Happy Birthday, my Love!

Many people say they fall deeper in love with their spouse with each passing year, and I  too am experiencing a huge love growth spurt for this man of mine more and more all the time.  This year for us has brought about some of our deepest sorrows, but also some of our greatest joys together.  Chuck is a man, and I don't take that for granted.  He takes the responsibility of me, and our son very seriously.  So much so that he's slaving away day after day in this unbearable heat just to provide for us.  He is a wise man, who listens to God's leading, even when he has a fearful wife by his side.  I am so grateful that he is the head of our home, and not me.

I love how Chuck tenderly cares for me.  When I'm sick, he brings me toast perfectly toasted at just the right color to our bed.  Also when I'm sick, he'll sit in bed with me and work on his computer while I sleep .  I love just knowing he's next to me.  I love how we laugh together at the silliest things.  When he walks into the room, my heart always feels like it's lighting up.  I miss him when he goes to work.  I love taking care of Jovie together, and going on long walks with her.  I love watching him be a Dad to her, even though she's a puppy.  We laugh so much at our sweet little pup.

I'm so proud that Chuck is the father of all three of our babies.  I can't wait to see what he's like in action as a Dad.  I have no doubt we will continue to laugh together.  He already is the best example of a man to our son just by the way he lives his life.

I think I may get more excited about his birthdays than he actually does.  There are some fun things planned for later tonight when he gets home, but I better not mention them in case he happens to read this.  That would so happen to me.

The first time we celebrated his Bday together- 4 years ago as newlyweds.  Julie, who made our fabulous wedding cake, made his fabulous Bday cake.  I'm drooling at the memory!

His gift 2 years ago- getting his cartilage pierced.  Again.  For the 3rd time. Love it!

This cake was made by me 2 years ago.  Sadly it wasn't very good.  NOTHING like Julie's!  But we sure had fun celebrating with friends and fam!

Last year Chuck turned 30 and got a gun!

Happy Birthday, Babe!  I love you with all that I am!  P.S.  As I looked back through these pictures, I was continually reminded of what a hot husband I have!  I am one lucky chic.  ;)

New "Hobby"

I have never been one to enjoy musicals.  I have been known, in fact, to fast forward the songs during musicals.  Musicals are not my thing live, nor in a movie.  In fact, I tend to fall asleep if I'm watching a play that includes scenes where the actors break into song.  Not my thing.

BUT, I have discovered that the community library here in PA has a fantastic DVD section.  Our library DVD section in Reston was absolutely terrible.  Here, it's like going to a Blockbuster- the kind of Blockbuster that doesn't exist anymore- only it's all FREE.  They have new movies, a blu-ray section, old movies, and more options than I'll probably have time to tap into.

So, in my quest to watch decent, wholesome movies that aren't filling my mind with fear or sex, I have begun a new hobby that is actually enjoyable.  Old movies-including musicals (*gasp*)- have been my target.  So far I've watched, "A Star is Born" with Judy Garland.  It's the first movie I've seen her in besides "The Wizard of Oz", of course.  I have found that I love her voice!  I only fast forwarded half of the songs, too.  The movie was a bit of a downer, but it definitely kept my attention, which is the main thing.  The next movie of hers on deck is "Meet Me in St. Louis".

I also borrowed, "Roman Holiday", my first Audrey Hepburn movie.  There are absolutely NO songs in that one, and so I liked it a lot.  Super cute plot.  I am hoping to borrow, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" next since I've heard about it for some many years now.

Currently I am in the middle of, "Father of the Bride", the original.  Who knew there was an original black and white version?!  The star of the movie is none other than Elizabeth Taylor- also my first movie of hers to watch.  So far, I'm really enjoying it.  It is a lot like the remake, so it's really fun to see.  

Lest you think I'm sitting around all day watching movies, I should mention that these have all been viewed in the wee hours of the night.  I've been having sleeping issues, so while Chuck saws logs, I have been catching up on my black and whites.  Don't worry, during the day I actually spend my time much more wisely.

I've been getting my walks in, (Jovie is thrilled by this), working through Beth Moore's study of the book of Esther (so fabulous, it's my second time doing it), making dinners for the fam, making desserts for the fam, and of course, working on my list of thank you's.  Chuck is now filling his week days with landscaping full-time.  He's such a hard-working, respectable, wise man.

Here we are having  fun celebrating Independence Day.  There was a great fireworks show at my old stomping grounds.  We sat inches from the very field I got my start at field hockey on.  Good 'ol middle school.  

Fireworks!  

Celebrating the 4th

My wonderful parents, and our lovely hosts

This Week

Chuck got the call earlier this week from the NJ church.  They kindly shared with us that we are not "the ones" (my interpretation) for their youth ministry.  The next day we were informed by a church in NC we were not selected to move further in their process either.  I suppose to say we are discouraged is an understatement.  

Last Friday I had my final OB appointment in VA.  I've never left a doctor's office feeling so cared for by the staff like that, and also feeling incredibly sad to leave.  We dropped off my files with an OB here in PA, and are waiting to hear if I've been approved as a patient in their office.  Thank you for praying for wisdom about this big decision.  One of our praises right now is that I tested negative for gestational diabetes.  Thank you God!

Chuck has an interview tomorrow morning with a landscaping company here in PA.  He also continues to work on the website at my parent's church.  He's done an awesome job already, of course!  We will send you the link once it's up to his standards- if that ever happens.  ;)

Also, Jovie seems to be doing much better!  We are so thankful God took care of her with the "cheap" method.  

All prayers are welcomed and we are grateful for each and every one.  Happy 4th you guys!

The boardwalk- Ocean City, NJ-a few weeks ago.  Wanna go back!