Seven years!

Yesterday marked seven years of being married to my wonderful husband. It was actually a lot of fun yesterday to think back about the day we got married. Taking pictures, the ceremony, the reception. I also thought back to some of our most memorable dates...the top ones include a picnic at the state park, taking me to see Phantom of the Opera (A total surprise and I had REALLY wanted to see it!), and last years get away weekend. Yes, I have a good man.

The funny thing about our anniversary is that SOMETHING always goes wrong...every year, without fail. One year we were in Chicago and Dave's parents had booked a hotel room for us using their points (we were poor and they were generous). When we got to the hotel, the hotel had booked us for the following night..and the hotel was BOOKED for that night. We ended up having to drive home to his parents house. Another year, as we were pulling out of the driveway, Dave accidentaly side-swiped our babysitters car. We felt so horrible about it, that we ended up not going out that evening and Dave spent the rest of the night fixing the damage. Other years have been more minor, but something generally happens to try and thwart our plans. We joke about it now.

This year was no exception. Our babysitters forgot to come and we couldn't get a hold of them. So, after an hour of waiting, we called our friends Kurt and Karissa (whom we love and who love our kids) and literally Karissa was at our house ten minutes later with Kurt (coming from work) right behind her. They stayed with the kids all night so that Dave and I could have our anniverary night. Seriously, I love our church and the community that we belong to. I love doing life with these people.

Dave and I had to alter our plans slightly, but we still went down to Indy, ate at the Castleton grill, and then went shopping. It was so nice to just be with him.

Below is my anniversary present.

My husband did AMAZING. It's so beautiful...the picture doesn't even show it justice. I LOVE it. It's my new favorite piece of jewelry...mostly because it came from him.

Suffice it to say, the evening was wonderful. For me, it was nice to get away from the house and yes, even the kids, for a little bit. I had to remember that I am more than a mom. We had such a good time talking on the way down and back and throughout the whole evening.

Because of that, I was able to really enjoy the kids today. I wasn't feeling run-down or empty. I could really embrace and enjoy the time I had with them. We were all better for it.

I married a great man seven years ago. He keeps me safe, is steady when I am weak, pushes me when I need to be pushed, loves me for me, is incredibly wise, and is a wonderful father. I'm incredibly in love with him.

Bring on year eight!

Boiler Up!

Dave and I had the opportunity to go to our very first Purdue game this last weekend. Yep, after 4 years, we made it. :-) The tickets were given to us by a lady whose dog Dave treated. She works for the John Purdue club, and was so thankful to Dave that she offered him Purdue tickets. Our seats were AMAZING!

We were right on the 40 yard line, midway up in the nicer stadium seats. If we wanted, we could have been in the air conditioned lobby just above where our seats were. We have been supremely spoiled when it comes to attending sporting events.


Even better, it was a wonderful memory. Dave and I were able to sit and take it all in with no cares for a good three hours. The Boilers won, which was just nice. It was a wonderful date day and I loved spending some good quality time with Dave. Speaking of which, I have an incredibly PATIENT husband. In the last seven years, I have probably asked hundreds of questions about the game of football. I now, thankfully, have at least a basic understanding of how the game is played, but now it's all the technical questions, which he still answered with great patience. Yeah, I got a good one. I know.

Dave and Busters in pictures

We had dinner and entertainment. This guy was doing magic tricks. He included the birthday boy in one of his tricks. Fun!




Sarah with her 1000 tickets!

Can it get any better than this?

I without a doubt, am crazy about my husband and kids. They bring such joy (and sillyness and crazyness) to my life. I love how Noah loves Jesus...and the discussions we have about prayer and God saving him (like Daniel) from the lions the night of his fever. I love the conversations that we have with him now. He is an actual person and not my little baby anymore. I love Callie's tenacity for life, her cheeky smile, and her ability to hold her own while still being a diva. I love her cuddles and silly faces. I can't imagine life without either of them. And last, but first...I love Dave's ability to love me at all times...even when I'm acting unloveable. I love that he has integrity...a deep integrity and a love for Jesus. He's a wise man...one I often turn to for advice. He is a good and trustworthy man. He's so selfless. He always gives the best to his family. Forsaking the motorcycle for the mini-van. Missing graduations, reunions, and other important events in his life because his family needed him. Driving the older car, so that we are in the safer vehicle (he has ALWAYS done this, long before we ever had kids)...and a million others. I love my husband.

How do you measure a man's worth? If you ask me...I'd say I'm pretty rich.

Happy Birthday David!

Happy Birthday to our favorite dad and husband. You make our lives sillier and full of joy. We love our time together and are so appreciative of all the time that you spend with us. We love you!!!