Today my husband and I are heading to Austin for date night. We normally don't leave the city for date night, so this is pretty unusual. I bought my husband tickets to see his favorite comedian (Jeff Dunham) for Christmas and its finally time to go to the show! Hooray. We'll be able to squeeze in dinner with friends at my favorite Austin restaurant, Z Tejas. I've loved eating at Z Tejas for years. It reminds me of great times spent in Austin, plus, their Ancho Chile Fudge pie is amazing. We'll have a fun night in Austin and then go separate ways-me back to Houston to get the kids and him to a ranch to go hunting. Ah, romance. At least I'll get a date with my husband out of it!
Date nights-my Friday Favorite.
Showing posts with label Married Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Married Life. Show all posts
Secret to a Happy Marriage
Well, I don't know if this is a secret, more like observations.
Things I've purchased lately: J Crew pumps (on sale), Cole Haan wedges (also on sale). I can't turn down a cute shoe on sale!
Things my husband has purchased lately: a log splitter, a hog trap (for feral hogs), about a million pounds of deer corn
Shows on my DVR: GLEE, Ringer, How I Met Your Mother
Shows on my husband's DVR: North American Hunter, NRA Sports Under Wild Skies, Goin Country, Primal Instinct TV- Bear Hunt
Catalogs I receive- Pottery Barn, Boden, J Crew
Catalogs my husband receives- Cabela's, Midway
Edited to add: Our Kindergartener has homework to disguise Tom Turkey from the hunters. Want to take a guess on what animal my husband is taking our other daughter out hunting soon?
Sometimes I wonder how we are even married. Yeesh. In case you are wondering, yes, I did (unknowingly) marry Ted Nugent!
Things I've purchased lately: J Crew pumps (on sale), Cole Haan wedges (also on sale). I can't turn down a cute shoe on sale!
Things my husband has purchased lately: a log splitter, a hog trap (for feral hogs), about a million pounds of deer corn
Shows on my DVR: GLEE, Ringer, How I Met Your Mother
Shows on my husband's DVR: North American Hunter, NRA Sports Under Wild Skies, Goin Country, Primal Instinct TV- Bear Hunt
Catalogs I receive- Pottery Barn, Boden, J Crew
Catalogs my husband receives- Cabela's, Midway
Edited to add: Our Kindergartener has homework to disguise Tom Turkey from the hunters. Want to take a guess on what animal my husband is taking our other daughter out hunting soon?
Sometimes I wonder how we are even married. Yeesh. In case you are wondering, yes, I did (unknowingly) marry Ted Nugent!
On Holiday-Cayman Style
Whoops, sort of left you hanging on the party details. Well, those will have to wait a few more days. My husband and I are enjoying sunsets like this one in the Cayman Islands! It's been wonderful and relaxing and tropical and delicious and great. I'm off to enjoy some more sun, sand, and maybe a few rum drinks. Hope your weekend is equally relaxing.
Love Thursday- The Beginning
Last we left our intrepid student, she (me-OK, I'm switching back to first person because 3rd person kills me)...I was heading to the Job Fair for the pediatric patients. Although I really didn't see the point, I decided to take Debbie's advice and look a little more presentable than usual. I was later very glad that I put forth that minimal amount of extra effort. I sat at my station and pretended to know what I was doing (surprisingly very few people had any interest in future lawyers, go figure). Before we got started, Debbie introduced me to her boyfriend's friend (got that?!), Nate. Nate was there representing the Army as he recently finished serving in the Army. And, that was it. He was cute and funny. I thought, "Hmm, this guy has potential." I'll eventually go over and talk to him...wait...there they go rushing off to the Matagorda County Rodeo. Clearly Nate was interested in the finer things in life.
The next week I arrived for my volunteer duties and (possibly mercilessly) questioned Debbie about Nate. All the basic facts; enough to let her know I thought he was cute and could she pass him a note! (Kidding, but I would have) Being such a good friend, Debbie arranged for Nate and I to meet up at the annual volunteer Spring Fling a few weeks later. Debbie managed to get Nate and I to sit at the same table. Shortly thereafter we had our first dance (I have the picture to prove it but alas my stupid computer hates pictures right now). At the end of the night we waited and waited for Debbie's car. I was supposed to ride home with Debbie, but the valets decided they didn't want that to happen and conveniently "lost" Debbie's car for hours. Nate offered to drive me home. After quizzing Debbie about Nate- Do you know him well? Does he have a history? Ever been convicted of a crime? Can you write down his license plate and car model number in case I disappear? You know, the usual, I rode home with my future husband.
The next week I arrived for my volunteer duties and (possibly mercilessly) questioned Debbie about Nate. All the basic facts; enough to let her know I thought he was cute and could she pass him a note! (Kidding, but I would have) Being such a good friend, Debbie arranged for Nate and I to meet up at the annual volunteer Spring Fling a few weeks later. Debbie managed to get Nate and I to sit at the same table. Shortly thereafter we had our first dance (I have the picture to prove it but alas my stupid computer hates pictures right now). At the end of the night we waited and waited for Debbie's car. I was supposed to ride home with Debbie, but the valets decided they didn't want that to happen and conveniently "lost" Debbie's car for hours. Nate offered to drive me home. After quizzing Debbie about Nate- Do you know him well? Does he have a history? Ever been convicted of a crime? Can you write down his license plate and car model number in case I disappear? You know, the usual, I rode home with my future husband.
Gallery Wall of Pictures
I love using gallery walls and have several gallery walls in our home. I love seeing how our family grows displayed in our home. As part of the great Master Bedroom makeover, I created a new gallery wall in our bedroom. I had about eight frames up before, but they were way too small and didn't make enough of an impact. This gallery wall has more pictures and items that are just "us." 
I am a little...um...exact. (Some may say OCD or obsessed...I'm not arguing. It may or may not have taken me 2 days to finish this project.) I start out by laying everything out on the floor. Once I play around with moving everything around, I cut out paper shapes for each frame. 
I then use painters tape to place the paper "frames" on the wall. It makes it much easier to move everything around. You are supposed to hang pictures at eye level, which is difficult for us because we are so tall. Usually 57 inches is a good point. I started at 57 inches here, but ended moving everything up 8 or 9 inches because my husband's hamper would have hit the bottom frame. Also, it looked weird to have so much wall up top with no frames. I decided hanging things at the "right" height didn't matter because my husband and I are going to be the only people using this room. Luckily, I discovered this BEFORE making holes in the wall. 
I branched out a bit this time and included some objects, rather than just art or pictures. I have the crucifix from my grandfather's coffin-wow, writing that out seems morbid. But, it's not. At least not to me. On the other side I used the ribbon from my wedding bouquet and added magnets we've gotten from attending bat mitzvahs for our friends' children.
The gallery wall includes our first photo ever together (even before our first date), awww. Our wedding invitation, our children's hand prints, our wedding photos and mat. I also managed to get in the photo of us with a Longhorn-woo. Oh yeah. In other words, it's "us." I 'm pretty pleased with how everything turned out. I still want to add some dimension by adding a couple of frames on a higher level (in between frames), as well as a Lisa Leonard sign. I also need to update some of these pictures-but look how sweet our girls are in these pictures. So sweet, so little. sniff... But, for now, I'm really happy with how this wall has brightened up our room.
I still owe you a description of my antiquing trip with Eddie Ross with added celebrity sighting (Spoiler alert! Tori Spelling & Family). Additional Spoiler Alert! Dean McDermott is Hott Hot hot. I'm adding this to The Inspired Room's Gallery Wall Link Party!
Resolutions Schmesolutions
Remember how I was very resolved that I wasn't going to start any new projects? I was absolutely, really going to finish projects before starting anything new? Yeah, um, I suck at that. I have been good at working on existing projects and may have updates...soon(ish?). But, I've also been thinking. My husband and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year. I think that's a good reason to celebrate. So, I've been thinking about planning an anniversary party. Nothing too lavish, but a fun party for our friends and family. Of course, I've already made notes on the venue, decor, invitations, theme, it's a little out of control. I can't help it, I love planning parties. My question to you, what did you or would you want to do for your 10th Anniversary? Should I scrap the stress of a party and just plan a vacation? Find a nice piece of shiny sparkly for me? Hmm, decisions.
Love Thursday-Love Note
This yellow post-it note was left on the bathroom mirror 11 years ago. (Sorry for poor picture quality, the note is pretty beat up after that much time.) I doubt my husband remembers writing it. I do. I am convinced that while grand, sweeping gestures are great it is the small gestures that have the greatest impact. Do you have any small examples of love that you treasure? Happy Love Thursday, I hope something small makes your day today.
9 Years of Knowing
9 years ago today we were pronounced Man and Wife.
3652 days; 87,648 hours; 5,258,880 minutes; 315,532,800 seconds and counting. From the moment we met each other, we just knew. I still know. We don’t complete each other, we complement each other. I knew then and I know now. Knowing what I know now, if I had it to do all over, I’d do it all over again. Our marriage isn't perfect and it isn't (usually) hard work, it is our creation of our life together. The fact that our marriage is (to some of our friends) a standard of strength makes me so happy. I love that we laugh. I love our love. It feels like these 3652 days; 87,648 hours; 5,258,880 minutes; 315,532,800 seconds have flown by and I can't wait for so many more.Love Thursday- Ah, Romance
Today's post describes my relationship with my husband perfectly. I hope it makes you smile.
My husband and I have been together for over 11 years. He’s all sports, hunting, power tools, and dirty laundry. Imagine my surprise when he called about a week before we left on vacation and asked whether I wanted to use any of the spa services. Not one to turn down a massage, I immediately agreed to a couples massage. I have to admit that in 11 years, I don't think I'd ever seen him in a robe. That alone was well worth it. After filling out the information form, we were separated to change into robes. After I changed, my masseuse told me it was going to take a while since my husband has decided to take a shower. What?! Apparently he got very confused when he saw the robe and shower and panicked. "Should I take a shower? I don't know, am I supposed to take a shower?" So he took a shower. How hilarious! Maybe not, maybe everybody else takes showers before a massage?
By the time he came into the massage room (overlooking the ocean-awesome), I was in near hysterics just thinking about his internal thinking-"What do I do? Well, there are showers and stuff, I guess I should…" When the masseuses left to allow us get on the massage tables, he was again confused. "What’s with the sheet?" You put it over you so they don’t see anything. They’ll roll it up and down. Throughout my entire massage I was just laughing thinking of him getting all anxious about the massage. It was the funniest massage I have ever had. I think I'm probably the only person who has giggled through a couples massage. He ended up really liking the massage, but has told me that will probably be his last massage for quite some time.
That’s us as a couple. We have the most romantic setting- a private couples massage in Mexico, overlooking the ocean and I am cracking up because of the showers and imagining his internal dialogue. I hope your Love Thursday is full of laughter or romance, or best of all-both.
My husband and I have been together for over 11 years. He’s all sports, hunting, power tools, and dirty laundry. Imagine my surprise when he called about a week before we left on vacation and asked whether I wanted to use any of the spa services. Not one to turn down a massage, I immediately agreed to a couples massage. I have to admit that in 11 years, I don't think I'd ever seen him in a robe. That alone was well worth it. After filling out the information form, we were separated to change into robes. After I changed, my masseuse told me it was going to take a while since my husband has decided to take a shower. What?! Apparently he got very confused when he saw the robe and shower and panicked. "Should I take a shower? I don't know, am I supposed to take a shower?" So he took a shower. How hilarious! Maybe not, maybe everybody else takes showers before a massage?
By the time he came into the massage room (overlooking the ocean-awesome), I was in near hysterics just thinking about his internal thinking-"What do I do? Well, there are showers and stuff, I guess I should…" When the masseuses left to allow us get on the massage tables, he was again confused. "What’s with the sheet?" You put it over you so they don’t see anything. They’ll roll it up and down. Throughout my entire massage I was just laughing thinking of him getting all anxious about the massage. It was the funniest massage I have ever had. I think I'm probably the only person who has giggled through a couples massage. He ended up really liking the massage, but has told me that will probably be his last massage for quite some time.
That’s us as a couple. We have the most romantic setting- a private couples massage in Mexico, overlooking the ocean and I am cracking up because of the showers and imagining his internal dialogue. I hope your Love Thursday is full of laughter or romance, or best of all-both.
A Real Valentine's Day
I received the following e-mail exhange last week and for the first time since startingthis blog, I told my husband "You know I'm blogging this, right?" If your February 14th wasn't all you imagined, take comfort in knowing that this did not happen to you-TWICE!
Email from mutual friend:
Hey, I was at the card shop earlier this week and had this weird panic moment that I might be looking at a card I had gotten before. Did we know someone who did that or was that just a bad sitcom move?
Husband's response:
Subject: Re: Valentines Card Question
Umm before the wife answers. I have, not once but twice given the Mrs. a card she received the previous year. She thinks it’s a big deal, I told her it’s one of my little quirks and it’s endearing. For the record however, please avoid doing so.
Another "helpful" friend chimed in with this email response:
You know, of course, that if you get her the same card THREE years in a row it shows you really care because now its a sentimental tradition.
Note: I actually have received the same card 2 years in a row for our anniversary and (I believe) my birthday. He did manage to get me a new card this year.
Has this happened to anyone else? Do you have a similar story we can all laugh and cry through? God love my husband, Hallmark is not his favorite place!
Email from mutual friend:
Hey, I was at the card shop earlier this week and had this weird panic moment that I might be looking at a card I had gotten before. Did we know someone who did that or was that just a bad sitcom move?
Husband's response:
Subject: Re: Valentines Card Question
Umm before the wife answers. I have, not once but twice given the Mrs. a card she received the previous year. She thinks it’s a big deal, I told her it’s one of my little quirks and it’s endearing. For the record however, please avoid doing so.
Another "helpful" friend chimed in with this email response:
You know, of course, that if you get her the same card THREE years in a row it shows you really care because now its a sentimental tradition.
Note: I actually have received the same card 2 years in a row for our anniversary and (I believe) my birthday. He did manage to get me a new card this year.
Has this happened to anyone else? Do you have a similar story we can all laugh and cry through? God love my husband, Hallmark is not his favorite place!
Love Thursday-New Year and New Decade
Love is remembering that a decade ago you and your spouse were just dating, partying with all your (mostly single) friends in Steamboat. You were all a carefree, child-free group of friends enjoying a week of partying and skiing. Remembering that this night ten years ago was spent with him battling the worst case of food poisoning (we thought it might be malaria!). Together then, and together now. We might have spent tonight very differently from a decade ago; we had pizza and champagne (milk for the kids with friends, and lots of princess dress-up). But, we are together, this decade and many more to come. Love binds you together. Love helps you through the tough years, the good times, the bad times, and all the times in between. Love is the celebration tonight, tomorrow, next year.
May your new year be full of much joy, happiness, and love...and no bad cases of chili or food poisoning!
May your new year be full of much joy, happiness, and love...and no bad cases of chili or food poisoning!
Amore
My husband and I have been a couple for over 10 years now. My husband started our courtship trying to impress me with romantic gestures, bringing me flowers on our first date and constantly surprising me. For the past several years, his romance quotient (flowers, surprises, etc.) has been relatively low. Not to say that he isn't loving, kind, wonderful, and sexy. We are a very laid-back couple and tend to not make a big deal out of things like flowers and Valentine's Day. I recall one year being asked to buy my own Anniversary card! Well, I guess he must have been saving up because he outdid himself this month. Exhibit 1) He bought me flowers! This is a rare event indeed, and the flowers are actually the Hydrangeas I posted about last week. So I can plant them in our yard for years to come (hopefully), 2) He surprised me with romantic trip to our honeymoon destination. We went to a charity auction and he bid on the vacatation package without me knowing. It was a complete and utter surprise and I can not wait to go back! (only this time to a much nicer resort), and 3) just now, he was putting new lights in the bathroom-swoon. I never mentioned that the lights needed replacing. I loved it. Do men know how much we appreciate those little things? I try not to take it for granted because those little tasks really do pile up. Thank you sweetie, love you. Ah, romance. Or, it could be that it is hunting season so I've been left for the call of the wild countless times already, culminating in a deer trip this week?!
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