3 Years and Counting....

Three years ago today was one of the happiest days of my life because not only was I getting married, but I was marrying my best friend. 

Recently, I've been trying to find the definition of a friend.  As the dictonary defines, a friend is 1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.  2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.  3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.  4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement.  According to this definition, I could say that I have a lot of "friends."  For me a friend is there for you no matter what.  They tell you things that you don't necessarily want to hear, but know that it will benefit you.  A friend makes sure you are doing okay.  A friend lifts you up at all times.  A friend thinks of you before thinking of themself.  A friend can be trusted, and doesn't do anything to break that trust.  A friend cares...and shows it.

So, after three years I can honestly say that not only do I wake up to an amazing man every morning....but I wake up to the one person in my life that will love me for me.  That will stick things out through good times and bad.  The one person that will never just give up on me and let our relationship fade.  I wake up to the one person that  I know I can always count on.

Phil, words  will never be able to describe the way I feel about you.  I cherish every moment we have together.  You are my perfect match.  Thank you for protecting me, providing for me and praying for me.  But most importantly, thank you for loving me.  You had my heart from the moment we laid eyes on each other, and you will have my heart forever.  I love you!

Our Love Story....part three

If you didn't read the last two posts, you can find them here and here.

So...when Phil asked me out...I have to say that I freaked.  Remember...I just had that crazy screaming match at God in my car.  So...I did the only thing I could think of.  I called my friend Isaac.  You see....Phil thought it may be cool to ride my 4wheelers but I didn't want to be alone with him...so I called on Isaac.  Unfortunately, Isaac was not available...so guess what I did.  Yeppers....I turned Phil down.  I think he was a bit shocked...but I wasn't willing to sacrifice my beliefs again.

About a week later, I found out that Phil had given his life to the Lord the night before he asked me out.  All I could do was laugh because God had done what I asked...I just didn't know it.

So...as time went on, Phil persisted and we finally started dating.  He asked my dad's permission and through out entire relationship, he respected my parents authority over me.  Phil would have monthly meetings with my dad just to talk about where he was spiritually and what his intensions were with me.

About a year into our relationship, Phil and I went to Marsh Creek (a beautiful lake in our area) for lunch. This was something we would do often.  We went for a walk and while we were walking, I realized I didn't put any jewelry on.  I was bummed because we had a graduation party to go to and I felt completely naked (you girls know that feeling.)  Well...we stopped at an opening just to take in the scenary.  It was beautiful!!!  The sky was the perfect shade of blue and the sun was shining.  It literally was a perfect day in June.  Next thing I know...I hear Phil say "It's funny that you forgot to put your jewelry on today, because I happen to have something for you."  It was at that instant, I knew he was proposing.  I got so emotional and started crying because I couldn't believe it was happening.  I leaned on his shoulder and with his arms around me he said "Will you marry me?"  I of course said yes and he put the BEAUTIFUL ring on my finger. I couldn't believe it...I was finally engaged to the man that I have loved from day one.  The one that I know, without doubt, is my perfect match.

Our Love Story...part two.

In case you didn't get the first part, you can read it here.

I was very active in my church youth group when I was younger.  The friends that I bonded with during those times are still the same friends I have today.  Unfortunatley, some things that were said as "kids" get carried with you for the rest of your life.

It was the second week that Phil came to the bible study.  Again, I had dance class, but this time, I made sure I looked a little more put together when I came home.  (yes.....I made sure my makeup was fresh, I admit it.)  Phil had come to bible study from class so he was riding his motorcycle, which I found to be extremely attractive.  The only problem with this situation was that I knew Phil had not given his life to the Lord.  Because of this, I kept my distance and tried very hard to hide the fact that I was liking him more and more each week.

One weekend, we all got together.  We had a fun day barbequing at a friends house and we all decided to go see the Ice Age movie.  (I think it was the first one)  I remember driving in my car with two friends to the theatre and one of them said, "So, who do you think Phil likes?"  We all decided it was the girl who brought him to the study.  In my head I knew it was me, but seriously, who sits there and says "you are wrong...he's all about me!"  Um...can we say conceded?  Plus.....some hurtful things were said about me during those youth group days which killed my self-confidence even as an adult.   (and yes....I still battle things even today)  So....I went along with the prediction that was made and tried very hard not to think of things.

By the end of the night, we were all saying good bye and it came time for me to say good bye to Phil.  He reached down and gave me a hug and I knew by the way he held me and by the way he looked at me that he wanted more than a friendship. 

I had to take a few friends home that night and after they got out of the car and I was driving home, I remember screaming at the top of my lungs at God.  (yes...crazy person I know....Thankfully it was 1am and there weren't too many people on the road to witness it)  I told God that I didn't even want Phil to think about asking me out on a date until he had given his life to the Lord.  I remember screaming "I won't go down that road again.  I won't get hurt like that again.  I'm happy just the way that I am.  Please don't let him ask me out until he has given his life to you!"  I remember crying because I didn't want my life to fall apart again.

The following day....he asked me out.

Our Love Story....part one

As my anniversary draws closer, I wanted to take some time and relfect on our story.  So many times we are asked how we met and we give a very simple answer, but neglect to give God the true glory of it all.  So...here is the start of it all.

I had given up.  I was tired of meeting the "bad" boys at college.  You know....the ones who just get you into trouble....who do not have the same beliefs as you.....who pretty much just drive you down.  So..I decided, enough was enough.  I wasn't going to date anyone unless we were equally yoked.  I had talked to my parents and asked if they would start praying for me to meet my future husband.  At the same time, I started praying.  Little did  I know, that we were all praying that my future husband would walk in the door to my house.

A few months went by and I had started a dance class with a friend.  It happened to be on the same night that my parents hosted a young adults bible study.  All of the friends I grew up with attended the bible study, so I would make sure I came home in time to see all of them.  Although I missed the study, I really enjoyed catching up with them afterwards.

One night, one of those dear friends decided to bring a guest.  So, when I walked in the door and turned the corner, there he was.  I knew instantly that it was him.  Here I was standing in front of Phil, my future husband, in my sweat pants with my hair tied back in a sweaty pony tail and my eyes black from the smudged mascara I had put on at 6am.  Wow....what an impression right?  He stared at me for a few moments and then said, "I know you from somewhere."

Years back...when I was about 16 or so, a bunch of friends and I got into rock climbing big time.  We were at the rock gym several times a week and Phil happened to run the gym at the time.  I remembered him from the gym so in response I said "Vertical Extreme."  He said "no...somewhere else" to which my friend chimed in and said "she went to Downingtown High School."  And that was it.  He remembered seeing me walking through the halls at school 4-5 years earlier.

He shook my hand saying "nice to meet you" thinking to himself...this is her.

to be continued......

Some watch football....others go fishing.

To some families, the start of fall means one thing........the start of football season.  The parties begin and through the cracked windows in many homes you can hear the E.A.G.L.E.S. EAGLES!!!! chant as you drive through the neighborhood.  But, does the start of fall mean football for my family?  NOPE!  Instead, fall strikes the start of fishing season.  Or should I say, the start of insanity?

My husband is a fisherman.  At times, I may even say that he is a bit obsessed.  He eats, sleeps and breathes fishing. At least one of our conversations per day, deals with fishing.  Yes....it's rather annoying to me, buuuttttt....it makes him happy.

So, this weekend, to prepare for the BEST Stripped Bass fishing season yet, my husband and I traveled to our much loved Brigintine, NJ to rent a house.  Yes, that's right...we have rented a house just so he can go fishing.  For the next month, I will rarely see my husband during weekends and will be tending to our adorable 20 month old daughter alone....but hey...again, it makes him happy right?

Oh...and I would just like to say that I'm an awesome wife because I went on this house hunt being very sick and with no voice what-so-ever! I would have rather been in bed.....but I knew how important this was to him.  I think he gets a sense of pride being able to bring home food for the freezer. :)

In addition, he has entered the Stripper Derby.  So...basically, everytime he gets a fish he has to take it to the bait shop and weigh it in.  After the Derby ends, they total up all of your fish and you get a total weight for the season.  If you have the highest number, you win like $2,000. 

So....here's to renting a house for a month in hopes that hubby will have a good season!

Thankful for the little things.....

This week has been kind of crazy...and it's only Wednesday.  A few weeks back, my parents loaned out their brand new (well..used but new to them) Honda Pilot.  My parents take EXTREMELY good car of the vehicles, however doesn't it figure that the person opened the rear, driver side door into a tree.  Yes, I said TREE!  So...off to the body shop then went to find out that it would cost $800 to fix it and on top of that, my mom would be out of a car for a week.  Now..if I were out of a car for a week...it would give me an excuse to clean things up around the house, but since my parents live  in an absolutely spotless house...my mother would loose her mind.  In addition, she watches my daughter and my niece while my sister and I work full time so being stuck in the house with two rammy toddlers would be a nightmare.  So...my hubby and I decided to loan my mom my car for the week.  I'm currently driving my husbands truck while he drives his motorcycle.  Unfortunatley, he is unable to help pick up our daughter after work (since she obviously can't go on the back of a motorcycle) so I've been left to do the running around.  Granted, I don't mind, but when I'm running late from work and I have to pick her up and then rush home to get dinner done by a decent time...it's stressful to say the least, especially after a long day at the office.

All of that being said...I have to say that my husband has been AMAZING this week!  On Monday I came home to find him cooking in the kitchen.  I tried to help but he said.."no, you just go relax and spend some time with Bella."  Whoa!!  That almost never happens.  I'm usually the one in the kitchen cooking dinner while he sits and unwinds from his day.  Then yesterday, I got caught at work for an extra 45 minutes and I came home to dinner just about on the table, the trash had been collected through the entire house and was already out to the curb, some old branches that came down during a storm were out at the curb as well.  Then he says to me "Why don't you get out of your work clothes and get comfortable."  Who is this wonderful man?  I mean....I know that my husband had this side to him, but sometimes we just get so carried away with the things around us that we forget to do nice things for each other.

So...since I was feeling so relaxed and stress-free, my husband and I quickly bathed our daughter together  and took a family outing to his soccer game.  You see, Phil loves when I bring her to the games, but most of the time, there is just too much stuff to do so I don't go.  But...since he was being so helpful, I was able to go to his game and watch him play. 

The point in this long story is to say that I am so thankful for a wonderful husband who, without asking, makes dinner for his family and gets the chores done quickly so we can have time together as a family.  I'm thankful for a husband who takes the time to put his family first and let us know how important we are to him.  I'm thankful for feeling loved and taken care of. 

I'm so thankful for the little things that make life so much better.

And so the sewing begins.......

A few months back, well about 4 to be exact, I decided to start sewing.  My mother has sewed for as long as I can remember, so growing up, I would make a little something here and a little something there.  I always admired her gift, but never thought I would take on the art itself.  Well, now that I have a child of my own, I'm realizing how much cheaper it is to make these things yourself then buy them in the store.  In addition, my wonderful sister is due to have her second child (a boy) in January, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to start sewing simple little things.

So....off to Joanne's I went.  I bought my very first sewing machine with the help of my mommy of course.

My first project was this little stuffed animal holder that attaches to a crib.  I didn't really like it, but considering it was the first project I did on my own...I didn't think I did such a bad job.

Then....I started sewing a new diaper bag for my sister (pictures will come when it's finished.)  It seems I like to work on several projects at once...so part way through the diaper bag project, I decided to make something for my daughter Isabella. About 15 years ago, my dad had bought me a little bunny that sat in a wicker chair.  It was just something special that he had hand made for me.  He even took the time to make sure the fabric used for the bunny's dress matched my bedroom.  Well...now that the bunny has been passed down to my daughter, it needed a new dress. 

So....I sewed this..

Front

Back

I have to say...I was pretty proud of myself with this one.  I didn't have a pattern and it was the first time I had to sew buttons.  Granted...is it the best sewing job in the world....no.  But...does my daughter love it and carry it around the house.  You bet!

So....here's to the start of a very relaxing hobby for me.