A Love Letter

Today is my handsome hubby's birthday.  We have been together since I was 18 and he was 21, which basically means, we have grown up together.  There have certainly been a lot of growing pains in our years together.  We have laughed and loved, fought and cried.  But through it all, we have grown closer to each other and to the Lord.

Indulge me, while I send a little love letter to my sweetie.

Things I love about Steve

~ he is a man of  God

~ that smile!

~ he is a loyal friend

~ he has a great sense of humor

~ he loves his children and isn't afraid to tell them


~ he has THE best laugh

~ he's still a mama's boy


~ he can cook (this is a biggie!)

~ he gets better-looking every day

~ he adores me

~ he's mine.

Steve, I love you more today than ever.

Grow old with me.  The best is yet to be.

You Tube Tuesday - Dads

This is dedicated to my favorite dads!  I know it's not Father's Day, but this is too good to wait.
See if you recognize your dad in this video.




Here are my three top dads.  I love you - khakis, socks with sandals (you know who you are) and all !

My dad - rockin' the 4th of July!  Nothing says party like a recliner on the front lawn.

My dad-in-law (just call him 'Buttons') with his favorite grandson.  (It's my blog, I can say what I want!)

My babies daddy - lord of the Grill, King of the Coals!

This and That

I have been wracking my brain today.  I am completely uninspired.  I don't know if it's the summer haze or having the kids at home but today I've got nothin'!

So, I'll just chat about a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

~We had a beautiful Father's Day.  Our kids showed dad how much they love him with handmade cards and tokens of their love.

He is an incredible dad plus he's a big softy so he eats this stuff up!
Our pastor preached a great sermon about legacy, posing the question "What kind of legacy will you leave?"  It was a good challenge for all of us, not just the dads.  Whoever we are, we are influencing someone - a son, a niece, a coworker or friend.  Even strangers that we meet can be affected by how we respond to them.  What kind of legacy are you leaving?  If that question makes you uncomfortable or you are dissatisfied with the answer, ask God to help you reflect His love to those around you.

I have been blessed with the best example in a father and also in a father-in-law.  What a godly legacy they are leaving for us and our children.  They are men of faith, love and compassion.  They inspire me and I am privileged to have them in my life.

 I'm still a daddy's girl

*Check out my Father's Day post under Personal Heroes - Chapter 3.

~Being June, wedding bells are ringing and my niece is getting married in three short weeks now so things are gearing up.  We had a shower for her on Saturday and there will be another in two weeks.  Friends and family will be arriving from out of town.  What fun!  The joy that a couple shares as they begin a new life together is so beautiful to watch.  It has made me reflect back on my own wedding day almost 29 years ago - yikes!

 The bride-to-be Natalie and her beautiful mom (my sister Kathy)

Little did we know, as young as we were, the challenges that lay ahead for us.  It is truly by God's grace and with His love that we we have built a family and our lives together.  We could not have done it on our own.  He is the One we lean on when disappointments, pain and the stresses of everyday life weigh us down.

~I met with a dear friend this morning for a cup of coffee (one of my favorite things to do) and we were thinking back on the past several years.  They have been filled with loss, pain and incredible challenges, for both of us.  But it is such a comfort to know that whatever life throws our way, we are resting in the Father's hands and He cares about us.  I love this Scripture, it remains one of my favorites.  Hope it encourages your heart today.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)