20 Years of Oneness

 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Those verses were spoken at our wedding, are displayed on the wall above our bed and have been the words we've promised to surround our marriage in.  At times we've failed to be patient, to be kind, have easily allowed anger to get in the way, have done things that lost trust for awhile, but our love for each other has not failed.  Here we are twenty years after saying I do.  That's two decades of building a life together.   Of being supportive of each other's successes and failures.  Being together in good health and even more so in times of sickness.  Supporting each other's dreams and praying for each other daily.  In all the good times and the bad moments, we have held on.

We've learned what it takes to make our marriage work.  We are still learning.  

It's hard to believe we have reached twenty years of oneness.  Together we created a life with two kids that can often feel chaotic, overwhelming, busy and stressful but I don't think I'd change anything (except maybe having a cleaner more organized house) and I'm glad to experience it all with my Robby.  

The day of our anniversary was spent watching our daughter in her last elementary school band/chorus concert.  I embraced the moment thinking of how proud I am.  The next day Rob surprised me with a delicious dinner in a private room at a restaurant with our kids, my parents, his mom, his sister and her boyfriend.  Our son played our wedding song on his guitar followed by Rob presenting me with a new engagement ring.  I'm ready to tackle the next twenty years.  

Mother's Day recap

 I try to be as real as I can be, so I won't mind sharing that the start of my Mother's Day was with the kids fighting and that lasted on and off all day.  I was also reprimanded by my father later that evening for not visiting my mother, even though he sent a text earlier in the day saying not to call until after 4 because she needed to rest and then I couldn't get through to them until 7.  The guilt I felt.  What I would have liked to have spent the day with my mother, especially when never knowing if this will be the last Mother's Day with her.  

But aside from all that, the day was good.  I was presented with a delicious pancake and fruit breakfast, had also been served lunch and dinner too.  After breakfast I was given a basket filled with a lot of thoughtful gifts.  

We didn't have enough time to get ready for church so we watched from home.  I seem to be more comfortable watching church from home.  It's probably not good to miss out on the fellowship with others but sometimes it's just good to be home.  Then I got the last minute idea to visit a zoo that's located 47 miles north of us.  My son and I had gone over the summer but I've been wanting to take my husband and daughter.   I love animals and they have quite a variety from birds, monkeys, zebras, lions, bears, goats, etc.  Oh, and my favorite of all.  

A sloth!

I'm convinced I was a sloth in a past life.  I consider them to be my spirit animal.  This is Chewy.  Isn't she cute?

I'll share some more pictures. 

On the way home we stopped for ice cream.  

Aside from the fighting and wining it was a good day.  I'm grateful for my family.  

My Mother's Day Prayer

Today is a day to celebrate mothers.  I've been blessed to have given birth to two healthy babies.  My thoughts are always with those that can't.

And as the country is currently fighting between the right of an unborn child vs. the rights of women I feel this incredible desire to spend the day praying.  Praying for the young women out there right now who found out they are pregnant but not willing or feeling able to bring the child into the world.  I pray they recieve comfort, support, and the help needed.  I pray for a broken system where abortions are just a few hundred dollars and adoption is in the thousands.  I pray for the children currently in foster care desperately hoping to find a family to love them.  

I pray we can stop fighting.  I pray we can figure out how to give all life a chance.  

A Busy Month And Bunnies

 We have entered May, which has got to be our busiest month of the year.  A new season of baseball has started, my daughter is preparing for her June dance recital and will also be performing in her school's talent show and a band/chorus concert.  We will soon be celebrating 20 years of marriage and also have a few birthdays in the mix.  It's a lot.  But I wouldn't trade it for anything.  

And as hubby was doing some yard work he discovered 4 baby bunnies in the fire pit.  By the time me and Bri got home to see it there were only two left.  Unfortunately, my son was away at camp during that time so he missed them but oh they were so cute.  

They are gone now and I can only hope they are okay.  I just love nature.  

But as far as Mother Nature goes, she really needs to make up her mind when it comes to weather.