Another year makes 34

On January 11th we were able to celebrate 34 years of marriage.  It was a rather uneventful day as I had to work and Pat was just getting over a bout with the flu so he spent part of his day working from home.  We did, however, go out to dinner at Perkins.  It was perfect!

My parents celebrated 35 years of marriage just a few months prior to my mother's untimely passing.  I always thought they didn't get enough time together.  Thirty-five years seemed like such a long time to be married and yet I'm right here next to that number.  I always wanted a marriage similar to what I saw modeled by my parents.

My dad was such a loving man and they always greeted one another with a kiss when he came home from work.  I'll admit, we don't do that, but I do have a very affectionate husband who likes to hold my hand and sit close to me.  I think I got a guy very much like my dad.  Very tender, compassionate and generous.

There are lots of things I love about this husband of mine and I think I'll list 34 things to show my appreciation for him.
  1.  He tells me he loves me everyday.
  2.  He rubs my back almost every day.
  3.  He brings me flowers randomly.  It doesn't even need to be a special occasion.
  4.  He calls me during the day to hear my voice.
  5.  He randomly gives me a foot massage. 
  6.  He helps others with whatever they need.
  7.  He serves the Lord in any way he is asked and then some.
  8.  He submitted our names to work in the temple.  We both love it!
  9.  He genuinely wants to be with me, work with me, be around me.
10.  He routinely tells me that he's glad I married him.
11.  He LOVES our house/home.  It was mine first, but now it's ours.
12.  He corrects me when I need correcting. I know that isn't easy to do.
13.  He asks the hard questions.
14.  He buys me beautiful clothing and now jewelry.
15.  He loves to go on vacation with me. 
16.  He supports me in all that I do.  Even when I'm crazy.
17.  He provides for us.  We have never gone without the basic needs.
18.  He plans for our future.  Both financially and otherwise.
19.  He likes to take walks with me.
20.  He enjoys the grandchildren and takes an interest in them.
21.  He is a Mr. Fix It for me and our children.
22.  He trusts me to take care of our financial situation. 
23.  He scratches my head.  Some people don't like that but I do!
24.  He refers to Clint and Jeff as his sons.  No in-laws around here.
25.  He guides our children when they need it and gives the best council he has.
26.  He is worthy to exercise the priesthood that he's been given.
27.  He loves our Heavenly Father and Christ.
28.  He listens to the Spirit when he feels guided either by thought or feeling.
29.  He is slow to anger.  I think I've seen him angry once or twice in our married life.
30.  He sleeps out in the tent with me when we have our grandchildren camping night.
31.  He keeps the snow removed from our driveway so I don't have to do it.
32.  He treats others with kindness.  Even when officiating.
33.  He lets me have my own interests and encourages me in them.
34.  He takes me to the temple every month.

I think that's enough for this time.  I am very blessed to have this wonderful man in my life.  We have created a family full of love and fun.  We understand that we have been blessed beyond measure.  Our cup truly overflows when we think about our family and our marriage relationship.  We're not perfect but we're doing what we can to remain happy.  Life is an adventure and we're doing it together!