Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Class Offered Locally

 

The date has been set for the next Twogether in Texas marriage education workshop. I'm continually amazed at the number of couples who apply for a marriage license without taking advantage of this great opportunity! If you, or someone you know, is planning to get married within the next twelve months, we need to talk!

Twogether in Texas is targeted toward engaged couples or seriously dating couples, although I have had some married couples in the workshop, as well. Marriage is a wonderful thing, the this workshop helps prepare couples by providing food for thought in several areas. As one individual said, "There's no better way to help couples navigate marriage than by teaching them to drive around the potential potholes, rather than waiting to pull them out of the potholes!"

Here are the details for the next workshop:

• · When: Saturday, August 18, 2012
• · Time: 8:30 a.m. - refreshments will be served
• · Where: Texas AgriLife Extension Service, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
• · Cost: absolutely free!
• · Bonus: Engaged couples will receive a $60 waiver upon applying for a marriage license! A certificate will be provided at the conclusion of the workshop for engaged couples to take to the County Clerk's office for the savings. (By the way, a Texas marriage license costs approximately $72.) The certificate is good for one year.

So what does the workshop offer? Glad you asked! Here are the topics that we'll cover:

• 1) Marriage Expectations - we'll explore what each person brings to the relationship. What responsibilities do you assume your spouse will have? The "Nearly-Wed Game" is a good way to figure out what each person expects.
• 2) Communication - This is a biggie! Good communication is the key to understanding where your spouse stands on issues in the marriage. We'll explore the differences in the way each person communicates. Are you an expander or a contractor? Is your thinking more like a ball of yarn or a box? This is a fun session.
• 3) Conflict Resolution - Conflict in a marriage is inevitable. The way you handle conflict makes a huge difference! Learn the steps to work through a conflict, then practice using those steps - during the workshop! This is a fun, thought-provoking, session.
• 4) Money Management - When two people get married, their resources are usually combined. Many newly-weds struggle with budgeting. Learn how to manage your money by seeing where that money is spent. Often, spending can be compared to eating - mindless spending and mindless munching!
• 5) Goals & Dreams - What do you want the marriage to look like in 5 years? 10 Years? 50 years? Remember the attributes that first attracted you to your fiancé and build on that. Express your goals and dreams with each other.

Twogether in Texas is not a boring, lecture-style workshop. Activities, discussions, videos, and games keep things fun and motivating. As mentioned earlier, there is no cost to attend the workshop, but I DO need a headcount so adequate preparations can be made. Please call my office at 903-885-3443 to reserve a space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Household Arts Contest Volunteers Needed

The Hopkins County Fall Festival will be here before you know it, and we are in high gear to prepare! The Household Arts Contest is a big part of the festival, and many volunteers are needed to keep things running smoothly. I will be hosting a volunteer meeting on Thursday, August 23, 12:00 noon, at the Extension Office for anyone who is willing and available to help. A light lunch will be provided. If you can't make the noon meeting, come at 5:30 p.m., and I'll review the same information.

A list of entry categories is now available, and all ages are encouraged to enter items in the 2012 contest. A flat $1 fee covers as many items as you would like to enter. Guidelines and categories descriptions can be picked up at the Extension Office. Entries will be judged on Friday, September 14, in the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. They will be on display to the public Friday afternoon following judging and ribbon placement, and Saturday, September 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Pictures of Best of Show winners will be made at 2:00 p.m.

While you're at the High School, be sure to visit the Arts & Crafts Show! This is a great time to do some early Christmas shopping or to pick up a one-of-a-kind handcrafted item. More information to come!

Closing Thought

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up - Thomas Edison

Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed.

Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent

Hopkins County

1200-B W. Houston

P.O. Box 518

Sulphur Springs, TX 75483

903-885-3443 - phone

903-439-4909 - fax

jshicks@ag.tamu.edu

 

 

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