Happy Birthday, Derek!

Awwww! Isn't he cute?!

Today is my sweet husband, Derek's, birthday! He turns 37 today! I told him this morning I had been thinking it was 20 years ago, the day after his birthday, that he called me. I was 15 and he had just turned 17. I don't think that was the very first time we talked on the phone because I remember the first time he called me he referred to himself as "This is the boy from church." My family had joined a new church when I was in eighth grade. It was a much bigger church than I was used to with a large youth group, so when he first called me I didn't really know who he was. He came over to watch TV one night and was around A LOT after that! He says he "wore me down," by his persistence and eventually we were inseparable. There was a strict rule in my house that my sisters and I could not date until we were 16, so Derek and I did our time holding down the sofa watching TV. I vividly remember my mother telling us one evening we could go to a movie, and we were beside ourselves with excitement! I wasn't 16 yet, but I think my mom knew even then that Derek was a good boy and she trusted the "boy from church." I jokingly tease her even now that I think she loves Derek more than me! Ha!

Here he is as a Boy Scout.

Now, here we are celebrating his birthday 20 years later, and I could not love him more. Anyone who knows Derek will tell you instantly he is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, and he IS! He is a lot more than that to me though. He is my best friend, and I'm so glad God brought us together at such an early age.

Me and the "boy from church" going to my Junior prom.

Tonight I made one of his favorite dinners...pot roast, creamed corn, roasted potatoes, rolls, and I also had a chocolate birthday cake for him with cream cheese icing (ala Duncan Hines). He loved his birthday cards and presents. He got a couple of shirts but was more excited about these...

I think he liked these so much just for the Razorback emblem!

He also got a "Memory Man." Sounds like something I need more than he does. I can't remember anything these days (memory loss due to children I think)! Anyway, Derek is quite a guitar player. I admire him because he pretty much taught himself by ear and by watching "how to" DVDs. He is a huge fan of the band Boston and can play all of their songs. I tell him all the time I think he was born in the wrong era because he loves just about all 70's music. He also has played guitar and sang praise songs at church. He is really good! This is a picture of him in his "office." Evidentally, the "Memory Man" will loop and layer (whatever that means). He is so happy to have it. I guess that's all that matters, and I'm sure there will be masterpieces emerging from the office soon. : )

Happy Birthday, Der Bear! I love you so much!