So happy you were born...

 It's hard growing up when you do not believe in love.

Watching the cycle of poor choices and impulses play out leaving everyone around you broken.

To look at the world with jaded eyes and a closed heart.

But then I saw you...

and I gave you my love, my life, and my all

 I am not going to pretend it has been all rainbows and butterflies.

We have had our own mountains to climb and struggles to overcome.

You show me every day what love looks like.

In your smile and persistance.

In your gentle way of leading our children.

In your faith.

I am so happy you were born.

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I just naturally have so much passion about so many things in life I would still be running in circles .

You help center and ground me.

You believe in me as I believe in you.

It is funny to think of how we were so many years ago...

So clueless.

But eager...

I had so much respect for you. You were so driven and focused.

We just clicked. As clique as it sounds.

 I never laughed so hard in my life than when I was around you.

You were sincere and awkward...

Our goals have shifted and flexed with time and age, but there were certain things we both wanted.

We both wanted a lot of kids. (We've come close to this goal)

We wanted a "home" nothing fancy, but accommodating. (Done!)

They never tell you growing up that every choice you make somehow contributes to the outcome of your life.

Everything, no matter how small and insignificant, pushes you in certain directions.

My life lead me to you.

I am so happy you were born.

So we could make the decision to add to our family and have this little guy...

You have worked so hard to be a provider.

I remember when you started a second job the day after Brayden was born.

And somehow you managed to still take care of me.

You were often so tired, but so excited about your two boys.

 You make those around you better.

You make me a better person.

You are my rock, soundboard, and other half.

 One of the things I love the most in our life is this feeling of constant adventure.

We both love new experiences and our traditions.

You are strong and energetic.

You put 100% effort in everything you do.

I have a balance of planning and spontaneity that compliments your drive.

When we want we get a lot accomplished.

I am so glad you were born. You made is possible for me to be able to swim in rivers...

 When I get down and loosen my faith you bring me back up and help me regain trust and purpose.

You calm my nerves and reassure me.

You respect my choices and you are able to help me find better ways of handling things.

We were able to have another wonderful experience for the birth of our third child.

Did I mention how happy I am that you were born?!

Because, when I am scared you take my hand and have my back.

You are a constant supporter of your family.

 I am in constant awe of how deeply you can love.

I know that we have expanded our capacity to adore each other and our children.

There is such beauty in the chaos.

We embrace the obstacles and challenges in our lives, knowing now they will soon pass.

There is nothing better than family.

Nothing better than waking up next to you.

I am so thankful you were born.

That we were lucky enough to find each other.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Your Family

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But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10