dave's big day!

40 things I love about my Dave, on his 40th birthday:

1. He whistles...all the time. I love it. It sets a happy mood in our house.

2. He cooks like you wouldn't believe. Mmm hmm...THAT good.

3. He gets up in the middle of the night with the kids.

4. He does an amazing job with our yard.

5. He loves flowers and he's not embarrassed about it.

6. He sings beautifully. I like the rare Sunday when I get to sit next to him and hear.

7. He knows the answer to everything. A memory like a steel trap. It took me a few years to realize he was actually smarter than me.

8. You should see what he can create with some sand and water at the beach.

9. I LOVE that he loves my family just as much as his own.

10. He doesn't raise his voice at me. Ever.

11. He always lets me hold the remote...and I mean always.

12. He is selfless. Truly selfless.

13. He let me name Margaret Margaret. Actually, he let me name all the kids.

14. He never lets his fingernails get too long.

15. Never a day without a shower.

16. His laugh.

17. His support of my need for escape at the end of a long day.

18. He tells me I'm beautiful...even more beautiful than celebrities who are more beautiful than me.

19. He can fix anything. I'm not kidding.

20. He'll bring me treats when I'm sitting like a bump on the couch.

21. He won't let us see a rated R movie, despite my pleading once in awhile.

22. He calms me when I am anxious.

23. He'll rub my feet if I ask him.

24. He laughs anytime I call him at work to tell him something funny from my day.

25. He'll come home from work to rescue me if I'm struggling with motherhood.

26. He gives the kids horseback rides.

27. He is handsome.

28. He will watch Dancing With the Stars with me. And SYTYCD. And The Bachelor. And Ellen.

29. He cooks dinner around here 99 1/2 percent of the time.

30. He is gentle.

31. He is kind.

32. He is a great artist.

33. He let's me buy $2.75 cupcakes and doesn't get mad at me.

34. He shovels the driveway before the snow even settles.

35. He always gives people the benefit of the doubt.

36. He tells me my piano playing is pretty, even when it isn't.

37. He loves our children.

38. He loves me.

39. He loves the Lord.

40. He's mine.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE! I love you.