Happy Birthday, Matt!!

Matt turned 33 on Saturday!! In honor of his birthday, I would like to list 33 reasons I love him. Enjoy!

1. He is merciful. He is committed to mercy ministry and has a heart for the poor.


2. He is a great coach. He cares more about the boys he coaches than wins/losses. I admire that.


3. He is patient. Very patient :) He married me when I was 21 (almost 22!), so lets just say he has had ample opportunity to be patient with me.


4. He doesn't love money. Oh how I love this about him. It challenges me.


5. He is kind. He always lets Hudson bring a basketball home after the games. He doesn't have to...but he is a kind daddy. So, he brings it home and takes it back multiple times a week.


6. He keeps short accounts. He forgives quickly and often. I wish I could be more like that. There is never a time that I ask for forgivenss that he doesn't give it.


7. He is supportive. He has supported me in many, many things (I tend to bounce around). He is always so encouraging.


8. He reads to our children. I love to hear him read books to Hudson...complete with funny voices :) I think he is one of the reasons Hudson has a love for books.


9. He loves "hole in the wall" restaurants. I love it!!! Nothing like a little random restaurant...they always have the best food.


10. He challenges me. He brought home a sermon about not wasting your life...I was so challenged. Thank you for that.


11. He serves. It is truly a gift of his. I see it in his dad as well. He loves to serve others- he always helps. I am so thankful for it.


12. He is not short-tempered. One of the things I love the most about him. It feels very secure to be around someone that is not short-tempered.


13. He is full of useless knowledge :) It's hilarious! He knows more random trivia than anyone I know...he's a killer trivial pursuit player.


14. He is loyal. He's loyal to me, loyal to his job, his friends, his church...I think it is rare in our culture.


15. He's a forever optimist. I have a love-hate relationship with this quality :) He will always think there is plenty of time, money, space, etc. I need more of this quality.


16. He's never too busy. He always has time for his children. This sometimes mean right before a basketball game- he always gives Hudson a little daddy time.


17. He is steady. I so appreciate this about him. He doesn't have many highs and lows...he is a very steady man. He balances my emotions.


18. He tells silly jokes. He would not be Matt Spivey without "yo momma" jokes. They still make me laugh....sometimes :)


19. He is artistic. He painted me the most beautiful painting. He paints for his family. If you don't know him, you would never guess it.


20. He sacrifices. He sacrifices many material things for me to stay home with our children. He works very hard to afford me that opportunity. I don't tell him enough how thankful I am.


21. He teaches our children. He teaches them about Jesus. It is beautiful.


22. He is a hard worker. He always goes to work...always. It restores him to work in the yard. He is not lazy.


23. He is a "drawer-cleaner". It makes me laugh...and annoyed sometimes :) The house can be a wreck and when he gets in a "cleaning mood" he immediately goes to clean out a drawer! I can't relate...but if he were gone, I would miss this quality!!


24. He volunteers for VBS. He's so good at it!! The kids still talk about "agent sparks". I admire him.


25. He loves my family. He loves them the way I do. Loves them like his own family.


26. He is a man of character. He would highlight his faults. He would say he sins lots...I think that makes him a man of character all the more.


27. He loves waffle house. All-star special, anyone? It makes me smile.


28. He is quirky. He can only use a towel ONCE...ok maybe twice, but it doesn't bother him if the little trash cans don't have a trash bag. It makes me laugh.


29. He accepts me. Even when I'm enormous preggo about to give birth he tells me that I only gained weight in my tummy...which we both know isn't true :)


30. He is leaving a heritage. I am proud of the heritage/legacy he is giving our children. I want them to be men like him.


31. He rarely says no. Can I get a woop woop? He does kinda spoil me...and this is the only time I'll admit it. He rarely says no to a request...let me be reminded not to take advantage.


32. He is mysterious. I like this about him. I always have.


33. He loves me. And he loves me well.

After two kids and almost 6 years of marriage, I can say that I love this man more than I did when I married him. What a tribute to him and God's faithfulness to grow our marriage! I love you, Matt! I pray that we celebrate many, many, many more birthdays!