Happy Anniversary to us!

Ten years ago tomorrow I married my best friend. It's not just a saying for us. It's truth. Jason and I have been best friends since I was 12 and he was 14. He knew me before I had boobs, and crud he probably weighed a buck over 100 lbs at the time.

I remember my wedding day like yesterday. My bridesmaids had spent the night at my apartment. Even though it was the day I had dreamed about forever, I still had trouble getting myself out of bed. I've told you mornings are tough for me. We went to a lovely bridal breakfast hosted by a sweet woman at my church. From there my precious mom and I went to have my hair done. For some reason we had to stop at the hotel before heading to the church and as mom was getting out of the car she saw Jase and told me to duck down. Here I am complete with veil in place, ducked down in the car giggling.

Some of the moments I cherished most were: my bridesmaids and mom praying over me before the wedding started. For some reason taking a picture with my "little" brother was emotional for me. I started crying three times before the photographer could get a shot where tears weren't streaming down my face (if you can't tell, Andy means a lot to me). I'll never forget taking Daddy's arm and being completely overwhelmed when the doors of the church opened. I was the junior high pastor at First Baptist Katy so we had invited the church on top of our close friends and family. I had no idea there would be so many people. I couldn't see a single thing and literally almost lost it. I was on the verge of completely sobbing...you know, the kind where your entire body heaves, snot is running uncontrollably down your nose and you make horrible wailing sounds...yup, if I hadn't somehow managed to have a teensy bit of focus to see my best friend, Rachel at the end of the aisle smiling hugely at me and reminding me to take a breath...it wouldn't have been pretty. I loved our unity candle time because we had my mom and dad and Jason's mom and dad come pray over us. Our wedding reception was a blast (seriously people stayed for hours after we left and danced the night away).

I remember being nervous right before Jason kissed me, as well as right before our first dance. They were things I had wanted to practice and had forgotten. I remember changing into my going-away outfit and all of the sudden getting nervous that I was getting set to go do something I had never done before (if you know what I mean) and the kind words of my friend and bridesmaid, Sam, who had gotten married a few months prior. I still smile when I think that once we left the reception Jason looked at me and said we needed to stop by his house because he had some things in the dryer he needed to grab for our honeymoon. That's right...we stopped by his house so he could finish packing! I'm telling you, he is about as laid-back as they come. And in my own fashion I had given my brother keys to my car and didn't remember until morning that they had my drivers license connected to it. My dad had to come down and give me my license so we could leave on our honeymoon. There is a picture of us dancing at the reception that captures the day for me. I love the way Jason is just looking at me. It is one of the best days of my life.

Marriage has been a beautiful journey, but don't get me wrong...it has been very difficult at times. While the things that are most important to Jase and I are the same, and while our hopes and dreams always end at the same place.... the way we think and actually go about getting to that final destination is almost ALWAYs exactly opposite. Sometimes it causes a good laugh and sometimes it causes utter frustration. We have gone through moves, job changes, job loss, my mom's terminal illness, my mom's death, having three precious children, having a child going through open heart surgery. And there isn't anyone else I would rather walk the road with~ the highs and the lows.

There isn't another person who knows me better. And he has loved me well. I can tell you that there has not been one single time he has ever said a negative thing about my appearance or body. He makes me laugh. He is a faithful friend, a true gentleman, a wonderful provider, and an exceptional dad.

When I was fourteen I wrote a note to Jase. It told him I thought God had revealed to me that Jason would be my husband. I gave it to him soon after we got engaged. If you know our story, you know I waited a long time...even if I was only 22 when we got married. Babe, you were worth the wait. I love you!

I just took a shower and weighed myself for the second time today. I've exercised three days in a row now and was hoping a couple pounds would have already slid off...no such luck. I can recommend the Biggest Loser exercise video. Although this will let you in on my sad shape...the warm-up has my legs burning like fire...yup, just the warm-up! On a more serious note, I've really been desiring some change (don't know what change, not going for big change, but a change...just a tad of newness). I've been reading very slowly through John the past couple of weeks. You have to understand, my quiet times often consist of my Bible being propped up on my bathroom sink, while I brush my teeth, and have Reese holding onto my legs. But even through all of that God has been speaking to my heart through His Word. It's been refreshing. My biggest desires: I'd love to speak at women's retreats or to college students who are studying to go into ministry, and I'd love to publish some of my curriculum or write a short book. Things I need to push myself to look into, things definitely to pray for, things I'd like to pursue but often get too tired to pursue. I'd love for you to pray for the Lord to open doors and for me to look for opportunities.

My girls: great, as always. Have I ever mentioned how they make my heart sing? Please don't read: your girls are perfect. You never have bad days. Life in the Mills household must be amazingly hunky-dorie (don't you think I should get published with the usage of such enlightening words?). That isn't true. The dog barked incessently today at the man working on our neighbor's house. I know I looked like a complete fool chasing him up and down the back fence before I could catch him and drag him in the house. Ashlyn cried at least 3 times while her friend was over and Laney whined several times today over piddly stuff. Still, my girls are amazing.

Ashlyn got off of school early last Thursday and so we got to take her up to her old Mom's Day Out (where Laney and Reesie still go). Her preschool teacher had asked her to come up and read to her class. She sat on a big chair, and read two cute books, and then would turn the books around and show the kids (some of whom are already a head taller than her) the pictures. It was adorable. I, of course, forgot my camera even though I had thought about it at least 5 times leading up to the event. Thankfully, Ms. Jackie took some pictures which I hope to get and post at a later date. She loves to pick Reesie up and when you hear Reese complain from another room you know it's because Ashlyn has picked her up for the twelfth time in 5 minutes. They are forming a sweet bond though.

Laney-bear had pajama-pizza day at school last week. She loves to put make-up on even in the morning. Yesterday I came in the bathroom and she exclaimed that her hair glitter wasn't going on. Well...not that she could see. She had a nice glob of gold glitter in the back :0). She seems to be going through the stage that Ashlyn did around this time where she likes to change clothes. She still gets fixated on an outfit and likes to suggest wearing it twice a week. The yellow shirt and blue pants outfit will not be passed down to Reese. I just can't bear to see it anymore.

Reese is seriously so so cute! I wish I could put it into words. And she is all over the place. She likes to crawl up on her rocking chair and say weeee as she rocks back in forth. It's actually a tad scarey she rocks it so hard. She is a smart little thing and will do just about anything you say to her. We now have to close the door to the bathroom because I have found her more than once up on the second step of the stool holding overlooking the sink. She also walks holding onto anything that rolls like her stroller or grocery cart. She says "Ashey" and "Laney" and most days the first word out of her mouth when you pick her up out of the crib is puppy.

Jase got switched to a different store. With the economy there was a bit of a shake up in his company. We are very thankful that he still has a job, is still in the same position, and still has the same salary, as others were not as fortunate. While I do say I'm ready for some change and something new...him losing his job and us not being able to eat, isn't exactly what I'm thinking of. We will celebrate our 10th Anniversary in a few weeks! More on that later. Well that's us in a big nutshell. Happy Wednesday night to you!

Still Alive and Kickin'

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Since I have a propensity towards the thousand words sometimes I'll spare you, and instead share pictures. December in a nutshell: school parties, Christmas programs, traveling to Arkansas to be with family, ate and ate, slept in some, opened presents, went bowling, rode scooters, brought in the New Year with wonderful friends.

Happy New Year. We'll be back quicker than we were the last time hopefully. Enjoy!

Sleep

Sleep. It is definitely in my top three favorite things to do...always has been, always will be.

You should see how my girls sleep. Every night before bed I go in and check on the girls, pray over them, cover them up, and usually shift them. At least twice a week I have to come get Jase to look at them because the way they sleep is hilarious!

Ashlyn better hope to marry a chiropractor because she is normally shoved against her wall and her head usually looks as though it is dislocated from her body. It truly amazes me that she doesn't have horrible crinks in her neck. Like my brother growing up, she normally has thrown all covers off of her and is completely sprawled out.

Laney is normally covered up and my favorite is when I come in and she is partly balled up with her cute hiney up in the air. The past couple of days she has chosen to sleep upside down in her bed. Of course, last night, both she and Ashlyn were competely sideways in their single & toddler sized beds with their legs hanging off. I know to be careful coming into their room because on more than one occassion Laney has fallen out of her bed and is somewhere in the floor. The most humorous thing about her sleeping behavior is that 90% of the time when you go to shift her or pick her up and move her she begins talking in mid-sentence...almost every time. I've told you my girls chat a lot, and it continues even when they are dead asleep.

Reesie hasn't had too many odd things because she's in her crib. I do love seeing her little hiney up in the air too. The sweetest thing with her is that as soon as you lay her down she immediately grabs her little giraffe and cuddles with it or sleeps with her head right on top of it. A couple of nights ago before I went to bed I removed her toothbrush from the crib. The girl very, very rarely gets upset about anything but she does not like having her toothbrush taken away from her...so I let her fall to sleep with it the other night.

Sweet dreams everyone!

Blessed

We had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving. On Wednesday the girls and I took a walk on a mission for sticks! They picked some great ones and we came home, put them in a vase, and made our Thankfulness Tree. On Thursday the family cut out our leaves and wrote down what we were thankful for. I think this is going to become an annual tradition. The day was full of giggles, food, and some napping. We are definitely blessed!

Running and running and running

He did it! Jason ran his third marathon on Sunday and did well, even though hurting from almost the beginning. He finished in 4:13. My brother, Andy, and sister-in-law, Kelly, ran the 1/2 marathon. It was fun to cheer all three of them on. Congrats guys...I am in awe.

I'm always thankful and proud of Jason. He is a great dad and husband. But for some reason these races make my heart just swell for him. I have to keep myself from crying several times during the race. To see someone you love train long and hard, and then see them finish what they've set their heart out to do...something very difficult they've set their heart out to do, is emotional and joyful.

I wonder if these races are a miniscule glimpse of what it's like for the Lord when His children come Home and finish the race He has placed in front of them...a very difficult race? It makes me cry to think about it even now. And this race of the Christian life too has many witnesses and people in the crowd cheering you on...those you know personally and those you don't. It is extraordinary when you think about it. (Hebrews 12...check it out.) And the finish line isn't about a time clock in Heaven. It's about being ushered into the very presence of God.

Jase, I'm so proud of you. I love you dearly...in this life and into eternity.

Happy Birthday, Reesie!

Our precious Reese Ellery,

We can't begin to tell you in words how much we love you! You have such a sweet and joyful disposition. You are so content and loving. Your face absolutely lights up around your sisters and Mommy and Daddy. We love your laugh, your precious grin, your little noises.

I feel like my heart literally swells with love for you...just at the thought of you, much less when I see you, hold you, or kiss your sweet cheeks. You are just the sweetest thing and we can't imagine life without you.

We are so thankful God blessed our family with
you and that he healed your heart (with the help
of Dr. Mendeloff). We pray daily that God now
fills the hole in your heart in a spiritual sense...
that you will come to know Him at a young age,
and walk closely to Him.

You are crawling so good, standing up on your
own for little bits at a time, saying lots of words,
crawling around the house calling Mommy, and
even "dance" when you hear music. You weigh
15 lbs. 4 oz. and pack every bit of that petite
body with cuteness and love.

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet girl! We love you,
love you, love you!

Love, love, love,
Mommy (Daddy, Ashlyn and Laney)

(The pics of her in the blue top are from yesterday Reese's actual birthday and our family party and the one in the flowery outfit is from her party with friends today. She loved the bounce house and had fun with her friends.)