Rick Rocks ~ Because He is Thoughtful

Although I am bored with what I have to say about myself right now, I still have very important things to say about my husband!

Yesterday it was raining. My garage door opener is jacked up right now. When I went out to take Eli and Brynne to school, my Suburban was parked in the garage in Rick's spot . He had pulled his car out of the garage and moved mine over to his spot so that I could use his garage door.

Without doing that I would have had to back my car out, park it, get out of my car, go into the garage, hold my garage door button down until the door was closed, open Rick's garage door, go out his door, get back in my car and close his garage door ... all while in the rain.

I felt such a swell of happiness when I sent the kids out to the car and walked out and saw my car moved over.

Rick Rocks ~ Because he is thoughtful!

Rick Rocks ~ Because He Picks Up Where I Leave Off

This week I have been sick with some yucky sinus junk. I have had no energy and absolutely no desire to do anything I would normally do.

I put the kids in the bath last night, but then went to lay down while they played. Rick came home from work shortly after that and just went in and washed them, got them out and into their jammies.

Then he told me that he would be cleaning up the kitchen from dinner, so I was not to touch it.

Then it made me remember that in the mornings when I come into the bedroom, after getting everybody off to school, that our bed has been made by him.

I am thankful to have a husband who is mindful of things I have left undone or incomplete and then completes them for me without me having to ask, beg or nag.

And I've mentioned before that my Love Language is Acts of Service. I have felt very loved.

Rick Rocks ~ Because he picks up where I leave off.

Rick Rocks ~ Because These Boots Were Not Made for Walkin'

I don't buy much for myself unless it is super cheap, or unless Rick just makes me!

The other day I saw this picture in the Rack Room circular and me, being an extreme-lover-of-boots-but-too-frugal-to-spend-much-on-them kind of girl, I put the picture on Rick's dresser with a note that said, "I love" and instructions that he could buy them for me if he ever wanted to pick me up a little something.


He said, "You know I'm not going to go in there and buy you those boots. But you go buy them tomorrow!"

The next day, knowing me and how I would talk myself out of needing/wanting them, he left the picture sitting on the kitchen counter when he went to work.

Then he called me a couple of hours later and told me to go get them.

And, I did.

And, I love.

{I also took advantage of BOGO and a $10 coupon and got Brynne three more pair of shoes for this fall. You can make the girl not be frugal (when her husband tells her to buy herself boots 'just because'), but you can't take the frugal out of the girl.

Then after my dream night before last, Rick texted me a couple of different times during the day to tell me how I was the only one for him, or something like that. He knew I was anxious about my dream and wanted to provide me with reassurance, which helped my day tremendously. Good to know he's not walking anywhere but toward me.

Rick Rocks!

Rick Rocks ~ A Letter to my Husband

Dear Rick ~

I just wanted to take a moment and tell you what a great husband and father I think you are.

I know that right now you are experiencing extreme frustrations at work, and it doesn't look as though it is going to get any better any time soon. For some men this might not be a big deal. But, for you, I know that it is. That is one of the reasons why I love you ... because of your integrity and work ethic! I just wish your company appreciated those traits in you, as well!

I appreciate, so much, that you are working hard not to bring your work frustrations home with you. I know that it is not easy. Thank you. It is our desire to have all of you when you are here. But on the same token, I want you to feel like you can vent to me whenever you need to. You can't hold it all inside and I desire to be the friend to you that you need. Who knows, I might even have some helpful insight.

Dawson and I have been reading the story of Joseph. It was 13 years between the time that Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and when he was appointed over all the land of Egypt. During that time God was stripping him of all his pride, teaching him patience and building his character for the insanely big job he would have in the future. I pray that your time of hardship is not 13 years! But, hopefully you can look at the story of Joseph and gain some hope and encouragement.

I truly believe God is using this time to build you up for something important he has planned for you.

But, in the meantime, you are doing something so important! You are committed to being a wonderful husband and amazing father. These are important tasks and we need you in these areas! Don't forget that!

I love you, babe! I love our life and I thank you for working so hard so that I can do the things that are important to me.

Things are so crazy right now with school starting and the new schedules, etc. I promise to continue to work hard to make you a priority in my day when so many others and things are tugging at me.

I love you so much!!

Rick Rocks ~ Because I Miss Him

I know that sounds odd. But let me explain.

These last few weeks have found me super busy, super tired and by the end of the day I am a super zombie. I am distracted and worn out.

This time of year is also when Rick plays a lot of golf.

These two things together means that we don't spend much {if any} time together.

I am going to be honest and say that there have been times that it didn't really bother me. I was so worn out that I was glad to be alone and have time to myself.

But our love for each other has grown considerably stronger over the past couple of years. And I find myself missing him if we aren't spending time together. And I find myself being bothered when I know I haven't been putting him as my first priority.

This week I was busy getting ready for our mini-vacation. Then we were gone on our mini-vacation. Then last night when we got back from our mini-vacation I was exhausted and went to bed at 9:30. Rick went to work this morning while I was still asleep. Right after work he is going out of town for the evening for something he has to do. By the time he gets back I'll probably be in bed. Then my sister is coming tomorrow night for a few days.

I miss him.

I am glad I miss him. I am happy that I love him so much that when I am not getting to spend time with him, that I miss him.

And I do miss him ... Rick Rocks.

Rick Rocks ~ Because For a Full Year He Has Given Me A Different Reason Every Week to Think He Rocks!

I realized a week or so ago that for a full year I have been doing Rick Rocks posts. I haven't missed a week! Rick has given me at least one reason a week to think that he is awesome. If you are married (or at least have been for more than a month or two) then you know that because of the natural seasons of life, there are some weeks that you have to dig deep to find one thing nice to say about your spouse.

I can honestly say that I haven't had to do that. Something has happened each and every week to make me realize what a great husband Rick is. And we've had some rough times this past year. What that tells me, and what that should tell you, is that even in the midst of difficulties there are ways that your spouse is great. Honor that!

I had a post lined up this week already, based on something Rick did for us this past weekend. I took pictures and everything. But then this week I found myself noticing many small things he did that made me smile. So the other post will wait for another week.

* The other night I had intended to unload the dishwasher before bed and reload it with dinner dishes. The dishes were still hot from the steam so I opened up the dishwasher and pulled out the racks so they could cool. I fizzled out and went to bed. I planned to do them in the morning. When Rick got home late from playing golf I heard him in there rattling the dishes. He saw the open dishwasher and did it all for me. Rick Rocks!

* While I was filling out school registration forms for Eli and Brynne yesterday, I got to the part that says, "Is there a custody order regarding this child?" How great it is to say, "NO". That may sound strange, but when I fill out forms for Kyndal and Dawson I have to say, "yes" and continue answering the other questions. I always hate it that we have different last names and I have to fill out different addresses and phone numbers for their dad. Even in the midst of our difficulties in our marriage, we've worked together and haven't given up. I've done my part, but Rick has done his too. Yesterday I thought about how happy I am that in the midst of crumbling families and astronomical divorce statistics that our children have their parents in the same home. Rick Rocks!

* Rick continues to get up every day and go to a job that he absolutely hates. He is unfulfilled, bored and feels trapped. But instead of just storming out in frustration, he goes every day and tries to make the best of it. Other doors aren't opening so he's trying to just be grateful for the job he does have. I know how difficult of a time he has being even slightly grateful. If it was just him, he'd quit in an instant. But, he takes care of us. Rick Rocks!

* On that same note, the upheavel has us in constant flux about what our future holds ... maybe we should move, maybe we shouldn't. And it goes back and forth constantly. Last night he came home and said that he wants me to assume that we are staying. He wants me to not feel in limbo all the time, especially when it comes to the kids. He wants me to live life to the fullest and not worry about the future. He said he would let me know if he gets an opportunity that we should seriously consider. Until then I'm to assume we will be here forever. I always try to make the best of our situation, especially when it comes to the kids. It's nice to have a husband who can recognize that something might be a struggle for me and to do things to try to east the stress. This is especially important because it causes him to take on the full blow of the stress himself. Rick Rocks!

* On my birthday, when I was feeling a little less than thought of or loved, Rick did lots of little things to make it special. He was so sweet the night before when he walked in from running errands with several bags. He pulled out a bouquet of flowers. Then he pulled out my special donuts for the next morning. Then he pulled out a little chocolate cake. Then he pulled out chips and salsa and beer for us to enjoy together. It's the little things that make life so special. Rick Rocks!

* Tomorrow Rick is taking us all roller skating to celebrate Brynne's birthday that is on Sunday. And, he's excited to go! Rick Rocks!



A full year of Rick Rocks posts. I think I'll go for two. Keep the good stuff comin' honey!

Rick Rocks ~ Because While I'm Taking Pictures, He's Teaching Roller Skating

You know how it goes, moms. When your child gets invited to a birthday party, you are the one to take them. Or, you might get your husband to take them, but he'll probably just 'drop and go'. I'm not saying every husband is like that, but in my many years of birthday parties that has been my general experience.

But Rick's not that kind of dad, or husband. He's taken our kids to (and stayed at) many birthday parties.

This past Saturday our neighbor was having a skating party in a nearby town. Rick was playing golf that morning in his league he plays in. I was planning on taking all of the kids skating .... kids who had never skated. I asked him if he thought he could make it to join me. He said, 'Sure'! He drove a good 40-50 miles to meet me.

When we got there we 'suited up' the kids in their skates, and got skates of our own. {Secretly, we wanted a chance to couples skate before the day was over!}

Eli and Brynne were all over the place, obviously! In fact, Eli even slipped off the bench he was sitting on and landed in the floor. It was going to be a long afternoon!

But Rick and I took them over to the little practice rink. He not only held onto them while they slipped and slid around, he actually took the time to teach them! He taught them how to use their brake, how to squat slightly and use their free hand for balance, how to 'walk' in their skates. And then he proceeded to take them around the rink no less than 500 times in a two-hour period.

And at the end of the party, Eli skated by himself for a short time and Brynne was skating while just holding hands.

Unfortunately Rick only had the opportunity to couples skate with Brynne under the strobe light, but he didn't look too unhappy.


I love him so much! I was able to take pictures and skate with the kids while he did all the real hard work! It makes me so proud that he's my husband!

I looked around and most dads were just sitting and watching, or not there at all.

But,

Rick Rocks ~ Because while I was taking pictures, he was teaching our children how to roller skate!

Rick Rocks ~ Cause He Rides the Roller Coasters With Me

... and I'm not talking about the thrill ride ones. I'm talking about the roller coaster of life.

When we are plummeting down that steep incline and the g-force is lifting us out of our seats, completely out of control ...

When we are flipping upside down in the unexpected set of spiraling turns ...

When we come out of that and are thrust into the dark hole when we aren't sure when we'll see the light again ...

When the coaster is jostling us around so hard and fast that we are banging our heads against the restraints holding us in ...

And when we come to a screeching halt, not sure where we have just been ...

... I look over and there he is, just as winded and beaten and exhausted and scared and thrilled as I am. And, he smiles and says, "Do you want to do it again?"

This life is a constant roller coaster of twists, turns, plummets and the occasional slow inclines (when you can take a breath). It happens in marriage, jobs, parenting, friendships, hobbies, extended family and the like.

I wouldn't want to ride a roller coaster by myself. I'd be too scared.

I'm so glad Rick rides them with me. He makes me feel safe and that we will make it out alive, and maybe even smiling, exhilarated and excited for the next ride.

Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster.
Gil: Oh?
Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!
Gil: What a great story.
Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.
{Scene from Parenthood, the movie}

Rick Rocks ~ Because he's my roller coaster riding partner on this Roller Coaster of Life.

Rick Rocks ~ Because He's My Personal GPS

I don't have a GPS system in my 2003 Chevy Suburban.

But, I do have an RNT ... Richard Noel Taulman.

When I go to Tulsa, I get lost .. Every Time!!

Three days in a row this week I had to go to Tulsa. Rick received phone calls like this every single time ... "Hi honey. Could you tell me how to get [insert specific location here] from [enter where I was at the moment here]?" And he would navigate me where I needed to go.

Without him, I don't know where I would have ended up.

I feel that way about my life in general. Without Rick helping to navigate me, I would likely stay put and not go anywhere or I would take off in the wrong direction. Without Rick in my life I don't know where I would end up.

That's what so great about being with your soul mate .. the one whom God created for you. When you are lost, they help direct you where you should go. Of course this takes humbling yourself and making that call for 'help', which isn't always easy to do.

But, when you have a life partner who is patient with you (when you call again and again and again and again) then you are able to build the confidence that no matter how lost you are, you can always call him to help.

Without you Rick, I would be lost.

Rick Rocks ~ Because he's my personal GPS.

Rick Rocks ~ Because He Cleans Out His Own Closet

I'd show you my closet, but **GAG** !!!

Rick and I don't share closets. You're welcome, honey! He has often said, "I don't know how you live like this." Another endearing quality of mine. There have been times in our past when we shared a closet and he had to lean over my piles of shoes to even reach his clothes hanging on the hangers.

I have a theory about closets and a person's personality. Like for me, my house typically looks very orderly with everything in its place. However, if you open any closet (other than Rick's) or a cabinet door, you should take a quick two paces backwards so that the contents of it do not fall out on you. Same with me as a person. On the outside I appear to be all together. But, when you open me up I vomit my junk all over you.

Rick's closet is orderly and organized on its absolute worse day. And so is he.

On Monday afternoon, his day off for the 4th holiday, I lost him. And then I found him loading this industrial size trash bag with the majority of the contents of his closet.



And then his closet looked like this.


Honestly, his closet didn't look a whole lot worse than this when he started ... just more full. We'll be donating that bag of clothes to the next organization that calls for donations.

Again, I won't be showing you what my closet looks like. And it's in pretty good shape right now.

I love that if I need to feel order in my life I can always step into Rick's closet and feel some!

Rick Rocks ~ Because he cleans out his own closet!

Rick Rocks ~ Because He's Courteous

Do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

~ Philippians 2:3

This is a characteristic that I am really working on with our children.

In Rick's relationship with me, he lives this verse. I believe he is the best example to our children of being Courteous, at least to his spouse. There is no doubt that Dawson and Eli are getting an example of how they should treat their wives someday. And I hope that the girls see how Rick treats me and have a desire to not settle for anything less in a husband.

I know that Rick will read this and say that he is selfish, and that he does many things out of selfishness. {Like playing so much golf.} But, I want him to know that I don't think that or feel that way. He is always considerate of me and my schedule first, making sure he is not needed or wanted for anything before he plays. Especially during a time in his career where things are not good and where he is feeling out of control, I know that golf is what keeps him sane. And, he also enjoys it (most times.) I want that for him.

I never feel second place to anything.

Even last night, when I was tired from my nighttime bedtime routine he asked me how he could help to make it easier for me.

He truly is always thinking of me. And although I am stubborn and a control freak and wouldn't dream of giving up any of my responsibilities, I appreciate that he cares enough to ask.

Rick Rocks ~ Because he is Courteous.

Rick Rocks ~ Because He Continues to Build His Portfolio

When we first got married, Rick decided that he wanted to get his Oklahoma PE (Professional Engineer) Stamp before we started having anymore children.

First he had to take and pass a preliminary exam. Then he started studying for the PE and he studied for several, several months. It reminded me of when I took the Bar Exam. It was no easy task.

Of course, he passed and got his Oklahoma PE. That's a big deal for an engineer! I was so proud of him!


While we were on vacation he received notification that he received his Texas PE stamp. Again, awesome!!!

Some states will not allow you to get your PE in their state unless you have taken certain classes in college, which is ludicrous! Rick has years of hands-on experience that no class can possibly teach. He has been very frustrated by that. So, he was so happy to get his Texas stamp and is going to work to get more states, I believe.

It only makes him more marketable in the engineering field. This is not only a benefit to him or whatever company he is working for, but is a benefit to our family as well. And I appreciate his hard work!

Congratulations babe!!!

Rick Rocks ~ Because he continues to build his portfolio!

Rick Rocks ~ Because He Gave Me the Vacation of a Lifetime

Rick Rocks ~ Because He's the Funnest Cruising Partner Around

I've been on a cruise with various people ... my ex-husband, my mom and aunt, my grandmother, another couple and a large group.

Out of all of those people there is no one and I mean no one who I have had more fun on a cruise than with my husband.

Rick is a blast! He's funny .. he's fun .. he's willing to try anything ..

Our cruises are romantic and they are magical. But most of all, they are fun!

And I can honestly say that it's all because of Rick. He brings fun wherever we go.

Rick Rocks ~ Because he's the funnest cruising partner around!

Rick Rocks ~ Because I Get To Do This With Him, Alone, All Week

(Our 2008 cruise to Bermuda)

Rick Rocks ~ Because He Comes to My Rescue

I am sure it is assumed that if you are a stay-at-home-wife-and-mom that you have all the time in the world to do the things you want and need to do, especially if all of your kids are in school.

But, sometimes that couldn't be further from the truth.

I would miss many things if it weren't for Rick's willingness to adjust his schedule to help me out.

Just this week I needed to take Kyndal to get her driver's permit. In order to do that we had to go early in the morning so she could get back to school for finals. That meant that I wouldn't be home in time to get Eli ready for school or take him and I was babysitting my neighbor that day.

Rick to the rescue.

Then Dawson asked me if I would come and take him to lunch one day this week, since it's his last week of school. (I typically try to take each of the kids to lunch the last week.) But doing that would mean that I wouldn't be here to get Brynne ready for school or take her and I was babysitting my neighbor that day.

Rick to the rescue.

I've mentioned before how Rick was here so that I could be with Kyndal when she had her wreck. And, he'll go with me today to Brynne's Pre-K program. And he arranged his schedule one day to go read to Eli's class. He goes to work late, rearranges his lunch hour and stays at work late whenever I need his help so I can do something important to me.

Living in a town where I don't have any family, or many friends to help me out, having Rick come to my rescue during these times is invaluable. I would be just sick if I couldn't spend time with the kids doing the important things.

Rick Rocks ~ Because he comes to my rescue.

Rick Rocks ~ Because He Helped Me Create This Child

Go here to read all about Eli's graduation from kindergarten.

What a special event for a special boy!

And without Rick, Eli wouldn't be the boy that he is.

Rick Rocks ~ Because he helped me create this child.

Rick Rocks ~ Because He Has An Amazing Sense of Humor

Any sense of humor that our kids have, they totally get from Rick.

He is the funniest person I know and can make any situation, no matter how dreadful, full of laughter.

He has a saying, "You have to laugh or you'll cry!"

I tend to think I'm pretty witty, but he always takes my little jokes and magnifies them to the nth degree to make them so much funnier. I just laugh all the time!

And he can find a movie line or verse from a song to apply to any situation. We've been together so long that now I usually know what line he's going to use before he uses it. He's rubbing off on me.

In a life of difficulties .. and we all have them .. it certainly is nice to have someone around who finds the humor in most situations! It makes life so much more bearable, and even fun!

Rick Rocks ~ Because he has an amazing sense of humor!

** He also gets a bonus Rick Rocks award this week for the amazing job he did cleaning out our garage and setting up hanging racks for my garage sale. I would have just thrown something together (probably at the last minute). But, he spent a couple of nights this week fixing it up. I will look like a professional garage sale giver. I am so grateful! Thanks, babe!

Rick Rocks ~ Because He's MY Rock

Rick is always here for me, during the good times and bad.

A Rock is solid, unmoveable (when it's big enough), tough.

On Monday when Kyndal called, I was able to call him at work and he was home immediately. I had Brynne and my neighbor and was needing to go to Kyndal. He could have stayed home with them, but he offered to take them and meet me at the hospital. I didn't think I needed him. But, I did ... I do.

It meant so much to walk into the waiting room to see him talking with the school officials, acting on my behalf.

Then he took the girls home and fed them lunch and took them to school.

Most importantly he was just there to support me when I needed him. Knowing that he was there helped to keep me strong. I knew I would have a place to fall if I needed to.

Life is hard when you are alone. It's so much easier when you have someone strong there with you.

Rick Rocks ~ Because he's MY Rock!