Thursday Thirteen (a day late)

Since it is Fathers day this weekend I thought I'd take a minute to tell you how much I love my hubby. Even though he isn't my father, my kiddos aren't old enough yet to fully express why they love their dad. Alas the task falls to me, but don't worry, I am excited to have the opportunity to tell you all about how absolutely wonderful he is.

Thirteen Reasons Why I Love My Youssef.

1. He is an excellent helper with the kiddos. Never hesitating to change a diaper, ok mostly never. Always willing to help however he can. Taking them places so I can catch my breath, even if it means everyone is going to look at him funny - like they did in Morocco (usually kiddos stay with their mom's there.)

2. He loves me - yep even though he knows the good, the bad and the Oh so ugly. He still loves me just as I am.

3. Even though he loves me he sees who God wants me to be and he does his best to encourage me towards that through the Word, gentle rebuke and kind words. Always striving to help me be all that God intended me to be.

4. He can read books better than anyone I know. I LOVE listening to him read out loud. Kids books, adult books, shoot the phone book even. Did I mention I love listening to him read?

5. He is so handsome. Oh man is he cute! I know you're not suppose to love someone for his looks, but he is just so darn cute I can't help it :-) And lucky me, he just keeps getting more and more handsome!

6. There is not a lazy bone in his body. He works hard to provide for us as a family. Even when he is tired he works to make sure things are done that need to be and even to make sure the unnecessary things can happen too.

7. He takes care of me when I am sick. The past two days while I was out of commission he came home from work, took care of the boys, even cleaned up the kitchen (better than I do I might add!) and just cared for my every need. Never once did he complain and the whole time he had a smile ready to cheer me up.

8. He makes me laugh, daily. Gotta love a man who can make you giggle!

9. He watches girl movies with me. Sometimes even two in a week! They are definitely not up there on the favorite list, but he'll watch them anyway. What a guy!

10. He graciously allows me to blabber on about nothing most of the time. He being a man of few words doesn't need to hear or say much. I on the other hand love to chat away about absolutely nothing. Even after a long day of work he'll smile and nod as I tell him one story after another.

11. He is an incredible father. He loves our boys and enjoys helping them learn and grow as much as I do. He makes them laugh, teaches them about things - climbing lately, and like I said before is alway ready to help out. Josiah and Benson light up just at the mention of his name - if that isn't proof I don't know what is.

12. He is always ready for an adventure. Where ever God leads, thats where he wants to head. Sometimes he doesn't know where that is until moments before, but he's ready to go the moment God opens the doors. Along with this comes an incredible trust. He knows whose he is and isn't afraid of what lies ahead. Thats all the security I really need - a man who knows he is held tightly in the arms of his God. Wow, Dani - good reminder to yourself!

13. He is not content that we should stay as we are, but desires that we draw closer to God and to one another. Wow, does that sound cheesy or what?! But it is true. He is a devoted follower of Christ in all areas of his life and that means his marriage. It is a challenge to me to be more faithful to my walking with the Lord and to continually strive for what is good, pure, noble, etc.

There are so many more reasons, but I'll just have to share those with him myself, cuz this is Thursday Thirteen and as was once said:

"First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then, shalt thou count to thirteen, no more, no less. Thirteen shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shalt be thirteen. Fourteen shalt thou not count, neither count thou twelve, excepting that thou then proceed to thirteen. Fifteen is right out! Once the number thirteen, being the thirteenth number be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thou foe, who, being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it."

Sorry I couldn't resist a little Monty Python. Have a great weekend!