3.1.

Today is Matt's birthday and in his honor, my much-anticipated flowers have blossomed. What a perfect birthday gift!

Happy Birthday, Darling!

Thirty One reasons you are exceptional

~ You love your children more than money.
~You work tremendously hard for your family, even when those around you-don't.
~You call me sugarbear, even in public
~You are an encourager
~You are liberal with compliments
~Your goals are praiseworthy.
~You let me tuck my frozen toes under your legs in bed at night, to warm them.
~You wake up before dawn each day and work in manure for 11 hour stretches, and yet, you smile when you come home.
~You make time to play with your children.
~Wisdom and smarts both live within you
~You look good in a beard AND without one.
~After your childhood, it is exceptional just that you are living!
~You have gusto
~You are patient
~You check on the kids every night, just to see them one more time.
~You lead this family in the way we should go
~You make me laugh so hard that sometimes drink comes spewing from my mouth (and nose)
~You kiss the back of my neck and take a deep breath-like you are savoring my smell. I love that.
~You can find people of any age, of any profession and with any worldview and still have something to talk about.
~Your rearview (wink,wink)
~You have complimented my cooking even when we were newlyweds-and THAT took a lot!
~You have defended my honor countless times
~You built a beautiful stonewall
~You value your heritage
~You spend what little free time you have doing such wonderful projects
~You value 'old time' crafts like leather working, buckskinning, brewing, cider making. These things define you.
~You are dependable and available to those who need you.
~You persevere, even when things don't always go as planned.
~You fall asleep in my arms at night and I wake up in yours in the morning...and you love it as much as I do.
~I trust you completely
~The sky is your limit


The Lord has used you mightily in the past 31 years. I think of all the times you nearly died, or could have died and I think about how God protected you because He had great plans for your life. You have devoted all your years to glorify His name-and you HAVE brought glory to it!

People see you and see someone, SOMETHING, different. People respect you, value your input, and trust you. In all that you do, you are pointing people toward God-you are bringing Glory to his name.

The children and I pray for you together each and every day..that you might continue to be used mightily for His honor. We look forward to seeing all that God has planned for you in the coming years.

The children are so very blessed to have you as a Father.

I am so very, very blessed that you are my husband and dearest friend.

The Lord has been good to us all, even just in giving you to us!

I love you