Last night, my little brother, Erin got married!! We were so thrilled to be part of their special day. We're even more jazzed about *officially* welcoming Beth into our family!
All of the wedding festivities were wonderful. Everything went off without a hitch. The bride was beautiful - and the groom looked pretty good, too ;)
My kids did a great job as ring bearers and flower girls - and were adorable (or so I thought!). I can't wait to see some pictures. Somehow in the hustle and bustle of it all, I didn't get a single picture on my camera (or phone) :/ Hopefully, I'll have some to post soon.
I hope they had a great time and will always remember the love and devotion they felt yesterday. Even on the days they don't particularly like each other. :) I know they can't imagine a day like that right now, which is just as it should be.
We were so honored to be included and are so thrilled for them as they begin the amazing journey of marriage.
Congratulations, honeymooners! We love y'all and are very happy for you!
Showing posts with label Marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marriage. Show all posts
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
"I do..."
Fourteen years ago,
I said, "I do..."
I said, "For better or for worse..."
I said, "In sickness and in health..."
I said, "Til death do us part..."
For fourteen years, by God's grace
I've lived, "I do..." ~ Not perfectly. Just committed. To Ed. To our marriage. To the work of loving him. No matter what. And, I still do... :)
I've lived, "For better or for worse..." ~ We've had our share of worse. But, we've had more than our fair share of better. I'm thankful that God has given us the opportunity to live out this vow in such a powerful way. I've said before, its the worse that has brought about an intimacy that I could not have dreamed of fourteen years ago! Its the worse that's made the better so much better. Walking in the valley makes the hilltop far more precious.
I've lived, "In sickness and in health..." ~ Thankfully, its mostly been health with the two of us - but we've sure had to deal with sickness in our children. Down Syndrome, open heart surgery and death aren't the ideal picture of health, for sure. We've walked these roads as a team and we've learned so much about each other along the way. I'm not at a place where I can honestly say I wouldn't trade it, but I can say I wouldn't trade the growth and experiences we've enjoyed in our marriage because of these on-going journeys.
I've lived, "Til death do us part..." ~ I think this is the most important one of all. Our journey hasn't always been pretty, but it is very beautiful. And, there is a difference. I pray God will allow us to live this one out for a long time. I would say until we're old and gray, but those seem to be coming sooner rather than later :)
"I do ..."
Just two words. But when said as marriage vows, they are some of the most powerful words that can be spoken. I highly doubt that most people realize the power of those words when they say them. I know I didn't. But, I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to figure it out. With a man just as committed.
I love you, Ed! Thank you for choosing me. For continuing to choose me. For loving me - and showing it. Even when I make it hard. :) Thank you for sticking it out. For staying. For being you! Even when you annoy the stink out of me!! :) We've lived an awful lot of life in the last 14 years. And, I'm looking forward to the next 14 with you. But, I vote for a little less drama, mkay?? ;)
I said, "I do..."
I said, "For better or for worse..."
I said, "In sickness and in health..."
I said, "Til death do us part..."
For fourteen years, by God's grace
I've lived, "I do..." ~ Not perfectly. Just committed. To Ed. To our marriage. To the work of loving him. No matter what. And, I still do... :)
I've lived, "For better or for worse..." ~ We've had our share of worse. But, we've had more than our fair share of better. I'm thankful that God has given us the opportunity to live out this vow in such a powerful way. I've said before, its the worse that has brought about an intimacy that I could not have dreamed of fourteen years ago! Its the worse that's made the better so much better. Walking in the valley makes the hilltop far more precious.
I've lived, "In sickness and in health..." ~ Thankfully, its mostly been health with the two of us - but we've sure had to deal with sickness in our children. Down Syndrome, open heart surgery and death aren't the ideal picture of health, for sure. We've walked these roads as a team and we've learned so much about each other along the way. I'm not at a place where I can honestly say I wouldn't trade it, but I can say I wouldn't trade the growth and experiences we've enjoyed in our marriage because of these on-going journeys.
I've lived, "Til death do us part..." ~ I think this is the most important one of all. Our journey hasn't always been pretty, but it is very beautiful. And, there is a difference. I pray God will allow us to live this one out for a long time. I would say until we're old and gray, but those seem to be coming sooner rather than later :)
"I do ..."
Just two words. But when said as marriage vows, they are some of the most powerful words that can be spoken. I highly doubt that most people realize the power of those words when they say them. I know I didn't. But, I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to figure it out. With a man just as committed.
I love you, Ed! Thank you for choosing me. For continuing to choose me. For loving me - and showing it. Even when I make it hard. :) Thank you for sticking it out. For staying. For being you! Even when you annoy the stink out of me!! :) We've lived an awful lot of life in the last 14 years. And, I'm looking forward to the next 14 with you. But, I vote for a little less drama, mkay?? ;)
Monday, July 20, 2009
13 ... and Counting
Today, Ed and I are celebrating our 13th anniversary.
Statistically speaking, we shouldn't have made it this long ... both of us coming from divorced families, getting married {when Ed was} so young, having a child with special needs and various other issues that "should" have factored against us.
Thankfully, God had other plans! We have had some wonderfully amazing times, some downright dark times and a whole lot in between.
In retrospect, I'm thankful for the dark times. Those are the times that built the intimacy in our marriage. That taught me about phases of marriage. Taught me that marriage is never stagnant. Those are the times that taught me my marriage is worth fighting for. Working for. And every dark time brought immense light in the end. I love that man so much more today than I could have imagined 13 years ago. Not that he doesn't drive me crazy. 'Cause he seriously does. In many a way. But, our commitment is deeper and our love is stronger.
We went out Saturday night to celebrate and talked about going to premarital counseling, where the pastor did some personality profiles and such. The results told us that Ed had a very idealistic, romantic view of marriage. I, on the other hand, had a very pessimistic view. How's that for a combination? It had "happily ever after" written all over it, don't you think? I remember listening to those results, thinking Ed was just a romantic (which he is!) and that in a few years, he would see how naive he was. Thankfully, I was the naive one!
I love you, babe ... more today than yesterday. Happy Anniversary.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Cool, Fun and Sad
Cool: This is my 300th post! Too bad I don't have one of those really great blogs with 4 million readers, free giveaways and such. Guess it sucks to be YOU right now! But, Thanks for reading my ramblings anyway!
Fun: Yesterday was a great day! Thanks to my mom (AKA Gummie), Ed and I were able to spend the entire day together. We went to the SETHSA homeschool conference, where we intended to spend the day. On a whim, however, we left around 3pm and headed south to Kemah! We ate an early dinner on the Boardwalk. Of all the days to not have my camera!! It was beautiful and so relaxing. Ed is a boat-fanatic, so sitting and watching all the different boats come in and out of the marina was right up his alley! It was fun to dream about what we (and by 'we' I really mean he, but I fully support him in this endeavor) hope to have one day.
Sad: Today, Jace got a fat lip. Its part of the age, but still so sad :-( Especially since it was MY FAULT! Argh! Once again, I'm out of the running for 'Mom of the Year.' Shucks. Gotta love the moments you feel especially competent. Or not. :-) Its worse than it looks, this was just the best shot we could get of the squirmy little man who was not as interested in striking a pose as we would have liked. Turkey.
Fun: Yesterday was a great day! Thanks to my mom (AKA Gummie), Ed and I were able to spend the entire day together. We went to the SETHSA homeschool conference, where we intended to spend the day. On a whim, however, we left around 3pm and headed south to Kemah! We ate an early dinner on the Boardwalk. Of all the days to not have my camera!! It was beautiful and so relaxing. Ed is a boat-fanatic, so sitting and watching all the different boats come in and out of the marina was right up his alley! It was fun to dream about what we (and by 'we' I really mean he, but I fully support him in this endeavor) hope to have one day.
Sad: Today, Jace got a fat lip. Its part of the age, but still so sad :-( Especially since it was MY FAULT! Argh! Once again, I'm out of the running for 'Mom of the Year.' Shucks. Gotta love the moments you feel especially competent. Or not. :-) Its worse than it looks, this was just the best shot we could get of the squirmy little man who was not as interested in striking a pose as we would have liked. Turkey.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Happy Birthday, My Love
I have so much to catch up on, but I couldn't let today pass without wishing the love of my life Happy Birthday.
I know you already know this, babe, but I'm so thankful for having you by my side. You are amazing and wonderful and so much more than just my husband.
You are my best friend. My rock. My partner. My joy in life.
We've been through so much. Good, bad and yes, even some ugly. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Because the bad and the ugly have brought us closer than any of the good could have done alone.
Looking forward to yummy Japanese and Sushi tonight! I love you. Happy 35th!!
I know you already know this, babe, but I'm so thankful for having you by my side. You are amazing and wonderful and so much more than just my husband.
You are my best friend. My rock. My partner. My joy in life.
We've been through so much. Good, bad and yes, even some ugly. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Because the bad and the ugly have brought us closer than any of the good could have done alone.
Looking forward to yummy Japanese and Sushi tonight! I love you. Happy 35th!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Made My Day
I have a few other posts to catch up on, but this one is just too funny!
Ed traveled to Dallas for work this week and drove back in last night. He called me when he was about an hour from home (as I was getting ready to put the kids to bed) and told me to jump in the shower and get dressed, my mom was on her way over and we were going out - to his friend, Brad's birthday get together - HERE.
If you know me, you know I'm not all that good at spontaneity. I want to be. But, I'm a planner. That's just the way God made me. For better or worse. My husband knows this about me, but he also gets a kick out of throwing me off my game. Unfortunately, I didn't react as I would like to ... something about, "what?" "Its going to be late and I don't get to sleep in" "I can't be ready in an hour" yada yada yada. But, I agreed. Especially since my mom was already on her way.
I put the kids to bed and in the midst of nursing and rocking Jace, I realized that I totally missed the boat. Don't I love it when my husband plans dates? Don't I love it even more when he lines up the childcare? Don't I love it when he surprises me? Sheesh. This was GOOD! I called him back and apologized (gosh, I hate that!) and told him I was excited. I hopped in the shower and miraculously was ready by the time he got home.
We went to Sammy's Place, which is a B.A.R in Houston ... like show-your-ID-and-pay-a-cover-charge-at-the-door BAR ... and let's just say its been a REALLY REALLY long time since I've been to a bar. The bar scene just isn't my gig these days. I felt a little out of place and honestly, a little old.
But, the night was saved. There was a live band - the Spazmatics. As Brad described them, Devo meets Revenge of the Nerds.
They were indeed geeks and freaks, but I have to say they put on a pretty good show. They play mostly 80s music ... and who can resist that? We had a great time.
At the end of the night (for us anyway!), Ed went to the restroom and a young guy approached me.
He wanted to know if Ed was my boyfriend!!!! I was so shocked, I just flashed my ring. Guess not too many 38-year-old-been-married-nearly-13-years-with-4-kids hang around the bar scene. Turns out, this adorable little guy was 24. That's my little brothers' age! Eek! But, I was beyond flattered. And, excited. I mean, what woman wouldn't want to be hit on by a guy 14 years younger who is floored she's 38 and has 4 kids! Made my night. My week for that matter. You just can't beat a little ego boost! Even if it was in a bar.
Ed traveled to Dallas for work this week and drove back in last night. He called me when he was about an hour from home (as I was getting ready to put the kids to bed) and told me to jump in the shower and get dressed, my mom was on her way over and we were going out - to his friend, Brad's birthday get together - HERE.
If you know me, you know I'm not all that good at spontaneity. I want to be. But, I'm a planner. That's just the way God made me. For better or worse. My husband knows this about me, but he also gets a kick out of throwing me off my game. Unfortunately, I didn't react as I would like to ... something about, "what?" "Its going to be late and I don't get to sleep in" "I can't be ready in an hour" yada yada yada. But, I agreed. Especially since my mom was already on her way.
I put the kids to bed and in the midst of nursing and rocking Jace, I realized that I totally missed the boat. Don't I love it when my husband plans dates? Don't I love it even more when he lines up the childcare? Don't I love it when he surprises me? Sheesh. This was GOOD! I called him back and apologized (gosh, I hate that!) and told him I was excited. I hopped in the shower and miraculously was ready by the time he got home.
We went to Sammy's Place, which is a B.A.R in Houston ... like show-your-ID-and-pay-a-cover-charge-at-the-door BAR ... and let's just say its been a REALLY REALLY long time since I've been to a bar. The bar scene just isn't my gig these days. I felt a little out of place and honestly, a little old.
But, the night was saved. There was a live band - the Spazmatics. As Brad described them, Devo meets Revenge of the Nerds.
They were indeed geeks and freaks, but I have to say they put on a pretty good show. They play mostly 80s music ... and who can resist that? We had a great time.At the end of the night (for us anyway!), Ed went to the restroom and a young guy approached me.
He wanted to know if Ed was my boyfriend!!!! I was so shocked, I just flashed my ring. Guess not too many 38-year-old-been-married-nearly-13-years-with-4-kids hang around the bar scene. Turns out, this adorable little guy was 24. That's my little brothers' age! Eek! But, I was beyond flattered. And, excited. I mean, what woman wouldn't want to be hit on by a guy 14 years younger who is floored she's 38 and has 4 kids! Made my night. My week for that matter. You just can't beat a little ego boost! Even if it was in a bar.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Perspective
I got this email from Ed today and it just stirred my heart. Check out the video and then read his message below.
He's such a great dad!
http://www.tacmovie.com/
This video makes me think about Jakey’s response about his trophies this past weekend.
Mom: “Which trophy is your favorite?”
Jake: “The small one.”
Mom: “Why?”
Jake: “Because you and Daddy gave it to me.”
Mom: “We gave you the big one”
Jake: “My favorite trophy is the big one.”
Mom: “Why?”
Jake: “Because you and Daddy gave it to me.”
I hope I never forget these conversations and how impactful we are on the lives of our kids. When you see me messing up, please help me get back on track.
Thanks, I love you.
He's such a great dad!
http://www.tacmovie.com/
This video makes me think about Jakey’s response about his trophies this past weekend.
Mom: “Which trophy is your favorite?”
Jake: “The small one.”
Mom: “Why?”
Jake: “Because you and Daddy gave it to me.”
Mom: “We gave you the big one”
Jake: “My favorite trophy is the big one.”
Mom: “Why?”
Jake: “Because you and Daddy gave it to me.”
I hope I never forget these conversations and how impactful we are on the lives of our kids. When you see me messing up, please help me get back on track.
Thanks, I love you.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sharp Dressed Man!
We had a fun, full weekend of wedding activities! Ed was super-handsome in his dark brown tux! 
Jace did great with my mom. He took the first bottle, but had NO interest in the second and gave his Gummie a hard time the last couple hours! I guess 8+ hours was just a little too long.
We didn't get many pictures - and in fact, didn't see much of each other as Ed was busy with bestman duties!
Jace did great with my mom. He took the first bottle, but had NO interest in the second and gave his Gummie a hard time the last couple hours! I guess 8+ hours was just a little too long.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Wow ... Time sure flies!
I can't believe its been more than 3 weeks since my last post. So much has been happening ... I guess its that time of year!
A quick recap of the last 3 weeks:
*Ed and I attended a marriage conference hosted by our church at the beginning of the month. It was really great and we enjoyed the time away to focus on each other! We learned a lot of new things and were reminded of many things we'd learned in the past. It was a great time!
*Jordan and Jake started practice for the kids Christmas Musical at church. Its going to be really cute. They both have lines to say (although Jordan will be saying hers along with some other kids ... but she's just thrilled to get to say something!). They are both excited. Jordan will be Mary again this year - she couldn't be more excited!
*Ed and I went to a dinner with my mentoring moms group a couple weeks ago. We had a nice time and I think Ed enjoyed the opportunity to chat with other homeschooling dads. They have a unique role for sure! One I'm particularly thankful for - not only does he work really hard at a stressful job (that he loves, thankfully!), but he comes home with more energy for us! I'm grateful that he makes the effort to be such a hands-on, plugged in dad. The more men I meet, the more I realize that it takes an intentional effort for dads to be engaged...and I'm so blessed to have one that works SO hard at being an amazing husband and dad! Thank you, honey, for the job you do! You are amazing!
*My friend, Amy inspired me to do something new this year! She has spent the past year not only turning me on to the idea of card making, but also attempting to teach me! I don't have a creative bone in my body, so she's had her work cut out for her! But I do love to craft, so I try to copy inspiration! I'm excited to actually be making all of our Christmas cards this year! So, that's been taking up most of my free time the last few weeks. This is no small job - we send out about 120 cards each year! I'm having a blast doing it and may even make this an annual tradition! Thanks, Amy for getting me started on such a fun hobby!
*I've been getting some Christmas shopping done as well, although many of our gifts will be homemade this year ... ahh, more paper crafts!! The kids are making some ornaments as well, so we're having a great time! I just have a few things left to buy and will be done!
*We got our first snowfall Wednesday last week. I don't think I'll ever get tired of how pretty it is ... or used to driving in it! Winter is in full swing around here - with more snow expected this week. Here we go again!
*Last week for Thanksgiving, we had our friends Curt and Mandy and their kids over and we ate way too much!! I ditched my diet in honor of Thanksgiving and it was great to enjoy so much rich food!! We played games ... and who knew Mandy was so competitive??? No wonder I like her so much! Our kids all played really well together and it was a fun day! Mandy brought a fun turkey craft for the kids to make and they all added leaves to our "Thanksgiving tree" - writing things they were thankful for on each leaf. I can't wait to have them over again - perhaps for a more "normal" meal ... and more games, for sure!
*Friday, we spent the day putting our tree up and decorating. The kids had a blast. Jake noticed that the girls both have "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments (Jordan has 2), but he doesn't have one! Oops! I can't even blame it on birth order. Sorry, buddy. Maybe we'll get you a 'medium boy's 6th Christmas' ornament this year. Hmm, there may not be a big market for those. Ed and I both now know why people put their Christmas lights up November first around here (although we'll NEVER get why they put their trees up that early) - its been too cold for him to venture out on the roof - which is not a job he's fond of in any weather. I guess the cold is a good excuse!
I think that about covers the last 3 weeks - probably in more detail than anyone was interested in! :-) Now maybe I can stay caught up a little better! And post some new pictures!
A quick recap of the last 3 weeks:
*Ed and I attended a marriage conference hosted by our church at the beginning of the month. It was really great and we enjoyed the time away to focus on each other! We learned a lot of new things and were reminded of many things we'd learned in the past. It was a great time!
*Jordan and Jake started practice for the kids Christmas Musical at church. Its going to be really cute. They both have lines to say (although Jordan will be saying hers along with some other kids ... but she's just thrilled to get to say something!). They are both excited. Jordan will be Mary again this year - she couldn't be more excited!
*Ed and I went to a dinner with my mentoring moms group a couple weeks ago. We had a nice time and I think Ed enjoyed the opportunity to chat with other homeschooling dads. They have a unique role for sure! One I'm particularly thankful for - not only does he work really hard at a stressful job (that he loves, thankfully!), but he comes home with more energy for us! I'm grateful that he makes the effort to be such a hands-on, plugged in dad. The more men I meet, the more I realize that it takes an intentional effort for dads to be engaged...and I'm so blessed to have one that works SO hard at being an amazing husband and dad! Thank you, honey, for the job you do! You are amazing!
*My friend, Amy inspired me to do something new this year! She has spent the past year not only turning me on to the idea of card making, but also attempting to teach me! I don't have a creative bone in my body, so she's had her work cut out for her! But I do love to craft, so I try to copy inspiration! I'm excited to actually be making all of our Christmas cards this year! So, that's been taking up most of my free time the last few weeks. This is no small job - we send out about 120 cards each year! I'm having a blast doing it and may even make this an annual tradition! Thanks, Amy for getting me started on such a fun hobby!
*I've been getting some Christmas shopping done as well, although many of our gifts will be homemade this year ... ahh, more paper crafts!! The kids are making some ornaments as well, so we're having a great time! I just have a few things left to buy and will be done!
*We got our first snowfall Wednesday last week. I don't think I'll ever get tired of how pretty it is ... or used to driving in it! Winter is in full swing around here - with more snow expected this week. Here we go again!
*Last week for Thanksgiving, we had our friends Curt and Mandy and their kids over and we ate way too much!! I ditched my diet in honor of Thanksgiving and it was great to enjoy so much rich food!! We played games ... and who knew Mandy was so competitive??? No wonder I like her so much! Our kids all played really well together and it was a fun day! Mandy brought a fun turkey craft for the kids to make and they all added leaves to our "Thanksgiving tree" - writing things they were thankful for on each leaf. I can't wait to have them over again - perhaps for a more "normal" meal ... and more games, for sure!
*Friday, we spent the day putting our tree up and decorating. The kids had a blast. Jake noticed that the girls both have "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments (Jordan has 2), but he doesn't have one! Oops! I can't even blame it on birth order. Sorry, buddy. Maybe we'll get you a 'medium boy's 6th Christmas' ornament this year. Hmm, there may not be a big market for those. Ed and I both now know why people put their Christmas lights up November first around here (although we'll NEVER get why they put their trees up that early) - its been too cold for him to venture out on the roof - which is not a job he's fond of in any weather. I guess the cold is a good excuse!
I think that about covers the last 3 weeks - probably in more detail than anyone was interested in! :-) Now maybe I can stay caught up a little better! And post some new pictures!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)