That Love Thing

I know I dedicate a whole lot of this blog to Hallie, but there is another important person in my life...my best friend and husband, Devin. In honor of Valentine's Day this week, I thought I would share some of my favorite Devin-isms and why I fell in love with this nearly perfect man.

When Devin and I met, he was living with his sister Shawna and her husband Slava in Idaho Falls. Where he comes from, there aren't a whole lot of job opportunities, so he worked at Jamba Juice in between his junior and senior years and then again after graduating from high school. That was the summer that I got to know him. For me, it was definitely love at first sight. I thought he was extremely good looking. I quickly also took note of a few things that caught my attention: He was a gentleman and he was very good with children. I was so impressed right away that I told myself that I was going ot marry that man.

Devin worked with my best friend Kylee at Jamba. One day, Kylee was hungry at work, so Devin went home to his sister's house after his shift and made her some sandwiches and brought them back to her. I still remember thinking how impressed I was that he would do that for someone.

We eventually started playing games at Shawna's house after Devin and Kylee's shifts would end (Poor Ky, she always had to come with me whenever I spent time with Devin. I was too insecure to do it myself!). During those times, I noticed a strong bond that Devin had with his nephew Kayden. It was clear that Kayden loved him.

Devin left for his mission after that summer. There are way too many other memories to name here from that first summer, but I was so sad when he left, though I knew he was doing the right thing. The highlight of my first two years at BYU was receiving letters from him. I would walk by our mailbox everyday and hope that the letters would come. He never failed to stick Barbie or Ninja Turtle stickers on the envelopes, so they would stick out and I would know immediately it was a letter from him.

After he finally returned, our romance was a whirlwind, I'd say. Devin is an utmost gentleman. He is caring, kind, thoughtful, loving, and patient. I would have a hard time living with me at times, but Devin doesn't. He takes everything in stride and is quick to apologize. There is no me in our marriage, it is all we. We are complete equals. Devin has done his share of dishes, cleans better than I do, and changed loads of diapers. He is not a complainer and keeps up with everything without a complaint. Oh, yeah, and all that is on top of working full time and taking a full load of classes. He is just amazing, I tell you.

Devin is also up for trying new things, even if the idea doesn't thrill him. He will do things for me just to please me (see the picture above of him dressed as a pioneer woman for Halloween. Classic example!). He watches chick flicks, lets me read children's books to him, and his nearly favorite thing to say is "whatever you want honey!" (So enthusiastic too!)

I was right about the fact that Devin is good with children. No, he is amazing with children. He has been an incredible father and Hallie is lucky to have him. She adores her father (as mentioned in the last post!). He is patient, fun, and in turn adores his child. Devin can't wait for Hallie to get older so that he can "rough house" more with her. He does a little bit of that already and Hallie loves it. Devin loves spending time with Hallie and bonding with her. I get so happy just watching them together.

I have been into reading my old journals lately. I look back at my junior high and high schoool self and just think, "Man I wish I could go back and tell myself what was in store for my future!" I was so self conscious and very hard on myself during those years. I was not the girl that dated a lot or was asked out a lot. I also guarded my heart carefully. I think perhaps the most beautiful thing that Devin has given me is confidence. He loves me for me and I believe him when he tells me that he would not change a thing about me. I look back on my old self and realize that I just needed someone to help me see that I do have a lot to offer. I found that person in Devin. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful man in my life and I love him so much.

Happy Valentines Day!

*I am going out of town this weekend for Sadie's birthday and my cousin's wedding (Devin has to stay because he has to work! Boo!), so I won't be spending the actual day with Devin. However, I don't think it is the day itself that is important, but just taking the time to realize and be grateful for the loves that we have in our lives.