I love my husband

I just want to take a moment to really be thankful for my husband. I think so many times we all just go through the motions of parenting, running a household, and the routine of life, and we often forget to celebrate the lives of the ones we love.

I am so thankful for my precious husband. We met when we were in high school (I was 14, he was 16), and started "going together" before I could ever even go on an actual date at 16 years old. He was always extremely respectful of my parents, which they certainly appreciated, even to the point of leaving movies early to get me home (even though I didn't actually have a curfew). We, of course, broke up a few times along the way, but always found our way back to each other. We got married Nov. 1, 1997 (finally!) after 10+ years of dating.

Richard has changed so much in the 20 years I've known him- I guesss we all have, but still- he has really allowed the Lord to do a work in his life from the time I first met him. Even when we got married, I didn't realize what a great husband I was going to be blessed with, and especially what a fun and great Daddy he'd become! Most of the laughter in our home occurs when Daddy is around, and he loves to surprise the kids with simple joys such as an icee when the neighborhood truck rolls around. Richard loves to make up new games with the kids, and they love climbing all over him and wrestling in the floor. He loves playing ball with Matthew, pushing them both in the swing, going for walks with them, getting on the waterslide or in the pool with them, letting Sarah Beth paint his nails and brush his hair, and letting them both help him in the yard planting flowers or mowing the lawn (even though they're really in the way!). Richard always seems to make the kids feel special in their own ways, and he shows patience with them (that I often don't have!). They LOVE their Daddy!!!

Richard is silly and crazy with the kids, but he is also very hard-working and disciplined. He always gives it his all, whether it be his job, his teaching of college students, his yardwork, his work-outs, his role as husband, or his role as Daddy. When I'm working out and just feel like I can't go another rep or another step, I hear his voice in my head saying "Finish with authority!" He inspires me to be the best "me" I can be, and accepts me as I am. Of course, we have difficult moments here and there, but the times he is wrong, he is always very quick to say he is sorry and ask for forgivness- now that is something rare for a man!!! I also LOVE his ability to see the big picture, his discerning spirit, and the wisdom he has well beyond his years. He has a love for the simple things in life, and although he wishes to provide all the best for us, he supports our decision for me to stay at home rather than working right now because he realizes that our children are our main priority. We may not have the huge house we'd have if we had two incomes, but we only have a short time to raise our babies and be home with them, and all too soon we know they will be off to college!

I always feel secure in his love and his commitment to me and our family, and these days, that is certainly something to cherish. I know he will protect us, provide for us, love us unconditionally, and always be there for us. I love him for so many things, there are too many to name. I have loved him for 20 years, and will love him for the rest of my life! Thank you, Lord, for my precious husband!!!