My Best Friend

For the past (over) four years, I have know and (for a good majority of that time) been married to the most wonderful man. I knew when I first told Matt I loved him and when I said yes to him, that he was pretty great, but living with him day in and day out and getting to know him on a deeper level has caused me to be on my knees many times, thanking my Heavenly Father that I get to share my life someone that is truly incredible.

He knows my weaknesses better than anyone, and still loves me. He's even helped me conquer a few!(Phew, my eyes are starting to get a bit watery). He has taught me how to love and serve others. He is my example in so many ways. He is my confidant when I am worried or frustrated, when I'm not as forgiving to others or myself as I ought to be. He works so hard to make sure I have time to develop myself, so I can preserve the "whole" Lisa, not just the "Mommy" part of me. He forgives and loves me when I'm not as thoughtful of him as I should be. He makes sure I know I am loved and appreciated by him.

Matt is an incredible daddy. His little girls just burst with energy and smiles that hardly seem possible for their little bodies the moment he comes home, and they are so sad when he goes off to study again. He always takes time to play with and give attention to both of them, and is so careful to make sure neither girl feels left out. He's never balked at changing a horribly poopy diaper or wiping high volumes of spit-up, and I often catch him telling stories or singing songs to one or both girls. He can never resist getting a little surprise for Vanessa at the store, just to see her reaction when he brings it home (I have no doubt he'll soon be doing the same for Nicole as she becomes more "aware of" surprises) .

(This is a shot Vanessa took. I thought it was cute, and I hate to admit it, but she's taken more pictures of him then I have lately...I keep meaning to make him "pose" for me)

He is such a talented man. He not only loves being in his Marriage and Family Therapy program, but he does so well at it. He has a natural and pure charm that allows him to get along well with professors, classmates, and clients (and really anyone he meets). He is so observant of others and often is concerned about the rough time they might be having, or if they need someone to talk to. He has an impressive writing style. I love when he asks me to proof-read his research papers--not because I am much helping actually proofing--I get to read his work and see his amazing way with words. I love watching him teach. He is great at engaging the class and explaining the concept. He has so many other talents that help him to succeed in his work and make it clear he will do well in counseling, teaching, and research.

Matt doesn't let anything stop him. He has recently developed sciatic pain in his leg. It makes mornings (and often nighttimes) especially rough. Although he has found ways to minimize it, it has definitely made life more complicated. Even though he has every right to complain about it, I rarely hear him say a word about it. I often catch him doing things that I know especially fire up the pain (unfortunately, even picking up the girls can hurt). Although I try to relieve him of those things, or at least do the lifting/bending, he still insists on doing it, not wanting to leave it all for me. And, already he is talking about doing another marathon!

I could continue on, and still not be able to fully express what an amazing man I have in my life. Just the other night, he had so much to do, but we got to talking. We just kept talking and hanging out with each other, doing nothing in particular, but loving every minute of it. I probably make it hard for him to get anything done. Each time I get to be around him it just makes my whole day wonderful. I love you, Sweetheart.

(Okay, I know Nicole steals the show in this one...She was the intended person for the video anyway, but I also love it because of Matt's role in the shot, too. And as always, please forgive my lack of filming skills)