Andrew James Marshall, age 27 and still going strong

Happy birthday (yesterday) Andrew!  We were busy partying all day, that's why I couldn't poast (Yes, I just wrote poast.  But it was so awesome, I couldn't change it).

The boys and I took Andrew to Fuddruckers for lunch and then went and hung out at the mall (80 beautiful degrees!) while we waited for Andrew to finish up. 

 We then went home and had a fun little family party! 

Sweet Abraham probably told Andrew "Happy Birthday" 25 times throughout the day.  

 

He got a little teary when he realized that Andrew's birthday would be over when he woke up from his sleep.

He said so sweetly, "I love your birthday, Daddy-o!" 

 That's how I feel.  I wish it could be Andrew's birthday every day!

I wish I had all the money in the world to buy him every fun thing I could think of, and all the time in the world to make him a million little homemade gifts.

For Valentine's Day, I wrote 365 things I love about him on little papers so he can open one "scroll" a day for this next year.

I could have kept writing and writing far past 365! 

I keep thinking of different characteristics and things I love about him that I should have written. 

 

I think, "How could I have skipped 'diligent'?  That's such a defining characteristic for him!"

Really, truly, when he wanted to date me I didn't take him seriously for a while because I thought, "I'm not who he thinks I am.  He is too cool for me in every way.

Pretty soon, he'll figure out who I am and move on to someone better." 

 

 I'm still in awe that he "settled" for me.

I'm really not the type to belittle myself, and this really wasn't about me, it was about him. 

 He was, and is, my spiritual role model. 

 And he's way more popular than I am. 

 He's intelligent, clever, creative, humble, handsome, and so full of love. 

 If I were to choose one characteristic that truly defines him, it would be full of love. 

 Abraham has started to call me "Our Beautiful" when talking to Andrew, because that's what Andrew refers to me as.

  As his sister said, "I don't think I know someone who is more sincerely interested in people, and making them feel special and happy."  

In the words of my mom, "[We] thank the Lord for the light which streamed through onto our family when he opened the door and walked in." 

Here are some more fun facts about Andrew, because I love talking about him:

Andrew loves roller coasters.

Andrew has a crush on Little Debbie (it was a big day when he told me he loved me more).

Andrew is familiar with and likes probably 35 more foods now than when I married him (and that's not recipes--food, like spinach).

One of Andrew's hobbies is complimenting people.

He isn't handy with tools, but he does all his own stunts.

 He has more dimples than you can shake a stick at.

Andrew is extremely sentimental.

We have about 10 of his stuffed animals in the corner of Abe's room.

Everyone who meets Andrew wants to be associated with him and help him out.

I think God made him short because if his huge spirit were in a big body it would be too overwhelming for people.

He bikes to work a few times a week, a round trip distance of about 20 miles.

Because of that, his calves are like large, buff stones.

He's very funny.

But not sarcastic.

He has great faith.

Have any mountains in the way? 

Call Andrew.

 

He plays the cello.

If he is ever concerned or worried, it is probably because he believes someone is not comfortable or happy.

He carefully edits his emails.

He has a beautiful bass singing voice.

He doesn't care about money, except as it is necessary to meet his needs.

He trusts God completely and thanks the Lord for his trials.

 I love you, Andrew! 

 You're a jolly good fellow!!

PS we have so many pictures of Andrew's face because he used to send me a picture every day from his class to me while I was working as a nice morning pick-me-up. 

It worked :)

Hope it did for you too!

How could it not?

I mean, look at this guy!

I'm so glad both our boys have his blue eyes!

 Want more Andrew?  I don't blame you.  Check out the post my mom did!