I love you because...

. . . you worry about my health and me being "healthy".

Today, you worried that I was trying to starve myself because I was only having applesauce for dinner. Even after I had told you that I want to a burger/malt place for lunch, I had to explain that I had eaten a malt, french fries, and a bacon cheeseburger for lunch which is why I wasn't very hungry.

Thanks for worrying about me!

I love you because...

. . . you hold my hand. Even when we are at home just hanging out and watching a movie you'll reach for my hand. It let's me know that you like having me around.

I love you because...

. . . you are NOTHING like the guy on Dr. Phil today.

His wife had lost 160+ pounds (a lot of it before they were married) and he stated that he "NEEDED" her to lose 25 more pounds because the sound of a 5'7" women weighing 170 pounds just sounded wrong to him.

You've seen me at my smallest and you've seen me at my largest and you love me the same no matter what I weigh. Not only that but you support me whole heartedly in my current attempt to lose weight and you do it without being demeaning or hurtful.

I'm so glad you are my husband!

I love you because...

. . . you tell me (just about every day) how lucky you feel to have me as your wife.

CC1: Update 1

I purchased some inexpensive muslin to use for making a pattern for the slip cover. What does this entail?

Well, it means I cut and pin the pieces together directly on the couch. This allows me to trim away excess and keep in mind how the piece will have to "slip" over the curves of the couch. So far I've done one section of the back of the couch (since it's a lazy boy couch each back section comes off individually).

I love you because...

. . . you notice little things that I like and get them for me when I probably wouldn't.

Going Home

I watch my little brother slowly swing.
His legs, too long, dig deep ruts in
the soft black earth. He frowns and shifts
as old, rusty chains bite his tender flesh.
He pumps as hard as he can, the swing set groans
in protest, and no matter how hard he tries
the stubborn swing won't let him soar the skies.

We wince together, both of us trying to live
our lives in places that do not fit anymore.
At thirteen, Ted no longer fits the swing.
My swing, the place I call home, pinches too
and makes me want to find a new place to play.
Somewhere that I can soar, instead of drag
my feet in soft black earth and dig deep ruts.

We feel the same uncertain fright growing
inside us. Joining him, I tell him not
to worry, it's all a part of growing up.
The advice is more for me than him. I pump,
yet can't resist the uncomfortable pinch - home.

I love you because...

. . . you change out the CDs in my car so I don't have to listen to the same stuff all the time.

Crafter's Challenge 1: Couch Slipcover

The couch looks to be in pretty good condition here (and it is mostly), but there are several cat stains and a small wear hole. The couch has been professionally cleaned a couple of times by the previous owners, who also attempted to bleach out the stains before they delivered it to us.

Since receiving the couch we've also added a couple of stains of our own. So my "Crafter's Challenge" is to make a slip cover for this comfortable couch. I'll keep you updated on my progress. Wish me luck!

I love you because...

. . . you don't mind that I'm a little messy. At least you don't say that you do.

I love you because...

. . . with you it's all or nothing.

The other night you were so warm you kicked the blankets off . . . from both of us.

And last night you were so cold you had the blankets wrapped so tight around yourself you looked like a burrito (with a cold side of wife). Fortunately, I had Kitty and the ability to "unwrap" you without waking you up.

Very cute!

I love you because...

. . . four years ago today, you stood up in front of our friends, family,

and God and pledged to love and honor me for the rest of our lives.

Happy Anniversary Sweetie!

I love you because...

. . . you make me feel safe.

Last night, when you were gone, I had to check the front door about four times to make sure it was locked. Then I had the hardest time falling asleep (and staying there) because I knew you weren't just in the next room.

I love you because...

. . . you have an incredible memory. It usually only takes you seeing a movie one time for you to be able to pull out obscure quotes. And you totally use them at the appropriate times.

Eve

First woman, fully formed.
No womb for you, born of man.
Shaped by God's tender hand.
You walked in friendship with Him,
the Creator of your garden home
and all creatures who in it roamed.
Then tempted by the serpent's words,
too late, true wisdom you did gain.
Expelled from paradise all the same.
The painful labor you endured,
a sacrifice of unknown worth.
The first child of humble birth.
You raised two sons to be men.
Then watched one kill the other.
The cause? Jealousy between brothers.
Praise the Lord, when Seth was born,
in each tear of joy you wept.
He was the beginning of a promise kept.

I love you because...

. . . you keep even the little, silly presents I give you.

I love you because...

. . . you can tell when I really don't want to drive and you'll drive us instead (most of the time).

I love you because...

. . . you read to me. I love listening to your voice as you read me your favorite books. I love how you skip the parts that aren't even remotely critical to the story line or characters. I especially love how you don't get upset if I fall asleep. You just ask me what the last thing I remember is, and then start from there.

I love you because...

. . . not only do you think I'm a good cook, you let me "modify" recipes to try to make them better.

I love you because...

. . . you tell me you miss me. It doesn't matter if we haven't seen each other all day, or if you've been hanging out with your friends (usually playing 'puter games), or if I'm in the next room. You always let me know that I'm loved and missed.

I love you because...

. . . sometimes, after I've gone to bed, I'll hear you singing praise songs while you work on something in the office and it warms my heart to hear you worshiping the Lord.

I love you because...

. . . you don't get mad when I buy craft supplies. In fact you often encourage me to buy craft supplies because you know that crafting is my way of relieving stress. Plus, my favorite craft store ON THE WHOLE PLANET is named after you! Too bad we don't get royalties. :)

I love you because...

. . . you help keep me honest.

For example, the first time I went to the neurologist about my headaches he asked if I was a "people pleasing, perfectionist, worrier." I, of course, was ready to answer "Sometimes, but not really," but one look from you and I had to admit that I am. Which probably resulted in the doctor being better able to treat my headaches.

I love you because...

. . . you tried really hard not to wake me up last night (at 2:00 a.m.) when you were cleaning up Kitty's mess. You even tried to vacuum up all the dirt from the plant she knocked over and were concerned about whether or not I could save it.

I love you because...

. . . even though we use the same ingredients (in the same amounts), you still think it tastes better when I make the "juices" and water than when you do it.