Happy Birthday, John!

Today is John's birthday!

We began celebrating John's birthday this past weekend at the Pat Green concert in Austin.

And we'll continue celebrating tonight by cooking out with friends and family in Cameron Park!

 In honor of the birthday boy, I'd like to share my top five favorite things about John.

1. His laugh. And smile. He can be laughing or smiling with me or at me and it makes my heart swoon. He can sometimes be found laughing when no one else is around and he finds something on the TV, internet or book particularly funny. It always makes me smile when I hear his giggle from the opposite side of the apartment.

2. He's an excellent helper. John is always looking for a way to be a part of cooking dinner, cleaning our apartment or making plans. I realize he's not doing this because he enjoys scrubbing bath tubs, but doing so lessens my load and gives us more time together. And I know John doesn't hesitate to help out friends or family in their times of need either.

3. I never have to worry about John being late. He'll be there five minutes before the stated meeting time.  This also runs in his family. I generally  run five minutes late. I am adapting.

4. He's very loyal to the people and things he loves. I have no doubt that John would still support the Rangers, Cowboys and Baylor even if they didn't win a game for the next decade. He'll always love Bruce Springsteen. John's a great friend, brother, son, and son-in-law and is always enjoys finding ways to make memories with all of them. It should go without saying that I think he's the best husband ever.

5. John's the best scrabble partner.  He makes the best pancakes. And stuffed mushrooms. He's a great snuggler.  He's gotten really good at shoulder massages. I love hearing his thoughts and having long conversations with him. He makes me laugh at least once a day. He has a heart for little rescue puppies. He's my Johnny-on-the-spot. He looks good in his shades. John bounces around the bed before falling asleep. He loves anything that's patriotic. He appreciates my jokes and puns. I love listening to him sing along with Bruce or Pat.

Okay, that's technically more than five. But, more than anything, my favorite thing about John is that is just being himself.  And he loves me for just being myself. And that's pretty awesome.

Happy Birthday, John!