Happy Birthday Ben!!!

Today, December 17th, is Ben's birthday. He is the big 3...1!!! I know, he is getting old! We both are! Despite being old, Ben is an incredible husband and daddy. Logan and I are so blessed to have him in our lives. Ben is the most selfless person I know. Not only will he do anything for me and Logan, but he would do anything for family, friends, ward members, and even complete strangers! He is a very hard worker, which is a wonderful quality that he learned from his parents. Since Ben was young his motto has always been, "Work like a beaver, be an achiever" a song that he often sang to me while I was needing extra motivation in pharmacy school. He is the second oldest of 7 kids, so he has always been a natural born leader, example, and friend to all of his siblings. He will never fail to volunteer to help anyone in any situation.

Coming from a big family, he also learned how to go with the flow, be easy to please, and adapt to and make the most of any situation. In college, he lived with a bunch of guys in an apartment and all he had for his room was a sleeping bag, his dinosaur blanket, a foam mattress, his clothes, and of course his ski gear tucked in a little corner of one of the rooms. All of his friends called it his "nest" and Ben was completely happy with his little set-up.

Ben also is one of those naturally smart people (which I despise)who hardly ever have to study to get decent grades. He actually would go to his classes 30 minutes before a test and START studying for the first time and he would pass! I like to say that Ben skied his way through college, but he learned all that he needed to become successful in his career. Ben is also very confident, but not arrogant. He doesn't get nervous to public speak, approach people he doesn't know, or teach an Elder's Quorum lesson with 5 minutes notice! He is very approachable, sincere, and completely dorky...which I love! For example, every time he is in the bathroom for whatever reason, he always starts to sing "76 Trombones Led the Big Parade" in the most cheerful and upbeat voice possible. He always has a song in his heart, which I think is one of the ways he maintains his positive and silly personality. People are drawn to him because he is so genuinely nice and fun.

He is such a good man and I couldn't ask for a better example for me, Logan, and all of our future children. I just want to thank him for all that he does for me and the happiness that he brings to my life. Happy birthday Ben and I am so thankful to be able to spend eternity with you! Love you!