Lucky in Love

Last fling before the ring…

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment
A week before our wedding I was blessed by my MOH and my family and friends to have one last night out as a single lady.  It was a BLAST to say the least.  We took a party bus downtown and had the luxury of starting the lingerie shower at my best buddy Ted’s house.  Of course he wasn’t home to enjoy all the fun, but we did poke (literally) fun at him a bit and left him so beer bottles in the flower beds. 
 Following the little shower and games we headed to Bakersfield which has the best guacamole and margaritas that I’ve ever known.  Yummo.  Seriously.  At this point I had quite the buzz going and may have tormented and totally annoyed some of the other Bakersfield visitors.  Oh well….
After Bakersfield we cruised in our bus a little bit and took part in all the yummy drinks the ladies had packed for us.  After our cruise we ended up at a fantastic show at Talbot Street.  Those ladies (err…uhhh…men?) never cease to dissappoint.  
As soon as we left I bothered a cop and asked him if he was next surprise.  Unfortunately he was a real cop and was not amused at all by what I asked.  Oops!  Then I was ready to continue the party.  Problem is…no one else was.  So, I pouted and was mad.  And next thing you know they’ve got pictures of me passed out on the bus.  Can you imagine?  
Fun was seriously had by all, especially me….I most definitely will never be able to thank all these girls enough for spending the evening with me enjoying being Miss Plank one more time!

Up next….  Rehearsal and Rehearsal dinner!

Meet the Greeter Gals!

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Four beautiful ladies will be greeting everyone as they come to our wedding and we are so grateful for all of them.

To my two beautiful cousins who are like little sisters, Cheyanne and Codi – I love you both dearly and can’t imagine my life without you.  From our days of the Barbie workout video to holding my hair back at a New Year’s Eve celebration and concerts.    Time has flown by and I’ve watched you both grow from the cutest little chunky babes to incredibly beautiful grown women.  I can’t wait to see all that life brings you and certainly can’t imagine my special day without you both in it.

To one of my dear best friends, Ashley – I believe fate has somehow brought us together.  Sure, we grew up in close communities just down the road from each other.  However, we’ve always had the same interests and some how our paths never crossed long enough to become so close. 
Then….they did!  I’ll forever be grateful for our friendship and so glad that fate finally brought us together to be forever friends.  We always have a good time together, despite the poison ivy.  You can always make me laugh.  I love everything about you and will always be there to help you through good times and bad….even for the tiniest things such as spelling.  🙂
I owe you big time for being such a huge part of making our wedding look beautiful.  Your ideas and talents are incredible and I’m lucky you wanted to help me make this special day so gorgeous.  

To the master of cakes and love of my brother – Thank you for being a part of our family and making him smile.  You have done so much for our boys and we love having you around.  You are special to us and I’m glad you will be a part of our special day!

11 days left!   #plankschenckwedding

Meet the Flower Girls

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Meet the Flower Girls!

We have a lot of precious littles in our life.  It was really tough to pick out just one little boy and one little girl to represent all of our happiness.  We just plain couldn’t.

So, we had to pick 3 precious angel boys and 3 angel girls.  They aren’t always angels, but they sure are adorable!

First up is the little ladies….

Shailynn

As she will tell you, we are one in the same.  And, we really truthfully are.  I don’t know how my sister was blessed with me for 18 years and then me again for another 18.  She is so lucky!  (sarcasm.  major sarcasm.)

She would also tell you that she is HEAD Flower Girl.

From the minute Shai was born I know we would be buddies.  We are birthday buddies and lifelong buddies.  She even has/had a shirt to prove it!

I love everything about this girl, even though we clash at times.  Sometimes people who are eerily alike do that!  She is smart.  She is sassy.  She is powerful and charming.  I am proud of all the things she’s accomplished in her 8 little years and my pride grows daily when I think of the steps she has taken out of her comfort zone.  She’s going to be one of those fierce women in about 10 years that you most certainly don’t want to mess with.

I’m so glad she will lead me down the aisle with flower petals.  I wouldn’t have our special day any other way!

Kynsey

My dear sweet Kynsey Lee.  The day you were born there was an instant buddy for Shailynn and another little pretend niece for me!  I may not technically be your aunt but I certainly treat you like you are just one of our own.  I enjoy our special time together.  You’re a wonderful helper and an excellent baker.  We can giggle to just about anything and I hope I haven’t taught you too many naughty things.  Remember, “Don’t do as a I say or do.  In fact….don’t pay attention to me at all!”

I can’t wait to see you, Shai, and Willow walk down the aisle looking so beautiful in your dresses.  You’ll probably be stealing from the candy buffet and breaking moves on the dance floor all night long.  I can’t wait!  I feel so special that when someone asked you what your summer plans were, you responded with….”We have a wedding.”  That’s right girlfriend…WE HAVE A WEDDING!  Wahoo!

Willow

Oh little Willow.  You have a light and life inside you the size of Texas.  I knew my best friend would be blessed with a bountiful little bundle of joy as amazing as you!  Some how I feel like your behaviors are a bit more like me and not as soft and precious as your momma.  You make us all smile and we love your sweet little attitude.  You have a great personality and loads of character.  I have loved watching you grow up!

I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle with the big girls in your pretty dress.  The day will be so fun because you are a part of it!

And look…..one flower girl feeding another!

Can’t wait to see these precious girls lead the way as I take my steps down the aisle!

Next up is my sweet little men….

Meet the Groomsmen

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Time to meet the groomsmen!  I’m so fortunate to be marrying my best friend.  Along with marrying my best friend I have gained more friendships with his best buds…and I have to admit…he has pretty great taste in friends.

Best Man – Dave

Best Man are perfect words to describe this guy for my guy.  He is always there for him and even there past the time I’d like for Mike to be out.  But, you’ll have that.  Those two typically know how to get in trouble and from what I’ve heard….it’s been a long life of getting in trouble together.

Dave always makes me laugh and I love watching him grow and lead Michael in the right direction of a wonderful family man.  🙂  Hopefully he doesn’t lead him astray too often.  I’ll try and forgive you for the night on the patio in Florida and the late night at the tavern.  I’ll also try and forgive you for the many nights you and Michael conveniently don’t answer your phone and I’ll try and forgive you ahead of time for the bachelor party weekend you’re about to adventure on.  Remember….he’s about to be my husband so soon you’ll have to answer me!

Joel

First, Joel was my cousin.  Then, he became my boyfriends good friend.  Now, he’s more like my fiances girlfriend because I swear those two talk and text more on the phone than any of my friends and I.

Sometimes I tease Michael that the only reason he is marrying me is so he can be related to Joel.  So he can be closer to Joel.  Hopefully, it’s not true!

Joel is a great friend to Mike and a wonderful part of our family.  We’re lucky to have Joel and Kelli in our lives.  We are SO lucky that Kelli decided to introduce Mike and I back in August 2010 at the tractor pull.  She was right on when she said she had found the phone for me!  Thank you Kelli!

Cody

Our old neighbor and dear friend, Cody.  We spent many nights on your porch or ours.  We spent many nights at the shop hanging out.  We’ve even driven on a snowmobile in a blizzard to see you!  I love your little family, and especially your wife.  You two put smiles on everyone’s face and we were so blessed to be there for your special day.  I’m glad you can stand next to Mike for our special day.  Thank you for being a wonderful friend to him!

David

My soon to be brother.  Although we only get to see you once or twice a year, I always look forward to our time together.  Or, hearing updates from Mikey after you two get off of one of your super long phone calls on a Sunday afternoon.  You are excellent in the kitchen and some day I will visit the kitchen you master in Idaho!  Thank you for being a part of our special day.  We wouldn’t have it any other way!

Joshy my brother

From purchasing my first ever stuffed animal at the hospital, to helping me on the bus for my first day of school, a few parties together in college, a short stint of living together when I needed you the most, and today being a wonderful big brother and still tormenting me with your amazing abilities.

I love you dearly Joshua.  I still have the letter you wrote me when I went to college.  I’ve read it often.  You were so honest and I was so clueless.  I wish I had listened to you a little bit more.  We’ve been through hell and back as a family.  I admire you for being an amazing dad the minute you had to be.  You’re caring and hardworking and despite the fact you drive me nuts sometimes (because that’s what brothers do) I wouldn’t trade you for the world.  I know I can come to you for anything and not too many sisters can say that.  Thank you for being a part of our day.  I can’t imagine taking the next step in life without you by our side.

Teddy

I’m also fortunate that my best friend is allowing my other best friend to stand up with him.  I’ve been through a lot with this guy….birthday parties, graduation parties, dates with friends, secret parties from our parents, college nights, etc.  I can’t imagine my childhood and teenage years without Ted.  Although time and growing up have certainly spread us apart a little bit, I can pick right back up with him where we left off.  I adore his girlfriend.  I’m proud of his work ethic and time dedicated to his family.  He’s a true friend, one that would and will always be a part of our lives as we grow old.

I hope someday our babies can have parties together and sneak off and make crazy mistakes just like we did.  We had a lot of fun growing up and I’m sure they will too!  Thank you for being a part of our special day Ted.  I always said I’d ask you be on my side and wear a dress, but I’m really glad Mike said it was a better idea for you to stand up with him.  I’m also glad that the pact we made about getting married at 30 changed to 40.  My forever asked me a week later and I’m pretty sure you’ve found the one too.  As long as she can put up with you!  Thank you for being a part of our day.  Can’t wait until July 19th to celebrate!

We’re very blessed to have 6 girls 6 guys who love us enough to stand with us on July 19th and tell the world we should be together….and that they support us and our future.  Friends are important.  In our case, friends are family.  We love them all dearly!

A growing list

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

I had no idea when I was begging for the idea of an engagement ring and marriage that there would be this much stuff to do.

It seems like as soon as I cross something off the list of wedding to do’s I add about ten more things.  It’s never ending!

Not to mention the fact that we (me) are trying to pull this thing off in around 5 months.  Whoever thought that was a good idea (me) should be shot.  Okay, maybe not shot but seriously taught a lesson.

Besides the fact that I’m overly stressed to the point of neck pain and multiple doses of anxiety medications, everything seems to be going totally fine.

We really do have the major stuff under control and at this point working on all the small details.  However, there are so many stinking small details!  They really seem like medium size details.

Like….which necklace should I get for my dress?

I went with this one.  Hoping it looks good!
And what kind of salad dressing will everyone want? 

And how can I sneak all the leftover bread out of there after the reception? yum

And what color of sashes and napkins do we get?  DEFINITELY not this ensemble.  Puke.  John Deere fans maybe? 
And how did we get such adorable flower girls? 
And will they really walk down the aisle?

And, what size paper bags for the candy buffet? 

  
 And, is my friend Ashley really going to be ready to tackle this list I have going for her?  She has all the wedding expertise but does she know what she’s getting herself into? 

And, how can I make this entry way cute for the wedding? 

 And how many more pictures is my excited father going to take?  
Side note: Have I told you how adorably excited he is?  I never imagined he would be so excited to help us plan our wedding.  From picking out a venue to tasting the delicious food.  It’s all wedding talk and I can’t figure out if he is just so happy for me or so excited to give me away and be done with me!  Ha!

Tasting complete.  Bellies full.  

 Is it really worth if to stand in a 2 1/2 hour long line for passports? 
Especially when we still have no clue where we are even going for our honeymoon!
Which cake should we pick? 
No worries, I’m an expert dessert taster.  Pink lemonade it is…..with some cheesecake filling. 
I know it sounds weird, but don’t hate.  

Will my future SIL find a dress she loves?  
Some how we successfully found dresses for all the other bridesmaids, but they are all from here. 
Poor Weezy has to figure this out on her own out in Idaho.  
I have total faith in her.

All these questions and so little time to answer it.  Like 100 something days? 
I’m stressed. 
A little overwhelmed. 
But I wouldn’t trade this excitement for ANYTHING in the world!

Decisions = Exhaustion

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

This explains our day…

Exhausted with a gun.
We tackled an invitations decision last night.  (Thanks Chad!)
We tackled decoration and bouquet decisions with our event planner extraordinaire this morning.  (Thanks Ashley!)
We tackled Macy’s gift registry.  And by the way, best experience ever.  Neither of us were looking forward to going to Macy’s to register but we had several people suggest it.  By far it was the best experience of customer service we have ever had.  The lady that worked with us, Heidi, was absolutely incredible.  She was so very helpful and we left with huge smiles on our face and ready to tackle the next store.  

Then, we stopped for a little rejuvenation at Hooter’s.  We love their wings.  He probably loves more than the wings, but I’m totally fine with that.  The Bluemoon tastes mighty fine too after a few hours of complicated decisions.  
Then, we tackled our Target registry.  The photo from way above explains my almost meltdown half way through when our gun battery died.  We had to walk all the way back up to the front for a new gun.  We stopped at the snack shop for a little refreshment where I almost passed out from serious exhaustion.  
These decisions were way more complicated than I ever imagined.  They literally have EVERYTHING you could ever imagine.  And to make matters worse….they have about a bajillion different styles of everything as well.  
Total freaking chaos for a gal like me who sucks at making decisions. 
But, with my sweetie pie by my side we made it through the day. 
and….we had FUN!  
It’s actually pretty awesome how much fun we have together at something that others consider so daunting or miserable.  
I’m not sure he was totally looking forward to it like I had been all week, but he hung in there and made it happen.  He let me control the gun for the most part.  We took turns with the power.  The power felt great.  I kind of wish I had a scanner gun thingy for every day purposes.  Not sure what I would use it for, but it would make me happy to scan things.  Does this mean I need a job in retail? 
Sorry, got off track dreaming about that gun. 
That day number keeps shrinking….
Down to 133.  I have a feeling at 100 I’m gonna spend my day hibernating in bed with a major panic attack.  
Wish me luck!
Check out…..
Our Wedding Website at The Knot 

Said yes to the dress

/ ashleyeileenp / 1 Comment
Saturday was the day to find the dress and it happened!
I woke up nervous as all get out.  I cried a little in the shower thinking about doing all this without mom.  I have a feeling those tears are going to flow heavily throughout the next 137 days.  
Riding with my MOH and best friend was a major stress reliever as we talked about girly wedding things the whole way and listened to baby Walker coo.
We arrived at our first place hoping for success but we weren’t so successful.  There were SO many fun dresses to try on.  There were even some great prom dresses to look at!  Miss Becky has so much to offer!  It was the perfect opportunity for me to try on a huge variety of dresses and get a feel for what I liked and didn’t like. 
Before we left little Mr. MOH decided he needed a changing. 
I have never.  
ever ever.  
ever never ever. 
seen anything..
or smelled anything…
like it!
We ruined that place for sure.  
But he’s so dang cute! 

After we had a delicious lunch at Mackenzie River Pizza.  Delicious food and wonderful family to celebrate with!
Have I told you yet how incredibly blessed I am to be surrounded by amazing women?  
Well, I am. 
My MOH is my best friend since practically her birth, Megan.  Her family is near and dear to my heart and always will be.  We may not be related but we practically are.  
My sister and Michelle are two of my bridesmaids and although Michelle isn’t technically a sister, she basically is.  Their little munchkins are flower girls and ring bearers.  I wish I had a photo of the girls from that day without me in it to spoil…but I don’t!
They were such wonderful little helpers.  They followed me around and picked up my train for “practice” for our big day.  They even had the chance to try on flower girl dresses and loved every minute of it.  
My Aunt Beth and Aunt Cathy are my momma’s sisters.  Together with Patty (mom’s best friend), Denise, and several other incredible women the empty spot of missing mom is always filled with a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen to me whine, and all the things a daughter misses from a mom.  I’m incredibly lucky to have them. 
I also wanted Michael’s mom to join us for dress shopping.  Since she has two boys she kind of misses out on all that girly stuff!  
It was an amazing day to say the least!

I found the dress at David’s and NO I am not telling you what it looks like, showing you a picture, nothing.  You’ll have to wait for wedding day pictures!

Getting ready to make the big purchase!  

Feeling the love as I make some serious game day decisions.  

They fail to mention to you the things they are going to throw in and charge you for.

Kind of like buying a new car.

A slip for this much, a preservation kit for this much, a garment bag that you must have, blah blah blah.

Nerves got the best of me and I bought it all.  Figured it was easier than second guessing and wishing I had bought it all!  Probably not necessary but in the grand scheme of things I’m not going to worry about it too much.

One little bit of advice for future brides:  Do NOT go on a Saturday to David’s Bridal.  They were friendly and helpful and did the best they could but that place is freaking nuts.  Ridiculous nuts.  Almost not fun nuts.  I would highly suggest going on a week night if you can!

Our next trip for bridesmaids dresses is on a week night to avoid that madness.

Photographer is booked.
DJ is booked.
Photobooth booked.
Tasting scheduled for a couple weeks.
Decorations are left to decide.
And all those minor little things.

And our website on The Knot….  http://www.theknot.com/wedding/Plank-and-Schenck

Oh yah…..and a honey moon too.

Hopefully the man decides or asks real soon if he can take some time off following the wedding.

Otherwise, this chic is going on a honeymoon alone!

Kidding…

Or, am I?

Booked!

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

We booked it!  It’s official!

We are getting married in 147 days!
I’m marrying the man of my dreams at the place that just a year ago I said I dreamed of getting married at!  I’m hoping the weather cooperates for July 19th around 5:30 p.m. so we can pull off an outdoor ceremony just like we want.  I don’t care what the weather does everywhere else but if it could be absolutely gorgeous and perfect in Pendleton at Blu Falls I would be so very grateful!
The planning process and final “let’s do it” considered me for my dad’s heart condition.  So, he decided to fake a heart attack for a cute photo opportunity.  

It was so much fun to meet with Cindy at Blu Falls today and get this party started!  The place is absolutely gorgeous and I can’t wait to meet with my event planner.  Even got the invitations ordered tonight and engagement announcement submitted to the paper!  

Working on checking things off the list one at a time!  Hoping to stay calm and anxiety free….ya right!

Engaged

/ ashleyeileenp / 3 Comments

I have a fiance and for the first time today I had to say that out loud….and I gotta tell you it was crazy weird!

Not weird in a bad way….just weird in a different way!  Like the weird that I’ve been waiting on my whole life!

So here’s the story…..

Friday was Valentine’s Day and he always said he would never propose on a holiday so I was most definitely not expecting it.

Friday morning I set out a cute little scavenger hunt for him which led him to a card, couple of Rockstars, and some gift cards.  He loved it.

Friday night we had dinner reservations at the restaurant where we had our first date, Stone Creek Dining Company.  I kind of wondered if maybe he would pop the question at dinner but it was never discussed and I reminded myself he would never use a holiday to propose.

We came home from dinner and my usual is to go upstairs and change into “comfy pants” as we call them round here.  I didn’t head upstairs because I still hadn’t received a card or gift and kind of thought maybe if I hung around long enough on the couch something would magically appear.

Low and behold it did.  I opened the card.  A sweet card with a sweet message.  That man always writes love notes and never just signs his name.  Love that about him.

Then I pulled out the tissue paper of the red sparkly bag with heart on it and it was a mouse.  A computer mouse.  A wireless freaking computer mouse.  My response……”Ummm….thanks” with sincere disgust.

I huffed and puffed and pouted on the couch for a bit and he decided to head upstairs to put on his comfy pants.  Not long after I decided to head up as well.  As I was putting on my pajamas he came around by my side of the bed.  I thought he was going to grab some pants or underwear from the dresser but instead he GOT DOWN ON ONE KNEE and I about passed out.

He stunned me.
He shocked me.

He said, “I love you….will you marry me?” and opened a ring box to behold this GORGEOUS and FABULOUS ring….

 I said….YES!  Covered my face to hide the tears approaching then I held his sweaty, shaky face in my hands and kissed him.  He placed the ring on my finger.  Of course it didn’t fit at first but we took the spacer thingy off and it fits perfectly.  Just perfect.  
Then, I thought I was going to puke.  Not the kind of puke like, “OMG what did I just do!” the kind of puke that is from absolute shock.  People always told me I wouldn’t know when it was coming.  Heck, even he told me he wanted to surprise me…but honestly I didn’t know if he could pull it off.  Trying to hide things from me is probably extremely difficult. 
But, he did it.  And he did it perfectly.  And he proposed to me in our bedroom in the midst of putting on pajama’s and I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life.  It was just us.  It was perfect. 
Now….for some more of the details.  
Then I loaded him up with questions….like…did you ask my dad? Of course he did!  He asked my dad just earlier that morning.  My dad (a man of many words…ha!) replied with, “Sweet.”
I asked when he bought the ring.  He told me he had purchased it on Wednesday because he felt like if he had went to get it any earlier he wouldn’t have been able to not give it to me.  He even took his dad’s truck for fear that someone at the jewelry store may have seen his work truck and let me know he was at Kay’s.  Smart man!
We spent the rest of the evening trying to make phone calls and being extremely excited that we were engaged!  Like giggly…giddy excited. 
I did make the comment about being so excited to get married and have babies.  His response, “Can we just enjoy the engagement for a day or two?”  hehe  Sorry buddy! 

And we took this to capture the moment….Pinterest idea.  And so true…

My best friend answered her phone first.  Although I didn’t full on cry when he actually proposed….when I had to actually tell someone what happened I sure did.  And she cried!  And I kind of realized how real this whole thing was.  
We finally fell asleep early Saturday morning and got up early again to start the next round of phone calls and Facetime calls.  We wanted to tell all the special people in our lives over the phone or in person before we committed to the big announcement on social media.  It was fun to make the phone calls and Facetime calls together.  Hearing everyone’s excitement.  Shedding a few more happy tears.  My niece’s response of, “Can Kynsey and I be FLOWER GIRLS?!?!”  Lynn telling me how my mom was right there with me and how happy she would be.  
Just straight up pure bliss.  You can’t package that stuff.  Those feelings of forever love.  
I always knew he was….but that bling makes it so official and ready to take the next step.  
And the best part of it all…he’s just as excited as I am.  He told me he loves how I can’t stop smiling. And I seriously can’t.  
Yes, we’ve discussed dates, venues, and plans but we have nothing set yet.  We’ve sent out inquiry emails to a few places and hope to book a place soon so we can go from there.  I love how interested he is in the whole process and I’m very thankful for that.  
I also can’t get over how excited everyone is for US!  I’ve always known I was loved but the hugs and messages and texts are incredible.  We are so blessed to know so many wonderful people and have those people to share our journey with.  
This blog may become totally weddingfied and I hope y’all don’t mind.  I’ll have lots to share and definitely want to track these memories as we go.  
I’ve struggled a bit with sadness today at the thought of doing all of this without my mom.  I know she’s here with me along the way.  I know I have an incredible sister, aunts, and best friends to help me out.  I’m also going to be blessed with an awesome mother-in-law (woah…weird to say…again!).  I’m not alone in this…but I sure can’t help but think about how she would help me if she were here.  
The love of my life proposed to me on Valentine’s Day.  I can’t stop smiling. 
This man is a man who sent me this picture just last week. 
A picture of a cardinal right in our front bushes.  He knows I believe that’s my momma.  
He knows me so well. 
That picture made my whole day. 
And this man is going to make the rest of my life. 
Yours truly….
an Engaged Fortunate Girl

10 Habits

/ ashleyeileenp / Leave a comment

Recently I read an article via Facebook entitled “10 Habits of Happy Couples” from Psychology Today.

I read it and thought…..wow….this is so true.

I also thought….wow….we have some things to work on!

You can find the article here.

I knew instantly I had to share it with my guy by the first line….”It starts by going to bed at the same time.”

Anyone else have this trouble?  Sometimes turns into an argument?  The “you don’t love me anymore because you fall asleep in your chair” argument?  No, just me?  I’m dramatic, you say?  Hmmm…that’s what he says too.

1. Go to bed at the same time.   We seem to do this about once in a blue moon.  I get up early…he doesn’t.  I like to read before bed….he doesn’t.  I need lots of beauty sleep….he’s naturally good looking.  It’s hard…we need to put forth more effort.  I guess either I need to stay up later or he needs to go to bed early.  At least start with once or twice a week and maybe work up to every day.  2

2. Cultivate common interests.  My guy is really good about this…I’m lucky.  We are always trying to find things to do together…even if it means a trip to the grocery.  

3. Walk hand in hand or side by side.  Love holding hands. 

4.  Make trust and forgiveness your default mode.  Trust and forgive.  These two are complicated tasks for a stubborn gal like myself.  My stubbornness comes naturally and inherited from my sweet family.  These two things I certainly can stand to work on at times.  

5.  Focus more on what your partner does right than what he or she does wrong.  It would do me some good to look for the positives.  Stop worrying about what isn’t.  Just be happy.  Someone once told me that.  

6.  Hug each other as soon as you see each other after work.  I use to associate hugs with the painful day of my mother’s funeral viewing.  Hug after hug after hug.  For hours.  Hugs would make me go back there and remember that day and how much I despised the sympathy implied with those hugs…sympathy I didn’t want….because I didn’t want to wake up and realize she was really gone.  My guy gives the best hugs.  I’m getting a lot better at appreciating his hugs because they are so wonderful. He can always give me that feeling that everything will be okay.  

7.  Say “I love you” and “Have a good day” every morning. I love hearing those words.  The day just doesn’t seem right without them.  

8. Say “Good night” every night, regardless of how you feel.  There’s no feeling worse than a night without these words.  Just seems unsettling.  And for a worry wart like me I just can’t sleep.   I’m so glad they are hardly ever.  

9.  Do a “weather” check during the day.  Always nice to check in with him.  Sometimes it can’t happen until lunch, but just to check in and make sure he’s doing okay.  

10. Be proud to be seen with your partner. We belong together and everyone should know it.  

After reading this, I realize how incredibly fortunate I am to have this man in my life.  Sure there are days he drives me nuts….but honestly I don’t know what I’d do without those moments.  Even when he is driving me nuts, he is always putting a smile on my face.

He is so special.