Tuesday, June 17, 2008

One Whipped Husband

When I created my tag line months ago, I thought long and hard about what adjective I would use to describe my husband. "Three organic children. One whipped husband. Dash of class. A heap of chaos. Sprinkling of love."

One whipped husband. It was perfect.

My husband. I rarely write about him. But today he deserves a virtual high five.

When we were dating I was smittened with his eagerness to learn, his motivation, his hunger for knowledge, his work ethic, and his gentle loving nature. And more so, I fell in love with his family dynamic. I saw how he interacted with his parents and in return how they interacted with one another. His parents were a team, soft spoken, affectionate, and kind. He had spent his entire life watching his parents.

I fell in love.

Furthermore. He was, and is, incredibly hot in my eyes. I'm just saying... this IS my blog.

Exactly six years ago today, I did my last load of laundry. I was 8 months pregnant with my first child, in the middle of the worst heat wave to hit Ohio. I was hot. I was miserable. I weighed in at over 200 pounds. My back was shot. I cried one night. He answered. "My love, let me do the laundry this time." He took the laundry basket away from my arms. I have never asked for the basket back.

18 months later, I was 8 months pregnant with my second child, in the middle of the coldest winters to hit Ohio. I was cold. I was miserable. I weighed just under 200 pounds. My energy was shot. I was "overwhelmed." I cried one night. He answered. "My, love. Tell me what I can do to help." He asked and I pointed to the dishwasher. Yes. He occasionally does the dishes today.

Before you quickly pass judgement and call me SPOILED or HIGH MAINTENANCE or a WHINER or a CRY BABY keep reading.

My husband grew up watching his father help his mother.

I have known his parents for over 10 years and not once have I seen his mother behind the kitchen sink. They are a team. After each meal, my MIL silently clears the table and brings the dishes to my FIL. He washes the dishes as she prepares the table for dessert. He grew up watching them work as a team.

I will admit one thing.

I am VERY lucky to have met a man that observed such a loving and functional marriage.

"Daddy does the dishes, Mama!" Jay yelled as I started to do the dishes last week. "I know, honey. I just wanted to give him a head start." Does anyone have a daughter for Jay preferably ages 1 to 4 that brushes her teeth?

Fast forward to yesterday.

What did my husband do that deserves a virtual high five?

He organized my freaking closet!!!

I kid you not. It has been on my "To do" list for weeks. I have been meaning to pack away all maternity clothes and burn them, put away my bulky winter sweaters, and get everything properly hung.

Not only did he do all of the above, he went above and beyond. He professional folded my jeans and carefully organized my stilettos. Years of working at the Gap have paid off. My closet is almost as perfect as my husband....


Okay... on second thought. I might be a little spoiled. My hot whipped husband rocks.

**************************

Husband proof read my blog post at 11:18 pm EST.

Me: "Dude. Do you think I should erase this post?"
Him: "No. Why? It's nice to be acknowledged."
Me: "I know. But... does it make me look spoiled? People are dealing with bigger issues."
Him: "Who cares.... you should be proud of our relationship."
Me: "I am."
Him: "Than who cares? I like getting a high five."
Me: "You are right."

POST.

104classy comments:

C and C Mommy said...

OMG-I am getting my husband to read this. He already does the dishes and will do the laundry, but organize my closet?? I can't wait!!

Anonymous said...

Truly a beautiful story. Sounds like you have yourself and wonderful man and a wonderful marriage.

Amy said...

HA, of course you're spoiled, look at those Seven Dojo jeans, my fav cut by the way!!
My hubs and I were just talking about this yesterday. About how helpful he is around the house and if we thought other couples did it the same way. Nice to know you have such a winner!

Jill said...

You have a keeper. He so deserves a little nookie nookie for this... the dirty kind too... :)

Tam said...

HE is a keeper and wow that has to rock! Yes you are going to have wives everywher having the Husbands read your post! They really should! As for my own Dear Sweet Husband.....o yeah he does not even clear the table much less put anything in the diswasher and as for laundry and organizing anything in our house...it is left up to ME! I would not say you are spoiled one bit....I would say YOU ARE VERY LUCKY! KUDDOS to you and your husband!!!!! 1000 KUDDOS! and 1 million HIGH FIVES!

Cecily R said...

I agree with your husband. You should totally and without question be proud of your relationship. Its rare and you should be able to show it off whenever and however you want. I love that you did.

And your closet rocks. Maybe I need to hire your husband to come and help us move...

diana said...

I love this post. But, I love your stilettos more. ;) Oh, and my husband. :)

The Mom Jen said...

It's SO important to post this! Don't be ashamed be proud, you are lucky! I am so happy for you to have found such a great man and father!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

There is NOTHING wrong with showing your appreciation for an awesome hubby!
My hubby cleans too. I love it!

Sarah G said...

Congratulations on having such a fantastic husband. I have one of those, too! I haven't done the laundry in years, and every night he cooks dinner and cleans up. I don't consider it being spoiled, I consider it mutual respect and support. I can't imagine being in a relationship without it! Yay for wonderful fathers and husbands!

Jeni said...

Most definitely, your husband is a "keeper." Actually, compared to my ex-husband, he ranks right up there as a saint, already.

Jessica said...

Can we send our husbands to Daddy Boot Camp w/ your husband?

Tara Smith said...

Ditto the Daddy Boot Camp idea! Kidding aside, my husband is great also. He's always willing to help me with anything. He just requires a little nudge.

Since my oldest daughter is 5 and therefore too "chronologically mature" for Jay (and she lost her first tooth today!...waaah) I'm offering up daughter #2. She brushes her teeth and is OH. SO. SMART. I know...I'm biased. I'm just sayin' ;-)

Beth Cotell said...

Sounds like you have a great marriage...each of you doing things to help the other out!
Sounds great to me - as long as you don't have to do any yard work!

Karen MEG said...

I'm glad you posted this ... you are a lucky lady, you have a great relationship and your hot husband is obviously crazy about you. The first couple of things I was nodding my head in agreement as hubs is pretty good around the house (better than me actually); but your CLOSET!!! That took the cake, baby! Maybe he could build a side-business in organizing - what a great job!

Mind you, I don't think I'd want hubby to get into my clothes ... he'd probably end up tossing a lot of it (he's a purger!)

Loved this!

Jennifer said...

good for you guys! :) that is great that you work so well together. my dad has always helped my mom out... and bryan always helps me out... he does dishes, vacuums, laundry, bathes children, dresses children, all sorts of great stuff to help out. and honestly i don't feel guilty or spoiled or anything b/c who says it is all the mothers job to do it??

i love how great your closet came out. way to go whipped husband. :)

have a great day and enjoy one another!!

xoxoxo's

Unknown said...

You are quite lucky!

My husband has definitely done a lot of those things! I actually hate when he organizes the closet but the dishes and the laundry? I'll take it!! :)

Oh and I have a gorgeous red headed child who has blue eyes and I think would make us some beautiful grandchildren some day! ;)

Indy said...

I can't believe he did that. Wow. He really does a lot around the house. You have no idea what normal women's lives are like with little or no help around the house. Mike's dad does everything around his house. But, it was not passed down as Mike grew up. Enjoy. And I agree with whoever said your man deserves some nookie nookie.

Indy said...

My real comment when I read your post "You suck!"

Anonymous said...

wonderful helper you have!! You should be proud and so grateful! Closet looks fab!!

Crystal D said...

Sign us up for an interview with Jay in about 20 years. I'd like to get Amelia through collage before she steps into her arranged marriage.
Don't worry we are also training her for teamwork. When I woke up this morning there was a closet full of freshly laundered towels that wasn't there when I went to bed. :)

Crystal D said...

Oh and how about a high five that he proof read your blog post at 11:18pm. That is also pretty sweet.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Sounds to me like you deserve a "you found the perfect guy!" Organizing closets, doing laundry and the dishes...without asking?

I bet his parents have a great relationship, too! You are very lucky!

Stephanie said...

NOTHING wrong with being a bit spoiled. It is not a bad thing at all. And yes, I'm saying this because I too married a hot man who does my laundry and helps out more than his fair share :)

Now...I have a gorgeous 1 year old daughter. Can we set a wedding date for her and Jay? Haha!

Happy Tuesday!

Anonymous said...

Wow - Oh Daddy is too awesome!

Does he happen to have a younger brother that you could send me way?!?

Love your blog by the way -I've been lurking for a few weeks, but HAD to leave a comment on this!

Congratulations on a super husband, kids, and blog!

Stephanie said...

Very nice! When I worked outside of the home, Hubby definitely helped me out a lot. Since having kids, I've kind of taken over everything since I stay at home, but he'll still do something if I ask. It's great to have someone who's willing to make the load a little lighter. I mean, I just have two kids right now (subject to change in a matter of weeks) and I get so overwhelmed sometimes, I just want to cry, too! Congrats to the Hubby, he sounds great!!!!

Lisa said...

I was just telling you yesterday that indeed I do have not one but TWO daughters who love brushing their teeth. AND one of my best friend's husband is an orthodontist, so they're sure to have perfectly straight teeth!!!

OHDaddy sounds like a gem. You are so right on acknowledging his parents. My Hubby's parents are very similar, and I think our relationship is what it is much in thanks to his observations of their love over the years. He cleans toilets, scrubs floors & does dishes, but never has he touched my closet.....I'll need to work on that!!!

jenny said...

he rocks! :) i think it's awesome you put the spotlight on him - he so deserves it!

Burgh Baby said...

Having a husband that helps around the house does not make you spoiled or him whipped; it's the way things SHOULD be. I refuse to believe otherwise because my husband has been doing all of the laundry for at least 8 years, and currently is the only one "allowed" to vacuum. He wanted a Dyson for Father's Day, so I got him one, and now he won't let me touch it. Darn!

Ali said...

ohmygoodgod! he does the laundry! and organizes your closet! he's AWESOME!

Dawn said...

My theory is that it is perfectly okay to be spoiled as long as you appreciate what you have. Sounds like you definitely do, which means you are both very lucky. BTW, I have the perfect match for Jay. My youngest, Meghan, is 19-months-old and can't brush her teeth enough. It is her favorite past time. ;-)

Unknown said...

You ARE lucky...and so is he for having a wife that aknowledges and appreciates what he does...(so sorry if any of that is mispelled...)

MommyTime said...

Praise, admiration, appreciation -- these are never bad things to bestow, in public or in private. Good for you for posting; good for him for being such a great husband.

Kristen said...

Too cute!

I am glad you gave him a virtual high five too!

Great relationships SHOULD be acknowledged!

Cute Post! :)

Laura said...

You guys ROCK!

Skiplovey said...

Your husband sounds like a gem!

My hubby and I have a deal: I cook then he cleans. He washes the clothes and I fold them. The garbage however, I make him do that.

Rachel said...

i've got one of those too. The husband, not the closet full of hot clothes and shoes :-)
Kudos to you and him!!!

Kelly said...

It's awesome to have a hubby that helps out. When my friends complain about theirs, I just keep my mouth shut. I don't know what I'd do without him. He did an awesome job with your closet! WOW!! Here's another high five to your hubby!!

Anglophile Football Fanatic said...

I wonder if I can teach my old dog new tricks? You are lucky the hubs had such parents to influence your own dynamic. My in-laws are throwbacks to the 1830s.

You deserve such a relationship. And, it's perfectly okay to be a bit spoiled now and again.

Katie said...

Way to go Mr. OhMommy!! That's awesome, and I know what you mean, I'm pretty spoiled myself ;)

Anonymous said...

Wowza! That is awesome! My husband and I share a lot of things as well and it definitely makes a difference. However, organizing my closet?? He would probably look at me like I had lost my mind. It's nice to be spoiled. Embrace it!

Don Mills Diva said...

YA for Mr OHMommy. I am spoiled like that too - my husband is a fabulous cook and a neat freak and I can already see Graham neatening up just like his daddy does all the time (maybe we could set G and Lola or Fifi up!)

mamatulip said...

*speechless*

(and a bit jealous)

Anonymous said...

I am absolutely gobsmacked which means speechless in the UK! You are very lucky -- it's usally me doing the closet organizing in this household. And, hubby's idea of doing helping out with laundry is throwing a pile in the washing machine, then throwing it in the dryer then throwing it on top of said washer and dryer!? Grrrrrr!

Moooooog35 said...

My wife handed me a slip of paper that said I was a:

Fe-Man.

Google it. It's embarrassing.

Wife: "All the women at work are jealous when I tell them that you cook and clean...that they want a man like that!"

Me: "Like what? Gay? You make me sound gay."

Wife: "I thought it sounded like a compliment!"

Me: "FE-MAN is a compliment?! Let's read this (ahem): 'The opposite of He-Man. He is emotional and cries during movies. He cooks and cleans..yada yada..' Yeah. I'm gay."

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Marmarbug said...

Okay how did I get the short end of the stick? Hubby does laundry but not correctly. And he does not do dsihes unless I am a. Dying
or b. was nursing. Which was a long time ago.
I don't let him clean though. I prefer my way better.
He does the yard work, fixes stuff, and he did two remodels on each house we lived in. So I guess that counts.
I am LOVING your shoes. what is your favorite pair?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have a wonderful man on your hands. I love reading about great marriages. Inspirational. I tell my hubs how great he is and acknowledge how lucky I am, because he is just the same..... helps cook, clean, whatever.....perfect partner. And who cares if people think your spoiled? Spoiled in love is wonderful!

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

A marriage should be a partnership. Love it!!

I love your conversation at the end!

Nan Patience said...

Big Daddy's also helpful and hot, but we both come from divorced families, and we second guess ourselves a lot. I think mainly we are just scared to death!

Ashlee said...

Hey....you've definitely got bragging rights...so there's nothing wrong with giving a public high five. Besides...the hubby liked it right? :0)

Chelsea said...

That is so sweet and I'm glad you posted it.
I know I don't read blogs for 'bigger issues'.
I loved seeing your shoes. That can't be all of them, right?

Carissa(GoodnCrazy) said...

I'm jealous. And I've got a good one, so that means something.

Amy said...

My husband is very helpful too. In fact, I bow to his domestic powers. I think it is wonderful to brag about your man. Maybe I should brag about mine more often.

The Daily Stroll said...

Great post! I love to read about other couples that work together to maintain their household! My husband and I also share household chores and taking care of Jonah. For example if I give Jonah a bath, Josh does the dishes from dinner and vice versa. It creates a much happier and stress free environment when you have someone that you can rely on to help you out! I hope that we are also passing on these values to Jonah! I like one of the other posts that called it "spoiled in love"! That's a great way to put it!

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

I'm gonna bookmark this one for Pat when he gets home...

He certainly DOES deserve a high five! I'm happy for you guys, that you have such a cooperative, giving relationship.

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

He sounds like quite a guy! I'm pretty spoiled too when my husband is here. He definitely deserves a high 5 :)... and maybe a kiss or three :).

Caroline C. Bingham said...

Awww, that's my kind of hubby.

Meanwhile, I have 2 daughters that brush their teeth. One's 1 and the other's 3. They're pretty cute ;)

Kim said...

Seriously, how freaking awesome is this?? I am glad you posted.. it was something your husband did out of love for you.. that just rocks..

and your Seven Jeans rock too.. :)

Kimmylyn :)

suchsimplepleasures said...

you don't sound spoiled, lazy or anything negative!! you sound lucky to have found him. so, give him a high five from me...and send him over...my closet is in desperate need of organizing...
xoxo

Emy5 said...

Glad you posted this. That is quite an amazing feat for a hubby and you don't sound spoiled at all. Credit where credit is due!

Anonymous said...

What a great thing for him to do! Mr. Smoochiefrog avoids the closet at all costs. Of course, so do I but still. :)

K's available for Jay. She'll be 3 in September, is almost completely potty trained (Praise the Lord!) and can shoot a Nerf gun with the best of them. Shall we arrange the marriage now?

Unknown said...

your hubby deserves way more than a virtual high five (this is where the heels and nightie come into play). i'm telling you - at least 5 times a week. that's right, OHDaddy - still on your side :-)

p.s. don't burn the maternity clothes just yet - after my summer of city-livin' fun I think we're going to have to buck up and try to make ourselves a baby (or at least have fun trying)

Anti-Supermom said...

Maybe I should rethink what my husband does do, he *sometimes* does the dishes, *sometimes* gives the kids baths, he *sometimes* picks up the toys. I should lower my standards, sometimes is better than never.

You are blessed. It fun to have a hot husband, isn't it?

Wendi said...

2 Questions:

1. Do you really call him "dude"?

2. Does he really call you "my love"?

Just asking.

Hot husband that wears juno shorts, does laundry, sometimes does the dishes,sometimes takes the kids so you can sleep, AND organizes your closet?

Does he hire out?
(sorry, that was 3 questions)

Kat said...

You are not spoiled, you are blessed! You found a wonderful man! Yay!!!

I think it is a spouse's job to try and make life easier for the other spouse. And if BOTH spouses do that, the marriage CAN'T fail.

I'm so glad you posted this. It is just beautiful. I love it!

The Hunter's Wife said...

I have a husband just like yours. Although mine does everything cause he just can't sit down.

Kate said...

Hey...you know a good thing when you have it...everybody plays...everybody wins....no problem there!!

FYI...my Lia is 3...and has very good oral hygiene. Just thought I would throw that out there...

You make me laugh...thanks for your honesty!

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

So sweet of him to organize your closet! It is nice that you post about your husband! Brag away. It's refreshing, I would rather read "bragging" than complaining any day!!

Marla said...

this is awesome! Nothing like a great partner!

tiarastantrums said...

this is very sweet - Can I borrow him to carry some laundry baskets for me??

Tara R. said...

Does your husband rent out, my closet needs lots of help. He sounds like a real keeper. Very nice to give him these kudos.

Jennifer said...

What a great hubby! I have a pretty amazing husband too! Good for you for appreciating his outstanding thoughtfulness!

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

He is a KEEPER! May you have a FOREVER MARRIAGE like we have! I love a man much like your hubby. When he is home he totally spoils me. Spoiling is good. Spoiled is NOT the same as RUINED! NOT!

:-) Come visit. Seriously. Late summer or fall works for us. I even have a place for you to stay. You'd have a blast. I promise.

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

My closet is 1/4 the size of yours.. could your hubby organize mine? It would be easy for him... Him being a pro and all. ;-)

Miss said...

Dude that is LOVe right there. Not being whipped.

Jim Gerl said...

Thanks for the comment on my blog. Did you vote for it at Bloggers Choice?

http://www.
bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/21620

I really like your blog.

Rhea said...

He proof read your post? That means he's supportive of your blog! I love it! Idon't think mine has ever read mine.

You have some amazing looking footwear, girlfriend. Wow

You have a great hubby who helps you with cleaning and organizing. I think that's really great and he deserves that high five. Nice post!

MarĂ­a said...

I think it's marvelous that you have that. A lot of people don't, and if I had it, I'd brag like a crazy person.

Unknown said...

Oooooh.... 7 Jeans.... Sorry, I was drooling.

It's so great to love and be loved by a good man. My "Dude" was blessed with great role models too.

kim-d said...

Now, to me, your husband not only deserves the high five, but an additional "go low" right after :)! You need to be PROUD that you have a husband who loves you enough to spoil you, and who obviously has some mad organizational skills! The good part is, I'll bet he feels that you spoil him. So EVERYBODY wins, just as it should be. That's the way it was with my husband and me, too. That is AWESOME, and it made me happy to read this. And, besides, you were just TOO darn cute in your TV interview :)!

Eve Grey said...

Very sweet. My husband & I are very much a team with house "duties" as well. He does his own laundry & he does ALL the dishes. I usually cook & I do the banking & most errands & stuff. HOWever, he would NEVER organize my closet. Thank goodness cuz the result would be scary. He doesn't even have a separate winter & summer wardrobe. Sheesh.

Happy Days said...

Great Post! Sounds like you guys were made for each other!

Grace Acres said...

hey, those who call you spoiled are just jealous. I love that my husband also helps around the house. he is so compassionate when I am prego and is a help all the time. Bravo to you for give your hubs a huigh five.

Grace Acres said...

hey, those who call you spoiled are just jealous. I love that my husband also helps around the house. he is so compassionate when I am prego and is a help all the time. Bravo to you for give your hubs a huigh five.

3 Peanuts said...

Oh Mommy! He sounds just like my houseboy! Harry is seeing his Mom and Dad work as a team too so he and Lola ought to be GREAT!

Danielle said...

Every woman deserves to be spoiled, and high five to that hubby of yours!

I am also spoiled, and don't acknowledge my husband enough. I should... he deserves it.

Karen said...

Oooh, he's a keeper for sure. Here's another high-five just for him!

just jamie said...

Okay your last post I read, I said the same thing I'm saying now, OHHOLYCOW.

He rocks.

Zoeyjane said...

okay, here's the deal. you keep the husband and i'll take the closet, kay? you can have most of the shoes, too, since heels and me and anger are a likely threesome, but i want the organized, quadruple rod-ed, filled with clothes closet. deal?

Shellie said...

That is a keeper you've got there, and he deserved the high five!

Kash said...

Men really do love being acknowledged. It's easy to soak up all the compliments from them, but we don't give them props enough. Kudos.

Melissa said...

your husband rocks!! where do i send mine for lessons?

Clare said...

This is a great post. I love to hear about wonderful husbands. Mine came home early two afternoons in a row for me to run out for a haircut and other stuff. So nice to see how other couples work, we are truly blessed, and should be so thankful! XO, Clare

lattemommy said...

Awesome. Is he available to give lessons? My husband could use some.

Jodee said...

Wow! He sounds like a keeper! My husband is way more domestic than I am so I am completely spoiled too. In fact, I don't even know how to boil water! He does ALL of the cooking!

AutoSysGene said...

Dude, I'm spoiled, too! Aren't we lucky! I want your shoes!!

AEH said...

This is so cute! I wish I could get my bf to do stuff like that. He does it once in a great while, but I'm still struggling to try and get him to put the dirty clothes in the hamper and not on the floor!

Aimee said...

So I thought I had a good husband, and then I read this! :) Lucky you for not having to do laundry!!!

CC said...

I am so jealous! Me. Jealous!

My hubby is home all day eating bon-bons (ha ha just kidding honey!) while I work.

He needs to start doing all this for me too! Do you think you could brain-wash him for me?

tammy said...

Definitely a keeper! My hubby figured out if he ruined something in the wash, he wouldn't have to do laundry again. But that's o.k. I pretend I don't know how to BBQ or do some of those other many jobs.

Jenn said...

Awesome! I have a dish washing husband too, but I don't think he'd know how to work the washing machine if his life depended on it!

Kendra said...

That is a fabulous story.

My husband takes care of me like that. I try to never complain about him. Take good care of your guy.

kelli :) said...

oh I LOVE your shoes! I'm obsessed with stilletos!

Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels said...

I have one of those husbands too. I might be spoiled but who cares? He's not complaining and of course... neither am I :-)

 

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