Matt rocks.

Good gravy, I married a good man.

For anyone that reads this blog, I am so sorry for the gag factor that might ensue but since this is also a family journal, my hope is that as our boys become men and decide to look back over these writings they understand how admired their father is, by their mother.

For us, it has been 7 years of marriage this year. I have been told this is a rough one but for Matt and I it has been one of the best. With each year our relationship changes and our commitment strengthens. Don't take that to mean it is all marital bliss over here. We argue, disagree and, lordy, lordy we can get on each other's nerves but we love each other and like they said on the Facts of Life- we take the good, we take the bad.

Our first few years were harder. We moved (a lot), we were still figuring each other (and ourselves out), we both were stubborn and those lines of communication everyone talks about were not open. But then we both started to make some changes- apologizing during arguments, trying to acknowledge how someone else may be feeling instead of winning the fight, appreciating each other. Appreciating each other. These seem so elementary to write but good gracious they made a difference. So, with all that being said my husband rocks.

Our three sons can learn so much from him on how to be an honorable, humble, God serving man.

Last week work was a bit nutty for Matt. He had meeting after meeting, long, long hours, lots of stress. The kiddos and I were missing him. Luke wanted to play outside but Matt had mounds to get done and it was late. He told him, "Lets plan on it tomorrow." The following day, I know his to do list was a mile long, he had calls to make, reports to turn in and at 5pm I heard him walk upstairs from his office, head to the kitchen and tell Luke, "Hey bud, you ready to play ball?" All I heard from Luke was, "Dad, you are a man of your word." My heart smiled. What a wonderful lesson to teach your child. He spent that evening, after the kids were in bed, finishing his work.

A few weekends ago we took a day trip to the mountains to witness the Aspens in all their glory spinning their leaves into gold. We came home, uploaded the pictures and I began to skim through them. This one came up- me and sweet Baby James. My initial reaction- "Wow, look at all my wrinkles." Matt came over, took one look and said, "Babe, with all your smiling you are going to have laugh lines. You look beautiful." Thank you for loving me as I am.

This weekend I was feeling a bit lonely. Matt started reading the news while I was making breakfast and that one simple act turned into me unloading every wrong he had done in the last 24 hours on to him. Instead of yelling or making me feel bad, he cleaned the kitchen while I had a good cry. Sometimes an ear to listen will do wonders.

The surprise tin pot full of purple flowers that were brought home last week was just the icing on the cake. (Boys, a simple act of thoughtfulness is worth more than words.)

Babe, you truly do rock.