How To Inject Some Passion Back Into Your Marriage

Are you experiencing a difficult period in your married life? Don’t worry, it would almost be weird if you didn’t go through at least one difficult spell during your marriage. When you commit to someone for eternity, there are bound to be a few lows along with the highs. What’s important is that you get out of the low points and make the most of all the highs.

For many married couples, there’s always the same problem. After a few years together - normally once you’ve had some kids - the passion between you almost dies out. What was once a burning flame is now barely even a flickering spark. But passion isn’t something that just disappears and never comes back. You can inject some into your marriage by reading this advice:

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Take A Break From The Kids

You love your kids, obviously. However, you can’t deny that they’re probably the main reason there’s no more passion in your marriage. You never hold this against them because they’re your pride and joy - nothing makes you feel better than seeing your kids do well at school or grow up into respectable adults. Anyway, what you can do is take a bit of a break from them with your husband. Go away for the weekend or have your kids stay with their grandparents. This gives you something you’ve probably not had in years; real, proper, alone time. There’s no need to worry about children bursting into your room or asking you to do something. You haven’t got to plan dinner or work; it’s just the two of you, on your own. Sometimes, this is all you need to suddenly feel that passion once more. You’re free from everything causing stress in your life, and it’s time to spend a day or two with one another, reminding you why you got married in the first place.

Consider A Testosterone Booster

A common cause of this lack of passion can stem from the man in the relationship. Perhaps he just isn’t as excitable as he used to be, which happens to a lot of men as they get older and lose some of their libidos. As such, why don’t you consider a testosterone boosting supplement out there like Tongkat Ali extract? Something like this can improve your husbands T levels, which directly influences their sex drive. Make sure you get the best Tongkat Ali you can find, so it’s potent enough to make a difference. By taking this, your husband will suddenly feel way more passionate, and it can completely transform your marriage. It’ll be like you’re new lovers once more, and the burning flame is truly reignited.

Exercise As A Couple

I’m all for being healthy and trying to exercise regularly/eat well. Speaking of which, if you and your husband start exercising together and working out as a couple, then you’ll be stunned at how much passion this can inject into your relationship. It’s just special to do things together and work towards a shared goal. Plus, there’s the obvious excitement of seeing each other's bodies improve and recognizing the hard work you’ve put in. Trust me, this is a surefire way to set the passion fire alight.

Try these tips if your marriage lacks passion right now. Believe me, it won’t stay like that for long if you follow my advice!

Dave Ramsey's EveryDollar.com Website and App ROCK MY WORLD

Okay, so I listen to Dave Ramsey's podcasts every time I walk and also at the pool. I am soaking in the info, friends. So when he talks about the EveryDollar app, I got it right away. But I don't love it on the phone because the phone is so ... teeny tiny.

Last month I went to EveryDollar.com and used my sign-in info and BAM ... huge screen full of wonderful information and percentage breakdowns of how much we are spending on what. I knew that the bulk of our money was not going to Prada bags and Jimmy Choo shoes, and instead to THE BIG THREE of a big family:

HOUSING

TRANSPORTATION

FOOD

I have budgeted in Excel for many years and before that on paper. This takes it to a whole new place. Starting July 1 I logged every expense we have in our household. The first month was a learning month and it went pretty well. But it is an amazing ACCOUNTABILITY TOOL.

I like that it's customizable. I didn't want our car insurance on the INSURANCE category so I put it on transportation instead so it would give us a more accurate picture of our transportation category.

Debt pay-down ... I put in the total amount of our van payoff. After I talk to Children's Mercy Hospital about financial aid I will be able to put in the amount due for medical debt. I could not figure out how to put the $16,000 we owe on our van into DEBT and also keep it as a TRANSPORTATION cost. Also, I couldn't figure out how to add the total owed on our van at all but it would be neat to watch it go down every month. Still, it's not that imperative. I have a spreadsheet with all the interest rates and stuff and I'm sure the programmers of EveryDollar will be making improvements and additions based on feedback from people like us! There is a paid version but I'm not sure what it can do exactly yet.

Check out the percentages on this fake budget I set up:

Also crazy cool is that you can click on BABY STEPS and it shows you the steps to financial freedom. The first step is making sure you have $1,000 in an emergency fund. Okay, we have that much in a savings account but it is really earmarked for our kitchen remodel so I wouldn't count it for that.

*Programmers, please find a way to get due dates in there. Just because I can see how much I will make in a month and how much I owe in a month doesn't mean all that money comes at once. You know that, because you put Paycheck 1 and 2. But I need due dates on my bills to help figure out what expenses are paid out of which check ... maybe make it so I can click and drag items below a certain paycheck to see what I am able to pay and when? I need to know what to pay WHEN.

I 99% use this on my laptop and LOVE IT. It does so much more than my simple Excel spreadsheet could ever do to open my eyes to what we are making, what we are spending it on, and how we can pay off debt and save up for things like vacations.

Highly recommended to get your head out of the sand!

The Kerrie Show Summer Reading List 2018

**Audiobooks count as reading (to yourself and also to your kids)!**

August 24, 2018 UPDATE: Finished Beartown, Once Upon a Secret (Mimi Alford), Ultimate Makeover (Carrie Gress), and Teaching From Rest (Sarah McKenzie)  and starting Perfectly Yourself: Discovering God's Dream for You.

Ah, summer is coming! This year instead of a photo of a stack of books on my dining room table at my home in Overland Park, Kansas you get a photo of a stack of books on my deck facing my POOL and POND in Peculiar, Missouri! Yes, we have moved, in case you have not heard. We somehow got a place with lots of water (good thing the kids can all swim!), and we LOVE water!

I am hoping and praying for lots of great lazy mornings by the pool reading to myself then later reading lots of books to the kids while we break for lunch (I call this sneaking in homeschooling/learning ... woo hoo!). I'll be posting a list of books we want to read this summer for our homeschool as well over at Homeschooling Mommybot. I'll get you the link once it's up.

I love making reading lists! I don't do so hot at FINISHING my list, just so you know. But hopefully my list will inspire you to read something great and come back here to share! I'd love to see a link to your summer reading list!

Here are photos and links to my last few years of Summer Reading Lists.


Here's the link to the Summer 2015 Reading List (sorry the photo is a little small but it gets blurry if I make it larger). I actually ended up talking more about this list in the 2016 Reading List post.

Here is the link to the Summer 2016 Reading List

Here are the 8 I am tackling this summer and I'll check back in with a post about each one later on. Keep in mind audiobooks count as "reading" a book in my world ... you are still taking in the content into your brain. I have one of these books in print from the library and on loan as an audiobook from the library for free so I can switch back and forth when I'm going on a walk and need audio versus when I force myself to sit down and read a physical book.

1. The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. Discovered this author a long time ago, as in, pre-Aron and pre-kids days.
2. The Read-Aloud Family. Not just a homeschooler book, trust me. READ TO YOUR KIDS! They love it! It sparks wonderful discussions and that counts as reading comprehension better than anything else.
3. Driven to Distraction. I've said it before that I'm pretty sure I have ADD, but it's not debilitating and I still get things done. I mean, I get a lot of things HALF done, and then finally, after years, enough half things have accumulated accidentally that I have finished things like homeschooling a grade, writing a book, cleaning a closet.
4. Perfectly Yourself: Discovering God's Dream for You by Matthew Kelly. This one was free from someone at coop.
5. Beartown. My friend Jill recommended this one and I immediately bought it because Jill knows books. She really should have a book review blog but I don't know where she'd find the time between being the homeschooling mom of five and teaching yoga. Finished this book June 3, 2018. Had not read fiction in a long time and enjoyed it. Hard to get into for me, but then I was hooked. Then I realized we were dealing with a heavy subject that triggers me but I kept going anyway. Turns out a sequel is coming out soon. Count me in.
6. Theology of the Body for Teens. This one is not pictured, but my oldest has been going to a group to hear about this subject for 3 years and my next oldest for a year. In the fall, my THREE oldest kids will be going. It's amazing stuff. Instead of TELLING your kids "don't have sex before marriage" ... this class and book explain WHY. We have no problem talking about sex at my house, but their teacher really gets into the why of waiting. The why of being friends before diving into a relationship, etc. I get sick of elementary school kids talking about having boyfriends and girlfriends. It sounds ridiculous and where does it even come from? You don't hear that kind of stuff at our homeschool coop, which has almost 100 kids. Anyway ... check it out.
7. When Children Love to Learn. A great homeschooling book I'm looking forward to.
8. A Life That Says Welcome. This one is by Karen Ehman and it was recommended over at Homeschool Sisters on their summer reading list, which you should really check out!

If you are a writer, parent or someone who EATS and are looking for something to add to your summer reading list, consider MY books, here, both of which are available as print books and in Kindle format ... AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO OWN A KINDLE TO GET THEM! You can "follow" me as an author on Amazon if you never want to miss an update or new book! Both are free on Kindle Unlimited (just $9.99 a month and you can read all you want; check out 10 at a time!)

PLEASE leave me a comment with your book recommendations!

Make Your Buying Choice Between The Best Cordless Drill and Corded Drills

Are you contemplating which type of drill to buy? Whether you are a contractor, carpenter or a handyman, you need a drill in different circumstances. When it comes to electric drills, there is more than you need to consider before buying what suits your needs. Although corded and cordless drills perform the same tasks, they can be used in different situations. As you may have learned, corded drills provide the users with greater power while cordless drills are arguably convenient, especially where the source of power is not near the work place. While each type presents different benefits, having both types of drills will benefit you in the long run. Here are some cordless drill reviews to help you make your choices, also visit cordlessdrillzone to learn the ins and outs of each style drill.

Corded Drills: The Powerful Choice
There are numerous reasons corded drills are superior to cordless models. Some of the benefits include the fixed cost (aside from the bits and drivers), weight and that they do not require batteries. Cordless drills are a bit bulky and heavier compared to the cordless drills because of the heavy battery pack. Additionally, you must be prepared with a backup battery in case the one you are using runs out of juice. However, the replacement batteries can prove costly. When it comes to power, corded drills has proven to provide the best torque. Corded drills are also reliable for all your drilling and driving tasks. The twisting force is powered by a consistent power flow, so the drill doesn't witness voltage limitations.

Cordless Drills are the Convenient Choice
When it comes to convenience, cordless drills are certainly the best compared to their corded counterparts. Many cordless drills have a range of features. For example, they come with reversible drive and a manual adjustable clutch. Magnetized bits and multiple speeds are the features that are handy for any cordless drills. The power of cordless drills is determined by the amount of voltage supplied by the batteries. For cordless drills, you should expect voltage between 9.6 volts to 36 volts. The higher the voltage the more powerful your drill is and longer it runs. Cordless drills are excellent where you have to keep moving. They make the best secondary drilling for electricians and contractors. On the other hand, corded drills are ideal for heavy-duty drilling.

Makita XFD10R
Makita XFD10R has been tested and proven to be a super drill based on the user experience survey. It has received an A+ grade and has enjoyed numerous positive reviews from users across tasks. Several of these drills have been praised to be powerful, comfortable, light, well balanced and are convenient for small hands.  One of the most outstanding features of this drill is its excellent drill design. It features a soft rubber, perfect grip that makes it extremely comfortable to handle, making it usable for hours. It also comes with 21 clutch settings, so users can fine-tune the tool for the best service. Its dual LED work lights give you clarity of work, even where you have insufficient lighting. This drill turns at 1,900 rounds per minute and delivers up to 480 inch-pounds of torque. While this is not the most powerful drill on the market---since others can deliver torque of up to 650-inch pounds, it is still a favored choice for many given its huge speed that gives it the muscle to rivals.

Kobalt 1424A-03
If you are working on a budget, the Kobalt 1424A-03 could be what you need for all your drilling projects. It has received a rating of A- based on the user experience survey. The Kobalt 144A-03 is interestingly a powerful drill at its price. The drill spins at about 200RPM and can deliver a torque of up to 650. This means the Kobalt compares well with its competitors on the market. When measured by the battery life, the Kobalt scores poorly at a C. the drill comes with one battery. In addition, the drill is heavy compared to its rivals. It weighs about 4 pounds although the average desired weight of any drill is 3.5 pounds. While this may prove negligible, working for several hours would make a whole difference. Aside from these issues, it remains a perfect choice for home drilling tasks.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL
Are you a professional contractor? You need a more powerful and comfortable. Additionally, you need a drill that gives you longer service and which allows for a comfortable grip. These features are what define the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. This drill features versatility and extra power. It spins at a speed of 1,850 RPM and delivers a torque of inch pounds. It rates highly when it comes to battery life. On user experience survey, this drill scored a B. however, it is heavier than most of its competitors.

Having gone through our genuine reviews for the best cordless drill, you are better placed to make your buying decision.

Improve Your Calculus Skills with Free Online Resources

Calculus and mathematics in general are the banes of many students’ lives. For some people, mathematical ability comes naturally – like a duck taking to water – yet, for many, no matter how hard they try, they just cannot get a grasp of mathematics and struggle immensely with the likes of calculus and algebra.

Thanks to the rapid growth of the internet, there are a huge number of free and high-quality resources available which can easily be accessed and used to improve your mathematical prowess. The good news is that calculus isn’t the most difficult part of mathematics and it is quite easy to get your head around it if you are willing to put the effort in and supplement your classroom learning with some home-based study.

It does not matter at which stage of education you are currently, it is always a great time to work on your mathematical abilities. Mathematics helps develop the technical part of your brain and practicing problem solving can help you out with many situations which arise throughout your life, including securing jobs and buying your first home.

Here are some of the best free online resources you can use to improve your calculus and general mathematical skills –

#1: An Introduction to Geometry by SchoolYourself

In this free online class, you will be introduced to the basics of calculus. Angles, proving geometric theorems and calculating the areas of triangles, circles, polygons and other shapes are all part of this online course. The course is well-structured and teaches the basics of calculus in a fun, easy to follow and light-hearted manner. You will be taught the basics and then shown how to apply them and begin thinking in terms of volumes, lines and planes at your own pace.

#2: Pre-University Calculus by DelftX

Perhaps you already have an understanding of calculus and want to brush up on your skills before going to college? If so, this course is perfect for you. The Pre-University Calculus course by DelftX will fully prepare you for calculus at a freshman level by covering content such as equations, functions and more. It is an extensive six-week course which is designed to teach you the basic foundations of calculus.

#3 Calculus Help

If online classroom-style courses aren’t your thing, Calculus-Help.com might be better for you. This website is styled like a blog and is perfect for those of you who absorb information better when it is written down and explained, rather than watching a professor explain it in a traditional educational style. Calculus-Help even has video tutorials too, so you can benefit from both learning from the written and spoken word -- it is a very well-made blog which has high-quality content to suit all types of learner.

Calculus is something which goes over and above the heads of many a struggling student. Times have changed, though, and thanks to the internet, there are tons of free resources online to help you get your head around calculus and other areas of mathematics.