It has been a lovely 20 years together...

20 reasons why I love you...

1.  Our blind date was a great success although I don't know how you remained so calm with me in my tight jeans and sweater : )

2.  You were so easy to talk to and made me laugh right from the beginning.

3.  You loved my mom the moment you met her.

4.  You looked good in a baseball uniform : )

5.  You were so supportive of my desire to serve my mission even though we knew it meant putting our plans to be together on hold.

6.  You and I agreed that if being together was right, it would be right in 18 months.

6.  I fit right under your chin then.

7.  I still do.  With your arms wrapped around me, it is the safest place I can think of.

8.  Your parents loved me and welcomed me into your family so warmly.  I'll never forget the first time I saw your mom after I got home from my mission.  It was at a Mitchell reunion and she came toward me, took both my hands in hers and smiled from ear to ear saying, "just let me look at you!"  I loved her so much right then.

9.  You respected my dad's protectiveness of his only daughter when I got home.

10.  You bear a strong and powerful testimony.  I feel the Spirit when you share those feelings.  It was those feelings that led us to take our family to Nauvoo and have such an incredible, unforgettable trip together.  I'll always be grateful for your insistence in this matter.

11.  You have a wonderful ability to make the scriptures come alive for me and our children.  I love when it's your turn to give the lesson for Family Home Evening.

12.  You honor your Priesthood and it blesses my life and our home.

13.  Having worked for and earned the rank of Eagle yourself, you are dedicated and enthusiastic about helping Davis and Cooper in their scouting goals.  When I see you interacting with our boys in this aspect it fills my heart to the brim! 

14.  You get more excited to give me something than you ever do to get something for yourself.

15.  You value our children and give yourself fully to them.  Sharing your testimony with them, teaching them correct and honest principles, encouraging them as they gain an education with endless homework support and then finding time to share the part of you that others rarely get to see but what we love the most.

16.  You work day to day to see that our family is financially provided for.  Even at the expense of choosing necessity over desire.

17.  Your passion for BYU is an enormous part of you.  I didn't realize that 20 years ago but I have come to love it.  I don't fully understand it all the time but I love it just the same.

18.  Another passion that makes up a great part of you is your love of baseball.  When I watch you coach our boys and your teams and I witness the countless hours you give to them, I see a piece of you that leaves me in awe.  You have a gift to teach.  No matter the subject.

19.  You give 100% plus when it comes to keeping our home clean, in good repair and home improvements.  From dishes, to toilets, to tile grout, to cooking, to a remodel in the backyard and new tile in the bathroom, to packing the car for a trip like a wizard - it seems you can do it all.

20.  You still make me catch my breath with your kiss.

Here's to 20 lovely years my magnificent man!