Turks & Caicos

We celebrated our 10 year anniversary back in June.  Ed and I decided a long time ago that we wanted to take a big trip for our 10 year.  We began saving and saving, and finally saved up enough to go on our trip this summer.  We decided on the islands of Turks & Caicos.  We went to the island of Providenciales because of its white sand beaches and the clear blue carribbean water.  And it did not disappoint!

We stayed at Seven Stars Resort in Grace Bay.  Although it looks like a huge crowded resort, it was only at 30% capacity.  We had our own space which was nice and we never had to fight over chairs or anything like that.  It was absolutely perfect for us!  It was everything we wanted!

our building was the one on right

one of my favorite things to do was float on a raft in the pool

our favorite cabana

the view from our balcony

Ed and I really enjoyed our uninterrupted time together.  We had the best mornings on our balcony reading and drinking coffee.  Long days at the beach and pool talking and reading and swimming.  Late dinners with no need to hurry and interruption-free conversations.  I really was reminded how much I love my husband.  He is absolutely my best friend and I would not rather spend my time with anyone else.  

So although we are back physically, we often want to be back on the beach.  We are glad to have our little family back together though.  The kids were so happy for us and loved seeing all the pictures.  They think it is so weird that we do our own things without them.  Like they can't imagine it!  I guess they think the world revolves around them!  

More pictures to come soon!

You Make My Heart Melt

I need to backtrack a little because I have too many good pictures that grandparents need to see.  I apologize for being so bad this year updating the blog, especially now that we are far away.

So here's backtrack #1...

Ed and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary a couple of weeks ago, which I actually did blog about.  But we had a friend come into town that weekend and we conned her into watching the kids one night so we could go out.  We decided to go to an oldie but goodie - The Melting Pot.  Hence the cheesy title.   We love that place not only for their fiesta cheese, but also for the chocolate.  We love that it is a really long meal, so you don't feel rushed.  You can just sit and talk and eat.  Three things I love to do!! So thank you so much Rachel!  We had a great night.  I'd say we look pretty good after 10 years!

And just for fun!  Because they are boys and they love to show their muscles...

10 years ago

I've had so much fun sorting through our old pictures today.  I realized however my wedding album and all the proofs are at Ed's parents house.  Sad.  But I had my scrapbook and some random pics laying around so this will have to do!  

Note...this is pre-digital era.  Am I really that old?  Sometimes I just want to squeeze my butt back in my dress, rent a tux for Ed, and go get a whole new batch of pictures.  To be honest, we don't like our pictures very much and its kind of a touchy subject.  But in the spirit of celebration, I will push those thoughts out of my mind and cherish the fact that at least I have these!

Martin Day 3,650

(and yes I used the calculator for that one!)

3,650 days ago I became a Martin.  I married the man I never thought I would find.

Our wedding day couldn't have gone more perfect in our eyes.  It was a beautiful day, all my favorite people were there, we ate, we danced, we ate more, and danced more.  Then we finished it off with a trip to Maui.  I often think back to that week, and it really was one of the happiest times in my life.

Truthfully though, its the time in between then and now that just messes me up to even think about it.  How could I be so blessed?  It's almost painful to think of how sweetly the Lord has showered us with His grace and mercy.  I do not deserve this.  But in celebrating our 10 years together, its only appropriate to give thanks for that which I had absolute no control over.  In no particular order...

- three beautiful healthy children

- a strong healthy marriage

- a husband I still find attractive

- godly grandparents for my children

- sweet ministry friendships from our seminary days

- many many students that still have my heart after 6 years of ministry

- the chance to go on many mission trips

- a front row seat in watching my husband do what God has gifted and called him to do

- three children who love each other

- the joy that fills our house

- a great teaching job for 3 years

- an incredible church in Wake Forest

- a chance to experience true community at our church in Richmond

- many sweet friendships that we developed in Richmond

- the fact that the Lord loves me enough not to leave me the way that I am

- adult friendships with my siblings

- incredible "in-laws"

-smooth and "easy" pregnancies

- laughter

- memorable getaways

- family vacations

- the Lord's provision

I probably forgot a ton of things.  But I am just so amazed at all that has happen in the last ten years.

I love my husband more than the day I married him.  I am so excited I get to spend the next ten with him...and the next ten...and the next ten!

Here's to ten more Edward!  I love you!

9 Years and Counting...

I cannot describe to you how wonderful our anniversary weekend was!  Ed took me away for one night, to my surprise, to Old Town Alexandria.  He had it all planned and everything ready to go.  All I had to do was pack!


We dropped the kids off at his parents' house, and drove up that morning.  We grabbed some lunch and took it to a park on the Potomac River.  It was one of my favorite moments of the weekend.  We got the chance to talk, uninterrupted.  To be able to give each other our full attention was a big deal to me.  I love him so much!

I love this picture even though I look prego in it!

Then we ventured on to our hotel and checked in.  I have a love affair with Embassy Suites.  Well actually, the whole Hilton group.  I love each of those hotels, and it is a special treat when we get to go there!  So we checked in, and took a nap!  Seriously, it was awesome!


That night Ed took me out to dinner to Columbia Firehouse.  We both got steak and again talked and talked UNINTERRUPTED!  

The next day was even more amazing.  You all, I am not exaggerating when I say it was a great weekend!  I am still savoring each moment we had.  I feel like I just got back from a honeymoon!


We found an amazing little cafe and sat outside, read books, and drank coffee.  If that was all we did I would be happy.  

Then we walked over to Red Rocks for some pizza...surprise, I know.  We are addicted to pizza!


I absolutely love my husband and am so grateful for the 9 years we've had together.  If it keeps getting better than I don't know what I'm in for!  I love doing life with him, and love our family.  Every couple needs a night away!  It should be required!