27 years ago

Last night my sister-in-law asked me if I had ever thought by the time I was 27 that I would be married with a one and a half year old daughter. My answer is yes, I definitely had hoped to be where I am at this point in my life. I'm so thankful to God for exactly where he has placed me. However, I never could have imagined the road leading up to this point in my life. There are challenges that I am either facing right now or see coming and I think "I can't do that" or "how will I get through this?" yet as I look back at the struggles and challenges I have overcome, I realize I can get through these things. All this with the help of God.






















In 27 more years I hope and pray for 3 things:

1. My only life goal will continue to remain, Love God.
2. My husband will know that everyday I love him even more than the day I became his wife. More importantly, I respect him.
3. My child(ren) will see my life and love for God as a reflection of how they want to live their lives and even greater.

Some Birthday gifts from the family...
Ever since we moved 1 1/2 years ago I have had my heart set on getting a china cabinet. For the women in my family, china is a big deal. When my sister and I registered for our weddings it wasn't a question whether we would request china or not. Having special things like this is something my mom has taught us girls and was learned from her mom by her mom... I can always remember my mom setting the table really nice with her china for all sorts of occasions, from Easter to Birthdays and even joyous milestones in our lives. This is something my sister and I plan to do with our families. So you can see why having a china cabinet is a big deal for me and how frustrating storing the dishes in boxes in the closet has been. Well, one day last week I was driving by a hit or miss type consignment shop. I didn't have Abby, so I figured I would stop and run in. I found it! A great cabinet for a really good deal :) I called up my mom and had her come check it out and asked if it could be my B-day gift. When we got it home I felt like a little girl again playing with a doll house. I couldn't wait to polish it up and organize it just right! Now I can't stop talking about it :) I really hope to pass down a tradition of making the table nice and the importance of family time around it to Abby.






















Monetary gifts are fun, but the best Birthday present of all was this...


I've been so spoiled to have spent all of my Birthdays with my family (except for a few in college). I was sad that Esther, Rob and Ashley wouldn't be with us to celebrate, but Tim had the most brilliant idea! SKYPE!!! This is our family's new favorite technology!!! It was the absolute BEST way to end my Birthday :) :) :) :)