Happy 30th, Jax!... tomorrow.

Jackson's 30. I'm so proud of the leader, husband, father, teacher, and friend that he is. It seems like only a few years ago we were in our early 20's and dating/engaged. Well, since he's turning 30 (officially tomorrow, September 23rd) it's clearly been more than a few years. As we grow together (and our family grows :-)) my heart swells as I think about God's grace in my life and how Jackson was made to be my husband, and I his wife.

Here are 30 things about Jackson.... All of which I love.

1. He loves God. He has a heart and mind that seek after God. Ever since I've met him, I've only learned to love God more.

2. He's hilarious. His sense of humor can be self-deprecating and cynical, but he's super funny. Makes me laugh lots.

3. He's an amazing father. I'm in my 2nd trimester now, so I'm totally teary. As I think about how Jax loves his girls, I know he was meant to be a dad to 3 daughters.

4. He's faithful. In the little and small things... a man of great character.

5. He's geeky. In a good way. I love that I can ask him about anything computer-related.

6. He is a Fremont-native. Crazy. He was born a few miles from where we live and we grew up in the same town but didn't meet until we were 22.

7. He loves chocolate more than anyone I know. He's got me hooked on rich desserts now.

8. Jackson has a high capacity. He can do a ton of things well. I love that about him.

9. He's a phenomenal teacher. Although it's been recently that he earned his teaching credential, Jax has been a great teacher since we met. He's getting better every day...

10. He loves football. I'm pretty sure he likes it more than most guys that I know. Although I'm not too crazy about football, I love how much passion he has for the game. And how he creates fun football traditions in our home.

11. He's competitive. Enough said.

12. He's a good friend. While he doesn't get to spend the time he'd like to in this season of life, I see how much he loves his friends and blesses them when he can.

13. He's really smart. Sometimes I forget just how smart he is, but he's one of the brightest people I know... possibly the brightest.

14. He's resilient. Jax had some hard times growing up, but blossomed and persevered despite some rough years.

15. Jackson loves road trips.

16. Jackson doesn't want any pets. He's practical in that way.

17. He's 'with it'. Anytime I want to know more about a current event or what something means, I can ask Jax. 99 times out of 100 he knows the answer.

18. Jackson has a great family. Ours is great (of course :-)), but I'm referring to his parents, sister, and brother.

19. He is strong. Emotionally and physically. While he's not lifting with the body builders, I love that he can move anything I need him to.

20. Jackson's real first name is Jeremiah. Most of his old friends know this, but not sure if everyone does. It's funny, I've never seriously called him by his legal first name.

21. Perdue, our last name, means 'lost' in French.

22. Jackson does a superb job a grilling. Really, he's mastered his craft in the last few years.

23. He came down to visit me 17 times when we were dating/engaged long distance within the span of 10 months.

24. He's impacted and changed the lives of countless people.

25. He loves the outdoors and camping.

26. He doesn't take plastic film off new appliances or electronic devices so they can maintain their new look. He also does not bend book covers or pages on books.

27. He's handsome.

28. Jackson is a great leader.

29. He gave me the best (physical) present I've ever received... a photo book for our 5 year anniversary.

30. He's the best husband in the world. Cheesy, but true.