One of My Favorite Places in the World

Home is absolutely where my heart is, but sometimes I want a little adventure and DH and I have some favorite places. THIS is one of them:

It is the Ritz Carlton St. Thomas, USVI and it is PERFECT. DH & I just love it there. We are very thankful that we were able to spend our 15th anniversary there. The views are incredible! Can you imagine?


We love how you can see the beautiful blue Caribbean Sea, the sand, and the mountains on St. John. When we travel, we like the 3 L's... Luxury Luxury Luxury. Listen honey, I work too hard at home to go on vacation to work. I want to relax and be pampered. I'd rather wait until we can afford to go than to go somewhere less expensive and not have a wonderful room to enjoy and to not have service. The Ritz is known for its phenomenal service. We love the Club level where we can eat and drink to our heart's content and we were able to get to know special Ritz ladies and gentlemen like Velma, Jessie, and Gerard. We also made new friends from Long Island, Boston, Raleigh, Miami, and Los Angeles. What fun! We LOVE making trip friends.

The best part of our trip was that I was able to spend 5 nights with the man I love. I didn't have to change a diaper, answer the phone, clean dishes, cut anyone's meat, prepare meals, wash clothes, read to anyone, or have our conversation interrupted. Don't get me wrong, I love every bit of doing those things when I am home. However, sometimes we need to disconnect and just focus on each other. It is a joy, privilege, and blessing to do so. I am so thankful that we did! It was a fine way to celebrate 15 happy years! We miss you, Ritz Carlton!

HE is the BOMB

My DH is the sweetest. I had no idea he had read my blog yesterday, but he did. He then went to Monkee's and BOUGHT the Flower Bomb perfume. Is that not the sweetest thing EVER??

15 years...

This summer Dear Hubby and I will celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss! It's hard to believe that this picture

was taken almost 15 years ago. We've been trying to decide how to celebrate. What would YOU do? What is a great gift for the man of my dreams? Thanks, y'all!

My Sweet and the 12 Days of Christmas

My sweetheart is the funniest person I know. He is laugh out loud funny. People have asked if I laugh all of the time, and I do. I used to think I was pretty funny until I met my man. He is also very smart. He knows something about everything. Many years ago, we were out at a party and he was given the nickname "Renaissance Man". We laughed then, but in many ways it's true. He has so many talents.

Anyway, Pink Martini mentioned receiving gifts for the 12 days of Christmas. She loved it. Someone did the same thing for our friends, Nita and Drew, last Christmas. I am thinking about surprising my man with a gift each of the 12 days. I'm creative, but I'm not sure I'm 12-days-in-a-row-partridge-in-a-pear-tree-to-12-drummers-drumming creative. Please help me brainstorm! My sweet man rarely reads my blog, so help a girl out! Thanks, y'all!

40 Reasons I love the BIRTHDAY BOY

1. I knew you were special the night I met you.
2. You are persistent.
3. You have wonderful blue eyes.
4. Your relationship with the Lord is most important to you.
5. You had a great relationship with your father; you all were best friends.
6. You are a great friend to other men.
7. You are so funny!!! You always make others laugh.
8. You know how to make others feel comfortable.
9. You have soft feet:).
10. You are very handsome.
11. You are affectionate.
12. You are a man of integrity.
13. You have a great sense of what to wear; I love how you dress.
14. You are patient.
15. You are wise.
16. You are calm.
17. You are strong.
18. You put others before yourself.
19. You are very honest.
20. You are loyal.
21. You are faithful.
22. You are an incredible father.
23. You love to learn.
24. You know all about History.
25. You love to travel.
26. You're a good listener.
27. I love holding hands with you!
28. You take care of me.
29. You protect me.
30. You look for the best in others.
31. You love to teach our children.
32. You enjoy eating at different restaurants.
33. You try new things.
34. You love Mi Cocina as much as I do!
35. You take the time for date nights and trips away for just the two of us.
36. You love having a big family.
37. You rarely tell me, "No."
38. You are a great gift giver.
39. You are so enjoyable that I miss you whenever I'm not with you.
40. You are my best friend and the love of my life. I love you more than anything!! (except the Lord, of course)

Happy 14th Anniversary, SWEET Husband of Mine!!

On July 22, 1995 I became the happiest woman in the world. I married my HOM (husband of mine in lieu of his real initials, which is one of my nicknames for him.) DH (Dear Husband) compliments me in ways I could never have imagined when I was a blushing bride of 23. He is calm and I am fiery. He is funny when I am angry. He is gentle when I am rough. He calms me down, lifts me up, and can always make me laugh. DH is one of the strongest men of faith that I know. He gives to our church and the community in quiet ways for God's glory, not his own. He is trustworthy, a true man of integrity. He is so smart that I can hardly believe he can carry on a conversation with me! :) DH is great at his job, and is a devoted employee.

He is FUNNY. I mean ROCKIN' FUNNY. One of my sis in laws says he's the funniest person she's ever met. I think she's right. His wit is dry and you can miss it if you're not listening, but he can find humor in ANYTHING. He always finds the bright side, even when I'm not ready for it! He loves me and I know it. He is an amazing father to our 5 children. He is giving, kind, loving, handsome, funny, godly, wise, and a hard worker. I am so thankful, and so very blessed.

Happy Anniversary, HOM, to the greatest man I know!!!!
Love,
your sweet