32 things I love about him.

I love that he is...

1. Fun--You know those people who you see coming to join your group at some gathering and you are so happy because you know it will be much more fun because they are there? That's Joel for me. It is always more fun when he is there.

2. Conversational--Joel could talk to ANYONE and find things they are both interested in discussing for long periods of time. Sometimes when we are at church or something and I am trying to wrangle to children while he is chatting away, I'm not so fond of the trait, but most of the time I love and admire it:) All of the stereotypes about how men and women communicate? We break many of those stereotypes.

3. Adventurous-- Do I need to elaborate? I think not.

4. Kind-- Have you looked at his eyes lately? They are big and brown and kind.

5. Loyal--You'll never meet a more loyal friend than joelie.

6. Rugged-- Mountains are where he comes alive.

7. Well-rounded-- He has been a bank teller, vet tech, surgery tech, ranch hand, trail ride leader, soldier, construction worker, college student, graduate student, and Physician Assistant.

8. Well-traveled-- He has visited many of the U.S. states, Mexico, Honduras, Columbia, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Thailand.

9. Well-read-- A prolific reader, I stand in awe of how many books Joel makes the time to read while he rides the bus, waits at the bus stop or at appointments, has a day off, or is on the toilet. More impressive is how much he digests and remembers!!

10. Oh, so handsome.

I love it that he...

11. Calls my Papa and they talk and talk and talk and talk about the weather and politics and the babies....

12. Is so observant and notices and can articulate so many quirks and traits about me and the babes that I don't notice.

13. Loves God and seeks Truth.

14. Loves people. LOVES people.

15. Is rarely sarcastic.

16. Lives his life purposefully.

17. Is a dreamer AND a doer.

18. Isn't intimidated by the logistics of taking two toddlers out and about. He takes them out for a special breakfast, to run errands, on walks, to the park. Yay!!!

19. Sends me texts when I am taking some time out by myself to tell me to take my time and enjoy myself and that they are having a blast, etc. It melts my heart every time.

20. Waited for over an hour for his Thai food tonight at this teeny place by where we used to live. I asked him if he was super frustrated b/c his birthday was a dud this year with sick babies, no present yet, and then to have to wait so long for his food!! He said, "Yeah, it was frustrating but I was excited for them too to be doing so well now." Do you see why I love him so?

I really adore the way he...

21. Gets EVERYTHING ready for work the night before. I'm talking his bowl, spoon, cereal box, lunch pail....it is really adorable.

22. Laughs until he cries most every day. He finds humor everywhere.

23. Is much more interested in experiences than entertainment.

24. Says, "Jenny, I love ya. I want to marry ya. "

25. Appreciates the beauty in nature--really appreciates it.

26. He looks in his dark green and blue sweaters. And in scrubs.

27. He looks at me when he is really listening. Sometimes it shocks me how intensely he listens.

28. Walks to the store late at night to get my little whims. Usually that means a caffeine free diet coke. Sad, but true.

29. Can imitate accents hysterically and very well. I always wanted to be able to do that, but at least my soul mate can:)

30. Can swaddle and wear a baby with the best of 'em...

So, happy birthday to my Mr. Joel J Hunt. You are...

31. Undeniably my favorite person on earth.

32. Truly loved by many.

With all of my heart,
Jen