We married almost seven years ago.
My true north. After Him, of course.
A man who challenges and forces me to move yet extends far more grace and love than I ever deserve.
My space-heater.
The one that reverts to the scrappy young boy who “took nothin’ from nobody” if you mess with his family yet entirely peaceful and kind – unless you push too much.
The constant fixer of a broken garbage disposal.
Lover of snow, boyishly excited at the prospect of more than four inches. Wearer of Cardhart overalls while shoveling and dreaming of being on a farm.
Snow blower-orderer who is “concerned about his back” and needs a new snow-related toy.
Man who buys me a Diet Coke from McDonald’s if he’s out running errands. Who will stop if I’m in need of something “girly” and doesn’t bat an eye or carry my purse slung over his shoulder if I need extra hands.
Grace-giver. Lie-hater. Protector. Truck lover. Hunter.
Adventurous spirit.
Hiker of Machu Piccu, tracker of my heart.
The one who “makes it all better”, the first face I want to see when I’m blindsided by hurt. Or overwhelmed with joy.
Mario-Cart-playing Daddy to delightful squeals and contagious giggles. Horse that can carry three on his back (did I mention the back trouble?).
Passionate. Renassiance man interested in much: how to speak Latin, cigars, red wine, classical guitar, adventure/survival courses in wild open spaces.
God-lover. Jesus accepter. Bible teacher of our children.
Warrior of prayer.
Husband that cherishes a previously wounded bird, one that had already done this marriage thing once.
One who had also done this marriage thing once and was brave enough to try again. Thank you, God.
Man who loves me as I am right at this moment. Hearer of the ugly thoughts that are sometimes placed upon my heart.
Possessor of the arms that wrap around me when he knows that’s what I really need.
Ridiculous remember-er of movie lines and quips that are nonchalantly added at the most unsuspecting of moments:
“What we have here is failure to communicate.”
“I don’t think the heavy stuff is going to come down for quite some time now. I say we play through.”
“Why don’t you call the school nurse? She has, like, 30 of them in her top drawer?“
My husband. Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever ours.
Happy Birthday, Love. I am honored to be a part of this life journey with you. Thank you for picking me despite the crown of ashes. I know it wasn’t you who who replaced it with a crown of beauty, the oil of gladness, and a garment of praise but He sure used you as an instrument in that transformation. (referencing Isaiah 61:3)
Forever grateful.
On this Multitude Monday, I’m so thankful for:
281. His hands
282. His laugh
283. His understanding of all things science and patience with me when my eyes cross after a certain point
284. His calm, cool, collectedness that balances out a high-feeler type of wife
285. His commitment to learning how to be a better father and husband
285. His love of God
286. His need for order
287. His protection
288. His shoulders
289. His cross tattoo on the left one obtained three days after we met
290. Just him.
What a beautiful post!
This is such a gorgeous post about your husby! :) What a beautiful relationship you have.. God is good!
Linking up (late) from Caffeinated Randomness!
A lovely tribute! Hope his snow removal equipment is already here or arrives by Tuesday! Sounds like it might be a great chance to break it in!
beautiful natalie…so thankful to see God’s outworking in flesh…!
xo
Natalie, what a wonderful tribute to your husband! You are both blessed indeed to have found each other.
Happy Birthday, Natalie’s husband :) Hope you get all the snow you could ever want for your special day (I hear it’s headed our way…you can keep it all in Indiana, if you desire. I don’t mind.)
Yes, indeed, Jason is a wonderful man and our favorite son-in-law! I hope his snow blower arrives in time for the twelve inches of snow that is blowing your way tomorrow. Did you receive the THREE messages I left for you to be sure and have plenty of batteries on hand for your flashlights, candles, etc in case we have a power failure from the ice.
Love you
Mom
Happy Birthday JJ. You are indeed a great man! Beautiful post Natalie!
Natalie, this was so sweet. You are truly blessed, and he is truly blessed. I hope Jason has a wonderful day and a year full of countless blessings.
beautiful tribute to the man you love. Have a good day celebrating your man’s life.
This is so beautiful, Natalie! Jason is such a wonderful father and husband and he sets such a great example of what a Godly man is. (Does that sentence make sense? It did to me but now I’m not sure…ha!)
It’s funny how similar our personalities are and how similar our husband’s personalities are! Brian is definitely the calm, thoughtful, slow-paced guy while I’m th crazy, type A, get-it-done-now gal. :) Love you guys!
That is such a beautiful dedication to your husband. My husband and I have an anniversary coming up in 10 days (February 10th). I might steal this idea and do a blog dedicated to him.
Absolutely love this fantastic tribute to your husband. So very sweet! It seems we have much in common, including the divorce thing. We need to chat!
what a sweet birthday post! sounds like you are both blessed by each other :)
What a loving, sweet post for your husband. What a special man. #284 sounds like my husband. I love how you put it… “high-feeler type of wife”. Yep, that is me too! :) I hope your husband has a wonderful birthday!!
What a cute couple! And, what a lovely, lovely post, it made my heart smile!
Blessings to you for a beautiful week!
Space heater…I liek that one. My husband jokingly calls himself by the one that the 83 year old secratary at our church used-arm strong heater…..
Oh Natalie! What a blessing you are to each other and your children. Wow!
You two are super sweet, and I love this post. You can feel your love.
agree…this is gorgeous…i came back to it as my internet was not working when i tried yesterday…
so, so glad i did. honestly, i hope he read it…
and to hear your story…His story…I want to hear more, you know.
i think we should turn SDG into story time…Jen’s starting:)
Simply put…Wow. :)