Valentine's Day!

We had a great Valentine's Day last Saturday. Justin's sister and his dad and step mom sent Valentine's gifts for the kids. They had a lot of fun opening them up on Saturday. They really enjoyed the candy! Who wouldn't! Here are some pics.

Noah got a new snack (Cheerios) holder from Aunt Courtney, much more manly than the one I carry around.

Aunt Courtney gave Karis an animal bingo game, it is really fun. We have enjoyed playing it.

Karis also got her own spoon, spatula, and measuring cup with legs. Very cute!

Thanks to Mrs. Sondra and her niece Alex, Justin and I went on a date Friday before Valentine's. We attempted to take our own pictures with the delay flash. Not too bad!

You can't have Valentine's without a kiss!! I love you Justin!

From a four year olds mind...

Karis got a dollhouse for Christmas. This is how she decorated it the other day:

Daddy and Karis lounging together upstairs with the hippos.

The zebras in the kitchen, and the giraffes watching the baby in the tub.

The lions eating and the kangaroos looking "ticked" because they have nothing to eat. Mrs. Noah (by the way, Noah's wife doesn't have a name in the Bible, so we call her Mrs. Noah) watching all that is taking place.

The cheetahs are hanging their heads in shame because they disobeyed and decorated the bookshelf, they know better than to mess with Daddy's books!

And finally, Mommy is laying down on the floor in exhaustion from cleaning and taking care of everyone. The purple thing is a beater from Karis' mixer, she said it was Mommy's mop hanging to dry after a hard day of scrubbing the floors.

And by the way, Noah is hanging from the roof in a baby swing unsupervised. What?

What an imagination Karis has! I know how that Mom feels just laying down wherever she is, but it is a good exhaustion, knowing I have accomplished something. Hope you enjoyed decorating four year old style!

Convictions and Praises

"In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." John 16:26-27

Last night at care group, we discussed what it means to truly believe that the Father loves us. Jesus is talking to his disciples in the last hours before He faces the cross, and He is comforting and encouraging them. What a great Savior, He is looking death and God's wrath in the face, and He chooses to use the last hours to comfort and encourage His disciples.
I was very convicted of my own lack of contentment and joy in my circumstances. God has been slowly and patiently teaching me how selfish and vain I am. I have been dealing with some mild acne problems for about three months now, and God is teaching me that my self worth is in him, not what I look like on the outside but how He is changing me on the inside. I have been convicted of own lack of joy in my circumstances, no matter what they are. Christ is about to face the cross and He is choosing to think about others, not Himself. What a novel concept!
I pray that God would continue to show me own selfishness as I trust in the promise: that the Father loves me. I really couldn't ask for anything more than the love of the God of the universe!

On another note, God has also rewarded my obedience. My Memaw is turning 90 years old in March, and my parents are throwing her a big party. I had prayed that I would be able to fly down to Texas to go to the party, because she will only turn 90 once! Also, my Memaw is a very special lady, a woman who displays God's love and the gospel through prayer and love for her family. I have never known a more praying and God-seeking woman than my Memaw. She is an inspiration and great example to me. I pray that one day, I too, would be able to leave a legacy behind like she will, "well done good faithful servant."
After many discussions and pleading with God, my husband decided it just wasn't going to work out. God gave me a sense of peace and submission to husband. Last week, my mom called and said that one of her friends would give us two stand by tickets so Karis, Noah, and I could come to the party. I was shocked and awed by God's gift! It was the last thing I expected. Now, I will get to spend an extra week with my family and see Justin's family, instead of being home alone with the kids for a week. Justin will be gone to his spring retreat the same week we are gone. God is good! What an amazing and loving God we serve, one who is convicting me of sin and yet giving me my heart's desire!

Pooped!

A few weeks ago, Justin and I discovered a Veggie tale CD in Karis' drawer. She listens to it almost daily since we found it. After she had been listening to it for a few days, we were driving home from Rocky Mount, and this is a remake of our conversation:

"Larry gets pooped up." Karis said.
"What," I said.
"Larry gets pooped up on the CD."
I am thinking what kind of CD is this, and it's a Veggie tale CD.
Justin and I both look at each other and Justin says, "Who gets pooped up?"
"Larry does." Karis replies.
It then dawns on Justin that in one of the songs, Larry says he is pooped.
Karis thought pooped meant pooped up because that is what we say when Calvin rubs in poop. She thought that Larry really got pooped up like Calvin does.
After a few minutes of hard laughter, Justin explained to Karis what it means to be pooped, as in tired.

I hope this makes sense to you, it was really funny to us. Our sweet white dog likes to get pooped up, and it is not very fun to clean up!

Chuck E. Cheese Fun

Monday, Justin decided to take the family to Chuck E. Cheese for some family fun, or maybe just some adult fun! This was Noah's first time to go, and he was enthralled with all the sounds and sights. Karis is still afraid of the dressed up Chuck, but we finally got her persuaded that we wouldn't let him get close to her. Here are some pictures of our fun: I am not sure why I am in most of the pictures except that Justin is always much better at taking pictures than I am.

Justin and I always play the basketball game. I think we ended up tying as to who won the most times, but he did have the highest score, beating me only by three points. I must have had a good coach because I still have pretty good form!

Noah looking on as Mom follows through!

Noah riding the clock, he wasn't real sure about it.

Noah, Karis, and Me playing my favorite game: Skeet ball, I think that is what it is called.

Helping Noah beat Karis!

We then went to Lifeway and looked at books and enjoyed buying some too. Karis loves bookstores just like her parents, Noah just likes doing whatever Karis is doing.

Karis' 4th Birthday pics

For Karis' birthday, she wanted to invite over some of her friends. It is always so cute to me to hear her list her friends, she has as many children friends as she does adult friends. I am glad for the special relationships in her life. I will let the pictures tell you about her special day!

Karis opening gifts with all her friends help!

You can see some of her adult friends here, Noah being held by dear Mrs. Nancy, and Mr. Jeff, Karis' Sunday school teacher, standing in the background.

For her fourth birthday, Justin and I gave her her first Bible, an ESV Children's Bible. It was her special present. She was very excited about taking it to church on Sunday.

Family picture, thanks Michelle for Karis' dress, it is very cute. I didn't mean to coordinate Noah and me with Karis so well, maybe Justin should have worn pink!

Karis' birthday cake and cupcakes.

This was probably the easiest cake I have made and decorated so far, it was very small, thus the cupcakes too!

Karis waiting to blow out the candles.

Karis and the kids playing her new game: Cootie.

It was a great day of fun and celebrating. We started the morning with waffles, which Karis got to eat on the "Special plate." We then played and called the grandparents on the computer to let Karis open her gifts while they watched. Then, we took her to eat at Chick-fil-A, upon her request. Her party was at 1:00pm, and lasted for awhile. After nap, we had green pasta, broccoli, and bread for dinner, also upon her request. When we set down to eat Karis said, "I don't like green pasta." Imagine that, a girl who changes her mind!

Thank you to all our family and friends for celebrating with us and making Karis' 4th birthday so special.

Happy 4th Birthday Karis Ann!

To my girl on her fourth birthday. This picture perfectly portrays your personality, all or nothing. You are very much like your dad, that when you do something, be it obeying or disobeying, you do it to the fullest. There is no in between for you. I pray that one day God would use this unique personality trait to bring others to Himself through you. I pray God would save you as early as possible.
I am so blessed to be your mother, to be the one who teaches, trains, and shepherds your heart all day long everyday. You are very interested in all I do, especially cooking. I enjoy our cookie making times, you and Noah helping me unload the dishwasher, your sweet care of your brother, your funny sayings, and all your little quirks.
Happy 4th Birthday my firstborn, may God grant you many more. I love you very much!

It's SNOWING!!!

We woke up this morning to snow falling. It started slowly and is now constantly falling. We had our first trip outside about 9:00am this morning before Justin went to work. Noah had a great time until he fell face down in the snow!

Karis, me, and Noah

Karis having a blast!

Noah not too sure what is going on?

Karis, Justin, and Noah

Noah sitting in the snow.

Calvin decided to rub in the snow, if I wouldn't have put his sweater on, we might have lost him in the snow!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday. What a nice blessing to have snow and play in it today!

I need a COOKIE!

Thought I would share Noah's favorite place to wait for COOKIES. I have raised a cookie monster for sure! The picture doesn't do justice to his anticipation of a chocolate chip cookie!

Lesson for us (the adults): Do we eagerly anticipate our time with Lord? Does the Lord taste as good and satisfy my sweet tooth as much as a cookie? Just some food for thought for the weekend. If I answer truthfully, my answer most of the time would have to be no. I pray the Lord will change my heart to crave Him more than anything else!

Mmm.... a healthy snack that actually tastes good!

Today I decided to try a new recipe. It was a twist on a healthy snack. I got it from one of the many blogs that I go to for new recipes, I am always trying new ways to bring healthy foods to my family. I think this one was a hit, at least for the kids and I, anything that is slightly healthy Justin says is okay!

So without further ado, here it is:

WHOLE WHEAT CINNAMON GRAHAM SQUARES

Ingredients:
6 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (I used regular oats and blended them in the food processor)
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup honey
1 1/2 cup oil ( I used 1 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup oil)
1 cup cold water

Instructions:
1. In large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Make a well in the center of the bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine honey, oil, and water. Mix well, then add to dry ingredients and stir until mixture forms a thick, crumbly/stiff dough.
3. Grease two 10x15 inch jelly roll pans. Put half of the dough on each sheet and press flat, using your fingers or a spatula. Using a pizza cutter or butter knife, slice each sheet into 24 squares.
4. Bake sheets at 400 degrees for 13-18 minutes, or until lightly browned.
5. Remove pans from oven to wire racks, and allow the squares to cool in the pans. Re-slice, remove from pans, and store in air-tight container or bag.

**I actually halved the recipe since we don't need two trays. I hope you enjoy. I sure have, I think I have already eaten at least three squares!

Noah likes books too!

Noah is definitely a Childers' and Adams for that matter. Books have now become a regular routine in Noah's life just like the rest of us. I love having him get a book and come sit on my lap. He holds the book and waits for me to read it, and then when I am finished, he goes and puts it back on the shelf. Wow, what a sweet boy!

Calvin even makes the pictures in the book!

This is Noah's favorite book. I think we read it at least three times a day.

Bye-Bye Wisdom Teeth!

Yesterday I got the left side of my wisdom teeth taken out. I am now wisdom teeth free! I am feeling pretty good, especially since I have had a wonderful nurse in my husband yesterday and our sweet friend, Mrs. Nancy, is here today to help me with kids. She is so gracious to spend her whole day here, and she won't let me do much of anything. I am catching up on reading, blogging, recipes, and sleep. I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday, and that this weekend offers much family time and fun.

Christmas At Home 2008

We had a wonderful time as a family on Christmas eve and Christmas day, sharing gifts, playing with new toys, and eating some yummy food. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year because I enjoy giving gifts. I love to see the expression on the recipients face as they receive the gifts I picked out for them. Mostly, I am thankful that our Savior chose to come down from heaven and be a man in order to "save His people from their sins." What a amazing Christ we serve.
I hope you enjoy these pictures of our precious children celebrating Christmas and Jesus' birthday at home with us.

Texas Christmas 08' Part II

Karis, Noah and I arrived in Texas on Wednesday, Dec. 3. We had a nice relaxing afternoon with my parents that night and then a good talk and visit with my brother. Thursday, we went shopping at a new outlet mall by my parents house, it was great, it has every store a girl could want and more!! Thursday night, my mom, my sister-in-law, Tanya, and I went to the Woman's Christmas party at my parent's church. As we were about to pull out of the driveway, my niece Madison comes running out saying that Noah threw up. I was very distraught. Since we had all dealt with the virus the week before, I was praying that we weren't all going to get it again. My wonderful Dad encouraged us to go ahead and go, so we did. Noah was fine the rest of the night, but my mom got sick that night. She spent all of Friday in bed, so my dad and I ran a few errands with the kids and hung out. Friday night, I went to watch Madi play softball after my kids were in bed. My dad got sick that night. The kids and I decided to go shopping on Saturday so my parents could rest.
Sunday, we went and spent a few hours with one of my good friends, Mandy, and her family. We had great time letting the kids play together and catching up. Monday we picked Justin up from the airport and went to Orange. Thursday we headed back to my parents. We did Christmas with my parents and brother's family on Friday night and watched Madi play some more softball on Saturday. Sunday after church I got some more good Mexican food!!
I always enjoy our time in Texas, time just always seems to fly by. Being with my parents is such joy and I am so glad that my children love playing with their cousins!

We pray everyone has a very Merry Christmas celebrating the special and unique birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we all find our hope in Him this year!

"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Texas Christmas 08' Part I

Christmas in Texas is always a blast, being with our families, but this year, it was even more special. We got to see and play in snow, yes, I said snow in southeast Texas, which literally never happens. Justin said the last time he remembered it snowing was when he was very little.
Karis, Noah, and I left for Texas by ourselves on Wed. Dec. 3. They were both wonderful on the plane. We then spent the next five days with my parents and brother's family. More to come on this in part II.
Monday, Justin flew in. After we picked him up from the airport, we went straight to Orange. We had a wonderful dinner with his Dad, Susan, and Courtney, his sister. Both of Justin's grandparents are in a nursing home right now, but while we were there, his Papou was in the hospital in Beaumont. Our next few days were spent between Beaumont, the nursing home, and Pop Pop and Grammy's. We had a wonderful time of opening gifts for Christmas, eating Mexican food, and having Noah's 1st birthday party, cake thanks to Aunt Courtney. We also let Karis open up some early presents for her birthday next month from Aunt Courtney!
Here are some pictures of our great time together. Spending the holiday with family is always fun, and I am so glad that my children get to have this time with them.




Part II of our Texas trip coming soon!

Noah's 1st Birthday!

Since we were in Texas for Noah's first birthday, I was unable to post. We had a great day with Justin's family and of course, there was cake! Noah really enjoyed himself eating and licking his fingers. Justin's sister make Noah's cake, and she did a great job!
Here are some pictures to let them show you how much Noah enjoyed himself!





I honestly can't believe my sweet Noah is one. He is growing up so fast and is now starting to know what he wants. He is very cuddly now and loves his daddy the most. When he wakes up in the morning, he has to have his milk and then his daddy.
We are so thankful and blessed to have you in our lives Noah John, you are a joy and so much fun. Thank you for making us laugh all the time. I love you so much!

Back from Texas

Just wanted to let you all know that we are back from Texas. As soon as I can, I will post pictures of Noah's first birthday and our Christmas' with both families. We had a wonderful time, and now it is back to real life! Hope everyone is having a great day!

No Turkey for us!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our family was thankful for many things, but was without the turkey and trimmings. Karis got the stomach bug on Monday night. She seemed to be doing much better after a day of rest, but Wednesday night Justin and Noah both got it. It was only a night bug for Justin, but Noah continued to be sick, only at nighttime, for the next two nights. It seemed very strange for him to be sick only at night, but he is on the mend now!

God showed us many things to be thankful for despite not feeling well. We were thankful that our sickness was last week and not this week, since we leave for Texas tomorrow. We were thankful for the Lampheres and our neighbors bringing us food. Most of all, we were thankful to just be together as a family and to put all our hope and trust in our Savior.

I hope you guys have a great few weeks. I will post after we get back from Texas, we will be doing Christmas with the families and celebrating Noah's first birthday!

A little early for this...

Just a few minutes ago, I heard Noah sucking on something. I found him sucking on the soap dispenser from the bathroom. What a silly boy! I think it is a little early to being washing his mouth out with soap.

I distinctively remember getting my mouth washed out with soap one time when I was little, I know that I never said that word again!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Saturday Fun in the Leaves!

Bless the Lord

Psalm 103:1-5

Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

God forgives not some, but all my sins. He has redeemed me out of the pit of sin and crowned me with love and mercy, that is only found through Christ. What a lofty goal, not to forget all his benefits, here's just a few: salvation, steadfast love and mercy, being satisfied, a relationship with my Savior, no fear of death, amazing grace, etc.

It also says he heals all your diseases, now we now that this doesn't mean that we, as Christians, will not die from sickness or have a chronic illness all our lives. We must read this verse in light of other Scripture, we are called to suffer, and Deuteronomy 32:34 says, "See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand." God is speaking in this verse, so we know that he uses diseases and sickness to sanctify us.

Thank you, Lord, for forgiving all my sins on Calvary. Thank you for reminding me of my need for you and the gospel today and every day. O, to love you more than yesterday is such a sweet thought! Thank you for your grace and for opening my eyes to your truth in your word!

More to come on the rest of the verses!

Whinning and God's grace

How much whining and fussing can a mom take? How is it that it seems to last all day when my children are whining or crying about everything, but oh the sound of silence, except the dryer and washing machine running! Silence is golden if only for a few moments or an hour. In the midst of my children's whining, I am overcome sometimes by my own complaining nature. I hear Karis voice or scream her desire over and over, especially when I have already told her no. I realized today that I am like this so often: selfish with my time, complaining about my circumstances, ready for the next big thing instead of living in the moment just thankful for each day.
Through these long whining fits, God has really showed me my continual need to cling to Him and His grace to teach Karis how to respond to her circumstances without getting angry or whining. He has reminded me that she is sinful and cares only for herself, which is exactly who I was and would still be apart from my saving knowledge of Christ's sacrifice and my won sinfulness. I am teaching her what her sin is, and God is showing me my own sin.
Thank you Lord for the gospel and allowing me the daily opportunity to preach it to myself and my children. Oh what marvelous grace!

I CAN DO IT!

Noah at 8 months old tackles the slide in our backyard, he is just like the Little Engine that could!

Okay, here goes, I can do it!

I'm trudging along nicely!

Whoa! This is harder than I thought, I'll try again later.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Chicken, I mean turkey!

Karis and I have started our fun fall crafts, here is the one we did today!

Karis wrote "Happy Thanksgiving" all by herself, it is a little too spaced out!

She colored a turkey at the Y this morning, and she kept calling it a chicken! Close enough I guess!

Late Birthday Visit with Parents!

I have noticed lately that I do look just like my mom, what a blessing, she looks so good to be 62 years old. I love sharing a very close birthday with my mom, which also makes it difficult not having her around for my birthday. Thankfully, my parent still got to come visit.

We had a wondeful late birthday visit with my parents. Because of hurricane Ike, my parents did not get to be here for my mom's and my birthday in September. Their trip was delayed over a month, but it was well worth it. They were here for a week. Here's a recap of all our fun!

They flew in on a Thursday around lunch time so we ate lunch at the mall in Raleigh and went jeans shopping for me, this is always a task for me. We then came home and enjoyed being together, playing with the kids and off course going to the grocery store.

Friday, Justin and my dad played golf, so Mom, the kids, and me went to the outlet mall. We had a successful trip and ate good food at Zaxby's and ice cream at Dairy Queen, both kids were very good.

Saturday, it rained so we just stayed close to home! Sunday was church and more fun together. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, we spent going to the park, going back to the outlet mall with my dad along this time, eating at Chili's for our late birthday dinner, and being together. I love just spending time with my parents and so do my children! Here are a few pictures of our fun week.

Clarification: There are not very many pictures of Karis, she is in the no pictures stage right now!

BubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.

Tagged !?!

This is the second time I have been tagged, so I guess it is time to pay my dues! Sorry Lori, when you tagged me I think Noah was like a month old, now you can read my random thoughts.

So thank you Courtney for tagging me!

Below are the rules.

1. Link to the person that tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
6. Let your tagger know when your entry is UP.

Here are six random things about me:

1. I knew since seventh grade that I was going to marry someone in the ministry, be it a pastor, music minister, etc. Somehow, the Lord showed me early in life!

2. I have a terrible fear of roaches and spiders, especially since at one time or another, I have had both in my hair, not on the same occasion. One very early in the morning and one while my poor little girl watched me scream my head off!

3. In high school, Courtney (my friend who tagged me) and I had an Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea marathon in the spring and a Gone with the Wind marathon during the Christmas holidays every year. We would watch them in a single setting, eating popcorn and tuning out the rest of the world for that one Saturday. What fun times!

4. I love Blue Bell ice cream. They don't have it in North Carolina so I eat a lot of it when I am in Texas. Almost every Saturday night, unless I had a tournament, my dad would go down to the store and buy us each our own pint, I usually got Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, or just plain vanilla. Those times with my dad were very special! We would eat our ice cream and watch a movie together.

5. I have never been snow skiing but hope to one day.

6. My favorite color has always been pink, even though I am not a girly girl! My bridesmaid can attest to this and so can my close friends. Too this day, my eye always gravitates to pink when clothes shopping, however, I have never wanted a pink car or house, which I have seen both!

Sorry my friends, but it is your turn to be tagged, I will probably be tagging some of you for the second or third time!

1. Mandy
2. Tiffany
3. Laura
4. Shelley
5. Michelle
6. Keri

You will have to excuse me, I am not very computer savy when it comes to linking to others blogs or sites. Hope you all enjoy my random thoughts. I have my husband to thank for showing me how to do the links, maybe this time I will remember!

I also pray that everyone has exercised their right to vote! Voting is important!

Ever Seen One of These?!

A few weeks ago, Noah received the most unique gift from sweet Mrs. Nancy, a very dear friend of ours who loves my children dearly. To say this gift is unique is just not giving it enough credit. When I opened the gift, my first thought was "What?" Along with a good giggle, I brought it home and put it on Noah.
Here are a few pictures of Noah's "full body bib!"

A good picture of the front, what a cute lion!

It even has straps for his legs!

Another frontal view!

It was pretty hot for a few days so I decided after Noah had spit up on his last two shirts to just let him wear the bib with his diaper, he didn't seem to mind. Hey Calvin, always getting into the pictures! Check out Calvin's hair cut, he really needs a better groomer! I usually groom him in between hair cuts!

So for those of you who are now in the loop of what a full body bib is, maybe you should get one too. I really do like it, it catches all the slobber and spit up. I know that one day Noah will stop spitting up!

Thank you Mrs. Nancy for your unique, sweet gift, it was perfect for my sweet boy who seems to soil all his clothes and bibs!!

What We've Been Up To!

The last few weeks I have been racking my brain, along with Laura's to try and figure out some inexpensive ways to help Karis play by herself. Karis loves for us to play with her, and she is very much lacking in the imagination department, I am sure she gets that from both her parents! I bought some felt and felt pieces and cut out some shapes and things for her to have her own felt board. She loves playing with the one at the library and her Sunday school teacher uses one every week. Karis is very proud of it and loves to play with it! Thank you Laura!

Okay, so the bear is a little bit too BIG for the house, as you can see I am not a professional cutter especially without good cutting scissors, which I now have!

Noah is officially walking all the time as of a week ago. He no longer crawls unless he is really tired or mad. He will be just be ten months on Thursday and continues to move too fast for his mommy! He is all boy, climbing on everything, pushing toys on the floor like trucks, and never sitting still for longer than a few seconds. What a difference from his sister. He is so fun and happy, what a blessing both of these little people are in my life.

Noah climbing up the bathroom cabinet. He enjoys being naked after his bath, thankfully he hasn't gone to the bathroom on any of us or the floor.


Classic Noah! Smiling, mouth open, and holding onto whatever he can find.

Happy Anniversary Justin, WOW 9 Years!

At 2:00 pm nine years ago, Justin and I stood before our family and friends and pledged to love, honor, cherish, and serve each other only by God's grace for the rest of our lives on earth. I am so thankful for how much the Lord has grown both of us in these last years.
I love Justin more everyday, I love the way he loves me and challenges me to know and love Christ more, I love the way he teaches and loves our children, I love serving along side him as he shepherds the flock the Lord has given him, but most of all, I love the way He loves Christ in all things. The passion that Justin had for Jesus is what made me fall in love with him ten years ago and that has not diminished at all, in fact, it has only grown stronger.

Our engagement picture, nine years ago! Wow, don't we look like babies, oh yeah, we were. We were both only 20 at the time of this picture.

Today we are older, have two beautiful children, and are more in love than ever. Love really does grow stronger with time. I can't imagine a day without Justin. I love you and cannot wait to see what the next nine years hold for us.

Glorify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together.
Psalm 34:3