Green Oasis

In the spirit of one-upmanship, here are 100 (give or take a few) things I love about my wife, Lacey, in response to her list of 100 things about me. Note that I’ve upped the ante by making it things that I love about her and making it 118 things. Thus I have turned this 100-thing into a competitive sport, obliterating the original idea of getting to know a person.

Without further ceremony, in no discernible order, here is the list:

1. She was actually willing to marry me. This despite all of the reasons that she had to the contrary. I still can’t believe that I’m married to Lacey!
2. I love to put my cold hands on her and see her reaction.
3. She’s so ticklish on her feet.
4. She doesn’t demand material things that it would be unrealistic for us to get in our situation—she isn’t materialistic.
5. I love the enchanting green color of her eyes.
6. She has this way of smiling when she talks that makes me happy.
7. I love the mischievous twinkle in her eyes when we’re playing.
8. She laughs out loud in the movie theater even when other people don’t.
9. She gets the chills when I nibble on her ear.
10. We don’t keep secrets from each other.
11. She accepts me for who I am.
12. I love the way she laughs when she can’t stop laughing.
13. I love it when she calls me silly.
14. She comforts me when I’m down, even when she’s not feeling very good herself.
15. We can talk about anything.
16. She forgives me even when I don’t deserve to be forgiven.
17. I love the warm color of her hair.
18. She shares her innermost feelings with me.
19. She’s seen the darkest parts of me and she still loves me.
20. She is willing to go through the pains and troubles of pregnancy to bring our children into this world.
21. She cuddles up to me at night when it’s cold. I love to feel her soft warmth.
22. She almost pushes me off the bed at night because she gets so close.
23. I love the feeling of her legs intermingled with mine when we sleep.
24. I love how her hair smells.
25. She lets me keep all of my books even though they take up so much space.
26. She has a beautiful singing voice.
27. I love the way she laughs when I tickle her.
28. She is fascinated with my skin blemishes. She should be a dermatologist.
29. She is adaptable and willing to compromise.
30. She likes when I play with her hair.
31. She rubs my head when I have a headache.
32. She sincerely wants our relationship to continue to grow and become stronger.
33. I love the sleepy voice that she has in the morning.
34. I love how her hair feels when I play with it.
35. She lets me give her fashion advice, and even pays attention to it.
36. She teases me about being old.
37. I love how soft her cheek is against mine when we hug.
38. She tries hard to fulfill her responsibilities.
39. She helps me feel young at heart and have fun, despite my advancing years.
40. She worked hard to understand where I was coming from when we first started dating.
41. She was willing to become a mother even though I wasn’t able to provide her with everything that I thought she should have.
42. I love the feeling of holding her in my arms.
43. She isn’t jealous.
44. I can be myself with her.
45. We have lots of fun together.
46. She has maturity and strength beyond her years.
47. She’s given me hope that I can learn and grow.
48. She’s taught me that I’m lovable.
49. She’s sexy.
50. She doesn’t insult me or make fun of me.
51. I love how stubborn she is sometimes about not getting up in the morning, even though it can be frustrating.
52. She is self-sacrificing.
53. She supports me in my weirdness.
54. She kisses me hello and goodbye.
55. She’s talented in many things even though she may not think so.
56. I love to talk with her.
57. She has a gentleness and kindness that amazes me.
58. I love her bright smile.
59. I love the feeling of her hand in mine.
60. She gets along with my little brother and sister.
61. She has an inner beauty that draws me to her.
62. She amazes me by applying mascara in a moving vehicle.
63. She is a devoted mother.
64. She is optimistic in the face of setbacks and copes well with my failures.
65. She is patient with my long goodbyes.
66. I love the easy way we talk and laugh with each other.
67. She makes dinner for us even when she’s tired.
68. She doesn’t surrender to despair easily.
69. She shares her food with me.
70. She sometimes snorts when she laughs.
71. She helps me to be a better person.
72. She can’t stand the tension of knowing that a surprise (e.g a present) is in store but not knowing what it is.
73. She is so adorable when she tries to frown but can’t keep from smiling.
74. I love her silly moods.
75. She’s always aware and attentive to when I start to feel bad.
76. She put up with my ineptitude when it came to dating.
77. She cares about my appearance and helps me to look better.
78. She tries really hard to not be a nag and succeeds very well.
79. She remembers to say “thank you” for small things that I do for her.
80. She’s patient.
81. She thinks my jokes are funny.
82. She deals so well with my past. She’s helped me to find solace and hope.
83. She had faith in my ability to raise children without having a real reason to do so.
84. She doesn’t do things to intentionally hurt my feelings.
85. She has faith in my ability to provide for our family.
86. She puts up with my strong opinions even when she doesn’t completely agree. She’s not afraid to disagree.
87. She takes wonderful care of our children.
88. She makes my day go more smoothly without me noticing.
89. She’s patient with my pickiness. I try to express myself without criticizing, but it doesn’t always come out that way. I’m grateful that she understands.
90. I love to see her eyes light up when she sees our children playing.
91. I love to see Lilah and Eden’s eyes light up when they see their wonderful mom.
92. It’s cute how much Chapstick she uses (and where she stores it). She’s not addicted. Not at all.
93. She helped me to feel like a wonderful husband and father.
94. She’s adaptable even when she doesn’t like the changes.
95. She plans well. She often sees the big picture better than I do.
96. She understands my need for quiet time to myself.
97. She makes cute babies with me.
98. She gets so into holidays. She wants to dye eggs for Easter, carve Jack O’Lanterns for Halloween, and so on.
99. She’s photogenic.
100. She made her education a priority even though it would have been very easy to give up.
101. She’s more creative than she thinks she is.
102. She’s easy to get along with.
103. She’s not manipulative.
104. I can trust her.
105. I love when she makes that pouty face.
106. She’s a good cook. I can’t remember a bad meal with her.
107. She makes me laugh.
108. She gives very thoughtful gifts.
109. She looks good in jeans.
110. I love how concerned she is about her family and friends.
111. She has a good eye for design. I respect her aesthetic judgments.
112. She understands me better than anyone else despite our differences.
113. She doesn’t hold grudges.
114. She believes in us.
115. She was such a beautiful bride. I still remember how radiant she looked walking with me in the temple.
116. Sometimes I can’t put my finger on why I love her. I just look at her and feel grateful that she’s there.
117. She inspires me by making positive, courageous changes in her life.
118. Lacey is simply the most wonderful, charitable, intelligent, kind, loving, forgiving, beautiful woman. I love her with everything I have. The love that I have for her just keeps growing and growing through all the good times and bad.