{saying it out loud}

I talk about my kids a lot on this blog, which makes sense, since I'm a mom, and my life literally revolves around them--pretty much every waking moment.  I don't talk as often about their dad--my husband--in as much detail, but I've been feeling really grateful lately, and I know I haven't been very good about expressing that.  So, how better to do it than on a blog where a thousand of our closest friends can read it?  Lol.

This week was my birthday, and he really made an extra effort to make it a special one.

1.  He planned a surprise date night the weekend before my birthday, which I did not expect at all, since he had been out of town and was supposed to be coming in late.  He walked in at 4:30pm, and told me to be ready by 6pm--and not to ask questions.  Okay, people.  Me, not ask questions?  That's like asking the sky not to be blue.  Boy, did I ask questions.  I was also just a tiny bit concerned (and expressed that a little more openly than I should have) that we had 5 kids that hadn't eaten (nor had I cooked, thinking it would be pizza night), I hadn't showered in at least 2 days, I still needed to fit my run in for the day, I had already made another commitment for that evening, plus I had million errands to run for some responsibilities I had the next day. As soon as he walked in the door, I had planned to leave and get everything done. What can I say?  He had been gone all week, and I honestly was a frazzled mess.  Does this happen to anyone but me? I almost backed out, but in the end I went, and had the best time.  It was fun, relaxing, and perfect, and I even got a pink furry crown and whoopie cushion.  ☺ (don't ask...)

2. He was out of town this week as well, and was actually gone on my birthday.  The prospect of having him gone that day and especially that night wasn't really very appealing at all, and even though I knew we would celebrate later, it just wasn't going to be the same.  That morning I worked in the girls' classrooms, then came home and actually took a nap when the boys went down.  I honestly can't remember the last time I did that, and it felt really good.  All of a sudden, I was awakened  by Rick, who wasn't supposed to be home for hours.  He had gotten up at 3:30am in order to catch an early flight and make it home that afternoon--just to gave me the rest of the day off.  I took full advantage of it, and spent the rest of the afternoon (and evening) shopping and enjoying a day all by myself.  It was wonderful, and how grateful I am to an extremely thoughtful husband who sacrificed his own sleep to give me the best birthday present ever.

3.  A girl should not have to make her own birthday cake, and I never have.  I mentioned a few months back a cake that I really wanted to have, and Rick marked it on his calendar so he could remember.  It may have not been the prettiest cake, or even the best-tasting cake to anyone else, but to me it was perfect.

A few other things...

*He is a very talented woodworker, and has made a lot of the furniture in our home.  I always have a running list, and I love that he is so willing to do it, and that he loves it so much. The current project?  Re-doing our music room, and as we speak he is working on the board and batten that will go around the bottom half of the room. He also helps me A LOT with any projects I have going on--and I pretty much always have one or two in the works.  Never a complaint--always willing to help and sacrifice his own time--I am a lucky girl, I know.

*He is FUNNY.  He has this quick wit that gets me laughing all the time.  I love being married to someone who makes me laugh.

*Even though he knows he locked all the doors and windows, he will still pacify my paranoia and OCD tendencies when I ask him at midnight if he has locked them, and make him go check them again.  He will also stop on the way through the kitchen to get me a drink. Or a treat. Or whatever else I may have forgotten!

*He's really supportive of anything I choose to do, and does everything he can to help make it happen. When I started long distance running, he was my biggest fan and supporter, and still is.  He has taught me a lot, and I love that we can enjoy it together. He is much faster than me, but he'll still gladly come with me when I need a running partner. 

*He's thoughtful. He thinks of the little things, like buying my favorite treat at the grocery store, or mopping the floor when I've had a long day, or using his lunch hour to go to the store for me so I don't have to take 4 little kids inside. I could write a lot more of these little things, and I appreciate each one of them.

*He loves me for who I am, weaknesses and all. He still thinks I'm beautiful even when I haven't showered for 2 days, or when I look my very worst, or when I'm having a "fat"day and think the world is going to end because the scale went up exactly .4 pounds.

*He works really hard to provide for us, and I also appreciate the work ethic he teaches to our children.

*He is good and kind to everyone he meets--no matter who they are, or where they come from, or what they do. 

.....

So, today I'm grateful, and I just wanted to say it out loud.

I love you, babe.