Today is Bryce’s 31st birthday! To celebrate, here are 31 pretty awesome things that Bryce has done over the years. Ready? Go!
#1: He was born! That's a wonderful thing, for sure.
#2: He took acting lessons and acted in several shows as a teen. It's not every teenage boy that has awesome head shots like this one--what a stud!
#3: Drove a Viper. And I think this was even his first time trying to drive a stick shift! The man that owned the car (was it your bishop?) was definitely generous!
#4: Bryce was the Sterling Scholar for the whole state in Computer Technology. If you’re from around here, you know that this is a very big deal! I’m too lazy to scan in one of his pictures receiving the award, but here’s a fun link to a blurb about him and another about the award. What an achievement!
#5: Bryce dedicated two years of his life to a cause he believes in as a missionary for the Church in El Salvador and I’m sure he learned a lot in the land of pupusas and kolashampan.
Because of countless hours of practice and hard work and Bryce's determination to succeed, he was able to tour the world as a ballroom dancer. So, here's #6-#16 (I probably missed some!): USA, England, Spain, Belgium, France, Ukraine, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and Switzerland. Bryce is such a wonderful dancer. There is something magical about watching the man you love don his tail suit and share his talent.
#17: He married me! And not a day goes by that I don't thank my Father in Heaven that Bryce made that particular choice.
#18: Bryce has labored along side me as a "dude-la" (doula) for three births. His strength and support have made all the difference.
#19: He ran a marathon, people! I mean, really, that is amazing!
#20: He had the guts to grow a full-on beard for the chance at getting a part in a film. I love that he was so willing to just go for it! Never mind that he looked like a slightly crazed mountain man. It was great!
#21, #22, and #23: Bryce has made the choice to become a father three times over. To make the choice to participate in giving life to a child, and to support that child, and to provide for a family--those are all wonderful things that Bryce has done for our family.
#24: He graduated with his degree in Industrial Design. I’m sure we have pictures of his graduation somewhere, but for some reason I can’t find them this morning. But he did and at the top of his class, too! His artistic talent amazes me. You should see some of the stuff he’s drawn/created.
#25: He decided to start up a business with his brother Brad and gave it everything he had. I think it's awesome that they came up with an idea and made it happen. And it was successful, too! Bryce's willingness to act when others hesitate and to put himself out there are qualities that I really admire.
#26: He has made homemade fig newtons from scratch! How many people can say that? And homemade root beer, and cheese, and the list goes on...It's really fun!
#27: Bryce has put together so many pieces of IKEA furniture, it's starting to get ridiculous. Seriously, though, Bryce is very mechanically minded and I stand in awe of that (as a not-very-mechanically-minded individual myself).
#28: Bryce has taught me and is teaching the kids how to fish (next lesson coming up in July!). Having a dad that can teach you how to fish: priceless.
#29: Bryce continues to pursue his interest in acting. I love that he enjoys performing and expressing his creativity in diverse ways.
#30: Bryce has climbed mountains. In some cases, real physical ones like Mt. Timpanogos. In other cases, ones that aren't so tangible (finishing a marathon, deciding to quit his job, starting a business, supporting his family...). Bryce is a climber and has a deep sense of determination.
#31: Because he was willing to quit a job that was draining his passion and joy, because he was willing to work as a freelancer and then start his own business, because of his success as a student in his industrial design program, because he's never willing to settle for second best, Bryce is now working for a great company. He researches, plans, designs, travels to China, budgets, and creates for HandStands. They sure are lucky to have him!
I could go on and on–Bryce has done so many wonderful things. But, maybe I’ll save some for his next birthday.
Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! I love you beyond words and count myself so lucky to have you at my side. Your constant support, your patience, your goofy sense of humor, your loyalty, and your passion are such bright spots in my life. Thank you for loving me, Bryce, and for everything you are and choose to be!
