12 Years Ago...

12 Years ago, back when I was a sophomore in high school and Daniel was finishing his plebe year at the Academy, we started liking each other. It was past the point of just thinking he was cute and him enjoying coming to my parents house for a weekend away from USNA. We had our first kiss.Well, we were smitten and only God knew that 12 years later we would be married and expecting a second baby. 

Here we are trying to use the last of our film before we went to develop our 35mm. This is still one of our favorites taken by some random person in the parking lot.

What a blessing these 12 years have been having Daniel in my life. He has been a constant encouragement to me in his desire to do what is right. What a dear man to be married to! Little did I know at 15 years old that he was the one I would marry and spend my life with, but at times I wished for it even then. I knew he was kind and could always make me laugh. He was (and is) considerate, thoughtful, patient, focused and dedicated to his Lord, family and friends. There were times in these 12 years that we were not together, but I think those times strengthened our relationship.

We have many wonderful memories of our early years together and our marriage has been even sweeter. God has been so kind to us!

We're Expecting...Glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ!

Dear family and friends,

We are joyful to announce that the Lord has blessed us with another pregnancy!  We were able to visit the doctor on Friday and see the little heart beating and kicking legs.  This was a very joyous moment for us.  Maryn is 11 weeks along now.  Our due date is late October (31stish).

Livin' Life...

On the Edge.

He fell asleep during a stretch. Rough Life.

Marching On...

I am amazed it is already March. We have been staying busy with our regularly schedules programs and all of a sudden March is here. WOW!

We are out of sorts in this household. Daniel and Violet can't seem to kick the cough from their last cold, I feel yuck from a small cold, and Violet is teething (finally!).  Her nose is like a faucet and crankiness is the new attitude around here. We are marching on and hoping these teeth come all at once. Currently, her bottom left tooth has broken through the gums and her top left is breaking through now. I know that is no fun. I am thinking the matching teeth need to follow soon. We need to get this girl to bite into her food. She is 17 months. Its about time. :)

Good news! Next week we travel down to LA for the Shepherds Conference and Charles and Marsha are meeting us there. We are so excited to see them. Violet has her daily Grandma and Grandpa picture reminder to help her warm up to them quickly. I think she won't have a problem as long as her teething doesn't get any worse than it is now. She hasn't gotten clingier because of it, but you never know... I am hoping she sleeps well. Last night she woke up a few times with such a sad cry. The little one is ready for these teeth to come out too.

Marsha and I will be spending time together during the day while the men folk attend the conference. I am praying the teaching will be a great encouragement to both Daniel and Charles, as Charles has recently started a church in Missouri. He will attend with a pastor focus and Daniel as with a layperson focus. What a special opportunity for them to attend together. We are very grateful for this time with them.

I leave you with a few of the latest pictures of Violet. We were walking around Daniel's school the other day and I got a few pictures of the babe. She is getting so big!

Love y'all!

Happy Valentine's Day

Big Hugs and Kisses from California!