He was 22 when we met...

Today he is 38. I'm not sure I believe in love at first sight...but we definitely flirted at first sight. I tell Jaina the story of how and where James and I met, often. She thinks it is funny. Her favorite part is that I could "smell" James long before I could ever see him. He always wore "Polo" and I would be able to smell him coming into the ER, before I could see him. Either way, I always perked up. I was a clerk at the U of U ER and he was working for the U of U Police Dept. They were required to do ER duty every so often and it was not long before he looked forward to it! Because of yours truly! I will admit there was a big part of me that was let down when I saw any other police officer coming in...

Fast forward to Feb. 15, 2009. I still love the way he smells and miss the way he always made a police uniform look. I love that he plays with his kids. I love that he has loved me enough to stick out the last 16 years - despite breaking up, growing up and making up. I love what he stands for. I love that he values my family, nuts and all. I love him for upholding justice (sounds funny, but he is my sheep dog.) I love him for the strong arms that wrap around me and always make me feel so safe. I love him for loving me - stretch marks and all. I love him for supporting me and letting me be the full-time Mom I've always wanted to be. I love him for the life we have built together. Most of all I love being his wife. I love you Bunny. I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Now that I've been serious...here is James when he was little, medium, big and funny!

James - 1 year old?

3 or 4 years old

His grandpa used to carry this picture in his wallet. He was so proud of James.

What a cute kid! 1997 - Our first trip to Canada
1995 - Best Valley City

James and Jaina at a Daddy Daughter Dance

Yesterday...he was playing along with me!
Still playing.
And again.
Less amused at this point.

And, in case anyone saw this...