I met him more than twenty years ago, but I can honestly say that the the time has flown. We've had some incredible highs, and some lows that I would never wish to repeat. We've had times of feast, times of what we were sure was famine - but we've always come through.
He's the best dad I know - he does all of the cool stuff that I don't like to do...
The carnival rides, the bowling, the baseball throwing in the backyard, the Wii games - all of it. He enjoys his family and spends every moment that he's not at work doing things with and for his family. He does little things like bring me my iced coffee in the morning, stop and get a newspaper and an egg souffle from Panera after church on Sunday, and uses his Prize Points from his job to buy the things that all of us want - iPods, cameras, Kindles - instead of buying for himself.
Gabriel packed a Lego man in our suitcase when we went to Mexico, and instead of ignoring it - the way I would - the man spent the entire week taking pictures of that little Lego guy all over - in the pool, with various other guests, on horseback - it was a hit.
He works harder than any man I've ever seen, and even though his pay has taken a tremendous cut over the past two years, he's still placed high enough in national standings to make the top 50 in his field for some amazing trips. We've been to Jamaica, Mexico three times, Vegas, the Caribbean - and it's all thanks to his hard work, for I will never get us there.
He does all kind of amazing and thoughtful stuff, like weedwhacking "I (heart) Carmen" onto the fence, or having a banner made for our tenth wedding anniversary - it still hangs in the garage. He listens to me whine and complain, and even though he is often the reason (!!) - he still listens.
He's a great guy, and today is his birthday. He has to work, and he's pretty bummed about it. I want to make him feel special. Would you please leave him a happy birthday message? I'd so appreciate it - for he never asks for anything and I'm not in a position to get him really any gift that he deserves. I'd like to gift him with some specialness - exactly what he deserves.
Happy Birthday!! So glad to know that there are other great men out there. You're rarer than you know.
Posted by: apathy lounge | January 29, 2010 at 09:57 PM
Happy Birthday to you!
Hope it adds
Some special pleasure
To the hours of your day
To know you're being thought of
In the very warmest way....
And when your birthday's over,
Hope you'll remember, too,
The same warm thoughts and wishes as always
Will keep going out to you!
Hope your day is special, just as you are!
Posted by: Susan | January 29, 2010 at 10:12 PM
Happy birthday! Have fun with the family!
Posted by: C. Grammich | January 29, 2010 at 10:18 PM
So sweet...
Happy Birthday!
It is also MY husband's birthday today!
Posted by: Melissa - The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans | January 29, 2010 at 10:30 PM
Happy birthday, Dad to the screaming masses!
Posted by: Jamie | January 29, 2010 at 10:54 PM
Happy birthday!!!
Posted by: Glenda | January 29, 2010 at 11:01 PM
I hope you have a wonderful birthday and many more to come with your darling family!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Carrie | January 29, 2010 at 11:05 PM
This is late, but hope you had a great birthday!!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 29, 2010 at 11:26 PM
Happy Birthday Hubster!
It's the little things that my husband does that I also appreciate the most.
Posted by: Maggie | January 29, 2010 at 11:32 PM
Hope you have a happy birthday, and that you get to spend some time with the family you obviously love so much.
Posted by: Michele | January 29, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Ohhhhh I have been waiting so long for a chance to openly (yet respectfully) flirt with the awesome DTTSM!!
You made husbands everywhere have to step up their game with your weed whacking romanticism. My husband pointed out that we dont have a wood fence or he would have done the same for me (details, details)
The way you moved heaven & earth to find Carmens favorite beverages (&/or peanut butter?? lol I forget which) & left them for her in a heart shape.... priceless.
You remind me very much of my husband. A man who simply adores his wife & family & does all he can for them. I always wonder if you ever know how much you are TRULY appreciated, cherished & loved.
What an incredible example you are setting for your children as well. Dads showing their kids (of both sexes) how to treat a woman, wife & mother translates into THEIR expecting to be treated that same way or treating their wives that way.
Carmen is so lucky & truly blessed to have you. I hope you know how much you mean to her. Thanks for being her bedrock & keeping her sane so she can help us stay sane. Happy Birthday DDTTSM....
Posted by: KG | January 29, 2010 at 11:51 PM
You are a rare breed of man! I hope this birthday is the best of the past, but not the best of what's to come! Happy Birthday
Posted by: NotAMeanGirl | January 29, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Happy Birthday! It's so refreshing to hear a woman praising her husband this way! I love it when people are so clearly in love...I'm sappy like that :)
Posted by: Heather | January 30, 2010 at 12:27 AM
I just realized the Lego man is in the top picture. You are a SUPER awesome dad! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Katherine | January 30, 2010 at 12:49 AM
Happy Birthday! Sorry you have to work, but I hope it is a great day anyway!
Posted by: Christie | January 30, 2010 at 12:56 AM
Happy Birthday To You!!!!
Sorry you have to work, but I hope you have a great one anyways. You certainly deserve it.
Posted by: Wendy E | January 30, 2010 at 01:10 AM
Happy Birthday Mr. SM! I hope to meet you one day...Maybe the 4 of us could get into trouble?!
Posted by: Headless Mom | January 30, 2010 at 01:11 AM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Ruth | January 30, 2010 at 01:16 AM
Happy Birthday, Carmen's Guy!
You sound like such an awesome man. Your reward will be great in Heaven for the kind deeds you've done here.
I know that your children will have better marriages too because of the loving efforts you have put into yours.
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Amy | January 30, 2010 at 02:20 AM
Happy Birthday!
You are a fantastic husband and father. May all the happiness and love you have given your family be returned to you over-abundantly!
Enjoy your day!
Posted by: Marjie | January 30, 2010 at 06:15 AM
Awwwww. That was the sweetest thing I've seen someone do for their other half in a long while. If only there were more men around like you....
Happy Birthday! Have a fantastic day!
Posted by: Deborah | January 30, 2010 at 06:25 AM
Happy Birthday. I love the Lego Man Story. We too have been married for 20 years and I am lucky to have a great guy too. Although I admit I have never had a heart of bottles of peanut butter left in my room for me! Don't change a thing.
Posted by: mm | January 30, 2010 at 07:13 AM
*she bows down*
Dad To The Screaming Masses, you are giant among men. Happy Birthday. There are a lot of people out here appreciating your greatness today.
Posted by: madge | January 30, 2010 at 07:53 AM
Happy Birthday, Dad to the screaming masses. I really hope you have a good one!!
Posted by: J from Ireland | January 30, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Wow, what a guy! Mr. Stacier is definitely a keeper. Have a great birthday & hope all your wishes come true :)
Posted by: amie | January 30, 2010 at 09:26 AM