Laura

This hijacked blog post is brought to you by me, Dan. Laura spends enough time on here that I thought I'd jump on this thing while McKenna and I are home sick from church and talk about what I love most...

HER!!

It has been an amazing 3 1/2 years being married to this incredible woman. Here are but a few reasons why she is so great, though I'm sure most of these will not be a surprise to the readers of this blog:

• She loves me...that alone deserves a medal!!
• Laura has such a strong testimony of and dedication to our Savior Jesus Christ.

Shown in the way she lives, how she treats others,

and her desire to follow Him is truly inspiring.

• Her thorough attention to detail in every aspect of our lives helps keep me on my toes. Without this, I'm pretty sure we'd still be behind on our HOA fee (sometimes I forget)
• On a related note, she's a HUGE list person. I can generally count on there being 2-3 lists of things she wants to do/projects she would like me to complete, going at one time.
• She loves cleaning; something I do not love to do. It makes her so happy to be able to use our new vacuum for an hour or so, and what kind of husband would I be to take that source of happiness from her :)
• She is (mostly) willing to try new things, and to take part in activities that stretch her. At the top of this list would be singing in church...by herself! In fact, as I'm typing this she is performing yet another solo for another ward; oh yeah, she found out about this YESTERDAY!! Pretty sure I would have said no. [the things she's not so willing to try are raisins and watching all 6 Star Wars movies with me. Seriously. I mentioned that Yoda dies, and she didn't know this happened...sad, I know. I'll keep working on her:) ]
• Oh, and did I mention that she has a BEAUTIFUL singing voice?! It is so sweet and clear that you can't help but feel the sincerity and love she has for music and the pieces she performs. She has brought many to tears with her awesome voice, and I'm sure will be doing so again right now as she is performing.
• She's such a good baby mama! I've always known that she loves children, but to watch as she has embraced this opportunity to grow and adapt as a mother has truly been inspiring. How lucky McMonkey is to have such an amazing mother!

It's so comforting to know that when I'm gone all day, she's being cared for and loved by Laura. If only every father and child could have the same reassurance.

• If there's one thing that stands out about her, it's her beautiful smile! When she smiles at me, or is laughing, life just seems better. Oh, and she's funny. Like, for reals. She can make jokes and can lighten any mood with her infectious laugh and smile.
• I have yet to find a more calming influence than the touch of her hand on my hand or arm after a long day away from her. Many guys have to go play video games, or watch tv to unwind after work. For me, it's her touch.
• Laura is smokin HOT!! Seriously! Have any of you seen her lately?! I wish I had more pictures of her to show off, though these are a few of my favorites:

I love you Laura!! Thank you so much for marrying me and I'm looking

forward to the rest of eternity with you! Happy Anna Howard Shaw Day!