PaPa Tob

Yesterday was Todd's birthday. Yes I'm a day late with my post, but I was out of town all weekend and got home last night. The last thing I wanted to do was be on the computer. Instead I spent time with my husband and girls til we went to bed. So sorry this is a day late.

My husband has many names, and I thought I would share a few with you.

Daddy: This is what the girls call him. 2 of the three girls said dada as their first word. It means so much to him to be called daddy. And it suits him well. He is a fantastic daddy! He is so patient and kind where the girls are concerned. I mean lets face it he deserves an award for having to live in a house of all women, so far!!!!! Yes, daddy is a good name for him.

Papa Tob: this is the name our son Jonas has given him. So I'm sure that's what Ellie says too. I think this one has a tender spot for Todd. He aches to have his Haitian children home so much. And being a man you'd think he wouldn't show to much emotion. But let me introduce you to the fact (if you don't know him) that Todd is VERY emotional. I love that about him! He's not afraid to show it, share it, or talk about it. So when he heard Jonas was calling him Papa Tob, yep...he cried.

Friend: I know this may seem strange that I would choose this one first for me to describe him, but only second to God, Todd is my best friend. From the very beginning we have always been able to talk to each other. When we were first married we had a lot of business trips we took. (driving) I loved them because Todd and I would talk the whole way there and the whole way back. I know you other ladies are like, "What on earth did you talk about?" Everything under the son. Our dreams, religion, families, our pasts,what we liked, didn't like, the scenery going by,world issues, business, people, books, etc. You name it we have talked about it. And with all those conversations God bonded us together in a deep friendship. I'm proud to call him my husband and friend!!!!!

Husband: hmmmmm......what to tell, and not tell......hmmmm. Well, how does one person be your deepest hurt all the way to your highest joy? Not sure, but Todd is. We have been through a lot together in 14 short years of marriage. It has been tested to it's very limits and then some. Put we have persevered over the years. Mainly because we have trusted Jesus with our marriage, not each other. We are sinners and will fail every time. But God holds our marriage in the palm of his hand. And whatever he holds is sacred. And that is the only reason we are still married. Love? I have learned how to love my husband in different ways. Yeah I have ushy gushy feelings, but I have learned to love him when it made no sense to do so, when it hurt, when I was mad at him, when I was proud of him, and on and on. We have both learned love is a CHOICE, not a feeling. So....Todd is my husband, and I feel privileged to have him. And I hope I never take advantage of that.

Dork: He is a dork. He doesn't care what other people think of him...so....well... he sometimes does crazy things. One good thing is he has taught me how to laugh at myself and let go of my "what will other people think" fears. So I guess that makes me his dorket.

Artist/photographer: Todd has the ability to capture life through his camera. He can take a picture of someone and when you look at the picture you can go, yep that IS so and so. He can get that moment when the person is being themselves. It's not about the right pose. And some of his pictures capture others eyes so well you think you can see into the very soul of that person. Todd sees life like an artist. He is giddy just thinking about the next great adventure.

Loyal: Todd is the most loyal person I know!

I could keep going but the card I gave him says it best. Yes, I actually found a card that said all I wanted to say, better than I could say it. So I just signed it.

SOMETIMES

there just aren't words

for the most amazing things

that happen in our lives-

for prayers

that are answered

far beyond anything

we ever dreamed possible,

for joys

that surprise our hearts,

and miracles

that could only be gifts from heaven...

Even when

I can't find the words

to tell you,

I want to show you-

with every look, every touch, every kiss we share...

...you are the miracle

who has made my life happier

than I ever imagined

it could be.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Hugs, Kristina