Why do I love this man?

Jake and I have been married 4 years today! WOW - time is totally flying!  It has been such an awesome ride thus far, and I wouldn't change a second of it.  On this day every year, I always look back on our relationship and think about how much it has grown and evolved since we started dating in 2002. 

Why do I love this man?

• He is my forever.....the man I am supposed to be with for all my life. 
• He gave me the best gift about 11 months ago....our son, Max
• He challenges me every day to be the best examples of Christ.
• He dances when I feel like dancing, even though he hates it.
• He guides me into a room....always putting me first.
• If he gets up to get a drink, he'll always ask if I want one too.
• He always says "thanks for dinner, Pita" - even when I know he didn't like it.
• He will hug me forever, if that is how long I need to be held.
• He isn't afraid to raise his hand in church to praise the Lord.
• He races me to pick up Max when we haven't seen him in a couple hours.
• He values what I "think".....by asking me my opinion
• He is so honest.  To the point that he sweats on the top of his wrist if he fibbing or nervous. 
• He will dive in front of me at a baseball game just to protect me and my pregnant belly.
• He encourages me to go out with friends.
• He took me out on the lake during the week when there was no one on the lake, so I could get up on waterskis because he recognized that I was feeling silly in front of everyone the previous weekend.
• He wouldn't let me waterski when I was pregnant, even though I thought I was OK :-)
• He tries really hard to like American Idol like I do.
• He will always tell me the house looks nice, if he comes home and sees I had cleaned.
• He is vulnerable enough with me to share his flaws and struggles and ask for encouragement.
• I never have had to ask him to cut the grass or do yardwork.
• He tells my mom he loves her.
• He called my sister for me when I needed help nursing.
• He totally "has it covered" when I go out of town for work and enjoys Daddy and Max time.
• He has many passions in life....
• He will hold my hand whenever and wherever. 
• He will ask for help for me, because he know I wouldn't do it on my own.
• He prays with me.
• He calls my dad for advice.
• He gets upset if he doesn't get to give Max some lovin' before I take him to school.
• We can take a road trip and talk the entire way with no music.
• We can sing and dance in the car and not care how silly we look.
• He enjoys doing good deeds for others with no recognition - and seeks opportunities to serve.
• He signed up to teach k-1 bible study at church because he wanted to spend time with me and that is what I was doing. 

I can go on and on and on.  This man is incredible. 

Thank you, Jake for 4 amazing years of marriage - and 9 years together total!  I am so happy that we found each other.  "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." - Philippians 1:3

Happy Anniversary to you, Jake....I love you...

promise promise.