Emily is TWO!

On this day two years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. It was love at first sight. Her sweet smile, tiny fingers and toes, soft skin, almond-shaped eyes, and golden brown hair were perfect in every way. She took my breath away.

Emily Grace was the missing piece to the puzzle – she completed our family of four. It’s hard to believe she has only been a part of our lives for two AMAZING years! We thank God for blessing us and entrusting us with her precious life.

Here are a few photos of her playing outside today on her special day...

Happy 2nd birthday Emily Grace! ♥

My baby girl looks SO big! :'( 

Happy playing outside

Sweet smile :)

Sand outside of the sandbox...uh oh:/

He is risen!

The Son is shining!

Hope His love

blesses your heart

and home

this Easter and always.

Easter morning

Mouth full of fruit snacks

Cutest bunny I've ever seen

Story time

Easter goodies from mommy & daddy

On our way to visit family

Grandma Mary & Grandpa YayYay's house

She's a serious driver

Watch out...Emily is behind the wheel!

Emily is ready for a nap

Emily was over pictures when we were just getting started

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

C'mon Ethan...lol

Ethan being a ham

Laughing at Ethan

He is risen!

Sweet baby girl

Ethan loves his little sis

Ethan: "Where is Emily?"

Me: "She’s taking a nap."

Ethan: "I want her to wake up, because I want to play with her. I miss her!"

Me: "Aww...that's sweet, but she needs to sleep. She'll play with you when she wakes up."

Ethan: "OK, this is why I wanna go in her room…"

Me: "Why?"

Ethan: "Because I want to check on her and see if she’s OK, mom. Please!"

Emily: "Mommy...Daddy...Ethan!"

Ethan: "See, I told you she's awake. Now I can go play with her!" :)

Playtime

Playing in sissy's room

She LOVES Minnie Mouse & Disney Princess

Snug bugs

Reading his favorite book - The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Practicing ballet:)

Wedding video clip

5 years ago I married the love of my life ♥

Today, Ryan and I are celebrating five years of marital bliss!

We have experienced many changes since we’ve been married…
Ryan got promoted. Got married. Weekend honeymoon. Relocated. Amber started new job. Relocated. Ryan started new job. Baby #1 arrived. Amber went back to school. Amber earned bachelor’s degree. Relocated. Ryan got promoted. Baby #2 arrived.

However, the two things that have remained the same are our God-centered lives and love for one another (in that order).

We’re aware that marriage isn’t always a walk in the park. A husband and a wife must be willing to put forth effort each and every day. Because we continue to do so, our marriage continues to grow stronger.

I am more in love with my husband now than I’ve ever been. He truly is the man of my dreams. As long as we continue to – put God first in our lives, allow Him to be in the center of our marriage, and pray together every day – Satan will have a difficult time gaining a foothold in our marriage.

I look forward to celebrating our 5-year anniversary in Costa Rica this spring!

 We've been together for almost 14 years & have been married for 5 
Song of Solomon 1:2

Valentine's Day 2011

Ryan does nice things for our family and me every single day. However, on Sunday he went above and beyond.

My love…

• made waffles for breakfast (we stayed home from church & watched it online, since Ethan was/is sick ☹)
• took us to Mt. Rubidoux to go hiking/jogging
• went grocery shopping
• brought home and surprised me with a lovely bouquet of red roses, dark chocolate cake, and red wine 
• brought home and surprised us with pumpkin muffins from Panera (for breakfast the next day) and frozen yogurt
• cooked a delicious gourmet meal for dinner - bay scallops, langostino tails with garlic, mushrooms & spinach, tossed in a white wine cream sauce, served over heart-shaped ravioli
• rented a movie for the two of us to watch together

Today Ethan said, "It was so nice of daddy to bring home some muffins, a cake, and roses!"

I read this on our church's blog today and had to share...

Valentine’s Day is often viewed as a rather silly, inconsequential holiday. We give out candy hearts,  and Valentine’s Cards with cute little sayings on them. But do we really stop and consider what a powerful thing this holiday is celebrating? Do we stop and think about what real love looks like?

The challenge this week is to take the time to stop and think about love. Review the sermon. Read the Bible. Pray. Take a good look at what God has to say about love.

Think about all the types of love as well. Think about God’s love. Think about a love between a husband and wife. Think about the love between friends, and the love between a parent and child. Examine the way God wants us to love every person in our life and how He wants us to love Him. Reflect on how powerful love actually is.

Remember “God so LOVED the world that he gave his only son…” (John 3:16). Now that’s powerful love.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Enjoy spending time with your loved ones. God bless ♥

Roses from my love

Silly boy

L ♥ V E

Nicknames

Amber . Mama . Mommy . Mom . Hun . Honey

Ethan . Bubba . E E . E .

Ryan . RyRy . Dada . Daddy . Dad . Honey

Emily . Sissy . Sis . Emmy . Em