Attitude DOES Matter

On Saturday night, me and my man watched the movie, Faith like Potatoes. As a good friend said, it can be hard to find a Christian film that doesn't leave one rolling her eyes at how unrealistic the "spiritual convos" are and at how bad the acting is. But, I've gotta say, this movie really touched me, and has me thinking still.

It is a story based on the life of a Scottish farmer who happens to be farming in Africa. At the beginning, he does not have a relationship with Jesus, and later on--he does. This movie made me laugh and cry and it inspired me. Why? Because the man character really believes in a thing called "relationship with God". With communing with Him, wherever you might be. With really listening for specific directions from Him, and then following those directions whole-heartedly, even if everyone around you counsels against it.

This man had faith, big faith. And it was joyful faith. His life was an adventure--with very real lows and agonies--but an adventure nonetheless. A kind of living where "anything is possible".

It made me realize how lately my faith-attitude has not been one of "adventure". It had been more in the suffering, tenacious hold-- "One of these days, everything will be ok."

We (the Sánchez family) are on a faith adventure. We have followed God's voice here to central Mexico--without Bible School, without full funding, without even a house that we can really call "ours". And, God has been more than faithful to us.

I was noting all these things, but not joyfully. More like trying to stuff feelings of "How can we better this situation?"

After watching this movie, I realized what a shame it was that I had sunk to this position. I consciously decided to joy in the situation I am in. To be excited and expectant to see how God is going to pour out His blessings on us--rather than seeing if I've checked out "all available options".

And let me tell you, since that day of a subtle-yet-huge shift of focus and attitude, God has provided in huge and wonderful ways. A couple people have written, saying they would be giving us one-time gifts. A large check that it seemed the bank had lost weeks ago just came up "found" (I mean--does that happen??).

I am just rejoicing in what God can do, and does. I am excited to be in the story He is writing and just waiting to see what He is going to surprise us with next!

Saturday Excitement

Well, for those of you who don't know... I worked at a landscaping company for 7 years, so the fact that I haven't had the chance to grow flowers since I've been married has been excruciating. Especially now that we live in a great climate for growing. And... flowers are so stinking cheap here!

So, yesterday was an amazing day in this writer's life. We went flower shopping! Just got a few...enough to whet my appetite and get me dreaming about our next flower trip.

As I mentioned, we don't have a camera, but Google has some uncannily similar images of what I now have on my front balcony, so take a peak at the yummyness--and freak out with me over the prices! (And for those asking: they were the "1 gallon size")

Got one of these ($2):

Two of these ($1 each)

One of these ($1)

Two of these ($1 each)

One of these ($2):

An Ode.

You know--there are sisters. And then there are sisters. Like there are women. And there are ladies. One is so merely by genetic happenstance, and the other is by choice. And that choice makes them sweeter, richer, and oh, so wonderful.

My thoughts have been with my sister these days. Rach has been my sister ever since I can remember... haha. She was born 3 years before me, thereby gaining the title of "older sister" and becoming a wealth of "been there" knowledge for this little sister.

Growing up, we were not without our "typical" older-younger squabbles, but this sisterhood has turned into something precious and without equal.

Rachel is my closest friend. The one I can tell the most intimate, grossest things to (heck, she already has seen me at my worst) and that I save up my best stories for.

She is my biggest defender, ally and encourager. She is also the voice of honesty in a world that often shies away from the idea.

No one can reduce me to "ugly laughing" like she can (see?? Oh, my...this is almost too scary to post...), nor can relate so closely to my struggles.

Though we are virtual opposites, and this difference made it hard for us to understand each other as young things--these differing views have helped make our lives deeper and more joyful.

I wouldn't trade her for anything.

Love ya, sister!! And miss you like crazy...

Popularity

(How it was supposed to look....)

So, Rey is gone on a day-long trip to one of the communities.

It's ok. It happens about twice a week. I am getting the hang of juggling the kids schedules, housework and cooking in a relatively peaceful manner.

Today, I decided to be "Miss (or perhaps, "Mrs." to you) Adventurous" and take the kiddos to the park. Rey had left the van, so it suddenly became a much more viable option. (Thinking I had to walk, I was trying to decide if I'd put Aleni in the front pack and Noah in the stroller until we got to the park... or put Aleni in the stroller and let Noah walk too???)

As we left, I shut Canela in the house and trucked the babes down the 3 flights of stairs and got them loaded into the van. At this point, Canela is howling her head off. I mean, really howling. Thinking it would probably get old for our downstairs neighbors, I decided to take her, too.

I now graduated from Miss Adventurous to Miss Super Duper Adventurous. Grabbed Canela's leash and ran her down the 3 flights of stairs, loaded her into the back of the van and off we went.

Sooo... the park has 2 entrances. The main one, which is really busy and has no shade, or the back entrance which is quieter and very shady. We went to the back entrance. The only bad part about the back entrance, is the 20 feet leading up to it is paved in about 2 inches of sand and littered with several big rocks. Have you ever tried pushing a stroller through 2 inches of sand?

I got Noah out. Got the stoller out. Pulled the dog out from under the seat and tied her leash to the stroller. Put Aleni in the stroller. And we were off! A picture of serenity, Noah helping me push the stroller. There is a crowd of about 20 park-cleaner-upper people standing/lounging around in the shade outside the park entrance. They boredly watch the "got-it-together-gringa-mama" do the seemingly impossible....

I notice that the sand is seeming reeeeeaaalllllyyy hard to push through today, and look down to see Canela is pulling backwards on her leash as hard as she can. All of the skin off her neck has piled up into rolls over her eyes and she is doing her utmost to stop the procession. Ahh, great. Forgot the dog is anti-social. Well, ni modo, gotta get in that park.

I keep pushing, she keeps pulling and progress in slow. Then, one person notices, "Ehhh! Mira el perrito!!" one shouts. "It's a perritAAAA" I think huffily to myself. The whole group starts gesturing and giggling. "Ha ha!! Look at it! You don't have it trained, huh?? Ha ha." I smile feebly and keep desperately pushing. Everyone keeps laughing and shouting out observations and advice.

I end up picking up Canela and putting her in the stroller basket, since she was just being dragged along. To increase the comic element, Canela jumped right out and the crowd roared. I should have charged for this great entertainment.

A lady came up behind us with her rake and tried to encourage Canela along. "Come on, little dog. Walk!"

But, she didn't, until we got through the entrance and she couldn't see the people anywhere. Then she trotted alongside, just as "trained" as could be.

Sigh.

At least the park staff will have something to talk about over lunch today.

Differences

Two things that are always hard to adjust to in Mexico--US.

1.) The Toilet Paper Issue.
When I get to the US, I am usually looking for the trash can... and then remembering that I can just flush it. In Mexico, it takes a couple days to "go back to the right way".

2.) Carpet or The Shoe Removal Issue.
I forget how almost all US houses have carpet. Therefore, mostly people pad around in socks or barefoot. I forget that walking around barefoot on my tile floors in dusty Fresnillo usually leaves me depressed at how quickly my feet turn black.

New Year's.... wishes??

A report on how it's going with this year's New Year's resolutions.

Hmmm..... A note to those wanting to keep resolutions. Don't have a baby on the 10th day of a New Year or spend the last weeks of the first month running around getting paperwork for same baby or leave for 3 months roaming through the US and Mexico at the end of the 2nd month of said year... if you want to keep your resolutions.

So what does that sound like? A wopping excuse. An "it's not really my fault that I haven't kept my resolutions"??

Exactly.

And it sure feels good to be back here, trying to make them happen again.

Here's to a more successful 6 months....

Family Defined

Our trip through the US these last couple months have given me many things on which to reflect. We met so many people who gave us so many new insights, new experiences and new friendships.

One of the things that seemed to be wherever we went was this idea of family. What really makes a family? Should you only call people who are related to you by blood "aunt", "grandpa" or "sis"? Or are we all related anyways--thanks to Adam...and to Jesus for making us one in Him?

Since I was a teenager I have longed to adopt. I've always seen myself with a large (reasonably large, I should say) ;) diverse family. A family connected by love and diverse in background and ability... but united by the knowledge that they all belonged to each other.

I have come to understand that adoption is not as "beautiful" in Mexico as it is in the US. That is to say, the cultural viewing here seems to be more like, "You adopt when you need an extra servant around the house." Or that the adopted child is inherantly less than the other family members. When I'd try to bring up the adoption issue to Rey, he just couldn't picture it. "I don't want the child to feel less loved, and I don't know if I honestly would love another child as my own."

Rather than loftily telling Rey how "unspiritual" he was, I applauded his honesty and just decided it would have to be something God showed him--and perhaps it wasn't even in God's plan for me. Maybe it was just in my plan for me, which would have desastrous results anyway if I proceeded.

On this trip, I don't know how many families we have interacted with that had either adopted members or member who were just "understood" to be family--even some movies we happened to see on the trip spoke to this issue. One large family in particular had such a diverse makeup that we immediatly were swept into their family. We were made to feel special and loved from the moment we walked in their doors. I truly believe it is because of the unconditional and unqualified love modeled by the parents, that the children then showed that same love to anyone.

That is what I imagined in my mind when I imagined a family made up of not just "blood-children", and I am so grateful that Rey was able to see these beautiful examples of God's love. How God has called us to love all and how God has brought us into His own family regardless of our race, gender or status. How can we not but do the same??

I am not saying we have a direction we are taking at this point. But, I can see that God is opening hearts, and perhaps putting us on a path towards an end I desire.

Here's the truth of the matter...

I'll save you some time. And some money.

It's just that I've stumbled upon that ONE THING that will make you have an awesome marriage. Like a happy, healthy one.

Here goes:

"The key to having a happy, healthy marriage generally just

boils down to me acting like an adult."

Funny how that is.

Remembering to revel...

Recently, I've realized that I really enjoy being stinky and covered in any combination of slobber, spit-up, snot and tears. Deep down inside.

Ya know why?

Because those are the little badges of mommyhood given to me by my very own munchkins, and even if some days I moan when I see a mirror, I am coming to see that this has it's own very special beauty.

I am so glad I have babies.

Babies keep me humble. Nothing like a temper tantrum in the middle of the store or a baby out of his/her comfort zone to make you think twice before you judge another momma.

Babies keep me accessible. It is incredible how toting a baby on your hip automatically makes people feel they can talk to you more easily. And how it makes ME want to talk to THEM. (What?? An ADULT???)

Babies keep me young. When else could I have a legitimate excuse to clamber through the McDonald's playland or gyrate to a kid's music video? I ask you.

Babies keep me smiling. How can I not? When I look at those big beautiful eye framed by awesomely long lashes. When a roly-poly doll-baby beams her face-splitting grin up at me. When he does something mischievously goofy just to see me smile... how can I not?

Babies keep me full of awe. Really? Truly? All of this personality... beauty... life... come from my own body? This little tyke is the same little 8 pounder that keep me up nights??

Babies teach me what love is. They teach me what it is to dream big for little lives. They teach me that I want to live a better life, so they can have a better example. They teach me to reach out in empathy-- to cry with others, laugh with others.

I can truly say babies are a gift. I can truly say they have changed me forever.

Now, I'm off to change a diaper.

Points for the Good Guys

Rey's getting better at saying what I want to hear. The proof:

Me: Guess what? I just weighed myself and I weigh as much as I did when I was pregnant.

Rey: How can that be when you look so great??

Yes!! I think I may just keep you around a little longer.

Secrets to Successful Brothering

Since Noah has officially won the Nobel Best Brother Award, he has been preparing day and night for his acceptance speech. I found his notes tucked in a corner of his high chair the other day. These are top secret tips on how to be the world's best brother, so you better thank me for giving you the ahead-of-time, insider's look at these. Got to write fast, before he wakes up from his nap and discovers what I'm doing!!

Top Tip #1: Refer to little sis as "eee-eeee" (big boy talk for "baby") in the highest, squeakiest, sweetest voice you can.

Top Tip #2: Learn from mama. If mama calms baby down by going "Shhhh shhhh shhh", then do likewise. It helps to bob as you chant the magic sound.

Top Tip #3: Every morning, after playing a while, look around for baby. If the door to the bedroom is shut, bang on it while chirping "ee-eee" until the door is opened. Make a beeline for the crib and continue talking to baby in this chirpy voice.

Top Tip #4: Baby's other name is "nigh-nigh" ("goodnight").

Top Tip #5: Make sure to check out baby's stuff to see if it's ok. This includes playing with his/her rattle and sucking on his/her pacifier when mama and daddy aren't nearby.

Top Tip #6: Let nothing get between you and your access to baby. If this means learning how to climb up onto mama and daddy's super high bed for the first time, do it. No fear! Press onward.

Top Tip #7: When giving baby kissees, nothing sufices but at least 5 in a row. Less... well, then... you're not the best. Obviously.

Top Tip #8: Saved the best 'till last. This is the number one important one, really. THE JOB of big brother: Whenever baby makes a grunt, squeak or wail, your job is to alert mama. Sort of the Lassie of the family. Run to baby (or as close as possible) and reach out your hand to him/her while looking around for mama and saying "ee-eee" as many times as nessesary to alert the (sluggish/neglectful/not-on-top-of-her-game) mama.

THE END.

And, I must say: He speaks from experience!! I love you, bubby!!

Maybe...

I should just wake Rey up at random times during the night and write down what he says. Seems to be the most interesting thing these days.

Last night, I got up to nurse Aleni. As I was "getting situated", Rey rolled over and sat up on the edge of the bed next to me. We sat that way in companiable silence for quite a few moments--both drooped over in semi-sleep. I was thinking perhaps he was waiting to burp and rock Aleni for me when I was done.

Finally, the silence was broken by his whisper:

"Did you tell me you heard Noah or something?"

No.

"Then, why am I up?"

Beats me.

It Does Worry Me a Little

Conversation between the sleep-deprived around 2 am:

Rey: (having just been jostled awake by his beloved) What?!
Beloved: Hey, I have to go to the bathroom. I just fed her--can you rock her until I get back?"
Rey: Rock who?

Enjoyment

So, we had snow here yesterday. I know! In Mexico! Not a complete shock, because we'd been told it sometimes happens here in the mountains.

We didn't get much accumulation, but a lot of the fluffy stuff came down throughout the morning. It was beautiful. I wondered if Noah would notice what was going on outside. And then I saw this:

He stayed like this for about 15 minutes (an eternity for a toddler!). He'd press his nose against the glass and fog it up with his breath. He'd look at us to see if we saw what he saw. And, he just took in the wonder of a first snowfall.

And then, deep in thought, slowly... he began to clap.

And it made me smile.

Reflections on Girl Babies

Whenever anyone hears we're having a girl...they always seem so estatic. Almost relieved. They give me that special, insider's look that says, "You finally got what you really wanted."

And, I am super excited to be having a girl. But, I think deep-down I was kind of feeling like a baby boy would be easier. There's the obvious, shallow reason: way less new clothing needed! But, I honestly feel more nervous about the parenting aspect with a girl.

I feel like I "get" boys a little more (it could possibly have something to do with the fact I have 7 bros and only 2 sisters). I feel like this world is even more scary for girls than ever, and will I be able to be the example and influence that she needs to be strong and pure? Confident and holy? Will I be strong enough to remain steady in her turbulant "becoming-a-woman" years?

I guess these issues are pretty far away at this point, but I can't help thinking about them. It's probably a good time to be working on becoming the woman I would like my girl to be...and praying up for the wisdom I am gonna be needing!

A shout out

Heard of an inner-city pastor who started the now-flourishing "Graffiti Church". He so named it after various attempts at repainting their church building was only met with yet more graffitti.

Mr. Pastor, you need to come start a church in my neighborhood.

I'm just sayin'.

Just takin' a walk...

Noah and I usually take an early evening walk around the blocks close to home. The other day, I started looking at what we were walking by with, "I don't think I saw these things on walks with my mommy" eyes.

Such things as:

• A nativity scene. Complete with the devil standing by. Painted completely red, with a skull between his feet and a beer bottle in his right hand. Sure seems to take the "serene" out of the scene.


• A box tossed by the side of the road with a blanket in it. Closer examination reveal little puppy feet. 3 dead puppies.


• An empty condom wrapper under the park bench


• About 4 pounds of cooked beans, heaped in the grass next to the side walk.

Sometimes I think about this whole "normal" thing. For Noah, it is normal to listen to people talking and say, "Si, si, si" or to hit the bad floor that made him bonk his head and say "Ma-o, ma-o" (Malo="bad"). It's normal he lives in a 3rd floor apartment that looks out to the mountains surrounding our city. It's Noah's life that there is no candy sweeter to him than a corn tortilla hot off the presses. It is normal for him that he lives at over 7,000 feet of altitude and that here there are more people on bikes or motorcycles than cars.

I feel like I am bringing him "normal" when I serve him up his beloved mac & cheese (Kraft, to be sure) or when I present him with a box of Crayolas. Or sing him nursery rhymes. Or turn on Blue's Clues (which he absolutely loves).

I wonder, as I look at him--straddling these two "normals". He doesn't even know he's doing it. I wonder if he will later. I hope to find and accentuate the good in both these normals, and to not project that what is not my normal is in some way inferior.

When wrong is right

It was the sweetest thing. Last night, Rey asked me if I had plans for today. Nope. He said, "What about if we go to the capital... eat at an Italian restaurant? I already got your Aunt to take care of Noah for the day..." What? How cool of a plan is that!

I was stoked. We looked up "italian restaurants Zacatecas" online. Found about 5 options. The first one we went to had been closed. The next one... well, it wasn't as advertized. Let's just say that. The place smelled like the dusty, mismatched tablecloths on the tables. Instead of the little white lights I was imagining-- big, guady silver star balloons hung from the ceiling. While I'd hoped for some Frank Sinatra music over the speakers, a TV blared mariachi music interrupted only by the occasional beer commercial. Rather than an extensive menu of pastas and delicious soups, the menu's most Italian fare was pizza. The table we sat at had one short leg, so it "danced" (Rey's wording). But, we were hungry. Really hungry. And the traffic in the city made it so we didn't really want to go look more. And Rey really wanted me to have my Italian restaurant. So, we stayed.

There was that 5 minutes of time that decided how this day would go. Would I let all my unfulfilled expectations cause me to turn into a blubbering pile of mush? Would Rey feel super awful about something neither of us can control--namely: it appears my "American definition" of an Italian restaurant is muuuch different from the Mexican definition. Rey ordered steak tacos and I a ham sandwich. I frankly was afraid to try one of their 3 pasta dishes.

We switched tables so as not to have to deal with the "dancing" the whole meal. It was to a quieter corner of the restaurant. And then. We decided. We chose to thoroughly enjoy the moment. It was so ironic how completely wrong this place was.

We decided the host of "Hell's Kitchen" would have a fit here, so we had a good time figuring out what his critique would be. We laughed as we heard the microwave being used during the preperation of our food (Was my sandwich really last week's sandwich being nuked??). We marvelled at the complete lack of coordination in decor (How many owners has this place had?). We wondered just how old the plastic rose on each table could have been. (See picture above). You get the idea.

(I love how those shelves in the background are loaded with

stuff that somehow equals Italy. Ah, yesss.)

In the end, the food wasn't that bad. We had a lot of fun. Maybe the bathrooms had no light bulbs, but--hey: there was a bar of soap on the sink. Maybe mariachi doesn't make me smile as much as some mellow jazz, but... ok. I did miss the music. ;)

But, in our family--we like stories to have happy endings. And this one did. Oh, yes it did.








And... we even topped that!! Rey is awesome enough to have found some cocker spaniel pups--which I've been hoping to find. We went and picked one out of the litter with Noah this evening. So cute!



Meet... hmm. Not sure on the name yet. But, he's around 2 weeks old. He's gonna stay with momma until he's bigger.






It was the perfect day.

Lookin' good...

Real-life conversation that took place between myself and my prince charming yesterday evening.

(prince): "Aren't you going to get a shower today?"
(me): "I did."
(snorting disdainfully): "You did? Nooooo. No you didn't."
(rather offended): "Yes, I did."
(still disdainful): "When?"
(more offended): "This morning at like 10."
(another snort): "No you didn't."
(near tears): "Yes, I did. I took a shower. I changed clothes. I blew dry my hair. I put make-up on. And THIS is what I get?"
(realizing he may be on thin ice): "Hmmm..."

How much trouble do you think he was in?
Ah, and match that with the comment he made a while ago about not being attracted to me for my "physical qualities"!! Yeah, he's sleeping on the patio these days.

Obedience vs Results

Being in the ministry, it is always so encouraging to be able to see when your efforts bring about positive change in the people you are working with. However, the reality of it is that it is more often day after day without notable improvement in many cases. Rey is the one who is "out on the streets" on the daily basis, so he is the one that feels this more regularly. The thing that always impresses me is I've never heard him dragging his feet to go out or complaining about people's less the friendly reception.

The other day, Rey asked me if I could get a small bag of groceries together for a family they had met in the community they were going to that day. The woman's husband committed suicide about 3 wks ago, and left her to tend to their 5 children as best she could. As I was getting the bag together, I asked him whatever happend to "the old man". The old man was a man in his late 70's they had met in another community that seemed to be left to fend for himself out on the edge of town. For several weeks, the team had been taking some groceries and prayers out to him--even though the man was practically deaf and it couldn't be too readily seen how much he was taken in. Rey said, "Oh, we haven't been able to find him these last couple visits." This got me thinking about how often we extend our hand to people and then it seems that we never know if what we did had some kind of impact. I found myself wondering if the bag I was preparing for the family would have any kind of visible results. If it would touch them as we hoped it would.

That is when the idea of "obedience vs results" came into my mind. You see, I am more often the one to analyze: "Was that a waste of time? The person didn't seem affected..." Or, I become offended and less eager to reach out to a needy person the next time around.

"To obey is better than sacrifice." (1 Samuel 15)

"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices
God is well-pleased." (Hebrews 13)

We all know God's multiple promises of blessing to those who "extend their hand to the poor and needy". What I need to remember, is God doesn't ever speak of "results"! And, that my desire for results as practically always linked to my desire for praise (aka: my pride)--not a true desire for that person to find his hope and life in Jesus.

Can I share some acts of obedience Rey has demonstrated that have born "no results"--but I am sure have stored him away treasure in heaven, while speaking to me?

• He found an old, crippled woman in the streets and helped her get back to her house. She was very obviously supersticious and closed to the Gospel, but upon arriving at her house, Rey felt that God told him to wash her feet. He asked if he could, and she gave him permission to. He did so, prayed over her--and hasn't seen her since.
• Last week, we were enjoying the evening at a downtown plaza, when a man with no legs appeared. He was sitting on a crude, home-made cart (basically a piece of plywood over 4 wheels) that he pushed along with his hands. We were eating guayabas, so Rey took about four of them over to him. The man got very annoyed and refused to take them.
• Almost every stoplight here in town has people (from scruffy kids to adults) asking for money. They have gotta be happy when they see Rey coming, because he always finds some kind of change in his pocket to give them--usually along with a Gospel tract.

And so it goes. Rey is an example of constantly finding love for the unlovely, and the humility to extend himself in ministry--even after rebuttal. I love my man!!

Mushy Stuff

So, today is our 2nd anniversary. Last anniversary, we wrote each other letters talking about favorite memories of the past year and goals for the next. This year, we wrote lists of what we like/love about each other.

I love mushy, romanticky things. Sorry. But, I do. So, this is what I love most about special days--receiving special notes! I'm wanting to stretch out the romance...so, I'm going to share our lists. If you're not into mushyness, you may want to skip this post!! ;)

I'll start with my fave, which--of course--was Rey's list about me! Ah, and the editor (myself) may see fit to make comments and they will be shown in italics.

"Things I Like about Liz"

• That you receive me with happiness and kisses when I get back from going out to the communities


• When you know I'm tired and you prepare a hot bath for me


• That you give me a massage to help me relax


• That you give me compliments
  
• That you give me time to do things I like to do--like wash the car, fix things, exercise, read the news, or watch a soccer game on tv


• That when we are out walking around you hug me and give me kisses


• That you keep the house clean


• That you get ideas on how to make the house better or to move things around so they are more comfortable


• When you prepare my favorite food


• That you tell me "thanks" when I help you around the house


• That you don't demand things of me, but you suggest to me that you'd like some help when you'd really like to demand it (hmmm...)


• That you clean the bathroom although it would normally be my job. (Really? REALLY?? How come I never knew this???)


• That you pray with me before I go out to the communities


• When you call me to see where I am when I am late getting home. (Oops! I hardly ever do that 'cuz I thought it might be annoying...)


• When you ask me how things went (since I usually forget to tell you)


• When I mention something we talked about in the communities and you have some good suggestions or opinions about the subject.


• That you don't get annoyed that a big part of the day I am out of the house or preparing messages


• That you usually do the updates and you do them perfectly


• That you remind me and ask me to talk to you about the communities and our plans--it helps me stay more organized.


• That you are a really great mother for Noah


• That you take care of yourself even during your pregnancy


• That even though you are dealing with Noah so many hours, you don't complain very much. (I'm glad he was honest and put the "very much" in there!)


• That even when you "loose your figure" during pregnancy you still make yourself pretty and well-kept to make me happy


• That you try to find ways to help people


• When you take time to write people or call them to see how they are


• That you don't get angry easily


• That when you get angry, you don't pressure me with words. You just get really serious and quiet, and then I realize something is wrong. (Heh, heh...I never really thought of that as a good trait)


• That you don't demand, you suggest


• That you make sure to have my clothes clean and ready to go


• How you organize everything in the house


• When you make coffee for me (Oops!)


• When you let me sleep in when you know I'm tired


• Your initiative to get things done


• That you're really talkative, even if I don't alway pay attention to what your saying. (Hah! )


• When you play the violin (Aww... I didn't know that)


• When you surprise me with cards or gifts


• When you plan an outing

• When you are really optimistic about my plans when we go out


• When you explain to me if one of my ideas doesn't sound good to you and why



• When you not only like my ideas, but you add on your ideas which almost always makes it better


• That you are really patient with my ideas when they aren't the best or I mess up


• I like you!

Awww, isn't he the best?? Talk about feeling uplifted in my daily living! :) Wait 'till you hear about how great he is!

Here's my list:

• I like that I know I could write and write and still not come to an end of the things I love about you.


• I love your heart--- faithful, strong and wonderful.


• I like to see you when you are worshipping


• I like your smile: big and innocent


• I like that ever since I met you, you have been one of the most honest and sincere people I've ever met...and you continue to be that way to this day


• I like how tall you are


• I like it when you sing along with your music


• I like how you are with Noah, the daddy you are. How fortunate our kids are!


• I like that you make yourself something to eat when I am too busy or tired


• I like that you are quick to learn


• I like to hear you laugh really hard--like at one of your shows or when something unexpectedly strikes you funny


• I like how sexy you look when you are washing dishes. (He didn't like this one)


• I like it when you surprise me with little gifts (Like you did on my birthday!)


• I like the line in your chin


• I like spending time together--just the 2 of us--chatting


• I like to remember funny things we've gone through together or jokes you've told me--it makes me laugh, even days later
  
• I love to see you living out your calling: ministering to people. You are so good at it.


• I love your humility. You do things that would embaress other people to do, but you do it because you know it's the right thing to do and I learn so much from you


• I love your strength of character


• I like that you are sensitive to the needs of others.


• I like your clear perspective. You always help me see things more cleary/calmly.


• I like that I can rest in your love


• I like your sense of humor


• I like how your mind works--that you are good at fixing things


• I like that you're patient


• I like that when I ask you for advice, you always give me a really well-thought out answer, not just whatever pops in your head


• I like that you let me arrange time to go out with friends or do stuff


• I like that there are always new things to learn about you--your life, your personality, your likes/dislikes


• I like that you too like to travel and explore new places


• I like that you know how to put up with my craziness and rapid changes of opinion/idea... that you are my rock


• I like that everyone that knows you respects and esteems you


• I like that even though you are so strong you are always so gentle


• I like to see how you are always growing/developing into the man/husband/father/missionary that God has made you to be


• I like you!

I am so grateful that God has seen fit to so abundantly bless our lives with a happy, healthy marriage. I am also grateful knowing that while we are in His hand, we can look into the future with complete confidence and joy!