As many of you know I am what some call a very dedicated blogger madman when it comes to posting. OK, yes between my blog here and my Wordpress blog, I post 30 blogs per week, but what you don't know is that I only spend an average of an hour a day doing that. (I promise.)
But, I am going to let you in on another little secret. The man behind the blog isn't really the brains of the operation. It was pointed out to me by my good friend, (despite being a Phillies Fan - congratulations by the way) Fran "The Title Man" Gaspari, in his comment below that I don't give enough credit to my wife, Samantha.
Samantha takes all my ramblings that I have in Word, or on a voice recorder, and revises the format, grammar and spelling to each and every one of my posts, so I don't look like an idiot to all of you and my loving public.
For those of you that don't know, Samantha and I have been married for 15 years. We met when she was an employee of mine for a company that I owned for 18 years until I sold it in 2005. Without Samantha, I could honestly say that I wouldn't have the great posts I do.
I also have to thank Samantha for raising kids that I can be proud of and I know I don't thank her enough for that. I have written many great posts about my kids, but without Samantha these kids would be in a public school and not be as mature and as smart as they are.
I am proud to be their coach on the baseball field, but I know my wife and her teaching them at home has made them who they are. My wife has been a stay at home mom from the moment my first daughter was born, over 10 years ago and I would never want to even attempt her job of being mom. It is tougher than any job or career that I could ever do in life and I applaud her for her patience with the kids and me. (I know sometimes I can be difficult.) *Samantha here: GASP! Difficult? Nahhhhhhh! (rofl)
Over the years she has also taken care of me and my real estate career by being the ever diligent filing person in my life. If she wasn't around, I can't imagine how high the stack of folders would be. She is the one that makes sure that I have all the paper work, cell phone and Supra key when I walk out the door. Can you imagine how stupid I would look showing up at the first house of the day without my Supra key?
So, this post is dedicated to the woman that I don't give enough credit to when it comes to my successful real estate career and my successful family life. I promise I thank her in real life. Thanks to Fran, it was clearly pointed out that I should thank her publicly as well.
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.
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You are soooo lucky, Todd. Kudos to Samantha!
What a handsome family, Todd! How cool that Samatha home schools, too. I wonder if she realized when she married the boss, she was marrying the job! :D
Okay - this is my last post today - I'm going to go visit my darling (we will celebrate number 10 in a few months!!! Anniversaries I mean...)
It is so nice to see the appreciation you have for your wife!!!Kudos to you!
I also have to ask...how did you get all of those links at the bottom of your blog? I would love to learn more!
Dude, Samantha rocks! I wish my husband was an editor. That would be REALLY handy.
Nicely said Todd!!! Never forget your better half :)
Wonderful family you have there, always like reading your post, been going back to catch up honestly.
Best to you and yours.
Congrats on your successful marriage.
Thanks Samantha for all the hard work you do. Todd, you are a lucky guy. All the best.
Sounds like Samantha needs to be paid double. How many hats does she wear?
A team is always better than a individual in getting things done. Especially if its a woman...LOL. Great team work guys!
Hi Todd-every time I read your posts...I always seem to smile...and feel warmth..this is just another one of your great posts! Thanks for your contribution..and sorry I have to go here...but behind every good man...is a dazzling woman!
Good Morning Todd. Very nice family photo. Samantha is doing a great job - you should give her a raise :)
Hi Todd,
Some the secret is out, the brains behind the man is Samantha! You know what they say, "behind every successful man is a tired woman" --well, that's how it should go.
Hi Todd - well I have to say that Samantha is doing a GREAT job of not making you look like an idiot. I agree with Gene, she deserves a raise!
TC,
I guess we need to thank Samantha for this post as well!!! Samantha, you really make TC look good...this is a first class blog with first class content and you guys are a first class family!!! Thanks, Fran
P.S. Those Phillies don't disappoint, do they!!!
Todd, now we also know where your children get their unusually good looks! Great job, Samantha!
Obviously, you're a blessed & fortunate man. I've been married 11 and am remiss to not feature her up to this point. Thanks for the idea. Replace home plate with this picture. It's awesome.
Kudos to you for fessing up, sound like you both are very lucky in life.
Todd, this is a fanastic way to honor your wife. We all need someone in our lives to pick up the slack and someone to walk hand in hand with us. So happy to see who you are and your beautiful family.
Hi Todd, this is a beautiful tribute to your wife Samantha ... thank you for sharing! pippa
We should all be thankful to the woman who stand behind and beside us, as they are the only ones that truly deserve our respect and admiration.
Very nice tribute to your wife! :o)
Man how do i get MY wife to do that? I can't even get my wife to carry the wheel-barrow of apples ...
Congrats Todd - great wives aren't easy to find.
Oh, and btw, not to sure about the first image you picked. Would rather see you pushing the wheel barrow! ;)
Beautiful family!
Great points. I need an assistant.
Congratulations on the high productivity with blogging.
What a pleasant post to read! Now, I need to "get me a Samantha!" ;-)
Congrats to all of you for having a successful fmily life and career.
Well thats sweet, to acknowledge Samantha and acknowledge that you couldn't do it all in an hour a day by yourself! ;-)
Hey Todd, this is refreshing to see but remember words are one thing - actions another (coming from being a sister who adores her brothers and wants them to stay out of hot water). Great family Todd.
That was so sweet. Samantha is a good lady, you guys are lucky to have each other & those marvelous kidS! KM
Very nice! Great picture and great wife :)
JMO, but it nice of you to thank her here, but if you are truly thankful and show it to her at home then that is so much more important. Great looking family you got there Todd.
Todd, well done! You have a beautiful wife & family.
That is a very sweet post Todd... I think more husbands should praise their wives for the work they do behind the scenes...
Todd - Samantha sounds like an amazing wife and the credit you give her here is fantastic. Good example to all of us men. Great, now you've set the bar even higher;) Thanks Todd:-)
Very sweet Todd!! You are a very lucky man to have Samantha covering your back. Great picture!!
Great job Todd, We never can say thank you enough to the ones behind the scenes. But you have earned a lot of points with this one. Good luck and happy blogging.
Todd...
This is all so nice. As you know I already know Sam does all the hard work :)
And for that reason I have one for her:
Behind every Successful Man is a Woman mumbling "What The Fluck"
Did I really say that out loud? :)
P.S. Go ahead. Delete me. It wouldn't be the first time :)
TLW...ROAR!
Wow Todd! That certainly is dedication. What a great way to thank the wife for everything she does!! This is a very touching post!
Todd.... I don't really get a chance to read many of your posts... I do know that you crank them out, because I see them so often. So, with that said, does your wife have a double? Seriously though, that's great that you finally gave credit to your wife... and you have some lovely kids.... and yes, this was a very touching post.
Todd - I always was wondering what you looked like, it took a woman to show your face - how adorable you and your family is. This is really sweet to recognize the woman you love and does also your leg work
Todd,
Samantha certainly is a gem and a rare one at that...the two of you have a very beautiful family together and it sounds like you make an excellent team.
beautiful post!
Jo
Love it...That's all I can say.:)
Hi Todd...This is not the first time in my life I wished I had a wife and it will not be the last.
I am envious!
Kate
P.S. Thank you for letting us know one of the reasons for your success.
Awww, that is really sweet of you! She rocks and you do too for telling us all about her!
Todd,
What a very sweet post. You are indeed a blessed man.
Todd it sounds like a great partnership to me:)
I too have wife that homeschools and she also makes sure i don't look like an idiot at least in print. She can't help me with the verbal. I noticed that you have a link that offers short sale info. I put up a website called www.luxuryhomeforeclosures.com and am thinking about taking it national. Need realtors to post listings in their area of short sales, pre-foreclosures, bank owned and distressed sales. We make is super simple. Goal is to refer clients to you from our site and receive 25 percent commission on the buying side only. You get the majority of both sides. Interested?
Todd, props to you for giving credit where credit is due! You sound like a lucky man!
This is a great acknowledgement of your wife. I didn't realize you posted so many posts each week. That's impressive.
Thank you everyone and especially to Samantha for the inspiration and Fran for telling me that I should give credit where credit is deserved.
Maria - I KNOW I LUCKY!
Lynn - Oh, I think she did. It was nice seeing you today and thanks for the comments. I'm glad we had a chance to talk about home schooling.
Todd- Well friend it's about time the truth came out....and I just love her comment she tucked in here :) You are one lucky guy for sure, and that picture of all of you is cute. Hopefully you never take her for granted...:)
TC,
You guys are great!!! Kudos on the feature!!! Thanks, Fran
P.S. It just dawned on me...Samantha doesn't enter your comments for you, does she...??? LOL
Todd you are a man blessed beyond measure - what a beautiful wife and family - Samantha you are to be congratulated here for being willing to do the hard work (cleaning and polishing) and let Todd take the credit - that is not always easy but I'm sure Todd is paying you well. lol You make a great team - perhaps you should consider a picture change?
Paula - Here is a link to the post I wrote about those buttons and just in case you don't come back to my post, I will also send you the link via e-mail.
http://activerain.com/blogsview/329786/Todd-what-nice-buttons
Kaly - It really is handy and she has saved my bacon on many occasions.
Todd,
Very nice post. I bet Samantha feels lucky to have you also. Family first and the rest just seems to follow. Best Wishes to you, Samantha and your very fortunate family.
Todd, congrats to you and Samantha on getting this feature, we know that she deserves it!
PS. Have fun with the kids trick or treating tonight!
Todd, What a lucky family you have. You, for having such a great wife, and Samantha for having a husband that realizes how lucky he is! You sound like a wonderful husband and father. I'm sure Samantha is one happy lady tonight, knowing you appreciate her:)
Timothy - I think I would say is my better ¾ as I know that is puts out more effort in the household than I do.
Richard - Thank you and look forward to many more years with her.
What a nice post Todd. Its great to be able to share with everyone the appreciation you have for your family. Congratulations on a happy family and marriage!
I've always said that what I really need is a wife! Not that I would trade my husband in... Congratulations to you both for a relationship that works for both of you.
What a nice family. I'm glad to hear you recognize your wife and she does. I am the wife who sells the RE so I'm not so sure where that leaves me?? I see a post in there somewhere! I loved the picture.
Bob or Carolin - I know I am a lucky guy and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Ellie - She wears many hats and one day maybe she will be able to afford all of them. (LOL)
Laura - Heeeeeey, wait, oh, I guess I can't argue that. Thought I was going to be able to but, I have no scientific data to back up my side.
Midori - That is perfectly fine as my woman dazzles me every time!
Gene - Can you give some more than 100% of it?
Cynthia - That would explain why she always sleeps in a little longer than I do. (LOL)
Kara - She does help me with that a lot, I've certainly had my fair share of posts never make it to the net because of her saying "What the..."
Fran - No, the Phillies didn't disappoint! Thank you for the encouragement to thank Samantha, she really did deserve it!
Patricia - Hey, we didn't have a milkman then? What are you saying?
Larry - I may try that for a month and see what the results are. Certainly can't be as bad as it was with just my mug up there.
Mary - I think I maybe a lot luckier than her!
Missy - I know that without her, I certainly couldn't do what I do and provide the level of service my clients have come to expect.
Pippa - Thanks for taking the time to stop off and find out the real story behind my posts.
James - She is also the one who stuck beside me when times were tough and knew that I could do it, even when I'm not sure I could.
Cassie - I hope she thinks so as well. (LOL)
Steve - Before I met my wife I had a hard time finding someone who would put up with me longer than three months.
Cassie - Hey, it just points out that she is the hard worker, I'm just the one getting the credit.
Richard - If you get in to a rhythm and set a time each day, it actually gets easier and easier.
Sandy - They are hard to find! I'm happy I found her that is for sure.
Liz - There is no way I could do it all in one day by myself, it just wouldn't happen!
Barb - My wife certainly keeps me out of hot water - A LOT!
Kristin - Thanks, the marvelous kids are certainly her doing!
Wendy - Thanks, and I agree that she is a great wife...That is why I don't plan to trade her in on a new model.
Tammy - We celebrate once a week together and I hug and kiss her all I can!
Susan - Thank you!
Patt - I know I couldn't do it without her work support and moral support, without them both, I just couldn't have made it.
Jason - Sorry about that Jason...I am betting that Jennifer has set the bar pretty high also!
Bryant - I love the support Samantha gives me and I'm just grateful, mine can do it without the part about putting up embarrassing pictures on the net. (LOL)
Charles - This one certainly wasn't about the points, it was about giving credit where credit is due!
TLW - I would never delete your comments...If it gets Samantha to laugh, which your comment did, IT STAYS!
Tracy - Thanks you, I do post a lot, but without her, I would be lucky to get up 2 posts a week.
Jeff - Not a big deal, I don't expect you to read 25,000 posts a day and I know I can be hiding in the rain. But, now she doesn't have a double or I think I would have her move in to. (Don't tell Samantha - LOL)
Petra - Oh, I have plenty of pictures of me in and out of my posts.
Jo-Anne - I agree she is certainly the coach of this team, but I get the credit.
Neal - All I can say is thank you!
Kathleen - There are a few husbands out there that will do the same thing, but I think they are even rarer than the Samantha wife.
Emily - Samantha certainly does rock!
Fran - I know I am a blessed man and I wouldn't change a thing in my life!
Bill - It truly is!
Craig - Doesn't homeschooling just rock! I am certainly interested and I will give you call next week.
Kristen - Thank you and she does deserve a lot of credit for what she does.
Christine - I do about 12-14 here on Activerain and 20-25 on my other two outside blogs.
Kathy - Until you said something to me on the phone, I didn't even know the comment was in there. I guess that is what I get for not reading the post after she did her editing of it. (LOL)
Fran - No Fran! I do my own comments or there would probably be a lot more Todd bashing going on. (LOL)
Judy - You are the second person to suggest I change the photo and I guess next week it will be time for another experiment.
Lisa - I couldn't agree more with the family first comment.
Patty - Oh, we did have a blast, it is just a shame that those Butter Fingers and Kit Kats are so dangerous and I had to take them. (ROFL)
Elizabeth - I hope that I make her a happy lady every night even if I don't publicly give her recognition every night.
Nakia - I have to thank her, because without her, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Janna - Train him right and you might end up having your own Samantha. (LOL)
Lisa - Can't wait to read it. (LOL)