Forever and Ever Amen

Today is a stunning fall day here in Kansas City. A bit on the chilly side but almost identical to the day Bill and I were married. So with the house quiet, six years and two children later...I'm thinking back on that glorious fall day at Pisgah Presbyterian Church where we promised to love, honor and cherish one another...for better and for worse. I'm thinking of our family and friends who traveled great distances to dance and toast this wild ride we were about to embark upon. I'm also thinking of another promise that Kim McKnight read for us...

Mark 7: 24-26
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house: and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

When we made that promise and heard those words we meant them, I'm just not sure we knew what we were truly in for at the time. But we are learning. Because "marriage is a commitment of super glue proportions. And it's the commitment that sticks even when the feelings ebb and flow. That's the beauty and courage of marriage."

unmade beds, trips to the hardware store and endless "planning" sessions

and the rain descended

births, deaths, illnesses, travels, weddings and mornings without iced tea, diet coke or coffee.

and the floods came

KU and Duke wins and losses and endless Royals and Chiefs seasons

and the winds beat upon that house

time spent with family and friends.

but it fell not for it was built on a rock.

"Because, after all, marriage is the ultimate parable, isn't it? It's the living picture of a God who looked at us in all our silly, selfish ways and then loved us regardless, so that He could make Us. His. People. Amazing, crazy love."

I say "I do" all over again every day my handsome husband, because...

With You I Am Home.

a special thanks to Melanie Mauer who took the stunning photo and blogger Lisa-Jo at (In)courage who provided the inspiration for this post.

Happy Birthday James Henry

It's hard for me to put into words the journey we have been on this past year and a half. It seems like in the blink of an eye we have gone from the heartbreaking reality of James' birth to the celebration of his first birthday.

It might seem strange but yesterday really was a celebration. We slept in then had breakfast together. Afterwards, we took out the box of momentos we had gathered. Elie wanted to take James his "lovey" that Judi, Kristin and Lindsay had given us. She also wanted to read the "new" book We were supposed to have a baby but had an angel instead book that Lindsay gave us. We re-read the prayers and sermon our ministers Meg and Tom shared on that day. Then on a glorious fall morning at about the same time he was born, we headed over to church.

Elie had been writing James and Jesus letters all morning so she added those to our flowers. Bill read scripture and we both tried to answer the question "when were we going to heaven?"

We compromised and went to Westin, MO, to the pumpkin patch and to see the barn animals. The day was stunning and we bought a pumpkin as big as Elie.

Later in the afternoon Lucy, Max and Aunt Kristin came over to sing Happy Birthday and have cupcakes. Then we all got our hands dirty and planted tulips. We had 32 of them and it was hard work, but it was fun and good. We are all looking forward to seeing them in the Spring.

Bill and I ended the night at one of our favorite spots just having a glass of wine and talking about the day, the past year and what is to come.

What we know for sure is this...going on this trip to Holland wasn't our first choice, but we enjoyed our time there. James Henry gave us many gifts during his 8 short months. Someday we will meet him but until then we will have to settle for remembering the tulips and windmills he brought into our lives.

Thank you for loving us and thank you for loving our son.

We hope you enjoy seeing our day. (copy the link below and paste it into your browser to be taken to the video)

http://gallery.me.com/nationranch#100021