31 years, 31 things

In two weeks it will be Jason's 31st birthday. In preparation for that day, I thought I would blog 31 things that I love about my husband. Just a small glimpse into the many reasons why I love this guy so much.

1. The way he smiles at me when I walk into a room.
2. The silly things he does to make the boys laugh.
3. How he's not afraid to chase dreams.
4. The silly things he does to make me laugh.
5. That he only complains a little when I rearrange things and he can't find anything.
6. I love that he calls me during the day just to say "hi".
7. The cute dimple on his chin.
8. He lets me put my cold feet on him to warm them up. We're talking often here. My feet are cold from about October to March.
9. He is always willing to lend a helping hand.
10. He's willing to listen to God's direction for our life.
11. How he'll get up and bring me a snack when I'm too lazy to get one myself.
12. He give's me an "A-" on the stuff I bake so that I'll make it again to try for an "A" even though we both know it was an "A" the first time. (Well, most of the time it is!)
13. I love that he is totally supportive of my crazy coupon addiction.
14. How he shaves and leaves a goatee just to make me laugh.
15. How he loads the dishwasher totally wrong and then only shakes his head when I rearrange things. Really, in my head there is a wrong way to load a dishwasher.
16. All the crazy facts he knows. I'm talking some really random stuff.
17. That he helps me not stress about the little things.
18. The fact that he is ticklish only a few times a year. Really, he can will himself to not be ticklish the rest of the time. I only wish I had that kind of willpower.
19. That he takes over the housework sometimes when he can tell I need a break.
20. How his sports team loyalties are rubbing off on Ethan.
21. I love that he lets me just talk whenever I can't stop talking.
22. That he knows my weaknesses and loves me anyway.
23. He makes sure I get "me time" when I really need it.
24. He's quite handy...he can fix just about anything.
25. That he hates it when I drive when we go somewhere together.
26. How he regularly irons his clothes without complaining.
27. He still flirts with me...just go back to my post in July where he tossed me into the lake fully clothed. Flirting at its finest!
28. How he can get me to believe almost anything he says. I'll ask him a question about something and he can "sell" me on a totally off-the-wall answer. Either he's good at sales, or I need to think a little more!
29. That he could eat a turkey dinner with all the trimmings every night.
30. That he spends time praying with me and reading the Bible with me.
31. That I know he still means it when he tells me he loves me.

I don't think I tell him enough what an incredible guy he is, so I thought this would be a great way to do it!

Happy Birthday

Today is Jason's birthday, and it's a big one. The big 3-0. This is a big deal really only to me; he could care less that he's 30. I, however, love that he's turning 30 before me. I don't know why it's such a big deal, especially since I'll probably smack him if he makes a big deal out of my 30th. :)

We're going to celebrate quietly today. Ethan helped me make M&M cookies since Jason doesn't really like cake. I think I'll actually cook him a good dinner, maybe even with meat, potatoes, and a veggie. We're going to take Ethan to a movie tomorrow evening, and then the boys are having a sleepover at my parents so Jason and I can go out to dinner for his birthday and have a full night's sleep. That's right, I said it, a FULL NIGHT'S SLEEP. Now that is a true sign of the fact that we are aging.

So, happy birthday to my wonderful husband and an awesome father. We're thankful for the years God as given you and pray for many more celebrations to come. I love you, Jason!

Off to Chicago

Well, technically Jason is off to Chicago! He left this evening for a weekend mission trip with our church. I'm trying my hand at single parenting for the weekend (though only really in the mornings and evenings since we've scheduled time with grandparents!).

Ethan had a hard time seeing Jason off. He cried and cried when Jason left. I didn't notice that he was crying at first, just that he was hanging on my leg. Jason looked down and gave him a hug and tried to cheer him up. Even talking about all of the fun things he will be able to do with mommy and grandpas and grandmas this weekend did not stop the flow of tears! I had to give lots of hugs and cuddles to get him to settle down. Ice cream with grandpa and grandma and a little work with grandpa in the back yard seemed to help some! He's such a tender hearted boy!


Micah and Ethan sitting on the curb by daddy waiting for the time to leave (and Jason had to inhale his supper!).

We would appreciate your prayers for a meaningful and safe trip this weekend for Jason...and that the boys and I are able to stay entertained...and that we are all cheerful when Jason returns Sunday night!