I have a surprise post for Dave today!
You see, tomorrow is Dave’s 32nd birthday (he’s much older than me, by the way), and since I don’t usually talk a ton about Dave here on the blog, I thought it might be the perfect timing for a little post about the man I’ve loved for almost a decade.
Yes, a decade!
I first met Dave over 10 years ago. However, we didn’t officially start dating for several months — only because it took shy senior Dave THAT long to finally ask outgoing freshman me on a date.
I honestly couldn’t have dropped more hints or flirted any more… but Dave will be the first to tell you he’s not super perceptive with these matters!
I’m not a super sappy or overly emotional person. AT. ALL. So while I don’t think you’ve ever heard me complain about Dave; chances are, you’ve also never heard me gush on and on about him… until today.
Since I’m the stay-at-home parent, the sacrifices I make for Dave to be a teacher and coach might be a bit more obvious. However, what most people don’t realize is that he also makes a TON of sacrifices so I can do what I do (a.k.a. there would be no blog without Dave.)
He often wakes up at 5:00am to grade papers and get to school super early so he can do a bunch of planning before school. That way, he can get home earlier each afternoon and take over “Nora duty” so I can work.
He even wakes up early on the weekends so he can grade before the rest of us wake up. And after Nora goes to bed, he’s busy doing school work all night long.
He is amazing at helping out with household chores — he makes the bed, washes dishes, and folds laundry without even being asked. And although he might not always WANT to do some of the things I request, he almost never puts up a stink if I ask him to clean a bathroom, vacuum, or do any other random task. I should probably thank my in-laws for this!
Dave is the type of guy who, when asked if he will put Nora to bed that night, just says “sure” — and only later do I find out there was a really important game or the final episode of Survivor on TV that he would have liked to watch (we don’t have DVR, so he can’t just watch it later).
I usually feel bad when this happens, but at the same time, I also realize how lucky I am to have a husband who puts family first, no matter what.
In the 10 years I’ve known Dave, I’ve seen him get really mad maybe 3 times — one of which was when someone flipped ME off while I was minding my own business in a traffic jam. Seriously folks, don’t flip me off when Dave is around!
He is so even-keeled, go-with-the-flow, and super laid back.
He rarely ever makes assumptions before hearing both sides of the story and getting all the facts. He’s slow to speak, quick to listen, and as my Grandma would say, “He has the patience of Job” (a Biblical character who was always very patient, even in difficult situations).
Aside from a few naughty students, everyone who knows Dave likes him… and for good reason. He’s just the type of guy who is super easy to like (you know, the type with a dry sense of humor to always lighten the mood.)
I realize a decade isn’t that long in the scheme of a lifetime; but since it’s over 1/3 of my current life (and basically my entire adult life) a decade sure seems like a long time to me… in a good way!
Our marriage is far from perfect — we fight, we annoy each other at times, and we definitely both know how to push each other’s buttons.
BUT every day, I’m reminded how lucky I am to have such a great guy.
Oh, and if you’re wondering why I said this post is a “surprise for Dave”… it’s because Dave proof-reads my posts, and he knows there are always 5 posts to read every weekend. However, since I didn’t want him to read this one ahead of time, I prepared an extra post for him to read last weekend.
So sneaky… I know (and sorry for the potential extra typos in this post!)
.
Without Dave, there would be NO way I could run this blog and do everything else I do… so if you have a second, please wish Dave a big Happy Birthday and tell him how much you appreciate the time he gives up so I can share my life and this blog with you.
We’ll officially be celebrating tomorrow night with a couple Bacon Double Cheeseburgers (and maybe some frozen custard) at Culver’s.
Happy Birthday Dave! We love you.
JoAnn C. says
A very Happy Birthday to you Dave. Many happy returns.
Lori says
Happy Birthday Dave! Thanks for sharing your wife and life with us!
Susanne says
Totally sweet…..he sounds so much like my husband who is also a high school teacher. Sounds like we are both so blessed!
Amanda says
Happy Birthday Dave!!! Thanks for sharing your wife with us!!! Thanks for loving your wife, and giving her time to do the blog, it is very helpful to me. Thanks!!! =)
Lori says
Dave, I hope your birthday is the best ever and wish you many blessings for the upcoming year. I love your wife’s blog and know that you play a huge role so THANK YOU! Again–enjoy your day.
Tara says
What a sweet surprise. And convicting to me since in my time with God lately He has been convicting my heart to speak affirmingly to and about my husband more often. And there’s no reason not to do so when I have a wonderful, patient and helpful man just like Dave.
Many happy returns to you Dave. You are indeed a blessed man and a blessing to your family. Thank you for being a strong and caring man of God in a time when being one is not the status quo. You are modeling strong values for a generation woefully in need of role models.
Blessings on your birthday!
Tara
Stacie Kaltz says
Happy Birthday Dave! I love your wife’s blog and look at it everyday, this blog has helped me become more organized in all aspects! Thanks to the both of you!!! Enjoy your day! Happy Holidays!
Rebecca says
Happy Birthday Dave! Hope you have a wonderful day and can feel the love and appreciation coming at ya from the blogosphere! Your wife is wonderful and we appreciate you supporting her in blessing the lives of others!
Best Wishes,
Rebecca
Preety says
Happy Birthday Dave…
Lizanne says
Happy Birthday, Dave! Thanks for making this great blog possible. 🙂
Cathy says
Happy Birthday Dave! Thank you for being such a great husband to Andrea and father to Nora. Because you are it allows Andrea to have the time to write such a great blog about things that we can all relate to. I personally get a lot of ideas and inspiration from her blog. Have a Happy Birthday this weekend!
Pam says
Happy Birthday Dave! Thanks for being a Godly role model for husbands and fathers.
Lynn says
Happy Birthday, Dave!!!!
Thanks for all you do, and what a blessing you are to Andrea & Nora. Good dads and husbands are very special and it sounds like you are one of the best! Have a wonderful, special day.
Deborah Walker says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!! No one is more grateful to have you than Andrea, Nora, family and friends. As a teacher you are a great mentor which then need especially during these times. We are great indirectly, because Andréa is able to share her creative inspirations, projects, wisdom and the love of her family with us. I read her blogs promptly. Your dedication to her as a husband and her love from the beginning is refreshing to hear about and see. I have 3 children whose ages are 27,24 and 23 two of which still live home. I hope they find a great partner that you both have found in each other. God Bless you all.
By the way, I am sure if your unconsciously grading this comment there would be some corrections. I am well aware I need to take a refresher course on grammar and punctuation.
Enjoy your celebration!
Shareen says
Congratulations on knowing each other for so long and on your beautiful relationship. Dave, happy birthday!!! May your day, year, and life always be full of beautiful celebrations.
Bridget says
What a sweet post to honor and appreciate your husband. (He sounds a lot like my husband. Like you, I am blessed to have a wonderful husband too.) Well done Andrea!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dave!
Good job being one of the few good men family men around. It is wonderful how you support your wife and care for Nora.
Enjoy a wonderful Birthday weekend!
Evie says
Happy Birthday, Dave! You’re just a few months older than my younger children, so I can say “parentally” that I’m proud of you!! You and Andrea are such a good team, and you’re making such a beautiful life together! It’s fun to visit you guys almost daily through the blog. 🙂
Candis says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!!!!!!!!
Thank your for being a great guy. I appreciate you being the guy you are
that allows Andrea to write this blog. I sometimes come here to read past
post to get my mind off my life and focus on something else. I would feel lost
without this blog. Thank you for “making it happen” Happy 32nd Birthday 🙂
Stephanie says
Happy birthday from one of your biggest fans!
I don’t know you, but I love this blog, and after reading today’s post, I am so grateful for all you do for Andrea and Nora. Thanks for sharing your family with us.
Vicky says
Happy Birthday Dave!
Have a wonderful day, enjoy your family and we wish you many more!
Vicky
Patty says
Happy Birthday to Dave!!
Nessa says
Happy birthday Dave!!! Hope your day is great. Thanks for opening your life up and supporting your wife as she shares, helps and inspires others.
Cassie says
Happy Birthday, Dave!
Andrea, a lot of what you said about Dave reminds me of Rob. (Believe it or not! 🙂 ) You and I are very blessed to have married into this family. Dave, Rob, and the rest of the cousins are very blessed to have such a neat lady like Grandma in their lives. She has been an awesome role model for her kids, kids-in-law, grandkids, grandkids-in-law, and great-grandkids in how to be a laid back, go with the flow, patient, and above all, faithful person.
Hope Dave has a great 32nd birthday!
Marie says
Happy Birthday Dave!
Anna says
Happy Birthday Dave! Thanks for helping Andrea with this great blog! My husband is several (7 to be exact) years older than me too and he’s super! Sounds a lot like your Dave.
Lisa says
Happy Birthday Dave! And thanks for letting Andrea share her ideas with us.
Maisy Sylling says
Happy Birthday, Dave! 32?!? Really?? Well, at least you still look like you did in high school!
Rose K says
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Both of you seem to be very happy with each other….I love reading your blog every single day! I look forward to hearing from someone with the same ideas as I have.
I have 3 boys, 21, 19, and a super little special needs blessing of an angel son, who is 13…..I have to work to keep the older ones in college here, but I look forward to being able to stay home and look forward to Andrea’s “feel good” way of living life…and taking care of my family.
God Bless your family! Have a wonderful weekend!
Monica says
Happy Birthday, Dave! I appreciate your wife so much with her inspiration to me. I just took a break from organizing my business of piano teaching, which is a Christmas gift to my family because of the mess that occurred when I moved it all home in September. Andrea encouraged me to simplify and keep what I truly love and need.
Trusting her judgement, I believe you are certainly a great guy. Thank you for all of your sacrifices and time spent so Andrea can share her wisdom and insights with us!
Verity says
Awww. I loved this post! Made me smile.
Happy Birthday Dave!
R (Portugal) says
Happy birthday to Dave!!! from Portugal.
ps – andrea, I loved your post today, very beautifull.
Charissa says
Happy birthday, Dave!! It sounds like you and Andrea make a great team!! Blessings to you, Andrea, Nora, and your baby-on-the-way!!
Beth says
Happy birthday Dave! It has been a pleasure getting to know your family through all these blog posts. You sound like an incredible husband and a wonderful father!
Beth Rainey says
What a wonderful tribute to a great guy! Happy Birthday, Dave!!!!
Mama Murrey says
Dave, you probably never thought about the impact you could have while quietly going about life carrying out the responsibilities God has given you. It makes me think of 1 Cor. 4:2, “that a man be found faithful” and Luke 16:10, “whoever can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much.” It also reminds me of the movie “Courageous.”
May God bless you as you serve Him by serving your family, and your students. May He bless you richly as you spend your life answering His call to be a faithful, godly, courageous man.
Barb says
Happy Birthday Dave! Andrea’s blog has been such an encouragement and blessing to me and my family. Thank you for making it possible. God’s blessings to you and your family.
Rebecca Miller says
Happy Birthday, Dave!!! I hope it is amazing. Thank you for being a fantastic teacher. We need more of those! Thank you for being involved in your children’s lives. Our world will be a better place for the fathers that invest in their own children. Happy Birthday!!!
Melissa says
Happy Birthday Dave! You sound like a very special person that makes the world better by being present in the lives of your family and students.
Cathy Pennell says
Love that Andrea could share such a piece of her heart with us. Dave I hope you have a wonderful birthday and continue to be Blessed for many more.
Barb says
Happy Birthday, Dave — you sound like a wonderful gentleman, husband, and father; and it looks like you and Andrea are good ‘complements’ to each other’s personalities. Andrea’s is one of the very few blogs that I look forward to reading EVERY day….God has blessed you both, and both of you are blessing us. Thank you. 🙂