Jared

Just a few reasons

                                           I love this guy...

1. He loves me.
2. He helps with the house.
3. He wrestles with the kids.
4. He gives me the last bite.
5. He wants the best for our kids.
6. He helps with the kids at bedtime.
7. He's passionate about our family.
8. He's a good leader.
9. He sacrifices for us daily.
10. He's not a whiner.
11. I can trust his judgment completely.
12. He does the right thing, even when he doesn't want to.
13. He tries to please me.
14. He's methodical.
15. He's extremely inventive and creative.
16. He loves babies.
17. He's loves family adventures.
18. He's dependable.
19. He takes command.
20. He can still sweet talk me.
21. He handles the finances and pays the bills.
22. He is not careless with our money.
23. He is proud of my accomplishments.
24. He doesn’t get angry when I change my mind... again.
25. He doesn't swear.
26. He uses words well.
27. He knows how to reason through a disagreement calmly and logically.
28. He can fix just about anything.
29. He is generous.
30. He's stays calm in stressful situations.
31. He is the best birth support person on the face of the planet.
32. He changes diapers.
33. He can be trusted to care for all four of our children.
34. He marvels at our children.
35. He asks my opinion.
36. He's committed wholeheartedly to our marriage.
37. He's realistic.
38. He surprises me with flowers and gifts.
39. He compliments me.
40. He tells me I am beautiful several times a day.
41. He's consistent.
42. He helps feed the kids.
43. He thanks me at the end of the meal.
44. He is not picky.
45. I'm still attracted to him.
46. He worked his butt off to buy us a house.
47. He doesn't make excuses.
48. He handles my mood swings with patience and grace.
49. He knows me.
50. He takes care of me.
51. He has insanely beautiful eyes.
52. He helps with laundry.
53. He looks at me with wonder, like I am the most beautiful creature he’s ever seen.
54. He loves me as I grow older.
55. He wants to be a good husband and father.
56. He values my job as a wife and mother.
57. He is encouraging to our kids.
58. He takes the kids on dates.
59. He's silly for our children.
60. His eyes don't stray.
61. He makes me laugh.
62. He doesn't get drunk.
63. He doesn't do drugs.
64. He understands what's important in life.
65. He has a great sense of humor.
66. He would lay down his life for us in a heartbeat.
67. His arms are protective.
68. He keeps our cars running.
69. He pursues a relationship with God.
70. He let’s things roll off his back.
71. He shows excitement about my interests.
72. He'd rather be with me and the kids than anywhere else.
73. He is so giving...of his time, knowledge, help, love.
74. He'd give a stranger the shirt off his back.
75. He's honest.
76. He questions the “facts” until he knows the truth for himself.
77. He's not scatter-brained.
78. He's always prepared.
79. He's a great provider.
80. He thinks of small ways to be helpful to me, and does them.
81. He's intuitive and understands women.
82. He tells me if he's running late.
83. He's predictable.
84. He's happy to work behind the scenes.
85. He fills the cars with gas when I leave it on empty.
86. He drives when we are together.
87. He opens the door for me.
88. He takes out the garbage.
89. He is a friendly, talktative, extrovert.
90. He considers the needs of our family first when making decisions.
91. He's got a really cute butt.
92. He's kind.
93. He lets me talk and he actually listens.
94. He helps me make decisions.
95. He is incredibly patient.
96. He has a job.
97. He works hard.
98. He desires to understand how things work, and figures it out.
99. He's a man of his word.
100. He chose me.

Shout Out

This one's for you, Jared.

I had a prior commitment on Sunday evening this week (Halloween night), and I missed part of our girls' first time trick-or-treating (I was able to join them later). As I drove away in one direction, and watched Cinderella, Tink, and Blacktooth pile into the van with Yanni, I lost it. I cried hard. I hated missing this. And it was just Halloween. Not that important, but I wanted to be there. I wanted to see their shining faces, and hear their shouts of delight.

Driving away and missing it because I was honoring my commitment was difficult and I only got through it with tears.

This is what Jared does every day. He goes to work nine hours a day, five days a week, knowing full well that he is going to miss a whole heap of "firsts." And yet I have never once heard the words "It's not fair" fall from his lips. I have heard the way his heart aches over missing these treasured moments, but I have never once even detected an attitude of resentment. Every time he leaves this house, he honors the commitment he made to provide for this family. Every time he walks out the door, he ensures us of the extreme love bound up in his heart for all of us. Every time, he knows he will miss something amazing, but he sacrifices the joy I get to experience daily, to provide for our needs.

Jared, you are quite a man. Thank you for sacrificing so much for the sake of your family. It does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. You are a hard worker, wonderful husband, and amazing daddy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you.

Dear Jared,

You are an amazing man, husband and father. Thank you for serving me wholeheartedly this past week. Thank you for spending so much time with me at home, and for all the help around the house. Thank you for dedicating yourself to playing with Sophia, and making sure she felt loved, while I cared for Jazlyn. Thank you for staying optimistic when I was stressed out. Thank you for working so hard for your family. Love you Babe.

Love,
Naomi