My Great American Hero

My mom surprised me yesterday and offered to take the kiddos so Greg and I could have a date night. I LOVE THAT!! So I got to take Greg out for an early birthday night tonight, and we went to see "GI Joe". We enjoyed the movie. Lots of great outfits and gadgets that do nifty things. Of course, they save the girl and the world, kind of. You'll have to see the movie to know what I mean.

When we were dropping them off at Grandma's house tonight, Mikayla said, "Are you just glad that you are going to get away from us?" Mommy said, "Yep". And Greg quickly covered me and said, "It's not that we want to get away from you. Mommy and Daddy really love each other and we sometimes like to just go out by ourselves." I responded, "Yep. I am daddy's sweet-heart."

Anyway, I started thinking to myself when we were coming home tonight. I am so blessed. I have a real hero for a husband. He doesn't have a special suit that can make him run faster and jump higher than anyone else. But, he does have some other things that are priceless.

My husband loves me. He really loves me. All of me. Even the not so great moments and stuff. He adores being with me and holds his head high when I am on his arm. My husand is the BEST daddy in the whole wide world. He loves his children and cherishes all the moments he gets to spend with them. (He had the chance last night to go hang out with some adults and play games and have pizza but he chose to stay home with his kids, have leftovers, and have an x-box tournament with them instead.) My husband is a Christian. He loves the Lord and has accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. There are no words to express how that brings me true joy. My husband works hard and provides for his family. He is thankful for everything that the Lord provides for him and he never ever complains. He is a glass is 1/2 full kind of guy. He loves life and occassionally likes to walk on the wild side. (only people really close to him ever really get to see that part). I am sure that I don't spend enough time showing and telling him how much I appreciate him.

So tonight, I hereby shout it from the mountaintop!! Greg is my hero. I love you baby. I am proud to be your wife. Only you can fill those supersonic shoes. I love you forever!

A glimpse backward....

I got the priviledge of spending the evening last night with a 22mo old and a 2 mo old. Their names are McKinsey and Avery, two of the cutest girls in the world. I got to watch them while their mom and dad went out for the evening. Those two little girls are joy all wrapped up in smiles and belly laughs. What I absolutely loved about the evening was the beautiful trip down memory lane and remembering what it was like to have a 2 year old and a newborn.

I got to remember the eating game, the eating markers, energy that is never ending and joy that is truely pure. I loved remembering how fun it is for a kid to run around the couch, surprise you, and jump into your arms over and over and over. The smile a 3 month old gives you when they realize you're talking to them is unforgettable. Of course what would an evening like that be like if not for remembering how to warm bottles to that perfect temperature, spitting up on your white shirt, having to run to the potty, and hiding at bedtime. Then there are the stories and blankies, the hugs and snuggles, and a child's complete trust that you know exactly what you are doing and will watch over while they sleep.

My kids are 9, 7, and 5 now. Although I am loving the stages we are in now, I considered it such a joy and a gift to have had the opportunity to look back for a bit and remember the joy and wonder of that time in my life. What great memories! It really does go by fast when you take a look back. In the moment, not so much. I look forward to enjoying where we have been, where we are now, and where we will be someday. Life....Earnhardt Style!

A visit with Aunt Jill

What a special day. Greg's sister Jill was in town for her 20th reunion and she asked if we could have lunch on sunday. The day started out early (5 am) so Greg and I could get the crock pot going for homemade Beef Stroganoff. That turned out yummy. Our kids haven't seen her in 4 1/2 years. So we were overjoyed at the idea of the kids getting to meet her again. Isabella never stopped talking. We really couldn't get a word in edge wise if she was in the room. She showed Jill her room, named ALL of her stuffed animals, and tried to give a narrated tour of the other kids' rooms too. Eventually she went off and played so the adults could talk. Jordan thought she was cool. And Mikayla, well, it was almost as if Mikayla knew her forever. She kept telling her that she loved her and was so thankful that she had come to visit. I know Marie was in heaven smiling down the whole time. She decided to spend her sunday school hour making Jill a special card to thank her for coming to visit today. The prolonged hug when saying goodbye is what got me though. I can't explain it but it was a moment like none other.

Family is so important to Greg and I. We love all of our family so much. We enjoyed some time catching up with her and I am thankful that she was able to spend some time with our family today.



Jill and her Little Brother!

The kids having way too much fun

There's a Time...

There is a new song out by Mandisa that I love. It's called "He Is With You". Listen to it. It will bless you. It has been a good reminder to me that there is a time for everything. I've found myself being sad that I am not able to share many moments with my friends lately but this is my time to learn. I know there is a time to cry because I've shed many tears this summer for lost family and friends, for lost moments, and for hurt that runs deep. But through those tears, I have also been able to rejoice that joy comes with the morning light. Maybe not right away but it will come. He is with me and He is with you. God is faithful.

He Is With You - Mandisa