Maddie's Laugh...it will brighten your day!

Happy Birthday Jeff

I feel so blessed to be able to spend today with my husband...I wish you a very happy birthday! I never take for granted that I am the most luckiest girl in the world. I have married my best friend, soul mate, and amazing father to our daughter Madison. I smile everyday when I wake up knowing that I am married to such an amazing man. Here are the top 10 reasons that I celebrate being Jeff's wife:

1. Jeff loves Jesus...he is passionate about walking with the Lord and is a mentor to many students. He loves to bring kids to know the Lord and is an awesome mentor to his Mt. Spokane FCA kids.

2. Jeff treats me like a princess. Whether it be making my lunch every night for work or letting me sleep in on the weekends, I am so lucky!

3. Jeff always makes our family his priority. Whether it be balancing school, his Master's program, sports, working out, friends, or school activities...he always is thinking about what is best for Maddie and me.

4. Jeff is an amazing Dad. Maddie is so lucky to have Jeff as her Daddy, Jeff reminds me of my Dad in so many ways...if only I got to spend more time with him before he passed away. He loves her unconditionally, will support her in anything she does, and will raise her to know the Lord.

5. Jeff is always willing to help my family. With so many changes in our family this past year, Jeff has helped in so many ways. I am so thankful that he can do all the things for my Mom that require a man's strong hands. My Mom is one tough cookie, but some jobs require someone a little taller and a little stronger :)

6. Jeff is a great friend, he really cares about his friends and will always support them in any way he can.

7. Jeff is an dog lover...our dog Nils is so thankful to have Jeff as a Dad. Otherwise he would never get fed or enough attention. It is no secret that I am not the best with animals. I thank Jeff for always working extra hard in this department :)

8. Jeff is always supportive of what is important to me. He is always encouraging me to follow my dreams and strive for the biggest and best. He is also a good workout coach, I am so appreciative to have his support!

9. Jeff always encourages me to have a 99.9% positive attitude. I am forever greatful of his outlook on life. The glass is always half full according to him!

10. Jeff is always doing the little things to make me feel special. Whether it be buying me a new pair of jeans, or making dinner when I don't feel like it. I am so lucky.

I am so lucky to be able to grow old with you. I hope you have a great birthday...today is truly a special day! I love you.

Jeff's Latest Book Endorsement...

I just finished reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. It is a book that brings perspective, insight, and requires the reader to reflect on their own relationships. I felt like I had to share this, because some people assume that others know about great reads but I didn't find out about The Shack until late Spring last year. Although it took until now to finish (I have had a few things going on), it was well worth the wait. I am giving my FULL ENDORSEMENT, for what that is worth. Please take a look at it...you will get hooked!--Jeff
P.S. I will be posting a video of Maddie that is pretty dang funny, so be sure to check back in soon!

We are thankful and full of blessings!

We started Thanksgiving weekend with a National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation viewing on Wednesday night. It is a yearly tradition to open the holiday season with our favorite Christmas movie. We ate an early Thanksgiving dinner at Jeff's Mom's house...what an amazing cook, we definitely got our fill. She gave Maddie a beautiful pearl bracelet for her baptism, we love that she works at Jewelry Design Center :) Then we headed to Grammy's house for round 2. It was so fun to spend time with all the fam, including all the baby cousins. We got several rounds of Settlers of Catan in, and my embargo with Brad is still in place. Friday night was a family photo shoot and game night. We have a special picture that includes all my brothers and sisters and all our kids. We can't wait to post on the blog but we have to wait until Christmas...it's a SURPRISE! Saturday was the 3rd annual bonfire at Jeff's Dad's house, the flames reached 40 feet! Sunday was Madison's special day. She was baptized and became a child of God! We are so blessed to raise her knowing the Lord. She has an amazing set of Godparents who will always guide her and keep her accountable. It was so fun to celebrate her day with friends and family!

Our Family

Brandon, Jayme, and Claire

Ben, Maile, and Sergio
We loved having you guys and Barlett stay with us.

Brad, Lisa, James, and Elsa

Adam, Hillory, and Parker

The girls

The girls again :)

Cousins

Maddie and Elsa at the bonfire

FRIENDS AND FAMILY!