The Beautiful Life

From two to one…

Today, I’m celebrating 10 years of marriage with my amazing husband, and later this month will be the anniversary of our first date, 15 years ago. He’s the only man I’ve ever kissed, the only one I could ever say “I, do” to. I know what he’s thinking before he says anything. When he walks into the room, I instinctively recognize my other half; when he’s gone, part of me is missing. We’re no longer two separate people; we’re US. One. I don’t even know how to describe how we’ve grown together over the years. It’s a miracle, really. No, it’s a mystery.

I don’t think it’s cliche’ to say that I love him more now than ever–it’s natural. It’s what is supposed to happen. With every passing day and year, the bond between us gets stronger, a fusing together of hearts and minds, of dreams and plans.

I hardly recognize those two awkward, young teenagers who nervously held hands on their first date. We have both changed so much, and gone through so much, but it’s always been together. At every bend, with every new big dream, we turn to the other and see the same spark, a recognition. No longer two, but one.

Happy anniversary, honey! I love you!

“Creatively” focused photo courtesy of our 4 year old, taken last week on our family vacation.

Happy birthday, Scrapartist!

Scrapartist is turning 5! To celebrate, we’re having a blog train party! Here’s my part:

Get it here

Next stop, the amazing Dianne Ridgon! And if you get lost along the way, go back to the SA blog for a complete list.

More than enough…again…

The other day, I became aware of a need in a family that I know. I wanted to help them, so I gave. I found out later that we didn’t really have as much as I thought we did. I was okay with that; I didn’t mind the sacrifice. But I also prayed that God would give us what we needed and named a specific amount. Less than two days later, James was on his way home from a work trip and was bumped from his flight. To make up for it, the airline offered him compensation, in the form of a check for the EXACT amount that I had prayed for. Incredible!

He was also going to have to wait about four hours before getting on another flight, and get home really late at night. Instead, he ended up walking down to another terminal in the airport, and there was a flight leaving in 10 minutes that he had just enough time to catch. He ended up getting home only a little while later than he would have. God is so good to us and he is more than enough!

Happy birthday, Owen!

My little boy turned six this week. His party is in 15 minutes and pretty soon, we’ll be overrun with excited boys and girls, cake will be devoured and presents unwrapped. And when all of the dust settles, he’ll sigh with contentment and give me a hug and tell me he loves me. Then he’ll run off and do what boys do–grow up, way too fast. *Sigh*

You’ve given me so much joy, Owen, and even though it hurts me to see how quickly you are growing up, I love to watch the years go by, seeing you become who you were made to be. I love being your mom! May you always be sensitive and caring, full of joy in the little things as well as the big ones. May you love God and serve him all of the days of your life, and may you always find rest in the shadow of his wings.

Then…

And now…

So Grateful…

More endless gifts…

9. Sunshine and a warm winter day.
10. Kids running outside and enjoying the afternoon.
11. A job I love.
12. A quiet hour to think and meditate on what is good, and Him who is the source of all goodness.
13. A thoughtful book to wander through.
14. An under-the-weather husband who goes to work so he can provide for his family. How he loves us!

I Shall Love You

Not because I have to, but because what else could my response be to such a love as this?

On Motherhood

Just thinking quietly to myself today…

“What kind of mother do I want to be?”
“What kind of wife do I want to be?”
“What can I do really well?”
“What can I let go of?”
“What is my purpose in this moment?”

Thinking…

Friday Gratitudes

Continuing my Gift List for this year…
This week, I’m thankful for:

5. My kids’ joy in the little things, like new pajamas.
6. Hope, even in the midst of disaster.
7. A quiet place to read and reflect and slowly start my day and
8. Children who know my need for a slow start and happily and patiently give me the space to do so.

Photo: My quiet place bathed in early morning light.

My Week in Photos

Happy Designaversary to Me!

Yes, I’ve officially been a designer at Scrapartist for two years now! It seems like a lot longer to me, though! I just love it there! To celebrate, I’ve got everything in my store on sale for 30-50% off all week, and if you sign up for my newsletter before tomorrow, you’ll get a sweet little kit for free! Happy Scrapping!