I have been SO excited for Valentines Day this year!
Mostly because Jon's gift has been a work in progress for months.
And I can't wait to give it to him!
Back in November, my friend Amber was telling me about her husband Mike's birthday that was coming up.
I asked her what she was getting him, because Jon is hard to buy gifts for and I wanted ideas.
We both agreed that at this point in our lives when we are both in school/saving money, our husbands don't want super expensive things.
But then anything they do need they usually just get for themselves,
which makes it hard to get them something meaningful/exciting.
She mentioned that one of the gifts she was giving Mike was a journal.
But it wasn't a typical journal,
it was a journal addressed to him.
When she was studying abroad in Italy for a few months,
she wrote him everyday in this journal.
I thought that this was such a great idea! (Thanks Amber!)
Even though I'm not in another country, I knew this would be a fun and meaningful way to show Jon how much I appreciate him.
Even though I'm not in another country, I knew this would be a fun and meaningful way to show Jon how much I appreciate him.
So I got started immediately!
I wanted to find a notebook I could personalize, and Tiny Prints was closest to the style I was looking for!
When I searched for the notebook I wanted, I was amazed at the variety of formats and styles they had!
When I searched for the notebook I wanted, I was amazed at the variety of formats and styles they had!
I personalized it to look how I wanted..
And everyday, (well almost everyday)
I wrote to Jon.
I'd tell him funny things he said or did that day, things he did that made me happy, things about him that I really appreciate, or just great moments I wanted to remember.
I would even write about dumb little arguments we got in, (which might I add, significantly decreased once I started this journal)
and I'd tell him why I understood his point of view and why it wasn't worth it.
(Obviously I'd tell him in person too:) But writing it out helped me see how silly it was.)
(Obviously I'd tell him in person too:) But writing it out helped me see how silly it was.)
This was the perfect gift not only because it was affordable and personable,
but it has helped me understand him better.
Writing to him each day helps me recognize the daily things he does for me that I might not have recognized had I not taken the time to write them down.
Writing to him each day helps me recognize the daily things he does for me that I might not have recognized had I not taken the time to write them down.
It acts as a regular journal as I've been able to go back and read and recall events that took place and funny or memorable conversations we had, but it is even more meaningful because it's addressed to the one I love the most.
And what more could you ask for on a day like today?:)
And what more could you ask for on a day like today?:)
Not only that, but it is SO much fun to write to him everyday!
And going back and reading quotes he's said is the best.
For example:
Saturday, November 16th
(after I had broken down and cried)
"Don't feel bad about crying Madds. It's ok, everyone needs to cry every once in awhile. I do it about once every decade."
Thursday, December 5th
-*Us eating our cereal one morning..*
Me: Are Mini Wheats made of whole wheat?
Jon: "Seriously? Of course they are made of whole wheat, they aren't called mini doughnuts.."
(Ok so ya had to be there..)
Wednesday, December 11th
*One day when we were talking about our future children and wondering whether we'd have a boy or girl next (someday in the future)..*
Jon: "I dunno if I want a little girl next."
Me (slightly offended but trying not to show it): "Really, why is that?"
- Jon: "A boy I can be rough with and teach him how to be a man. A little girl would own me. I would have the hardest time telling her 'no' to things. Especially if she's as cute as you."
I was satisfied with that answer.. :)
Anyway those are just a few of the hundreds of little memories that have accumulated over the past few months.
I can't wait to continue to write Jon more as our story unfolds!
I even picture our grandkids coming across this journal one day and saying how hilarious their Grandma Madds is when she tells stories about Grandpa Jon.
Too far?
Anyway! If you are looking for a memorable gift to give your husband/significant other for a birthday, holiday, or "just because", you should definitely try it.
I promise you will see it benefit far greater things:)
And lets be honest, they deserve it!
♥♥♥♥♥♥