September 14th

 

Why start with this picture?  Because this is Tom all.day.long.  Ha!  Without kids at home to take pictures of, he gets more than he wants :). This was at a bar before the game last weekend - he smiled for the camera when Ellie took the pic on the other side of the table:Probably because he wasn't alone in his misery :/. Alan's wife takes more pictures than me - these guys have had to learn :)

Tom is the guy I have spent the last 36 years of my life with. . .the one I adore, the one who provides all "needs" and most "wants".  The father of my children and my support, my best friend, my driver, mechanic, lawn guy, trashman, dog walker, errand boy, my accountant and financial advisor, my partner in it all.  He really is more than 17-yr-old Jenni Foster knew she wanted/needed on this date in 1989 when my sister and I drove my new car over to his house (I "thought" I knew where he lived) and knocked on the door during his 17th family birthday party to say "hi" and "do you want to see my new car?"

And here we are!!! 

All of this because his friend at his high school and my friend at my high school dragged us out on a date with them the prior spring.  We went out that one time and I didn't see him again until late summer - we were busy, had our own things going on - obviously didn't see "forever" during that one blind date :)

And now, Lord Willing, by the end of the year we'll grow by one more:

This post is Tom's birthday card this year - we were out shopping for several last weekend and he said, "do NOT spend $6 on a card for me" - ha!  

Such a "Tom" thing to say.  
So here is my attempt (and yes, I used Google - I am very good at saying, "that's what I think!").

On the lake at sunset a couple weeks ago:

You’re my strength, my anchor, my everything. And I love you with all my heart.

 In London with you in June:

You make me so happy.

With most of the Bell family (and then some) at the lake this year:

I appreciate so many things about you—your strength, your calmness, your character and integrity, your sense of humor and how fun you are.

Yes, you ARE fun!!!

On your actual birthday in 2019 - our trip to Washington DC:

I rely on you so much—for your wisdom, strength, encouragement, and belief in me. And for your love.

This is the picture on my mousepad at work - I think it's 2019 also.

You do so many things to make life more full of smiles and love. And I appreciate every one of them.

This was you last night after a long day (birthday party for a friend and a disappointing TN loss):

Thank you so much for everything you do—and everything you are.

You are my happy ending 

I hope today is a great day - this was us celebrating with our youngest last weekend - convenient that the two of you only have 2 weeks between your birthdays!

I always want you, and the world, to know how eternally grateful I am to have you, the Lord, our families, and this beautiful, rich, full life together.  Happy Birthday - you deserve to be celebrated!!

Love,

Jenni