A Dream!!!

I would be honored to win this contest!


I have thought long and hard over this and here is what my heart says. I am not the best writer, but here it goes, bad grammar and all...

My men. I love, serve, and God willing inspire them daily. This task is everyday, every hour, every minute.

There are days when this job God has given me seems too much, my patience runs thin or the things on the to do list don't get crossed off...but everyday I love them regardless. Mommies don't get sick days, we just keep going, because we have to, we want to. Everyday I encourage them, I put myself aside willingly for them. This chapter in my life, raising men after God's own heart and loving a man who is "Wild At Heart", is crazy, but I feel this is the most important chapter in my life's' book, for these men are a part of my legacy, HIS legacy I am committed to them, all the days of my life for they are nothing short of a miracle.
I love. With all that is in me, unconditionally, without needing a thank you, without hesitation, restrain,boundaries,or conditions...

Now this unconditional love I give is more easily given to my kids, rather than my husband. Sad, I know. I work on it daily, reminding Paul what a great father he is, how Gods provision is so perfect, how I would not be who I am without him. I know sounds so cliche' but it is down right the truth. It is hard to put someones thoughts and feelings before your own...seems so unnatural to me,I am not perfect at it, but I will continue to get better. I will Continue to read Gods word, and pray it keeps changing me.

I hope with my whole heart that I inspire them. My dream would be to inspire my boys to run hard after the Lord with all that is in them, it is so worth the reward. I hope I inspire them to take risks, to be brave and stand up for what they believe in. I pray they know failure is not the end result, and that we learn many things about grace and forgiveness through it. I hope I inspire them to love, to be blinded by color and simply see humanity and not skin.. I pray everyday that I as their mother will inspire them to find women who Love the Lord, and who will love them for them.

Now for your workshop and what it would mean to me to be able to attend. Where do I start? Although you are worth every penny and more, I would otherwise have to save up for who knows how long to attend one of your workshops. My husband has been out of a job since Sept 09 and we use my photography money to make ends meet. Thankfully the Lord has ALWAYS provided and we are abundantly blessed for that. Plus we have each other so we would be rich regardless. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to be mentored by someone who has inspired my own creativity. Not to mention the other amazing people I could learn from who will also attend. I would be able to take a couple days and focus on the third love of my life...capturing people and creating moments. A huge BONUS is I would have a couple days away from snot, diapers, lollipops and other wonderful kid things that I am sure going to miss when they are grown and gone.

Life with BOYS!!

I just love this...my oldest son, playing in the kitchen, britches on backwards and inside out....

Ele Fun net on the head....and punching bag as a sword......

It never ceases to amaze me at what boys find fun, I love that Bowen was entertained for hours with this particular combination of items!!

Seriously this face cracks me up, where does he get his faces from?

He is just cute, what can I say. This is a special glimpse into a day in the life of a boy, an Estes boy at that! We do have fun, never a dull moment. So neat to see my baby getting so big, and what an imagination, I love how descriptive he is and how animated, and I love that he has conversations as if he is playing 2 different people...I just love it.

I always thought I would have little girls, well that was what my mother hexed me with!!! But I am so thankful for my boys, so rough and tumble yet just little lovers too, such sweet kisses and snuggles! I know a girl would add a new dynamic to this testosterone filled crowed, just in case it never happens, and the only pink I can ever buy is my own nail polish...well I will still be the luckiest girl alive, enjoying the blessings I already have!!!!

Happy Easter!!

So here we are, the day after Easter, I ate absolutely WAY too much candy, the kids had a ball and we spent the whole day as a family. On the down side, I have had a sore throat since Saturday and it is not feeling any better, but, I pushed through and managed to get some pictures of the boys as the went hunting for their eggs.

This was the first Easter where both boys were able to participate, it was fun. Every time Bowen found another egg, he would get so excited!! My kids are candy holics...they do come by it honestly, but I believe they were excited, not about the eggs themselves or the achievement of finding them, but for the shear fact that that meant they were going to eat more candy...

The boys did so well, they shared and dove in together to sugar heaven, and had a blast!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter, candy, eggs, chocolate are all fun but we are so thankful our God conquered the grave. IT IS FINISHED. What great words! More pictures from the egg dying coming soon....that was fun....

The Laser Show

So this weekend we had one good day to explore the outdoors, and well we decided to go and visit my family out in Stone Mountain. It was Keith's Birthday, so we celebrated with cake and good food, then we decided to head over to Stone Mountain Park. It was a blast. I will be honest, every other time I have been to the laser show I have not been impressed, but this time it was different!! I thought it was great! There were tons more lights and different music, I just really enjoyed it.

We took Bowen and left Judd with my mom, so it was nice to spend some time with him without the Lil guy there. We missed Judd, but it was nice to see Bowen and Mason play swords with one another, and of course I had to have the traditional funnel cake, one of my many food weaknesses. It was nice outside, not too cold in the evening, but just cool enough for a blanket and some snuggles!

Bowen loved the fireworks, it was so neat to see him laugh and giggle as they all went off. We had a great time , it will be nice when Judd can stay up a bit later and we can all go as a family. I enjoyed my weekend, and my night out with my 2 very special boys!

A big thanks to my momma who kept Judd Budd for me without hesitation so we could party at the park till about 10pm...

No pics, again I have been so super busy that the last thing I want to do is take pics while I am out....bummer I know, but I just feel that way right now! The weather hopefully will turn around again and Spring can finally arrive, and as soon as it does I will snag some updated pictures of the boys!!!

I am LIVE!!!!!!!!!!

So I am so thrilled to announce the unveiling of my new website!!! I have been working on this for months, and it has tested me a bit , but I am so very pleased with the result!! You can check it out here www.sugarsnapatl.com. Lots of great things are happening for Sugar Snap Photography, we are getting ready to expand, my very dear friend and business partner Tandy will be spearheading a new Sugar Snap in Orlando Florida! I am so excited for this expansion, we are looking forward to what God has in store for us the remainder of this year. Speaking of the remainder of this year, can you believe we are already almost in April??? Scheesh, the time is really flying!!

Just an update on all of us here, Paul is still working 2 jobs, he is really starting to see some results from his second job Mona Vie, I am so proud of him for reaching for his dreams and persevering, what a great example for our boys, to keep pressing on for what you believe in. He continually amazes me with his new look on life and leadership and I am so thankful he was God's provision.

My boys....oh, my boys....where to begin? I am on most days a referee, I try to keep the peace. They are such wonderful and loving kids, who keep me on my toes, and I would not have it any other way! They continue to bring such love and laughter to our home, we are truly blessed.

I am excited to help welcome a new baby to the Estes clan....(no not me) my sis in law April is expecting her 3rd, better her than me. I am so excited for them and am keeping my fingers crossed we will have a little pink added to the mix, that would be nice, we will see soon!!

I again am in a women's bible study on Thursday mornings, it is amazing ad I have meet some great women who I have come to admire, respect and adore. So if you are in the area and do not have plans on Thursday's come on, we would love to have as many great ladies as we can join us!

So I guess that is a little snippet as to what has been going on here, so busy, and there is so much more to report, but I am in a hurry and will have to make it another post.

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week, I will try not to make the disappearances in between posts quite as long!!!

An Ode To Paul!

Valentines Day...what a silly holiday, I believe love should be celebrated all year long, not just one day. It is funny to watch all the men last minute running into the store to purchase the obligatory card, cheap box o chocolates and flowers. As I look back on this day (with no frills at all) it was pleasant. Just as I would have hoped for. My honey let me sleep in, and took the kids out for several hours so I could sleep. I woke up from my slumber and got tons of things finished around the house. I bagged 3 huge trash bags full of toys the boys will never miss, I started the move from winter clothes to summer clothes, and bagged the small ones to sell in the consignment sale next month, I cleaned the house and edited some pictures. It was great! Paul brought me home my favorite salad from Zaxby's and then we ordered pizza for dinner. You gotta love it when you don't have to cook....nice!

But I say all this to just get around to bragging on my hubby...I am not going to pretend online that we have the most perfect relationship, we argue and fuss and stomp around mad at one another from time to time(more me than him) but we are perfect for each other. I never dreamed the first time I met Paul that we would get married. Never did I dream this good old boy would steal my heart, but he did! I know he was surely not thinking I was his bride to be either... funny how God works things out!

I do know that he made me laugh(and still does) All the time!!! His lighthearted and carefree spirit were just what this city girl needed. He was a breath of fresh air with talent like none I had ever seen before, man can he sing!!! Paul has shown me so many things, how to forgive, how to love and how to fight for what is right, good and true. He has taught me some profound lessons only he could have guided me through. He is a big kid and so full of life, there is never a dull moment! He works so I can be home with our boys, and he works hard, even when he gets home, to play with the boys, give me a break and even occasionally do the dishes:)!

At the end of the day there is no blue Tiffany's box, there are no flowers and no cheap candy (or expensive candy at that) There is just love, love for each other. Everyday not just Feb 14, everyday! I have a genuine adoration for this man, only he can make me laugh when I am sad, only he can know something is wrong even when I do my best to hide it, only he understands this girl who is full of emotion....And in the quiet moments when I just know he thinks I am crazy, he chooses to love me for me. That is all I can ask for....he loves me, and I love him faults and all. And just when I think that silly feeling I used to get in the pit of my stomach is gone, he does something that gets me giddy all over again!

Love is a choice, not a feeling, I am getting better at claiming this. I may not "feel" in love everyday, Paul my hurt my feelings and be a jerk...but it is not about my feelings, it is about the choice I made to love him forever, serve him forever...my feelings may change, but my choice and covenant stands strong. Paul is God's perfect provision in my life...and I am one lucky girl. Happy Valentine's Day my lover...I will love you FOREVER!!!

My 2 Fellas!

So we have really enjoyed the past few weeks, we have had some wonderful weather! My Lil' Brother turned 13....crazy! We had a blast at Malibu Grand Prix! Photos coming soon! Other than that we have just been doing the same ole same ole! Not much happening, except, kids growing, learning, walking, talking...the usual! This picture is of my 2 big fellas! They are silly and I love it!! This was at the dinner table, after dinner, we played around, this is one of my favorite sets of Bowen and Paul!!

So that is my grand update...I guess no news is good news!! I am ready for the warmer weather...that's about it!

Finally !! We are free!!!!

No pictures, boy did I wish I brought my camera. But, I did not so here is just a rundown. The kids were feeling better this morning and we decided to head out and just do something fun to burn some energy. So we headed out to eat dinner at Stevie B's and then we went to Jump 4 Joey's. It was a blast. There was no one else in there except us 4 and we had the run of the place. Paul was home today from work and we just enjoyed him and each other.

The boys were so cute, Judd is usually a bit more timid around a bunch of kids, but he was climbing and sliding down with his big brother and his daddy. It was so cute!

So it was a nice day! I love having Paul home, even though he gets on my nerves for the first few hours of the day. ( Come on ladies...you all know what I mean.) Paul is usually not home all day everyday so when he is home he messes up the routine, cause he thinks he knows a better way!! It is fine, just bugs me for a sec then I am over it and am able to enjoy him and not wanna kill him. Just being honest!

I am looking forward to tomorrow, shoot, bible study...who knows what else I may venture off to do now that I have broken free....

The cabin fever blues!!!

Alright, the past week or so has been a bit strange. Bowen was fine, then feverish, then fine, then coughing up a lung, then feverish, then fine.....needless to say we have been cooped up in the house!!!! I am defiantly an on the go kind of gal, and I start to go a bit stir crazy after looking at the same walls for days and days... not to mention we have no TV and the DVD player broke last week. I'll tell you what, it is harder then you may think to entertain 2 kids with no cartoons or anything like that ALL day long, with no outside play!!! But, I have had fun, there are always more snuggles for me when the boys don't feel well. This would be the one and ONLY perk of a under the weather baby!! (not that I want the perk...you get what I am sayin')

So, if there was a face that could express how we all have felt being held captive in our own home...this would be it!!

Judd on the other hand would be happy no matter where you took him, he is so easy going and happy, especially when I give him a sucker!!!

Aghh, my kids and their faces , I just could squeeze them till they pop!!

My Bowen, so full of life, he has really shown some wonderful leadership qualities since his little brother came along. He is quite the helper and even when he does not feel well he is always up for a task that helps out mommie!! I am so proud of him, he is a wonderful big brother. Again, my kids are the greatest! I know I am partial...what mom isn't! :)

I was able to get out a bit and do a shoot, which is always a great source of relief for me. You should check out the new maternity pics I took. My friend Kristina is due any day and she looks amazing!! www.photosbysugarsnap.com

This is supposed to be a busy one, we will see if I am able to keep appointments and dinner dates. I am hoping so. I am looking forward to seeing some friends I have not been able to catch up with in a while!!

I am waiting on my babies to get better so I can at least get out and snap one or two VDay shots!! Also my little brother's birthday is this weekend....13....I seriously feel old...

No pictures, again...sorry!

Alright it has been a crazy couple of days, my CD burner has broken, my external hard drive is having issues, so therefore I can only use it on Paul's laptop, which stinks, so in all this rambling there are still no pictures. But today I was able to make it to the store and get a new external hard drive and a new CD burner, back in business. Once I get all this up and running again I will put some pics up of the boys and Christmas and such!!

So today my Mom-in-love has both my kids...I am a bit lost! I am just used to them being with me, but this has been nice. I am able to clean and get things finished around the house in what feels like warp speed. Everything gets finished faster when the kids are gone!!!

So just a few ramblings, here to post! Nothing too major. I had my first Client meeting without my partner Tandy...boooo, she is leaving me to start a new church with the man of her dreams, I am so proud, but she will be sorely missed. This means that the responsibilities of Sugar Snap Photography/ Atlanta are all mine!!! Scary but exciting too! It was a great meeting, we will see what happens. I have my 2nd meeting tonight! So I think I should be a bit more relaxed , but we shall see!!

Last night I was laying in bed with Bowen and we were saying his prayers. Now, he typically goes off on a tangent, thanking God for, well, whatever he sees as he is laying in bed....the toys, the fan, the deer...He will continue on to thank God for mommie, daddy, brother, kiki, maggots...you know our family! I will pull him back on track and say okay now thank God for dying on the cross, he repeats "thank you God for dinosaurs and the cross>" Sweet, just makes me smile!

I will leave you with that little blurb into my life, now back to cleaning!! Promise I will post pics tomorrow!

Reflecting!

I keep being reminded of how awesome God is! I spent some time talking with a friend I had not "talked to" in a while! So amazing to see where God takes us and sees us through! I was encouraged by her sweet spirit, and just reminded me of how blessed I am to be where I am! To look back on my life and know that the God of the Universe has seen me through the good and the bad! Hearing where she has been and what God has healed her from was beautiful! Inspirational at that!

Then yesterday I get an amazing phone call from some friends of mine...16 years....16 years they tried to have a baby and now are calling to spread the news that God is faithful!!! I, with many tears was rejoicing with them. Do you know that never....not once have I herd this precious couple complain about the circumstance that they were given....People all around them are having babies, and nothing but joy and excitement came from them! What A testament! To have prayed for them, and even when I lost hope they remained confident.

I have friends, family that have lost children....a loss I find UN imaginable, and the pain and agony, I pray hard that I never have to experience this first hand. But these people are renewed their spirit is renewed and they have hope, and their heart's mended.

These, and many other moments of God pouring his grace on not just myself, but the ones I love around me, are why I am thankful. My heart is full and HE is enough! There have been broken relationships in my life but I believe God is faithful and He will renew...in His perfect time he will renew.

My daily challenge is that I will be satisfied, that I will be content, and that those around me will know that there is a God out there who can relate, who repairs, who heals, who mends. This is for His glory! I am for His glory. I pray my boys will be strong men of God that they run and chase hard after Him. When they experience deep hurt, I pray they turn to Him, when they experience deep joy, I pray they see Him there!!

Makes me think of this.....

We are here for HIS glory!

I am back!!

Finally, I am home from what was a wonderful little getaway! Although I missed my hubby terribly, it was nice to just hang out and relax, spend time with my dad and my aunts and my grand mom, my cousin...you get the drift!

Today was my first official photo shoot of the new year and I was super excited! This whole thing has gotten in my blood, now I really crave to be creative and take pictures! So it was nice to get back to it! The family I shot today was so nice and sweet! I am forever grateful that I gain new friends from this line of work!

Christmas and New Years were awesome! I am so looking forward to this year personally and professionally! Paul and I have both purchased gym memberships...scary I know but we have decided to take hold of our health and make 2009 our year! So 4 days a week my hubs and I will have a date on the treadmill!! I think it will be real fun!

Now professionally, there are some awesome thing happening with my business Sugar Snap Photography! I cannot divulge all that is happening now, but I am THRILLED with what we have coming down the pipes! So I will keep everyone updated as I release new things in that area!

A few tings I am going to work hard to do, keep up with my personal blog, I will strive to do one post a day! I just don't feel lead to write everyday, but I will try...another will be to take a picture a day, not a self portrait but an image that represents what we did each day.....who knows. I am a sanguine so this may not last past this week, but my intentions were good!! HaHa!

Waiting on the SNOW!!!

Well, here we are up in Delaware, and it is pretty freezing! I miss Paul terribly, but I am enjoying my sweet family up here. My grand mom is still alive at 87 years old and in better shape than some 50 year oldI know. It has been so nice to spend some time with her and my other aunts and uncles!

I love visiting up here, my Dad and Mary's place is just beautiful on a great lot of land with horses, a pool and a jacuzzi...It is a nice little retreat! Well, it would be if I was not the only one chasing the 2 babies around all day! Thank God they hit the hay by 8 or 8:30...mommie is worn slap out! I think I will need a vacation from my vacation!

Tomorrow we are heading off to Expos, where the kids can run off some steam, it has just been too cold to take them outside, so we have just a bit of cabin fever. I am hoping it will snow, they are calling for some on Sunday! I miss the snow, it is so beautiful and I can't wait to make a snowman.

I have taken a break from the whole business, but it was pretty cool, I had my fist client meeting in New Jersey for a wedding in March 2010... who knows what will happen but it was still cool that she wanted to meet me and get some information! I love what I do and think it would be fun to travel and see new places....not New Jersey....but somewhere else. I am ready to get back in the swing of things, it is hard for me to wind down or relax, I like to keep busy. It is hard to keep busy when all your friends are not here to help entertain you! Hah!

The boys are being so good, I am so proud of them. Sometimes they can be a bit crazy when we are home, but they have been angels here and I am loving it! Still a workout to keep them out of trouble in a non baby proofed home, but angels none the less.

I wish it was not so cold, everywhere I turn is another amazing place to take pictures, I love it it is different and would be something people in Georgia would not be able to find...I strive to be different, sometimes that is hard, so shots up here would be neat!

Well, I am just rambling, no editing....kids in bed, no hubby to make me listen to cd's(just kidding baby), just me, myself and I.

I miss Paul and wish he was here with me, we are all a little lost without each other!!I am heading to bed, have a great night!

Resolutions...

First of all, I am not a huge fan of resolutions...I think maybe because I am not really good at keeping them, and if I get off track then I tend to give up....Not my best character trait here...

This year has been a bit different, I have really had an amazing year and looking back I am more and more aware of God's hand in my life!

So after much hesitation, I am fully confident in my resolution being to take some time to sit back and recognize all that God is doing around me. May sound silly to some, but in the past year I have been more and more in tune with His Holy Spirit and I am so thankful for it! Not that I have arrived....there are moments of a "flesh lapse" but they tend not to last as long! Praise the Lord.

My prayer has always and will continue to be for God to change the offensive ways in me, but I will now add that my spirit will be open....simply open to hear what my heavenly Father has to tell me or better yet, teach me.

I am really looking forward to this year, I can't really say why, except that I really do feel new, rejuvenated and ready for anything. I am ready, ready to take on this wonderful gift I have been given. I am ready to get my priorities straight and I am super pumped about it!

I have been blessed with an amazing family, my hubby and my babies hung the moon and I am just smitten with the three of them. I am blessed and more aware than ever how fast and easy time or people can be taken from us, so I will enjoy this time as it passes ever so quickly, by continuing to etch these moments on the tablet of my heart! For these are the most important people in my life!

So...I Lied!!

Alright, alright...I was fully intending on taking a break from the blogging world, but I had to post some recent pics of the boys.

This holiday has been super busy with Sugar Snap, and I have been consumed with tons of wonderful families pictures. The only problem was I had NO time whatsoever to take or edit pictures of my own family! So today, while I still had Paul to help me toat them around, I took them out and snagged some shots!!

They are growing so fast, and Judd is really starting to get around now, he is so funny toddling around. Bowen has really been the best big brother ever. I am so impressed with how he handles his little brother, he is so special!

Now, I have been on the hunt for some vintage suitcases the past several weeks...and finally I came across some that I really loved! I am always on the hunt for new props for my business and I really loved the way these turned out.

Now processing these was different, I always feel like I should try new things to see if I can learn something new, so some are processed a bit different, but I love them all.

We head out the beginning of the new year to visit my family up north, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have a change of scenery! I will hopefully be taking some pictures of my cousins kids ...hint hint!!

Anyways, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year. I will come back rejuvenated and ready to be a part of the blog world once again!!!

A much needed BREAK!!

So I have been slacking on the blogging...But for good reason. I have been SUPER SWAMPED with taking and editing pictures, this has me spending lots of time on the computer, SO for the sake of my marriage (ha, ha) I have decided I will be taking a break from the blogging until the new year!!

I have tons of great pics from the boys, and will be working on them through the rest of this year, and should have lots to update on in the coming weeks!!

I hope everyone has enjoyed the holiday season thus far! And I am wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! I hope you all take the time to rest and enjoy the ones you love the most!! I know I will!!

One of Many!

So last night a friend of mine took me out to dinner for my birthday....yes my birthday was last month but we are just now finding time to get together and do this! I am so thankful for Cynthia, she has been a friend of mine for many years now, and even though we have had times where we were closer than others we always kept in touch and each time we spoke it was like we never had a lapse in conversations.

Cynthia was there through the dating times of Paul and I, she has always encouraged me and spurred me on to be a better woman. She loves people is a great baker and has a beautiful family!

Cynthia, thank you for making me feel so special, and thank you for taking the time out to let me know it! I am so thankful for the many different seasons of our friendship. It seems like yesterday we were planning our weddings together and then rejoicing in the news of upcoming motherhood together as well, you have been with me through some major changes in my life, and I love you very much.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends, Cynthia is one of many that God has blessed me with, and I am thankful for all the lovely ladies in my life, you all are special to me in your own unique ways!

Bert's Farm!

I should start this post off by saying, only have pictures of Judd, because Bowen would not stand still long enough to allow me to snap anything worth keeping, so Yes I have 2 kids, but this is the one who still has not gotten the walking thing down yet!!!

Every year my family makes a trip up to Bert's Pumpkin Patch! These pumpkins are huge and I love them. I love the whole atmosphere of it all, the fall leaves, crisp breeze, boiled peanuts, cotton candy, Carmel apples....I could go on forever! It is a blast! And I love the tradition of it all for us, it is free to get in, and we typically will resort to purchasing a pumpkin from Wal-Mart, to save some pennies! But either way it is fun!!This year we went up there with some of our very dear friends the Ford's. We love this family and were so glad they joined us on this beautiful day! Here are a few shots. Judd was great, he sat still for me to take pictures....Bowen on the other hand ran around crazy playing hide and seek with Paul the whole time so I snagged what I could!

I love this time of year, I love the anticipation of "going to Bert's" I think it is one for sure day out of the whole year where I know I will get to enjoy spending the day with my favorite people! After the farm, we always head to this little hole in the wall called Under the Hemlock, it is a great place right next to Bert's and we eat hot dogs, chips and a Coke! It is cheap but we love it and you sit outside on the picnic tables and just enjoy the day! Plus the kids can run around and play to!

I am Super PUMPED, for this trip next year, we will have our camper!!! I think we are looking at making a weekend out of it!! I can't wait!! Me and my family had tons of summer memories in a camper and I am elated to pass this tradition on to my boys, and start making our own family memories!!

P.S I miss you Grandpop!!!

I left my camera home....BUMMER!!!!

I must start by saying, I ALWAYS have my camera....this drives Paul crazy so this day(our anniversary) I decided to leave it nice and securely in the case....I should have just followed my gut and brought it!!!!!!!

So yesterday was my anniversary, 4 years, it is crazy how time flies!! 8 years together, 4 years of marriage and 2 kids later.....life has been busy!! I love it!!! How I look back and see the amazingly sweet memories, and what stories we have written together. What history!!

Last night my hubby surprised me with a great night out, we had diner at Red Lobster (one of my favorites)! Dinner was great and Paul is so funny he forever keeps me doubled over in laughter. One reason why I love him! Even when I don't want to laugh, I can't resist his silly faces!

After dinner we headed over to Starbucks (another favorite) for dessert and some nice conversation. Well, we walk in and there is a table set up with roses on it and coffee cups that spell out I love you!!! My favorite drink was waiting for me and we enjoyed each other and we enjoyed Starbucks! This was so awesome!! I could not help but smile from ear to ear, I felt so special!

I was very impressed with Paul's creativity!! And loved how he had to plan it all in advance!!

There would not be enough room on this post to write down all the things I love about Paul, yes we have had our moments, and times have been really great, and times have been really tough. My heart is happy when I reflect back on the past several years and see the story of our life unfold, our marriage, the birth of our children are some of the most sentimental moments and sweetest moments of my life. I am so thankful I have a partner who loves me for me, and loves our family with an unconditional heart! I am so proud to be married to Paul I could not begin to imagine what life would have been like with anyone else!

I love this road we are on, and though there will undoubtedly be bumps in the road ahead I will enjoy the scenery with my very best friend. Paul you are one of three reasons this life, no matter what will always be sweet!Thank you for your commitment to me, the boys and to GOD! You rock my world and I will love you FOREVER!!!!

Where to begin......what a birthday!

It is the end of what has been the best birthday of my life......

I don't know where to start, I fell like the story could go on forever,so I am just going to type, and pray that everyone can follow all that is going on in my world, in my mind and in my heart.....so here it goes.....

I should start by saying that I am and have always been thankful for Gods provision in my life! I thank Him daily for my family, husband , children, house...a lot of different things and He has ALWAYS provided, in some form or fashion. We may not have a cent extra at the end of the pay period, but we want for nothing... But, today was different. I have been wailing since this afternoon, when I got a call from my friend relaying a message from my angel.....

It was my birthday and I received a ton of calls, emails and such wishing me a happy one thank you all so much for thinking of me, it warms my heart to feel as loved as I have felt today. So thank you all again. One call was different, it did not start off that way, this messenger is a very dear friend of mine so of coarse we laughed and joked around and had our usual conversation and questions. Some how it came up that our heat was out, I was really bragging on my girlfriends cause last night they brought me 4 heaters to heat my freezing house.This friend was unaware of the fact that we had no heat (not on the top of my list of happy things to talk about I guess) someone got wind that we had no heat, and called her up to tell her they wanted to help us out and fix whatever was wrong with it........WHAT!

I say WHAT so emphatically because I was a bit confused at first, I did not think I was hearing her correctly, someone who wants to remain nameless wants to send a heater fixer to my house and fix it for us, just does not make sense to me! My sweet messenger friend is sworn to secrecy and I am not allowed to ask any questions.

I am asking again, are you sure it is us, are you sure they don't want to help someone else? We do have 4 heaters (thanks ladies, I love you)? I would understand if they found this out that they would not want to follow through....I get it, there are people who are far worse off then us. She reassured me that this is what they feel led to do for us!!

Can I just tell you what a humbling experience it was for me, to allow this blessing to come my way. We need heat, I certainly can not have my babies in a freezing cold house, we just went through 2 ear infections and an Er visit a couple days ago...we need heat.

My heart, my mind can not wrap around this whole thing yet, I am so very grateful. My heart is full, the fact that someone is doing this for my family, when they don't have to.... we are in a economic crisis now, and someone wants to help my family, I am in awe, in awe of a God that promises to never leave me or forsake me. A God who promises that I will never be given more than I can bear. A God who promises me that if I walk with Him my burden will be light. A God who says rejoice, I will supply your every need.... I stand in awe...

To our Angel,

Where to begin to express my heartfelt gratitude? What words could possibly let you know how you have blessed us. I am So thankful. I think it is even more beautiful that you want no name but HIS attached to the blessing. I don't know how you found out our circumstances ....I believe it was a God thing, that was the only way our heat was getting fixed. With all that is in me I am encouraged by your kindness! We have witnessed first hand God intervening for us in a huge way. I was able to share my story of your generosity to some family members who I don't believe have a relationship or know our Lord, and they were blown away, they could not believe it. I want you to know that your gift was so much more than heat... I pray that you will read this, that you will know how much it has meant to my family. What an amazing birthday gift, what an amazing story to tell my kids of Gods love and provision, what an example of obedience.

If I knew who you were, I would hug your neck... From all the Estes we thank you, we thank God for using you to bless us. I have prayed all day that you would be blessed in return triple what you have done for us. I am so humbled by your gift.

I pray that one day we will be able to bless and encourage others the way you have blessed and encouraged us. May God Bless you.

So I am suppose to hear from the heater fixer by tomorrow, wow, I cry as I type...I love music, that is my favorite way to worship, I have been singing HIS praises all day.

My in laws made me dinner and the whole family was there to celebrate me, thank you all as well, I love you! My girlfriends made the night special too with campfire, hot coco and great conversation, you are the best friends any girl could ever ask for(believe me I asked/prayed for you), you all encourage me daily and I am so thankful for each one of you...

To my very dear and precious husband....I know this has been a hard time for you, and I know accepting these blessings from others is even more difficult, but be encouraged that I would stand beside you and be happiest in the freezing cold for the rest of my life if I had to as long as I had you beside me. I promised you almost 4 years ago that I would love you forever and I mean that more today then yesterday. You provide for your family in more ways then you know. I am honored to be your wife, through the calm and through the storm!!! I love you!

I don't know how to end this except to say thank you God, I stand in awe of you once again...your love for my family is astounding.

How great is our GOD!!