A sweet love.

To everything, there is a season. (Ecc 3:1)

This season is dry. It's tiring. It's exhausting. Days I don't cry at some point are considered an accomplishment.

In this season, it's easy to focus on the things I don't have. The time I don't have with my husband, the time I don't get to myself.

I'm annoyed with myself.  I clearly have a great life, and I share it with some pretty incredible people.  Not to mention I serve a God who stands beside me in this dry season and gives me what I need to make it through.

I think it's amazing that I can look back and sort-of identify why some of the events of 2010 may have happened.  We lived apart for 4 1/2 months while he worked in Denver to provide for us, and without that experience I'm not sure we'd be making it through this long season we're in right now.

I admire my husband who never complains, even on a horrible day.  Granted, it's hard to tell that he's had a great day either because of his lack of emotions most days, but it goes both ways.  He views this season as just "life right now", and instead of focusing on the negative of it, he reminds me of the positives... though there are few... ha!  He is such a strong tower of support for me.

It's cliche, yes... but the Lord knew what He was doing when he made Tyler to be my husband.  He's the perfect balance of commitment, strength, and dedication to each "season" of our lives that I need.  He loves the Lord with ALL of His heart.  He loves ME!  He leads our family.  He is an incredible role model for our boys.

Last night as we celebrated Valentines, I was overcome with a thankful heart for the greatest love ever known, both in Jesus and in my husband.

{source}

Hope your day was just as sweet!

Oh, and happy hump day!  Halfway through the week, and 50% closer to family coming to celebrate and bring much needed laughs this weekend.

My sweethearts.

Happy Valentines Day!

Anyone have any "out of the ordinary" plans tonight? 

I have a sitter lined up and hope to make it to our dinner reservation, if my hubby gets off work in time.

I will trust in the Lord. 

I will rejoice and be glad for Your 

steadfast love...

Psalm 31:6-7

Hello Monday.

hello quality time spent with my family this past weekend

hello missing my husband who stayed behind to work

hello 3rd birthday party preparations

hello beautiful & peaceful snowfall

hello grace, mercy, forgiveness

hello wishing I could sleep until noon today

hello fiestaware outlet and my amazing {and cheap} finds

hello starting on our master bedroom redecorating project

hello determination & motivation

hello baking today during nap time

hello excitement to celebrate with family & friends this weekend

hello hoping I can push through this week

hello monday!  

hope you all had a great weekend.

Three!

I can't quite wrap my brain around it, but I now have a 3 year old....

The cutest, sweetest, funniest, most loving, 3 year old around.

I hope this year is full of complete happiness as you grow up and learn fun new things each day. 

Always remember how much you are loved.  I am so proud to be your Mommy.

Oh, and just because I love a good comparison shot....

Happy Birthday, Mr. Man. 

Birthday recap.

I laid in bed the night of the 31st and let out a deep sigh.  One of the good kinds, the ones that remind you to take it all in.  Complete content and happiness.

My birthday started out like a fairly normal day, except for the many Facebook wishes.  At lunch time when my husband pulled into the driveway, I didn't think much of it... he comes home for lunch every once in a while.  He had a Subway sandwich in hand {my favorite}, and after we put the boys down for their naps he said to me "well, are you ready?"  I had no idea what he was referring to, and then he told me what he had planned for me that afternoon.

I'd start off the remainder of the day with a pedicure.  Then, I would head over to Massage Envy, for a one hour massage.  Whaaaaat?!  Then, he instructed me to go to a coffee shop, find a quiet corner, and just be.  Who am I to say no to my husband... so I did just that.  It was the perfect afternoon.  Especially after this crazy month we've had with 7 day work weeks, it was much needed, and even more appreciated.

Later that night, we had plans to meet up with my BFF Angie and her husband.  I love these two, so spending my birthday night with them was the perfect idea.

So fun to get dressed up...

... go to a live jazz restuarant ...

... and enjoy some amazing adult interaction  :)

A couple days later, my group of friends from church met for dinner to celebrate once again.

{not pictured: Karalie, she had to leave early for work}

Again, an amazing night full of interruption-free girl talk.  Love these ladies!

I can't say it enough how blessed and thankful I am.  I love my life and the people I share it with.

You came to greet me with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on my head.

Psalm 21:3