Happy Anniversary

May 8th was Jeremy and I's 6th anniversary. Its hard to believe its been six years already. But, we do have three kids so I guess we are getting old... We didn't celebrate that weekend because it was Mother's day and Jeremy had planned a big surprise for me the following weekend. (Yes, I put the two days of the year you get pampered on in the same weekend-Guess I wasn't thinking someday I'd be a mom when I choose my wedding date...)

Warning- If you get annoyed by someone gushing about how wonderful their husband is you might want to skip this post.

So, anyway Jeremy has been planning a surprise for me for weeks. I was very curious. He has figured out that I associate planning and forethought with pure love. So I have enjoyed every moment of anticipating this surprise. While I am a good guesser he really surprised me this time. On Saturday my mom, sister Josie, and cousin's wife Kara headed to a local salon for a "spa day." It was lovely!!! We had fun chatting while being pampered. I had a manicure, pedicure, & a facial.

Then the girls went to spend the night at Gramy & Papa's house. Jeremy and I enjoyed ice cream cones, a walk in the park, dinner out with only one child, and a chic flick with popcorn. It was the perfect day girlfriend time, me time, time with my hubbie, and no cooking or cleaning!

I was also going to get my haircut, but really needed to get home to feed Titus so I went back Wednesday night. I also LOVE my new haircut. It was such a "fancy" haircut. She gave me a scalp massage, washed my hair (while the chair gave me a massage), cut, dried, styled, and actually made my hair look like the picture. Oh, and I got a free drink. This isn't the greatest picture... But you can see my big smile.

I feel so blessed to call Jeremy my husband. The last year has been a very difficult one in the life of our family. There have been moments when we were simply surviving and getting by. But God's faithfulness and our commitment have carried us through to more joy filled days.

Jeremy, I love you more each day. God has shown me this past year the balance we bring to each others lives, how our strengths compliment each others weaknesses, and how to cling to God and each other when the storms rage. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us... Happy Anniversary!

Mother's Day

We had a wonderful Mother's day. We went to church with Nana in Monmouth. Then we had a Mexican feast at her house instead of facing the holiday restaurant crowds with 3 little ones. (not relaxing) After lunch Nana made animal cut outs for the girls with her new cartridge she bought for the Cricuit we got her for Christmas. Grace was amazed as the machine made the animals she requested. We feel so blessed to have her in our family and especially enjoyed being able to spend Mother's day with her this year. Something we haven't ever been able to do before due to Jeremy's job.

Next we headed to my parent's house for dinner with my family. My sister and I had coordinated everyone to make the different parts of the meal & my dad grilled all the meat.

We tried to do as much as possible for my mom, since she is always the one cooking for everyone else. I am so thankful I have such an amazing mom to teach me what motherhood should look like.

Before dinner we had an "impromtu" photo session. I was excited to have a new picture of our family. When I look at this picture I see more than just a family photo. It is a snapshot of how being a mom is shaping me into a different person.

You see I am a detail oriented, clothes coordinating, plan ahead, recovering perfectionist. When I look at this photo I can easily see Titus already in his comfy pj's, unfixed wild curls escaping, and a whole rainbow of uncoordinated clothing. Or I can choose to see the gorgeous family God has blessed me with. I can be thankful I can have amazing photos of my family taken for free! And I can realize the best moments in my family's life are often times the impromptu ones, the ones only planned by God. I am so thankful to be "mama" to Grace, Faith, & Titus. I know more than anything else I have ever done raising them is challenging me to be the woman God desires me to be.

The Thinker

Anyone see any similarities?

Obviously Titus is going to be a genius....I'm just sayin'.

Mother's perspective...maybe.

But funny none the less.