Flowers

No matter what you do, guys, don't forget the flowers.

Rules for the guys:

1. Don't ever buy a single flower - that's so high school - buy a bouquet or a bunch.
2. Buy the right color - notice what's in your/her place and color match it so it will pop but not clash.
3. Buy a variety - buy seasonal varieties. Roses are beautiful but old and boring...especially for Valentine's Day. Surprise her with something more special and thoughtful.
4. Be regular - do it often but don't make it exact (if you bring it home every Thursday, it's going to get dull - vary it up but bring new ones before the old ones die).

Rules for the gals:

1. Help guide us a little. If you hate a particular type or color, just say so.
2. Don't (always) be suspicious. Yes, we do buy flowers because we care, not just because we do something wrong.
3. Appreciate. We know you do, but just say thanks...no fanfare, just a thank you and a kiss will do.

Flowers, despite being perishable, are relatively cheap and they can completely change a room, make your woman smile (often), and just create something that other things can't do. It doesn't mean you can stop doing other things, but it adds to the repertoire.

Which reminds me, I better stop on the way home...

Images by MadeForJen

Birthday Wish

Today is my birthday and having started this blog to show one way I express my love for her, I am writing a very public love declaration to Jen.

Image by Janis Nicolay

Jen, as probably all of you know, is an incredible woman - she is talented, creative, beautiful, generous, ambitious, honest, loyal and loves Jesus.  We've been together for a very long time, against an enormous set of odds and I love her more every day.  Through everything, I've always told her that it was her smile that caught me, her eyes that captivated me, but her heart that kept me.

And that's the truth. Jen, above all, is heart. She puts her all into everything she does - whether it's running her business, playing around, or giving to someone in need. She is always first to reach into her pocket when she sees someone needing, and grieves for them privately after as she prays. She thanks me for all the things I do for her, and keeps an incredibly tidy house. She expresses her faith from the depth of her soul, and never misses a chance to do it. She treats everyone with respect, with dignity, and yet asserts herself with confidence.

Image by Yvonne Wong

I love that she notices the little things. I love that she hates my corny jokes and isn't afraid to tell me. I love that she is driven. I love that she twitches to do work while trying to relax, yet finds enough time to spend close to me. I love that we can walk and talk for blocks on end in the afternoons, that she loves her family with fervor, and that it's always authentic, always genuine.

I love Jennifer. I always have. She is my world and everything in it, and she's made that everything even better than I could have imagined.

Happy Birthday, Love

My true love turns         today...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER!

She is the love of my life, and I think she is more beautiful today then every day before it. -m

Jen's birthday post

Image by Janis Nicolay

No One

Today at work, Jen IM'd me that she dedicates the Alicia Keys song "No One" to me. No special occasion, just because. Makes my heart smile so big. Love you, girl.

Not following her on Twitter? Check @jenramos

Notes

Right behind cooking, I love to tell Jen how much I love her. Guys - you cannot underestimate the impact the little things make.

For Valentine's Day a few years ago, I printed several pieces of cardstock with the word "LOVE" on it, cut them to 2"x1" and then threw them all over the place. I think there were about 600-700 in all. And yes, it was crazy to clean up. But it was so worth it. So here's a simple equation:

THOUGHT + EFFORT = IMPACT

It doesn't have to cost anything, it doesn't require you to move a mountain. What it does require is to think, then do. Flowers are nice, but don't make it overly regular. Notes are nice, but put some thought into what you say.

So what can you do?  Here's a few ideas...

• Write a note in dry erase (or lipstick) on the bathroom mirror
• Buy a single serving (but special) dessert on the way home from work
• Hide a note in the book she's reading
• An unexpected email with more than just "Hey, how ya doin?"

Love to hear some others!

One more side note - maybe it's just me but if you do buy flowers, don't be cheap and buy the single rose - that's for high school. You're a big boy now, get a bunch. Wrapped. Doesn't have to be roses - there are tons of others you can get. Will write about that another day.