A Knight in any other outfit....

is still to be treasured.

This is my knight in faded swimsuit on his trusty stead. Doing one of the millions of things he unselfishly does for our family each day. Our yard looks very nice, and it's due entirely to his efforts. Granted he enjoys it, we call it his hobby. That doesn't make it less valuable or appreciated.

I've been thinking lately on what makes a happy marriage. Not that I am an expert but I have some thoughts. My dearest daughter #1 is probably close to getting engaged. All the signs are there and I hope and pray for her happiness. Besides praying for it, and hoping for it what can one do to ensure it? What can I tell her that will help her chose well?

I think first and foremost is finding someone who has the same goal as you do. For me wanting to serve the Lord is first. For DH it is too. As long as we keep our eye single toward that purpose things go more smoothly.

I think also finding someone with similar characteristics helps. Same intelligence, work ethic, sense of humor, hobbies, all those things help. Looking for your "twin" is silly, men and women are SO different but some things in common are good. DH and I both like science fiction, we both enjoy reading, we love our pool, family is important to us, we like to go out to eat, browse bookstores, take walks, paint our house (LOL~ really one of us loves new paint and the other does it out of love for her). Someone who loves the outdoors would probably be happiest with someone else with similar likings. However differences can be interesting, especially when both partners have an open mind and respect the other.

I know some couples who seem very in sinc with one another. They have similar temperaments, politics and parenting styles. I think that would make for a harmonious relationship. DH and I have some differences when it comes to a lot of things BUT key to our happiness is commitment. I have been divorced, and I won't do that again. We both want to stay married and look for the good in the other.

I have found, and I don't know if this is universal or unique to me, that when I look for the good in Rob, when I pray to have my heart and mind opened so I can see what he does for me and our family, when I try and see him as our Father in Heaven sees him, when I look at him without thinking of me first, I feel the greatest love for him. I feel lucky and blessed. I am not saying that I don't feel like that anyway, I'm just saying it's more, it's greater, it's easier.

Also, like Johnny Lingo, when I treat him like my Knight in Shining armor he acts more like that.

Lastly I think when I think of his needs first and try and meet those I am happier. It sounds backwards but it really is the only thing that works. Ideally both partners would be doing that and then I guess you couldn't help but be happy.

Of course, all those things are things that I need to do. Which doesn't leave me with much to advise D to look for except for one thing: Look for someone who tries to live his life like Jesus Christ lived His. And pray.

So, Note to Self: Things I love about Rob

1. he's really smart
2. he works really hard at a job that is important not just for our family but for our nation's security
3. he loves Mulan
4. he plays with the kids
5. he loves the kids and loves to watch them grow and to help them grow
6. he does his home teaching every month
7. he fufills all his church obligations willingly
8. he takes me to the temple
9. he gives me and the kids blessings when we want one, or need one
10. he is well read
11. he mows the lawn
12. he pays the bills
13. he is Guapo the pool boy
14. he cleans up the throw-up we have around more frequently than either of us likes
15. he plants a garden every year, even though we hardly harvest enough to make it worth while
16. he wants me to stay home with the kids and supports me in that
17. he is tall, dark and handsome
18. he is mindful of the world and what's going on and briefs me
19. he wants to make the world a better place
20. he honors his parents
21. he honors mine
22. he helps my family
23. he is good at math
24. he worries about the kids and doesn't think I am paranoid when I do
25. he's great on the grill
26. he helps fold clothes at family folding party
27. he lets me chose the restaurant when we go out to eat (most of the time)
28. he gets up at night to check out the weird noises
29. he hears the kids when they cry and pokes me awake to go get them, even when I am trying to fake sleep
30. he coaches soccer
31. he goes to violin recitals, soccer games, YW nights, dance recitals, and other kid places
32. he likes the zoo
33. he is Worf
34. he is very social and likes to have company
35. he always stays to help clean up after a ward social
36. he is a great swimmer
37. he has a pleasant singing voice
38. he is a good trumpeter
39. he is good at reading outloud
40. he isn't afraid to stand up for what he believes
41. he is good in an emergency
42. he is thrifty
43. he plays hungry hippo and Disney scene it, even when it's not his favorite
44. he's good at games
45. he's sat by my side and held my hand when our babies were born
46. he keeps our kids safe
47. he doesn't complain (too much) when I go out for girls night
48. he takes E on the father/sons camp out even though he hates to camp
49. he plans for retirement, college tuition and weddings and E's mission and ours so I don't have to.
50. he finds money for the things I want even when they are outside our budget
51. he listens to conference and looks forward to it
52. he can open cans I can't
53. he can reach things I can't
54. he can back up the car better than anyone
55. he smells good
56. he's not lazy
57. he is honest
58. he changed his life for me
59. he shares his life with me
60. he is good at sharing his feelings
61. he calls our family to kneel in prayer each morning and night
62. he makes sure we read the scriptures

theres more but the kids need put to bed and Jack (of 24) is waiting, along with my sexy hubby!