This One Goes Out to the One I Love

Well, hey there! What a ride this has been! Who knows how long I would have stayed away if my Sweet Man hadn't sent me this text yesterday "You should definitely blog so I can be close to you while I travel" and then another text today that said "I need a blog post today baby" and I thought, who am I to let the Big Guy down after all he has done for me over the last week?

So speaking of him, I just have to take a minute to brag about him. First, I have to share that he just got  a promotion at work, his second in three years, and I am so over-the-moon proud of him. He works so hard and I'm so happy to see him rewarded for it. He really is my best friend and the best husband I could even imagine. If he would do things around the house without having to be reminded several times and let me control the remote occasionally OR PICK A MOVIE AT THE THEATER MORE THAN ONCE A YEAR, he might border on perfect.

I don't know how I could have gotten through this without him. I was so lucky that my appendix decided to make it's exit on Sunday rather than Monday when he was supposed to be in Chicago and lucky that he was able to work from home all last week while he took care of me, packed lunches, ran carpool, got groceries, made meals, braided Emma's hair, fetched me pillows, Advil and more water than you can even imagine. I haven't felt that taken care of since I had a Momma taking care of me. Although he did mention, that while he would always happily take care of me, I might want to consider lowering my expectations. Ahem. Read: don't expect counters to get wiped or floors to get cleaned and laundry only if urgently needed. ;) The girls were a big help too and Emma even told me that it was her honor to help take care of me because I do so much for them and Maddie said "I will do anything I can for my family, no matter what" and that I didn't need to thank her. Man I love my people. 

So while I'm not able to go all 100% Jen quite yet, I am slowly starting to wrap up a few of the many projects I was in the middle of when this happened. It made me a little crazy when I first got home being curled up in the corner of the sectional, a privilege which I am apparently only granted when I have had major surgery, and seeing the unfinished-ness of it all.  

There was a point while I sat in my cozy corner, and looked around at my home and realized that there was not a single thing I could see that I didn't love. Half finished projects and all. It has become increasing important to me to only surround myself with things I love and to never buy something just to make do or fill a space, although it sometimes requires extreme patience, the result is a home that gives me absolute joy. A friend recently told me that creating an intentional home is one of my gifts. I hadn't thought of it before but realized she was right. The older I get the more I try to be intentional, not just with my home and time, but with the people in my life as well.

I'm feeling very thankful today. For my health, my family, my home, my friends. For weather that is becoming autumnal, for cuddling and watching Gilmore Girls, for get well cards, and notes, gifts,  flowers, dinner and dessert deliveries and offers of help. While this year has been a challenging one, I have so much to be grateful for.

The winner of my giveaway is Christy McCullough. I sent you an email Christy! Send me your mailing address and I will get a surprise in the mail to you!