Looking Back - Years and a Few Days

Today Sal and I celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. My how time flies! I'll never forget that cool December day. It wasn't the PERFECT wedding but it was such a happy time time for us. In looking back over the 17 years, it is very clear how God has had His guiding hand upon us, had mercy on us, and has greatly blessed us. We joke about the times (that lovely first year) that we didn't even have money to buy a soda and now I look around to see that Sonic cups are part of the decor of our home! In 17 years, God has allowed me to see Sal accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior, get baptized, watch him graduate from college, allow me to complete a Master's degree, buy a home, buy a few cars, need a new car, go through some very difficult times in trying to have a child, and then blessing us beyond imagination with two wonderful children and then seeing both of them accept the Lord. I could go on and on about these last 17 years! However, through it all - good and bad - I am so thankful that I got to go through it with my very best friend. I can only hope that God allows us to spend another 17 years (and more) together making memories, good and bad. Happy anniversary honey!

Finally, in looking back over the past few days, I have a few pictures of this Christmas to share.


We made cookies for Santa that definately had the seal of approval!

Actually, we got a little carried away and made cookies for Santa AND the elves!












The kids watched Santa on the radar (one of us more intent that the other), but it was nice that he played along!











At 4:30 A.M. we opened presents and Clarissa was quite excited over her Jonas brothers posters.












This is my favorite picture of all! This was their first reaction when they opened the HUGE box that contained their Wii! They have saved their money for several months with the anticipation that if Santa did not bring a Wii (because they knew Mom and Dad wouldn't), they would buy one for themselves. They were SOOOOooooo excited!












I hope you had a great Christmas and I hope that as you look back over the past days, weeks, or even many years, that you too can see how blessed we all are!