Josh's list to me...

At 7:48 - on the morning of my birthday - Josh started texting me:

"The Top 10 Reasons I Love You:
10.  You like to have fun... but it doesn't have to be complicated, just simple.
9.  You work hard to keep the house clean, tidy and a warm place for all who enter.
8.  Your hiney.
7.  Your learning goal orientation - you are always reflecting and trying to improve.
6.  Your words of affirmation and praise to me and others.
5.  Your commitment to making and documenting rich family experiences.
4.  Your positive attitude.
3.  You come see me at work, and when you do - I get excited.
2.  You are consistently there for others when needed.
1.  Your zest for life, your love for us and your spiritual leadership.
Did I mention your hiney?"

Yes, Dear - you already mentioned my hiney.  Oh, Men!

Every time I heard my cell phone ding, I ran to read the text, and immediately started smiling.  Josh definitely made my birthday more special by doing this for me, and I am totally stealing this idea. Wouldn't it be cool to do with your spouse, a special friend, a parent?!

Thanks, Josh, for this wonderful gift and idea!  :)

Halftime...

 is the name that was given to the "getaway" Josh and I just experienced together.

We were able to fly to Anna Maria Island, FL for 4 nights this past weekend.

We had amazing conversations - while laying on the beach together - nothing that was planned out - the beautiful conversations just kept flowing out - with no distrations.  It really was amazing.  We were able to reconnect emotionally, practically, spiritually and romantically  ;)

So, you may be asking - "Why halftime?"

Well, we live our lives in semesters, winter breaks, summer breaks, etc - a "teacher style" kind of life.  Josh is in educational administration and is currently working on his PhD, so we follow the school schedule.  We just finished his first semester of his PhD program.  Yes, WE just finished.  I will be very honest and say this last Fall was probably the toughest stretch in our marriage.  And I am glorifying God and shouting - We are stronger because of it! 

But... a "halftime" helps.

Our "halftime" was a few days for us to discuss:

 

What has gone well?
What could we do differently?
What do we need?
What about the kids?
What are our goals for the 2nd semester?
Anything else on your heart?

Ok... Let's Go!  We can do it!

Go, Team St. John!

 Of course, we missed the kids...

 We enjoyed sunsets...

 Many special moments together...

But most of all... reminded of the many reasons why God chose us to be together.

We arrived home fill with peace, focus, gratitude and love - really.

Mission Accomplished.

Dead God,  Thank YOU.  Thank You for the many people who pitched in to make this trip happen for us.  Thank You for being in the center of our conversations (because we know you were).  Thank You for being someone so BIG - who we can trust and surrender every fear, every worry, every challenge.  You are big enough and strong enough to take it all - and You fill us with great peace because of that.   Amen.

We're counting down the days...

 until Josh and I get to redeem our Christmas Gift to each other.

 The Gift of Presence and Reconnection...

staying on this beach...

for 4 nights...

Alone.

We've done a Winter Getaway a couple of times before and we've determined - 

This is what we NEED the most -

and this will be our forever Christmas Gift to each other.

The gift of Presence and Reconnection.

It may not always be the beach, but something -

Alone.

I love these 2 precious souls...

and they are a lot alike. 

I am so thankful that Josh can jump in and relate so well with Sophie.

She needs her Daddy - he can calm her.  They do so well together.

Thank you, Josh, for the phenomenal father you are to Sophie and the other 2 too!

I love you both all the way to the moon and back!

Our Visit With "Aunt Holly"

Well, she's not really their "Aunt", but Holly was my best friend in Middle School, High School, College Roommate, Maid of Honor... and so much more than all of that.  She's a friend who would love me - no matter what - I am certain of that.

My kids LOVE when she is here!  She doesn't have any children of her own yet, so she shows up energized and ready to wrestle, read, snuggle, watch movies, and just BE with us.  We had a wonderful 5 hour visit with her last Saturday.

Thank you, Holly, for taking the time out of your weekend to be with us!

One thing we did when she was here was assemble our Christmas Adventure Box.

This will be the first year we do this as a family, and we're all very excited.  Basically, it's a devotional each day during December to keep our hearts and minds focused on the true reason of the season.  Check out the link if you're interested.

Anyway, we got the box all assembled and set the finished product up on the bookcase to the right of our fireplace.  We moved on with our day and Holly enjoyed more playtime with the kids.

The were all hanging on her, and I yelled - "Hey, let's get a picture."  We immediately viewed it to ensure it was good, and I saw a bright light shining on something on the bookcase.

Accident?  I don't believe so.  I think that Jesus was pretty proud of our Christmas Adventure Box and made that very clear by shining his light of approval right on it!

How neat and encouraging.

Click on the picture and let me know what you think.  :)

Oh, Halle isn't really my favorite...

of course I love these 3 little angels all the SAME!  

I don't know if you've noticed...

but I have.

My Man - Josh - rarely makes the blog.

Have I mentioned that this stud is our ROCK - quite possibly the glue that holds this place together.

I am SO happy that God chose this man to be my husband.  This summer we will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary.  In May, we will celebrate 14 years of being together!  That's a LOOONG time!  :)  and hoping at least that many more years to come.

After 3 children, careers, job changes, a Master's Degree and now a PhD is progress...  we've had our rough days.

But, I have to tell you - it's been our relationship with God, surrendering our lives to Him, meeting with mentors when things get rough, date nights, getaways, praying together and constant communication - that has held us together.

I love this man with all of my heart.

Thank you, Josh, for loving us the way you do - thank you for your commitment to us - thank you for your drive to be successful and provide for us - and thank you for just being you.

I love you.  forever.