A Post for the Birthday Boy

Jeff and I had been dating for a few months when we celebrated our first holiday together - Valentine's Day. I made chicken and risotto in my tiny college kitchen and my roommates left the scene to give us some hard to come by privacy. Jeff brought over peppermint ice cream (from Prince Puckler's, for my fellow Ducks out there) and micro brews. We ate dinner at 9:30 p.m. because Jeff had lacrosse practice that night and we were in college so we didn't have a bedtime. A week later, it was Jeff's birthday. I got him a Friday Night Lights t-shirt and made a Funfetti cake, the extent of my baking prowess at the time, which was served on paper plates and devoured by him and his teammates.

Last week was our sixth Valentine's Day and today marks the sixth time that Jeff and I will celebrate his birthday. We've come along way since risotto and beers at my little apartment table, but through all of the changes and new years, the simple act of being together and blowing out a candle on a special treat is always on the agenda. I love birthdays, for the opportunity to look back on the year that has passed, its successes and challenges, the changes and triumphs, and to take a moment to think about the coming year, the goals and dreams you hope to accomplish. Jeff has had an amazing year, both personally and professionally. It hasn't always been easy, but he continues to push himself, to test the limits, to never give up. I thought that the boy with the peppermint ice cream was impressive, but I had no idea who he would grow up to be. I can only imagine what this next year will bring and I know that we have so much to look forward to. Today, I am so proud of him and so lucky, and I can't wait to continue on this journey together.

Happy birthday, Jeff! May all your dreams come true.
xoxo

 2008 to 2013