The little book of 'I love you'

It's been a minute. Alright, you caught me. Maybe it's been more like a month (or two). You want the truth? Back in February, Brooks went to a month-long training for work. Unlike the last time he left for an extended period of time, I decided to abstain from all social media while he was away. That decision was motivated by a desire to cultivate an environment of solitude and carve out some extra time with the Lord. 

When Brooks got back I resumed my use of IG, facebook and twitter, but I've felt a little rusty when it comes to blogging. Before he left I put together a little book for him and posted a picture of it on IG. A few of you asked me to blog about it, and I figure this is a nice way to ease my way back into the swing of things. 

[Note: I used my Christmas present from Brooks to take these photos!]

Husband and I never really know what to anticipate when it comes to communication when we're separated in physical proximity for work stuff. Sometimes we are able to text message, Skype, or talk on the phone, and other times we can only hope to receive a letter in the mail. This little book was a way for me to make sure that I got to tell Brooks, "I love you," every day, regardless of whether or not we were able to talk on the phone. 

The book itself is from the crafter's paradise, aka: Hobby Lobby. You can find it in the scrapbooking section for less than five bucks. 

Everything else is just a compilation of scrapbook paper and other stuff that I've collected in my craft box.

I made one page for each day he was away. 

As I made each page, I hoped to accomplish one of the following things:

To encourage Brooks with truth.

To remind him of who he is.

And to communicate how deeply he is loved.

If you decide to make one of these books for someone, try to give yourself enough time to put thought into each page. I tried knocking out ten pages in one day and it was just too much. But this prayer calendar helped spark ideas when I was running out of them!

How do you say "I love you," when you're not able to do so face-to-face? With this Army life I am going to need lots of ideas! Please do share yours! 

The Last First Date

"I got a phone call from a past Forgie yesterday. He asked me on a date. I don’t know him at all. In all honesty I can only remember having one psuedo-conversation with him a few weeks ago on move-in day at the Forge. But from what I’ve heard it seems as though his peers and authorities respect him, he’s driven, God-fearing, and really pursuing Christ. I’ve also heard that he doesn’t pursue girls flippantly, which is honorable..."

That is an excerpt from my journal on September 23, 2010. 
Fast forward about a week to October 3. The journal reads,

"I am trying to process through the thoughts and feelings I’ve had over the past 48 hours regarding my date with Brooks. He picked me up at the Forge apts and we went to dinner, then coffee, and then he asked if I’d like to go to the REI garage sale in Dallas the next morning… I said yes. We drove to Dallas and met some class of ’10 Forgies camping on the sidewalk outside the store. 

That being said, we had lots of “windshield time” (as Brooks called it) to talk as we drove back and forth from Dallas. I was surprised to find out how much we have in common. I’m not necessarily talking about our interests, though we do have similar interests, but our personalities. For instance, he is a Lion/Beaver. I am a Lion/Beaver. He is an ISTJ on the Myers/Briggs personality test. So am I. The way he articulates his thoughts and views towards things made me laugh, simply because I’ve never met a guy that seems to think so much like me. We both have strong personalities, but from what I’ve heard, and from what I could discern (over the 15-ish hours I got to spend talking with him), his personality is much stronger than mine. 

I realized when I was on my date with Brooks that I have an immense respect for him even though I hardly know him. During our conversation he spoke a lot of identity into me, whether he realized it or not. When I got home I cried, because the words Brooks had spoken meant so much to me. When he dropped me off on Saturday morning he asked me if I’d like to go on another date. I said yes. I have more thoughts on this but I feel like I’m at a good stopping point for now."

October 1, 2010. 
So thankful that on this day, two years ago, 
I had my last first date with this man! 

[I scoped this photo out more than once, as it was Brook's profile pic around that time.

What a hunk!]

Happy two years of life together, Husband! 

I love you more today than ever!