Our Birthday Boy!!

Tuesday, October 1 was Jeff's birthday. Even though he talks and sometimes acts like he's nearly 90 I believe that he is an early 40' ish in years. Here's the run down on his day... He was up and off early to have himself a great "spinning class" at the gym. He spent the majority of the day going to several of his buildings for things that I won't pretend to understand. At each building they had balloons, cards and cake for him. He was not hard up on celebrations that's for sure. When he came home he also found cards and balloons to add to the collection, but he also found wild children so happy to see him.
Jeff's requested favorite meal was homemade Spaghetti that had been simmering in the crock pot the whole day, garlic bread and salad. Instead of birthday cake he chose birthday milkshakes with candy bars mixed in.

Jeff got cards from everyone, new pictures to hang in his office, and some other things. Ady wrapped the presents and made him go on a scavenger hunt for each present to keep his old arthritic joints moving. His last present came out of the freezer... frozen deep in the container of ice was his last gift that he had to thaw out.

It was tickets to go see Celine Dion in concert in Tacoma on the 18th of this month. I love to give presents that I can share also.

One long-standing birthday tradition that I grew up with is called "Honored person" where we go around the table saying all the reasons why we like the birthday person. That's one tradition we've kept. The kids were a bit wound up and silly but we did get some nice things about Jeff said....he sings to them all each night; he reads stories to them all each night using different accents for each story; the kids love to ride in his car because he lets them turn up the music loud with the sun-roof open; he has a super belly laugh; he is a good tickler; he draws good; he's good at math. Jeff really is one of the best Dad's around. He has always been very hands-on and involved. He has nearly mastered the art of fixing little girl's hair with curling irons, bows, pony tails and everything. He's handy in the kitchen when he puts his mind to it. He has always been very generous with me in buying me clothes, massages, allowing me time to get away whether for an evening or for a girl's get-away. Jeff really is amazing!!! I think of Jeff 19 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long) when he was having the missionary discussions in the Sacred Grove. I am amazed that after 2 years he had the courage to track out the missionaries and get baptized. I am amazed that he had the courage to stand out in his family, who is SO close and all still living close in New York. I am amazed that they were so supportive of him making such a huge change in his life. I am amazed that after a year of being a new member he had the courage to go on a mission even though he was 3 years older than the missionary age and it would have been acceptable for him not to go. I am amazed how the Lord prepared Jeff for his baptism and for his service in the Church from early on in his life. He became a diabetic only a few years before his conversion and has never once let that stop him from achieving his goals or from staying healthy. He is a great leader both at work and in the church. He has the ability to make people happy through his enthusiasm for life. When we were dating I was very attracted to his zest for life. He was zesty! He's a snappy dresser on top of all that and still has a full head of hair (with only a couple gray hairs...well, maybe more than a couple.) I am amazed that he has such a handsome tenor singing voice and he has never even had a voice lesson. He is always so willing to share his music with others whether at church or work or in community musicals. He realizes that his talent comes straight from Heavenly Father because he didn't have to work hard in getting it...although now he's realizing that he has to work hard to keep it.

Anyway, as I am writing all of this down I am getting some ideas on some posts I need to document...like the time Jeff and I were in the Nutcracker...or the time when Jeff shaved his legs and ate baby food so he could get his driver's license back from me that he lost...or the time Jeff was Nephi in the Hill Cumorah Pageant and still has post cards sold with him on it wearing a great blond wig.

Anyway...HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF! We love you!