Happy 1 Year Anniversary

Yesterday, April 22nd, Sam and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary. We decided to enjoy a nice weekend at home. Our anniversary celebration included a trip to Babies R'Us to purchase a crib, lunch at Taco Cabana (of course) and Sam's dream come true - going to watch AquaTeen - The Movie. We celebrated that evening with a yummy steak dinner - just me, Sam and Lindsey. Sunday, the actual anniversary day, was a typical day as well. Sam helped the youth at church with their breakfast taco sale and Lindsey and I met up with him for Sunday morning services. We did miscellaneous things around the house afterward, took a nap and had some dinner. All this was very ordinary, but we are an ordinary family, but we never take for granted our extraordinary love for each other.

At 7 o'clock we sat down as a family and watched the wedding DVD. Sam and I realized something very important. As special as that day was one year ago because we were committing our lives to each other, the fact that we are so lucky to have such special family and friends made us feel truly blessed. It wasn't the day itself or the beautiful place where it all happened, it was special because of the people that were there loving us and supporting us. For us, this anniversary was about the love, the kindness and the support of our family and friends. In the ceremony, Rev. Bob Hanson, asked those present to commit to supporting Sam and I in our commitment to each other and those of you there, responded that you would. I am here to say, that we feel your presence and commitment everyday, whether it be through prayer or just your unconditional love that we know exists. Thank you for that - we love you all so dearly! Also know that Sam and I continue to grow together through our love and commitment for one another and our commitment to Christ in our lives. First and foremost, without our Heavenly Father, the last year's challenges and sorrows could have really taken their toll on our marriage, but they allowed us to emerge stronger in our faith in each other and in Christ. I thank God for Sam everyday because he is my foundation, my heart & soul, a wonderful father, and more importantly, he is a man in Christ that loves his family & his Savior with everything he has.
Here is to a wonderful first year and many more to come!

Happy Easter!

Today is Good Friday and it truly is a GOOD Friday! It is amazing how in the last couple of days my tummy has popped out! On Monday, you couldn't tell Mommy was pregnant and today Mommy is finally starting to show a little bit. You are making yourself visible for the Easter Bunny! :-) Just think, next year you will be right there with all the other kids hunting Easter eggs! I am so excited for all your "first" holidays! Too bad you won't be old enough to enjoy Gran and Mi-Mi's excellent Thanksgiving feast, open your presents with all the other kids at Great-Grandma & Grandpa Bernshausen's house, taste your Mommick's famous sausage roll she makes for Christmas morning, or enjoy Grandpa's famous birthday cake (stuffed jalapenos) - but then I am sure you won't enjoy that for many years to come - I'll eat your share! ;-) But, trust me, you will have plenty of people "oohing & awing" over you that's for sure! As we celebrate the true meaning of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior, I can't help but fully realize the miracle that you are. This is the season of life and we are so thankful for your "living and growing" presence in our lives. We know as a family that you are a true representation of Christ's "living" love for us! Happy Easter Little One!

GOD IS SO GOOD!

What a wonderful day today! I couldn't have been a more proud mom! You gave me, Mi-Mi and Gran a show that's for sure! You were kicking around and waiving your arms around and just having the best time. When you tried to lay still, I would poke around on my tummy and get ya going again. I could just hear you saying, "Hey mom! Quit that would ya!" We also got to see your precious little fingers and watch you move your arms and hands around! Your heart was beating at 175 beats a minute today and you are about 1 1/2 inches long or so.

The other great news is that all the prayers for us have been answered!!! The hemorrhage is completely GONE! The doctor has released me from house arrest/bed rest and I can have a little bit of my "freedom" back! The doctor said I still have to take it easy for the remainder of the pregnancy and I asked her if I could get that in writing to show daddy! ;-) Speaking of daddy, he couldn't be there to see you today, but he loves and misses you so much! He called several times today to check on us! Believe me, we couldn't have gotten through the last several weeks without your wonderful dad taking care of us! He is the best husband and father I could have ever asked for! We are such a blessed family! I love you!