Happy Birthday To My Blue-Eyed Snow Snake

Hubba, bubba!!! This is by far my FAVORITE picture of my hubby and this post wouldn't be complete without it! Unfortunately the e-mail from his Gram and Mom ended up in my spam box so it's being added later, but I think it still steals the show!! (I'm gonna need to go and grab a few paper towels...I've drooled all over the keyboard.) A BIG thank you to Gram and Tammy for helping me complete this post.

Today is my Huney's 27th birthday and I was so excited to post this blog because it's yet another chance to celebrate another special person in my life! These first few are from his childhood and a part of his life I did not share with him, but oh how cute he was then. This first picture is my favorite because it shows those mischievous eyes he still has and those dimples that still occasionally come through when he smiles. I still hope that we one day have children that look like their father.

(He still loves playing with tractors, they are just on a larger scale than they used to be.)

Another part of Jamie's life that didn't include me. He was ranching out here in Montana for a few years before we met and from what I hear was always somewhat of a good horseman. I love the picture below, torn jeans and all..check out those sexy arms!

And then he met me...the picture above was one of the first I saw of him. We met over the phone through my now-brother-in-law and from the first conversation we hit it off. But until we met 6 weeks later, I really only knew what he looked like through pictures...I truly loved him before I ever met him face-to-face.

He has a handful of pictures from those first few years out "on the range" and he happened to take this one while we talking on the phone during that 6 weeks prior to meeting in person. Oh those were the days...losing sleep so I could stay up late and talk to him while I had to be up early for clinical the next day...yep, don't miss that!

And then we met! This was taken on October 31, 2003. I remember thinking, "He needs a haircut". But I knew this was the man I would marry.

This was taken that Thanksgiving. I love his hands in this photo...I think they are sexy. Somehow they always find mine just when I need them too. I love them for the protective way they wrap around me.

We enjoyed some goofy times together and sometimes I miss those early days when my life seemed to revolve around him. (It still does, just in a different way.) But I also don't miss those days because Jamie had to grow on my parents the first year we were together and that was stressful for me. I'm thankful for the love that has grown between them since then. Jamie has found a way to worm his way in and he shares something special with both my parents. He used to spend Saturday's over at the butcher shop with Papa Smurf and that was their day...don't even think of planning something without first getting approval!! But they both needed that time together and although time wasn't spend in a heart-to-heart all the time, they now speak their own language because of it and I'm so grateful for that. Jamie also has a way of speaking to Mudder Smucker. He once went to the flower shop and picked out flowers for her because she was having a hard time saying goodbye to a close friend. He even filled out the little card to go with it. I know it spoke volumes to her. His parents did a great job of showing him how important it was to help others. He isn't one to pass a broken down car without stopping to see if he can help. I love that about him. He bailed out many a friend in time of need.

I think he is speaking "horse" in this photo, but he has a gentle way with animals as well. It's fun to go out on the ranch and watch him work. He understands them and is patient...my husband is a VERY patient man, which is great because I'm not a very patient woman!

His dogs sure do love him! I would often come home from work to this and it made me feel at peace, "I was finally home."

Have I mentioned yet that he isn't afraid of anything? He was the only one brave enough to travel the rocky path out to this ledge when my parents visited this past summer. (I think it made him feel macho.) Jamie isn't one to let anything scare him off. He can strike up a conversation with any stranger...I'd prefer to stay behind doors where I'm comfortable. He'll take on any confrontation and stand his ground...I steer clear of confrontation if I can. He takes on any challenge with a determination I find amazing.

And then there are the self portraits he alway has to take. I think when we left my mom breathed a sigh of relief because she didn't have to wonder what she was going to find on her camera the next morning. (Hey, you took 'em...they are fair game for my blog, Huney!)

A close-up of the blue-eyed snow snake...BEWARE, he bites!

This post wouldn't be complete without my baby in a truck with mud-streaked windows...notice the slight smile on his face?! I can guarentee you that smile is MUCH bigger on the inside and the adrenaline is pumping through his veins!! Give him some big horses under the hood and giganto mud puddle and you have yourself a very happy man!

Jamie enjoys his role as Uncle to these little guys and I they like their uncle.

I think that Papa Smurf and Jamie were solving the worlds problems at this particular moment. (Either that or having a conversation about how annoying the camera was getting.)

Hard at work combining as well as fixing it. Have I mentioned that his toys no longer fit inside a toy box? He was quite proud of himself for getting this old combine up and running again...I was quite proud of him too.

Love both of these!!!

I tried my best to pick some good pictures of Jamie. He isn't always one to smile when you snap a picture of him but this night he was actually accomodating and I LOVE it!! Feel free to smile more for pictures, my Dear.

Happy Birthday, Jamie! I hope you have a wonderful day! 5 1/2 years ago I placed my footprints next to yours and promised that no matter what I would walk through this life by your side. Although it hasn't always been an easy road to walk, I've enjoyed the journey with you along the way and I wouldn't give up the last 5 years with you for anything. I look forward to walking through the next year with you...I have no idea what the path will bring us, but I'm so grateful knowing you'll be there beside me and that 27 years ago you were born! Your are my sunshine when life seems gray. Thank you for choosing to make me a part of your life, may this next year be sweeter than the rest.

All My Love,

Babygirl