Happy Birthday to my Hubby!

My wonderful husband is 23 today. I've know him for almost ten years now. Ten years! I remember the first time I talked to him. It was in Mr. Dilner's science class in 9th grade. He sat in front of me and I dropped my pencil. I remember leaning down to get it and he picked it up for me. He was wearing some kind of black Nikes. I thought back then that he somehow looked like my Dad when he was a teenager, from what I knew of his pictures.

I would have never thought in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade that I would marry this guy, especially not after that embarrassing kiss at John Manuel's birthday party. Oh man. Those were the days.

But after we started dating again in our senior year of high school, and even up until now, I've gotten to know Brendan like I've never gotten to know someone before. And he never ceases to amaze me.

Whether it's fixing some little thing that I've thought was beyond repare or tiling a bathroom or putting in a sink, he is one of the most capable people I know.

And somehow he always manages to keep people smiling, no matter how tense the situation. Sometimes this involves inadvertantly yelling "How ya doin'?" to the grouchy checkout girl at WalMart at 2 AM, or atttempting to do pilates with me at home (trust me, that is hilarious). He always makes me laugh.

Putting others before himself is also something you can count on Brendan for. He took care of his mother growing up and has been a huge blessing to those around him in times of need, or anytime, really. I remember once he was at a gas station in Clemson and a little old lady in a beat up pile of crap car, filled with her family, came up and asked him for some change so she could have enough gas just to make it home. Brendan put $10.00 of gas in her car. Keep in mind, he was in college at the time, and while $10 may not seem like a lot, it is when you're in school. And still he gave.

He's one of the most selfless and genorous people I know.

These are just a few reasons why he's best friend and favorite person on the planet.

So happy birthday Babe! I can't wait for all that's ahead of us, and am so proud of everything you've accomplished in your 23 years.