Lucky 13

Today, the 13th of February, marks the 13th anniversary of my first kiss with Todd.  :)  Thirteen years ago, we said goodnight on the doorstep of the Sugar City house, and I was just begging for it.  I wanted him to kiss me sooooo bad!  After all, I had been stalking him for quite some time by then....

So in honor of 13 amazing years together, here is my top 13 list of how what I love about my hubby.

1.  He loves me.  Remember the stalking I just admitted to?  It's a lot less creepy since the feelings were mutual.  (HIMYM!)  The best thing about Todd is that he loves me back.  Our mutual love has created a wonderful life together.  Without it, I would just be another crazy girl, looking up a guy's schedule, and strategically placing myself around campus.

2. He supports everything I do and want.  I used to assume all marriages were like this, but now I know just how lucky I am.  When I told Todd I wanted to be a doula and work crazy hours, and have ALOT of people think I'm a total weirdo: He was all for it.  When I told him I wanted to add more to my already full plate and start teaching zumba, he said "do it!".  When I told him I wanted to start spending a lot more money on food and eat organically, he didn't bat an eyelash.  The man has literally never said "no" to me.

3. He can't stay mad at me.  (His words, not mine)  But since he is married to a girl who can hold on to a grudge like it's a baby about to fall off of a cliff, I'm pretty darn lucky.  It is quite nice to be with someone who can forgive and forget and put love first.  Hmmm....  I need to change my ways.

4.  He's the smartest person I know.  And I know a lot of smart people.  The best thing about Todd is that he is book smart and street smart.  He goes to work and makes tiny image sensors and all sorts of other hard things that I don't understand.  But then he can come home and understand the mysterious, inner workings of his wife and kids.  He can rip a book to shreds and find all the author's flaws.  He can see through propaganda and think for himself.  He does brain teasers for leisure activities, and I'm pretty sure he could teach my childbirth education class.  I like to remind him that I'm smart too, because sometimes I can feel like a total dummy with him!  The man understands EVERYTHING!

5.  He's romantic.   He set the bar pretty high by writing me a love song for our first Valentine's Day together!  He totally swept me off my feet, and continues to spoil me with hand written notes, flowers, music,  and jewelry.

6.  He's hilarious!  I can get too serious and stressed out, and Todd provides much needed comic relief in my life.  Sometimes his jokes are hard to catch because he is smart with them, and you have to really listen.  Other times, he can just quote a stupid movie and lighten the mood that way.  He keeps cracking me up and always keeps me smiling.

7.  He's cultured.  Our love of music is what brought us together.  I love that my husband wants to go to shows and concerts with me.  We either love it and enjoy it together, or come home and rip it apart.  We are total music snobs, and it's so fun!

8.  He changes poopy diapers.  Todd isn't one of those dads who assumes I will do all the dirty work.  I NEVER even change a diaper til we are home from the hospital.  He doesn't complain or try to get out of diaper duty.  (Just another flaw I have noticed in a lot of other men...)

9.  He's there for me.  Our life has been pretty crazy, especially since we added #4 to our crew.  I try to have our home somewhat organized and peaceful at night so Todd can relax after work, and so we can enjoy our evenings together.  That has not been the case lately, and I was apologizing for it several weeks ago.  Todd's response: "We're in this together, Marie".  It was just what I needed to hear.  Sometimes I feel like I have to carry all my burdens alone, but that isn't the case at all.  Todd has been there through every sleepless night, every heartache, every self-doubt, and every day in between.

10.  He loves being a dad.  When we were newlyweds, Todd would stare at the young families during sacrament meeting.  (I would stare too... in horror!)  He was eager and excited for parenthood, and he loves our children dearly.  He comes home and instantly starts entertaining, wrestling, reading, comforting, etc.  He takes pictures and writes in their journals.  He can tell when one of them needs more from us.  He takes them on dates and does science experiments.  He is the example of a loving, hands on dad.

11.  He loves his family, and mine.  I gave Todd a pretty hard time for being a mama's boy when we were dating.  That was stupid of me.  The relationship he has with his parents makes him who he is today.  The man I love!  He has also welcomed my family into his heart, and has never tried to make it difficult for me to see my family.

12.  He thinks in the long-term.  Todd has always worked hard to ensure a good future.  As a teenager he took AP classes, got great grades, served a mission, went to college.  He knew what needed to be done a young adult to be the kind of adult he wanted to be.  Now he works hard so his career can excel, and thinks about saving enough for retirement and for the kids.  He thinks through his options, and doesn't get distracted with short term solutions.

13.  He's a hottie!  It wouldn't really be a Valentine's day post, or an honest post, without me saying that my husband is a total hunk!  There's a reason I stalked him.  His tall athletic build, sparkling blue eyes, and genuine smile sent my hormones flying!

Happy 13th kissaversary, honey!  Everything about the last 13 years hasn't been good, but the kissing always has! :)  I love you!