101 nights of a very happy couple

Surely you've heard of the recent book "101 Nights" in which a couple, who intentionally tried to change their marriage by having sex 101 nights in a row, recounts their fun yet exhausting little experiment (hint: it does indeed change their marriage)!

Their story and strategy remind all of us that marriage is really about intentionality. Effort. Patterns. And how we create, change, or perpetuate them (the patterns, that is). And it's not really at all about sex (although many couples agree more sex can't hurt). What it's about is making a choice to redirect your energy and enthusiasm back at one another. It's so easy NOT to do so, isn't it?

Carol recently was interviewed about the 101-night-couple's attempt to change their marriage by having a bit o' fun with themselves. The best part: During the interview they gave What Happy Couples Do a HUGE plug. Thanks, Frank Vascellaro of WCCO, CBS affiliate in Minneapolis. You rock!

View it here: http://wcco.com/specialreports/sex.101.days.2.771268.html

Happy Families ... drive a "Peace Van"?

Maybe some of them do. And last week, we did too, thanks to our dear friends and neighbors who insisted we try out their Eurocamper for our annual journey to Northern Minnesota (Ely). How do we look? (keep in mind, if you answer, that this photo was taken after 6 days of not showering, sharing an outhouse with 17 extended family members, and fighting off flies, ticks, deadly mosquitoes, spiders, otters, bears, bats, deer, and 13 of our loving extended family members).

Peace out, everyone, and get yourself a VW van (absent the hub caps) if you can. Or, if you don't actually want to own one, move in next to someone who does! Thanks, "Great Man," for the loaner. You are the peaciest guy I know.

P.S. Arrived home to find boxes of What Happy Parents Do greeting me at my doorstep! Want a signed copy? Just let us know (carolandanna@whathappycouplesdo.com) and we'll have them inscribed to all of the happy parenting couples in your lives. Peace, all.

While Carol is Away...

Fred and Anna will play! We're puppy-sitting for the Bruess family while they spend a week at the lake with family. Carol, you know I adore having you around. But feel free to take off for extended periods of time more often. We love the little guy!

It's been especially nice having Fred during a big week in the Kudak family. Brent's grandmother passed away early Wednesday morning. Having a four-legged friend, we've found, can certainly put a healing smile on your face. Plus, Kyle (my little bro-in-law) gets back from his canoe trip tomorrow and Fred will be there to greet him! Can't wait to see a bronzed Kyle tell his tales from the trail.

4th o' July past ...

The Rifle Twirling Squad. It was all the rage when I (Carol) was in high school (can you guess which one is me? Answer is at the end of this blog post).

It was hard work being a rifle twirler: The practice, the drills, the tryouts, the blisters, the occasional knock on the forehead when attempting a new move, the demanding captain (her name was Polly), the hot sun, and - oh my - the white vinyl boots with red tassels. They were SO comfortable. Like wearing a pair of easy spirits. Ha. But they look cute, don't they? Especially with the white hat.

Yes, this was my life as a 14 year old. And I'm proud to say that the invaluable skills I learned then are still serving me well today. You should see me twirl an umbrella. And a broom. And - when I can get my hands on one - a marshmallow roasting stick. It's frighteningly awe-inspiring.

Who, me? Second from the left. Polly is far left (darn it, Polly. You were always one-up-ing me).

bottom-bottom-top-top-bottom-bottom-top-top (my preferred right-hand drill). I'll show you sometime.

The Stork

... has landed, delivering to the warehouses our precious second "baby":

What Happy Parents Do: The Loving Little Rituals of a Child-Proof Marriage - Ninety-Three Cents and a Little Humpty-Dumpty. Should be in stores and on Amazon.com soon!

And just in time for it's arrival, our first dabble of press, an article at glam.com!



Then brace yourself for what's coming next to our blog: Photos and stories from a good-old-small-town independence day celebration (including rifle twirling, plant-based bug spray that actually works, and reflections on summertime stomach flu).

Oh, and video excerpts from a delightful summer wedding during which the priest delivered a little surprise during his homily!

Stay tuned. Lots to share.