Nicole Lynn Photography

A tradition that Sidney introduced to our family is the birthday banner. Whenever the kids or me celebrate a birthday, the banner will magically appear draped across our living room wall the morning of our special day.

Today, as Sid celebrates her 34th birthday, we had the chance to return the favor. Although it didn’t have the perfect curve that my wife always manages nor the perfect symmetry from one end to the other, we did our best. My banner shortcoming was just another reminder that Sid truly is a special person.

But before my special person dives too deep into life as a 34-year-old, let me reflect on her Jesus year. Sid started work as an underwriter, traveled to Disney World, and went on a cruise. She fixed a lot of things around the house, cooked some delicious new recipes, and went on a Vegas girls’ trip. She also became a godmother again, mentored multiple couples for marriage, and presented at two Engaged Encounter retreats. So yeah, she pretty much crushed it.

Happy 34th birthday to Sidney! I can’t imagine life without you (photo courtesy of Nicole Lynn Photography).

In terms of turning 34, it is hard to find much significance with the age itself. But then again, any birthday reached should be celebrated as an outright blessing—both by the celebrant and her SPOUSE. Trust me, I am counting my lucky stars that Jan. 28 exists and that Sid was born on the date because I don’t know what I would do without her.

Happy birthday, Sidney! Thanks for everything you contribute to our family, especially all the love and warmth you brought this past year (I guess they don’t call it your Jesus year for nothing, right?). You deserve to be celebrated and make no mistake about it—husbands should ALWAYS wish their wives a “happy birthday” on their blog/social media 😉. Don’t Blink.

Well, it isn’t the milestone birthday from last year, but 31 isn’t something to scoff at, right? After a whole year to contemplate that she is now old, I don’t think today’s birthday is as jarring as when Sidney turned the big 3-0. 😊

But my light ribbing aside, I do hope Sidney takes advantage of the opportunities to celebrate today while also taking a moment to reflect on that optimism that this latest birth year brings.

Happy 31st birthday, Sidney! (photo credit: Nicole Lynn Photography)

In my opinion, I think the biggest highlight from her time as a 30-year-old was successfully transitioning careers. After her more than half decade as a teacher and a couple fulfilling years as a stay-at-home mom, Sidney was hired by Traveler’s Insurance in October and reported to work in November. She jumped right in and has really found something she enjoys. Now that she has really settled in over the first three months, I know she is going to have a really successful trip around the sun from a professional perspective.

However, there is so much more to life than the work grind. I know this year will be a continuation of my wife doing whatever it takes to be an incredible mom, understanding/patient wife, and devoted servant of God. She has projects on the docket that she will complete over the next 12 months and I can’t wait to see the outcomes that will abound.

How are we celebrating today? Well, the four of us will enjoy a birthday lunch at noon complete with cake and ice cream. Then later tonight my parents are taking care of the kids so Sid and I can go out for dinner. Next weekend we will hold a joint birthday party for Sid and Beau with my parents, siblings, and their families in attendance.

Happy birthday to my fearless, risk-taking, kind wife. Cheers to 31 and I can’t wait to see what is in store. Don’t Blink.