[future husbands]

I adore fresh flowers in our home.  If I could have it my way, I would have fresh flowers in every room and all the time.  I just love them that much.  I allow myself to fragrantly indulge twice a month.

And, I make it a point to include the boys in the selections.  You see, I want them to clue in early on the different ways to make their future wife feel loved and special.  Not every girl is a sucker for flowers, but more often than not, an unexpected bouquet will turn those corners of her mouth up and perhaps even mush that heart of hers.  It does me anyway.  And, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg either.  Professionally delivered flowers are wonderful don't get me wrong. My absolute favorite flowers delivered were ones sent to the school I taught at in Georgia.  It was a huge bouquet of pink tulips and the card read, "Winner:  Wife of the Year".  I bet you can guess just who they were from, huh?  The flowers were congratulating me on winning teacher of the year for my school.  He is clever and a mighty cute one if you ask me.

My Dad was very good at outfitting the kitchen island at my home growing up with flowers.  He would bring them to my mom and give her a kiss and say, "I love you, honey."  I love this memory.  The flowers you see here outfitting our kitchen island cost a total of $6.47.  There are a dozen red roses and 8 bubble gum pink tulips.  Eli and Casey each picked a bouquet and helped me cut and arrange these when we got home.  Our Wal-Mart does a fabulous job of putting flowers 50% or more off the original price.  I thank them kindly every time I walk through our kitchen too.  We have had these for 5 days now, and they still look outstanding.

Eli and Casey, 

In God's time and in His plan I want you to always find your pace.  Should His plan be to give you a wife, I want you to know what an amazing honor that is.  And, don't lose sight of the gift it is to share a life with someone.  Let her know how much you love her and how much she means to you.  Find ways to fit goodness in be it simple or budgeted.  Write notes, remember her favorites, and put your all into the connection with her.  I can assure you that your actions of love will carry you through times of struggle as no marriage is meant for perfection.  Perhaps what mama is trying to say is always have six dollars and forty-seven cents of jingle in your pocket.  Because you never know when a beautiful deal for your beautiful one is waiting for her.  

Mama :)

p.s.  And, just for accountability's sake, I do plan on sharing this post with the Mrs. Cobble once the ring goes on the finger.  :)