Has it really been 15 years?

Today is our 15th anniversary and there's no other person is rather be with. He's my everything. To brighten my day, I received the following text from my Jake: "As we talk a little about marriage today in science, I cannot stop thinking about how lucky I am to have you as my wife.  You are joy, love, hope, happiness, and friendship.  My favorite thing today is telling everyone that today is our anniversary and we have had 15 wonderful years together.  It is not enough, but at the same time has filled a lifetime of happiness and memories.  I cannot always remember the moments, but you are every part of my soul.  I love you more than I can express."  We have both physically and emorionally changed in 15 years and I love him more today than I thought possible. 

Today would've been his 85th!

Happy birthday Papaw! We ate dinner at one of my least favorite places today (Burger King) but it was a way to celebrate Papaws life because he loved it (he was convinced they had the best chicken sandwiches). What I would give to meet him at a Burger King now or a good buffet. It will become a new tradition in our family to keep his memory alive with our children to eat at Burger King annually on May 2nd unless it's a Sunday. Papaw spent his life cheering us on, now he has become a silent guardian and forever in our hearts. There are few greater men than this and we were blessed to call him our Papaw. We could not love him more and we always knew he loved us and our families.  I miss him everyday. He was the one person that I never questioned loved me (even when I ran a car into his garage...oops). How I remember spending Friday nights at his house and waking Saturday to cut the lawn, trips to the little country store for treats, my duck, and talking to him or Mamaw daily on the phone after school before she passed. My life was better because of them. I can only hope that I can radiate the type of love that never diminishes to others. Happiest of birthdays Papaw....I hope you and Mamaw are standing arm in arm looking down on us. I love you both!  

NSTA conference

This past weekend Jake and I traveled to Nashville for the NSTA conference.  While I enjoyed the quick getaway with him (3/29-4/2), it was quite exhausting because we attended so many sessions of the conference.  He received his teacher of the year award Thursday night and was beaming. He loved it and I loved seeing him so happy about it. That night at the gala we were invited to another gala where a couple of song writers were going to be performing. It was small but very nice, we enjoyed it. Saturday, we decided to leave earlier than anticipated because we were so tired and I think both a little ready to see our sweet babies. It was great to have our boys run to us for a hug. Now we are home and in the full swing of baseball season and softball. This is Ginny's first year with softball and she's doing quite well for a beginner. 

Happy Easter

My Savior died that all might live again. The greatest blessing was not in his death but in his resurrection. I am forever grateful and indebted Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of Him my weakness can be overcome and can be made into strengths, my sins can be forgiven and I am promised that I will not be given more than I can overcome (my trials are bearable). He is my God and my King, triumphant over death and creator of worlds without end. He is my friend. He buoys me up when I am weak.

Happy 14th Ms. Ginny

Fourteen years ago, I was introduced to the meaning of unconditional love when I became a mother. Ginny still helps me learn unconditional love but it is also by example now. Ginny is a joy to have in our family and a choice daughter of our Heavenly Father. There are times when I do not think either of my beautiful angels understand their true worth or the depth of love and gratitude we have for them. Ginny is a great help around the house and with her siblings. She is definitely a teenager and loves the following: cute dresses, her phone, softball, sushi, and Starbucks cream based (no coffee) drinks. She is learning to manage her time wisely and is an example to her classmates and her coach. She does not shy from sharing her beliefs and that she is a Latter Day Saint. We love you Ginny! 

Happy birthday Jake

Today is my most favorite persons birthday. Wahoo!  He is beyond wonderful and my greatest blessing. I feel that this past season has been one of my hardest emotionally and in our marriage but in the end there's no one else I'd prefer to be with. Here's to many more birthdays to come with this man. Happy birthday Jake! 

Chicago time

Before hitting out Chicago weekend trip, I'll give a brief overview of the week. My cousin, Steven Daniel Esra, passed away on March 9th. I also went to the doctor this week and had a sinus infection with double ear infections. The same day as the death and doctor, we find out that our debit card has been compromised. Craziness. However we still decided to come to Chicago Friday after work to meet Michael and his family Saturday and participate in St. Patty's day celebrations. It was much busier than I anticipated but we had a great time being together. We also connected with TW (Jake's brother) too and enjoyed lunch with him. The kids are exhausted.