Happy 4th of July friends! It is so easy to lose sight of what our holidays mean... We look forward to holidays often because it means a day off work and time to relax and eat! :) This 4th of July I want to have fun and enjoy the day- but stop to remember what the day stands for.
I am so thankful that I live in a country where we have so many freedoms (though some days it does feel like they are slipping away!) We have much to be thankful for... Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. The ability to vote for those in leadership in our country and state. The right to bear arms. We have many things that we take for granted every day- that in other parts of our world are luxuries... Food. Water. A home. A bed to sleep in. Access to doctors and medicine.
One thing I am very thankful for are the men and women who have in the past and today continue to lay down their lives- defending and fighting for our freedom. Living in Colorado Springs, military is everywhere. I have had the privilege to get to know the wives of some of those defending our freedom- and they are incredible people too. Our military not only put their own lives on the line, their families pay a huge price. Being separated for months on end. Missing holidays, special events, and in some cases, missing the birth of their own children. Thank you to those of you who are in our military. I am truly grateful.
I hope you enjoy your 4th of July! Take a moment to remember what this holiday is really about... not just BBQ's and fireworks- but freedom. I found this video yesterday and really enjoyed it; I hope you do too!
#1- I got a Sonicare toothbrush a few weeks ago. And I am in love with it... It's AMAZING. The first time I used it, it totally tickled and I couldn't stop laughing. I wasn't sure I would be able to keep using it. But it's been fine ever since. My teeth feel so clean after using it. I actually look forward to brushing my teeth. Weird, I know. Anyways, I bought it at Kohl's- it was on sale. (Because aren't all items at Kohl's ALWAYS on sale?!?) I used a 30% off store coupon I had. Plus I was able to use a $10 off coupon I had cut out of the newspaper. Needless to say, I got a great deal. If you need a new toothbrush, check it out.
#2- The Waiting Game is over! Luke met with his boss on Monday and things are starting to get ironed out with what his new job will look like. It's basically all coming together as we hoped and prayed it would. This means more responsibility for Luke, new people for him to oversee, and a raise. All good things. He is looking forward to stepping into a new, more challenging role. We are thankful for answered prayers!
#3- Someone I follow on twitter posted this video a few weeks ago. Honestly, if you chose to watch it, you will be touched. If you know me, you know that I love children. Adoption has been something that has been on my heart since I was a teenager. I believe that it's quite possible we will adopt someday. I have seen firsthand how adoption changes lives. I strongly believe that as a Christian, I am called to DO. DO SOMETHING. Not just sit back and watch. But be active and do.
I don't believe that adoption is for everyone. Right now one way we are "doing" is by supporting a child through World Vision. We have been supporting Kevin in Guatemala for 6 years. I will be honest. There have been times when money has been tight and the thought has crossed my mind that maybe we should drop this support. Then I realize how little we are actually giving. $30 a month. And Kevin has opportunities that he might never have if he wasn't a part of the World Vision program. He has access to clean water, education, nutritious food, and healthcare. And really? $30 isn't that much. I wouldn't think twice about going out to dinner and spending $30. But somehow, sometimes when we are giving $30 away, it seems like so much. And in reality, that's pretty selfish.
I would encourage you to check out Compassion or World Vision and look into sponsoring a child. One thing we hope to do as our children get a little older is to sponsor a child close to their age and have them be a part of the process. Let them write letters to our sponsored child and help our children learn about the rest of the world- and how so many other people live. To learn to be grateful for what we have. And to learn to share what we have with others...
This is a really touching video of a man who was sponsored as a child through Compassion. He tells about how Compassion changed his life- and at the end of the video meets his sponsor for the first time. All I can say is, have a kleenex handy.
Here are a few short videos of the kids... Hope they put a smile on your face.
Levi turned 2 months old this week- hard to believe! He's a great baby- sleeps well, eats great, and smiles all the time. I am so in love with him- this is evident in my "baby voice." My whole tone of voice changes when I talk to Levi, which I didn't even realize until I heard myself on video. :)
Every evening when Luke is on his way home from work, he calls me when he is a few minutes away from home. I let the kids know that daddy is almost home. They throw on their shoes and run to wait on the front porch. Once his car starts to pull in, they jump and squeal. I always say they are a great welcoming committee. I tried to catch a little of the anticipation and excitement on video. I love the joy that Silas and Eliana have each day when Luke comes home. I am so thankful that Silas, Eliana, and Levi have such an amazing daddy!
7 years ago tomorrow was one of the happiest days of my life.. My wedding day! It's amazing to think how much has happened over the last 7 years. One thing that remains the same is that I continue to love my husband with all of my heart. Here is the video montage from our wedding...
I will never forget the first time I saw Luke... I attended a meeting for youth workers at our church. I had just moved to California and was interested in helping out with the high school group at our church. There were only a handful of people at the meeting and this hot guy walked in late. He was wearing a Linkin Park shirt which caught me eye. Linkin Park was a pretty new band at the time and happened to be a band I really liked. This guy had spiky hair and earrings- and I found out later that night, rode a motorcycle. I guess you could say he caught me attention. :) We eventually became friends- and started dating almost a year later. I could tell a story about that long process, but we'll save that for another day... In November of 2003, Luke asked me to marry him. And much to his relief, I said yes. :)
Happy Anniversary Luke! The last 7 years have been an adventure and there is no one I would rather have by my side. Thank you for being a loving husband. You always put me and our families needs before your own. Thank you for working so hard to provide for our family- and for allowing me this chance to stay at home with our children. You are an AMAZING father to our children! I remember when we first started dating, you were a bit uncomfortable holding my niece, Natalie. You've come a long way baby! :) One of my favorite parts of the day is watching Silas and Eliana sit out front, waiting for you to come home. And as they see your car pull in the driveway, watching the joy wash over their faces and seeing them jump up and down with excitement that their daddy is home! You are my best friend Luke and I am so thankful that God brought us together. I want to live every day of my life with you by my side.
