It seems like I'm always updating everybody else and bragging on the children (and even the dog), but I feel like I may neglect my bragging of Jamie a bit. Not intentionally, of course. He knows how much I love him, but sometimes I just have to sit and ponder.
Jamie has been in my life for almost 24 years. It is honestly had to think of life before Jamie, because I was a mere child. We went to school dances, the movies, and each other's houses until we could actually date. We had some ups and downs in high school. I think there were moments that we both thought about ending the madness. For whatever reason we stuck it out. As angry as he would make me sometimes at 15 years old, we had a lot of fun together when we were together. In all reality, he became my best friend no matter what label was slapped on it.
Our relationship grew, we got engaged at 18, married at 19, and here we sit almost 18 years later. Crazy! I love him more than I ever thought possible. The same man that graduated high school by the skin of his teeth is maintaining a 4.0 status in graduate school. Maybe because he wants it more? Maybe because he is doing it for the 5 of us? Maybe he was just really that smar all along!
The same man that wasn't a Christian when we met (neither was I) is now a minister and love God with his whole heart. Not only does his vocation show it, his life shows it. He has a strong faith.
A few months ago as I went through the most challenging thing I've ever encountered in life, he let me cry as much as I needed, held me against his chest for me to scream into, held me up at the graveyard when it felt like my legs would collapsed under me, he stood by my side (and still is) and was there for my family and me without complaint (because I know he was exhausted). He lets me talk about it as much as I need and I know he prays for me.
He is a very hands-on Daddy and my kids adore him. I sometimes feel like chopped liver, because Daddy quickly gains all the attention when he is home. They miss him when he is gone, but they make up for lost time. He works a lot and always has. He puts our needs first and always has. He is the Daddy that all children wish they had if they don't.
He works hard (darned hard) for our family. We could easily be a double income family, but it just never felt right. God shifted my calling to stay home and later to homeschool, and he supports that, is excited about that, and trusts God (as to I) to provide our needs.
I love you Jamie!
