7 year anniversary ❤

As I sit here and ponder the last 7 years of marriage, my heart and soul feel overjoyed. God is not the only one who loves me in the midst of my brokenness. He has blessed me with a husband who does too.

Don’t worry...I’m not going to put on a game face and pretend our marriage has been perfect. Let’s be real. No marriage is perfect or ever will be. However, it can be an exciting journey.

I have discovered what it takes to have a long-lasting relationship. The answer is community.

Ever since my husband and I found our church home, things have never been the same. Once we began attending every Sunday combined with applying what we have learned, serving and worshipping, our relationship grew stronger.

But it didn't stop there.

Things changed once we started attending a community group together on Tuesday nights. Real healing and transformation has taken place. We are headed down a new path.

The next 7 years are going to be amazing!

Bring on the challenges. Together, with Jesus Christ on our team, we can face anything that comes our way. We have the ability to lead by example, since little eyes (our precious children) are watching us. 

7 years ago I married my best friend

Hernia repair (updated)

July 21, 2012
My family is always looking out for me. My 3-year-old daughter said, "Mommy, when I get like a doctor I will get your mesh out with tweezers." 9 more days until surgery...can't wait to feel normal again!

July 29, 2012
30 more hours and my body will be mesh-free! I'm so anxious, I can't sleep:(

August 1, 2012
When I was feeling sad and angry about my current situation, my husband reminded me that God sees our pain and to trust Him. {← words I needed to hear right before surgery}

August 3, 2012

For those of you who don't know my story...
I've experienced chronic pain and complications for the past two years caused by an abdominal hernia repair with mesh. After obtaining a second and third opinion, I chose the surgeon who removed my varicose veins in 2011 to do the correction. I recently had the surgical mesh, permanent sutures, and excessive scar tissue removed. This time it was repaired using dissolvable sutures. I'm not fully recovered, but I'm hopeful for the future. The polypropylene (plastic) mesh did some permanent damage. The past cannot be undone, but I can try to prevent others from making the same mistake. I refuse to waste precious time complaining about my health. I'm ready to get my life back!

August 13, 2012
It has been two weeks since my hernia mesh removal and I'm feeling great! Each day I get a little stronger. Total recovery time is approximately 12 weeks. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. 

September 9, 2012
Six weeks post-op and I'm slowly gaining my energy back. I would love to run and lift weights, although I'm not brave enough to step foot in the gym yet. My stomach feels slightly painful in some areas, which I'm assuming is caused by scar tissue formation. It feels better than it did with the mesh in, so I'm happy:) 

Click here to view an old blog post from my first hernia repair in 2010.

Patient advocacy organization - Truth in Medicine

Surgeon who specializes in mesh removals - Dr. Kevin Petersen

YouTube video - Truth in Medicine: Synthetic Surgical Mesh not safe or effective!

Facebook support group - Fighters and survivors of hernia and all vaginal pelvic surgical mesh


❃ Words of encouragement ❃

"That is why we never give up. 
Though our bodies are dying, 
our spirits are being renewed every day." 
- 2 Corinthians 4:16

"Those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
- Isaiah 40:31

Homemade organic cinnamon play dough

Recipe:
1/4 cup organic sea salt
1 cup organic flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup (or more) water

Have your child mix the salt, flour, and cinnamon in the bowl. Add water and knead the dough to make a clay consistency.

Did you know? Playing with play dough is a great way to help develop your child's fine motor skills. Have fun! ☺

His timing is perfect

I am truly amazed how God orchestrates every detail of my life. Every experience, whether good or bad, allows the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with Him, myself, and others. I couldn't be more thankful:)

"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." Psalm 139:16 (NLT)

joy • love • peace

The true joy of Christmas is the love of Christ, shared with family and friends. May you find His joy, love, and peace in the coming New Year.

(Click on the photo to enlarge)

Emily's escapade

Tonight my 2 1/2- year-old daughter quietly snuck into the bathroom and used the step stool to grab two forbidden items -- a pair of scissors her dad accidentally left on the counter, and a bottle of lotion her mom accidentally left on the counter (oops!). She decided to give herself a haircut (front layers, to be exact) and lather her pajamas with goats milk lotion.

Emily's haircut could have been a lot worse. Surprisingly, she even used care when trimming her feather hair extension. Maybe she'll follow in her Aunt Teresa's footsteps and become a hair stylist someday;)

Even though I was upset (especially since I'm planning on taking Christmas photos this week), when I heard her sweet little voice and saw her innocent smile, I couldn't help but laugh inside. However, I did refrain from taking a picture of her handiwork even though I wanted to.

Did I mention this happened at 10 o'clock in the evening?

She's tucked in bed now. Hopefully she won't try to escape again. Gotta go...

Life is good:)

Here's a brief photo recap of the past couple of months...

Trunk N Treat at our church
October 31, 2011

Batman · Wonder Woman · Spider-Man · Supergirl

Ethan (4 1/2) · Emily (2 1/2) · Grandma Mary · Grandpa YayYay

Daddy ♥ Emmy

Superheroes

Love our new family room decal from Empressive Designs Vinyl Decor

Our early Christmas present:)

Cousins
November 13, 2011

Emily's first French braid (done by Aunt Teresa)

Celebrating Aunt KK's birthday

Superman showing off his muscles

Strong girl

Playing in "God's creation"

Little lady

Fall fun

Emily & baby Hailey
Thanksgiving 2011

Emily checking out her cousin's adorable outfit

Cousins ♥

Tonight I was told specific instructions from my son: "When you wake up in the morning, stay under the covers. DO NOT get out of bed until I'm done making you a picture for your birthday." 


Then my daughter made me feel special: "Daddy loves you, Ethan loves you, and I love you too! We all love mommy!" 


The years keep getting better and better:) I'm really looking forward to my 30s, and even more excited to watch God's plan continue to unfold!