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 Happy Birthday!!
Posted by: kris | January 30, 2010 at 09:52 AM
Happy Birthday! You are a keeper!
Posted by: mary | January 30, 2010 at 09:55 AM
Happy Birthday to a genuinely good man!
Posted by: Nicki | January 30, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Happy Birthday! It's wonderful to know that there are men out there who can be steady wonderful husbands and fathers over the long haul (and be delightfully romantic on occasion too). What an encouragement and challenge to other couples! :) Hope you have a good day despite having to work!
Posted by: Joni Boetticher | January 30, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Happy Birthday! I think Carmen should nominate you for sexiest husband of the year -- except that I think MY husband would give you a run for the money! (wink wink)
Posted by: Beth | January 30, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Happy birthday to DAD to the screaming masses! Do you think you could offer dating lessons to some of your younger counterparts???
Posted by: Megan | January 30, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Have a wonderful birthday!
Posted by: maggie | January 30, 2010 at 12:57 PM
Happy birthday to the guy who makes Carmen happy!
Posted by: Karen | January 30, 2010 at 01:05 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARMENS DAD, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....and many more!
Posted by: Debby Pucci | January 30, 2010 at 01:07 PM
Belated best birthday wishes from California!
Posted by: Rox | January 30, 2010 at 01:36 PM
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. STACIER !!
Posted by: Marie | January 30, 2010 at 01:55 PM
Happy Birthday, Mr. Mom to the Screaming Masses! Hope Carmen made you something yummy for dinner!
Posted by: Dianna | January 30, 2010 at 03:53 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear sir - you are truly a great among men. (and well loved too)
Posted by: addy | January 30, 2010 at 04:13 PM
Happy birthday to one of the most unselfish man I have read about. I hope you have a wonderful night with the family and a great Sunday!
Posted by: Jess | January 30, 2010 at 04:49 PM
Have a beautiful and blessed and HAPPY Birthday!
Posted by: Kait | January 30, 2010 at 06:16 PM
Happy Birthday Great Dad to the Screaming Masses. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Enjoy!
Karen
Posted by: Karen (from Our Deer Baby) | January 30, 2010 at 07:18 PM
Happy Birthday to your man!
Posted by: kyooty | January 30, 2010 at 07:32 PM
The lego story alone merits a comment! Happy, happy birthday!
Posted by: Maureen | January 30, 2010 at 08:09 PM
Happy Belated Birthday! I hope your day was full of Good wishes!
Posted by: Brandy | January 30, 2010 at 08:25 PM
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. SCREAMING MASSES! I hope you get spoiled rotten by your loving family!
For the record....that weed-whacking graffiti thing was so incredibly romantic. Better than a dozen roses, by far!
Posted by: MamaCas | January 30, 2010 at 09:49 PM
Happy Birthday!! God gave you something today to remember,,,snow :-)
Posted by: ggroszek | January 30, 2010 at 10:25 PM
oh, wow..what a tribute! Happy, Happy birthday, Dad to the Screaming Masses. You are evidence that there are good men out there and I hope you have the birthday you deserve!
Posted by: Jennifer W. | January 30, 2010 at 11:01 PM
Sorry I'm a day late ...
Happy Birthday Dad To The Screaming Masses!!!
Posted by: LizP | January 30, 2010 at 11:20 PM
This is a belated birthday wish from Australia! Happy, happy birthday! I was with a friend yesterday whose husband has let her down badly. It is so wonderful to know that there ARE good men out there doing right by their family...and enjoying life! Thank you for being one and I hope you had a fabulous (and snowy!) birthday.
Posted by: Donna | January 30, 2010 at 11:58 PM
Happiest (belated) birthday, Mr. Stacier! The world is a better place for having you here!!!
Posted by: elizabethk | January 31, 2010 at 01:15 AM