Happy Birthday

38 years ago today my best friend was born, to a young army veteran and his wife.  We wouldn't meet until almost 25 years later, and our lives would take very different paths in the meantime, but eventually we were destined to find each other.  I spend way too much time coming down on my husband, and not nearly enough time letting him know all the things about him I truly love.  Today, that is my gift in honor of his birthday.

Brian and I have been through more than our share of rough spots in our marriage.  We have overcome more challenges in 13 years together than most couples will in a lifetime.  One of the reasons we are still together, and striving towards eternity together, is because we can talk about anything, and we make sure we do.  Whether it's the big stuff or the small stuff, we hash it out til we find a solution.  We also stay in touch several times throughout the day and rarely make decisions, even minor ones, without talking with each other.  As a guy, I know it's not is favorite thing to do, but he knows it's important to me, so he does it.

Brian is very smart.  Beyond the regular "book smarts", he makes connections between things and has insights about topics that surprise and educate me.  He is a never ending fountain of knowledge for my kids and their ever inquisitive minds, and more often than not when they have a question about something, I tell them to go ask their dad, because I know he will know the answer.

Family is the most important thing to Brian.  From the early days of our little family, he wasn't really interested in going places that we couldn't take our kid with us.  He is completely happy foregoing steak dinners for Happy Meals and loves to take the boys on man-dates or have boys night at home.   He dotes on his Peanut and has no problem painting her nails or trimming her bangs.  Very early on, he embraced my family, never viewing them as "in-laws" but as brothers and sisters, mother and father.  Most important, Brian has never given up on us.  His family tree is full of divorce, but he has never lost sight of the commitment we made to each other, and even in the roughest of waters, he has never abandoned ship.

Brian has very easily stepped into the role of the spiritual leader in our family.  It surprises me what an easy transition his conversion has been, and how comfortable he has become in his role as patriarch and priesthood holder in our home.  We have been blessed in many ways because of his love of Christ and his commitment to the gospel.

Brian has an amazing capacity to forgive.  I know that alot of people think I have put up with alot over the years, but Brian has stood by me during some major moments of being a complete neurotic , and has forgiven me some major missteps in our relationship.  I have seen him extend this forgiveness to others as well, and it has humbled me.  I do not forgive so easily.

Brian has always made me feel beautiful.  Most days I can't be bothered to do my hair or makeup, and I would almost always rather be in jeans and a tshirt than anything else.  It has never mattered to him - he has always loved me the just the way I am.  I grew up taller and bigger than all the other "pretty girls" and always felt awkwardly out of place.  His love has done more for my self-esteem than years of therapy ever could.

Happy birthday to my husband and best friend.  I love you!


P.S.  Here's what the kids had to say............

Jacob - why I love my dad
He makes great pancakes and french toast.
He is nice.
He used to be in the Marines.
He is always willing to help anyone
He is good with cars
He teaches us about cars and animals and other things.
He is my Dad!!

Austin - why I love my dad
He is nice
He loves me and lets me hug him.
He lets me play on the computer.
He wrestles with me.
He loves me and I love him.
He lets me eat Popsicles.
He teaches me about Jesus and animals.
He teaches at church.
He always lets us ride our bikes.
He looks nice in church clothes.