16 Years

Mike and I had our 16th wedding anniversary yesterday. So to celebrate, even though I'm a day late, here are sixteen of my favorite things about Mike being my husband:

1. I love (and have ALWAYS loved) the way you make me laugh, not just because you're free entertainment, but because I believe laughter is so good for my soul. I love that we can be rip-roaring mad at each other and that, after a while, we have to avoid eye contact because we both know that if we actually look each other in the eye, one of us might smile, and then it's over for both of us.

2. I love that you don't get mad at me when I scare you - that you know it's just one of my character flaws and that even if you did get mad, I'd still have to do it because I can't help myself.

3. I love the fact that you color my hair and paint my toenails - and that you won't get upset that I just posted that for everyone to read.

4. I love that you are the only one that loves those four kids of ours the same way that I do - and that every worry and hope and fear that I have for them, you have too, and that we can talk about all of it and make decisions together on how to raise them to be the amazing people that we already know they are.

5. I also love that they all think you're the softie (unless they're in trouble - then they run to me), that when they want something really, really bad - they go to you... and that Katy has fully admitted that all she has to do is bat her eyelashes and say, "but Daddy...." and I think it's so cute (most of the time) that you know what she's doing and you give in anyway.

6. I love remembering when each one of them was born, each with their own story, and the look on your face because you just witnessed a miracle, and how you looked at me like I was the most amazing thing ever created; and how, each time, you cried and thanked me, and told me what a great job I did... and how every time I had to remind you that WE did it - together - and that I couldn't have done it without you by my side.

7. I love that we were best friends for months before our official first date... and that we're still best friends today.

8. I love how much passion you have for things. I know that when you do something, it will be done right, even better than I can imagine, because you are passionate about everything you do, whether it's weightlifting, woodworking, fixing things, yard work, or even cleaning... and I especially love that you're passionate about me.

9. I love that you tell me almost daily how beautiful you think I am - and that it makes you mad when I roll my eyes, or do something else to shrug it off, because you mean it, and you want me to know that you mean it.

10. I love the way you laugh - right out loud, without a care in the world.

11. I love that you can just hear my voice, or take one look at my face and know what kind of day I've had. I also love that we've gotten to know each other so closely that we both know when to keep talking and when it's good just to walk away and give the other one their space. That's one of my favorite things about being married this long.

12. I love that we know all of each others flaws, secrets, embarassments, and insecurities; and that not only do we love one another in spite of them, but we help each other get over them. I also love that we know all of each others hopes and dreams and wishes, and that we desperately want to help one another see them through.

13. I love that you have a green thumb and that you share your secrets with the neighbors because you honestly want the whole block to look great.

14. I love that you call me every day, sometimes several times a day, because you can't wait to tell me the latest news, or because you want to know my latest news, or because you just want to hear my voice.

15. I love that you will eat nearly anything that I cook and tell me how good it is - and I'll never forget when we were first married and you told me that something I'd made for dinner was better than your mom's... it made me cry.

16. Last but not least, I love knowing that we were meant for each other. I remember when I was 14 or 15 and my Grandmother told me that it would be a good idea for me to start praying for my future husband, and so I did. I remember times that my heart felt heavy as I did so, and that my prayers were more fervent; and then when we met, as we shared our life stories, and I thought back on those times and those feelings, they were the times that you were struggling in your own life, times that you needed those outside prayers, and to know that I felt that half way across the country, knowing that you existed, but not knowing who you were... I know I was meant to be yours, Mike, and you were, most definitely, meant to be mine... I love you forever, for always, and no matter what. YOU ARE THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!

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Just for a quick update, I'm actually doing a lot better, considering the black and blue bruises all over my body. I've gone almost completely off the pain meds, which is good because they make me loopy. Thanks so much for everyone's love, concern, help, and kindness... and dinners! Especially to my wonderful sister who not only sat by my side when Mike had to go back to work, but she even cleaned my house and did my laundry while I was in and out of loopville. Thank you so much, Kathryn!