An Apartment, 2 Houses, a Dog and 3 Kids Later...

Jason and I are celebrating 11 years of marriage!
I am so thankful that "I have found the one whom my soul loves."
Song of Solomon 3:4.

On July 31, 1999 Jason and I were pronounced man and wife. I count it as an honor to be his wife, he has been so good to me as a husband. I think back to the day we first laid eyes on each other and yes, so much has changed since then, for the better. The best change is the love! We love each other more deeply, more honorably and even more excitedly. We have fallen deeper in love than we were before marriage. After 11 years we've gone through struggles together, hurt together, laughter together and triumphs together. All the while, I have had my best friend along side me and he has been a great partner! I know I can speak for Jason on this as well, that we have grown to honor each in ways that we didn't know how 11 years ago. For me, Jason has been my best friend, my provider and an awesome father to our 3 children. He honors me by being such a hands on dad. There isn't a thing I do w/ the kids that he isn't right there helping. He works all day and when he comes home at night he doesn't sit down until I sit down. What a blessing! He has been an awesome provider for us and he works hard to create a better life for us. He honors me by building me up to others ( I know this becuase they tell me) and by holding my hand when I need an ear to talk to. He is my best friend! The excitement is still there and even more so as we pass each other daily in our mode of survival, knowing that as soon as the kids go to bed we will have each others full attention! I get excited when the phone rings and it's him. I get excited when it's 5:00 and I know he'll come through the door any minute. I get excited when I know we are having a date night!

The best part about being married to Jason is looking forward to the next 11 years, then 22 years and so on... We have so much to be thankful and so much love and excitement ahead!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US!

We are enjoying our summer!

I love love love being a mom! I know 100% w/o a doubt that God put me on this earth to be a mom! I love my children and I love having them home w/ me during the summer. Sure there are days that I think "when will August get here", but most days, I just love having my kids w/ me! It's what life is all about... the brother/sister arguments, the tattling, but most of all the fun. So here's what we've been up to this summer...

For the most part we've been hanging around the house just enjoying being home and not having anywhere pressing to be, but we've gone a few places too. In June Jason and I took the kids (w/o the baby) to Six Flags. What a fun day!! It was hot, HOT, HOTTT! But, there were no lines and we rode just about everything twice. It was exciting because there were lots of firsts that day, rides the kids weren't tall enough for the last time we went! It was nice to get away w/ Mallory and Mason and focus on them for an entire day since so much of our time the last 8 1/2 months has been on Madelyn.

Shortly after Six Flags the kids and I went to my moms. Yes, I loaded all 3 of my kids in the car and drove 7 hours (more like 8 w/ all the diaper changes, bottle feedings and potty stops) to my moms in Missouri BY MYSELF. We had a great time surprising her at her front door because she had no idea we were coming!! So glad she didn't have a heart attack! We just hung out for about 4 days, did some shopping and went swimming. The best part was that my mom drove back w/ me to hang out for the 4th of July weekend! I miss my Mama!!!

Since then we've just hung around the house, gone to Mimi and Papas to swim, gone to Barnes and Noble storytime and hung around the house some more! It's been nice!! Did I mention that I love my kids and I love being a mom??? I truly do!!! God has blessed me so graciously!

We've got more fun planned for the rest of summer, check back later for more updates...