Jake's Letters

In a brave attempt to switch things up on the blog this week, I handed over the keyboard to my husband, Jake. Brace yourselves for his take on Monday's Letters...

Dear Mrs. Hooker, I just recently realized how ashamed you are that we eat McDonald's. Every now and again, we treat ourselves to some fries, a Coke Zero, or a McFlurry (it's the American thing to do). But just so everyone knows: LAUREN EATS AT MCDONALD'S.

Dear cat that we rescued last week, you're the world's friendliest cat. In a lot of ways, you have more dog qualities than cat qualities: you come when we call for you, you bark, and you will do anything for food. Lauren and I haven't officially named you, but I personally like CAThy (name suggestions are welcome).

Dear Toro Y Moi, your music may be weird, but I kind of like it. There is a strange ratio associated with your music: the less sleep I get the cooler it gets. I also noticed you're trying to bring back the turtleneck. Niiiiice. 

Dear Lauren, speaking of music, I didn't know you were such a Swifty. Last week you sent me a random text message about your excitement over this song. Since then, we've been listening to it on repeat. Hopefully,you shake this song right out of your head very soon.

---

Recent Letters

Each Monday I write four letters: two letters to my husband and two random letters to whatever else is on my heart each week. What originally started as a fun way to record events and funny stories pleasantly developed into a weekly habit of practicing thankfulness.

Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, we've been told by a few kind people that we remind them of Chip and Joanna Gaines, so we decided to watch an episode of Fixer Upper. One episode turned into two, two turned into three, and three turned into eight. I don't know if it's the thought of renovating a house or the fact that our sense of humor is similar to theirs (or both), but I do know that we're hooked. 

Dear Molly and Brynn, your parents are vacationing in Charleston for the next two weeks, so they entrusted you into the care of your two favorite people (aka Jake and I). Here's to stuffing you full of dog treats, spoiling you with belly rubs, playing long games of fetch, and not having accidents on the hardwood floors. 

Dear Crystal, thanks so much for allowing me to design stickers, notecards, and fabric patterns for Little Bit Funky. Not only are your "hohos" adorable, but the purpose behind each one is precious. "A hoho is a creation especially made by me, for you. It's a quirky, purposefully wonky little creature that is here to remind you that YOU ARE LOVELY and you don't have to be perfect to be lovable." Designing for you was a joy! 

Dear Jake, you were so sweet to wake up early this morning and let the dogs out, but I have a sneaking suspicion that you helped them onto our bed while I was still asleep. Puppy facials aren't my favorite way to wake up, but the sound of your laughter is high on my list of favorite things. Just keep in mind that I know where you sleep, too...

---

Past Letters

Each Monday I write four letters: two letters to my husband and two random letters to whatever else is on my heart each week. What originally started as a fun way to record events and funny stories pleasantly developed into a weekly habit of practicing thankfulness.

Monday's Letters

Thank you for the photo, Michaela!

Dear Mr. Hooker, I've gotten so used to having you around each day that I often forget to make mention of the little things you do for me. Thank you for being the best bug-squasher, coffee-maker, clothes-ironer, Suite-vacuumer, laundry-starter, bear-hugger, trash-taker-outer, and curling-iron-unplugger this girl could ever ask for. 

Dear Instagram, we had 3 overnight visitors at the Suite last week. Between long conversations over coffee, pretty walks through the neighborhood, and delicious meals each night, I had plenty of opportunities to snap some photos. As much as I love you, I'm learning that sometimes a memory is better than a photograph. 

Dear long brown hairs, I don't know exactly how you do it, but you manage to find your way onto every surface of our Suite. Poor Jake is always finding you on couch cushions, shirts, and bed sheets. How in the world are there any of you left on my head?

Dear Jake, last night we realized that our 2-year anniversary is less than 3 weeks away. You've experienced every side of me and you've had a front-row seat to all my faults, so hearing you say that "it just keeps getting better and better" means the world. I couldn't agree more.

---

Past Letters

Each Monday I write four letters: two letters to my husband and two random letters to whatever else is on my heart each week. What originally started as a fun way to record events and funny stories pleasantly developed into a weekly habit of practicing thankfulness.

Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, apparently you aren't the only Jake Hooker with incredible musical abilities {hint of sarcasm}. We googled your name this weekend and found out that your name-twin is a twangy country singer. Something tells me he can't sing Randy Travis's "Deeper Than The Holler" quite like you can. (P.S. It just so happens that my name-twin is a jazz vocalist. Who knew?)

Dear self, you officially became a southern gal this Saturday, thanks to your dear friend Jenny. If your love of sweet tea and slight southern drawl didn't confirm it already, you now have a pink monogrammed shirt from The Joyful Peach to seal the deal. And since all southern ladies enjoy visits to Charleston, your charming gentlemen of a husband probably needs to take you there for your upcoming anniversary...

Dear cute little baby goat from the farm by our Suite, I don't think I've ever smiled so big as I did when I saw you running yesterday, kicking your hind legs in the air and jumping around. Pure joy! If I'm ever having a bad day, I'll be sure to remember you. 

Dear Jake, what do you think about a baby goat for a pet? Just kid-ding! (I know... baaad pun.)

---

Past Letters

Each Monday I write four letters: two letters to my husband and two random letters to whatever else is on my heart each week. What originally started as a fun way to record events and funny stories pleasantly developed into a weekly habit of practicing thankfulness.

Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, last Tuesday you went Mr. Clean on the Suite - washing dishes, picking up the living room, starting a couple loads of laundry. While I should have been a little suspicious, I chalked it up to being my "birthday week"... until I heard a knock at the door and saw my Mom's smiling face popping up in the window. Turns out you two had been scheming her surprise visit for weeks, you sneaky guy! A clean house and some girl time with Mom? You knocked birthday week out of the park. 

Dear Wildflour Cafe, my only birthday request each year is a piece of your sinfully delicious carrot cake. So you can imagine my disappointment when I realized that this year, your bakery and my house are 4 hours apart. Thankfully, my thoughtful Mom had one of your sweet masterpieces in hand when she arrived at our front door. 5 days and 5 pounds later, it's all gone and I'm all set until July 23, 2015. 

Dear Lightning McQueen & Sally, after neglecting you for a month or two, we decided to take you on a trail ride this weekend. Thank you for reminding me how out of shape I am, how much I hate dirt, and how much fun it is to do something completely out of my comfort zone. 

Dear Jake, it's amazing how 2 years of marriage can change habits and quirks. I'm always finding myself using words like "dude" and "literally", and last night you caught me singing in your Creed voice and busting out a few of your signature dance moves. Dude, we're literally going to be the same person 30 years from now (and I secretly can't wait). 

---

Past Letters

Each Monday I write four letters: two letters to my husband and two random letters to whatever else is on my heart each week. What originally started as a fun way to record events and funny stories pleasantly developed into a weekly habit of practicing thankfulness.