I'm a little late because yesterday was Brandon's birthday. He just turned 34! He's getting old! It's not funny because I'm only 6 months behind him. In honor of my dear husband. Here's 10 things I love about him.
1. His smile! Ask anyone, Brandon is almost always smiling. His smile is contagious and it's one of the first things you notice about him. I feel blessed because Parker got his Daddy's smile.
2. He's handy. He can fix a lot of things including our cars much of the time. It's nice knowing he can do so much!
3. He's a saver not a spender. Brandon knows how to manage money really well which is a blessing because I don't. *blush* Nuf said!
4. Brandon's a really good pilot! Even 10 years ago when he went to Salt Lake to take his first FAA written exam he passed with almost 100%. You have to pass with at least 70%. He was SOOOOOOOO mad for a long time that he missed ONE question. All of his instructors forever have always commented on his great abilities. He passed every FAA exam both written and practical with flying colors. I'm happy he's following his dreams now.
5. Patient & calm. Brandon is the most patient person on this planet. The fussiest baby quiets right down in his arms. Even with me and all my shortcomings he is patient. Brandon recognizes that nobody is perfect and this helps him to be patient with people. One of Brandon's mottos is "Don't sweat the small stuff". Brandon does not expect or need immediate gratification. He's happy to wait, study and pick the best choice no matter how bad he wants or needs something. He's okay with things requiring cultivation and nurturing.
People who are impatient, like me, are people who insist on getting things done now and don't like to waste time. However, some things just can't be rushed. Almost anything really good in life takes time and dedication, and if you're impatient, you're more likely to give up on relationships, goals, and other things that are important to you. Good things may not always come to those who wait, but most good things that do come don't come right away. Brandon knows this.
6. Selfless & Sincere. Brandon puts EVERYONE else first, including me. It didn't take me long to try and follow. Within just a couple months of dating I wanted to do the same for him. everyone wonders how we get along so well. They think one of us must be giving up to the other. Well the truth is we both give everything up to each other. I am happy to say we have never been in a major fight or argument. Brandon does things out of the goodness of his heart; he doesn't seek a reward or do things to acquire things from people. He gives without expecting the boomerang effect to occur. Brandon has a genuine concern for and interest in others. Brandon wears his heart on his sleeve.
"Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment." — Anthony Robbins
7. Meek & Mild. Brandon is unassuming and non-egotistical. Brandon is strong but not violent. Jesus described himself "I am meek and gentle." He was able to handle conflicts, insults and crisis without egotism. Brandon is very teachable.
A good definition of meek is, Mild of temper; not easily provoked or irritated; patient under injuries; not vain, or haughty, or resentful; forbearing; submissive. This is Brandon.
8. Has a testimony. Brandon has a strong testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Brandon has received spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost and knows that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement ; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was called to restore the gospel; that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior's true Church on the earth; and that the Church is led by a living prophet today. I was always impressed with Brandon's ability to attend church by himself as a teenager. Brandon is "valiant in his testimony of Jesus."
9. Loves to shop. Brandon is a shopper. Brandon loves to buy new clothes. He loves to buy me stuff! That's always a good thing!
10. Is a good daddy. Brandon is fiercely protective of his children as any good daddy is. Brandon loves to shop for them too. He loves to play with them and read to them and he takes time to be with each one of them each day.
11. Humble. Okay I have more than 10 and I could go on FOREVER. Brandon appreciates his talents but is not prideful of them. Brandon does not compare himself to anyone. He never tries to be the best or better than others. He's just happy to be him. Brandon is never afraid to admit that he made a mistake or was wrong. This is something I have a really hard time doing. Brandon teaches me a lot.
12. A good listener.
"Think before you speak - a good listener tends to be a good person, and trust from others will follow."
Brandon is a good listener. Before we went on one date we spent everyday together just talking, talking for hours. We did this for months. We still love to just talk.
13. Hard working. Brandon is a hard worker. In fact right now he is working two jobs to support our family. Yesterday on his birthday he left at 5 in the morning and didn't get home until after 6 at night. He works hard at home too. He folds all the laundry. He is always helping to pick up, washing the dishes, vacuuming, and doing the yard work. Parker has decided he wants to be just like Daddy and who wouldn't?
14. He's Romantic. Brandon loves to take care of me and do things for me. I can't even count how many times he's given or sent me flowers usually long stemmed roses. With each baby he brings me a dozen to the hospital. He loves to take me out. He dresses nice for me and wear the cologne I love. There's even a pair of jeans I love. He has another brand new pair with the tags still on sitting waiting for the other pair to wear out just so he can wear them for me longer. Once I suggested I would like going to the symphony. He bought season tickets. He brings me home little treats and surprises. He still opens car doors and shows me every courtesy. We even after eleven years still spoon EVERY night drifting off to sleep in each others arms.
I love you Brandon!
