Happy Birthday to My Love

1.  Watching you grow in your walk with the Lord, I love that so very, very much.  It makes this tenderhearted wife teary.  I adore your willingness and heart to help walk alongside other Christian men.  I can’t even put into words how proud I was to watch you get baptized alongside our sweet babies.

2. You chose me, and that you continue to choose me daily, despite my imperfections and annoying habits.  Even when I’m sassy, when I’m passive-aggressively making a statement about cleaning or when I’m irritated about something stupid.

9.  You get excited about the same simple country pleasures I do. Whether it’s a hot loaf of homemade bread, a new recipe to can, a late night 4-wheeler ride or baby squirrels living in our house.

10.  When I see someone broken down along the road, I automatically know you’re going to stop.  When we see someone in need, I know you will go to them.  When we see someone eating alone, I know you will pay for their meal.  I love that you’re always so willing to help others.

11.  It doesn’t matter what size I am, you always tell me how beautiful I am.  Not only do I absolutely believe you see me like that, you make me see myself like that too.  You have no idea how much that means to me and how much I appreciate it.

12.  You give me the most beautiful picture of Christ-like love in the way you pursue me patiently and never give up on me.

13.  You know how important pictures are to me.  You round everyone up and hop in the family picture without complaining.

14.  You respect me as a person and as your wife.

15.  This crazy chicken adventure we’re on together.  And the grace you showed me when chicken math became a real thing.  And when it continually becomes a real thing over and over and over again.

16.  Still having a smokin’ hot marriage after nearly 23 years.

17.  Your passion for music.  It has such a special place in our love story.  And how you’ve made it such a big part of our lives and now our children’s lives.

18.  I am at rest with you, and when you’re away my heart longs for you.

19.  I’m thankful for how good you are at geography.  You know if it was up to me, we wouldn’t make it too far out of town.

20.  You are my absolute favorite human.

21.  You always know the absolute perfect time to give me a hug accompanied by “It will all work out babe”.

22.  You explain football calls to me {and basically every other aspect of the game}. Even though you know perfectly well that I will interrupt the next game asking the same annoying questions.

23.  Your constant, never-ending support of me.  While others doubted I could make a photography business successful, you never doubted my abilities.  When I said it was time to retire, you supported my decision.

24.  I love your spontaneity and that I can ask you to go anywhere on a complete whim and you will!  And that you’re willing to drive every single time.

25.  Long summer 4-wheeler rides on those warm days.  Which also means me sneaking in some snuggle time.

26.  I’m so incredibly thankful God gave me such a handsome husband.

27.  Even when your skin is melting off you still let me cuddle all night long.

28.  You were always so willing to help me pack my car for every single newborn session and even accompanying me to the session if I needed an assistant.  And the never ending weddings you assisted me with over the years.

29.  You love self expression just as much as I do.  I love our long conversations about tattoo ideas.

30.  You make me laugh every single day.

31.  Your knowledge of the news, politics and gun rights.  You always know what is going on, which is good because I never do.

32.  Your love of trucks equals mine.

33.  You’re always so quick to apologize to me even though you know I’m not so quick (or good) at it.

34.  I love this new season we are in life, almost empty-nesters.  Our weekends away together are the best and I sure do love reconnecting with you.

35.  We make a great team!  We can work side-by-side doing any project, whether big or small.  I love that you’re not afraid to tackle anything with me, no matter if it’s fixing the coal furnace, helping me glue flowers on a baby bonnet or navigating the streets of a new town with me.

36.  With all my sicknesses, surgeries and hospital stays over the last few years you’ve never hesitated to jump in and take over everything yourself.  Never once complaining of the extra workload on you, in addition to your full-time job.  You are such an amazing blessing!

37.  You know how important it is to still date me, to dance with me in the kitchen while I’m cooking dinner, to smack my butt when you walk past and to write me an occasional love note.

38.  You’ve wiped away my tears, been a listening ear, and made me laugh at the stupidest things at the perfect moments.

39.  You thinks it’s hilarious to chase me around the house or up the stairs.  You laugh every single time.  And, without fail, I will scream even though I know it’s you.  And if I pee my pants you laugh even harder.

40.  You put up with my indecisiveness and my constant inability to make it through a movie without crying- and you do it all with a smile and a snuggle.

41.  All the little funny memories we’ve made together.  Laughter has always been such an important part of our marriage.

42.  You always know the right words to make me feel better.

43.  You have such a sweet love and compassion for animals.  And the fact that you don’t get mad when I tell you I may be hatching us out a few more chicks.

44.  Your sweet, tender heart.  Even though you have that tough exterior, I know that you are the sweetest caring man.

45.  You are my rock, my joy, my constant reminder that God is good and that He had us planned from the start.

46.  Simply because you are just you.  The man I feel in love with 23 years ago.  The man I still love madly, deeply, more and more everyday.

Happy Birthday sweet boy!  I love you!  Sharing my life with you is one of the greatest gifts of my life.