Anyway, I decided today was a great day to catch up on the blog because today is a special day, its Jonathan's birthday!!! I love celebrating birthdays. Its one day that is all about the birthday girl/boy and its just a day to make you feel special. Jonathan isn't so big on birthdays; he just thinks its another day. I think I've changed his mind a little since we've been married; however, maybe he just goes along with my sillyness to amuse me. Well, whether he likes it or not here's my birthday celebration in the form of a blog post in honor of the birthday boy!
Jonathan's birthday this year is more special to me than years in the past because I keep thinking how close he came to not being able to celebrate another birthday back in May when he got in his motorcyle accident. This past year has taught me how quickly and suddenly life can change and that each day and year really is a blessing. I've also learned that Jonathan's life really is a blessing because it was a miracle that his mom got pregnant with him and was able to give birth to a healthy baby. Let me explain. As Jonathan's mom got sick and we learned more about her liver condition I learned about her past problems with it and what she faced over 28 years ago. All those years ago she faced losing her life because of her liver problems. At that point doctors told her she would not be able to have any more kids or perhaps that she shouldn't. God allowed her body to function and two years later she gave birth to Jonathan, and three years after that to Jennifer. So Jonathan, and Jennifer, are truly miracles and proof that God is powerful and able to do great works.
Jonathan's life has been full of adventure since the day he was born. The evening that he was born there was a "T-word" in Odessa. (For those of you who really know me you know that I hate the real word that "T-word" stands for so I can't say- or type- it. Its too scary for me. But to fill you in, it stands for those big storms that swirl around in a cylindrical shape....eeek! I hate even thinking about it! Moving on!!) He shares a birthday with Evil Knievel so maybe he was destined for crazy stunt attempts and death defying behavior. When he was 2 he had an asthma attack that made his heart stop and his pediatrician had to do CPR in her office to save his life. I'm told he was an ornery little child and was always up to something. He's broken just about every bone that is possible to break in his body. He was in a bad car accident his Freshman year at UTEP that landed him in a coma, the next year he had heart surgery. A month later he was in for a real adventure when he met me! Haha! Then, of course, there was his accident in May. When I married in to the family I was told its always an adventure as a Phillips; perhaps that's even more so if you are named Jonathan Phillips!
Along with Jonathan's crazy adventures there's his softer side. I've heard the stories, as I mentioned before, of him being mischievous but I've also heard stories of what a sweet boy he was. He would always do sweet things for his mom, stick up for his sisters- even if it meant putting up a fight with older guys, help older ladies in the church do things around the house, and so on. Jonathan has apparently always been a charmer. He could charm his way out of trouble and make all the ladies swoon over his little smile. His charm is what first attracted me to him.
Jonathan has always been talented in just about everything he tries. I joke with him that I'm jealous of him because he has a million talents and I have none. He brags that by the time he was two he could say the Pledge of Allegiance. He had a gift of singing when he was younger. He was approached to be in a Boys Choir in early elementary years but turned it town so that he could stay home and be a normal kid. When he picked up drumming in junior high he immediately excelled in it. (This is also when he got his nickname "Chops.") He still drums a little today but I think I have hindered that talent a bit since I rarely let him take his drum set out of their cases. (However, they are set up in the garage right now!) He is, hands down, one of the smartest people I know. His knowledge is often unseen by most but once it is discovered it really is remarkable. His knowledge is also very random; he can tell you just about any football stat then jump to a random song lyric then nerd out about taxes then tell some historical story then move on to a Biblical reference. He's also very witty; most people misunderstand his humor but once you get to know him you can see that he has a pretty funny, and sarcastic, personality.
Most of all, Jonathan is a very passionate person. If he has a desire in his heart, a point he wants to argue, or a goal he wants to achieve he gives it everything he has. That quality is one of the things I love most about him. If it wasn't for his passion I don't think our little family would be where we are today. His passion drives his desire to support us, provide for us, and love us through the good times and bad. His passion makes him a great friend. If you are able to crack open Jonathan's heart and become a true friend then you will be friends for life. I'm so grateful and humbled that he considers me his best friend and I'm so blessed that he is my best friend as well.
I could go on about all that I love about Jonathan and tell about who he is but I'm sure he is already saying "Oh Kimi" so I'll stop. I'm so grateful for this birthday that we get to celebrate and I'm so thankful to God for the life he has given Jonathan and how He has blessed him over the last 26 years. It is a true honor to be his wife and I'm excited to continue on this adventure as a Phillips...especially as Mrs. Jonathan Phillips.
I love you so much, Chops! Happy Birthday!
Now then, after all the sweetness, here's a little birthday fun (or maybe embarassment!). Here's some pictures of Jonathan through the years! :)
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| Sweet little blonde baby! |
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| This picture SO shows his personality. Being silly, center of attention, up to some trouble. |
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| He loves his Momma. This is one of my favorite pictures of him as a kid. |
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| He still loves his Momma! This was on our wedding day. |
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| His "boys" |
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| I think this was taken just before we met. |
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| Its too bad he doesn't look like his daughter at all! (yeah right!) |
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| The mug says it all. He's a nerd. |
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| Graduation Day! May 2011 |
p.s. Its now 1 month til Kate's 3rd birthday! 3??? Can you believe it?!
