19 Years in a Blink...

I've shared these pics before on our blog.  But.... I thought I'd share them again. :)  Just because.

 

Today it is bitter cold.  When I took Lex to drill this morning, the car's temperature indicator read -3 degrees.  Brrr.....

 

The morning of our wedding was cold as well.  Not as cold as this morning was, but I was COLD.  Ryan's brother, Jeff, let me borrow his suit jacket for in between wedding shots with the photographer.  My nose was red in almost every picture.  Whose big idea was it to get married in the dead of winter?  Oh yeah.  Ours!  Ryan had returned from his LDS mission in June of that year.  Our real anniversary of our first date was October 20th.  We should have picked that day.  But, since we were poor college students, we decided to wait until December in order to get married over the school break and to save money.  We let my sister, Julie, and BIL, Nate have our day instead. :)

 

We look crazy young in these pictures.  Don't we? 

 

 

Fast forward 19 years and here we are.  Still in love, but not feeling quite as young.  In fact, some days we wonder if we are falling apart.  One day, we'll be one of those old couples lying in bed, waiting for our joints to wake up each morning.  Oh wait.... that was this morning. :)  Let's just say we are not aging gracefully.  My body is determined to fight me each and every year.

 

 

For our anniversary, Ryan surprised me with flowers, a treat, and a thoughtful letter.  He wrote down 19 of the reasons why he loves me.  I share these not to be self serving, but to show how special my guy truly is.  He notices things and appreciates things about me I don't even acknowledge about myself.  It goes to show you that we are a lot harder on ourselves than we should be.

 

 

1.  On Saturday, in the dance recital, I looked over at you while the little girl with Down's Syndrome danced.  You were beaming from ear to ear and you were in love with a girl you had never met.  I love how you love and serve these special spirits.

 

2.  I love your attention to detail and in the way you dress.  You have an amazing sense of style that adapts with the times but is also classic and beautiful.

 

3.  I love watching you interact with Lexie.  You have an ability to deal with drama and teenage girl hormones that at times, leave me in stunned silence.

 

4.  I love your dedication to me and the kids.  You rarely get to do things that are only for you.  But, you also rarely make us feel bad about how much we need you.

 

5.  I love how you love me (wink, wink)... :)

 

6.  I love how you continually develop new talents.  When we were first married, you didn't love to cook and now you regularly crank out unbelievably gourmet meals.

 

7.  I love how you continually encourage me in a way that makes me actually want to do what is needed.  You get me and my personality and you understand what motivates me to be a better man.

 

8.  I love the partnership we have created together over the past 19 years.  We are truly united and one in purpose (most times)... :)

 

9.  I love your depth of loyalty to your family and friends.  You are one of a kind and someone who can be depended upon to help at a moments notice.

 

10.  Even though you are prefect, I love that you will say you are sorry in a way that truly shows you mean it.  The huge box of nerds (I (Jennie) screwed up big time) brought an immediate feeling of affection and love in my heart towards you.

 

11.  I love seeing you smile.  It is not really your pretty, white teeth and soft beautiful lips.... It is really the way your whole face beams, in the way your eyes smile, and in the way your whole demeanor encourages others to share the joy you feel.

 

12.  I love the depth and strength of your testimony of the gospel.  You radiate your belief in God, His Son, and the gospel that has been restored on the earth.

 

13.  I love your ability to quickly build meaningful relationships with others.  I am excited to be able to serve a mission with you one day and see what we can do together to bring the gospel into others' lives.  You love others and you have genuine concern for them makes me marvel.  Sometimes, I just don't care about others, but you always do.

 

14.  I love the example of compassion you show towards others.  I find myself always departing with my change or a dollar when asked.  Since I have been working downtown, I want you to know it is because of your example at quickly departing with a dollar and actually knowing some of the names of the people you help, which encourages me to do the same.

 

15.  When I say I am smart and often feel like I am the smartest one in the room, I am lying when you are there.  You may not be great at math, but you have brilliance about you that I recognize and love.

 

16.  I love that you care about your health.  The way it makes you look is secondary (...and really great), but I love that you will try any remedy to stay healthy and have energy for me, our children, and for you.

 

17.  I love that you keep an open mind.  I referenced your witch doctor remedies, but there are so many other areas where you are open to others' opinions and thoughts.  It encourages conversation, builds relationships, and shows great depth of humility.

 

18.  I love your curly, thick hair.  I love the way you look in your tight jeans.  I love your curves, in your yellow and black Sunday dress.  I love you in any pair of jeans and boots.  I love your cold toes and cheeks (yeah... those ones).  I love your Christmas village, your decorated tree, and all your little touches in decorating our home.  I love your look that tells me you are with me now and for eternity.

 

19.  I will forever be grateful and love that you didn't quit asking me to go on a date with you when we were young and that you held my hand back when I reached out across the back seat of Josh Watkin's car.  Thank you for loving me even when it is hard.

 

I love you, Lady.  - Ry

 

We've had an amazing courtship.   I say courtship because marriage is a process and one that requires constant work and care.  We have been blessed over the years to have not only a romance but a friendship.  I'm grateful every day that you chose me.  I'm grateful you were the one that was persistent in the end and didn't give up on me.  You knew what we could become.  I'm grateful for the beautiful life we've created and look forward to many, many more years and years to come.  - Love, Jen

 



Day 14.... Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

This Romance Challenge has been fun. It's been great to read all of your ideas of how to show and share love with family members and loved ones. If Valentine's Day is not your thing, I appreciate you enduring and hanging with me.

And now..... on to the Romance Challenge Give-A-Way.

I used random.org in order to make the drawing completely.... well, random. There were 14 entries.

The winning number was.......

Number 12, The Hullingers.

Their idea was: We are making heart cupcakes (pink, of course) and taking them to the cousins' house for Sunday dinner. All of the food will be red or pink too. To make the hearts, put a marble or little ball of foil between the paper cupcake liner and the pan.

Thanks for the great idea Hullingers!

And now on to the prize.

This is probably lame as far as blog give-a-ways go, but these are some of our favorites. We love M&M's and Kisses at our house. Of course, the M&M's (or N&M's as Izzy would say) have to be green. Green always helps you find your groove thang.

The Kisses have caramel inside. Yum! And of course.... Cold Stone. Hopefully you have one near your home. If not, let me know and I'll swap it for something else. We love Cold Stone. Ryan recommends Cake Batter ice cream with your favorite mix in treat and I prefer the Raspberry Sorbet with Brownie mixed in. Um Mmmmmm!

I'll have the goodies delivered to you through my trusted Pony Express Ryan using the usual avenues. :)

I hope everyone had a fun day. We did. We visited our old neighborhood ward to listen to a returning missionary speak about his mission to Leeds, England. After church, we visited with Ryan's family at his sister Nikki's house. There we enjoyed a crepe bar. It was fabulous.

I think the favorite was a chocolate crepe with Nutella, Bananas, caramel sauce and then folded over and topped with chocolate and creme. Needless to say, we'll be at the gym tomorrow. Thank you Nik. It was wonderful!

Have a wonderful week. We'll be enjoying our day off of school tomorrow by painting some of Lexie's furniture. Feel free to stop. We'd love the help!

Day 13, The Delivery.....

Today, Ryan and I spent the morning attending the funeral for our friend's daughters. Last night we visited with the parents at the girls' viewing. As you can imagine, it was an emotional experience. Our hearts are full. It was an opportunity to gather with friends, to feel of our Savior's love, to remember true doctrine we have been taught, and to reflect upon our own lives and how we might be able to do better and be better sons and daughters of Thee. I am grateful for my knowledge of eternal families. I am grateful these beautiful parents WILL be able to hold their angel daughters again.

********************************

We chose to celebrate Valentine's Day with our children this morning. Despite all of my idea sharing on this blog, Ryan was the Valentine's Day catalyst at our house. He loves holidays. He does our Christmas shopping etc. It is fabulous. We talked about having his wedding ring resized for Valentine's Day. It is ridiculous how big it is on him now. What to go Ry! But.... he had other plans.

This morning, we all woke up to this outside of our doors.

Everyone had a different color heart and heart trail. They all led to the dining room table where small gifts and treats were located. The boys especially loved this. This was like Christmas morning excitement all over again. Thank you Ry! Thanks for being such a great Dad and husband! Now..... what shall we get dad?

There is still time to enter the challenge. The winner will be posted sometime tomorrow.

Day 12.... Does Bribing Work???

There is still time to enter the Romance Challenge give-a-way.

This is a delurking with rewards opportunity for some of you. So come on... share the love. See Day 11 for the details. So far there have been some great ideas. A lot of them could be used for more than just Valentine's Day.

Check the comments to read every one's fantastic suggestions.

Today's idea is more of venting for me and Ryan. I'm wondering if I try to bribe my car insurance agent and my body shop guy with Valentine's chocolates, if they'll go easy on us and either not jack our rates up too high or not drop us from insurance all together.

It has been quite the couple of weeks.

Incident 1: Ryan was on his way to take Isabella to buy a few Christmas gifts for her siblings. It was snowing. He turned off our street and immediately braked due to the snow. We love where we live and are practically on the mountain, but our hills are one disadvantage. At times, our main road is more like a luge.

Such was the case on this day.

Ryan slid from our street almost to the bottom of the hill. There was nothing he could do. He was headed straight for a neighbor's car. Damage was minimal. Their bumper received a ding and Ryan's paint was damaged.

Incident 2: This time it was my turn. As we were leaving a baby blessing in a church parking lot, I looked behind me and saw it was clear. I didn't look well enough though, because I backed up too far and scratched the bumper of my SIL's, sister's car. Even though it was frustrating to have another incident, especially a needless one like this, I think Ryan was glad it was me so the score of damaged cars could now be even.

Incident 3: If Ryan thought the score was even, he spoke to soon. This morning, as he was headed to the gym, he drove down a main hill in our city that links the foot hills to the "flat land". Before he had time to react, 5-8 deer suddenly crossed the road in front of him. It was still dark. He braked but the last mama deer didn't clear the road in time and slammed into our front bumper of the Denali.

Luckily Ryan was in my car and not his. If he had been in his car, I'm sure his car would have been totaled and he could have been injured. My sister and BIL both hit deer and the damage to their cars was massive. We were lucky!

Instead, my car now has an adjusted bumper, a torn off headlight and a cracked grill. When Ryan came home and told us what happened, Alexis and I had the same reaction - How is the deer? Did it survive? Yes... we feel bad for the deer.

I'm also irritated, because up until now, my car altercations have been limited. The only ticket and accident I been involved with up to this point in my life was when I was 16 and made an illegal left turn with my learner's permit. I really did a number on my uncle's car and it is still discussed to this day at family gatherings. :)

My defense was the guy I hit was in a truck full of teenage boys. I worked with one of them at the Mandarin in Bountiful and he later told me they were all high. Too bad the police didn't notice.

Ryan has also been relatively clean. No tickets since his teenage years, one parking lot accident in his 20's (not his fault), and a few minor encounters with our garage door. Other than that... clean. :)

So..... 3 claims in less than two months. It is not looking good for us. When I go and visit the body shop today, I might just bring along those chocolates. Who knows.... it is worth a try. Any advice on how to minimize the damage to our records?

And don't tell me to warn you when we're on the roads. Really, we are quite capable people. :)

I'll be back tomorrow to wrap our Valentine's Day Challenge. This has been fun for our family and I hope there have been some ideas that have worked for you as well.

Now I'm off to the first school Valentine's party for the day and the body shop. Fun! Fun!

Day 11.... Your Turn....

Okay, so I'm almost out of romance ideas. I asked Ryan for a few ideas and he rolled his eyes and said, "Boys should give flowers and girls should..... ya know - insert non G-rated idea here. Done, and done." See.... everything is so simple with guys. :)

I had another idea. I don't think I've ever done this before on my little ole' blog, so I thought it would be fun.

Leave me a comment with your best romance/Valentine/show your family you love them idea. That way, the two people who read this blog will have more than me giving advice.

Enter as many times as you would like. When I post for Valentine's Day, I'll randomly pick a winner and announce them with that post. The winner will receive a Valentine package from me either delivered or mailed to them. You might want to come up with an idea and post because word on the street is that I'm quite the chocolate connoisseur. I don't think you will want to miss this one.

This should be fun. I can't wait to hear your fresh ideas.

Have a wonderful day! Saturday is almost here!

Day 10... Eternal Love

My Day 10 post is of an eternal nature. What better way to define love than to say it lasts forever! In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we believe families can be together forever. We believe family relationships can be perpetuated beyond the grave. I know this to be true. For days like today, this knowledge makes heartache and tragedy more bearable.

My heart is breaking for the friend I mentioned in my previous post. Tonight I received a phone call letting me know her baby who was in the ICU had passed away. I can't imagine losing two of my children. There simply are not words for her loss. It is unimaginable.

As I was driving home tonight, the song, Be Sill My Soul, came up on the CD I had playing. The words are powerful. This hymn is one of my favorites.

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: The hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

I tried to find a video that did the song justice. I failed. This was as close as I could find. I thought it was fitting though. In this video, there are two girls in a swing. I immediately thought of two sisters who are once again holding each other in heaven.



What do you say to someone who has suffered such an immense loss? Stephanie, another mother who has lost a child, has openly shared her grief through her blog. Her testimony has strengthened many. She has also listed ideas for those of us who are unsure of what to do and what to say or how to support our loved ones who are suffering. This is her post link.

My "ideas" for Day 10 is actually more of an assignment. May we look for those around us who are struggling, who may be hurting, or who may have cause to mourn. May we look for opportunities to lift and comfort them.

Mosiah 18:8
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

Day Nine... Is Romance Fine????

I know... my post titles are getting lame.

Before I get to today's romance ideas, first things first.

1. Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you have a fabulous day. Yesterday, Ryan's cousin, Collette, sent this to me. I thought of you.


Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up...

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade.....
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....

The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn’t know everything!
14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn’t have a clue.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom..

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Thank you mom for always showing us true beauty. You have a tender heart and I hope this next year is full of joy and happiness!

2. Monday morning I found out a family from our previous neighborhood lost their four year old daughter due to what they think was toxic gas poisoning caused by an exterminator. We are still waiting to hear exactly what happened. Their youngest daughter is still in the ICU at Primary Children's Medical Center. Ever since Ryan and I heard the news, our thoughts have been with this family! Rebecca (the 4 yr. old), is close to Izzy's age. I can't even imagine their loss. We have been squeezing and loving on Isabella as well as the rest of our kids. Once again, I am so grateful for my knowledge that we'll see our loved ones again. I can't imagine enduring a loss without that comfort.

3. My Romance ideas for today are more about children, and trying to increase the spirit of love in our home. This tragedy has made me concentrate even more on my own children. For example, even though Jackson doesn't like to be hugged, I made him sit on my lap today and look at me. I gave him a huge hug and said, "Do you know how much I love you?" He gave me a gruff "Uh Huh!" Afterwards, when I released him from my grasp to go and play, he gave me a smirk and I could tell he was happy.

Ideas:
1. For your boys, make a Lego trail from the front door leading to their rooms. Be waiting there with a small treat or even their favorite board game set up, and ready to go.

2. For your girls, do something similar and then paint their nails, eat a few chocolate chips, and chat about their day.

3. Make heart shaped pizzas. So fun! Google the idea for the recipe. It would even be fun to do individualized pizzas.

The activity you choose to do isn't important. It could even be as simple as coloring with your toddler or reading one extra book that day. Just tell them you love them.

Now go forth and love on your kids!

Day 8, Romance is Great....

Day 8 ideas:

1. Do something for your spouse that they hate doing (grocery shopping, getting up in the night with the baby, taking out the garbage, shoveling snow, etc) Be tempted to do more than one.

2. Give your spouse a back rub every other night this week.

3. Write a love note, letter, or poem. Roll it up and stick it in a bottle. Float the bottle in the bathtub.

PS - My friend, Melissa, sent me a link to a great site with LOTS of ideas. Check it out. There are such crafty people out there. To bad I didn't get a lot of those genes. Instead, I organize people's crafts. :) Happy Monday!

Half Way There.....

So, how has the romance challenge been going? Any success? We are half way done. Only 7 more days remain to find your Valentine's groove and to get going on romancing your certain someone. As my mom would say, "You can do it!" (She said this to us every morning trying to coax us out of bed in time to catch the bus. The not-a-morning person gene runs in our family.)

Here is our report thus far. Ryan is doing so much better than me. Of course, that is how we roll around here.

• Ryan brought home a box of chocolates. After I cursed him for bringing addictive calories into the house that I simply can't resist, we shared a few. They were de-lish-e-o-so. (That's my phonetic Dora the Explorer spelling.)
• Ryan e-mailed me a picture of his best pucker. However, he said I couldn't post it here. He doesn't think it is that flattering. I however, love it. Now I always have a picture of him giving me a kiss.
• I sent him a picture back.
• I planned a hot date for us Saturday. Dinner and a movie. Wild and crazy, I know. But hey, when you have four kids, anything that involves just the two of you is THE BEST!
• We watched a video Friday night. He tried to make the moves, but I made him wait to finish the video. :) It is a good thing I did. Alexis would have totally busted us when she got home from her babysitting job. Thanks for the job Jules. Lex is saving for a lap top. She is a quarter of the way there. (Is this still G-rated?)
• Ry left me a cute note and pack of gum on the seat of my car. I am a gum guru lately. Anything to help me fight the 3:00 pm munchie virus I seem to have every day.
• We have a tiny laundry room. I hate it. One day... one day.... (dream... sigh). One night this past week there was a huge pile of laundry on my bed. Ryan helped me to finish folding it and then he put it away while I ran Lex to dance. What a gem!
• I used the 10 second kiss on Ry when he would get home from work. It's part of my arsenal. I can usually get him to do just about anything I want when I turn on my flirt and offer up a good kiss. Putty, I tell ya. Putty.

So... as you can see, Ryan is clearly in the lead in our romance challenge. I am such a lucky girl!

Here are today's ideas:

1. Begin each day this week with the words "I love you" whispered to your spouse while you're still in bed. It will set the tone for your entire day. End each day this week with the words "Thank You". It will help bring you peace.

2. This week give each other an index card. Write down five things you would like him to do for you this week and vice versa. Do them this week.

3. Try being totally positive, accepting, supportive and non-judgmental for one entire week. No complaining, nagging, preaching, etc. It may change your life!

Heart Attack....Day 6

When I was in high school, we asked people to dances in "creative ways." Do they still do that?

The first time I asked a boy out, I "attacked" his room. I plastered big, huge, DOTS all over his room and left Dots Candy on his bed with some related note about wanting him to be my date for the Luau dance. He said YES. We had a great time. Oh, the early 90's... good times, good times.

I have "attacked" a few people since that memorable first girl's choice dance date. It is always fun. What about heart attacking your significant other's man cave or your teenager's car? If heart attacking is not your idea of fun, what about some of these ideas.

Day 6 Ideas:

1. Sometime this week, prepare a five course dinner and serve each course in a different room of your home. Choose any room you wish, but dessert must be served in the bedroom. Bon Appetit! (This could be really fun with kids. They would love it. It wouldn't even have to be fancy. What kid doesn't like to eat on a blanket in the living room. Of course, dessert would be served later... after kids were tucked safely in to bed.)

2. Rent an old movie this weekend. Maybe you'll pick a classic or something from when you were dating. Watch it together with popcorn and your favorite soda. Who knows... maybe things will get, um.... interesting. G Rated, remember? :)

3. Schedule a lunch date with your spouse. The idea that you're taking time out of your busy day will make them feel special.

Day 5... Are you alive?

Is your relationship alive?

If not, maybe you can try one of these.

1. Write your spouse a thank you note. Make a list of 25 things you are thankful for and appreciate about your love and the ways they bless your life.

2. If you are a computer geek, (no this isn't a hint Ryan) make a montage of your favorite pictures or family videos. Hold a special DVD screening just for them.

3. Tape a love note to the bathroom mirror.

Romance... Something new

Are you sick of this yet? :)

Day 4 ideas:


1. Lower your inhibitions. Be spontaneous. Be silly. Be creative. This one's on you. ;) I only give out tips when it is 2:00 in the morning and I'm at book club overdosed on chocolate.


2. Give your husband/wife a 10 second kiss EVERY day this week when he/she comes home from work. (Unless they had onions... SO not my favorite.) See the difference this one thing makes.


3.This week, compliment your spouse at least twice. Try to pay close attention to all the things they do for you and take time to recognize them verbally.

Love is the Word....

Any luck yet?

Day three Romance ideas:

1. Drive by his/her parking lot at work and leave a note, a flower, a sandwich coupon, a cartoon, etc... under the windshield wiper or in their car. Or, have a note or treat delivered to their desk. (Ryan's office is pretty well locked down. I guess most office buildings are in these post 9/11 days - stupid terrorists. Delivery is my only option.)

2. E-mail your spouse your best pucker face picture with a funny or romantic note. Maybe schedule a rendezvous for.... hum, hum... later. (Be aware of their work place e-mail policies.)

3. Take 12 pictures or a collage of pictures (of you and/or you and your spouse, or pictures that evoke good memories) to the nearest copy center and have them made into a calendar. Present it to them with a note about wanting to spend all of your days together.

Spice it Up....

How did day one go of the Romance Challenge? Any success?

If not, here are some ideas for Day #2:

1. Fill his/her glove compartment with M&M's, jelly beans, Snickers, or another favorite snack you know he/she would enjoy. You might want to leave the compartment open. You could also use healthy snacks or something you know they like. For example - Ryan loves flavored almonds and beef jerky. You could also leave them a certificate for their favorite protein smoothie drink.

2. Surprise your spouse with breakfast in bed.

3. Kidnap your spouse! Blindfold him/her (unless you're me - I would totally get sick), drive around town until they are lost. Then, reveal your destination... a favorite restaurant, or maybe a romantic inn.

A Month of Romance...

I was cleaning out one of my file cabinets Saturday. I had tons of folders with old handouts, e-mail printouts, thoughts, quotes, etc. I even had old papers from when I was in YW's and Seminary. I saved a few things, but most of it is now obsolete. Almost everything I threw away can now be found through either LDS.org or Google. My, how the world has changed!

One folder I came across was titled ROMANCE. I thought, "Hmmmmmmm, what could be in there? What did I once deem valuable in relation to this topic?" The folder revealed an old handout that had a few pages full of ideas to help you spice things up in your relationship.

I know this is also a googleable topic. But... for one, if I google anything closely related to it, I'm sure I will get some great ideas and some not so great sites to view - if you know what I mean. And two... I thought it would be more fun to incorporate the ideas into my life this month rather than just recycling an old paper.

So.... with Valentine's Day coming up and the month of February being dedicated to love, cupid, and all things heartish (in addition to Mom and Jon's birthdays and of course President's day - no school), I thought I would pass along a few tips to help myself and all two of you who read my blog on a regular basis. :) Not that you need it, but let's be honest, I think we could all use reminders to help us tell and show our loved ones how much they truly mean to us.

Every day during the month of February, I'll list a few ideas. My challenge to anyone who is either married, dating, or who wants to be dating (except YOU, Alexis), is to, as we say in the LDS church, incorporate them into your daily life. Even though the Gus' aren't shy, I'll try and keep it G-rated. Feel free to use your imagination. Some of these ideas could also apply to our friends or family members. Basically, the idea is just to show others that you ARE thinking of them and that you care.

Maybe in March we can have a "Return and Report" to see how we all did. Now I don't need details or anything - again, keeping this thing G-Rated, but I would like to hear any ideas you have about keeping the romance alive. Ryan and I have a GREAT relationship. But, even the healthiest of marriages require work, dedication, and attention.

This was the handout's instructions. Anyone who was married in the 90's probably received something similar at your Bridal Shower. I'm sorry I can't give the author credit. My handout is a copy. So, whoever you are, well done! And, thank you!

Why be romantic? Why bother? Simple.... it will improve the quality of your life. Pick an idea and implement it within your relationship. Watch how it changes your life!

Remember: Actions Speak louder than words. Turn the ordinary into something special. Pay attention to the "afterglow". After you've made a romantic gesture, there is a certain "afterglow" that lingers. Your partner appreciates you more, is nicer to you, and is likely to respond in kind. You feel more loved; and bask in the glow of having given something special to someone special. Tune into the romantic opportunities... they're all around you. The un-asked for gift is the most appreciated... the surprise gift most cherished. (You don't have to spend money.) It's never too late to start anew. You can't start over, but you can start again. It's not what you do, but how you do it!


Here are today's ideas:
1. Pick a night, day or afternoon. Disconnect the phone, turn off the computer, don't answer the doorbell, eliminate all interruptions and do something you both enjoy... watch a favorite movie, take a bath, read together etc.

2. Create an "implied" note and attach to one of these candies: Good n' Plenty, Mounds, Snickers, Almond Joy, Bubble Gum, Fireballs, Life Savers, Hershey Kisses, or one of your own.

3. Choose a night this week and don't just walk in the door like you always do. Pause at the door, ring the bell, and present your spouse with a flower, card, bottle of... (sparkling cider - for us Mormons), or some other special little gift.

Good Luck! Here's to a month full of affection!