Happy Birthday Kristie!

Today is Kristie's birthday - and not just any birthday, but her 30th birthday. And so, in honor of this momentous day, here are 30 reasons I love and appreciate her:

1. The way she cares for me

2. The way she cares for the kids

3. That she's so diligent about reading scriptures with the boys and even helping them memorize the scripture mastery verses.

4. That she doesn't enjoy cooking ... because then we don't have to fight over who gets to cook :)

5. Her go-getter attitude (The word "No" isn't in her vocabulary)

6. That, once she's committed to something, she goes at it with her whole self.

7. That she does home school with the boys - they're definitely learning far more than they would in the public schools. According to the public schools, Nathan isn't even ready to start Kindergarten 'till the fall but he's already doing double-digit math (like 68 minus 50) in his head - no kidding. Alex is doing the same. I don't think there are many parents that have what it takes to do home school (I know I don't) so this is a big one!

8. The way she always tries to get me to linger a bit longer in the mornings before work to spend more time with her.

9. That she always laughs at my jokes, even when they're really not funny.

10. That she absolutely loves with all of hear heart.

11. That she helps me to be a better person.

12. She's the official painter of the family and it always looks good. She'll always discuss her ideas with me beforehand and I always have a hard time imagining what it will look like - but it's always fantastic in the end.

13. That she sacrifices her personal desires to be a mother - and she's so good at it.

14. That she changes 90% of Katie's diapers and never complains about it (though that might change as Katie starts to eat more solid foods ... )

15. Her frequent posts on the blog - what a great family journal! I know that in 5 years, or 10, or 20, we'll have so much fun reading about what we were doing / thinking / etc.

16. Her spontaneity.

17. That she keeps the house (relatively) clean but that she worries more about spending time with the kids.

18. That she enjoys rather than resents motherhood - truly there is no greater mission in life! Of course, it's not always easy and she gets tired / frustrated / burnt out / etc. - but she keeps on going.

19. She loves holidays and always comes up with the best activities.

20. That she thinks Katie is her little baby doll that she needs to dress all pretty - and she does a fantastic job of it and even (mostly) stays in budget.

21. That she's older than I am so I can tease her about turning 30 (though I'm sure she'll return it full force on my birthday ... HA! Old Lady!)

22. She's a good example for me.

23. She's so extremely talented with so many things.

24. That she's always encouraging and finds ways to make me feel like I'm doing a good job at being a father and husband - even when I can do better.

25. That she listens to me no matter what - even if I'm talking about programming mumbo-jumbo that is meaningless to her.

26. She's really good about remembering to take pictures. 99% of the pictures we have of the kids doing cute / funny things were taken by her.

27. That she willingly submits to being my test-taster for even the craziest of culinary adventures - some of which have been less than edible (remember the shrimp ravioli?)

28. She's the best mom in the world!

29. She's the best wife in the world!

30. She's my best friend in the world!

Happy birthday Babe!


(Thanks, Jed, for the idea ...)