5479

Are the number of days that...

...I have felt safe and secure in your embrace.

...you have challenged, encouraged and accepted me.

...I have enjoyed looking at the most perfect back-side ever created.

...we have worked on our differences and have a stronger relationship because of it.

...I have looked forward to seeing you walk in the door.

...we have experienced laughter and tears.

...you have tried unsuccessfully to beat me at Scrabble. ;P

...I've said "I do" to the love of my life.

...you make me laugh so hard that I snort.

...I love to hear you say my name.

...you love the Lord and your family.

...I am blessed to call you Lover, Friend and Husband.

Happy 15th Anniversary, Marko!

I am so thankful to the Lord for you, and the life that we've built together so far.
I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in the next 15 years...and beyond!

the man i adore

This week over at Women Living Well the "Completing Him" Challenge continues...

Admire your husband in writing.

Gladly!

And, because I'm feeling obnoxious creative, I'm going to list his merits in alphabetical order.

Attractive- His eyes still melt me into a puddle after 15 yrs.

Brave- He goes to check out the strange noises for me in the middle of the night.

Creative- He loves to create things, from wedding cakes to model trains...and does it all well!

Devoted- He is completely committed to his job as husband and father.

Encouraging- He encourages me to take chances and do things that intimidate me.

Faithful- He shows me in a million little ways that he only has eyes for me.

Gentle- He is a pro at soothing hurts (emotional and physical) and always has a soft touch at the right moment.

Hard-working- He is the provider for our family and puts 100% into making sure that we have everything that we need...and lots of what we want!

Inventive- He is always thinking outside the box. He finds extraordinary uses for ordinary things.

Joker- His antics keep the rest of us in giggles!

Kind- He speaks to me with kindness and thoughtfulness.

Long-suffering- He is endlessly patient with my quirks and insecurities.

Masculine- He is a man's man in the best sense of the word.

Nature-lover- He loves sharing his amazing knowledge of plants and animals with Sam.
Ornery- He is playful and mischievious.
Prepared- He is a man with a plan when it comes to keeping our family safe on outings and trips.

Quick -thinking- He always has an ingenious solution to problems big and small.
Relaxed- He is relaxed when I am a stressed out mess...somebody has to keep their head on straight!

Sincere- What you see is what you get with him. No airs, no pretense, just 100% real.

Trustworthy- If he gives me his word, I know he will follow through on it.

Unswerving- He sticks to his convictions and is not easily swayed.

Vital- He is vital to my happiness. ;oP

Warm- He is my personal heater on chilly nights.

X-tremely wonderful- Need I say more?

Youthful- He is young at heart and makes an excellent playmate for the kids (and me!)

Zestful (is that a word?)- He has a zest for life and fun.

God could not have picked a more perfect man for me. He is my opposite in so many ways, yet we are a perfect fit.

I love you, Marko!

i L.O.V.E., looove my husband

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share a little bit about why I love my man. A little late, I know. But what do you expect? I do most of my writing one-handed, at midnight, with an infant attached to me...not terribly productive!

But enough about me.

Marko is the calm in my storm. He patiently listens while I rant and rave about whatever has my panties in a bunch, then offers a solution or a hug. If I am running late and harried because there is too much to do and not enough time to do it, he quickly packs the kids up, gathers loose ends and makes sure that I'm out the door with everything I need. He lets me cry in his arms and makes me laugh when I'm taking myself WAY too seriously.

He forgives me unconditionally. I have been manipulative, proud, bossy, hurtful, deceptive, resentful, and just plain mean at times. And he forgives it all.

He has NEVER spoken an unkind word to me. EVER. We have been together for over 15 years and not once has he said anything intentionally hurtful to me.

But most of all, I love him because he loves me in a way that makes it easier to understand the way that Jesus sees me and wants to relate to me. Through Marko, I understand a little better the peace that comes with bringing my storms to the Lord. That He is my Rock and Shelter and Refuge from every storm. I understand a little better the forgiveness that He offers for the sins that I commit over, and over, and over, and...well, you get the picture! I understand a little better that Jesus is not harsh or spiteful, but speaks only the things that will build me up, convict me of sin that erodes our relationship, and draw me closer to Him. That His words are never condemning, accusing or hateful, but loving, gracious and compassionate.

And for all this, I love my husband.