The Trip I Didn't Plan

Somewhere in the world tonight, there is probably a woman still curious about the girl she met in the airport. The girl who couldn't stop crying. No names were exchanged, but a kind word of support and an offer to help if she could.

When we started this trip, both Mark and I anticipated a week of making memories with each other and with our family and friends. We didn't expect the call that came on Saturday morning, but then, who really does expect that phone call. My dear Grandpa Johnny had slipped into eternity with his Savior. And suddenly, our vacation to South Carolina took a detour to Iowa.

We buried Grandpa today. And though I've known for a while that this day was coming, I've cried often these last few days. As I sat in the DFW airport by myself, memories of the past few days came rushing through my mind.

-Talking to Grandpa's brother, Uncle George, and hearing him share about the last time he saw his brother alive, and how much it meant to him when Grandpa Johnny exclaimed "that's my brother!"

-Watching my Dad and his siblings say goodbye to their father.

-Listening to taps being played as part of Grandpa's military honors graveside service. Watching the soldiers fold the flag and present it to my grandmother. And the watching Uncle George begin to cry.

It was a hard two days, but I'm so thankful we were able make the trip. What a blessing to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family.

And now, I'm back in South Carolina while my husband is in Iowa. I'm with his family and he is with mine. Not the vacation we had planned, but I'm working on trusting God, this wasn't a surprise to Him and somewhere in all of this, He has a plan.

But as I trust Him, the tears still fall. Lots of tears. And hopefully, some sleep.

Road Trip

I grew up making road trips with my family. I think the longest I remember is the yearly trips up to Iowa to visit relatives. Those were 8 and 9 hour drives, so a pretty decent trip. Then there was the cross-country moves from Oklahoma to Oregon and then back to Oklahoma, but I honestly just remember key stops along the way. I have somehow managed to forget all the grueling hours in the car, in between those stops.

So here I am, sitting in my husband's car as we sail down the road making our very own family road trip. This time it is a cross-country trip from Oklahoma to South Carolina. 18 hours total. I expect it to be brutal at times (like at 7am tomorrow when my husband wants to hit the road or whenever I finally go stir-crazy), but I also know it will be full of memories. Wonderful memories to fill up my sticky note collection. Happy memories to remember for years. Memories that will remind me to fly next time!

The Day is Finally HERE!

HAPPY 33RD BIRTHDAY TO MY AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL HUSBAND

#1 He is a wonderful friend, my BEST friend. A friend recently asked me when I knew that Mark was the man I was going to marry -- it got me thinking about a year ago and everything that was going on during that time. I can honestly say that there was a point when I realized Mark was the best friend I had ever had. He stuck with me, even when it caused him pain. He truly listened to me and what I had to say. He wasn't afraid to tell me truth, even if he knew it might cause me pain. He was the friend I always dreamed of having and had looked long and hard for. I'm blessed to be married to my very best friend -- and I look forward to growing old beside him. 

Mark David, I love you so very much. Thank you for patiently waiting for me to hear God's calling. Thank you for being faithful, even when it seemed hopeless. Thank you for listening, caring and letting me cry on your shoulder. Thank you for making me laugh and helping me enjoy every part of our life. Thank you for letting me celebrate you today and all this past week. Happy Birthday!! 

Now let's go eat some cookies :) 

Celebrating Continued

Why My Husband is the Most Wonderful Man in the World

#2 He is a Strong Provider. Ok, so I'm kinda mixing two in one, but they are both true. 

He is a great provider. Not just through his job, but seriously taking care of my daily needs. Since I have to leave for work before he does, he makes coffee in the morning and makes sure I have something to eat and that my water bottle is filled up. When we would hang out with our friends, before we were together, I would notice him staying at the back of the group. I asked him about it once and found out that he was providing safety for the group, making sure no one got left behind and protecting them from the other dangers around us. He is a provider. 

He is strong. Physically he can move or pick up just about anything he sets his mind out to do. Emotionally he is a pillar for me to lean on, helping me think through things from a different angle and coming to a more rational conclusion. Spiritually he challenges me to hear and read things a different way, making the Bible come to life even more clearly. In every way, my husband is strength. 

These character qualities serve as a reminder to me of my ultimate Strong Provider, my heavenly Father. He lives out Ephesians 5 command for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, laying His life down for her. And this, is the most precious gift my husband gives to me on a daily basis. Thank you babe for being such a wonderful husband! 

Celebrating Two Days in One

Yesterday Mark and I enjoyed our date night a little differently. We ordered take out from Zio's and then got to work putting together our new bookshelves. We are still looking for ways to make the best use of the tiny space we have here. Last week we decided on matching shelves for either side of the bed -- after getting it all put together, I can honestly say this was a wonderful choice! But, that also made for a late night, so I didn't blog Reason #4 last night. Hold on to your hats -- we are doing two in one tonight! So, without further ado.....

Why My Husband is the Most Amazing Man in the World

#4 He is a Hopeless Romantic...and that is a VERY good thing. From bringing home flowers just because he was thinking of me to the sweet note he might slip into my purse. He doesn't leave me any room to doubt his love and devotion. He makes the mundane tasks in life fun and he makes the special days even more special. I'm blessed to be his girl.

Valentine's Day Dinner -- gift to me from my hubby

#3 His Wonderful Bass Voice. Growing up with a father who sang tenor, I'm not exactly used to hearing those low notes yet. But every time I get a chance to sing with him, I find myself listening to him more than singing the music in front of me. Tonight in choir I actually got to sit next to him for one of our songs and it was a blast to hear the blending of bass and soprano (with the Tenors and Altos sitting around us, making it all sound good). I love serving in our church music ministry with my hubby. 

Singing for Church - International Dress Sunday

Celebration Countdown Continues

Why My Husband is the Most Amazing Man in the World

#5 He has a great work ethic. It doesn't matter whether he is volunteering his time or on the clock. He works quickly, practically running from one job to the next. But his work is never sloppy, nor is it rushed. The word efficient comes to mind when I think about how he works. Whether it is breaking down tables and chairs at church after a dinner, or doing the dishes at home, counting cash in a money box or preparing products at work to be tested, my man works hard. 

Taking the (UPS) bull by its horns!

And Yet Another Day to Celebrate

Why My Husband is the Most Amazing Man in the World

#6 He has a great sense of adventure. A couple weeks after Mark and I finally got together, we went on a ski retreat with the Singles group at our church. I had planned from the first time the trip was mentioned to attempt skiing for my very first time. But like I'm prone to do, the closer we got to the trip, the more I started to chicken out. To make a long story short (I don't want to put you all to sleep), I wouldn't allow myself to chicken out, because I knew it would disappoint Mark if I didn't join him on the slopes. So I went....and I had a blast! Mark is always coming up with great ideas for adventures we can take.....and making me follow through on the ideas I have. He pushes me to experience new things and see the fun in everything. He is the best companion for any adventure -- I'm so glad that I get to be his side-kick! 

After our first day on the slopes!

Continuing the Celebration

Why My Husband is the Most Amazing Man in the World

#7 He is quite the handy man around the house. Whether it is a lightbulb out, a car that needs to be washed, shelves that need to be built, a light switch that needs to be fixed or dishes that need to be washed (well, put in the dishwasher at least), he is your man! He is a jack of many trades and master of all. He is always amazing me what he says we can accomplish or fix ourselves. I'm blessed to be married to such a talented man. 

 (Left: Look, my Stud finder works! Right: My handy man at work)

Day 2 of Celebration

Why My Husband is the Most Amazing Man in the World

#8: He Cares for Others. One of the greatest things about Mark is how he cares for the ones he loves. I noticed this before we were together and it is one of the things that attracted me to him. He isn't a social person, he isn't a man with a million close friends -- but he treats his friends and family like they are worth a million. If you are blessed enough to be in his circle, count yourself beyond blessed.

Thanks to my Sis-in-Law for this picture -- Uncle Mark with his niece and nephew! 

March 1 - Something to Celebrate

Today is the first day of a new month, the first day of March. 

I personally think that February is one of the best months of the year, but that's beside the point. This is a month to celebrate, a month to enjoy to its fullest!

What makes this month so special? It is special because it is the month we get to celebrate my husband's birthday!

So, to count down to his birthday, I give you:

Why My Husband is the Most Amazing Man in the World

#9 He has a brilliant sense of humor. I can't count how many times a day he makes me laugh and not just a chuckle, we are talking belly-aching, side-splitting laughter. Between his quick wit and his slapstick comedy, he keeps me on my toes, laughing all the way. He helps me take myself a little less seriously and helps me enjoy the humor and joy in life. A funny face, a nicely chose response, this man has everything I ever wanted when it comes to his sense of humor. 

Such a tree hugger!