Celebrating 13 years...

June 10, 2000

To My Sweet Husband,

It’s hard to believe that it’s been thirteen years since we said our “I do’s.”  Thirteen years ago thirteen years seemed like a very long time.  Back then I certainly could not picture what life would be like this far into the future.  And indeed, much has changed in thirteen years. 

In thirteen years we have grown up and grown together.  We’ve started first jobs, moved into two houses, accumulated furniture and cars (one being a 12 passenger van—who would have thought?), visited new places, made decisions together, cried, laughed and prayed together, and had six kids together.  Yes, it’s been a wonderful, full thirteen years.  And I love this life that we’ve created; that God created for us. 

When we first married I remember hearing couples that had been married for many years talk of how their love had grown over time.  I thought then, however, that surely I could never love you more than I did on our wedding day.  I was so in love with you then, how could I ever love you more? 

As we’ve experienced life together and tackled the challenges of creating a family, not only have we grown closer in our relationship, but I’ve watched a strong, hard-working, loving, and godly man emerge from the young man I married thirteen years ago.  Thirteen years ago I didn’t know the commitment of a husband who pulled out of the driveway before dawn each morning to work a long day to support his family, never once complaining of this responsibility.  Thirteen years ago I didn’t know the refreshment of having a husband I could count on to be home for a family dinner every evening.  I didn’t know the love of a husband who would hold me and hug me when my heart ached, not needing me to justify my emotions.  I didn’t know the devotion of a husband who would pamper me through pregnancy—six times.  Thirteen years ago I didn’t know what a good father you would be, purposefully leading and guiding each of our children.  Thirteen years ago I didn’t know what a joy it would be to see my husband playing football in the backyard with our boys or the sound of our daughter’s laugh when she gets tickled by her daddy.   I didn’t know the man who would stop and pray before moving on to action.  Thirteen years ago I didn’t know the man who would offer to get up with a crying baby in the middle of the night.  I didn’t know that  you would show love when it wasn’t deserved, patience after a long day, generosity when it cost you something, and that you would still go the extra mile even after thirteen years. 

While I loved you so very much thirteen years ago, I love you even more now.   I am so blessed to call you my husband and I can’t wait fall further in love with you still.

                                                                                    Yours Forever,

                                                                                    Gretchen

What NOT to say to a pregnant lady...

These are all direct quotes from this pregnancy...and to think I have 14 more weeks to go...

As I lovingly rub my belly and comment that the baby is getting bigger, my son says to me, "Or maybe that's because you haven't been going to the gym enough!"

The grocery store cashier questions when my baby is due and then after I answer she looks down at my round mid-section then back up at me and asks in a serious tone, "Are you sure there aren't twins in there?"

Boy says as matter-of-fact, "Mom, I think your stomach grows one inch a day."  Then, after glancing again, "Or maybe one AND A HALF inches a day!"

"Mom, are you a grandma?" inquired boy #2.

Youngest son, standing behind me, states, "Mom, I know why your bottom is so big.  It's because you have a baby in your tummy!"

After getting ready for bed one night I sarcastically told my husband that he was going to love my new, sexy pajamas (one of his t-shirts and a pair of flannel pajama pants). He looked over at me and commented, "Oh, my Hokie Bird shirt?"  Then with a smile on his face, "You look like the Hokie Bird!"

...but feeling those sweet little kicks from within makes it all worth it. Praising God for the miracle of pregnancy!

We are thankful for...

(We did this craft just before Thanksgiving, just forgot to post!)

Grant:  Christmas, food, the new baby, family toys

Bryce:  my family, my friends, Christmas, Jesus coming down to save me, my birthday, the baby

Carter:  Busch Gardens, electricity, donuts, clothes, ribs

Davis:  the castle (a toy), my train set, the dragons (toys), for everything

Celebrating Bryce

In November we celebrated Bryce's 8th birthday with a party at LaserQuest.  Laser tag and eight-year-old boys go together better than peanut butter and jelly.  It's a match made in heaven.  Bryce, his friends and his brothers all had a blast.  It was pure boy joy.  Bryce was also grateful to have a lot of his family at his party.  Our children have been blessed with a loving family and many great friends.

Bryce is a super fun boy.  He loves to play hard, whether it's climbing as high as he can up a tree, riding a bike as fast as he can down a hill, jumping the most times in a row on the pogo stick, or creating his own weapons for backyard wars between the boys (slingshots out of sticks and pine cone grenades).  Bryce is a kind brother, looking out for his younger siblings and often offering to help out around the house.  He is especially gifted in math and amazes us with his ease at memorization and abstract thinking.  We are grateful to see the Lord working in Bryce as his love for God and others continues to become more evident in his actions and attitudes.  What a joy it is to have Bryce in our family!  We love you, Bryce, and look forward to seeing all that God has in store for you in the year ahead!