Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: I Love Him

Friday, January 04, 2008

I Love Him

A little over 13 years ago, I met this guy. It didn't take me long to love him, but it has taken 13 years to love him like I love him now. I love him more than I ever thought possible back when I was a grown-up woman of 19 years. We've been through a lot of stuff, and I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed. Yes, I've been mad at him plenty of times, but he's always proven that he is the kind of man I am proud to be married to for eternity. I really do take him for granted way too often, and I am trying to be better at appreciating him. He's really an amazing person.

He works harder than anyone I know, and puts his heart into his work. He's a man who enjoys chopping wood, and will actually be smiling when he's done. He never complains while working, even when it's tough. I complain that my arms are jello after shoveling snow for half hour, when he shovels home and work day in and day out.

I gave him a guitar for Christmas a few years ago, since he's been wanting one forever. I really thought he'd learn a little bit, then let it sit. (I know, not very nice of me to think.) He practices more than I practice my violin, by far. He's taught himself every chord, and finds new music to learn often. He's even written a couple of songs. I love to listen to him sing, and found out exactly how much one time when I was listening to John Denver while running. Now, don't get me wrong, because I love John Denver, but one of his less familiar songs came on. I was trying to figure out what was wrong with the song, because it just didn't sound right. It didn't have the right pauses, and the right feeling, and the right sweetness. Then I realized that Brandon's version was the one in my head, and John's version just didn't feel the same.

He doesn't believe me when I say it, but he really is incredibly handsome. Sometimes he looks at me with those blue eyes in a way that melts my heart. I still can't get enough of his kisses. I love it when we're sitting on the bench in church, usually with a kid between us, and we look at each other, and he'll smile, and his eyes twinkle... and I just know he loves me too.

I could go on... and on, but I need to do my part to be a good wife and get our house cleaned up and dinner planned. I'm just hoping that somehow I can make up for my shortcomings as a wife, and be what he deserves.

Love you, Brandon.

2 comments:

Karey said...: What a nice post and a nice tribute. I know what you mean. It seems that in the world it is hard to find a great husband, but it sounds like we've both been blessed. What a great thing to have a hard-working, good man to lead your family. Thanks for sharing.

I tried to post a comment on your blog about your children and it wouldn't come up, so I'll just tell you here that I know exactly what you mean. Bruce will leave on a mission in less than three years--WOW!!! I want my kids to grow up to be good adults, but I want them to slow down and stay where they are awhile longer.; 3:55 PM
Lisa said...: so glad you have a good man. not everyone does. i too need to show more love & appreciation...and clean the house!!!!; 12:26 AM

Post a Comment

To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche