17 Years and Counting

I love you because you said “I forgive you”. I love you because you said “yes”. I love you because you said “I do”. I love you because you are beautiful. I love you because you are the best mommy I have ever seen. I love you because you smile. I love you because you make me smile. I love you because you dance. I love you because you are not impressed by me. I love you because of your faith. I love you because you buy me Frosted Lucky Charms. I love you because you understand. I love you because you are patient. I love you because you are godly. I love you because I trust you. I love you because you get up in the middle of the night and tend to crying babies. I love you because you know I pretend to be asleep sometimes but you get up anyway. I love you because you read your bible. I love you because you like to ride roller coasters. I love you because you laugh at my jokes. I love you because we drink coffee together. I love you because we always have something to talk about. I love you because you smile at me from across a crowded room. I love you because you kiss me from across a crowded room. I love you because you kiss me at all. I love you because you hold my hand. I love you because you squeeze my hand to say you love me. I love you because you hold me. I love you because you like to go to Chili’s with me. I love you because you like to go to Buffalo Wild Wings with me. I love you because you are faithful. I love you because you see right through me. I love you because you make the best green beans in the world. I love you because you will be silly with me. I love you because you sing. I love you because you always want just a sip of my Coke. I love you because you like to find good sales. I love you because we eat popcorn together. I love you because you let me snatch your pillow even though it bothers you. I love you because you are sentimental. I love you because you let me tell funny stories about you. I love you because you like dogs. I love you because you make sweet babies. I love you because you cuddle with me. I love you because you listen to me. I love you because you hear me. I love you because you leave drawers open. I love you because you leave your keys in the door. I love you because you bring me surprises from the store. I love you because you take care of me when I am sick. I love you because you yell at me when I am a jerk. I love you because you jump on the trampoline. I love you because you let me say I’m sorry. I love you because you wear Amarige just to remind me of our honeymoon. I love you because you play Foosball with me. I love you because you play Backgammon with me. I love you because you play Candy Land with the kids so I don’t have to. I love you because you sit through my “I guess you had to be there” stories. I love you because you make me turn down my loud music. I love you because you make me want to be a better person... husband… father… Christian. I love you because you pushed me in my wheelchair. I love you because you carried me. I love you because you didn’t let me feel sorry for myself. I love you because you covered me up with a cozy blanket. I love you because you moved my legs for me. I love you because you do the family budget. I love you because you have a lot of purses. I love you because you call and ask when I am coming home. I love you because you like musicals. I love you because you sing “A Whole New World” with me. I love you because you like my pancakes. I love you because you love to open presents at Christmas time. I love you because you love traditions. I love you because you are a Proverbs 31 woman. I love you because other women want to be like you. I love you because of your convictions. I love you because of your devotion. I love you because of your passion. I love you because you let me read to you. I love you because you text me in the middle of the day just to say you love me. I love you because we keep secrets together. I love you because you like the beach. I love you because you go canoeing with me. I love you because you love to have a lazy PJ day together. I love you because you never let me forget I am a leader. I love you because you remind me of my value to God. I love you because you remind me of my value to others. I love you because you waited for me. I love you because without you I wouldn’t be the me I am. I love you because you are an amazing pastor's wife. I love you because you let me make dramatic, sappy proclamations about you. I love you, I love you, I love you!