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!

I thought I loved you then

Today is our anniversary!  9 years ago today I married an amazing man.  I was so in love.  He really was everything I had hoped for, but ultimately didn't really think I would find.  But God was involved, and as you know when God is involved, well HE kind of gets what HE wants!  I'm kind of glad!


Today is no special day.  We have youth group.  He's got to work.  I have things I need to do as well.  I think the majority of our anniversaries have been spent with teenagers and often times apart.  At least we are "together" this year.  


I remember when we first got married just listening to those that have been married longer saying it just keeps getting better.  It gets better with time!  


I'm starting to see that!  Yeah, I thought that day nine years ago was glorious!  I will have it forever imprinted in my mind.  But doing life with Ed is so much more fun!  Whether it is waking up beside him, watching him wrestle our three little kids, going on a date with him, walking through a hard time, I love him more.  I love him more than I loved him 9 years ago and for that I am thankful.

A Weekend Away

Those of you with children know what a gift it is to go away for even a night!  For my 30th birthday, Ed took me to this little inn in the middle of nowhere and it was amazing!  We left the kids with my mom, and headed out last week.  For 3 days we were by ourselves.  When we first left, we laughed because we actually just sat in silence.  We just let the silence surround us, and then we were able to actually carry on a conversation without any interruptions or requests or questions or whatever else!  

We stayed at the Inn at Gristmill in Warm Springs, VA.  It literally is in the middle of nowhere, but for the time we were there, it was perfect!  We did our share of hiking, exploring, napping, reading, eating, talking, walking, and driving.  We went the the Homestead also one day and just sat on their rocking chairs on the front porch and talked.  It was by far one of the most relaxing trips I've ever had.  And in my stage of life that is the best gift anyone can give me.   I love you babe, and thank you for a great birthday!  

This group of buildings makes up the inn.  Each has several rooms in it.  Ours was in the yellow one to the right that you can barely see.

Oh!  Every morning when you want, you call them and they bring you this!  Ed called it the "basket of glory!"  It had fresh baked breads, oj, and a pot of hot coffee with all the fixins! 

I know its out of focus, but you know how hard it is to get a pic of you two when you are all alone! 

We decided this might be a fun place to come in the summer because there were tons of pools like this one!  This one even came equipped with a rope swing, and it was so clear you could see the bottom!

Love him!

This waterfall was amazing and as usual the pic does not do it justice.  It is a LOT taller than it looks!  My husband was not satisfied with the overlook view so we hiked around to stand at the top and look down.  I pretty much freaked out!

  

You Don't See This Every Day...

Ed and I can't ever seem to get a picture of just the two of us! Our last one was probably our wedding! We just don't take the time or don't have anyone to take it! How sad, I know! The funny thing is that even this picture is blurry, so it's really not a good one! Oh well!

Anyway, my amazing husband took me out this weekend to celebrate our 8 year anniversary, which was in June. We went out to Texas De Brazil Steakhouse, a favorite of ours! We went on our 2 year anniversary in Memphis and so he decided to take me there again this year! We had such a sweet time being able to talk for several hours with no "MOOOOOMMMMYYYY!" or "DAAAAADDDDYYYYYY!" Not to mention the food is AMAZING! Can you say filet mignon that melts in your mouth?! It was a sweet night to celebrate just being us!

The Love of My Life

8 years ago today, I married the most amazing man in the world! That's right ladies, he is TAKEN! I can honestly say, I am more in love with him than ever. God continues to amaze me in the "grace upon grace" that He is just pouring out on us everyday! There is no absolute way our marriage would be this strong without the Lord! So to God we give the glory for 8 amazing years and many more to come! Love you Babe!

80's Night at youth retreat -
and our really cool youth in the background!