Bathroom love notes

Do this. 

You won't regret it. 

Put a dry erase marker in your bathroom. 

Scribble little love notes on your hubby's side of the mirror.

Don't worry; it wipes off with toilet paper.

Tell him thanks for working so hard, helping out with the baby, taking out the trash, etc. 

And, he'll write back...and it might be super sweet...or it get racy...and it might be fun.

Either way, he'll appreciate the verbal affirmation.

50 Ways to Inspire Your Husband

I saw this list on another blog (MomLifeToday) and thought it was a good reminder of how to love on my hubby. I am proud to say that I do lots of the listed items but am also very excited by many of the others that I haven't though of! There are some fabulous ideas that I can't wait to try! I put stars by my favorites...can you tell that I like this list A LOT?


1. Initiate great sex.

2. Send him an email. Example: “Praying for you today. Thanks for being so courageous in [insert specific area].”

*3. Give him one night on a regular basis to do something he loves. (I'll add...without resentment)

*4. Consistently mention ways you see him growing to be more like Christ.

*5. Ask him about his “bucket list.” (my addition- constantly work toward accomplishing these goals)

*6. Give him a book, audio CD, or ticket to learn about something he loves doing. (LoVe this one)

7. Ask him about some dreams he has — and pray about them together, evaluating them. Then ask how you can help him go after them.

8. Text him. Example: “REMINDER: I BELIEVE IN U.”

9. Make sure he feels respected by you.

10. Leave sticky notes in his lunch, on his steering wheel, in his briefcase, etc. “So proud of all you’ve been doing with ___.” “You are so great with our kids.” “You are my dream come true.” “You are an incredible lover.”

11. Suggest that he take some time to go pursue a hobby.

12. Leave a message on his voicemail: “Thanks for going to work every day to take care of our family. You are so good at what you do.”

*13. Ask him how you can pray for him at work. Later on in the week, ask about his prayer requests again. (Why have I never thought of this before?)

*14. Be proactive about doing something together that he really enjoys: make a date, get him excited, and share his enthusiasm!

15. Tell him areas he’s gifted in. Don’t stretch the truth; be honest so he can trust you.

16. Pray for him.

17. Initiate great sex.

18. Start and keep a “Dreams” binder with him. Include some travel brochures or whatever gets you excited. In the back, make sure you have a “Dreams turned reality!” file.

*19. Talk with him about setting aside a small part of the budget to pursue the ways God has created him — through education or through sheer enjoyment.

20. Post on his Facebook wall: “I love being your wife! See me tonight regarding this.”

21. Gently communicate with him about what you like in bed, and respond encouragingly to his attempts.

*22. Remember a dream that he had a long time ago. Talk with him about whether it’s still a dream — and still a possibility.

*23. Ask God to open your eyes to the ways He has made your husband and to give you wisdom about how to maximize that workmanship.

24. Have your children write him notes or letters about what they love about their dad.

25. Initiate great sex.

26. Ban yourself from any nagging, the Great Life-Sucker.

*27. Ask, “If I could do one thing I’m not already doing that would really empower you and inspire you, what would it be?” Listen — resist being defensive (the hard part) — and follow through.

28. As you think of them, remind him of specific times and areas he has impacted people’s lives: “Hey, I was thinking the other day about all the time you invested in that Cub Scout troop. Wonder what those boys are doing now. It was so cool to watch them grow with you as their leader.” “Our son has grown so much in encouraging people lately. He gets that from you; you are such a good example for him in that.”

*29. Buy him something small to stoke the fires: a journal for a writer; some carpentry pencils for a woodworker; some grilling tools for the master chef. Add a sweet note: “Just because I love the way you’re made.”

*30. Do something fun and unexpected together: paintball; laser tag; on a spring day, have a picnic, blow bubbles, and bring the books you’re reading; swing; go to a drive-in movie, bring popcorn, and instigate a make-out session. (we NEED to find a day and sitter for a round of golf)

31. Think about a way you’ve been hurting him, annoying him, or not “seeing” him. Apologize, and work hard at showing true change.

32. Initiate great sex.

*33. Go to a home improvement store to plan a small, doable project that energizes both of you, even if it’s just painting a room or fixing up some landscaping. (Hint: Make sure it’s something by which he won’t feel burdened.)

34. Do something from his to-do list for him — something that he’d rather have you do anyway.

35. Find a mutually enjoyable activity you like doing together on a regular basis — even if it’s playing the Wii together.

36. Create a cheerful atmosphere when he comes home.

*37. Design a date night that will help him to de-stress and have fun.

38. Discover his love language and become even more fluent in it.

39. Pray about and pursue at least one dream of your own, talking with him about it.

40. What’s hard about his life right now? Pray for his endurance, and encourage him specifically. Galatians 6:9 is a great start for both.

41. Organize or clean something in your home that you know he finds messy.

42. Send a snail-mail love note to him at the office, affirming him in his work.

*43. If there’s something on his “Honey Do” list at home that he finds overwhelming or has a hard time finding time to do, talk with him (respectfully and gently) about the possibility of having it hired out. Make sure he knows it’s not because you find him incompetent, but that you want to free him from a burden.

44. Initiate great sex.

45. Be a student of your husband. Does he feel inspired if he’s got all his ducks in a row? If he’s got a creative space to think? If he feels verbally affirmed?

46. If he’s into dressing nice, go with him to shop for clothes in which he feels confident.

47. Let him overhear you speaking well of him on the phone, among friends, or in public places.

48. In his area of weakness, pray about how to subtly and gently step in and help him.

49. Tell him what a great dad he is. Be specific.

50. If and when he messes up, respond with the kind of grace, compassion, and mercy that God gives us. Respond in a way that communicates, You’re safe with me — and I’m not going to rehash your failures. This is a secure place for you to grow … and I love the journey with you.

Another link to the source: MomLifeToday

Father's Day Photo Shoot

My sweet friend, Lacy, took these pictures for us the other day. She says she is "learning" how to take pictures. I think she's already super good! Check out her site www.lacyvargas.tumblr.com Thanks again, friend!

My hair looks like a lion in this one. Raaaaar!


Happy Daddy's Day

Wearing Daddy's tie sitting in Daddy's old rocking chair


It was hotttttt outside and he was getting sweaty by this point.
That's why his hair is so nice and curly!

why

Why is it that we hurt the ones we love the most?

Why is it, that when I am upset, frustrated and just plain cranky, that I take it out on my husband?

Why is this such a hard lesson to learn?

Why do I do it over and over and over, and then spend the next few days absolutely hating myself?

You would think that I would learn my lesson...learn to bite my tongue...learn to express my frustration in a constructive way....but no. I don't. I continue to spit fire in the heat of the moment and then cry in the shower.

I apologize. I tell him how wrong, mean, and ugly I was. I ask for forgiveness that I don't deserve. The thing is, I know he forgives me...but I still hurt him....and that's worse than anything....anything in the world. And bleepin bleep....I did it again.

26 and my amazing husband

Today I woke up a year older. It's a weird feeling, too. I mean, I have never though much about my age, but last night I realized that 25 sounds really young and for some reason, 26 sounds pretty old! (now--I KNOW that 26 isn't old...I know...Just let me have my moment.) I think more than anything, having a child has made this age difference thing feel a bit more substantial. But now, onto more important things---

My birthday went something like this:
10:09am- Ross wakes me up with birthday cake pancakes in bed! The baby was napping, I was eating sprinkles in bed and all was right with the world :)


10:25am- Ross gives me my super-duper thoughtful presents. Do you remember how I had asked him for a lap giraffe? (which I later learned is an internet hoax---sad day) Well, he went to SIX stores and finally found me my very own! Before I tell you the next thing, you have to know that I always have cold toes and so I always, always have socks on. Then he said, "Do you remember about 2 or 3 months ago...we were in the study and you were sewing. You said that your feet always got cold when you are sewing because you have to take your socks off because they slipped on the pedal. Well, I got you these socks with little grippers on the bottom! That way your toes won't be cold." So sweet! Finally, he told me that I needed to get out of bed and get ready because I had an appointment for a massage! Yay!!


12:45pm- Ross drops me off at my massage.

1:00-2:00pm- Pure heaven. It was the best massage I have ever had.

2:00pm- We went and ate a fat hamburger. And fries. And it was delicious.

3:00pm- Ross drops me off at Loft and I shoppity-shop while he takes care of a screaming baby. He told me, in no uncertain terms, that I was to enjoy myself and take my time. When I got done, they were sitting in the back of the car beside a pond, playing with toys and baby was a happy camper.

4:00pm- We come home. Baby naps. We lay in back yard and take in the sun.

Evening- Sew/tv/shower/blog. Ross had everything set to make me the dinner of my choice, his special Lemon Pasta, but we were still pretty full from lunch...and maybe some cake...

Perfection.

He is amazing and so very, very thoughtful and
he knows that to me, it really is the thought that counts.

Mother's Birthday

Mother's Birthday---That's what I'm going to start calling my mother's day/birthday celebration which, I'm predicting now, will become an annual mega-holiday. It's awesome!!! So, thanks Carson, for adding another holiday to the calendar for me! Wahoo!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love my family more than anything and that I miss them like crazy...and that I have the world's most amazing husband. Add those three things together and you get this- hubby who takes off of work to drive me 6 hours to spend the weekend with my family! (and a mom/daughter pedi and shopping trip scheduled in there, too!) Talk about the perfect mother's birthday present!

I felt like a spoiled little princess (tiara included) the entire weekend and it was amazing! My mom had decorated the house with banners, my favorite flowers and balloons. Then, she baked me a funfetti cake with white icing, sprinkles (my favorite food) and pink writing! Absolute perfection. To top it all off, the men planned a "dinner cruise" for us on Saturday night at sunset. My brother even drove in from Houston in time to surprise us for the cruise! We had an amazing dinner on the boat, I wore my crown, the boys caught fish and there were tons of laughs. I just wish my sister could have been there....stupid college final exams...

*disclaimer...we took baby's life jacket off for pictures and the water there was only 6 feet deep...and we were really close to shore...so don't call cps.

little family birthday pics


birds flying down the river


mom sat on my birthday cake! priceless!!!!! we all laughed SO hard. can you see the butt print???


i think it's safe to say that little one likes the boat

This was definitely one of the most memorable birthdays in a while.

THEN....
You know how I told you that my sister couldn't come because she is a good student and had to study for finals?
Well, she was bummed. I was bummed. We all were bummed.
So, on our way back to DFW from south TX, we stopped at A&M to surprise her!
(btw---totally not on the way)
We called her when we got in town and asked her if she wanted to do lunch. She kept saying, "are you serious?" We told her to come out of her dorm and there we were!
It was glorious! All I can say is glorious!!!

Love.Love.

roomies

so when we were in college, ross and i complained to each other about our roommates...a lot.
we both had some really fabulous roomies, but we also had some that were just plain awful.

i had one who would completely fill the sink with dirty dishes...then move to piling them on the counters...and when the counters filled up, she'd start putting them on the patio! i mean, really?!??!

ross had one who would get out, idk--say lunch meat and mayo or chicken fried steak and gravy-- leave it on the counter over night(s) and then, when it was nice and close to rotten, put it back in the fridge!! sick!

anywhoo- these complaints became super valuable info to remember upon getting married and becoming roomies! we knew each other's pet peeves and could take care to avoid them.

well, i don't think i've done a very good job. you see, i'm kinda messy! my room was super-duper-oldest-child-perfectionist-clean growing up. then i moved to college. somehow between end of sr year and start of college, i decided that i didn't really care to make my bed every day. i didn't mind a few clothes on the back of my chair. a few stacks of paper really didn't bother me! so, my crazy clean and organized room became, well, not. i mean, it was/is never dirty...like with dirt. it's just not tidy and i'm pretty sure it gets on ross' nerves! so, here are the reasons that i think i've become a bad roommate. followed by my *excuse...i mean, reasons :)

-i leave little stacks of crap everywhere i go.
*idk why and i really can't blame this on the baby. it definitely has bc (before carson) roots

-i hang stuff on doorknobs all over the house! (bras, bags, purses, diaper bag, etc)
*the cats can't get into it

-my couponing binder/supplies are always on the living room floor.
*i watch tv while i plan my next big money saving excursion

-i only make the bed if we have company coming over
*and they are really lucky guests

-i leave shoes all over the house and pile them on the closet floor
*there is no reason for this one

-there are, pretty much at all times, 3 stacks of my unfolded clothes in our room/bathroom/closet
*i have to try on 50 million different things before i leave the house at least semi-satisfied

(like the paint splotches on the wall in the bathroom? we are testing out sample colors)



-when i do laundry, i leave stacks of clothes on the couch...for a long time
*mainly, i just can't stand laundry. plus, the baby only lets me get so much done at once

-my car is a total mess
*some of it is baby stuff, but i've always been a messy car kind of gal. it makes me feel cozy. in college, i actually used my trunk as a makeshift storage unit!

-i never can fall asleep at the same time as ross
*i've always been a night owl, but this whole insomnia deal is new

-i fill up his dvr with amazingly girly tv
*he actually won a contest at work the other day because of my tv selection awesomeness! ya, you're welcome!

-i definitely don't clean the floors as much as i should.
*it's kinda pointless. it's just going to get dirty again!

-my craft room is a complete and total disaster 99% of the time.
*i'm always mid-project and cleaning it up/taking it all out takes up lots of valuable time

so, even though ross has never once mentioned any of these rommie sins, i have decided to work on them. well, to try to work on them. i mean, they are important to ross (i think?!?!), and i don't want to be his annoying roommate. that being said, i do know that, despite what i do wrong, i also do a lot of stuff right...like, umm...keeping our son alive and putting dinner on the table! that counts for something, right?!?!?!?

albuQUIRKY

last weekend we went to see ross' parents in albuquerque.
we had an absolutely fabulous time!

on friday, his amazing mother had planned a girl's day for me. we went shopping, had lunch and then she dropped me off at the spa for a facial (my first!), a massage and a pedi! aaahhhh! i was SO relaxed. then, ross picked me up and we went on a hot date! we at ate a super special place called seasons...the same place we went the night we got engaged! great steak, great wine, great creme brulee! AND- his mom watched little man. it was awesome.



on saturday, the boys went out on the motorcycles and drove a whopping 350 miles! i think it's safe to say that they had a good time. they saw an alpaca farm, ate some good food and certainly had quite a few laughs.


sunday was our last full day there. in the morning we went out to the middle of the desert and played with guns. i felt like a total bad a**! it was aaaawwwweeessome. i even got a ricochet wound! (again...total bad a**) then, we headed up the mountain to this quirky little town called madrid. it's pronounced MAD-rid. not mad-RID, like in spain. it was a fabulous place for looking at weird shops, walking around and taking pics!








it was a wonderful, wonderful extended weekend!

Lunch at the park

We like to go have lunch with Ross at work as much as possible. It's quite a trek to get there, but it totally makes his day, so it's totally worth it. The other day we picked up lunch and ate at the park! It was WAY fun! I can't wait until Carson can actually play on the toys...until then, I will continue to look like the lunatic who is playing alone on the kiddie toys.

Valentine's

Oh, how times have changed. In high school and college, v-day was a big deal for us. I felt like we somehow had to "prove" our love with lots of gifts and spending lots of money. Looking back, that's pretty stinkin dumb. I mean, really? It should just be about spending quality time with the one you love.




This year, we didn't go out for a fancy dinner. We didn't get presents for each other. We didn't even get cards! Instead, I made us a nice big dinner and got all dressed up. (even put the baby in a "tie") We put the baby to bed early. We lit candles. We drank some prosecco, ok, a lot of prosecco. We laughed and talked about how much more love we have in our lives this year than any other year ever...no presents required. And in my book, it doesn't get much sweeter than that. It was, without question, the best Valentine's Day ever.

God's Funny

We went to Galveston this weekend to visit family. It. Was. Fab. I'll post pics later.

About 4 hours into our 6 hours trek home, Baby Boy woke up sCrEaMiNg...Like blood curdling, something's wrong, kind of cries. We pulled over to the next gas station and I took him inside to change his diaper. He was still screaming. I'm 99% sure he had gas, so there was really nothing I could do to help the poor little guy.

Anywhoo...Other ladies were going in and out of the bathroom as I change him in the stall. All the while, I'm humming to him, shhhing, saying "You're ok," on and on...Partly to try to calm him down and partly to assure outsiders that I am not in fact torturing my son. (though it sure sounded like it)

Ross was waiting for us outside the bathroom and two ladies walked out past him. One said to the other, "Has saying "you're ok" one million times to a baby EVER fixed anything?" Ross bit his lip and silently asked God for patience so that he didn't go off on this lady. And just then, the rude lady drops her purse on the gas station floor and all of her belongings roll everywhere...just picking up the nasty, filthy germs. Bwahahahaha. We win. Good one, God...That's some funny stuff!

I told Ross that he should have turned to her and said, "Shhhhh...You're ok," after everything spilled.

The whole deal had me thinking about my parenting the remainder of the ride home. Could I have done something better in that situation? Was I doing something wrong? Should I just stand there and not try to comfort my crying, sweet, helpless baby boy? My answer: No. I did exactly what was right for our family in that situation. I am, through and through, a nurturer for my son. If he is hurting, or sad, or hungry, or whatever, I am going to do my darndest to fix it! And, in this situation, that meant to change his diaper and tell him "you're ok" a million times. (so shut up, lady!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

The other thing that it made me consider was my attitude toward other parents. I am not innocent in this at all. I am super judgmental of other parents in public. I mean, I don't tell them anything, but I certainly do think it and talk to Ross about it. I need to step back and realize that every family is different. Different strategies are right for some and not for others. I need not judge. I need to have a soft heart and be compassionate because they too, are probably doing their darndest to fix it.

Snow flops

Sunday it was in the 70s...
Ross wore flip flops and shorts.
It's been snowing since Tuesday.
Today, I found these outside.
Only in Texas.

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad {week}

We're having a tough week around here.

Ross is sick...fever, sore throat.
He still has to go to work.
We don't want the baby to get sick, so Ross comes home and stays in our bedroom.
This means double duty for Momma.

The high for the week is like 20.
There is snow and ice on the ground and I don't know how to drive in it.
We are cooped up inside.
DFW is having rolling black-outs. Yay.
Our outside pipes are frozen...even though they are wrapped up tight.

But, on the plus side, we got some more pictures from C's little photo shoot!


This one just melts my heart...over and over and over again. Wow.

Happy 26th!

This weekend we celebrated Ross' 26th birthday! I planned a day of surprises for him...not all went as planned but we still had a good time.

Ross loves BBQ so, I did lots of research and found this place: Angelo's. It had fabulous reviews, was on Food Network, was #1 on Urbanspoon, etc. It was the best north Texas BBQ we have found. I mean, it was no Goode Company but it was still really good. We'll be back and that says a lot.



The next thing we did was go to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. It was a thoughtful place to go because Ross loves these types of museums. I thought he'd like to show Carson some of his favorite things like dinosaur bones but....it was a total bust. We were really disappointed. Turns out, it's super small and totally geared toward small children. We streeeetched it out and stayed almost an hour but it wasn't good at all. We even left before our scheduled viewing of the planetarium, one of Ross' favorite things ever.






Finally, we went to Sweet Sammies for some dessert! This was FAB! They make these fantastic ice cream sandwiches from homemade cookies and Bluebell ice cream! Can you think of anything better? You pick your cookies and your ice cream flavor...then you sit in complete gluttony and devour every last morsel.

Happy birthday to my wonderful, fabulous, caring, providing, supportive, helpful, loving, handsome, driven, successful, kind husband!