Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Not to Be Outdone

OK, I just read my wife's recent post. And I have NOT read any comments. SO, not to be outdone, I am making the same request with the same guidelines she made in her request. Any ideas for me? What can I do for her birthday?? I promise to not read her comments so make sure we have uniques ideas on each side -- I don't want to come to the party with both of us holding hearts made out of popsicle sticks. Come to think of it (after picturing me making crafts out of household stuff) -- I don't care if it costs $$ as long as it's not over the top.

35 comments:

Catherine Noorda said...

i think you should have her go on a girls night with some of her coolest friends (ie: me!)

hope that helps.

Catherine Noorda said...

now for real:

breakfast in bed
pedicure gift certificate
cute maternity clothes - ross has really cute ones
get some treats from bouchon bakery

Anonymous said...

make her queen for the day! Give her breakfast in bed. Write her a nice romantic letter of all the things you love about her. Make her her favorite dinner with help from your girls. Maybe take her out to a little lunch--just the two of you. Clean the house for her. Just some ideas! This is what my husband has done for me in years past and it makes for the MOST relaxing and wonderful day.

Annie said...

Clean her car for her... nothing is better than a clean car to haul the best part of your life around in...kids! And, I love the Make her favorite dinner... from scratch comment.

Good luck. I am sure it will be great.

Shanan said...

Buy her a plane ticket to Austin!

Amanda said...

I think it might be really neat to make a photo collage for her of Camille. From birth on that you could frame and she could put on her bedside table.

Krista said...

As moms it is easy to feel neglected or under appriciated. Watch her for a day and notice all the wonderful things she does as a wife and mother. Let her know how much you need her because without her doing those things you listed, your home would not function as well.

Hoskins Family said...

Ok, Mr. incredibly talented music guy...write her a piano piece "Stephanie's Song"

Davis' said...

I think pampering her for the day is a great gift. and also writing your testimony for her to read. I really enjoyed reading my husbands testimony. It was more personal, and filled me with the spirit. Good luck.

Daughter of God said...

I had a hard time this year for my husband. So I got together all of our dating pics, wedding pics, and any other pic that wasn't digital, scanned them into the computer. Then I went online and made him a photo book of 'Our Journey..so far'. I haven't given it to him yet but I'm sure that he will love it. I know if he did something like that for me I would cry. :] I hope that helps. There are lots of sites that do books. I used inkubook.com. I really like the quality.

Marcee said...

You can put a collage together of pictures of your adorable girls for her... or even of just the two of you... check out snapfish.com... pretty inexpensive and very personal.

You could do something with the kids artwork. I love stuff like that from my boys.

I too am pregnant right now, with #5, and anything that involves you and the kids showing how special she is works!

Good Luck!!

The Stells! said...

I would go to http://www.shutterfly.com/ and make a photo book, of you to and your kids, You can also type up on some of the pages why you love her and why your kids love her! I know i would LOVE that! and right now they are having sales on all their photo books, so go take a look! Its really easy to do!

Shanan said...

along the same lines ... you can build her a recipe book that has all her favorites in it (there's websites out there to help with this)

Kathryn_m said...

Hi Jon:

Stephanie really seemed to enjoy that Chinese restaurant with the girls.

You could don your frilly apron & make her a cake while they're gone and plan something special for when the kiddies are abed :-) How are you at pedicures? Some mint foot lotion is sooooo soothing.

I agree that a cute maternity outfit would be a nice touch too.

Whatever you decide, hope the day is great!

Anonymous said...

My favorite thing that my husband gave me was a really great love-letter. It wasn't meant as a gift, and it isn't unusual for him to give me love letters. But this one was so great that I framed it and keep it on my dresser.
If we're talking $$$, I'd vote for a pedicure!

Heather & Greg said...

I'm another that votes for a pedicure, instead of buying her maternity clothes maybe get her a gift card so she can go shopping for maternity clothes, and you and her could go to lunch at the chinese restaurant or her favorite restaurant. I hope you both have wonderful birthdays!!!!

Anonymous said...

I love all the suggestions thus far, but theses are my thoughts: Have the girls each write her a note, get a special box with Camille's name and dates engraved or written on so you both can put memories of her in it, and last I think you should get an ornament with Camille's picture and the date for the tree this year.

Jonathan Waite said...

Ok -- lots of votes for pedicures. I like the idea -- but I did it last year. Do I repeat for lack of creativity or is a pedicure timeless?? question for the pregnant moms out there: is a pedicure the key to all happiness?? in other words, is the physical toll of pregnancy enough to say -- I'll take the pedicure anytime and be in heaven!

Anonymous said...

You guys are so cute.

I think a surprise booked European facial while you watch the kids would be fantastic. There is nothing more relaxing than a European facial (as long as the anesthetist doesn't talk to you while you're supposed to be relaxing).

Becca said...

Think of a fun date that you know she enjoyed when you were just dating and recreate it. While you are on your date, present her with a cd of songs you both liked when you were dating or that remind you of those times. Good luck. Let us know how it all turns out. And I feel both of you pain. I too have a December bday (dec. 31st) I hate it.

Becca said...

Oh and a muchy gooshy love letter. i hope for one of those every year.

Anonymous said...

My vote is on the no $$$ side. Only because you agreed and that mght be "cheating" on the agreement!

So, she described her perfect day that you had a few weeks ago. It was a day of being around the house with the family, the girls rubbed her feet, she baked a little, etc.

Only thing that needs to be different is no video games : ) breakfast in bed, family pedicure done by you and girls, bath drawn - candles lit and if you could include your sweet Camille in this in some way it'd be complete. I'll leave that up to you, only you and the girls would know best.

That sounds like a super day to me. Relaxing and complete. Ahhhhhhh.....

Best of luck to you, your married to a special lady!

Anonymous said...

A basket of all her favorite things ie, fave movies, bubble bath, treats, perfume, magazines, books, don't forget to add a date night with just you and her and her favorite restaurant :) It's a sure hit!

cynphil6 said...

What about a "mother's ring?"
If she doesn't like rings, there
are lots of other options... ie:
necklace, bracelet, pin, etc.
Anything that has all the birthstones of the girlies AND you
could add the birthstone of the new baby...
xoxo
The Bailey's

Anonymous said...

Forget about all the others, I've got a few ideas that she'll love. First, there is the timeless classic - the vacuum. From what I understand, every woman wants a new one, even if they don't say it outright. However, if you already have a good one at home, then how about season tickets to UNLV Rebel Basketball games? I just know that Stephanie will truly appreciate the opportunity to spend some real quality time alone with you on a scheduled 18 nights a season. Of course, if she can't make it, you can always give me a call. Lastly, I suggest looking into getting her a top-of-the-line surround sound system. She'll really appreciate being able to hear the movement of the dancer's feet when SYTYCD starts up again.

I know, I know, these are excellent ideas. You can thank me later.

Spencer

Jonathan Waite said...

Spencer,
Are you talking about a dual-bag vacuum cleaner?? shhhhhh... that's for the 10-year anniversary. I might take you up on the surround sound though.

Jonathan Waite said...

By the way everyone else,
See a video clip about Spencer (my bro in law) and his real life encounter with love, fate and a very lovely vacuum cleaner at:

http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx

Heather & Greg said...

Jonathon, I too am pregnant with baby #5 and yes every pregnant loves a pedicure. But if you did it last year I probably wouldn't do it again. I do love the idea of you and the girls pampering her at home, I'm sure a back massage and pedicure from you guys would mean a ton to her!

Erin Lafleur said...

I just wanted to let you know the hardbound photobooks through blurb, snapfish, heritage makers etc... are a wonderful idea. As a fellow LDS Mommy whose little boy returned home to his Heavenly Father this past year I can attest to how much she will love this. My sister in law did this for my birthday just last week and it was my favorite gift.

Anonymous said...

For a valentines night once. We had a picnic on our apartment floor. The picnic consisted of all of our favorite dishes from various restaurants. (back then we didn't have extravagant tastes so it didn't run a big bill). I'm talking soup from one place, salad from another, desert. I'll never forget it.

Or if you don't want to spend ANY money. Read one of her FAVORITE books and try to understand why it's her favorite. Then have a discussion about it.

Gwenevere

Heather Lee said...

I'm with the girl that suggested a facial sans talkative esthetician. I would look for a really nice spa where you get to change into a robe, and sip on some health boosting drink.
Breakfast in bed is also my all time favorite. And you and your girls can bring it in to her on a tray while singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The perfect way to start her happy day.

Darren and Nikki said...

i am with the breakfast in bed group, but you do get up ridiculously early. so maybe breakfast in bed around the time she gets up? :)

The White Clan said...

Jon,

I am pregnant too, and I am right there with a pamper her day. Whether it be at a salon, or a romantic massage alone in the room. (no strings attached) :)
I would love a day where I didn't have to do a DANG thing. No getting kids dressed, no dishes, no anything. Just a day off. Every mom needs a day off!!!

Anonymous said...

I agree every mom...especially pregnant moms, need a day of pampering to make them feel special and appreciated. If you gave her the pedicure last year, this year you could go for a pregnancy massage. Alot of places do them now and are tailored specifically for a pregnant woman. Of course breakfast in bed prepared by you and girls is a must. And definetly some treats from that bakery she love!

Presley family said...

Jewelry is always good. I will never forget the year when you got her the jewlery for her birthday and "someone" left it there. Then y'all came home to a house full of people.. yes all of us. I felt so bad for both of you!!!! So, maybe try jewelry again but just make sure you get it out of the store this time!! wink!!
BIG HUGS!