six years

To my wonderful husband -

This last year has been a giant ball of tragedy, pain, love, hope, tears, joy and uncertainty.  I know we didn't choose this road we are walking right now - but I'm so grateful that we chose each other.  You have been steadfast as we rejoiced over pregnancies, grieved over loss, clung desperately to hope and wondered how to move forward.  Even as you have dealt with your own grief, you have been there for me as waves of pain would creep up, through sleepless nights of tears, and times when I worried I would never feel okay again.

You have sought The Lord on behalf of our family and you have carried me to the Father when there were just no words to speak.  You have remained full of hope, positive and confident throughout all of the uncertainty.  Your resilience and ability to find joy is admirable and speaks volumes about the kindness of your heart.  It means so much to me to know that no matter how I'm feeling - I can tell you the truth and you can handle it.  I am blessed by your tenderness that comforts, by your grace that accepts, and by your strength that supports me and Haydn.

I know some days yours has been a heavy burden to bare, and I'm grateful for the ways you take care of yourself so that you can take care of us.  Your servanthood continually reminds me of Jesus and the ways he recognized and responded to the needs of others.  I could not imagine a greater partner, friend, or advocate.

These last six years have not been easy, but your love has been an anchor to keep me steady and a comfort that has blanketed the deepest of wounds.  I love you so much - much more than I can articulate by speech or pen.  There are many things I once felt sure of  that now are unclear - but,my love for you has changed only in its depth and understanding.

Happy Anniversary my love - you continue to stir in my soul the desire to truly live, a longing for the heights and a willingness to embrace the beautiful, whether it is through joy or tears.

the blur

That has been the month of August so far. I did manage to take a few pictures... and apparently wear the same clothes repeatedly. The first big event of the month was Jake & Mallory's wedding. H was SO excited. I've never seen the kid dance like that before! running from the camera before we even got a decent picture. Luckily Daddy managed to snap this one. The only time we got him to sit down all night was for chocolate covered marshmallows! We also decided to celebrate our 5 year anniversary this month instead of in December because let's face it... this year is going to be crazy until then! We spent a weekend in Fredricksburg, TX and went on a wine tour. It was really a relaxing, romantic and much needed getaway. I'm already looking forward to 5 years from now when we get to do it again! In other exciting August news, I finally finished the quilt for H's big boy bed that I got the idea for when he was like 6 months old. It has been a work in progress since then. I started cutting up his baby clothes to use as the bunting pieces for the front and the back came together this summer. Having never made a quilt like this, this large, making the binding, and with batting and everything I'm really happy with how it turned out. I just started my final year of grad school this week! I'm excited about this semester and eager to dive in. I started my practicum assignment today and am really looking forward to learning about the daily activity and work of psychologists and counselors. I'm working at the University Counseling Center at Texas A&M University and am really grateful they picked me as their 1 intern this semester! Because I am doing my practicum this year I also had to change jobs because I can only work part time now. I am finishing my last week as the case manager at the high school next week and then will be the Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend resource development coordinator. I'm excited about this new opportunity, but I'm going to miss those kids SO stinkin' much! This month has been full of changes already, but we're excited about and looking forward to this fall for sure!