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

2 Weeks

2 Weeks of sickness. 2 weeks of less sleep. 2 weeks of coughing, fevers, snotty noses, etc. 3 kids and 1 mama feelin' pretty terrible for TWO. WEEKS.

Middle of the night on Sunday, I'm shutting down. I don't understand how much longer I can go without sleep. Frustrated. Tired. 

complain. complain. complain. 

wah.wah.wah

Feel sorry for me :(

M. in the er w/ a 104 temp Sat night :/

When I woke up the next morning- with a splitting headache and sore all over- it was to my emerging girls, sick 2yr old boy and husband. Immediately upon their feet hitting the floor, my girls came over to scream in my ear let me know they wanted their milk. NOW! Did I mention exploding head splitting headache? Yeah, not fun. 

Also, not the point of this post.

Today, I want to give a big shout out to the man I said, "yes" to 4 years ago. When all this sickness junk crept into our home a couple of weeks ago, he was out of town. In a way, I am thankful because he has yet to come down with this bloodsuckinglifezappingcoughyourlungsup awful virus. Wholeheartedly, I am full of gratitude that he came home the day after I came down with "it"... and had a 4 day weekend nursing job. This man cooked, he cleaned, he shopped, he had empathy, he comforted, had his faced coughed in, he medicated and loved on, massaged, he even looked up (and implemented) home remedies for coughs (you know it's a desperate situation when this man turns to google for answers!)... and then praised God he had to go to work today we were feeling much better today. 

No words could really express how blessed I feel to have this man beside me. He is so good to us! MMC, I love you! You are my favorite and my best! Don't know what I would do without you!

My encouragement today?

Sometimes I just need to say,

"Thank you!"

to...

Life Made Lovely Monday {Christmas party, waterfront, flare}

Recently I've felt a bit... weird... reflective... idk...

Like there's something in my heart/head that wants to come out but I'm not really sure what it is...

For now, I'll just share our lovely little weekend with you :)

Last night, my husband and I had a wonderful night of childless ::bliss:: 

You see, his work has a christmas party every year and since they also provide a never-ending fountain of senseless alcoholic beverages, they graciously offer a free night stay at the hotel where the party is held. Naturally, sober or sloshed, these weary parents were taking advantage of this **free** childless night of ::bliss:: 

You can understand, no?


Did I mention, FREE??? 

We stayed at the party pretty late but woke up this a.m. to.....

 :::SILENCE::: Beautiful, beautiful silence.

Part of me would have loved to lay there for HOURS and do NOTHING. Michael, not so much. When he's awake, he's ready to go. No lazy laying around in bed for him. 

Moving slow and taking our sweet little time, we managed to not feed, dress, nurse or even hear a single child all morning. Pushed ourselves out the door to head to church (a few minutes late, yeah that's right, we were late and didn't have any children......) just in time to be parents again :)

One thing I know for sure, life was made lovely with my husband this weekend. We may not have been far from home but it was so nice to have time together. It left me wanting more but we were blessed to have a couple of friends that would watch all 3 of our kiddos overnight and then get them up and ready for church. We are blessed beyond belief. 

Here are some lovely photos we took in the morning before we left.

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!