The Big 40!

 My favorite person in the world was born on June 5, 1985, which means he turned the big 40 this month. I've only been with him for half that but I'm sure grateful he was born. He is my best friend, the listener of my vents and concerns, the one who always has logic and an understanding beyond my own. He has such wisdom, is so content and happy with where he is at and with his life. He loves me and our girls fiercely. He is the one who always makes me laugh and knows how to put a smile on my face. He is the greatest and perfectly timed comments and jokes that leave people laughing. He always knows the right thing to say to me and our girls in times of worry and stress. He is the hardest worker, and we made an incredible team. My girls are incredibly lucky and blessed to have him as their dad and I'm eternally grateful to have him as my husband. Happy birthday Nate!

I asked him if he wanted a big party and he just wanted the normal for this big occasion- spaghetti dinner with his family and ice cream cake with extended family that is nearby. No fanfare, just him and his girls, really how he likes it the most. The girls and I did surprise with 40 things we love about him. So, I wanted to write those things out and 40 of my favorite pictures of my favorite guy.

1. That you give me stuff. (Baylor)

2. When you play with me. (Baylor)

3. I like that you are my primary teacher. (Baylor)

4. I like when you help me build forts. (Baylor)

5. I like when you help me plant in the garden. (Baylor)

6. I like helping you package stuff. (Baylor)

7. I love you Dad! Happy Birthday! (Love, Baylor)

8. I love when you come home from work (McCall)

9. I love hiding under blankets with you. (McCall)

(I have been giving Nate otter pops for his birthday every year since our time together. It is one of his favorite gifts and it always feels like the start of summer.)

10. I love being held by you. (McCall)

11. I love going outside with you. (McCall)

12. I love "sharing" your cereal. (McCall)

13. I love that you cook me noodles- Top Ramen. (McCall)

14. I love watching police with you- "Paw Patrol Live". (McCall)

15. I love building things with you and helping you do things in the yard. (McCall)

16. I love going to the messy store with you. (Paige)

17. I love when you rub my back. (Paige)

18. I love watching LivePD/On Patrol Live with you. (Paige)

19. I love playing with you (volleyball, baseball, 4-square, etc.) (Paige)

20. I love being outside with you. (Paige)

21. I like helping you. (with tasks like designing a phone holder or packaging stuff or etc.) (Paige)

22. I like investigating police stuff with you.

23. I like shopping with you (Fred Meyer/Walmart runs). (Paige)

24. I love how you are supportive. (Paige)

25. I love all your other amazing qualities! (Paige)

26. I love being your wife! You are the best husband for me. 

27. You are the best dad to our girls!

28. You make the best Top Ramen, Mac & Cheese, and Chili burritos especially after church for lunch.

29. You are a rockstar at supporting and providing for us.

30. You always support me in the things I want to do and in my callings.

31. You make me feel safe and secure.

32. You are the best at taking care of our yard and garden.

33. You love the beach and the outdoor adventures that I plan. I love going on adventures with you because you are a wealth of knowledge and teach our girls about the little things we see. You find the best treasures and come up with the best games to keep us all entertained.

34. You do the dishes and help around the house.

35. I love our evening walks.

36. You have been my #1 for all the good and hard times (surgeries, sickness, IVF and infertility, C-sections, and SO many moments of JOY!)

37. I love that you are curious and look into things.

38. I love that you are athletic and outdoorsy.

39. I love that you are my Best Friend.

40. I love our evening cuddles while we watch things after the girls are in bed. You always are willing to answer my questions and just be with me even when we are tired.

Happy birthday Nate! As I looked through all these pictures, countless memories went through my mind. I'm so grateful that I get to do life with you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.