Celebrating Ten Years!

Today is my 10th Wedding Anniversary!  I have been married to Michael for TEN YEARS!  I don't feel old enough to be able to say that.  But, since I've been out of high school for 13 years, have a 6 year old and a 2 year old... I suppose I am!

Michael gave me my anniversary present yesterday:

Crash, bang, boom!

Yep, that's my van.  Y'know... the one I was so thankful for last week.  The one I only had for A WEEK!  Praise God that Michael is ok... he got a bit of an airbag burn on his wrist and he is pretty sore today, but overall, he's ok.  Michael drove my van to work, then was on his way to have his brother do some minor repairs that the van needed (it had a small oil leak and needed the struts replaced).  An old man pulled out of a Sonic driveway into traffic, and Michael just couldn't avoid hitting him.  The man had to go to the hospital to get checked out because he was already kind of frail, I guess, and was complaining about his side hurting (Michael hit him in the driver side door, so yeah... yikes).  Praying that he is ok too!  We're not sure if the van is totaled at this point, but considering we didn't pay much for it and the airbags deployed, plus the damage to the front... it most likely isn't worth repairing.  I'm kidding about that being my anniversary present, of course.  Just one of those crazy things.

Our present to each other is shipping the kids off to Grandma's for a few days and getting to enjoy some time alone together.  That never happens, so I'm looking forward to it.  Unfortunately we'll have to spend some of that quality time dealing with insurance/car/doctor stuff.  =/  Oh well, I'll take what I can get!

March 16th, 2002

Happy Anniversary, Michael!  It's been a wonderful 10 years so far!!!

Christmas 2011 Recap...

My goodness, I have a serious Christmas hangover.  I'm not the only one, right?  Geez.

Christmas Eve...

My parents came over, we all went to church for the Christmas Eve Service at Grace Fellowship Church.  It was really good - loved the music!  When we got back home, we ate delicious food like taco chili, my mom's tuna sandwiches (YUM!), Nutella Tarts, brownies, tamales, cheddar bacon dip, and so much more.  Then we got to open presents.  We mostly watched the boys enjoy their gifts.  They got books, clothes including a winter coat for Preston and cute monkey pjs for Callen, a tent/tube thingee to climb around in, a puzzle, a Glow Station and more!  My parents really spoiled those kids!  Michael got a tool and I got a Dutch Oven (yay!). After the kids were in bed (finally!), Michael and I stayed up and watched It's A Wonderful Life.

Christmas Morning...

The boys got to check their stockings, and then peek inside the Santa bags to see what their big gifts were.  Preston got a kid-sized guitar and Callen got a toy box for his room!  Then we headed back up to GFC for the Christmas Morning Service.  It was the exact same program, but the boys and I were helping with the nursery and Michael was helping with the stage.

Christmas Day...

After that, we came back home and gathered things up and went over to Michael's parents' house for lunch and more gifts.  We had the traditional ham and cheese sandwiches and potato chips, along with lots of sweets, of course.  And then, yes... more presents!  We again, mostly watched the boys tear into their haul (again, they were totally spoiled!).  They got more books (lol!), more clothes, a dinosaur, a car, a giant stuffed Scooby Doo, a neat art set and more!  I got some kitchen gadgets (yay, a garlic press!) and Michael received some gift cards to Abuelo's and Lowe's!  And we got a cotton candy maker!  We brought over Michael and Preston's guitars, and along with the piano and the various toy musical instruments they have, the family did some Christmas carols.  Lol.  It was kinda ridiculous.    

We hung out some more, Michael took a nap, the kids played.  Then, as soon as we got in the car to head back home, the boys crashed... we took more naps at home.

When I awoke from my nap, I opened the front door to turn on the Christmas lights and there was a box on the front porch that said "To The Clarks."  Inside were some toy trucks, a duck hunting game, some clothes for Michael and me... and an envelope of cash.  Michael and I just started crying, it was such a blessing.  We don't know where it came from, but thank you, Jesus!  The money is definitely going to help with paying for our car repairs (our car is in the shop right now to get the head gasket and water pump replaced).  We are still just in shock about the whole thing.  God is such an amazing provider!  I know He is.  It's still just such a neat thing to experience it like this!  

Merry Christmas, y'all!

Free Gratitude Journal...

source: Mandi Ehman

I ran across this beautiful Gratitude Journal printable today and just had to share. I love the images (lovely Fall scenes, you know how those make me giddy!) and the entire idea behind it. Too often, we forget to be grateful for the blessings in our lives... what a wonderful way to put them down in writing and pore over them often!  This journal would also make a nice gift for someone - you could fill it out and give it to them, or leave it blank!

You can get the free printable here, from Mandi at motherhood.yourway.net.