Happy Birthday!

Today is my man's 30th birthday!

In honor of his special day, I thought I'd share something a bit personal that I know will mean a lot to him.

Once upon a time Kristen encouraged me to make a list of all the qualities I would want in a husband. We talked a lot about our "hot Christian husbands," but we didn't know for sure what we really wanted them to be like. Since there were zero prospects at the ripe old age of 22, my list was lofty and ambitious. And long! And it had to be revised several times because, at that point in life, I cared a lot about non-character attributes. I believe "owns a car, owns a house, has a 401k" were high priorities...

I really put a lot of time and energy into the list, and of course, forgot all about it six months later (when Mr. Car, House, 401k asked me out--and he turned out to be a total idiot...). I found it a couple years ago when we moved here and was absolutely floored when I read it. My Justin is my list in the flesh. A totally hypothetical wish list of attributes stands beside me everyday, and I am so blessed to be his wife. I keep the list in my jewelry drawer, so I see it often. And every time I take a second to glance it over, I thank God for the person that Justin is, and that he chose me.

Here's the list... Don't laugh {remember that it's old--And if you get bored reading, just skip on...it's for Justin anyway}.

1. Spiritual leader who challenges me in my walk with Christ


2. Ambitious and focused with direction


3. Wise & mature


4. Athletic


5. Taller than me {imagine that...}


6. Beautiful...eyes...


7. Pure


8. Funny


9. Not afraid to cry before the Lord


10. Likes me to sit in his lap


11. Friends with my friends


12. Honors me in words and actions


13. Uplifting


14. Genuine and real--no secrets


15. I can be myself around him


16. God focused


17. Leader in the church


18. Likes to play outside--even in the rain


19. Not controlling or selfish


20. Fun and spontaneous


21. Likes to sing loud


22. Plays an instrument {J can play a couple chords on the guitar...that counts?}


23. Liked and admired by others


24. Has a good relationship with his parents and siblings


25. Intelligent, smart, stimulating


26. Good with money


27. Comforting


28. Will scratch my head


29. Likes to snuggle while watching movies, especially scary ones


30. Loves me unconditionally without reservation


31. Accepts my faults and helps me to improve


32. Desires God's will more than anything


33. Lets me shop


34. Thinks I am the most beautiful woman in the world


35. Can fix cars and household appliances


36. Wants to travel


37. Appreciates the "finer things in life" {I am pretty sure I meant good food}


38. Gentle


39. Has manners


40. A servant


41. Thoughtful


42. Patient and kind


43. Trustworthy


44. Knows how to listen


45. Stable and secure {maybe this was the car, house, 401k boiled down?}


46. Decisive


47. Unselfish


48. Affirming


49. Dependable


50. Lets me stay home with the kids


51. Sensitive, compassionate, affectionate


52. Respectful and self-controlled


53. Giving


54. Attentive to the needs of others


55. Makes decisions in our best interest


56. Can cook

Happy Birthday to you, my Ju-C. I hope this year is our best yet. I love you more than anything!

We had a little party this weekend...more pictures coming!