photo by Rhonda Kane

Of all the women he knew at the time, or would one day know, he chose you.

He chose you to fulfill all the thoughts and fantasies he might have had as a kid about his future wife (do little boys do that?)

He chose you to be the one he leaves his parents for.

He chose you to be glued to. For life.

You to share his most private moments with.

Not the airbrushed model on the cover of the magazine whose body you’re wishing you had. Not your cute and very flirtatious friend that makes him laugh once in a while. Not even the ex that his family always raves about.

He chose you.

Yep. Little old you.

You, to ride into the sunset with.

You, to brighten his dark days.

You, to wash his socks.

Have you thanked him for choosing you?

I was inspired by the 30 Day Encourage Your Husband Challenge, shared by a friend on Facebook.

This challenge rocks. Do it with me?

I like to share sweet little things I do for my husband here in order to encourage you to bless your hubby, too.

However.

Some days, I don’t feel like a wife to rush home to.

Instead, I feel like a spoiled brat. Like when I cry to get my way.

Or I feel like a lazy slob. Like when I forget to make the bed, even though I know it makes him happy.

Or I feel like an immature idiot. Like when I sigh and roll my eyes when he says something I disagree with, then feel proud of myself for biting my tongue.

Or I feel downright nasty. Like when I start saying how extremely tired, exhausted, tired, sick, tired, headachy, and tired I am an hour before bedtime. While wearing flannel pajamas. Hey, it happens.

Or I feel like an ungrateful turd. Like when I steal his gum. And his socks. And his good pens. Maybe I should look into this little habit.

I just thought you all should know this.

Shocking, right?

This Post is linked to Friday Fails at My Blessed Life

Ten years ago yesterday, I married my best friend. So ten years ago today we were on our way to Jamaica for an incredible honeymoon.

We both had kids when we met, so on our first vacation together we were already excited to get some alone time. That doesn’t mean I didn’t cry for ninety whole minutes when my dad took my little Coco and I had to say goodbye for a week.

Back then, our cell phones wouldn’t work in Jamaica, so I wouldn’t be able to talk to Coco except for every couple of days from the resort phone. I may have sneaked in a couple of extra short calls. Just a couple. Short ones.

Even though I was missing my baby, we had a blast.

We dined. For the first time as husband and wife!

And danced. For the first time as husband and wife!

And kissed on the beach. For the first time as husband and wife!

And felt like rock stars when we checked in and they gave us warm towels to wash our weary travel-stained faces.

I got all gussied up in at least three different outfits a day. I had one suitcase just for shoes. I guess I thought I was a rock star.

Then, on our last day at the resort, we went snorkeling. As soon as my head went underwater my body gave into the cold I’d been fighting for six weeks before the wedding.

So, the last night of my honeymoon was spent like this.

My sweet husband left me only long enough to get some burgers and fries from the beach grill. Because apparently, two bags of cheese nips weren’t enough. (See the empty bag on the nightstand?)

Pure bliss.

Until they slipped our phone bill under the door at two in the morning.

I’m sure you can guess what happened next.

We fought. For the first time as husband and wife!

Ten years ago today,
I married my best friend.

We were just a couple of kids,
Each with a kid of our own

Crazy in love.
Crazy being the operative word in my case. Young love can do that to an insecure girl.

Even though everyone told us it wouldn’t work,
We didn’t give up.

He didn’t let me go when I tried to pull my I can’t handle a relationship speech on him,
I didn’t kick him to the curb when he went through his selfish phase.

We fought often…
but we kissed more…
…which led to this.

Somewhere along the way, we went from being two separate people to being one.

We’ve settled down mostly on the fighting
But we still like to kiss.

Happy Anniversary, Honey

What’s on your to do list today? Mine includes the usual stuff, plus an article due, nails that need to be polished, a closet I need to finish organizing, cookies to bake, and Bless E.

Bless E. as in Eric. My husband.

I know, it’s terrible. I need a reminder to bless my husband. Partly, it’s because I have a wicked short attention span and I’m on the forgetful side. It’s also partly because I’m by nature a selfish slob. Too bad he reads this blog faithfully. Now he’ll know my secret.

It’s not like he’s not on my mind. Actually, I don’t go for more than a few minutes on any given day without thinking of my husband. I’m wondering how his day is going, or reminding myself to fold some laundry before he gets home. I’m smiling when I’m making my bed (if I actually get around to it) because I know he’ll be happy. I think of him when I’m in the shower and I really don’t feel like shaving my legs, but I do anyway.

I can’t wait to tell him when one of the girls gets a new concept and their face lights up. Or when one of them gets an attitude and I want to whine. I think of him when the dog does something cute, and chances are I’ll text him a picture of it. The truth is, Eric is so much a part of me that he’s in my thoughts all day.

So why is Bless E. on my to-do list? Thinking of my man and blessing him are two entirely different things. He’s in my heart all day because I love him, and on a good day I will be finding ways to bless him all day long.

But on an average day, I get caught up in the details of life and forget that I am supposed to be not only his helpmeet, but also his encourager and the one to make life a little sweeter for him. Keeping Bless E. on my list keeps it at the forefront of my tired brain. A note: Since I consider it part of my job, making the bed doesn’t count. Dang it.

What does count? You’ll find 15 ways to bless your husband here.

Why wait for Valentine’s Day? Every day is another opportunity to show your husband a little extra love and remind him (and maybe you) of how thankful you are for him.

An encouraging word!

An entry in his I love My Husband Book.

A small token or gift, like a book he’s been wanting or his favorite coffee.

A love note left somewhere he’ll find it.

A racy text message or email letting him know he has something to look forward to later. (Just don’t do this if he’s driving around with his best friend all day and for some insane reason asks the friend to grab his phone and read the text for him because he’s driving. You won’t be able to look said friend in the eye for a month at least. Ugh.)

Bake his favorite treat. Or if he’s watching his weight, find a healthy alternative to his favorite treat.

Write out an encouraging verse and post it on his bathroom mirror.

Take over some of his duties for the day. If he usually takes out the trash or makes the coffee, do it for him.

Give him an impromptu massage or foot rub while he’s watching his favorite show.

Have a nice snack and card game ready when he comes home from work. If he likes cards, that is. If not, maybe a board game or just a relaxing chat with just the two of you. (This is what cartoons were made for.)

Wash the car for him. Unless he’s one of those guys who is psychotic about his car. If that’s the case, buy him a nice air freshener.

Pray for him! As a bonus, share your prayer in a note.

Speak kindly about him to others.

Shave your legs! Do your hair! Get dressed! You get the point.

Plan a date and tell him how excited you are about spending time with just him.

More ideas please! How do you bless your hubby?