15

Today is our wedding anniversary. 15 years. I KNOW! We look way too young to have been married this long. I was very young when I got married... one might even say a child bride. It doesn't always work out but I have been fortunate! :)

Seriously...

It's hard to believe it's been 15 years. It seems like just yesterday we got married, moved across the country where we didn't know anyone and started our life together. The first few years were challenging and fun and carefree and "easy". The next phase we grew into each other. Knowing the quirks and finding our stride. Then came children. They have added a completeness to our life. I love my family and the life that Dale and I have built. It hasn't always been an easy road but love is a choice and it is definitely worth it.

We have had many ups and some downs. Even challenges that have put our marriage to.the.test. Thankfully God is in this marriage with us. He has given us these last 15 years (good and not-so-good) and He will lead us through the next phase.


Dale cooked a delicious dinner: ribeye, roasted potatoes, zucchini, rolls and fruit.
My parents brought flowers and cake...

reagan

Reagan has been saving her money since her last birthday. It is extremely difficult for Reagan to save. She loves to buy things. Not just for herself but for others. She also loves to give her money to Haiti. Any time she hears "Haiti" she opens her purse- I love it!

However, since December she has been wanting an American Girl doll. One with real hair- not the baby. Of course she said this AFTER her birthday and Christmas. So the only thing I could do was to tell her she had to save the $100 and buy one herself. So she set her mind to the task. It was d.i.f.f.i.c.u.l.t! Thankfully she a good deal of birthday and Christmas money. She saved her allowance and decided to stop sucking her thumb (which would earn her a few dollars.) She earned the rest of the money and on a visit to the cousins we swung over to the AG store.

She was in heaven! We looked at EVERYTHING. Carsyn and Luke were good sports. She didn't waver from her original desire: Kanani- which she chose because she has the longest hair.
Mom and Dad kicked in and bought an outfit and a brush. Reagan was all smiles. She has already made her birthday and Christmas list. Watch out Grandma and Grandpa(s)...

my dad- a look into my childhood....

Toady is Father's Day. Not sure why but more often throughout the year I should reflect on how much my dad means to me. How he has helped shape me into the person I am today.

As I was growing up my dad worked long hours. He worked very hard in the world of construction. His dad owned a construction company when he was growing up. He worked side-by-side with his father even at a very young age. He knows about work ethic. Even though he worked hard during the week he always made time for family on the weekends. We rode bikes a lot- all 5 of us. We went to parks- he took pictures. We hung out at Grandma's on Sunday afternoon for "Sunday dinner". We always had family time on the weekends.

During the week we also did AWANA together. My parent were leaders and my sister, brother and I were clubbers. Additionally my dad thought it was important to be involved in church. To engage in our community. We went Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. My parents worked tirelessly in the kitchen serving others. It was important to our family.

As I raise my children I want them to see how important these values are: family, church, serving others, work ethic. Thanks dad for showing me what they look like...

and the winner is...

Back in April I took a FreshArt Photography class. It was SO WONDERFUL to learn more about my camera and how to take better pictures. I learned so much and often refer to the book that Jodie and Kim sent home with me. It was one of the best gifts Dale could have given me!

Last week Jodie and Kim ran a contest for the April class. Each person was to submit a picture and the theme was self portrait. I had a hard time with it. I have never used my timer. It took me about 50 tries to master. Here is the shot I sent in...

I figured I wouldn't win because there was a full class of amazing girls. I did win though!! I am super excited! I won a free class for myself (FreshArt offers a level 2) and a free class for a friend! So glad I took the first class. I recommend it to everyone who has a dslr...

cousin time

For the last 4 days we have been visiting cousins. The kids have had a great time playing together. Even though the pool water is roughly 68 degrees they have spent a lot of time on and off in the icy depths. They have also enjoyed playing with the puppies...