Thursday, February 18, 2010

How do you greet your man?

When DH comes home, it is at that bewitching hour where children are full of energy, some are crying, some are running wildly through the house, and I am trying to cook dinner and check homework while throwing in a load of laundry or changing someone's sheets. Needless to say, he rarely comes home to find all 5 children sitting quietly poised on the sofa waiting to greet him. In fact, he has NEVER found that. I do try to have the children bathed or homework finished or both, but it is tough. Tonight was one of those chaotic nights where some children were still in the tub, 1 or 2 were screaming, and dinner was cooked. Granted, the children were just having hot dogs, but still.

So, hubby left for Bible Study and I am home alone to put the troops to bed. They're all in bed though 2 are still giggling. I decided I want hubby to know what it feels like to come home to a happy wife and a quiet home. I read to everyone, said prayers, and gave them good night kisses. I wanted to jump in a hot bath, but I made myself come downstairs and finish cleaning the kitchen and making lunches. I just finished. I wiped the countertops, lit a pretty candle, and turned on John Pizzarelli for some quiet and peaceful music. My post was just interrupted as DH walked in the door. He noticed the music immediately. I am trying to do more little things like this because I know that he, too, has had a long day. What sweet things do you all do? I need inspiration!

17 comments:

Travelbugmom said...

OHHH....You are the sweetest! Reading your post, made me STOP! Being married 25 yrs. 1 in college, 2 in high school, and a 10 yr. old I can't believe I feel the same way you do...wanting to make my husband feel special! I tend to make him happy through his stomach - I love to cook!

Jennifer said...

Oh gosh, you would not want to see how I greet my man! It's gotten really bad lately. Thanks for inpspiring me to work on it!

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

Well, missy, I think you are giving the inspiration to others! What a thoughtful and lovely moment that was. I think there is something about the smell of dinner cooking when one enters the house. I know my boys would love that. I could just see the shoulders relax and tension ease knowing comfort was about to be served. It must be a very primitive response since animals can only eat when they feel safe. :) If my 'men' were getting home late from band practice or another activity sometimes I would bake cookies and time it just right. It just says, I'm home. I'm safe. I can be me.

Oh - thank you for your comment on my cookies and the give-away. You are officially entered. :) xoxo

Donnetta said...

That is precious and so incredibly sweet!!! Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Gwennie said...

Although I am totally bad about that, my mother was fantastic. A half an hour before Dad was expected home, she would change her clothes and ut on fresh perfume and lipstick. I remember asking where she was going. "No where, the most important person is coming home soon, and I want him to be happy he is coming home to me." She also has worn a negligee every night of their married life - 44 years! She's the queen!

Coryanne Ettiene | Kitchen Living with Coryanne said...

well you now I am now a sexy new girlfriend and finding it so hard not to great him with chaos.... this week there will be no cross mama to great him, no complaints and just pure sexy new girlfriend chatter...its gonna be long week! I might take a leaf from your post though, the music is a great idea.

Trish {Pink Preppy Lilly Lover} said...

What a wonderful post! I am so happy that you were able to have some quiet time with your hubby. He must have been surprised!

I have to admit that although I try to leave lunch box love notes, sweet texts during the day, cards to his office, sometimes when my hubby gets home I greet him less enthusiastically as I should. That goes for mornings too. Hmm. You have inspired me to work a little harder on send offs and welcome homes!!!

Hope you have a very happy weekend xoxo

bevy said...

If I knew you did this every night, I might have to stop being your friend! LOL

You know I am trying to get better and am in bed with the laptop. My DH just texted me a sweet message to make me feel better. I need to do better... you know how the kiddos tend to take all our attention.

Thanks for this post!!!

(BTW, I still giggle over your post on shaving his neck. We have been confirmed neck shavers for years!)

annechovie said...

What a lucky man your husband is!

Jill said...

Well, I have to say I am the one coming home from work. My husband works at home. I rush out the door every morning dressed up, juggling kids to get to school, work bags, lunch bags, school bags, etc and he is at his desk in his pj's with a hot cup of coffee. And when I pull in after 10 hours - ummmm....no dinner cooking, to say the least! This is a hard topic for me and one I am on my knees about often, asking for guidance and understanding. Funny how we have an image in our heads about how things like this would be and then the reality. I am just glad, at this point, we both have jobs.

MJC said...

Always with a smile and a kiss- but with more emphasis from now on- thank YOU for inspiring ME!

Just a little something from Judy said...

I am so thankful that I was lead here to this blog. I know I will be coming back often. It is a world that I am somewhat familiar with, because of my daughter's five little ones. Your children are a few years ahead of yours, but I found this blog so interesting.

I appreciate your concern on this post about your husband. I do think they can sometimes get lost in all of our business, and that is understandable. But, you caring enough to take time for him, blessed my heart.

You have a huge job in mothering, and I am so thankful that you post about it. Keep it up! Your family picture is beautiful!

The 5 Bickies said...

You are a better wife than me! I am definitely lacking in this department. By the time he comes home I have usually been at homework for 3 hours with the boys. They are definitely not the independent and studious type. I definitely have to "manage" their progress closely while making dinner. I am usually just plain relieved when he walks in the door and don't show nearly enough love and appreciation. I'll work on it though!

Love Being A Nonny said...

We work together so we go home together. But what a great post for young moms who feel exhausted and overwhelmed at the end of a long day. If they knew how much more help hubby would be if he entered a pleasant home, they might give it a try. Thanks for reminding us all.

Three Men and a Little Crazy said...

Wow! I'm guilty of doing NONE of those things. You've inspired me to try a little harder. Thanks!

Unknown said...

How nice! Every day I find myself scrambling to make sure the house is straight & the children are occupying theirselves somewhere calmly. Wish someone would do that for me!

Lori said...

I love this post! I just shows that those little things do get noticed!!

I do not have any kids, but I try to welcome hubby with a SMILE, hug and kiss. I once heard that the first 5 minutes set the tone for the whole evening/day. So I try not to talk about anything that might be upsetting or stressful in the first 5-10 minutes. That has worked! I can see a huge difference in the way we act to one another when I stick with that routine!