I thought I knew.

In an effort to completely mortify and embarass my husband...:)

14 years ago, I thought I knew who you were. I thought that I knew the type of person you were. I thought I knew how kind and...perfect (for me) you were.

11 years ago, I thought I knew why you were worth moving for. I thought I knew the man you were becoming. I thought I knew just how complete you made my soul.

9 (almost 10!) years ago, I thought I knew what our marriage would be. I thought I knew how great a husband you would be. I thought I knew what an amazing father you would be. I thought I knew how much you loved your family. I thought I knew what sorts of incredible and selfless things you would do with your life.

Turns out, I had no idea.

You are much more than I ever thought. Than I ever dreamed. Than I ever thought I knew.

I never imagined the patient, kind, funny father you would be. I never knew the incredible teacher that our children would have in you. I never imagined how it would make my eyes sting with tears and my heart overflow with emotion to see our children run to you at the end of the day or to see you comfort them.

I never imagined that you would grow into a man so strong, so kind, so selfless, so full of integrity, so gentle, and so loving. I never knew just how much you would affect those around you. I never knew just how you would excel at your job--how many families and children you would impact.

I never knew the service you would lend within our church. I never knew how quietly and humbly you would accept the duties and service asked of you. On the day (this past Sunday!) that you were called upon to lead the Young Men, I never would have imagined the quiet pride I would feel as I watched you stand to accept this calling. I never imagined the deep gratitude I would feel for your example in faith--to me, to the youth, and to our children.

I never knew that someday, I would be breathtakingly grateful for our relationship. That I would feel blessed beyond measure by our partnership and our love. I never knew that I would be filled with amazement and wonder at the amount of work we put into us and the tenfold return we receive.

I thought I knew who I had married. What I was marrying. How it would all turn out.

Turns out, I was wrong. You are more than I hoped. More than I dreamed. More than I imagined.

You are everything. I love you Spencie. Happy Birthday. :)