I love you because...

When we first arrived here, one of the salty Marines told Brandon about something he and his wife did to keep their marriage healthy while on Recruiting Duty. They had a whiteboard on their refrigerator and wrote notes back and forth about why they loved each other. I put that in my little idea pocket and saved it for a few months. And just this weekend, when I reached into my idea pocket I pulled this one out and incorporated into the pantry renovation. And by renovation, I mean paint and new organizers.

Here's the inside organization:

(I've been pinteresting a little too much)

Do you like Brandon's Stussy inspired "Sugar"?

I painted the outside of the pantry door with chalkboard paint so that Brandon and I could write why we love each other. This duty really sucks and Brandon is usually gone until at least 8pm, so I thought it would be nice to have reminders that we still love each other, despite the little time we get to spend together. 

Before

After

A perfect example was tonight, when we were going to write our first "I love you because...", Brandon was gone at work. Gone for much longer than expected. He took a kid down to MEPS because he was leaving for bootcamp. Brandon thought it would only take a few hours...but a few  hours turned into all day and most of the night, so I started our "I love you because..." without him. It was a perfect time to remind Brandon that I love him because he is a hard worker. 

Brandon has a great work ethic (at work, not necessarily at home, but probably because he uses up all his work ethic at work and hasn't save any for home). He is a great Marine and takes his work very seriously. Brandon's real job is being a Data Analyst. He was awesome at his job and it shows - He has received 2 NAMs (Navy Commendation for Achievement), which is definitely something to be proud of. His hard work has paid off not just career wise, but personally - he has been able to take care of his family and support his loving wife while she completes her year long unpaid internship. Of course, he thinks he'll get to be a stay at home dad once I am back to work, but nonetheless, I know he is a very dedicated and strong worker, and I love him for that. 

I am sure that some days the chalkboard will say, "You annoy me because..." or Brandon will draw something a 14 year old might, but I'd like to think this is a good idea. And I'd also like to think it looks better than the original pantry area. I just wish we had some little nieces or nephews to come over to draw on the bottom chalkboard.