12 Year Anniversay

Today celebrates our 12th Year Anniversary!

A perfect day to celebrate as it's also Thanksgiving Day!

The blessings in our lives have far outweighed any challenges we have faced and we have grown only closer and more in love throughout the years. When we were recently married, it was almost impossible to think that we could possibly grow to love each other more- we were so in love as it was! Yet looking back on 12 years ago we have grown much closer with a depth of love which seems only to increase!

God truly has a Plan for our lives and we are grateful to be able to spend it together as an eternal family.

Still crazy in love- we certainly are!!

Wow- look at that young couple!

One thing we have done (or tried to do consistently) to keep our relationship strong is to 'date' each other once a week. Of course, life can throw curve balls but we have continued to strive towards those weekly dates. What better fun can one have than with your best friend!

Kinda Akward & Music

We find ourselves running into this situation often when one asks, "How many children do you have?" to which we reply, "Two girls." Invariably the follow-up question is, "How old are they?"
Which then leads to the explanation, "They are identical twins born in February, 3 months early. Ayla & Zoey. One lives with us and one lives in heaven." We say this always, with a smile. At that point, people will normally change the subject or fall into an awkward silence.

While this isn't awkward for us, it is for others. Most people have apologized and I inquire why- why apologize? In more casual situations we gloss over the details as to spare any "weird" feelings. Because in truth- most people don't care, they are merely trying to make small talk. This doesn't bother us, we like to talk about our girls- what normal parent doesn't like to talk about their children? Sheesh, I could talk for hours and hours....and Ayla's only 9 months old! :-)

When I was pregnant with the girls, I'd play music with a beat and sing along. To this day, Ayla calms when we turn on music or sing. We believe there is music in heaven- beautiful music. Oftentimes late at night, we can hear the faint strains of music and believe it is Zoey playing angel music for Ayla. Ayla loves music, especially when we sing or hum to her. She will stop and stare at our mouths and grow quiet. It's fun to watch her staring so intently and watching your face. It would be cool to know what she's thinking!

Random Acts

Back in March one of my sisters had a great idea; dedicate the 8th day of every month to performing a "Random Act of Kindness" in honor of baby Zoey who passed away March 8th. We love it!

Here is how Wikipedia defines a random act of kindness….

“A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases even an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.”

Ryan and I have since carried on the tradition and like to stay anonymous- it's the best! Sometimes we leave little notes for the recipient (signed by Angel Zoey)....

We would be honored if you would like to participate in this kindness act every month. It doesn't have to be something huge or grand- but small and thoughtful. Here are some ideas;

• Make the bed for a family member or do a chore
  
  
• Write and send an anonymous card



• Deliver a goodie basket made with love



• Cheer the dispirited



• Lend a helping hand to a mother



• Do a secret act of service



• Let the person in a hurry behind, go before you



• Donate to a charitable cause



• Volunteer randomly



• Give up your lunch to the needy



• Sincerely compliment a stranger
  

“A random act of kindness is a manifestation of abundance thinking.”