You Set A Reminder?

I am a big fan of my iPhone.

I use it for ALL sorts of things. Checking the weather, Twitter (it's addictive), Facebook, looking for movie times, searching for recipes, reading blogs, e-books and the calendar.

I'm trying to remember my life before my iPhone but it's difficult. Kind of like after you have kids.

I love the calendar and appointment reminder features. I put all sorts of reminders on my phone to remind me of stuff, like birthdays, doctor appointments, when preschool payment is due, and when to take out the trash.

The other day, I had my phone laying on the kitchen counter top charging. My phone dinged to remind me of something. Hubby was nearby grabbing a spoon from the drawer and he happened to glance at my phone.

Hubby: Think of Hubby. Respect his opinion. You set a reminder?

Me: *Chuckling.* Yes.

Hubby: Most people do that automatically.

Me: I think we can both agree I'm not most people.

Yes, I have a daily reminder set on my phone to "Think of Hubby and respect his opinion."

Life with two little boys is crazy. I mean like "I am not sure which end is up-when is the last time I brushed my teeth-did you kids eat today" crazy.

With two little boys, ages 2 and 4, they demand a lot of my time, and rightfully so. They are little people trying to learn about the world and their place in it. They need help from Mommy and Daddy to do so.

I set this reminder so I will purposefully have a sign in my face that tells me to not forget my Hubby.

Let's face it, if you have kids around, you don't get to have much quiet time with your spouse. (You parents know what I'm talking about!)

But this simple reminder on my phone gives me the nudge to take some time each day to set aside for my Hubby.  Take some time to sit (or stand) with him and talk about his day, share a quick inside joke or just talk about the latest news topic.

Because before we had our two sweet boys, it was just us - Jeff and Michelle. And we made a great team. 

I remember thinking you were so handsome and one of the funniest guys I'd ever met. I remember when we had our first date which was a study session. I remember meeting you, alone in the sanctuary, before our wedding ceremony. I remember us living in a one bedroom apartment with our little beagle. I remember us both starting graduate school. I remember the look on your face when I told you I was first pregnant.

This little reminder on my phone helps me remember how important my Hubby is and to make an active effort to spend some time focused on him each day.

I believe it is important that you have a strong foundation for your family and that foundation is your marriage. If you have a strong marriage, you and your spouse have a safe haven, a place where you can rest, regroup and get ready to face the world. You work as a team to raise your kids.  You show your kids what a healthy relationship looks like.

I'm not saying it's easy and I'm not saying there are days when you fail. I am saying that nobody is perfect and you have to make a conscious effort to make time for your spouse.

So yes, I set a reminder.