12 Years

Brock and I celebrated our 12 year anniversary yesterday. We spent the weekend camping and enjoyed ourselves immensely. We didn't have any specific "plans" for the day itself - just more time together and reminiscing and pondering our marriage so far. We both agree, hands down, that marriage for us has gotten better and better. We feel more in love now than we were then. I never really believed it when people would say that but now I know it's true. Going through the ups and downs of life together has drawn us so much closer. However, shared life experiences do not make a marriage they only add to its richness. We give complete credit to God and the work He has done (and continues to do) in each of us spiritually. We know that through Him and what He teaches us about marriage in the Bible our marriage has been given a firm foundation. We trust Him to continue leading us and teaching us how to love and honor eachother as we start another year of marriage.

Brock and I yesterday while camping in Hyalite Canyon and in April while out on a date

And More Friends

After many attempts, I finally got a good picture of Madison and Alika. They were being so silly and laughing hysterically. Who knows why - I suppose because they are girls!

Hannah and Brittany. Hannah really liked Brittany and followed her around. She was in dire need of a hair cut but we did have fun putting crazy hair ties in her hair.
Isaac and Tiana have a blast together. They play great, which is so nice. She is just over a year older than Isaac.
I took the kids and Alika and Tiana out to visit Nellie. They all enjoyed her and of course she was just as cute as she was a couple days ago :-)

Alika and Hannah and Madison and Nellie

Madison and her "twin" Abby. I met Abby's mom in a Bible Study when we first moved to Roseau and we introduced our babies to each other. We knew they needed to meet because they were they exact same age - same birthday and all. They didn't see eachother again for several years. When we moved to our first house (when Madison turned 4) Abby lived across the street! It seemed like they had been friends forever, the were immediately inseperable. They played all the time and got along great. It was a true blessing for Madison to have such a great neighbor, friend, "twin" right across the street!

Madison and Marcy - her friend and art partner/teacher. Madison has been spending time with Marcy since she was 4. I know that God orchestrated Marcy and I being in the same Bible Study just to introduce her into our lives. She has been amazing for Madison - both as a friend and teacher. They are like two peas in a pod. I could have never picked a better person for her to spend time with and be taught by. Of course, I know I didn't pick her and I am thankful that God did!

2 Years Ago . . .

2 years ago this morning I looked like this

We gave the baby one more outward squeeze and looked forward to meeting him/her face to face 2 years ago this evening (at 7:40 to be exact) the big belly was gone (well not exactly gone) and Hannah Grace was born

Does she look anything like she did back then? I can see glimpses of her when I look at her newborn pictures.

She talks up a storm, is extremely stubborn, loves to make us laugh, loves to snuggle, is reserved in new situations but warms up quickly, loves to sing and is a JOY to us all!

Some of her current phrases: (which she says very clearly)
"I love (sounds more like wub) you"
"that's gross"
"that's cute"

"yeah, sure"

"that's a nice house"
"Lord, you are more precious than silver" (she sings this alot!)
"I want some cheese please"
"QUIET" (she has been known to yell this on occasion!)
"I have it please"
"I tooted"
"I stinky"
"I not a nana, I Hannah" (when anyone calls her Hannah Banana)

"that's so nice"

The list goes on and on and if she isn't coming up with her own things she is a little parrot. Whenever we are praying she bows her little head but repeats random words throughout the prayer. It is very adorable.

We all are looking forward to what this new year will bring with her!

11 Years Ago

It seems amazing that we have been married for 11 years already!! It has flown by and been a great journey. I am grateful to God for leading us through the highs and lows and always bringing us closer together.

In honor of the occasion Madison was dying to see my wedding dress. She wanted me to put it on and I told her I didn't know if it would still fit me. She said, "well that would be good cuz it would mean you have grown" I love her innocence! She will soon find out that at a certain age growing is no longer a celebration :-) As I suspected I couldn't zip it all the way up :-) She still wanted to take a picture of me but I told her she could put it on and she was beaming!! She loved having it on - it was very cute to see her interest in our wedding, my dress and her love for wearing beautiful things!

Coffee, anyone?

Hannah talks non stop. Not only does she copy anything being said but she also starts her own conversations, responds to our questions, interupts our conversations with her own two cents, and continually makes requests for what she would like us to do for her. She pays attention to Brock's routine and is always aware of what he is doing. If she hears jingling keys, the door open, or a loud truck she quickly says, "daddy home". If he gets his shoes or coat on she says, "daddy work". When he is ready to leave she is quick to tell him goodbye and give her hugs and kisses. Today as he was finishing up breakfast she kept saying, "coffee" (sounded more like copy) but we quickly knew what she was saying. She notices that he always makes himself a coffee before he leaves and so she was anticipating that. It is so cute to have her interacting with us on a whole new level :-)

Hannah has seen us work the coffee machine enough times to have it all figured out :-)