Love Love Love

"True Story: There was a Catholic Priest given the death penalty for his love of God. From prison, he wrote many letters encouraging others to remain faithful to God, and reminding them of His never ending love for them. .... his name? Fr. Valentine! (now a Saint)......don't forget the 'reason for the season' - remind others today of God's love for them!"

This was my sister's post on facebook yesterday and I loved it.  It put love in perspective. I often paint a picture perfect marriage for Jacob and I on here. I don't really feel like blogging about the times we argue or cry or struggle. But we have been through our share of struggles and it is important to praise God for the security he gives us in Him and his unconditional love for us. We made a promise to each other and sometimes that is what keeps us going. We have to choose to love. I bet St. Valentine had to choose to be positive and encouraging as he was sitting in jail! Praise God for the Saints! 

Anyway, I love my dear husband and we had a lovely night reading old love notes, dancing, and renewing our love for each other with what else other than a rousing game of scrabble!? Jacob won but I'm not bitter. :) 

Anyway, here are a few pieces of the love in our home:

I could die just looking at this picture

Loves knowing what's going on

Our love multiplied!

Yep that's Gianna

We always match on Valentine's day

Love Letter

The Bible and I haven't been getting along so well lately, so I decided I needed to start over. I wanted one that was smaller so I could carry it with me places, new and rsv version. (I just think the words are more beautiful). The research began and I found one! I ordered it online and it gave me the option to engrave it. So I did! Inspired by a new friend of our, Cliff, I put "My Beloved Joy." It came in the mail yesterday and I feel like God and I have a fresh start. Combine that with the Bible timeline study I started last night and I am so excited to read His love letters to me!!! Just in time for Valentine's Day!

Oscar Challenge

Of course Jacob designed this

Jacob and I have been working on going back to more dating. You know when you do fun, silly, or romantic things just because? Jacob had the idea of an Oscar Challenge. Sometimes we tend to be out of the loop from the world. (By we, I mean I). The Oscars are at the end of this month and we are going to try to watch a lot of the movies up for nomination and then make our own votes and then watch the Oscars. I am super excited about this fun month long date! Now we just need to find some coffee so we don't fall asleep watching every movie.

Feel free to join us and vote online! http://oscar.go.com/mypicks

Happy Wife, Happy Husband

What I didn't mention in my post yesterday was how loved I felt when I arrived home from my trip to Indiana. My friend Leslie picked me up and brought me home because Jacob had to work. I walked in to see that Jacob had cleaned the whole house,  got me some beautiful tulips, rearranged the bedroom furniture, wrote me a sweet note, and had a few gifts wrapped up for me. I felt like a princess!! I am so blessed to have such an amazing husband. He is so good at wooing me! (I can't wait for Valentine's day. He keeps saying I am really going to like it. We are terrible at keeping secrets. It's ok though because I have a secret too...)

In addition to that, I wish I had pictures to show you, Jacob has lost 30 pounds! He looks incredible and I know he feels it too! Yesterday I put three 5 pound bags of flour, two 5 pound weights, and a few cans of food in a bag that totaled 30 pounds. It was hard to lift. I wanted him to see what he was carrying around with him every day. Pretty wild. He has worked so hard to get where he is and I just want to tell the world how proud I am of him! Way to go Jacob!!!!!!

A Tribute

I just got back from an amazing trip to Indiana. It was extra hard to leave this time. I just enjoyed special time with each family member and I was just reminded of the true true blessing they each are to me.

The following is a tribute to the best family ever:

Dad & Mom - Much chatting time in the car with dad and late night talks with mom just remind me of all the love and support they have for me. It means the world to me. And of course they shower Gianna with extra smiles and kisses.

Kyle and Kate and the boys - Kyle is such a calm wonderful father and even though I didn't get a whole lot of time with Kate, she is always such an inspiration to me of total selfless love. And hearing Sebastian talking and watching him learning all about life was so fun. I got him to say Jacum (Jacob) too! And Francis flashes some pretty precious smiles.

Amber - We had a nice few hours of quality time together. She always reminds me of what is important in life and her generous heart is overwhelming sometimes. Sheesh. She has a worldview that is so eye opening because of all she has seen and done. Beautiful! Not to mention I had 3 different homemade pumpkin delicacies while there.

Cory and Marie - It always seems like we could chat forever! Marie wrote me a sweet note and gave me a thoughtful gift of tea! (I am learning to enjoy it!) They are a shining example of humble faithfulness to the Lord and true love for each other. Always hate to say goodbye.

Ty and Haven and Lyle - New baby Lyle is so super adorable. And Ty's admiration for Haven's hard work in labor was beautiful to see. I am so inspired by how easy Haven makes labor and mothering and nursing look! She is patient and kind and all the things we all want to be. And, women don't despair, but Haven was wearing her old jeans a week after giving birth! Piece of cake right?

How can I not thank God for all these blessings in my life?! I love you all so much! Thank you for being you!!!!

Pretty Neat