happy birthday my love!

p.s I think it's really sweet that you requested our children's silhouettes 

instead of darth vader.
...definitely more romantic

We love you!

15 years

Today we celebrate our fifteenth year anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been 15 YEARS!

They have been wonderful, beautiful, fun and happy. I feel so blessed to have married my best friend.

I love to compare pictures from 15 years ago to now. When I see how we have aged, I see 

15 years of history we have shared together. History we have made together. And it all feels beautiful. 

I am so proud to stand by my sweetheart. I am blessed to be his wife.

And I am thrilled that now we are four! 

I look forward to our many years ahead...

having fun with photoshop.

I'm loving photoshop these days.

Just when I think I have learned how to use it, there's more I discover. 

Admittedly, I'm still an amateur...

my babies...

our summer in pictures...

because right now, there's no time for words!

school is out & mobiles!

 Yesterday was Lizzy's first day of summer break!

She decided to attend a new school at the beginning of fourth grade, and she made a very wise decision!

It has been a year of exploration, wonder, fun, art, and learning. She adapted quickly to her new environment, and made friends easily. Academically and socially she excelled. 

I would say fourth grade was a success!

 signing autographs while the paparazzi shoots away

 field day/water slide

And as usual, summer break means much crafting for my girl.

(the word "bored" is a naughty word in our home)

So, our first project was adapted from this mobile tutorial. We finished baby brother's, and almost completed hers. I especially love how it looks from his prospective lying in his crib!

Already today, she made a handkerchief that she designed, cut, sewed, and monogrammed herself! I love her creativity. I love that she finds ways to entertain her mind and hands, and that this very moment she is outside playing and rarely finds herself being entertained by electronics. 

I am so excited for summer time with my girl!

This picture was taken 4 years ago, the summer Mr. W started pharmacy school. I love looking at this picture. My little girl was 6 years old, and her life was about to change as we began a new adventure.

 She was about to learn a lot about sacrifice, hard work, and how much we really love being together as a family. Some days there was not as much time for play as there used to be. Some days daddy was exhausted and overwhelmed. Many days his day began at 5:00 am and ended at 12-1:00 am. 

Still he played, and read bedtime stories faithfully.

 And that is why I love this picture.

(him wearing the gown, her wearing the cap and carrying his hood)

It makes me cry. 

My sweetheart has made so many sacrifices the past 4 years. And so has my little girl. This picture perfectly represents our determination, hard work, and sacrifice as a family. 

 My little girl has changed a lot 

the past 4 years. She looks more like a teenager. (sometimes she even acts like one)

My Mr. has changed a lot too. What he has accomplished is no small feat. Now I know why only 3% of the American population has a doctorate degree. It was not easy! 

There were plenty of tears, much loneliness, sleep deprivation, (mostly him) 

and frustration.

But now it feels oh so good! 

I guess the saying is true, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

We are definitely stronger as a family.

This process has been excruciating at times, but happy too.

To you my Mr., I am so proud!

Not only did you do it, 

you did it beautifully!

xoxo

Baby had his 6 month immunizations yesterday.

By evening he had a fever and was vomiting. Babies are amazing how they throw-up, then 

the next minute are giving you the scrunchy nose smile. 

I hate seeing him so weak and tired.

But, it was sweet to have him sleep between us and hear him breathing next to me all night.

Thankfully, he is still nursing well...

Sis is off to school. It's early release Wednesday, so she was excited about that. 

She has big plans with the neighborhood children this afternoon. Last night they invented a new game 

just before she came in for the evening, so they will meet up after school! 

Mr. W has had much on his mind. He was offered a full-time Pharmacist position! He has 3 other opportunities in his field that he's considering. I've watched him carefully consider every aspect of our future, trying to make the best decision for our family.  I know he will do what is best for all of us.

I'm thankful he seeks spiritual guidance when he's planning for our future. 

Together we agree, quality of family life (time) is our ultimate goal.

We look forward to this new phase. 

some thoughts...

Today is a beautiful day. 

Sunny, warm, and happy.

After the 5:45am nursing, I changed into my workout attire. (as usual) But this morning the birds sounded like the most beautiful symphony, and it called to me. I decided to skip the treadmill and hit the pavement. (love the nike running app!) When I got home I told my sleepy Mr. that it was exhilarating! As I ran I listened to the birds sing, watched the sunrise, smelled the blossoms on the trees, and saw baby lambs frolicking! I think I'm converted.

Sister begins end of year testing today. I can't wait for summer days with my girl! 

She also has dance today...I feel there will be grumbles. She hates going anywhere after school when it's warm outside. All she wants to do is play in the yard. Can't say that I blame her.

She spent the entire Saturday, from sun up until sun down, in the outdoors.

Oh yes, that was the day of the fishing trip. Fishing is a bit of a different experience for Lizzy. 

You see, she doesn't catch fish to eat. Nope, not my girl...she brings home a new "pet". 

She caught a catfish and brought it home to show me. Then it ended up in her swimming pool. Then it gets named "kitty"...get it? (Cat)fish...

This is when I know we're going to have problems. She becomes attached, even though

 Mr. W explained to her that they would need to take it back to it's home. She wanted to move the pool into the garage so he wouldn't get cold Saturday night. We convinced her that he was used to the outdoors and that he would be fine. She ran out first thing Sunday morning to check on him. Then again after church. That's when she discovered he had passed away. Many tears were shed. She and Mr. W buried Kitty in the garden, then she made a memorial. It's at school with her at this moment.

This whole experience reminds of of Bobby. I love my girl!

Moving on...This morning Mr. W and I took Lizzy to school, then went on our date to the grocery store. We love our morning dates, and our lunch dates to Kneaders! 

I rocked our baby for at least 30 minutes this morning. I eat it up every time. I know how quickly this time passes and I want to savor every moment. 

Tonight we will grill turkey burgers, dig a hole to repair the sprinklers, and my Mr. and sister are going to a Buddhist temple. He has to attend a minority meeting of some sort for one of his classes, and heaven knows Lizzy is not going to pass up this opportunity!