But who's counting?

I've been a bit absent on the blog as of late... whatever. It's my blog. I do what I want. :) 

But seriously. 

Anyhooooo....

We just spend a glorious 4 days with my husband. He's been away training so it was wonderful to spend some quality time as our little family unit. 

Unfortunately, he headed back to meet up with his unit on the eve of our 6th wedding anniversary. Saying good-bye... again... pretty much sucked. Me and airports are not exactly friends right now. just. sayin.

Parts of today were really hard and at other times it was just another day. Truth be told, the Lord has truly given me peace over the past month or so. Single parenting is NO JOKE and I've had some total mom fails. And if you decide to stop by unannounced... well, let's just say, don't judge and be prepared to step on a few crumbs. :) All in all though, the transition has been far better than I could have imagined. 

As proud as I am of my solider, he isn't just a soldier and it isn't all I'm proud of. He has grown a lot over the years and the military has encouraged that growth in a lot of ways but I loved him before the uniform and I will love him after. He is and always has been one of the most loyal and kind men I've ever known. He is passionate about anything he puts his mind to. He is supportive, encouraging and genuine.

Six years is just a blink compared to the years I hope to spend as his wife. As wonderful as these few years have been, I can only hope and imagine what is in store. I trust God for his safety and wait in anticipation for a glorious homecoming.

Michael, I love you forever. You are my favorite and my best. Thank you for choosing me and loving me through thick and thin. 

Five years

 Five years ago, I married my best friend. 

Michael, I love you more than yesterday.

Even better, I still like you.

You're still my favorite & my best.

Really Really.

xo.

Photo Credits: In His Grace Photography

A Rehearsal

This day, 5 years ago, I was getting pretty anxious for the biggest event since my birth. I was just one day away from marrying my high school sweetheart. The day was filled with busyness. Lots of familiar faces gathered in one place to help us prepare. Such sweet people that served and sacrificed more than I could have known at the time.

I figured it would be nice to revisit and share some of the photos from our rehearsal/rehearsal dinner.

The boys :)

Father & son- aka: best man & groom :)

Practicing the entrance ;)

Two of them are cut out in the picture but these girls mean the world to me. I know that in 30 years, I will still know that these were the right women to have by my side.  *oh and everyone should have a bell girl in their wedding :)

2 of the kindest, godly, loving women I know. They made that rehearsal dinner amazing :)

These two men give me a glimpse of my man in a "few" years. 2 generations of loving, gentle, caring men.

My mother in-law did a beautiful job of decorating and preparing a wonderful dinner!

This super awesome couple provided sweet music & some fabulous dancing!

This sweet couple opened up their home for us to come eat, dance & have a great time!

Looking back makes me realize how much truly changes in five  short years. Babies in a sling are now in kindergarten, the awkward middle schooler is about to graduate high school, some are now married w/ kids. It is just amazing to think back and realize we had no idea how wonderful our life was going to become. no.i.dea. That night was stressful and emotional but lead up to one of the best promises I have ever made.

Seasons Change & Hearts Grow Fonder

Four years.

with my favorite.

Four years.

to grow.

four years.

is only the beginning.

Bottom right corner: 15 yr old us the weekend we met in 2000 at a big outdoor christian concert

Pink dress= My senior prom ('02) : Black dress= Mikey's senior prom ('03)

This was 2005 after Michael graduated basic training <3 a man in uniform :)

Four years ago, I married my best friend. 4 years of marriage bliss! We've had our share of growing pains but we are growing & learning together and better for it. I am so glad I married this man! He is full of love and has so much grace with me and my attitudes. He would give his life for his family. He serves us. He works hard. He loves the Lord. He loves to bless. He is mine.

Looking back over the past 4 years, I am overwhelmed by all the memories and change that has taken place in our lives. We are so incredibly blessed! I look forward to new memories made on this awesome journey we are taking. 

*wedding photos by, Laura Olson @ In His Grace Photography

*wedding photos by, Laura Olson @ In His Grace Photography

Our Wedding Vows

I vow to be an understanding wife; submissive to you in all things as unto the Lord. 

 I vow to live in purity and devotion to you.

 I vow to keep a peaceful, caring, welcoming home; striving always to bear the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness & self-control. 

 I vow to be your helper, lover, encourager & friend: delighting in loving you with a tender, affectionate love.

 I vow all things not only to honor you but most importantly, to live a life that brings glory to the gospel, my gracious Savior & the foundation for our marriage, Jesus Christ.

I, Sarah, by God's grace, vow to you, Michael, the following words for as long as we both live

*wedding photos by, Laura Olson @ In His Grace Photography

*wedding photos by, Laura Olson @ In His Grace Photography

Michael, I want you to know that I love you and respect you waaaaay more than I can express! You are a loving daddy, a gorgeous, hottie husband- my favorite and my best. You bless my life and I am eternally grateful for you. You are the butter to my bread and the ice in my mcd coke. You are my better half. Happy Anniversary, Papa Cain <3 

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo!!!

So, are you ready to embrace the camera?

here's the nitty gritty:

1.  take a picture with you and your kids/spouse/family member/friend/whatever.

2.  blog about that picture and include a link to our blog, or grab our button.

3.  link your blog post up on the link tool here (@ the anderson crew).

4.  visit the other embracers...give each other lots of compliments about how good we look with our greasy hair andsweatpants velour jogging suits on.  cause yah, we need a little boost when it's been days since our last shower.

5.  have fun!