In Honor of Sweetest Day...

Here in Michigan we celebrate this little thing called Sweetest Day. For those of you not in the know, Sweetest Day is a lover's holiday much like Valentine's Day, the only difference is that occurs in October and is a bit more low-key. While some argue that Sweetest Day is strictly for the fellas, my husband and I tend to celebrate both days mutually. Let's face it, these 'romantic markers' are simply created to generate revenue to local businesses. And while I don't feel a designated day is necessary to let that special someone in your life know just how special they are (that should be ongoing), I definitely can't argue with a day that's meant to spread the love. This year the lover's holiday falls on the 17th of this month, so in honor of Sweetest Day I am going to list 10 of the most romantic times my husband and I have shared in our relationship.

 

I hope to grow old with you...

 

1. Shortly after meeting my husband my health took a turn for the worse. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I figured it would be easier to break up with my beau rather than pull him into my issues--but he just wouldn't leave :-) After a few failed attempts to end the relationship, he purchased a memory book and told me that we would fill every page of it as we created memories together. He then went on to explain that when we were done with that book he would buy another and we would fill that up too. It was obvious that he was committed to being with me no matter what and from that day forward I stopped trying to break up with him.

2. This next memory might sound a bit fake, cheesy, or maybe even downright corny to some--but I promise you that it is real (and oh so vivid in my mind). One day as my hubby (then boyfriend) and I were walking through the park we happened upon a field full of wild flowers with a rainbow overhead. As you can imagine it was truly a magical scene--and when I turned towards him he kissed me it swept me right off my feet! Swoon. #MovieMoment

 

 

& dance the nights away with you...

 

3. Our rainy day picnic is one of my fondest memories. Obviously, rain hadn't been in the forecast, nevertheless, when we got to our spot it began to sprinkle. Instead of being chased off by the unfavorable weather conditions, we indulged in our goodies and had a great time playing Uno (of all things). Looking back, our day couldn't have been any better if it had been sunny skies. Sadly, the area has since grown up and is no longer suitable/accessible for such things--but that clearing in the woods next to the water will forever be in my memories.

4. Jamaica! Do I really need to say more? Anytime that my husband and I get the chance to get away from the regular day-to-day it is always AMAZING. However, dancing to Jah Cure under the stars on a balcony overlooking the ocean ranks up there--high up there, for sure.

 

I hope to wake to you...

 

5. On my 30th birthday there was a terrible snowstorm--kind of comes with the territory of being born in the dead of winter, but that didn't stop our fun. Despite the toe curling, slippery, non-plowed drive, my husband whisked me off to an amazing bed and breakfast where ate good, listened to music, sipped wine, and read the novel that I was currently writing. That night he even read the bible to me as I relaxed *dozed off* in my big fluffy robe. The next morning we got up early and went for a romantic snowy morning stroll. Although I hate the cold, that walk seemed like something right out of a another time. There's just something about a quaint little snow-covered town as you walk hand in hand with your beloved. I'm such a sap!

6. One night my husband & I drove out to the country--I'm talking in the sticks where there were absolutely no street lights. Eventually he parked the car, came around on the passenger side to get me, and told me to look up--I was amazed! Never before had I seen the stars as clearly as I did that night, it almost felt as if I could reach out and touch them. It was as if a whole new universe had been opened up to me. I had never felt so enlightened yet so small, it was definitely a memorable experience.

 

 

& raise a king with you...

7. Our first Valentine's Day together my husband really tried to impress me. When I walked into his dorm room there was a little table set for two and he had ordered Applebees and put the food on plates--like it wasn't take-out, LOL! He even created a huge heart out of a bunch of candles. For a girl fresh out of high school it really was an impressive gesture, ha! Won me right on over.

8. Sometimes simply chilling can be all the romance you need. Since we've had our little guy we haven't had as many of these times as I would like to, but at our first place the hubby and I were the queen and king of chill. We'd light some candles, put on some music, take a shower, and get in the bed and just talk. Those times were/are always refreshing. I believe you need moments like that. Now we've traded in those late nights for early mornings. Most recently I remember cozying up with the hubby and a cup of tea while browsing a home & garden magazine planning out our future garden. Quiet times are always welcomed.

 

 

 

I hope to build with you...

 

9. Here's another "throw-back" memory. One year my husband decided to take summer classes--which meant that the campus was pretty much empty. Anyways, one night he planned a "retreat" for us under a huge pine tree. I am sure that if the campus cops would have got wind of all the candles he had lit amongst those dry old pine needles (stupid right?) it woulda meant trouble. As it turns out, nothing went up in smoke and we just had an enjoyable time. Thank God.

10. This last one isn't a particular time, but rather a reoccurring event--and I would be remised to leave it off of the list. Car rides--me and the hubby love them! It's so serious that as a part of his wedding vows he promised to always take me on long car rides. What's so special about it? Well, it serves as a wonderful time for us to connect--whether that means discussing our life's greatest desires and fears or simply turning on our favorite tunes and vibing together and singing along. Whenever we take a mind to ride I know that I will exit the car a little bit closer to him than when I entered--and THAT I think is a beautiful thing!

& cherish you...

 

So that's that--ten of the most romantic moments in our relationship. As I was writing this list I couldn't help but to think how amazing it was that I could have picked plenty more instances to include. Being a romance author my husband knows that he has to step to me with his A-game. The funny thing is, though, that the moments that take the least effort are my absolute favorite.  In closing I'd like to leave you with a 'wow' moment that really put our relationship into perspective. One day as my husband and I were walking and talking we came to a busy street. My husband looked both ways before crossing. Still enthralled in the conversation I did not. When he stepped into the street I did as well. It didn't dawn on me until I was well within the line of potential danger that I didn't think to look before crossing the street--I simply followed my husband. That day I realized that I trusted him wholeheartedly. I could let my guard down with him, I felt protected with him, and I believed in his ability to lead. It also served as a reminder that love can make you do some crazy things...what was I thinking? LOL!

 

If you've had special times you like to share I would love to hear about them in the comments. What's the most memorable event/moment that you can recall? What would be your ideal romantic day/date? A day meant for love is a really good time to reflect--and I am fortunate to have many loves. My mom is my first love, my son is my newest love, and my husband is my sexy love *insert the Neyo*--I am a very blessed woman.

 

Until the next time yall...Happy Sweetest Day!

 

Xo