CHEF RO-OH-BBIE

So I know it's common knowledge that firefighters tend to have skills in the kitchen as well, but I was never too sure how my firefighter measured up. Throughout our dating days, Robbie cooked a few meals here and there, but they had typically been the quick and easy recipes. I had no doubt he could cook the basics, but our marriage has brought about many tasty surprises. Not only has dinner been ready when I get home from school around 6:00, but it has also been recipes that I have never had before. It would be sufficient enough to bake some chicken, make a side of pasta, and simply steam some veggies.. but not for Robbie. He spent some time on the computer the other day typing in various ingredients we had in our house and thus created a wonderful dinner from there. Brown sugar baked chicken, sweet and sour cabbage, and bow-tie pasta was on the menu. I'm sure you're thinking brown sugar baked chicken sounds absolutely disgusting, as I was a bit hesitant myself. Much to my surprise, it has become one of my favorite baked chicken dishes. When I asked if I could get some silverware for us, the response was "It's on the table." And how about something to drink? "Yep, that's there too." Okay, then I'll just grab us a napkin. "Not needed. That's there too." As we are sitting down enjoying our meal together, I jokingly asked him what my role was in our marriage? "Dishwasher," he replied. "I actually enjoy cooking, but absolutely hate cleaning up, so I'll take the trade." I pretty much saw that answer coming, but didn't think it was all that bad seeing that Robbie cleans up as he goes anyway. So as I type this, I can't help but be thankful for what an amazing husband God has given me. He cooks, he cleans, he takes the trash out, he loves me, and he prays for us. I wouldn't trade my firefighter/chef for anyone else in the world!

THE FIRST FEW JOYS OF MARRIAGE

Okay, so I know it has been FOREVER since I have written on this thing, but it is quite understandable that grad school and wedding plans have consumed my every breath. However, something happened tonight that is completely blog worthy! As Robbie and I are straightening up the house (which seems to be an everlasting process since we're still settling in), I mentioned to him that if he ended up being the one to put the clothes in the dryer, to take out my blue sweater to be laid flat to dry.
Nonchalantly, Robbie walks into our bedroom muffling, "Oh.. yea.. by the way, I think I may have ruined one of your shirts last time." Curious to see what kind of destruction a husband of less than a month could have caused, I followed behind him. Standing next to our bed was Robbie, holding in his hands a black sweater that was about 14 inches long. Being well aware of what clothes I have, I about fell on the floor laughing because what he held in his hands was one of my half sweaters that is designed to stop at my ribs. You know, the kind that you wear over tank tops or something. I couldn't help but think that this was one of the cutest "first marriage" stories ever. Not to mention his "I'm so sorry about ruining your sweater" physiogamy.

While I have the time, I'll mention something else that happened today. I purchased a heavy punching bag for Robbie for Christmas. He had always talked about wanting one, and I figured what better time than when I'm wrapped up in textbooks and he's frustrated with me. :) So at some point today, Robbie asked me how I liked his punching bag set up and the new mats he bought to go in front of it. The bag looked a lil like this: About four feet high, solid black, an "Everlast" stitching that is approximately 5" x 8", all of which was decorated with a 4" x 6" photo of MY FACE! Oh how sweet our marriage is going to be. Better that than my actual face, I suppose. :)

After explaining a bit of Robbie's "funny/creative" personality, I would like to show a bit of his romantic side. On Thursday, I was at school from 8 - 6. Robbie told me he would take care of dinner so I left it all up to him. When I pulled into the house and came inside, he asked me to get the chicken off the grill. As I approached the porch, I asked him why he didn't have the light on outside and turned it on myself. He was right behind me and quickly turned the light off. At that same time, I noticed our dinner was on our table outside, warm and ready to eat, with a candle flickering in the darkness. Needless to say, the rest of the night was great! :) I write this because, although I hope it's not the case, I want to be able to recall our first years together and all of those things that make my heart melt. According to Robbie, though, he's "still in honeymoon mode". I only wonder how long this will last.. :)