My Boys

Celebrate!

For Amanda's birthday today we went to Minnesota's only Chick Fil-a. It's at the University of Minnesota. It was a great time.

Amanda

Amanda at age 21 (the picture on my desk since then)

I met Amanda at Taylor more than 15 years ago.  We became friends my senior year.  As I watched her and got to know her more, I knew that she was the type of woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.  I was attracted to her desire to be more like Christ, her mind, her soft strength, and her beauty.  I figured, what have I got to lose.  She'll probably say no, but why not.  At the Grist Mill in Marion, Indiana (now burned down), I asked her if she would date me in order to find out if we might be able to be married.  I can still remember the smell of urine in the bathroom as I prayed for God to stop me if I wasn't supposed to go through with it.

I asked her to marry me six months later on the rocks of Mackinac Island.  She knew I was going to.  She could see the ring box in my pocket.  We were married in my mom's backyard overlooking Lake Huron.

We have walked for almost twelve years together as husband and wife.  Amanda is my best friend and has become such a partner to me that I can truly understand why God said to Adam, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”(Genesis 2:18 ESV)  As we have added children, I have seen in Amanda God's equipping grace and have come to admire her, trust her and depend on her more and more.  As she draws closer to God, God uses her to push me closer to him.  I have never been a part of something that is more sanctifying than my relationship to her.

Today is her birthday.  On the 24th we will celebrate our 12th anniversary.  I praise God for my wife.  I praise God for how he has give me just exactly what he knew I needed in her.  I look forward to as many days, months and years that God wills for us to be together.  I love you, Amanda.  Happy Birthday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda may not like this.  Some of you know how she is averse to having all the attention on her.  In writing this and going through these photos, I am reminded again who you are and why I love you so much.  Take a deep breath.  "Didn't we have the fun?!"  Can't wait to see what God has for us next.

Speaking of vans . . .

As we await the imminent expansion of our family, we are looking for a new vehicle.  We need seating for 9.  This limits the options VERY quickly.  Our four options are the following.

Nissan NV Passenger Van

Pros: The coolest van in the category.  Nice fit and finish on the interior.
Cons: Only available new.  High price tag.

Dodge Sprinter

Pros: Best gas mileage of the bunch.  Fit and finish.
Cons: Very hard to find a used one.  The one pictured is in Texas. Mercedes makes the newer ones, but their way to pricey.

 Chevy Express

Pros: Not many that I can think of.
Cons:  We drove one of these last weekend.  They are really only available in a 15 passenger.  They'll pull the back seat out and call it a 12 passenger, but then you have a huge cavernous space in the back.  It felt like driving a bus.

Ford E-Series

Pros: Readily available.  Lots of colors.  We drove one last weekend too and it drives pretty nice, for a truck.  The price is right.
Cons:  Drives pretty nice, for a truck.

LET'S HEAR FROM YOU!  What do you think?  Please vote and give us your opinion in the comments.

Buy our van

Are you a growing family?  Do you drive a little car and need to upgrade?  Then have we got a deal for you.  You can check out the ad on craigslist here.  If you know anyone who's interested, please pass it along.

Molly and the boys

Our friend Abigail sent us these pics today.  They all made me smile.

Molly likes to have her picture taken.

Give these two a couple of sticks and they're happier than pigs in slop.

Matthew the Fisherman

I love this picture of Matthew.  He caught this bass when we were down in Indiana visiting Tricia and Alex and their family.  Matt was very proud.  He had to man-up and grab the bass by the lip for the picture.  He did a great job.