Just the Way You Are!

A couple curious readers have asked what I scored for Mother's Day. I think my gifts show a perfect reflection that my husband loves me just the way I am (think Billy Joel here). Here's what I got:

• A dozen red roses the night before Mother's Day
• Dishtowels
• Dove peanut butter & chocolate treats
• A homemade frame, book and butterfly from Ryanna

• The Biggest Loser Cardioblast Workout

Now, before anyone goes nuts with the idea that my husband would buy me a workout tape for a gift and all of the hidden messages that sends--just stop. This isn't Father of the Bride--remember that blender and how it almost ruined the impending marriage? It really and truly is a great gift and I'll tell you why.


I love to exercise. Okay, maybe that's a lie. I like the way I feel when I'm done exercising. I like feeling like I pushed myself and worked my muscles and did something a little bit (or a lot) tough. I don't have a gym membership, but I do exercise every morning. Okay, every weekday morning anyway.


I rented this Biggest Loser workout video from the library to give it a try. I'm not going to deny that I was a bit cocky about the whole thing. I mean, those people are really, really big, so how hard could it be? Well, one of the really neat things about this tape is that it has several different options for how you want to exercise. Since I've been working out for months and months, I selected the hardest option. It did not disappoint. They aren't kidding when they say it's all cardio. It was great. I could hardly breathe at the end of the second section of cardio.


Now, what kind of mixed signal is it to get me a bag of chocolates to go with an exercise video. Well, in my world it isn't at all. It's my husband's way of noticing that I wanted a new video to do and knowing that I also have a very large sweet tooth that needs to be satiated as well. If anything, it shows me that he loves me Just the Way I Am. You know, go ahead and eat up, I don't care one little bit if you exercise, but since you loved this tape, I noticed and got it for you.


I do have to say that my husband has become better and better in our marriage at noticing comments I make and mentally storing those ideas for later. I love that he tries super hard to get me something that shows that he pays attention to me. I love flowers and those are beautiful sitting on my counter, but he also took the time to really know me and get me something I would love too.


I've already got one of his Father's Day presents and it's killing me to not give it to him. I'm so excited. I also am in process of getting the next one. I have to do a bit more research before I purchase it though. Isn't buying thoughtful gifts for people so fun?