check out the embedded video. Then, I’ll share more afterward.

Fewer presents, more presence. If we put it to a vote, almost everyone, including children, would prefer to engage more fully the people they love than to exchange gifts of dubious value. So, why is it that year after year we continue to follow the path that leads to less and less satisfaction.

And, if in the process of learning this life lesson, we are able to provide clean water for those who are dying for it — literally — then so much the better.

Wanna join a conspiracy?