These Little Moments...

We stood together on our wedding day, my hands in yours, our eyes on each other, and we said "I do". After 12 years of marriage, I've learned that life must be a continuous thread of "I dos" floating throughout each and every day together. It isn't always easy, and I know I fail miserably often, but the desire to make this work is strong and our foundation as a couple is solid. I do choose to set aside my selfishness and serve you... even when you've really annoyed me and I'd rather not fold and put away your clothes. ;) I do choose to apologize after I've spoken harshly... even though my pride tells me you should apologize first. I do choose to lift you up daily, to pray for you, to tell you "thank you" for working so hard to provide for this family. I do choose to make this marriage and our relationship a priority... even though we are exhausted and distracted after long days of working and raising children. I do promise to ...

Happy Birthday to my favorite little man in the world! You have given us an immeasurable amount of joy since your birth 7 years ago. God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave me a son, because I needed you and I adore this nonstop adventure that is life with a boy. You are truly a fun and happy kid. You have lots of friends and make new ones easily. You are confident and competitive. These attributes show themselves most on the soccer field and during Taekwondo. You and your daddy are both headed toward getting your black belts together. Daddy is also still coaching your soccer team. I love that you share these hobbies and spend lots of time together. You just completed kindergarten and it was a great year for you! You are more than ready for 1st grade. I have been so proud of all your hard work and focus in school this year. At your graduation, Mrs. Stanley and Mrs. Brown presented you with a certificate for Efficiency, stating that this is your spiritual gift. They comme...

Gracie,  I just endured your brother’s kindergarten graduation, which made me feel all panicky and desperate to delay the passing of time, and now, here you are turning TEN! What are you two trying to do to me? Honestly, I can’t handle it. This birthday is an exciting milestone for you because you're moving from single to double digits and that only happens once! You’ve also passed that halfway mark between birth and the day you'll turn 18, the day you’ll officially be considered a brand-new “adult”. I would really prefer that you stay on the newborn side of life, but apparently we have no control of these things. What I love about you now is that you are as sassy as ever, intuitive beyond your years, and too smart for your own good. You are witty in a way that leaves us speechless sometimes, because you think and speak quickly. This is definitely a trait you share with your father and while I do love this about both of you, it also terrifies me a little in public plac...