This can be done for Valentine's Day, your husband's birthday, or any other time you'd like to remind him how much you love him. It takes a lot of planning, so be sure to have everything ready and prepared ahead of time.
Now, not to leave the kids out, there are
things that they can help with in this, and it will show them how much
you adore your husband (a wonderful example for them to remember for
their own marriages) so get them involved with this too! As I
said, there's some prep. work involved, so get started so you're
ready! You're planning a day full of surprises, so add your own
personal touch whenever you think of it! You're going to be
reminding him how much you love him ALL day, so get creative...
S.H.M.I.L.Y. Time:
- MORNING:
Make sure that you get up before your husband, allowing yourself enough
time to begin to make breakfast. My personal suggestion would be
something that's easy, like rolls, so you can have them rising
overnight and then just turn the oven on in the morning... leaving you
time to go and kiss husban good-morning with a cup of coffee in
hand. (For an added touch to whatever you decide to make, be sure
to think of ways to add "SHMILY" to the meal, whether it be with "red
hots" spelled out on the roll, or with ketchup on hashbrowns... be
creative!) If you have time and the kids are watching something
educational on TV or quietly playing in their room (yeah... start
praying now), then there's always Clean Lovin'!
Breakfast can also be a special surprise for the kids as well, and
writing "SHMILY" on their meal will be extra special for them too!
- GETTING READY:
Make sure you have breakfast planned out... and things ready for the
table (if you decide to buy special valentine or red paper plates and plastic
wear, have it out and ready the night before... by the way... buying valentine things AFTER valentine's day when they're on clearance is a great way to save money, and use throughout the year!). Juice that's red
is another idea, or breakfast smoothies with strawberries too!
- AFTERNOON: Send him a gift package
that will arrive at his work that day! Make sure to put on the
envelope/package "Don't open until Feb. 14th!" just for safe measure.
- GETTING READY:
Think of what you're going to put into your gift package... Since the
"way to a man's heart is through his stomach", homemade cookies are a
great start! There's always Hershey's kisses and hugs, and all
kinds of valentine candies, not to mention "WHATCHAMACALLIT"!
Red tissue paper is an added touch, along with a "SHMILY" note
inside. If you're daring... add to your note, "There's more
treats later..."
- EVENING: Greet your husband with a
smile and a passionate kiss (being dressed up, including hair and
face... no hankie on the head and sweatpants ladies!) Ask him if
he's ready, and when he looks at you stupified, escort him into the
dining room/kitchen where a gorgeous candlelit table is set. Now's the time to involve the kids!
- GETTING READY:
I'm all about paper plates for this one ladies... less time to have to
spend on the clean up afterwards, as you'll be busy (tee hee).
So, get some valentine or red plates, cups, ect and set a wonderful table...
the kids will love helping with this. Don't forget the
candles! (A dollar store is a wonderful place for these
items! You don't need to get great ones either... just plain ol'
tea lights are fine...)
- Plan, and make a meal that your husband will enjoy. (Don't forget to throw in a red "something" when you
can, be it your drinks, dessert, or side dish, or if you'd like the
entire family to feast, check out this recipe for heart-shaped pizza!
You could use this on the kids at lunch time too, if you'd like to keep
supper for you and husband, or have the kids eat this before husband comes
home... don't forget the kids need to eat too! tee hee...)
To get the kids involved, maybe they can make a special punch for the
two of you, or ice cream for dessert that you all could enjoy together
at the end.
- Having the children "play restaurant"
is another idea... they can serve you (complete with taking orders even
if they'd like) or bring out the music to sing to you. Another
idea for music is to make a CD of songs that hold meaning to the two of
you, or, if you sing yourself... singing to your husband would be a
wonderfully romantic touch!
- NIGHT: So the kids are in bed... get into that "Drawer of Many Blessings" and bless the socks off your hubby! Now, A Message & Massage would be a great idea to put in here as well. After the fun is
over, may you fall asleep in each other's arms having had a wonderful
day enjoying the love the Lord brought into your lives!
- GETTING READY:
If you're "blessings drawer" is empty or non-exhistent as of yet... get
to the store or order online! And, if you plan on doing "A Message & Massage", you need to get that order taken care of too!
For
all of this, the most prep. you must do is prayer... as a homeschool
mom, I know that the day can start out with the best intentions and go
sour by the time my husband comes home. Be praying as you're
getting ready for the big day, but throughout the day as well.
Getting the kids involved and excited will help them to be helpful as
well (hopefully eliminating some stress to get it ready). Through
it all, pray for the Lord to keep your heart soft and pleasing so
you're ready to surprise your husband. Don't let an argument fester
before this, leaving you cold and unwilling to serve your husband on
this day. Remember... Jesus died for the very people mocking
him... who are we, as wives, to hold grudges against our
husbands? SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... have fun with this!
May the Lord be glorified as we seek new ways to spark our marriage and fufill our purpose as wives!
Lovingly,
Amy
|
