April 23, 1994

It's hard to believe that we we've been married for 17 years. We've been so many places and done so many things together in the last 17 years. We've been to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Gulf of Mexico. We've been to Disney World twice- once before kids and once with our oldest two. We've lived in Massachusetts, Idaho, Washington (state), and Minnesota. We've been so many road trips- to Toronto, Idaho, Florida, and Chicago. We've driven across country more times than I can count. We have brought 3 beautiful daughters into this world- the 1st two while we were still in school, the last one after buying our very 1st home.

We've faced our share of trials and have had many more good times. I married my best friend 17 years ago. He's made me laugh so hard that I almost wet myself, and he's held me when I've cried so hard and couldn't stop. It's been a great journey so far, I can't wait to see where it takes us.

Our newest additions

Our newest additions are... chickens. Now we'd totally be on the cutting edge with our urban chickens if they were in our back yard, but quite frankly, we're just not that trendy. So, our newest pets are out on a friends farm- where they have room to run and play. Each of our girls got to pick out 1 chick. Charlie named hers Chipotle, Emily Chrissouls (I think) and Lily named hers Fluffy. Every couple of weeks the girls get (?) to go out and clean the chicken coop, feed their chicks and have a good time, and by late this summer, we'll have farm fresh eggs. So, our pet count total currently stands at 6- 1 cat, 1 dog, 1 hermit crab, and 3 chickens. Twice as many pets as kids, but only 1/2 actually reside in our house :)

Grandma would be so proud

While all of our girls enjoyed playing with Tinkerbelle, it was Lily who really had a great time. since Shawn's mom and husband Tom have "Wiener dogs" we thought we'd get one too. Okay I'm totally kidding. This is not our dog. But the girls loved playing with her and she loved playing with them- especially Lily and her hair. And no, after taking these shots Shawn again let me know that we are never going to cut her hair.

We did, however get some new pets. They're small and cuddly now but they are going to get louder, larger, and smellier.......................................

Easter

We had the best Easter we've had in the 7 years we've lived in Minnesota this year. First, by some great miracle, we have had the mildest and nicest of springs. This meant that we were actually able to dye Easter eggs outside-at night in MARCH - no small feat here in Minnesota! In addition to the great weather, we also got to take part in some very fun events. We got to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Preschool and took part in 3 different Easter egg hunts. We also got to spend time with the fabulous friends who have truly become our family out here in Minnesota. We hope your Easter was as wonderful as ours.

Gratitude

What a great few weeks it has been. I am reminded over and over how blessed my family is.

We have great friends. Friends we laugh with and cry with, friends we stay up way to late with and get up way to early with. The kind of people who take their own hair out of a ponytail so they can braid Lily's, who insist on taking our kids (and dog!) so that Shawn and I can have a night to ourselves. Friends who drop off treats, send us cards, include us in their holidays , making us part of their families. These are the kinds of people that truly bless our lives.

We're also blessed to have healthy children. Children who are bright, articulate, and kind. As a mom, the thing that humbles me the most, is when these 3 children forgive my short comings and carry on as some of the kindest people I know. They easily forgive the unkind people in their lives and move on quickly. They love fiercely and make every day brighter for me and those around them.

We're blessed with the gift of music. Some of my family sing like angels. And, more importantly, they think the rest of us do as well. I can't imagine a day that isn't filled with music. Home (and at Grandpa Al's) we can belt it out no matter how we sound.

We're blessed with laughter. There are days when our home, car, friends' homes and cars just ring with laughter. Laughing til we cry and are afraid we might wet ourselves (well at least those of us who have given birth) make for some of my favorite days/memories.

Spring. We're blessed with a beautiful and mild spring. After more years than my whole family has lived combined, we had a March with not only no snow, but warm spring days. After months of cold, dark, days, we have crocuses and daffidils in bloom and irises on the way.

So, we are truly blessed and have so much to be grateful for. We hope you do as well.