May Happenings!

May is flying by.  Where does the time go?  It seems one day is our anniversary and all of a sudden it is Matt's last day of school already.  Emma is learning more everyday, she survived her MRI and first set of immunizations (and so did I) and is exploring new areas of the house and yard all the time.  She seems to have formed a sweet bond with Mark, loving on him and getting so excited when he gets home from school.  Sometimes she even throws herself into his arms when she is in my arms.  It is nice to have a 'back up' set of arms when I need to do something else.  

Emma is learning some sign language...her favorite is MORE!

 Emma loves to be outside and is learning quickly that she wants to join the others when they go out.

Emma had to have an MRI of her spine, which meant general anesthesia.  They gave her some oral sedation first so she was getting all sleepy when they came and took her from me.  Her crying as they carried her away was both wonderful and heart breaking.  Loved that she wanted her Mommy and hated that she was being carried away and was scared.  

Thankfully, they brought me to her before she woke up.  Sleepy Tiger!

The nerve of some people...giving my girl blue bandaging!  :)

Helping Mom at the sink.

Big Brother time is the best!

She loves anything with her reflection in it...and no there aren't any clean mirrors or windows in my house at this point!

Conquering the stairway!  Wahoo!  Going up but not down so far..which is progress since last month if I put her down at the bottom of the stairs she would wail.  

Cutie pie is smiling more and more!

And of course there are some of 'those' days!  

Emma is saying "nice hair, Mom!"

Sorry for the picture overload...trying to keep up on things before I forget.  It seems an impossible feet to get the pictures printed out for the picture books...so this is a close second, right?  :)   And yes, the other kids are still all here, busy and growing...more on them soon.  Beth is all but impossible to capture of film these days, talking up a storm and causing lots of bed time turmoil.  Ashley is planning out her June 6th Birthday down to the tiniest details..to say she is excited would be a drop in the bucket, a very large bucket.  Matt is finishing kindergarten today...what?!?  Mark is growing like a weed and will soon be through with 4th grade. Never a dull moment!

14 years!

So blessed to be married to my best friend for 14 years today!  I don't know where the time has gone and although we both have changed over the years since these photos were taken...we are still as committed and in love as we were at that May Day wedding.  Whoever doesn't believe marriage gets better as the years go by...either isn't married or doesn't work very hard at it!  I am so thankful for a growing and thriving marriage to the best man God could have ever created for me!  He has been a student of me these 14 years and it blows my mind frequently how he just 'gets me' and uses that knowledge to push me, encourage me, build me up, help me, soften lifes blows for me, complete me!  I think we have experienced a lot in the last 14 years together and I can't wait to see what Jesus has in store for us to learn in the next 14 years!  Enjoy the pictures! 

 

Our engagment pictures...I remember we went shopping together and picked out all our outfits.  It makes me laugh to think Justin was the better shopper....a role we have definitely flipped since then!

 

 

 

We were married at Onecho Bible Church on May Day..it was a typical windy spring day on the Palouse.

 

 

It is fun to look back at how the years have brought change in the lives of these people.  Our flower girl will be a senior in college next fall.  The ring bearer, Justin's cousin, plays baseball for Gonzaga.  Little cute Shelby is all grown up, married, and still as sweet and involved in our lives.  Rachel is still the devoted sister, married and has two baby girls of her own.  JB and Jen have been married longer than us and are raising their son, Dustin.  The rest of our friends have gone on to marry or pursue the paths that God has set before them.  Such a blessing to have family and friends come along side us over the years!

 

Oh to have those fresh, unaged hands again! :)  I really appreciate this picture because Justin now has to wear his ring on his pinky, due to an accident involving his ring and ring finger. 

 

One of my favorite candid shots...you've never seen two happier people!!