Jared's Birthday

I have really neglected this blog........which is no surprise.....I hardly fit in time for a shower every day (yeah, I know). 
I don't want to forget Jared's birthday that we celebrated Aug. 15.  He is 33 years old now and better than he's ever been.  Outstanding father, loving husband, and the best friend I've got. 

33 Things.....

1.When we were dating, my grandmother lived with us and she kept calling Jared "Gerard".  It stuck and even evolved into other names, but that is my favorite.  Another name I call him is "GourHayman".  This comes from the fact that when Jared decides to cook something or if I do, he often finds a way to make it "gourmet" by adding something to it.
2. One of my first encounters with Jared was at a Halloween party where he came dressed as a professional WWE wrestler wearing TIGHTS.  His friend took a picture of Jared that night and I happen to be staring at him in the picture looking confused.
3. Jared's passion is fishing.  He makes lures seem like diamonds.
4. I am positive that since we have been married, Jared hasn't missed one day of scripture study.  He often reads during his breakfast.
5. Jared is patriotic.  He takes political issues seriously and is concerned about how the government affects our lives.
6. Jared is never to work on time.  He is always at least 15 minutes early.
7. Jared irons his church and work clothes while he watches fishing shows. 
8. When we were newlyweds, Jared was in school full-time and worked three different jobs throughout the week and he still made good grades. 
9. I have only seen Jared cry two times in all 10 years I have known him.  Once was joyful and the other was joy and empathy.  He is tough, but he also has a tender heart.
10. Most people think I am overprotective of the children....they should hear the conversations we have had about safety..........Jared tops me.
11. Jared is a living miracle.  I believe he strives to be righteous and good because he realizes this. 
12.  In case you didn't know, Jared really likes WWE wrestling.  I have always found this to be very odd. 
13.  I find it endearing when Jared gets out his fishing gear and organizes it, looks at it, and surveys what he has.  It is like a child emptying his toy box just to admire his toys. 
14.  Jared spent two years of his life dedicated to teaching other people what he knows to be true.  He was not paid to do this.  In fact, he saved his own money to be able to spend that time as a missionary.  I am so proud of him....especially when I think about what most guys that age are doing.
15.  Jared's eyes are startling...beautiful.
16. If you haven't heard Jared laugh, you're missing out on a good time.
17. When Jared was little his neighbors called him "Huckleberry Hayman".  I think the rubber boots, speedos, and fishing pole he wore around had something to do with that.
18. Jared discourages negativity and gossip.  He hates it.
19. Honesty is one of Jared's greatest qualities. 
20. I usually have to tell Emmie and Jared to be reverent at church.  He loves to draw and play too.
21. Jared served as a nursery teacher with the 18 month old children and he was really good at it!  I loved hearing him talk about nursery on the way home from church.
22. Jared is debilitated by messy surroundings. 
23. Jared listens to talk radio in the car....really LOUD.
24. Nebraska, Colts, and Purdue football.....Jared loves.
25. At the top of Jareds list of things to buy is a bass boat, and something to pull it with.
26. As a husband, Jared is extremely supportive and encouraging in all of my endeavors.  He wants me to succeed. 
27. Jared was the vice president and president of the MBA Association at ISU.  He is a great leader!
28. I am pretty patient, but Jared can be even more patient.....sometimes to a fault.
29. Sometimes after the children are in bed and it is getting dark out, and I realize Jared has been gone, I look out the back window and see him in the distance fishing in the pond out back.  I love watching him.
30. Jared really can't stand soda.  He drinks water all the time....such a good boy.
31. Jared suffered through a Dave Matthews Band concert for me because I love DMB.  But the part of that night I remember most is when it started to rain really hard so Jared grabbed my hand and we ran all the way back to the car.  He didn't let go of me.
32. Jared loves to substitute the word "Poop" for other words in Emmie's stories.  I always know when this is going on because I hear both of them rolling on the floor laughing.
33. Jared's favorite color is green.  Emmie never lets me forget :)

Here are the pictures of the cake Emmie helped me make for Jared's birthday..............

The red thing in the water is a swedish fish.  We had a lot of cake!