Friday, August 14, 2009

16 Years and Loving Him Even More!


Sixteen years ago I was young, in love (this still applies) and very naive about the world. I still remember the giddy feeling that swept through me as Evan walked through the door. He was my first (and only) true love. I remember hours of talking and walking during our college days in San Luis Obispo . The late night strolls by the creek (when it actually had water in it) and the shakes at Hudsons were treasured.

It took only a single date to ignite a spark that would grow throughout the years into an eternal flame for my one true love. I would describe those first months as a wild fire. My heart was bursting with excitement and passion. I guess I would describe it as a thirst that could not be quenched. We would talk for hours and never run out of things to say. We would kiss and flirt a lot, but I must say (because it's true and because my kids will read this) we did keep our physical relationship pure until we were married.


Sixteen years ago, we became husband and wife. We needed very little and loved so much! We were thrilled with our first "one-bedroom large" apartment. Our stomachs were full of mac-n -cheese and more mac-n-cheese. We were playing grown-up, at least that's how I felt, even getting a Price Club (Costco) Membership was a thrill. Those early years were fun and quite fascinating.

As the years pass, my love for Evan has become greater and deeper. He has been more than any fairy tale I could have dreamed. He is real and he is my rock! He accepts me for the broken and ordinary person I am, yet somehow he finds me extraordinary. We have shared the highest or highs, as our family has expanded from two to six. Evan has been there for me in thick and thin, both literally and figuratively (no pun intended). He sees the good and beauty in me when I cannot. He listens to me (with understanding and validation) when I am crazy, scattered and completely illogical.

Today, I thank God for my wonderful husband. He is my soul-mate and best friend. He's a great man that deeply cares about his family. He is a great dad to our four children. He is a lover of Jesus!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Long Time, No Blog

This summer has been a blast! I wanted to blog it all, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. I plan on updating a lot once school is back in session. So many wonderful things have happened and I can't wait to share. I have made a list of some of the highlights, all of which will get their post (complete with pictures) soon.


  • Samantha and Noah attended a week of surf camp
  • The DeJongs (Evan's sisters family) came to CA
  • Took a Royal Carribean cruise with ports in Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico
  • Visited friends in Ohio
  • Vacationing with Gram and Gramps in NYC and DC
  • Mandi and Nathan met us for some "Griswald moments" in NYC
  • Samantha became a teenager
  • Samantha and Noah attended church camp
  • Faith and Lorelei were in their first parade and cheerleading competition
  • Luke took in all the summer had to offer; He played hard and gave me millions of reasons to smile

Since I have my sweet little guy at my feet, I will update more later.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Cub Scout Kite Flying Day!









Noah's Cub Scout Pack had its 3rd Annual Kite Flying Day on Saturday. It was lots of fun to spend time with the family, but the winds were very low and it was difficult to keep the kites in the air. Samantha had the best luck with her simple (basic) kite! Luke probably had the most fun, as he had never got to walk with such freedom in such an open and expansive field. I can't wait to see him in Ohio!
Noah got a little bored with the endeavor, so he found his way to the picnic tables. Let me just say, mama wasn't too happy when she discovered he brought his PSP. I was giving him a little leeway to hangout with his friend who was temporarily confined to wheelcheer (due to a recent trampoline accident and surgery). I just didn't expect them to both be sitting there playing electronic games. What happened to conversation, common courtesy and enjoying a beautiful day outdoors? Can you tell this is a pet peeve of mine? It is frustrating when kids totally miss the point!

Monday, June 15, 2009

My Perfect 10!


It's hard to believe that Noah is 10 years old. He is so fun when you are not fighting against that "strong will" of his. He is a huge flirt and has a natural ability to make fast friends. He does not like to be kissed (at least by his mom) in public, particularly if she is wearing lipstick. On the other hand, I love every kiss that I can get from my favorite 10 year old.

Precious Moment Between Father and Daughter!


Evan and Samantha had lots of fun dancing. It is hard to believe that "Daddy's little girl" is going to be 13 next month.

My Two Favorite Tweens! 6/13


These pictures were taken before cousin Katie's Bat Mitzvah. The kids had a great time at the Bat Mitzvah! They are a bit envious of their Jewish cousins!

Katie's Bat Mitzvah!