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!