13 years ago today...

...I married my best friend. Chris has been by my side for over 16 years, the last 13 of those as husband and wife. He has cheered me on, comforted me during tragedy, listened to every anxious thought and helped to calm my fears. He has prayed over me and loved me as no one else could. He is the man that God had for me. The husband that I dreamed of and needed. Thank you Lord for this precious gift. I am humbled by Your love and grace for me.

Over the last couple of weeks I could tell that Anna had been planning "something" for our anniversary. Even since she was very little she has loved to plan "romantic" things for us to do. I can remember a halter dress she once begged me to buy at Old Navy so I could wear it to the dinner that she and Nan were cooking for me and Daddy. Lucky for her it was on clearance, so I bought it and wore it...just that once!

Last night, after swimming and dinner with Uncle Wade, Aunt Cathy and all the kids, Nan arrived to help Anna execute her plan. We walked in the Purtell's kitchen to this scene.

Mini recreations of our wedding cakes. Complete with the aTm symbol on top of Chris' and fake flowers on top of mine! The centerpiece is my actual bouquet from our wedding (hey...silk flowers were in back then...don't judge!) All of this was Anna's idea!

Thank you sweet baby girl for being so thoughtful!! We were amazed!

Per Anna's plan, we cut the cake and fed each other the first bite ;)

I love you honey! Thank you for loving me so unconditionally...I am excited to spend another 13+ years by your side!

So, it's been awhile since my last post. Probably not such a good idea considering that my last post wasn't real cheery. Let me start by saying that in my heart of hearts I do really know the answer to "what then?" God is in control...He is sovereign. He loves Anna more than I do. He has a plan for her life.. "...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 I may not be able, in my limited earthly mind, to know exactly how it will all work out. But He does and I must choose to have peace in that.

Now, to catch up on where we have been for the past 25 days or so....Honestly, I can't even remember exactly ;) I do know this....we have been enjoying our last bit of summer! Lots of play time and weekend adventures, lego building and fashion designing, swimming and late night walks. I truly am NOT ready for them to go back to school. I am not one who relishes the return of somewhat strict routines: early bed times, homework, ugh! But, I am determined to make it more fun this year. After all, I will have plenty of time on my hands to come up with new and creative ideas! Which leads me to another reason for missing blog posts, I am still trying to come to terms with exactly what I am doing, who I am supposed to be right now, what will fill my idle time, what is God's purpose for this season, how I can be a better mother, how I can be a better wife, what can I do to be a blessing to others, what does God have planned for me right now...and most importantly, am I in tune with Him enough to be able to hear what He is saying?

So, for today, I will do my best. I will be the best wife, the best mother, the best daughter, the best sister, the best aunt, the best friend that I can possibly be and then PRAY that somehow he uses my feeble attempts to for His glory.