REASONS 12, 11, 10 & 9

Reasons 12, 11, 10 & 9: Their names are Ashley, Arica, Abigail, and Alexandria or as I refer to them; Ashers, Air, Abbers and Al.

I honestly cannot believe that Michelle wanted more children (as perfect as Ashley was) after her nightmare 7 months of morning-noon-night sickness. She could barely if ever hold anything down. At it's worst she had to survive on very tiny (half a teaspoon) sips of sprite passing through a blood raw throat. When it went fairly well she could down a soda cracker or two. I couldn't believe she could survive such a thing. I couldn't believe that after Ash was about a year old that Michelle was talking about having another crumb cruncher. Oh yeah this is after having almost a full day's labor still having to deliver Ash with a C-section. Michelle's pregnancy with Arica was almost a carbon copy of Ashley as was Abby's. Alex's was less sickness but more uncomfortableness and a ton of more abusive kicking.

Clearly Michelle's love for bringing these beautiful spirit's into this world way out weighed her desire for comfort, beauty, and self preservation (four c-sections). I see those scars and I think they are the most beautiful things in the world as I know what they represent.

Also, Michelle has done a phenomenal job in raising these young women. Not an easy thing to do this day and age. Certainly we're never done being parents and we still have two that the jury is still out on (not really). I'm grateful that Michelle has always followed our churches council and stayed home to raise these gals. It has made a huge difference. They have a bond with their Mom that is priceless.

REASON 13

Reason 13: She let me hang surfboards on our living room walls. How cool is that guys? I remember reading that BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall who fell in love with surfing a few years ago wanted to decorate his living room with surfboards (in Utah) and his wife was having none of it. My wife said yes. Take that Bronco. Thanks Michelle. I love you.

REASON 14

Reason 14: She is so darn cute. When I first dated Michelle she would do this cute little pleading-girl-talk when looking for sympathy or her way on a minor issue. It was ever so endearing. She doesn't do it very often anymore but when she does I tend to melt and she receives her desired reaction from me. Let it be known that I posses no equal artillery.

REASON 15

Reason 15: Michelle has selflessly spent a multitude of hours scrapbooking our daughters' lives. It finally donned on me how selfless this was when I realized that she had handed Ashley (our oldest) seven or eight massive scrapbooks chronicling her life from birth to marriage. Some of you know how meticulous these amazing photo journals are. I couldn't believe that Michelle was giving these away. How tender these memories are. I love her so much.

REASON 16

Reason 16: The way her beautiful hand fits in mine. Michelle has the most beautiful perfect feminine hands in the world. I've told her she could easily be a hand model (ala George Castanza) they are so perfect.

REASON 17

Reason 17: Her natural beauty. Michelle has this absolutely beautiful olive skin and she rarely if ever wears makeup (as she doesn't need to). I wake up with the same woman I went to bed with.

REASON 18

Reason 18: She is very smart...and thank goodness it rubbed off on our children. Honestly, once the kids start doing math in middle school I'm of little or no help. Thank goodness my children have their Mom. Michelle has always stressed the importance of higher education with our daughters. Thanks Honey....YOU'RE AWESOME!!!

REASON 19

Reason 19: Her Chocolate Eclair Cake. This dessert takes her half a day to make, but oh my, my is it ever worth the wait.

REASON 20

Reason 20: Her spiritual/service commitment. Michelle and I have always served and accepted callings in our church since day one of our marriage. Michelle has served in many capacities, some "high profile", some not. Young Women's President, Relief Society Presidency, Nursery worker, Primary Chorister (current calling) to name just a very few. She always does a great job and usually puts me to shame in her level of organization and quality of service. I love her as I see her get up at 5am to go serve in the temple (she loves her morning sleep and detests early morning wakeups).

REASON 21

Reason 21: Her "Desire For Goodness." Michelle will be the first to admit that she's made a few mistakes or bad calls in the last 25 years, but it's never been for the wrong reason. Fortunately she's done pretty darn good. We've been blessed with good children (not perfect) who are active in our faith and also have a "desire for goodness" like their mother. I am soooo lucky.

REASON 22

Reason 22: She Is Very Frugal. Not that we've ever had a lot of money, but I'm so grateful that "things" just are not that important to Michelle. She's never made me feel inadequate as a provider because we cannot afford this or that. When we do decide to buy a major purchase such as home furniture or a car she is fanatical about getting the very best deal and not spending money we really can't afford. How lucky am I?

REASON 23

Reason 23: She Allows Me to Be Me. I know that there have been many times over the years when Michelle has bitten her tongue which has resulted in her being completely embarrassed by me. I also know that she has never tried to micro-manage my free time but allowed me time to be me and find some personal happiness in a few of my hobbies. For that I am so grateful and I know that I am a very lucky man.

REASON 24

Reason 24: Her white sauce chicken enchiladas are to die for. The old saying still stands the test of time, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Trust me when I tell you all that much of her love has passed through my stomach on the way to my heart.

REASON 25

Today begins a 25 day count down to our (Michelle & I) 25th Wedding Anniversary (Sept. 9). I'd like to celebrate this with a daily reason why I love this woman so much as to be married to her for such a length of time. Some days my reason will be lengthy....some short and simple.

Reason 25: Michelle is a very, very loyal person. She will be your greatest advocate and your best ally. She will give you strong support and thoughtful consideration in all she does. A select few qualify for this "blessing" of hers however it is something to be coveted. One case in point: Chris Stokes (formerly Earnest), was befriended by Michelle when Michelle was serving in Young Womens over a decade ago. Michelle became Chris's loyal friend at a time when Chris's teenage home life was in major turmoil. What has ensued over the years is a relationship that is to be treasured. If someone was to see them you would think "mother & daughter!" There are other examples that are too sacred and sensitive to share here.