Happy, Happy Late Birthday, Darren

As Darren and I both have summer birthdays, we are often not home or sometimes together for our birthdays. When you are having birthdays in your 30's though, that is just fine. It's often a fun change to see where you'll spend your birthday THAT year. This year over Darren's birthday, we went to Boise for a work conference, then came directly to Bear Lake for a few days to water ski, knee-board, Jetski, etc.....then directly from there, to Idaho Falls. I had a couple of Dr appointments and Darren had a dentist appointment, then directly from there to Bozeman, Montana to visit my cousin Teresa (since I haven't been up there since they moved there 7 years ago) and then back to IF, and then home last night. I am so tired of being in a car......however, this is why Darren's birthday tribute, is so very late.

So here's to you Darren......and few fun facts about this man I love.

*Darren has beautiful, kind eyes. Sometimes they look blue, sometimes more green

*Darren is very funny. We were at a meeting awhile back where they were trying to train some people on how to use the Church's software for family history. The woman giving the presentation talked about the problems with duplicating baptisms or endowment work and said that when her mother died both she and a cousin took her mother's name through the temple. Darren leans over to me and whispers, "Does she have to wear 2 pair of garments now?" I burst out laughing, right in the middle of the meeting. Not good. :o)

*Darren is very good to my friendsAlthough "my" friends often become "our" friends, I am grateful he is always kind and good to them. He is always supportive if I need a "friend" moment. I do make it easy, though, as I choose well in the friend department. :o)
*Darren knows his scriptures--down to what each chapter contains

*He loves the Gospel

*He served a mission to Panama

*He has 5 kids in his family, 2 girls at the beginning followed by 3 boys, just like my family

*He likes the outdoors*He is a double digit this year......33

*He loves our kitties as much as I do---This is big, since he has been a self-proclaimed cat avoider. He often gets up at night to come out and get Oliver if Oliver isn't in bed with us.

*He supports me, even when he doesn't agree or understand

*He takes great care of our yard

*He gives the BEST back scratches

*He often says "give me strength" to the heavens when I'm teasing him and he's ready to pound me

*He is loving and good to my family

*He is active in his relationship with my nieces

*He has joined me in becoming a runner

*Darren's first words when I am cleaning, making dinner, paying bills, working in the yard, anything......are always "how can I help?"

*His middle name is Brad......not Bradley, not a family name, Brad.

*He loves ice cream

*He loves sports--but often talks to the T.V. to convey his annoyance to an athlete with less than desirable behavior

*He's determined to get through Les Miserables--I insisted he read the unabridged version to get the full effect

*He's an upbeat and fun person

*He looks good with a few days facial hair.....even though he can't wear it with his job, and even though most men can't pull it off and not look sloppy. However, I love that he prefers to be clean shaven.

*Last but not least, I love him. He's taught me much, he's open to new ideas and learning, he's gentle, he's fun, he makes us as a couple really look good, and I really can't imagine life without him. I love you, sweetheart.