HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARON

As I sat in my sister Millie & her new husband Robert's wedding ceremony, I felt like I was watching my own ceremony. I sat directly behind Millie and Robert, so I could not see either of their faces. All I could see was Millie's red hair and the back of Robert's head. So, it was easy for me to put Jaron and me in that situation. My heart was so full as I thought about how much I love my husband and how grateful I am to have been sealed to him in the temple. When I was engaged to Jaron, so many people would say, "You are marrying Jaron Allred? You are very lucky." Sometimes I got sick of hearing that. Wasn't Jaron lucky to marry me? I thought I was a pretty good catch. I now realize that I am the LUCKIEST woman in the world to have caught such a great man like Jaron. Thinking back, I realize I was a blind twenty year old in love. I did not know the true Jaron. The good news, he is a million times better than I thought when I said, "Yes, I will marry you." So here is my ode... Jaron is the kindest person I know. He is a good listener and truly is interested in what you are saying. He doesn't try to solve my problems. He listens and gives me sympathy. He knows I need to work out my own problems so he lends a shoulder to cry (or SCREAM) on. He is always there for me when I need him. Jaron is so loving. He loves to give hugs and kisses. He loves to snuggle on the couch. He loves to hold my hand. He is so loving to me and my children. His favorite thing is to sit under a blanket on Saturday morning with both kids on his lap and watch cartoons. He knows how to love. Jaron is a great father. He changes diapers (dirty ones too!). He gives baths and puts kids to bed. He knows what the kids like to eat. He brings home a treat for them everyday (usually 1 starburst for each kid in his lunch box.) He plays barbies with Vienna and throws balls with Clark. He wrestles and tickles and reads stories. Jaron loves the Lord. He served a faithful mission where no one was interested in the church. He can count the number of baptisms he participated in on one hand (maybe even on one finger) yet he loves his mission and was a good missionary. He didn't care about his title. He only wanted to serve the Lord. He carries that same love into his life. He leads family prayer and scripture study. He supports family night. He does his calling. I am so happy to have such a faithful priesthood holder leading our family. So after six years of marriage, I look back at that twenty year old girl and think, "YES, you were a lucky girl to be marrying Jaron Allred." HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARON. I LOVE YOU! Joni