My Anniversary Card

Every once in awhile, Colombo takes on the painstaking task of making me a slideshow put to music.  The first time was one year for Mother's Day about 10 years ago when technology made it a true sacrifice of love and time.  It was amazing and I watched it about 30 times in the first week.  I finally was able to watch it without sobbing after the first couple of days.

Since then, every couple years he'll surprise me with one.  This anniversary was such a time.  This was my card: Click here.

Week 42

Monday, Oct. 12th

Columbus Day tradition...Buell's Orchard, with pictures from several sources, and our out of order.  Let's start with this one.  Trevor.  Who knows what was particularly upsetting to him at this moment.

My favorite bookends.

Bethany was up for a wedding and brought her two nephews, too.

Learning the Waltz.

Just happy to be together.

Oh-Sixers

We took several stabs at a family picture before we realized Rocco wasn't in it.  Oops.  But then he joined us.

Tuesday, Oct. 13th
School in the fort.  My view:

Colombo's view:  So nice of him to snap a picture and text it to me, don't you think?

Rocco has been big into Zach recently and takes very, very good care of him, even changing him into his pj's for bed.

Wednesday, Oct. 14th

Trevor's ninja, Rocco's Hulk, Renna's pink and purple princess, and Nathanael's ...well, he'd rather not talk about it.

Thursday, Oct. 15th
Madison and Anna carved.  Anna hadn't remembered ever doing one.

Dance is extra fun now that Sienna has joined.  Renna no longer cries about going into class, rather, she's quite content taking charge of Sienna.  Apparently this was pink leo day.

I didn't get to light my candles.  I was at rehearsal because somehow life always continue move forward.  I'm so thankful for the healing of my heart.  I'm quite expectant of the day I'll meet my babies.

Friday, Oct. 16th
Zach learns math facts.

At least the road I see like 14 times a day is pretty right now.

Nathanael was invited to go climbing on a ropes course with a buddy.

No small group...what to do on a Friday night.  Hmmm.  Option A, paint the upstairs hallway.  Option B, get a sitter and go out for our anniversary since it's probable we will not even see each other the day of.  Let's go with...celebrate 2 days early!!!

A couple years ago we went to Mohegan Sun (casino) for a concert.  We ate dinner at a nice Italy restaurant before and had an incredible appetizer of baked burrata.  I've been dreaming about it ever since.  Nice restaurant, an hour drive, not something we'd usually do, baked burrata...the choice was clear!!!  Plus the restaurant is called Tuscany.  So, yeah...we went to Tuscany for our anniversary!

I'm so grateful for a committed and faithful husband.  There have been seasons of marital bliss, to be sure, but our journey has also been seasoned with struggle.  Our journey is one of commitment and hard work.  One of devastating losses, but also of unspeakable blessings.  If our relationship was based on love alone and feelings, it'd be over.  Thankfully, it's grounded in Christ, and when things get hard we turn to Him.  After 19 years if I had to do it again, I totally would!  He's worth it.  He's just that good.  As we continue to surrender ourselves, learn, and grow, we've been richly blessed.

Saturday, Oct. 17th
Madison served at a wedding of a youth leader.  She and her peers thought they'd walk around with trays of appetizers for an hour and then dance the rest of the night.  Instead, they worked their tails off (voluntarily) and were awakened to what is the 'behind the scenes' of a function.  I picked all four up at 10:00 and LOVED every second of the ride home listening to them giggly recounting the details, such filling up the water pitchers for the tables one cup at a time from the one sink of the ladies' room!!!  (guests texted me pictures through the night)

These poor guys did the late-night pickup with me.

Sunday, Oct. 18th

Celebrated 19 years.  I think we saw each other for an hour or so.

I made my first apple pie of the season.

Jules, our good friend and neighbor, finished up the last of her classes to complete her Master's program.  After spending the weekend in Syracuse for the last module, we ambushed her as she arrived home.  It's so wonderful celebrating with others, truly and deeply happy for another's win.  I love surprising people and making them cry.  Success!  

I also love instilling into my children that there is room for EVERYONE to do well.  You don't need to be jealous or critical or tear others down while clawing your way to the top.  There is always more room.  And CeLeBrAtE life!  The BIG milestones but also the tiniest.  This is what makes such rich relationships.

The video is dark, but you can hear the kids.