HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HONEY

I love this picture of Tom that Kelli took a few years back for his knowledge management website. I can't remember what Kelli said- but it made him laugh and she caught it just right. It's hard to find a picture with a good smile on Tom- because once, someone told him he had an ugly smile and not to show his teeth. And so we are forever trying to get him to do a REAL smile when we take pictures! I love his smile, especially because he gets a twinkle in his eyes. And I see him smile all the time- but you bring out a camera and there it goes- into hiding.

I was going to write something really mushy here- but I don't want to embarrass my easily embarrassed husband (which I probably already did) so I'll try not to make it too mushy... But Tom really has been a blessing in my life. We've overcome a lot together and what impresses me most about him is his willingness to keep learning and growing and trying. The next thing that I am grateful for is his kindness to the underdog, underpriveledged, and ignored. He is always willing to stop and help a stranded motorist, or chat with a lonely widow.

He's not perfect- and sometimes I get really frustrated with him, but he never holds a grudge and always forgives me of my trespasses. He is always willing to do the dishes and take out the garbage, and help with the horses. He supports me in my callings- and is always there to defend me when I get down on myself or second guess a decision I made that didn't turn out quite like I had planned.