Well, technically, I wasn’t a blogger when we married. (It was 2000; I barely knew what the internet was!) So, I guess you could say my husband didn’t know what he was getting in to. :) In honor of Valentine’s weekend, some of my blogger friends and I are interviewing our husbands, asking them questions to see how much they actually know about us and what we do. . . (I added my commentary in italics below—just for fun.)
How involved are you with Emily’s blog?
I’m mainly a reader of Emily’s blog and sometimes used as a prop.
How often do you read the blog? Are you an avid reader or do you see enough at home?
I read all of her posts. This is how I know if there is a project coming my way.
(He’s right. I find it easier to set his expectations once I’ve told thousands of people.)
How much time does Emily spend on her blog? What are her hours like?
I would say Emily spends 10 hours per week on her blog. Emily’s hours are late at night after everyone goes to bed.
(I wish. I do work some at night—while I’m watching reality TV—but I also work some in the mornings and sporadically throughout the day.)
Are you the cheap manual labor or is there hired help for that? In other words, does Emily use you for your handy work?
I have minimal handy skills so I handle some of her projects, like re-wiring lights, etc. I’m usually not quick enough for her.
(Again, he speaks truth. I’m beginning to think hiring help is good for our marriage.)
Describe Emily’s style.
I don’t really know the right words to describe style, I do know she did not like my duck prints, pillows, pleather couch and recliner when we first got married. So, I know it’s not that. I would say her style is light colors, lots of pillows and it’s always changing – I don’t even know if I answered this question correctly.
(You did. And, you’re welcome for saving you from the duck hunting themed art.)
Describe your style.
(He left this one blank. I think that is an accurate answer.)
How often does your home change?
Our home is always changing. When she is staring at a blank wall, I know a project and change is coming. My guy friends also know a project is coming when their wives have Emily over.
(They ask me. I don’t just volunteer my opinion, thankyouverymuch.)
How many different sofas have you had since marrying Emily?
Counting my pleather couch that she ditched soon after marriage, I would say four, so not that many. I always wanted a sectional with a cooler and massager but that hasn’t happened yet.
(And, it won’t happen until you get a new wife.)
How often do you offer decorating advice? Does she consider your opinion?
I never offer decorating advice, and she never asks. I just go with whatever she says. I do not think she considers my opinion. Every once in a while, she might run something by me, but I think that’s just her way of being nice.
(Wait—has he had a real opinion about decorating since we’ve been married? Okay, I’ll let him decorate our bedroom then. . . )
What’s your favorite room in the house? Why?
My favorite room is our living room right now, while I still have my recliner. But, I know it’s on her short list to get out of that room. It’s not even one of those really big comfortable recliners. It’s leather and looks good.
(Not true. If he’ll quit harassing me about the two sofas facing each other, I’ll leave him alone about the recliner.)
What does it really look like behind the camera?
We have five kids, so behind the camera, our house is always a work in process to try to keep it looking nice. Emily tries hard to keep it looking good all the time, but she’s fighting against six people. (Yes, I included myself).
(I think that’s his very nice way of saying our house is a disaster most of the time.)
What is a project that you hate but have never voiced (or maybe you have)?
I hate painting, but she does not let me do that anymore because I didn’t do a very good job the last time I tried.
(But, I’m willing to give him another shot.)
Do you know of Emily’s blogger friends? If so, who’s your favorite?
I don’t really know her blogger friends, I’ve heard about several of them, though.
What’s your favorite aspect of Emily being a blogger? Least favorite?
My favorite aspect of Emily’s blog is that it gives her an outlet to do something other than stay at home with the kids. I’m also amazed at the opportunities and responses she gets from her ideas and projects. My least favorite aspect of her blog is getting her to track the business side of it—receipts, mileage, etc. That is just not her thing.
(I like to make things pretty. I do not like numbers. Fortunately, opposites attract.)
What are your household chores?
I’m supposed to clean the toilets, but I sometimes slack on that. I try to do my share of cleaning the kitchen.
(And, he is good about giving the kids baths.)
What’s something about Emily that her readers might not know (but she would be okay with you sharing)?
Emily is an amazing singer, and this was her talent when she was in the Miss Kentucky pageant. She also sings solos at church. Emily’s singing melts my heart!
(Well, that’s very sweet. And, I did not win, by the way. I can’t believe I even did that. . . )
What does Emily REALLY want for Valentine’s Day, and what are you getting her?
I’m not the best Valentine’s giver. I think what she really would want is a day and night where she can go by herself and stay in a hotel. I’m not totally sure yet what I’m getting her.
(I thought we agreed the kitchen reno was our gift to each other. And, I’m totally happy with that. But, I’d take the night in the hotel, too. Oh, and I’d also take a bag of Reese’s Cups.)
Keep reading. . . These bloggers also put their husbands to the test:
A Blissful Nest // A Thoughtful Place // Addison’s Wonderland // Bliss Ranch
Burlap and Lace // Claire Brody Designs // Cuckoo 4 Design // Design Post Interiors
Dimples & Tangles // Dream Green DIY // Driven by Decor // House of Hipsters
Just a Girl and Her Blog // Life on Virginia Street // Our Fifth House
Our husbands would make fast friends Emily, lol! Love this. Happy Valentines Day!
Loved his answer about when his friends wives have you over. Now THAT is an excellent observation. And as a dad of six mine might have added…. depending on if she takes the kids with! Tell tale sign of something brewing if the kids don’t come along right?
“I’m mainly a reader of Emily’s blog and sometimes used as a prop.” So hilarious! Also, I am SO impressed that he reads all of your posts! My hubby hasn’t opened my blog since 2011, hahaha!
We wanted to text you this morning to say how much we LOVED these answers — like literally obsessed! You two are so darn adorable!!! Hope the Clark’s have a happy weekend and amazing V-day filled with lots of Reese’s. =)
I think our husbands would be pals… some of their answers are almost identical! Miss Kentucky??? I think we need to see a photo of that one! I remember a clip you posted a long time ago of you singing at church, I think we need to see more of that too! :)
Oh goodness. I never told my kids about the Miss Ky. thing and then he let it slip one day. They had been binge watching Toddlers and Tiaras at the time, and I think that’s what they envisioned. Ha!
Great interview and I loved your comments. I agree we need to see a picture of you at the pageant!
Cracking up that he left his style blank – HILARIOUS!!! And the sweetest was how your singing melts his heart, that melted mine. Aww, Happy Valentine’s Day!
Best part!
Those were my two favorites too!
Loved his answers and he is definitley proud of you. That is fabulous.
I think we married the same man!!!! Or maybe you & I are the same especially when it comes to the numbers, but for sure not the singing! :). So fun!!! I really enjoyed reading all these!
“I read all of her posts. This is how I know if there is a project coming my way. (He’s right. I find it easier to set his expectations once I’ve told thousands of people.)” — Glad to know I’m not the only one who uses the blog to announce to the husband when change is coming. Happy Valentine’s Day you two!
Claire, thanks so much for all of your work organizing this! Lots of fun :)
Emily, I love this! So sweet and funny. :-)
I’m still always amazed that you have five kids and your successful blog. But no wonder you get it done with such a sweetheart as a husband. You guys are too cute!
A sectional with a cooler and a massager….do those exist?? Dying!!! LOL
Ummm…. yes, they do. Ask my bud Katie ;)
LOVE this peek behind the scenes. The fact that he left his design style blank cracked me UP. Bless his heart. He sounds like a gem. And it’s obvious you two complement each other very well.
Love it! These are so fun to read!
That is so Ryan. . he reads a post and is like, “Oh. I didn’t know we were about to redo the playroom.” Love reading these. The hubbies are such good sports. You are such a darling couple and family. Love you, friend.
how sweet is this! i want to hear you sing!!!!
i also sense a trend that the men love the living rooms… i find this funny! i think mine truthfully loves it because it’s where he watches sports.
ps- tracking receipts, numbers… i am with you.
This was hilarious! I remember visiting him at college when I was a kid. The mess.. and smell.. in his frat house probably made my decision right then and there about whether I’d be into college living, lol.
Yuck. What a nasty pit. Fortunately, I didn’t meet him until after he moved out of there :)
Love how the two of you play off one another– the cutest! Hope you both have a wonderful Valentine’s weekend!
~Abby =)
Oh my, the one thing that stood out for me was “Miss Kentucky pageant!” Photos are coming soon, right? ;)
The one fortunate thing about that experience is that it happened pre cell phones, so there’s very little evidence floating around :)
Thanks for a good laugh! Love your hubby’s honesty and your shared sense of humor. My hubby knows I’ve a project in mind when I pronounce clearly “Honey?”, and I get a half-hearted “what…” back. Happy Valentine’s Day, and hope you get the additional Vday gifts =)
Oh he is funny :) I love that he finds out about his next jobs through the blog. I would do that too if my husband even read my blog…
This is one of the funniest things that I’ve read in a while…hits so close to home! I was just reflecting last week how my husband was a little bit hurt that after just a year or so of marriage there was nothing left of his bachelor pad days in our little condo. His favorite item that I tossed was the sectional that had magazine and cup holders. But he has learned to trust when I make decisions that it will be done right. ;)
So now I find another reason to love you after following your blog for so long…singing and pageants and the statement that you can’t believe you did that….I so get it!!!! haha Such an endearing post!
If my husband lived with your husband the decor would be a duck pillow bonanza! Ha! This was great.
Hilarious! Our husbands are all such good sports. I hope we get to hear you sing sometime soon! :)
You didn’t wait to keep the pleather couch?! :) You guys are so cute!
Your husband sounds like mine! My favorite answer is he that reads to see what’s coming his way! 😂
10 hours a week? Ha! We know better. :)
I love his answers!
I love that he found you!! He is such a great guy. Your children are precious, and your designs are amazing! It is so much fun following you.
Thank you, Tammy :)