Celebrating Love

We traditionally make a Valentine's dinner for our sweet mom and dad.  This year, with Erin in a culinary program, we were able to go a little more "gourmet" with our dinner.  On the menu?  Spinach with Baked Feta and Pecans, Parmesan Chicken, Green Beans, Cranberry Rice, Garlic and Rosemary Bread, and... for dessert, Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate and Strawberries.

Can anyone say delicious?

My precious sister, Erin and, just so you know, I still do a double take when I see myself in glasses. 

Our sprinkle helper

These two make any event fun.

The chef at work.

She showed up to serve. 

The love birds.

My little brother who is almost taller than I am now.

Making it beautiful.

And we finally got Emily in front of the camera!!!

They Danced Alone

A friend took this picture at a wedding we recently attended.  A couple celebrating 24 years of marriage helped a couple celebrate day one of their journey.

My mom and dad saw this picture and commented how old they are now.  That might be what they saw, but it wasn't what I saw.  In my mind, Mom looks even more beautiful now than she did when they got married.  And my dad looks even more handsome.

Because when I look at their early pictures, they weren't "mom and dad".  They were college kids who were "living on love".  They are still living on love, 24 years later, but they have faced life hand in hand, and they are more in love now than they were then,

Mom and dad, you see the wrinkles, but I see the eyes that have smiled at me for 20 years.  You see the grey hair, I see the love that has persevered with raising all eight of us.  You see what the world sees, but I see what God gave me.

If you were still 22, you wouldn't be my mom and dad.

 

Dear Summer

Dear Summer,

Families of squashes. 

Bare feet. 

Volleyballs.

Sweaty games of soccer.

Heat waves.

Swimming Pools.

Bowls of Ice Cream.

We miss all of these.  

Please come back soon!

Snowy Days

It's been rather cold lately!!!  And Michael's had to bundle up to go outside!!!

Michael, you are a great little brother!

My Love Letter

To the true loves in my life…

Rachel, for when you beat me terribly at soccer, for when you spin in circles and giggle, and for the long heart to heart walks down our road… I love you.

Erin, for the entertaining violin and cello duets, for the times you have chased chickens in the rain with me, and for the times you have cheered me with your unending good humor… I love you.

Emily, for the times you have tricked me to make me laugh or held me while I cried, for turning our bedroom into an art gallery of hedgehogs and penguins, and for just being there for me… I love you.

Ryan, for being the brother I prayed for, for encouraging me to run farther and try harder, and for demonstrating how to correctly throw a football… I love you.

Jamie, for helping me care more as you change from kid to young lady, for being my dance partner for the foxtrot, and for being a big sister to your younger siblings… I love you.

Sarah, for your adorable giggle when I tickle you, for running barefoot in the yard chasing chickens, and for your good attitude about life… I love you.

Michael, for your undying humor that makes me laugh, for your ability to try anything and land on your feet, and your uncanny knack for knowing when I need a hug… I love you.

Mommy, for being my confidant, best friend, and mom rolled into one, for showing me that motherhood is hard, but definitely worth it, and for showing me how to be more in love 24 years later, than the day you got married… I love you.

Daddy, for always being there when I have a question, for showing us how Christ loved His bride, and for setting the standard and raising the bar for what he will have to be to win my heart… I love you.

I love you all dearly.

Happy Valentines Day,

Jessica

I Was Born in the Wrong Century

I was born in the wrong century.  I had always suspected it, but never been quite sure.  Now I have proof.

I was doing some research for a book and was reading about the "Millennial" generation.  Technically this is my generation, but I find myself out of place!

Questions on tattoos, religious views, whether or not my parents were married, amount of texting, and my political views determined that I have a grand millennial score of 12.

Which makes me a Baby Boomer.