2022 is behind us, most of the bills are in and it is a good time to review expenses and income for the past year. 

Determine where you did well and where you need to improve. Set some goals for 2023 and create your budget.  Perhaps you want to pay off debt, save more for college or retirement, or go on a dream vacation. 

Work together with your wife to make your plan.  If you need help in budgeting, Dave Ramsey has some great materials and courses to help.

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There are times we all need a break.  Find a day to give your wife an entire day to pamper herself and do whatever she wants: lay in bed, go shopping, get a mani-pedi, see a movie... 

Take over all her responsibilities for the day:  preparing meals, caring for children, cleaning house,..  Make her day care free to focus on herself.

There is a reason many people make New Year's resolutions. The start of a new year is a great time to evaluate our life and decide what we need to change.

Take time as a couple to look at what is not working well and discuss what you need to do about it.  Pick a couple of things you can focus on for the next three weeks and make a plan to make the changes needed.  Whether it is eating healthier, exercising, or spending more time on your spiritual health, we all have things we need to change.

I made a commitment to read through the Bible this year.  I am using the Bible app to help me accomplish this goal.  It has multiple plans.

Have a very blessed New Year!

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Christmas is coming fast with only two weeks remaining. Enjoy every moment and don't forget to focus on the true meaning of the season. 

Put on some Christmas tunes, take time to watch some family Christmas movies, and spend quality time together. Ask your wife what you can do to help her Christmas season be a little less stressful.

Slow down and let the hope that came in a manger lead you throughout the season.

Go Christmas shopping with your wife. Make a list, check it twice, and head out for a night together.

As you finish off the last of the turkey leftovers, pull out the calendar and plan some special holiday events for the whole family. Continue celebrating special traditions or add some new ones.

One of our favorites is to pile in the car and go searching for Christmas lights. The important part is to plan so the season doesn't go by without focused time together.

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When the turkey and dressing are finished off, play a game of Thankarades with your family and friends. I first came up with this several years ago. It is a great way to celebrate all the blessings we have been given. Have several people act out what they are most thankful for in a game of charades, which I have henceforth dubbed "Thankarades."

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Marriage takes constant care and work. If we ignore it, it will break down. Take time this week to focus on your relationship and show how much you love your wife. Gather an inventory of things that need to be discussed and talk through them.

Enjoy an evening of fun with your family at a local corn maze. Working together to find your way through the maze builds teamwork and cooperation. If you don't have a corn maze near your, find an alternative fall festival or activity to do together. 

Rake some leaves into big piles and have some fun jumping in them with your children, grandchildren, dog. or just enjoy time with your wife remembering your childhood.