Celebrating My Guy...

Lee turns another year older today.

He doesn't want us celebrating his birthday because he says he's old and doesn't want to be reminded of how old he is.

So, I won't say "Happy Birthday" to honor his wishes but
I will celebrate the amazing man that is my husband!

Many of you know him as the funny guy or the guy that isn't afraid to speak his mind.

You may know him as the guy that all the little children at church know and love because he actually talks to them and teases with them.

You may know him as the guy that saw a need in his community and went into action
(see here and here).

You may know him as the guy that goes to Scout Camp every year whether he gets paid time off from work or not just because he knows how important it is to spend quality time developing strong bonds with the young men so they know they always can count on him. 

You may know him as the guy who will spend hours and hours researching possible career choices and the best schools for those careers with his children.

You may know him as the guy that wants to learn new things, researches them thoroughly, and does it.
(For example: the ring he made me for our 25th anniversary.)

You may know him as the guy that thinks that God created Moab just for him.

You may know him as the big brother that would move heaven and earth to protect and defend his little sisters.

You may know him as the guy who comes up with the most ridiculous lyrics to songs.

You may know him as the guy that can get away with saying anything and no one gets mad but instead think it's just funny.

You may know him as the guy that can, on a whim, give the most interesting, well-delivered talks or lessons.

You may know him as the guy that works hard for his family.

You may know him as "that" guy at work that knows everyone in the company (on a first name basis) from the president on down.  

You may know him as the guy that can cook up a storm!

You may know him as the guy that makes up his own (hilarious) parables.

You may know him as the guy that can't go anywhere without seeing someone he knows.

You may know him as the guy that stands up for what he believes in.

You may know him as the guy that would do anything for his children.

I know him as all these things and many, many more.  

He would be upset with me if I were to share the hundreds of "little" things he does for others to make their world a happier, better place. 

He is MY amazing guy 

and today I want to celebrate him!

A Happy Day to my guy!

A Missionary Christmas

A Missionary Christmas

(author unknown)

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.

      The thrill just wasn't there.
 No pictures taken with Santa Claus, 

      my decorating has no flair.
 His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, 

      two suits and socks...no fun. 

We've bought him all white clothes because,
 this year,

 I'm giving Christ my son.


 I've spent more time in the temple,

      my testimony stirred.
I've reread November's Ensign,
felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently.
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because, 
this year,

I'm giving Christ my son.


I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, 

     gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, 

     their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, 

     I'll miss his smile a ton

For two years we will pray for him,
this year,

I'm giving Christ my son.

I stared at his face when he wasn't looking,

I memorized his eyes, their shine.

He's always hungered for the part of him,

that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard, 

     his choice and mine are one. 

      I'll put my faith in God's hand, 
this year,

I'm giving Him my son.


Past gifts have lost their glitter; 
I think I finally understand Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns, 
that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make, 
this year,

I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's One who understands 

the sacrifice I'm making,

Who knows the gift I willingly give,

the toll it will be taking.

For He has done it all before

Greater love - there could be none. 

For years ago God gave to me, 

His only begotten Son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held,
the hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones 
who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him,
until all the gathering's done, 
My gift has taken years to make. 
This year...

I'm giving Christ my son. 

I'm Going There Someday...