We are So Blessed!

It's Father's Day...the day we honor the men in our lives for the love, support, and commitment they pour out on their children. I grew up with an incredible Dad who was always an integral part of my life. He's always been my hero & example - a man of character who walks in integrity and teaches His children to love and respond to the Lord. Of course, as most girls do, I desired to marry a man as much like my Dad as possible. Let me tell you...I believe the Lord placed that desire in me, and 14 years ago this month gave me the desire of my heart. While Keith and my Dad are very different in a lot of ways, they are so much alike in the things that really matter in this life - men who's lives belong to Christ, men of character, true to their word, walking in integrity, living out humility, taking responsibility for their mistakes, standing strong in the face of adversity, and standing firm in the midst of war waged by the enemy.

I am amazed as I watch my husband love and pour into our beautiful little girl. He is an incredible Dad and I know that one day she too will be looking to spend the rest of her life with a man like her father. I am even more amazed as I watch him love, pastor, and disciple the people God has placed his life.

They say, "If you want to know a man...really know who he is...ask His wife." I say, "you live with someone for 14 years and you know...really know who he is." Without question, my husband is a wonderful, loving husband and father, a faithful friend, a man of God, a wonderful teacher, a loving pastor, a great example of what it means to 'walk the walk', a humble servant leader, and a trustworthy partner in Christ!

So Keith, your girls say to you today...be encouraged, know that you are loved beyond measure, know that you are honored today for being all of these things and more. We love you, we stand with you, we lift up your arms, we praise God for you, and we celebrate you! We are so Blessed!!

Great Weekend!

This past weekend was great! There was a lot going on, but it was all so much fun. First, my sister came in on Friday night and stayed with us until Saturday. She wanted to practice some preschool assessments on Ella before she began doing them officially on Monday. It was really a neat thing to watch and I am proud to say that my girl is a pretty smart little cookie! She knew things I didn't realize she knew. We had a really good time with Michelle and wish she could of stayed longer.

Saturday was my niece Kaitlyn's High School graduation. My niece Jordyn had graduated the Thursday night before. Props to my girls for all their hard work! I can't wait to see where the Lord takes them from here. They are incredible young ladies. This week they are cruising to the Bahamas to celebrate. Hope they are having a blast! (btw, they were four when Keith & I got married - 14 years ago). Okay, I feel oollllddd. We enjoyed the graduation ceremony and the family time after.

Then Saturday night we went to a cookout at the home of some friends along with the other ladies from our Thursday morning bible study and their families. It was a blast. Tad & Leah Beth are great hosts. We ate some awesome food, played some kickball, talked and laughed. It was great!

Unbelievable! My girl is almost 2 years old

It's hard to believe I am already planning for Ella's 2nd birthday party. She is growing up so fast, and there is absolutely nothing she doesn't say at this point. We have decided to spend a couple days at a park in the area that has tons of great things for kids. We will camp with the grandparents (Keith's parents) on the lake 3 nights and, on Saturday, we have rented a shelter to have her official party. Everyone coming can plan a full family day if they want and meet us at the shelter for a lunch cookout and celebration. It is going to be so much fun for Ella and her friends. Train rides, a carosel, paddle boats, nature center, petting barn, aquarium, mini golf...you name it.

Fun! and the cost is minimal...