Feb. is such a great month.  I love Valentines Day, and it’s also my favorite man’s birthday.  It’s also a month of hope that the long winter will end.  How about the last few days in Cache Valley.  We’ve been in the 50 degree zone.  It’s been wonderful.  A bit spring like, and just a wonderful reminder of what’s to come.

So I have to tell you what I love about James since it’s his birthday.  He’s wonderful!  I met him and was instantly smitten.  It was really hard though, because my family wasn’t at all encouraging.  I had a missionary that they absolutely loved.  But James was so fun, so exciting, and interesting.  He had just returned from a Mormon Mission to Taiwan and I was amazed at all he knew.  Did I say he was exceedingly handsome as well.  The first date he showed up at my house in a pair of his grandpa’s old cut off coveralls, and this hair!  He had so much black curly hair that went everywhere.  He had the look of someone a little edgy, but a heart of pure goodness.  He was good!  Good in every way possible.  I think that’s what caught my attention most about James was his goodness.  He’s always been good.  Just a perfect spirit from heaven.  Well now 18 years later, 4 (almost 5) kids later and a lot of life experiences I love his guts even more.   I’m thankful for him every minute of every day.  He works so hard for me and the kids, and has provided so well for us.  He has let me be a mom and stay home, but also encouraged me to do anything I want as well.  He is kind.  Extremely kind and personable, and the best talker.   He is the best dad in the world too.   I married Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome, but it’s all his other qualities that make me love him so much!  I love your guts James.

So for the big 40th bash we actually were quite low key.  James enjoyed every minute of it.  His mom asked if I was doing anything big, and I admit I am not that kind of wife.  I don’t do birthday parties, and if a gift is actually wrapped it’s amazing, but we had a great night with just the fam.  I do, do birthday cakes though.  Nothing spectacular, and more times than not it may be a pie or trifle, but the birthday boy this year wanted a Coconut Cream Cake!  Trust me, I had no recipe for this.  I had to make something up according to James’ wishes.  I’d do anything for that man!  I think it turned out great.  It was sure pretty.  Next time I think I’ll make some marshmallow-y 7 Minute Frosting to cover the cake with.  Just to mix things up a bit.  This time I just used stabilized whipped cream though.   Give the cake a try.  Especially if you’re a coconut lover like we are!