Happy Birthday, Love.

Babe,

Happy Birthday!

You are 26 years old today. It seems weird because 9 years ago this month was when you and I first started dating. We were so young and although we are still young, it sure doesn't feel like it sometimes. You are a 26 year old dad of 3 young children. You are a veteran. You are currently working at a job that is your potential career. We are homeowners and have been for some time now. It is incredible the man you are and I am so proud of you.

This year has been wonderful. We enjoyed a 3rd pregnancy and birth of a beautiful baby girl who happens to look just like you. You prayed, fasted and believed for a new job and God honored your perseverance and desire by blessing you with just that! The Bible says you can tell a true man of God by his fruit. What I see is a man who prays, repents and continues serving God despite his circumstances. And then I see God give you the things that you desire and want--big and small.

For instance, we have been wanting a new shed to put your tools and lawn mower in, and although we stopped praying about it awhile ago, it was still your desire. God has seen your faithfulness lately and your heart, and He blessed you with that shed last week at a price that is incredible.

I am thankful for you more today than ever. I love watching you father our children and although we disagree often, I am enjoying this ride with you. I love watching you with the babies and how you enjoy them. Being a dad is what you were made for. It's who you were created to be and I can see that clearly.

I hope that this coming year is just as blessed as the last few have been. I pray that we can continue to honor God in our giving, loving and worship. I know that you will continue to be faithful and continue to grow and that excites me. The Lord is using you already in your new job--remember that, love, when things feel hard. [I pray they never will.]

You are my best friend and the love of my life. I adore everything about you, even if it feels like I don't sometimes. I am so attracted to you and passionate about you. You still make me feel just like you did all those years ago as kids. I am grateful that you are no longer that boy, but he is who I fell in love with and ultimately I will always love you for being that person.

I love that we have grown together, changed together and endured so many things together. I firmly believe that these are the best years of our life...they sure are flying by aren't they? Before we know it we'll have grandchildren and we will share the quiet of a house that once was full. I'll embrace that time with you as well, Daniel, because I love you more than anything.

I hope you have a great day. I'll do my best to make sure you do.

I love you.

God bless you.

You are my best friend.

Love, Me