Right to Refuse?

I recently wrote a parenting feature for Upscale Magazine that tackles the touchy topic of parental rights when it comes to refusing medical treatment for their children. The article, “Thin Line: What Parental Rights Do Moms and Dads Have When Uncle Sam Gets a Say?” in the December/January 2010 issue, highlights several real-life scenarios and sheds some light on how and when the law can intervene.

The article also includes a comment from fellow blogger Liseth Araya at Chic Mommy USA, Holistic Living for Today’s Mom. If you pass a newsstand, make sure to check it out!

Winks & Smiles,

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The Silent Treatment

A little mindless marriage humor I found surfing the web … and proof, ahem, the silent treatment doesn’t work.

“A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 a.m. for an early morning business flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, ‘Please wake me at 5:00 a.m.’ He left it where he knew she would find it.

The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 a.m. and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, ‘It is 5:00 a.m. Wake up.’"

How about you? Do you and your husband ever play the silent game? Quiet wives want to know ...

Winks & Smiles,

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Dedication

A Sneak Peek Inside Wifey’s House

Dedication. I didn’t think that word truly existed in my vocabulary until this morning – at least when it came to taking care of myself. I truly believe that one essential key to a happy and healthy marriage is first making sure that you are happy and healthy yourself. I’ve always believed that, but haven’t always acted on it. Husbands, kids, work, pets, chores, extended family, activities, life comes into play and next thing you know we wives often put ourselves on hold for everyone and everything.

Not anymore. Not this year. While I plan on being just as loving and attentive to my family, friends and work; I’m going to step up my love and dedication to myself. There are things that I want to do this year and I’m not going to stand in my own way.

Back to this morning, and dedication. I’m training for a marathon. Today is my long run day. My schedule said 8 miles. The weatherman said 24 degrees, wind-chill 10. My body said my brain was crazy as it made me get up and head out the door as planned. Did I mention I live in Hotlanta? This is probably the coldest day of the year. After piling on layers of clothing and all my gear (hand warmers and my iPod are musts) I was ready to face the pavement, and the cold, with no regrets.

Still smiling after 8 miles

Not only did I not regret it, but I actually enjoyed it. It felt good to move one – or in this case – many steps closer to my goal instead of hiding behind tons of excuses.

How about you? What are you dedicating yourself to this year? Motivated moms and wives want to know…

Here’s to a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Winks & Smiles,

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