Then and Now

Today is Tim and I's eight year anniversary. When I think back to our dating and engaged life, I am amazed at the ways we have changed (okay, that mainly I have changed). I thought I'd share a few examples with you.


Then:
Tim informed me that he wanted his wife to stay at home. I told him that we should break up because I was not getting my PhD to be at home.


Now:
I am a stay-at-home mom with a PhD. I love staying home with my kids and could not imagine amything else.


Then:
Tim expressed his desire to have 4 children. I said I would be happy with 2.

Now:
I am pregnant with our fourth child.


Then:
Ultimate frisbee was one of the most important things in my life. Most of our disagreements revolved around ultimate frisbee.

Now:
I have not played 'competitive' ultimate frisbee in 3+ years and I do not miss it.


Then:
Tim loved God first and me second.

Now:
I understand now why Tim loves God first and me second.


Then:
I was amazed at the respect people had for Tim. On occasions my mentor would not speak to me for a week, but would greet Tim warmly the second he walked into our lab.

Now:
I know that Tim deserves the respect that people show him. I have learned that he will talk to people even when they do not want to talk to him. Tim either does not get the 'don't talk to me vibe' or he just completely ignores it. I have also learned to rescue people sometimes when they are stuck listening to his work progress. He honestly believes that everyone is really interested in what he does for a living (he's reading this now thinking, "but they are really interested." Yes honey, they are, sometimes).


Then:
I loved Tim because he was the mate God provided for me and he treated me like a princess.

Now:
I still love Tim because he is the mate God provided for me. I now have to share my princess role with two other princesses, but I do not mind. I also love him because he is completely trustworthy. Whenever I have a tough decision to make, I know that he will provide sound advice. I love him because he is an amazing father and my children adore him. I love him because he provides stability for our family. He makes us his priority. Lastly, I love Tim because he does not compromise his beliefs. He believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and Tim truely desires that each and every person he meets know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

I am so thankful that God continues to work in and through mine and Tim's life. I am thankful that Tim saw potential in me and asked me to be his wife. If you do not know the Jesus that we so frequently talk about, please ask us. We would be happy to share.

To Tim- Happy Anniversary. I love you!

Survey says...

it's a girl

but

the sonographer says...

Rainy day out with Thomas

Saturday we took all three kids to ride the Thomas train. They had no idea we were going, so it was a big surprise. It was windy and cold as we toured the booths that were set up for the kids. The rain started while we were on the train. We had planned to get pictures of Thomas after the ride. Did we wait in line in the rain? Of course!

The rain and cold really did not bother me. I was excited to be able to do something that involved one of Zach's favorite things. How often do you get to see a famous train and have your picture taken with the (slightly scary) manager of the Sodor railroad?

Not often enough!

What happens when...

daddy is in charge:

Please note the sleeping baby almost covered by toys. The sweet, precious baby that has a temperature of 102 and that threw up all over me earlier.

Please pray for Tim

I just want to ask for prayer for Tim tomorrow. He is in Washington D.C. to attend a memorial service for a colleague that recently died. The group of people he is with are largely unbelievers. Please pray that God will use him during this time to be a light for Jesus and that Tim will speak only what God would have him say.

Introducing the Express

Today was the official start of t-ball. All the kids looked so cute in their uniforms. Unfortunately or fortunately (however you want to look at it), their cuteness was the highlight of the game. Zach got to play pitcher and Calyn played in the outfield. Tim is their manager, so we both got to help on the field. Calyn whined and complained the whole game about being hungry and cold. I finally told her that there is no whining in baseball. Of course after the game (and snack), she wanted to know how soon they could play again. Calyn did not have the opportunity to field any balls, but Zach managed to stop a few. The other team was full of power hitters but a few went right to Zach. Now if only he and the first basemen could connect! It will be interesting to see how the season unfolds.