A Little More Regarding Us

Recently, we performed this exercise with a married couples group where we had to write down our likes, dislikes, one thing someone totally wouldn't guess about us and favorite things about our spouses. The results were somewhat entertaining, and since this site is regarding us afterall, we figured it might be another good way for all of you loyal readers out there to learn a little more about who we are, not only as a couple, but as individuals. So, whether you're interested or not, here ya go.

Nicole...

Likes: Warm sheets fresh out of the dryer; rainy days, especially those spent in a coffee shop or in bed; lazy Saturday afternoons with my husband; finding a bargain; ice cream-actually anything sweet; concerts that get the whole audience signing along; my mother’s laugh; sand in my toes; ladybugs; road trips; the feeling of your hair right after a great hair cut; poetry and short stories (good ones); playing cards all night with my husband's family; the smell of babies (minus the dirty diaper smell); stick shifts; camping; sticking my hand out the window while driving down the road doing that up and down thing; hockey games, in person; nice hotel rooms with fluffy bath robes; fresh snow; a nice glass of wine, preferably Shiraz; aspen trees; fresh squeezed orange juice; holding my husband’s hand; spring and fall; slippers; cats; action movies with lots of guns and fighting; glossy magazines; the legislative process; trying new recipes; the book of James; the Cookie Monster; the smell of suntan lotion; a smile from a stranger.

Dislikes: Standing in line; loud cell phone rings; driving, especially during rush hour; poor service at a restaurant; kids with dirty faces and Kool-Aid stained mouths; parking lots and everything that goes on in parking lots; most 80’s music; typing; stepping on gum; sticking to your car seat in the middle of summer; people who cannot dance but insist on dancing; anything played on KYOT; gossipers; awkward silences; body odor; roaches; clowns; most anything trendy; mom jeans; rubbery pancakes; bills; doing dishes; organ music; public restrooms, especially port-a-potties; over-sleeping; running late; spilling something on a white shirt; a stuffy nose; morning breath; know-it-alls.

One thing someone totally wouldn't guess about me: Most (white) people (no offense) usually cannot guess that I am mulatto-that is half black and half white. Yup, I’m an oreo.

Favorite thing about my spouse: Hmm… there really is a lot to love. But before Jonathan and I were married, not even dating, he had asked in our home group what people were looking for in a mate. He called on me. The first thing out of my mouth was kindness. Genuine kindness is sexy and contagious. Jonathan is one of the most genuinely kind people I have ever known. He smiles at strangers, he gets people at stores and behind counters to light up, giggle, joke. He helps people have a better day. He has the ability to make someone feel like they are the only person in the room. It encourages me to do the same. It is one of his most Christ-like characteristics and I am so appreciative.

Jonathan...

Likes: Really weird independant films that most people have never even heard of; otters; the A Team; boxer briefs; peeing after I've been holding it for a long time; funny commercials, like this one; people falling on their faces; hot sex with my hot wife; blogging; performing idiotic and otherwise ridiculous Jackassesque stunts just to watch people's reactions and/or to come out of it all with a good story; oranges; billion dollar ideas that may lead to my early retirement and a financially secure future for my children's children's children; goofing off at work on occassion; rainy days; positive recognition; skiing; interior decorating (I know, I know, but I am married to a woman); peeling glue off my hands and fingers; writing; looking in the mirror right after a shower; Friday date nights; packed lunches; traveling; making funny voices when I call people; not being a woman; playing footsies under the covers with my wife right before we fall asleep and right after we wake up in the morning.

Dislikes: Endings that totally ruin movies which could have otherwise been good or even great; when my wife brings up how many girls I've kissed; looking in the mirror right after dinner; thinking unhappy thoughts; compulsive liars; when people tell good jokes poorly; dust bunnies; taking care of my front and back yard; negative recognition; people that complain all the time and yet, for some reason, never do anything about resolving their complaint(s); mean people; mononucleosis; debt; working three jobs at a time; feeling hot (temperature wise).

One Thing Someone Totally Wouldn't Guess About Me: I have huge, huge, huge nipples. I'm talking large.

Favorite Thing About My Spouse: I only get to pick one thing? Geez, that's a toughie. Okay, this may sound corny, but it's so true. When I finally started dating her, I realized that she was everything I always wanted but didn't know how to even pray or hope for. Some of her characteristics I knew I wanted well before I met her, but so much of who she is that I didn't even realize I wanted (and needed), God brought to me through Nic.

There you have it. Now you know a little more about us. We hope you feel enlightened.

A Weekend To Remember, Indeed

This weekend Nic and I had the privelage to attend FamilyLife's Weekend to Remember conference. And what a weekend to remember it was.

Not only did the weekend allow us to spend time with some friends who are about to be married, it allowed Nic and I the forum to discuss practical truths we've been talking about for quite some time. Nic and I are already very skilled at communication and identifying where we have room for improvement, but quite literally, talk is cheap. This weekend, we had the time and opportunity to focus not just on what we need to do to better our marriage, but more importantly, how we intended on bettering our marriage and blessing one another. Because let's be honest, loving your spouse isn't just about saying those three little words, it's about living those words out on a day-by-day, moment-by-moment basis. Or as 1 John says, "Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth."

If you are married, about to be married or thinking about marrying, we truly can't recommend this conference enough.

The Oh-So-Cute Belly, Nursery and Other News

Okay, for those of you who aren't around and have been asking about Nicole's belly, here's a snapshot.

Isn't she adorable? Gosh, I'm the luckiest, most blessed man I know.

In other news, Nic and I have been in a crazy "nesting" phase. We started on the nursery, but then we decided to paint almost every other room in the house and totally redecorate before the little bambina arrives. Here's a snapshot of the newly painted nursery.

And here's Riley's way too cute and growing wardrobe.

Life is thrilling right now, but it's kind of just a big waiting game. As in, we can't wait to meet Riley. Keep all three of us in your prayers as we near the big day (which is September 25th still, if you were wondering). And thank you all for participating in our lives.

Monsters Everywhere

My poor wife. She's a brave woman typically, but when it comes to roaches, her fear is... well, let's just say she could be a little more rational in this area. She's so practical, but when she saw the first roach in the kitchen, she wanted to drape all the furniture and fumigate the whole house. Another time, she asked if we could move. I told her "Sure. To the dark side of the moon. Where we would never have to see them again." Needless to say, she didn't find that funny.

Since that first roach, she's become much more brave, largely because she's had to. We've had more. But honestly, I kind of like it. Don't get me wrong, I hate seeing her scared (though it is funny at times). You see, when she screams, that's my queue to come to the rescue, galloping on my white steed (or slipping down the hallway in my white socks) with my sword drawn and ready for battle (or at least my Raid can ready to spray). It gives me a sense of manliness. More so, though, it proves once again why two are always better than one. Because whatever fear, weakness, or who knows what else we may face alone, when together in those moments you can let your mate know, whether with words, a look you mutually come to understand, or, in a case like this, a good loud shriek, that you need them. And that's what marriage is all about.