My Husband Rocks!

Fred and I met at work. We actually shared an office space. We worked different hours so it worked. Fred began leaving me little post-its " on our desk. So then I would leave one for him to find when he came to work. "have a nice day" "sorry for the mess" "you're doing a great job" etc...
As our friendship grew into more, our little sticky notes on the computer screen turned into "can't wait to see you later" ...."I love you!"...mushy stuff.
I loved that about Fred. Seeing that note, those special words, made my day. I always looked forward to them.
Now after 6 yrs a marriage, he is still leaving me notes :) Not as often. Usually not on my desk.
But still thoughtful, kind words that brighten up my day.
I found one taped to the bathroom mirror the other night, when I went up for bed. He was already asleep. But he wanted to make sure that I knew he had noticed the extra care I had been putting in keeping our home organized.
He told me how much he admires me and appreciates me, as a wife and a mom. How I excel in both areas. And then he said "thank you".

When I struggle with keeping all the balls I'm juggling up in the air...when I feel I am lacking and failing, ...when the house is cluttered & the kids are screaming, and he is 30 minutes away at work and I can't call in re-enforcements...I see one of his notes.

And I remember.

Why I do this. Why I love this. What a blessing my life is.
I wouldn't trade places with me for the world.

I have been blessed!

I was gone all day friday, so didn't get to do my "husband rocks" post. However, since today is our wedding anniversary, I think its ok and probably appropriate to do it today instead. Let's just pretend I was post-poning it on purpose :)

It was 6 years today that we got married. Outside on a warm August day. I was 25 yrs old and I felt like I had waited my entire lifetime to find "the right one".

You see, I believed in fairy tales.

Even after broken hearts and unhappy relationships...I knew someday my prayers would be answered. I am so grateful today, that I never settled. Never gave up. God honored my prayers and gave me the desires of my heart.

Now, looking back, I can hardly remember life before Fred. Its only been six years, but it feels like my entire life. What a journey it has been. We've been through a lot in these short 6 years. But our love has stood strong. Our faith has never wavered. We make a good team, him and I.
I look forward to the rest of forever with my dear, sweet, man.

*Our wedding day*

I love the touch of his hand on my cheek.

I love that he trusts me. I love that he is kind.

I love that he loves Jesus more than he loves me.

I love that he is honest, and says what's on his mind.

I love that he is silly. I love that he is wise.

I love the way he is with our children.

I love how the world looks, when seen through his eyes.

I love that he makes feel cherished and safe.

I love you, dear husband. You truly rock my world!

*Six years later...how different our life is now!....still very much in love*

My Husband Rocks -- friday

I recently found this new blogroll "My Husband Rocks!" where on fridays, ladies post/brag on why they love their husband so much. I totally love this. Marriage is truly a beautiful & sacred thing. In this day & age, the beauty & value of marriage has been desecrated. I know many young women -- in their early 20's who are already divorced and now bitter against love, commitment, and men in general. This is so sad. Marriage does takes work. It's not easy, nor is it always fun. But worth every minute.

There is a little company started by a husband & wife called -- from*me tees --http://www.frommetees.com/ Their mission statement: "To enhance marriage relationships, communicate a positive image of marriage, and encourage/support the sanctity of the marriage covenant between a man and a woman in a fun and stylish way."

"One of the great and wonderful mysteries of life is that loving each other in action--what we do and say--produces romance. Everything in our culture today teaches the opposite, that romance turns into love, but nothing could be further from the truth. Love is a choice and we decide how we're going to treat each other in the good and in the not-so-good times. What a hope-giving reality that a strong relationship can be built, simply by changing how we interact with our spouse. Marriage was created to be a blessing and a little kindness and respect goes a long way. Accept the fact that your spouse isn't perfect and then start taking notice of all the good things they bring to the table! Pretty soon you can train your mind to be grateful for who they are as opposed to feeling disappointed about who they are not. When you allow yourself to believe that your spouse rocks, you will free yourself from the downward spiral of self-pity, disappointment, and even despair. The key is to change yourself! And you'll be surprised at the positive affect it has on the one you choose to love...and you!"
"No husband is perfect and it doesn’t really matter. What matters is how I set myself up to think about him. If I focus on his failures, his annoyances, or ways in which I’ve felt hurt by him, then I will interact with him as a hurt and frustrated and disappointed wife. That makes for miserable living for me and my husband and those around us. But if I focus on his strengths, his potential, and the ways in which I feel blessed by him, then I will interact with him as a forgiving, blessed, and contented wife. And there’s no greater need a man has than to feel respected by his wife. If he feels like all he does is hurt, disappoint, and frustrate, then the same atmosphere and the same actions will be perpetuated. But if he feels that his wife can be happy and responsive regardless of his shortcomings, he feels respected and empowered. Then a positive atmosphere is perpetuated and actions, once destructive, can improve in an environment that is rich for cultivation and growth into deepened respect and intimacy." (from the From*me Tees Mission Reflection )

Let's begin a movement -- putting marriage in a positive light. Fighting to restore marriage as a sacred union, between a man & woman. I challenge you to start in your own home. With your own marriage. Encourage your husband. Go out of your way to show him respect and make him feel loved.

My husband is an amazingly patient man. He is my hero.
As a MOP, (mother of preschoolers) some days...well, ok..MOST days are pure insanity. Chasing after an almost 2 yr old and keeping ahead of an almost 5 yr old, while trying to keep some semblance of order to our mess; I end up feeling so overwhelmed and frazzled. And then there are the days where my parenting skills are really tested. You know what I'm talking about -- you've tried every trick in the Dare to Discipline book and still don't seem to be making any head-way. When one of these particularly challenging days comes along...I struggle with wanting/not wanting to call my husband, because here he is working all day to provide for us and so I can stay home. He has his own schedules and lists and stresses to get through at work. So when he calls, what do I do? Vent! and cry and probably whine a little bit. Now, he doesn't like hearing we're having issues. But beyond that, he comes up with ideas for solutions. He's good at that. I love that he knows the power of his words and he speaks peace, and order, and joy into whatever the situation is. Thereby calming me down when I need it most. He is able to calm me down with sweet, encouraging words that let me know that I'm a good mom, and a good wife, and not to give up.
Thank you, dear man. You rock!