10 Things I Love

I already had this on my list. But I asked Rea to tell me what she loves most about her Dad. She said, "His snuggles!" We laughed. He is so cuddly. Although he will tell you he doesn't cuddle, he does. And he is a pro. The kids are always snuggling up with him on the couch. When they go to bed, I like to snuggle up too.

I have gone on record saying that my marriage is not perfect. And I have not always been happy. Honestly, there has been at least one wedding anniversary that was celebrated only for show - fake it till you make it, you know? 

But, even with all that said, I love my husband. Love is what has gotten us through to this point. No doubt about it. We are friends, and we truly love each other. Yes, even on the days we don't like each other, we still love one another. 

So I am actually quite excited for this anniversary. We are going to hit the 10 year mark this week. 10 years! I thought I'd try to write 10 things I actually like about my husband. After the past few posts, I feel he deserves this. 

1 - He makes me laugh

Stu is actually quite funny. When I think back over the last decade, there's a lot of laughter. We tend to have the same snarky outlook on things, people, situations and behaviors. It helps to see eye to eye on this stuff. And I am so glad I have a guy who will make fun of stuff by my side. 

2 - He has terrible taste in football

Football season has never been particularly peaceful in our house. I am an FSU grad, he is a Gator fan. I like the Patriots, and he is a die-hard, depressed Dolphin. 
He thought I was so sweet to have his groom's cake designed to look like Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. I got him back with an FSU garter. Stu has stuck by his bummer teams and has turned the children against me. But, for a while, he let me put Rea in FSU attire. 

3 - He loves to play dress up (almost) as much as I do

Not many know this, but Stu LOVES Halloween. He loves to dress up in costume. And he has been known to drop a pretty penny on a Halloween costume... for himself. And he let me throw an outrageous Halloween party two years in a row for 90+ people. 
This is just an extension of his playful side. He is a character when it comes to dressing up. We have had quite a few good times (not limited to October 31st) dressed up. 

​4 - He's basically a big kid

I have been dreaming about our anniversary trip for a while now. Like 2 years. I was hoping for something incredible, like Paris. I asked Stu about a month ago what he'd really want to do for our "big trip." His answer surprised me. It was "ride roller coasters." I'll give more details next week. As the trip gets closer, we are both getting more and more excited. This is going to be a much needed trip of FUN. Lots of laughs. Lots of whiplash. Lots of theme park food. Awesome. 

​5 - He is the BEST father

Seriously. I am so proud of the Dad he has evolved into. I think when we first had kids, Stu and I were young and selfish. We had no idea what a life changer kids would be. (I know, idiots.)
Now that we have been at it for nearly 9 years, I think we are both doing a better job. 
Stu is present for his kids. Not just in the physical sense, but he is checked in and paying attention to them. He's engaged. I love to watch them play together. I love to watch the three of them interact with each other. 

Is there anything more attractive than an active, participating father? Maybe the next one...

6 - Man in uniform

I am not sure this needs much explanation. I mean, how can you not love a man in uniform? Stu served in the Army and as a police officer for many years. He no longer serves in either, but I still have the pictures. *sigh*

​7 - Snugglebug

I already had this on my list. But I asked Rea to tell me what she loves most about Dad. She said, "His snuggles!" We laughed. He is so cuddly. Although, he will tell you he does not cuddle, he does. And he is a pro. The kids are always snuggled up with him on the couch. When they go to bed, I like to skooch up next to him. 

8 - He humors my Disney side

Disney has never been a place Stu "wanted" to go. But it has been my happy place for most of my life. He has put his feelings aside many times over the past decade. We spent our first wedding anniversary at Disney. Ahhh, love. I could put together an hour-long slideshow just of Disney pics... We have literally thousands from the several dozens trips we've taken. In fact, we have gone so often, Disney has its own section on this site. 

9 - He believes in me

Stu is a great friend. He is loyal. He is caring. He thinks I am pretty awesome. Sometimes. I realize this entry is about Stu, but how could I not talk about me?
We have had days (months, years) when we each failed to support the other. But, through it all, Stu has not given up on me. And I have not on him either. 
I love that he supports my crazy ideas (except a 3rd child, he's really holding out on me there). He thinks I am an excellent writer (his words, not mine). He supports me when others think I am horrible (although he's had to be reminded not to believe everything he hears). He holds me when I am sad or mad (I cry when I am super frustrated). 
Most of all, I love that he is working with me. Working with me to make our marriage, family, life stronger and better. 

​10 - He works so hard

Stu works hard, long hours for us. He gets up early every morning and heads off to work in order to give his kids (and wife) the best life possible. He works hard and long so I can raise the kids. I do not take for granted the life he is working to achieve. I love him for wanting the four of us to have a good life. 

I am so proud of all you have accomplished in your professional life Stu. I know big and great things are still ahead of us.