In Case They Ever Wonder

Happy 31st Birthday Matt! Most people say things like, "I can hardly believe it's been a year since we fill-in-the blank... My, where does the time go???" Well, I know where the time since your last birthday has gone. It's been right here backing over us like a mack truck! All I can think as I remember last Halloween is how has it only been one year since you were celebrating your 30th birthday by going to a Halloween bash designed for teenagers while Aunt Pam and I took the kids trick-or-treating in the rain? It seems like at least three years ago since you and I were in the house with a princess throwing a fit about something while Aunt Pam was on the front porch knocking on the door to let us know our dragon had just made himself throw up to avoid wearing his costume. Seriously. Are you sure you're not turning 35? Since this year has been oh-so-eventful, I thought it would be no problem to come up with 31 memorable moments from the past year! 1. Begin at the b...

Last weekend we had our traditional pumpkin-carving around the fire at my parents house. I can't say how wonderful it was to be with the whole family, carving, laughing, and eating pumpkin crunch, without having to make a 4 1/2 hour car trip! Anyway, Matt outdid himself, reminding me once again of what is probably the main reason I married him: so my children could have really cool jack-o-lanterns. This year's creations included: A Barbie silhouette for Sophie Diesel 10 (you have to be a Thomas fan to know this one, but the resemblance is uncanny) for Will Lillie's pumpkin portrait Oddly enough, my pumpkin won the contest (as it does every year), but the kids really loved their designs, so they were fine with it. And the craziest part is that I'm always the first one finished, yet I always win. Weird. Despite the fact that my classic design once again stole the show, I thought Matt's creations for the kids were pretty decent. In fact, if the student pastor thing doe...

Two weeks from tonight, I should be holding a new little baby. (Assuming I don't go in labor during the Alabama game tomorrow night...) I've never known the date a child would be arriving and, I guess, technically, I don't know this one since she could certainly whenever she wants! It is strange to think, though, that in just fourteen days the entire dynamic of our family life will change. I am praying for a healthy baby girl, a smooth delivery, and a quick recovery. I pray that this little girl that is already formed and well over 6 pounds, will enter this world and our family with great joy. I pray that the Lord will allow us to get to know her in the precious and intimate ways we've gotten to know her brother and sister. I pray that she will feel securely loved right from the start. I pray that Lillie's will develop an every-growing steadfast commitment to the Lord and that her life will be marked by a beautiful hope. I am praying that Sophie will feel like her ...

Matt and I spent a pre-Christmas, pre-anniversary, pre-having another baby weekend together at home. Sophie and Will were in Franklin being treated to movies, Chuck E Cheese, unlimited junk food, etc. We had big plans of all the exciting places we would go during this weekend. And then, the weekend rolled around... We could try and blame our decision to hibernate on the cold rain, but honestly, we were just tired. Matt assured me that we didn't miss out because we are taking advantage of the opportunity for unlimited rest. It really was heavenly. We ate uninterrupted meals (though I still ate crazy-fast because I'm so accustomed to having to scarf down my food in order to be finished before someone melts down). We took an uninterrupted nap - no baby monitor, no rush to fall asleep before Will wakes up, no "just one more thing" from Soph. We just wokeup when we were ready. It was incredibly peaceful. And maybe best of all, we had the opportunity to miss our kids. We lo...

1. I love that you are the best (although maybe the slowest) pumpkin carver in the world (or at least in our family. Wait, I forgot about Derek...) 2. I love to hear you read to the kids, particularly your sacreligious retakes of Halloween: Is It For Real and the famous rap version of So Much . 3. I love that you are the world's best finder. Cameras, keys, books, cans of soup, etc. 4. I love that I couldn't be married to anyone else and constantly be asked, "Do you just laugh all the time ?" 5. I love that you just can't stay off WebMD. 6. I love that you are literally the most amazing kitchen-cleaner ever. I consider your nightly work in the kitchen an extravagant expression of love. 7. I love that you are not scared of anything except the show - "Pregnant and Didn't Know It." (I don't, however, love the fact that you so love to scare me, hiding behind doors, army-crawling into our bedroom to catch me off guard, utilizing black lights and oth...