Even though the weather is always changing here, especially at last minutes notice, I LOVE living in Michigan! Maybe it's because I grew up here, maybe it's because I don't know any different, or maybe it's because I truly do LOVE Michigan for what it is! Whatever the reason, it will be the place that holds most of my passed and present memories...It is in this great state where I committed my life to Christ, had my first job, met the man of my dreams, married the man of my dreams, owned our first house, welcomed home our first puppy...the list could go on and on.
Today I want to focus in on a few of the memories that made up this past year...Our FIRST year as
Mr. & Mrs...Yes, that's right! it has already been a whole year into our happily ever after, and I couldn't be more blessed! I will NOT sit here and tell you that every waking moment has been pure bliss with happiness and cheer; BUT I will say, that I have learned much, prayed more, and experienced true love, 1 Cor. 13 Love, like never before. God has been gracious with me as I have struggled and strived to become the kind of woman He boldly calls me to be. The beauty and challenge of sanctification, is that I will never have it all together, but I am ever changing into someone a little more blessed, and a little more aware of how GREAT my God is every day...
Hard to believe this picture was taken a year ago already...I can still feel the wind in my hair...and the LOVE in his eyes...
Now, it's time to meet Marley...I guess we fall into that category of many young newlyweds, who think they need a puppy soon after marriage... the funny thing about Marley( if you know my personality at all) is that he was completely "unplanned" We saw his picture fell in love, met him in person a few hours later, fell in love all over again and then brought him home the next day....Here is to hoping that our experience with having our first child is nothing like the spontaneity of this one...:) BUT whatever happens there, we know God is sovereign:)
How could anyone resist this cuteness!?!
Believe it or not, Marley is a boy...we
just didn't have any blue crates laying around the house:)
At his first vet appointment, weighing in at a whopping 2lbs!
We aren't the ONLY ones who thinks he is cute...no need to rally the kiddos in for this picture...they were already by his side...we even caught my nephew Evan inside the cage with the pup at one point, but the picture perfect moment passed while we were searching for phones and cameras...so you will
have to settle with this one for now...
Finally, as promised in the title of this post... "One baby"... We welcomed our newest niece Emilyn into the family this past May. We couldn't be more excited for Chase's brother Chad and his beautiful wife Alysia upon the arrival of their precious daughter Emilyn! We only wished we lived closer so we could snuggle and love on her lots!
Sweet little Emilyn you are SO loved already! and even though over 2,000 miles separate us, we want you to know how much Uncle Chase and Aunt Lindsey love you and pray for you! Your uncle Chase is excited to take you to MI football games, and aunt Lindsey will make sure you have the proper attire to wear at all those games:) But for now we will cherish these pictures and wish you to stay little forever...
Don't you just LOVE that tutu?!?! such a thoughtful creative mommy you have!
Can't think of a better way to close this post out than looking at these pictures...So this is where I will
end for now...basking in the faithfulness of our perfect creator and being satisfied completely in Him for where he has me today and the places he will take me tomorrow and everyday after that!
Whatever stage you are at in your "Happily Ever After" whether it feels like a fairy tale or not, don't forget to look up to the One who is writing your story. Every author has a plan and gives purpose to his/her characters. Remember that Christ gives you purpose and loves you the most, no matter what chapter of your story you are in!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
