Thanksgiving came early!

As I sit here reflecting on the past day, I can't help but be so thankful! Mike was in a car accident yesterday, and to get that call (from him) was heart wrenching. Even though he said he was okay, it still shakes your core to know how quickly life can change in an instant.

I am so incredible thankful for him and my life has been forever changed because of his love for me. He really completes who I am. When I don't know what to do, He's the person I want to bounce ideas off of. He's the only opinion that really matters and he makes me feel so special.

He takes such gentle, compassionate care of me and makes sure all my needs and wants are exceeded.

It's day like yesterday that make you look at each other differently, thankfully, joyfully. Knowing that I get another night of laying in his arms and waking up to his kiss. I want to live more days looking at him this way and I hope that I never forget how fragile life is.

40 Reason's why I love my Husband

It's our four year anniversary tomorrow! Here's 40 things I love about my Husband!

1. He's my best friend




2. He loves God




3. He's a hard worker




4. He cooks for me (and rocks at it!)




5. He does all the "manly" stuff, like take care of the cars, yard work and trash.




6. He loves my family




7. and his.




8. He's a sports nut! (sometimes I don't love that, but today I so do!)




9. He takes me on adventures




10. He sticks to the budget, even when my number crunching makes no sense.




11. He's a man of integrity who follows through with his promises




12. He works out




13. He makes amazing house projects




14. He praises me in public




15. He makes me feel beautiful




16. He asks me to pray




17. He remembers the little things, like getting me flowers just because




18. He walks the dog when I'm too tired




19. He lets me talk things out without interupting




20. and then lets me call my mom




21. He know all about technology (keeps me in the loop)




22. He goes along with my crazy plans




23. He turns off all the lights that I leave on after I go to bed




24. He makes me feel safe




25. He calls me during the day just to say "hi"




26. He does the laundry




27. He carries my bags when we go shopping




28. and doesn't say anything when I go over "budget"




29. He's a dreamer




30. He calls me LATA




31. He makes me a priority and his actions show




32. He takes me out on dates




33. He eats my gluten free meals




34. and doesn't complain about how bad some of them taste




35. He's a morning person




36. He still holds the door for me




37. He looks at me like he did 8 years ago




38. He spoils me




39. He gives me leg rubs almost every night and never complains




40. He loves me!!
    

Michael, for all that you are, thank you. I love you so much and I am so thankful to be taking this next step with you. You are an amazing man of God, who loves his family unconditionally and serves people with a heart like Jesus. Thank you for guiding me these last four years and for loving me through it all. Happy Anniversary!

What are ride!

This time three years ago I was getting my hair done and veil on.

Mike was at the gym with his groomsman!

It was our wedding day and I was marrying my high school sweetheart.

I thought I knew who Mike was when we got married, but these past three years have completely blown my mind.

I knew he was determined, but I didn't know how patient he was to reach his goal.

I knew he was loving and romantic, but I didn't know how spontaneous he was.

I knew he was strong, but I didn't know how secure I would feel when he became the head of our household.

I knew he was encouraging, but I didn't know that his words and presence would be the only thing that could cheer me up after a bad day.

It's incredible to think that we are celebrating three years of marriage. It's even more incredible to think how much I've learned about who Mike is and the man he is becoming. I respect his character so much. He is a loyal, trustworthy, compassionate, friend. He works very hard for his success, but doesn't try to throw people under the bus in the process. He loves sports and his knowledge about his hobby amazes me. I know he loves me every day by his actions and words.

It's an honor to be his wife, today and every day.

Cheers to another year homeboy!

I love you.

When it's gone

In less than 12 hours, I will be leaving for Ohio for 9 whole days.

Not really sure I thought that through when I purchased the tickets, but I was excited to go see family.

Reality is setting in.

I have never been away from Mike for more than 2 days in the last 6+ years.

Crazy!

And, gosh, I'm really going to miss him.

He's like my security blanket.

My problem solver.

My protector.

Just knowing that he is around, calms my nerves.

Thank goodness for video chats!

I'm so thankful that I don't need absence to make my heart grow fonder.

I am so in love with this boy!

American Greetings would be proud

Ever since we started dating, Mike has showered me with love through words. He used to be really into poetry. I think it was a great outlet for him to get his emotions down on paper.
Since we are high school sweethearts, we did a lot of note passing in the hall and through classes.
When we first started "talking" he got me my first card. It was a very random card "just because it was Tuesday". That was the first card of probably a hundred that I have received to date from my husband. And after six years of knowing this man he still remembers the little things. This morning I got a "Just because it's Friday card". He knows just what to say when I am feeling sad or happy. I am so thankful that I married my best friend. I have the best life!
I love you Homeboy!

Happy Anniversary to me!! (I guess it's us)

Today marks my second anniversary to my wonderful hubby.
I feel so blessed to have married my best friend. Mike knows me inside and out, and chooses to love me every day inspite of that.
He is the most motivated, hard-working, dedicated person I know.
I love being his high school sweetheart. I can't remember a day without him!
He makes me feel protected and loved all the time.
He makes me adventurous and challenges me to try new things.
This last year was better then the first and I can't wait to see where this next year takes us ;)

Michael,
I love you like crazy!! Thank you for standing with me in the storms and trials. Thank you for taking this journey with me to Raleigh. I love you today!!! I can't wait to love you tomorrow!
Manda
xoxoxo