Praises of a Wife and Mommy

 This year, my husband’s birthday looked so different than we imagined. Pain, recovery, and the weight of our daily changes made it hard for it to feel like a “normal” birthday. Even with a birthday sign and balloons to bring cheer, and pizza ordered in place of going out, the day carried a heaviness. I wanted so much to keep everything light and joyful, but as the evening went on and we reached for ice cream, emotions I had been holding back surfaced. My heart ached, and I cried on my husband’s birthday. But in that moment, my husband showed who he really is. Gentle. Patient. Kind. Understanding. He didn’t brush off my tears or make me feel guilty for them. Instead, he met me with compassion and grace—the same way he so often does. His quiet strength and steady love continue to remind me of God’s goodness in giving me a partner who reflects His heart so well. Birthdays aren’t just about cake, balloons, or big celebrations. They are about honoring the person God made—and my husb...

Merry Christmas!!!  What traditions do you have for Christmas?   This year I ordered matching Jammie's to be opened on Christmas Eve to wear to bed.  We opened them up early so I had time to wash them.  I ordered these off a website called PatPat... I don't recommend them.  It took weeks to ship so I'm thankful I ordered them early November.  They are soft so that is good!  

 HAPPY EASTER!!! He is ALIVE!  He has Risen!  Happy Ressurection day!   I hope you took some time to reflect on all the goodness that comes with Jesus and his awesome love for us and his sacrifice but also his victory!!!    AMEN! My dad and sister traveled the 6 hours south to come see us for Easter!  It is always enjoyable but also exhausting when family comes for a visit.  My heart broke a little bit t his week as I felt some tension between my sister and I.  To be honest, I felt some persecution from her.  I know that is a big word and most the time you think of Christians overseas who face death for believing and living for Christ.   It is nothing of that nature but I did feel my sister trying to belittle the way I parent my children.  I didn't stop and let her know my feelings... I didn't argue.... I bit my tongue and prayed.  Prayed that she would have God encounter that would transform her life and...

Wow, I am embarassed to admit that we have not gotten family pictures taken in... 4 years!  :(  Yes, I know that is ridiculous!   I know!   When we moved from Wisconsin to Iowa life changed and got super busy and it just kinda slipped and slipped again and again.   My kids got school pictures in fall and spring and we did some pictures at holiday's together but no real photographer until last week!  So thank you Janae-  https://photographybyjanaearnold.pixieset.com/ for helping me end this bad streak and making it affordable for families to get great pictures.  

Written for children ages four to eight, Christmas Love Letters from God cleverly combines both prose and poetry as the story of Jesus’ birth unfolds. The book includes seven stories, beginning with Isaiah’s prophecy and ending with the visit of the wise men. Following each story, the child will find his or her own letter from God, folded into a small envelope attached to the page. Each letter begins with a space in which to write the child’s name, so each one can be specially addressed to the child. Written as if God is speaking, each personalized message gives the young reader a sense of wonder as they discover anew the Christmas holiday and the birth of Jesus. A very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Perfect Promise, also accompanies each story and letter as God’s personal words of love, promise, and hope. My Review: I have reviewed other "Love Letter" books and I adore them.  My kids enjoy having a letter just for them each time.    This version is a goo...

Book Description: What if a child could read his or her own personal mail from God? The NIrV Love Letters from God Bible will invite kids to do just that! This full-text Bible in the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is a perfect way to introduce children to God’s Word and his great love. With 80 love letters from God written especially for the reader, children will see Bible stories and themes come to life and learn just how much they are loved by their Creator. Each love letter also contains a very special Bible verse, entitled God’s Wonderful Words to You. Much more than a mere memory verse, each carefully chosen promise will be God’s very own personal words of love, encouragement, and hope, and are highlighted in the text. The love letters will culminate in an invitation for the children to write their own RSVP to God. Features include: 80 personal love letters from God Highlighted Wonderful Words—special verses to remember and cherish 80 prompts encouraging...

Today I celebrate 7 years of marriage with my best friend!  After 7 years we have 2 awesome children, have had 4 dogs, and lived at 4 different places!  It sure is an adventure that we share.  I love you Anthony, we make a great team and I love sharing life with you.  

I remember being a 5 year old and running into a swing just like the picture of my daughter.  What a sweet childhood memory of my own and one I hope my daughter will remember.   To my Sweetest Daughter, I think with each day that passes my love for you continues to grow.  God has shown me his love for me by the love I have for you.  :)  You are a great little girl and a smart one too.   As a mommy I try my best to protect you from the world.  I pray that one day you might read this and think "my mom did a great job of teaching me about DADDY GOD and his love."  I pray for you daily and I am excited to continue to watch you grow and be your mommy.   xoxoxo

Some people hate the whole matching thing with their kids but as long as its not all the time it is quite adorable, well in my opinion.  :)   I mean look how handsome these two fella's are!  They sure know how to make me smile.  :)  What a blessing these two are in my life.  :)  LOVE LOVE LOVE you both!  

Some reason's why I am so in love with my man: 1. He makes me laugh- he is so goofy at times and it cracks me up!  2. He is helpful/team player/caring/loving/genuine-  No matter what I need help with he is always there!  3. He is an amazing FATHER!  It is joy on my face as I watch him interact/play/and parent our kids!  :)   4. He knows how to cook!!!  He makes the best food ever!!!!!  (This is our Anniversary present...awesome grill)  :)  5-11. He loves me, he helped me make 2 wonderful babies, he is a man of God, he preaches the WORD, he provides for this family, he is handsome/good looking, and most importantly he encourages me to be better!  :)  I LOVE YOU ANTHONY!!!!!   So blessed by you and so excited to see where God leads us over the years!  :) :)   xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

I love love love this story!  Make sure you listen to the whole story. Do you love like this father?  Do you see a lot of parallels in this story comparing to the love GOD has for us??