#TBT – Will You Marry Me?

site-300x219Today I stumbled upon a blast from the past. I was organizing some files from my archive and I went into my old website vault and took a look at the website that I created when I asked Destiny to marry me. I thought it was adorable and from there I clicked on a few links. To my surprise a few of the links opened up some still active Blogspot websites. These included sites such as

DestinyandRichie.Blogspot.com,
DR-Wedding.Blogspot.com,
DestinyStarReynolds.blogspot.com,
and DonaldRichardWilliams.Blogspot.com.

So I thought to myself, why not re-upload these sites and let everyone reminisce some good times from the past. Unfortunately some of the website scripts I used in the past are not up to date and may cause some funky browser behavior (mainly just the radio player). Also, some of the other features such as the photo galleries and MySpace links no longer work. The donation button still works, but you really do not need to do that… But I won’t stop you. Click here to view the marriage proposal website.

website2-300x199There were two versions of the marriage proposal website. First there was the website with the proposal. This is the site you see in the picture above. Then after Destiny said yes, I changed the site to our wedding planning website (pictured right). This was cool but did not get updated very much at all. I am only including it for nostalgic purposes. To view the wedding planning website, click here.

Both sites were originally accessed by visiting DestinyandRichie.co.nr and were hosted on my BootLegMe.com server, but all of that is gone now, so if you stumble upon one of those links, they are long gone and out of my control.

365-300x261Another website that is a blast from the past is a site that I put together back in February of 2009 and then spent the next year posting as often as I could proclaiming my love for my beautiful wife Destiny. This site was called 365 Days of Love and was a sub-domain off my then family website TheWilliamsFamilyRocks.org.

Like the other two sites this site’s photo gallery does not work, but I did get the blog working (somewhat) and hopefully all of the images, links, and videos work properly as well (not guaranteed). Maybe I might even start posting again… I’ll have to think about that.

Want to check it out? Click here.

A Night Away From Dad

I THINKYesterday, my wife decided to take the kids and spend the night out at my sister’s house. She does this from time to time to give me an opportunity to get some illustrations done or to work on various other projects without interruption from the kids. Last night with Destiny, Abby, and Alex out of the house I was able to draw, ink, and color 20 illustrations. It was no easy task but something that I was able to complete because of the time my wife gave me.

But let me tell you something, I sure do miss them when they are gone. The house is a lot quieter, the dogs are more settled, and it is just more lonely. Even though this loneliness is just for one night I miss the sounds of chaos through-out our walls. I miss the “daddy I needs”, in addition to the non-stop entertainment Abby and Alex provide. Ultimately, I miss the company of my wife. She always has something interesting to say, tips, and suggestions. Plus when all is said and done she’s there to snuggle with before falling asleep. Our bed is pretty comfortable but when it’s just you by yourself, that comfort is hard to find. The bed didn’t get harder or lumpy, it’s just not the same without my beautiful companion. Saying “sweet dreams” over the phone just doesn’t have the same impact as a kiss goodnight.

Another thing that I find myself not doing when nobody is around is eating. I cook and eat significantly less when I am by myself. Last night I didn’t even make dinner until really late. Even then I probably could have gotten away with not eating anything at all. It’s kind of weird. You would think that a man all alone in a house full of food would binge on everything in site. That’s just not the case. It’s like I go into survival mode where I live off of only what I have too. Plus who wants to dirty up a sink full of dishes just for a one person meal… Not me!

The wife and kids will be home later this afternoon. I am extremely excited to see them and spend some quality time together. It is suppose to be rainy today so hopefully we can all do some relaxing and watch a movie or two. Maybe even play with some LEGO or something else. I do have the GeekDad book series… Maybe I will get those out and see what kind of projects I can whip up on this wonderful day. We will just have to see how everyone is feeling once Destiny and the kids get home. For now, it’s time to clean up the house and make sure everything looks great for when they do arrive. I don’t want my wife walking into a natural disaster!

What do you do when you are alone without your significant other and the kids are all gone? Post a comment and share your story below! Lastly, in honor of the latest Star Wars trailer release I leave you with a cute picture of Abby dressed up as Yoda.

Abby-Yoda

I Cannot Believe What My Wife Asked Me Today

BASIC NEEDSWell, it wasn’t actually today, but it was recently… So I get home from work and settle into my after work routine of taking over the kids and as we start playing with toys, getting a snack, and what not, my wife lays this question on me that left me completely taken aback.

She asked me if she could take a shower. I was shocked and dumbfounded, but most of all I was ashamed. Ashamed that the basic psychological needs that every human being requires, including my wife were being asked of me like she’s some orphan in a Charles Dickens story.  I was embarrassed that my wife actually felt that she had to ask me if she could take a shower instead of just saying “Hey I’m gonna get in the shower”. I have never told her that she has to ask to take a shower. So I was just completely shocked at the situation. Once I gained my composure I said to her with the sincerest of eyes and the calmest of voice…

“You never have to ask me if you can take a shower, just tell me you are going to get cleaned up. There is absolutely no reason for you to have to ask permission. It is your right to be able to have this personal time. So, no matter what I am doing, just tell me and I will drop everything and take over the kids.”

“You never have to ask me if you can take a shower…”

And I meant it. I did not realize that my wife was so worried about interrupting what I am doing just so she can get cleaned up. Any husband that requires their wife to ask to watch the kids so she can get cleaned up is a bum in my opinion. I love my wife so much and I know how hard it can be watching the kids each and everyday. I understand that when she is at home by herself with the kids that she doesn’t always have the time to get in the shower. She relies on me to take over when I get home so she can do what she needs to do. I have no problem with doing my job as a parent so she can refresh.

Just like going to the bathroom, or eating a meal, a shower is a basic necessity and in my opinion should not require any sort permission. Sure, let me know what you plan on doing but never is it OK to have to ask for permission just to take a shower. We’re not running a boot camp over here and I would like to keep it that way.

What are some other basic needs that you feel every person deserves? Comment below!

Happy Birthday to My Wife!

Today is my beautiful wife Destiny’s birthday. In honor of her special day the city of Cottleville, Missouri threw a parade in her honor. Thousands of people were there and they all were wearing Destiny’s favorite color green. The parade was great, there was horses, some floats, and a lot more. Check out the pictures below and also see the little video below of today’s festivities set to the tune of Aquadrop & The Golden Toyz.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuM8szSribQ