thankful.

Man was it good to be back with family and friends.

After a crazy last couple days of school before break, Erik and I were able to fly our butts back home to good ol St. Louie.  Whenever I go back home, I realize how much I've missed it.  As a kid who moved around a lot, St. Louis was one place that always felt like home since our family always lived in or near the area.  The feeling I get when we touch down in that sweet city is like no other.  In a way, I feel like I am back where I belong.

And seeing all the people I love so much after not seeing them for months is just icing on the cake.  I am so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing, loving, beautiful family.  God is good.

On the topic of Thanksgiving, here is what I am thankful for:

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:38-39

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun and I wish we could have seen everyone for longer.  But I guess we have Christmas break to look forward to.

erik, me, kyle and michelle

my grandma and mom

Aunt Becky, mom and Uncle Dan

bff

everyone hanging out for Erik's bday

Jodi and Paul

Erik with Hugh

And the other big occasion of the past week was my amazing husband's 23rd Birthday.  After being together since he was 18, he just amazes me more and more with the man he has become.  After dating him a week, I knew I was truly blessed to get to know a man with a heart like his.  He is my favorite person in the whole wide world and he makes me so happy.  Just thinking about the guy warms my heart and makes me smile.

Here are a few things about the Birthday boy that make him so special to me...

- He lights up any room he is in.

- He can charm the pants off of anyone.  I would love to see him in the same room as the Queen of England.  I bet he would have her laughing her butt off...

- There is no one else that makes me laugh harder and have more fun.  I wish there was a candid camera in our house to show the goofiness that goes on.

- He lives each day striving to be a man of God and seeks wisdom from Him alone.

- He has the biggest, most caring heart.  I am so lucky to reap the benefits of it.  (I'm sure our little Ellie feels pretty lucky too...)

- He is passionate about the things he does and always puts 110% into whatever he takes on.

- He is one of the most driven and motivated human beings I know.

- He is going to make the most unbelievable dad one day.

- He doesn't take life too seriously and is great about putting things into perspective.

- He values my opinions and gives great advice.

- He is humble and giving.

- He is so loyal to his family and friends.  I have never in my life met a more loyal person.  He stands up for the people he loves no matter what.

- He looks at everyone with nonjudgemental eyes and sees a person for their positives not their negatives.

- He is super sexy and has a REALLY nice body (...sorry, but its the truth!).

- He is truly one of a kind....

Erik, God has gifted us a love that seems to grow in strength and intensity every time I turn around to face it.  I never knew a love like this even existed until you came into my life.  I love you to the moon and back.  You are such an incredible man and I can't believe I was able to talk you into being my husband. hahahaha SUCKER!!!