Our 9th Anniversary

The beach line near Springmaid.
Swinging on the Springmaid Pier around midnight on our anniversary.
Eating seafood at Sara J's in Garden City! Oh. My. Goodness.

For our 9th anniversary we were able to go to Myrtle Beach together for a couple of days (thanks to Bibbi and Papa Jeep for watching the children for us!). Actually, it was for Jason's SC State Firefighter's Convention that he always goes down this time of the year and it always falls on our anniversary (oh, how fortunate am I! Ha! Didn't even get to go last year b/c we had a 5 week old baby). Anyway, the cost of the room at Springmaid is covered and all of his meals are covered by work (he really did have to work each day even if just for 2 or 3 hours on our anniversary). The main expenses were my gas since I couldn't stay the whole week and my meals.

We did a lot of things; I went Christmas shopping and got all the kids' things! Oh, what a relief! I also got to.....listen to this.....READ in peace out by the pool and coast around the lazy river for nearly 2 hours! WOW. I know you're all jealous right now...especially if you have little ones. :)

But, the most important thing is that Jason and I got to spend quality, uninterrupted time with each other! How wonderful! I'm now reaquainted with Jason's chest hairs! Ha! I had forgotten that he even had them since it isn't very often that I get to lay my head on his chest for snuggle time. We last had that quality time without children back in Feb. when we went to the mountains together for a super weekend. And I hope that we can have a date night or two the week we go back to Garden City in September for a full family vacation, but we'll have to see. I may see if a sitter wants to come with us for the week! I know lots of families who do just that! Kelsey, are you available? :)

I must tell you, my husband wrote the sweetest, most loving note to me for our anniversary. Simply beats all the Hallmark cards he has ever gotten for me in the past. I cannot tell you how I love this man...he loves me for who I am and helps me to be all that God has intended for me to be. How blessed I am!

Girls, ladies, all you who are single even if you are just 12 years old...start NOW developing the list for the kind of characteristics you want in a godly husband. I don't mean "macho" or "muscular"...I'm talking long-lasting qualities that edify the Lord. Don't just make the list, but stick to the list. Don't date anyone who wouldn't qualify. Then, begin praying diligently for that godly man. Pray for him each day...pray for him to be developing into the kind of leader you would wish for in a godly husband and godly father. Pray for his patience, contentment, and strength. I am SOOO glad I did this and God has been faithful in bringing me that man. First, though, He had to develop me into a godly woman that Jason would want in a wife and mother. Oh, please don't get me wrong, we "have not yet arrived". We have our downfalls and areas that we need work in, but oh, how wonderful marriage can be when lived according to His principles instead of our own!! Praise Him!

Well, here's to 59 more years (oh, wow, that makes me 94 years old---hey, it can happen and I'm praying for it!)!