Back to Blogging... and a birthday

I am back to blogging.  I didn't intend to take such a long break and there were several factors.  We have had some stomach bugs, respiratory issues, and colds... busy busy schedules...girl scout cookie sales... church visits... family stuff... my favorite camera lens on the blink...and then the I'm-so-behind-I-don't-know-where-to-start factor all holding me back!!  I have thought daily about blogging, but with my camera issue I kept putting it off... y'all know I don't like posting without pictures.  This morning, as always, I thought about blogging and decided today was as good as any to get back to it!  :-)  Especially today, actually, because there is a birthday to celebrate!  And so, that is where we will begin.  I might go back and catch up the last month or two...or I might not.  Today, I will blog about today.

Happy Birthday Chris Hooper!

(CMS 2005)

You are the perfect guy for me!  Once, just the science teacher down the hall, you became my best friend and you still are today.  When we first became friends, you introduced me to so many new friends, new hobbies, and lots of fun!  Today, you are still doing that and have made me a more well-rounded person!

(Titans Game)

 There is no one I would rather tailgate with!  Whether we are at the game, out, or at home - you make game day an event!  

(Atlanta Braves Game)

 One of my favorite things about you (and one of the things that brought us together) is your love of sports! Some of my favorite memories of us are from game days - whether they are days spent with you at a sporting event or a day spent watching you coach or play.

  (Stones River Golf Course)

We have spent countless hours on the golf course together!  We have enjoyed 7 seasons of fantasy football together!  We have watched everything from Hockey to Baseball from professional to little league!  Looking back, sports have played a pretty big role in our time together and we still enjoy them together today!

(Lily age 2)

You brought this little angel into my life and have been the most amazing Daddy to her!  My, how she has grown!  She is developing into such a kindhearted, well-mannered, well-rounded, beautiful young lady and a so much of that is thanks to you for being such an incredible father.

(Old Fort Park) 

You two are inseparable.  As much as you have shaped her, she has shaped you!  She has taught you how to have a daddy's patience and has grown your heart even bigger than it already was.  She got you good and ready for number two...

(Ava Grace - newborn)

...our other precious angel!  Watching you bond with Ava Grace and be a father to her has made me fall even more in love with you!

(Couching it with the girls)

Watching you love our girls is possibly the thing I find most attractive about you.  God knew just what he was doing when he gave you a house full of girls!  You play dress up and pretty pretty princess and tickle fight on a daily basis.  You love those girls (and me) with a heart so big, I can't even put it into words.  You are gentle and kind and firm all at the same time.  You shower all three of us with words of praise 

every. single. day.

(our wedding day)

You are a remarkable husband.  You work long, hard hours to provide for our family.  You pamper me and spoil me in as many ways as you can.  You support our family, not only financially, but with prayer and with words of encouragement and with the gift of time.  You are so very invested in us and devoted to us and it shows daily in your actions and your words.

(Ashville, NC)

So, on your birthday, here is to you!

You are something special.  You have made our family and our lives richer and more blessed.  You have given us so much and today we want to show you that our hearts are full for you!

I hope you know how blessed I feel every day to have you in my life and as the head of our family.  You are loved and appreciated so very much.  I hope this birthday is the best yet, and knowing that I get to spend all the rest of your birthdays with you makes me one very happy wife!

Love and Happy Birthday to you my dear!