Three Years

Jon and I have been married three years this Wednesday. It's really hard to put into words how thankful I am for him, but I'd like to try.
I didn't expect to meet Jon when I did, but I'm so glad I did. It was a really weird time in my life. I was in the process of getting out of an unhealthy relationship, and for the first time in my life, questioning everything I had always believed about God, His goodness, and His love for me. (Not the ideal candidate for a new relationship.)
I'm still not sure why Jon fell in love with me. But I'm so glad he did. Through my relationship with Jon, I have learned about love, trust, acceptance, and grace. I believe that God brought him into my life at the exact right time, even though it didn't seem that way then.
The past three years have been difficult in many ways. Jon has been by my side through it all. He was there when my dad had cancer and went through intense chemotherapy the first year we were married. He happily helped my parents with everything they needed, from moving in a big chair so my dad could be comfortable, to taking my dad to the doctor when my mom and I couldn't. We spent many days and nights at their place, because that was where I wanted to be. I know it was hard, but Jon never made me feel that he would rather be anywhere else but there with us.
Jon was by my side and supportive when I struggled with panic attacks and we had to come home from vacation early instead of going to Lake Tahoe. He didn't make me feel bad; he simply took care of me and wanted me to feel better.
He was a rock, not only for me, but for my family too, when we were told that my sister Becca most likely had a brain tumor and would need surgery. He was calm and strong, and spoke words of truth and encouragement when we we needed them most.
I look back on those times, and truly wonder how I would have gotten through them without this amazing man walking through them with me.
Of course, there have been so many good times, along with the hard. I am proud to say that we have developed a stronger friendship, kindled a deeper passion, and fallen more deeply in love these past three years. We have learned how to fight better, and how to love sweeter. We have gone from a couple, to a family of three, and in that, our love and commitment to each other have been multiplied beyond measure.

I look back on our wedding day, almost three years ago, and thank God. For knowing me and what I needed, loving me unconditionally, and blessing me with an incredible husband. I'm. so. thankful.

Happy Anniversary, Jonnyboy.

Disneyland

Jon took the day off yesterday and we went to Disneyland. It was the first time just the three of us have gone since we got our passes, and it was really nice! We didn't do much because it was pretty busy, but we took Madeline on the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm not sure if she was tired, or if it was too scary for her, but she wasn't too happy on the Pirates ride. After that we just walked around. She was sleepy, but didn't want to go to sleep. There were too many exciting people and things to look at!
Madeline is very observant.( I know I sound like such a first time Mom, don't I?) She will pick a person who she finds interesting and either stare them down for quite a while, or smile at them until they don't know what to do anymore. It's funny, cute, and sometimes awkward! She likes to flirt too, obviously got that from Jon! She will smile at a man, then shyly bury her head in me, then peek up and smile, and then play shy again.
These pictures of Jon and Madeline just make me think about the fact that he is SUCH a good dad. I am so thankful and blessed. He could not be any more in love with our little girl. He helps a TON with things like feeding her, putting her down, getting her stuff together before we go somewhere(my least favorite thing to do for some reason), and of course, playing with her.( But, that's not really a job, that's just fun.) In fact, after Disneyland, Jon dropped me off at a restaurant for a friend's surprise birthday party, and he took Madeline home and took care of feeding and putting her to bed. And he didn't mind at all. I feel like that is how it should be, because we are a team and she is both of ours, but I'm still very appreciative!

Madeline loves her dad too! She lights up with the biggest smile whenever she sees him.

New Project

I woke up the other morning and had a sudden desire to take care of my poor garden that I have neglected for the past year and half. When I say neglected, I mean it was full of weeds and dead plants, so I had to pull everything up . I am very excited to start gardening again. Madeline came outside with me and sat on a blanket. She loved being outside in the sun and watching me. She did not like it if I went inside to grab something, even if I was only gone a minute. The second she couldn't see me, I heard a little cry begin. Sweet girl. I explained to her that I love her more than life itself, and I will always come back for her. Always. I think she understood.


This is after I tore up all the weeds. I wound up taking out the roses as well, because sadly, they were full of disease.






Such a serious face. I think she was contemplating how her mother looks so beautiful even when she is full of dirt and sweat. :)



Happy girl!



Madeline loves Sapp!