I could write a post every day about how amazing my husband is.  But it would nauseate most of you, so I don't.

I know I am blessed.  I thank God every day (literally, for the past 17+ years, I have ended my nightly prayers thanking God for Ryan) and I see from examples all around me that he is not a typical husband (is there such a thing?)

As I sit here typing this entry (at 1:19am) he is driving to a 24 hour CVS to pick up a prescription the on-call doctor just called in for a UTI that I had the pleasure of waking up to!  I had my jacket on and was headed out the door when he got up and said, "I'll go, you shouldn't be driving there in pain".  And off he went.  (Only after asking, "wait, where am I going" - we've never needed at 24 hour pharmacy in the time we've lived in this town)...
He's amazing on an every day basis - not just in emergency situation's too.  Lately, with me being pregnant, I am realizing how aware of my feelings and insecurities he is.  He knows that gaining the weight is a tough concept for me.  Don't get me wrong, gaining the weight is not tough for me - in fact, I've already gained more than I should - but accepting the weight gain and not freaking out about it - not exactly the easiest for me.  But he constantly tells me how beautiful I am, how much he loves what pregnancy does to my body and smiles every time he looks at my growing belly. 

One of the best things about me being pregnant is knowing that Ryan will be an incredible dad to another child.  I constantly look at him with Madison and think, "she has no idea how blessed she is".  I do tell her all the time, "you have the best Daddy - we're so blessed with him" but she can't get it - she hasn't seen other dad's in action enough yet, to really realize just how blessed she is. 
He is so wonderful with her and takes time away from EVERYTHING just for her.  This started when I was pregnant with her - he wanted to be at every appointment (not just the ultrasound appointments - which he's doing again with this little bundle too).
Being in grad school is tough enough - but he waits until she is in bed to do his work - because he doesn't want to choose that over her - or let it take time away from her.  He rarely plays his video games anymore - but when he does, it's after she goes to bed - he chooses to play with her rather than play video games if she's awake.  I often have to remind him - "Hunny, she can color in the same room with you if you want while you get work done" and he'll say "I know- I'll get it done when she's in bed" even if it means him going to bed at midnight (while waking up at 5:15am each day).
I'm pretty sure too, that he's the only dad out of the preschool dads that writes a love note on her napkin each day when he packs her lunch.  (The teachers all love that!!)

We are so blessed.  Thank you God for blessing us with him...

Fill in the blank...

I recently read a friend/coworker's blog and they had a few "I am "blank" because... I thought it was a great idea...

I am happy because...

I have an amazing family (extended as well as immediate)
I have achieved my ultimate goal of owning a home
My husband is my best friend and is an incredible partner
I honestly feel like the Lord is completely in charge and I'm ok walking along His path

I am sad because...

I think my sister short-changes her abilities and herself as a whole (and settles for less from people than she deserves)
Money is a huge issue for us right now and our debt is worrying me a lot
I see bullying going on as young as 4 years old and it scares me for my children and makes me sad

I am a good friend because...

I will always listen to you and encourage you to do what you love and what you know is right
I remember birthdays and am thoughtful
I pray for so many of my friends and believe that God hears me

I am not a good friend because...

I will always chose my family over my friends
Although I remember your birthday, I forget to send you a card
Some of my friends are ridiculously selfish and hurt my feelings often - and I let it go rather than being honest with them about it

I am bothered by...

People who talk about themselves non-stop (and take every opportunity to turn a story back to themselves)
People sharing their opinions and not thinking about how many people that might get hurt by that opinion.  Just because it is your opinion does not mean that it's fact or that other people need to hear it
People who talk more than they listen

I am inspired by...

People who see the beauty in even the smallest things
My daughter and her excitement in life
A good sermon in church
Students who constantly tell me how much I mean to them and how I've changed their lives
Charity and people determined to have an impact on others' lives