Kellina's PJ's

So tonight again Kellina had to be a big girl and do her PJ's all by herself. This time though I had the camera. If you look closely you can see that this time not only is the shirt on backwards, but its also inside out. I know she's mine because I've been known to make the same mistake once or twice.

More About Blue!

So maybe its turning into an obsession, but I promised more shots of Blue and now I have video. My mom came by to see the new van and when she got here it was getting auto door locks. Jeff was very thoughtful and made this video for her. Enjoy:) "You're my boy Blue!"

The Boys First Snow!!

Last night it started to snow and continued until this morning. That means the boys get their first snow experience out of the womb. It also means I have to wait to drive Blue till all things melt. I here its not so good in the snow:( In case you are wondering how I managed to get all 5 kids out into the snow check out the big helper in the photos. Samantha is amazing when help is needed. Melia has her classic I'm three and doing what I want look on in the picture with Kellina. I see that face a lot. Oh yeah, FYI the boy in stripes is Caleb and the boy in light blue is Joshua. Thank you Aunt Lynn for the cute warm outfits!!

How to nurse twins

Some things God made just for moms to do. One of these things is nursing. Here is a photo of how I nurse and one of how Jeff nurses. It works much better when I do it.

Okay so no one is really nursing, but you get an idea of how it all works.

The Newest Doyle

We've done it. Some may say that its crazy. Some of you may even laugh, but we've never been happier. Our newest member has finally made it home. His name is Blue. If you've seen Old School then you can picture Will Farell yelling "Your my boy Blue!" That's just how I feel about our Blue. So what is Blue. Well if you've peeked at the photo you all ready know. Its our 15 seater van. Yes that does say 15 seats. We will remove our back seat and only use 11, but when needed we can take a small town with us. Best of all when something is that big it beeps when you back up. For any who think this is a crazy purchase just think of it this way, if we need to we have a second home to move in to. The best part of this van besides the roomy ride is that Jeff has added some upgrades and has more to come. He surprised me with a DVD player for the longer rides(the kind that is attached to the ceiling), a new CD player with an i-pod adapter, and maybe most important headphones for the kids to use. We will be getting tinted windows and auto locks with an alarm. Can't have anybody take my pimp ride. I have never been so happy about a car before(maybe that should say bus). Here are the pictures and more will come.

Always growing!

No matter how much as parents we want are kids to be a certain way they always keep growing. Currently I can't wait for the babies to get bigger, start cooing and most of all sleeping through the night. As for Kellina she just keeps getting bigger way to fast. Yesterday she hit the stage were they start not wanting mommies help any more. The most spoken phrase is "I can do it by myself!" I usually get to help her with her PJ's, but last night not so much. She did the entire process by herself. She did very well except the top was on the wrong way. I left it alone instead of bursting her pride bubble. What joy she found in showing her daddy. I wish I had a picture to share, but I don't so just picture a big grin and a backwards top. In the bath I tried to wash her hair and rinse it. Turns out that's hard to do now that she is miss independent. After her bath it was time for a hair cut. She did let me do all that by myself. Although she was very concerned that I may cut myself and had to see every hair I cut off. What a big girl she is now. If only she would use the potty on a regular basis.

KEEPING KIDS HAPPY

Sometimes you do whatever it takes to keep your kids happy. Some of these moments should never be shared. Watching movies is one way we keep our kids happy. That's no big deal, but when one kid is scared of all things you try your best to distract them during scary moments. Melia is this child. We were watching Kung Fu Panda and it was at the very end. Of course that's when most scary things happen. I decided that I would goof around with the dialogue so she wasn't scared. I looked up and saw to my horror that Jeff had caught it all on tape. I watched it and even though I may get teased for years I thought I should share it. So enjoy! Sorry if it is long, but it was a dramatic fight scene.

Through the eyes of a child

These signs are all up and down the Guide these days. Its for Circuit City and they are going out of business as you can see. They are pretty tall signs. At least six feet and about three feet wide. A person is standing behind them to ensure they don't fall down. Sometimes the people move around. I understand their feet are probably pretty sore. Anyways, as we drove by a sign it began to wiggle. You couldn't see the man behind it. Suddenly a very excited and amazed Melia called from her car seat," Look guys the sign is moving!!!" She thought it was the neatest thing ever. Jeff and I both giggled and told her that their were people behind the signs holding them up. She gave a big sigh and I don't think believed us until the man stepped to the side so you could see him. It was such a wonderful moment to get a glimpse into her little mind.

Big Vehicles

So growing up in life I never pictured myself as a minivan driving mom. I sure never pictured that minivan to be as packed as mine is. We have noticed recently that we are sure getting to be a large group to take any where. I can no longer offer rides to any of Samantha's friends. We had gotten our minivan because Samantha had been squeezed between two car seats in the back of a Sedan. Here is what the van looks like now!

Can you see Sam? Yeah she is again squeezed between two car seats in the back of a minivan. So we've been thinking what can hold this family? I think we now know. Brace yourselves its a big one. A thirteen seater van. You know the ones. Usually a daycare or school district uses them to transport. Well now we need one. Comfort is definitely more important then coolness or looks at this time. If we ever buy one(which I'm sure we will) I will put up a picture for all to be jealous of.

For the love of CHOCOLATE!

So my loving husband brought me a big bowl of double chocolate fudge ice cream to eat in bed while I watched a girly hallmark movie. I know they our pretty cheesy, but I love them. Anyways I was also holding Joshua as I watched my show. One thing I usually do to my ice cream is stir it all up so that its more the consistency of a milk shake. This time Jeff delivered the ice cream pre-stirred. What a good man. As I sat and enjoyed this yummy treat I suddenly felt like some had spilled. I searched around and when I found nothing I continued to eat. It had seemed like only a small drop anyways and it was dark, so getting up to turn on the light seemed to big a hassle. When I was all the way done I turned Josh over to get up and looked down at his face. This is what I saw.

I had found where that drop of ice cream had gone and it sure did give him a yummy looking mustache. He never even flinched when the cold drip hit him.

The LOVE DARE:

So I (Jeff) have decided to begin this 40 day journey into the "Love Dare" as seen on the movie Fireproof beginning today (Valentines Day). I am going to try and update this section of the blog as the days and dares go on in hopes to share the experience with curious minds. These are close to word-for-word from the book, but I'm shorting some of them up. Please note that these new movie-book-study-hype things are not my thing. That being said, I do know that the good Lord designed and created marriage as a good thing. It's worth a try because Ruth is definitely worth all the time and effort so here it goes:

Day 1: Love is Patient
Resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all.

NOTES: At the end of day one I didn't notice too much. I did, however, notice that my impatience was directly related to dealing with the kids and not so much with Ruth. I was consciously assessing my own thoughts and I must say that I've got some pretty strange stuff floating around up there, but I did not think or feel negatively towards Ruth. When she got short or snappy with me, it was easy to see that it came from her dealing with the kids as well. I need to practice not running around like a chicken head (I know chicken heads don't run, but that's besides the point) and I will endeavor to pray for more patience as the days roll on.

Day 2: Love is Kind

Do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.

NOTES: I tried to maintain a kind attitude throughout the whole day mixed with patience. Man I'm sweat'in dude. I don't want to try so hard. It should just flow naturally. I cleaned up, change diapers, and above all actually asked if there was anything more I could do to help. I think I need to work on being less passive aggressive at times. One thing that stood out in this chapter for me was the following statement: The kind husband or wife will be the one who greets first, smiles first, serves first, and forgives first. I need to just "man up", do my part, and leave the results up to God. I love this family and will continue the journey as necessary.

Day 3: Love is not selfish

Buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today".

NOTES: I brought home some balloons, flowers, new sweat pants, and some oreo cakesters. Ruth, as usual, responded with a genuine appreciation and gave me one of those smiles that will last me all week long. Giving is good! This part of the "dare" was nothing but good times.......We'll see what tomorrow brings. By the grace and goodness of God, I'll keep moving forward.

Day 4: Love is thoughtful

Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day, ask how they are doing, and see if there is anything you can do for them.

NOTES: This one, I usually do anyway. This time when I called I went extra on the "is there anything you need" part. It ended up that I was able to pick up an item from the store for Ruth. I have to remember that all these dares are meant to continue on with patience and kindness. Those are fundamental for entering in to each new dare. Patience... Kindness... Two basics that should never be removed. Gotta soak it in. All around, day 4 went pretty smooth. Supposedly it gets harder. We'll see.....

Day 5: Love is not rude

Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you.

NOTES: Here are the three things.....#1 sometimes when Ruth snaps at me about something I move my head around as if dodging punches even when she's being serious.....That irritates her.#2 sometimes I put a dirty dish back in the sink after rinsing it instead of in the dish washer......That irritates her.#3 sometimes during 4play, I open my mouth too wide and use too much tongue.....That makes her uncomfortable. (grinning with embarrassment).... I think I handled hearing these things indefensibly and in stride. Next, I plan to listen better (without eluding verbal assaults), put my dishes all the way into the dishwasher after rinsing, and open mouth slightly while getting rid of the tongue all together. Mixed, of course, with the fundamental patience and kindness.

Day 6: Love is not irritable

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation.

NOTES: Ruth and I did not see each other all day until late night, but we discussed how I can be passive aggressive when I get irritated. I don't know where this stems from, but I'm praying about it. Oh, how I need the grace of God to carry on from day to day.

Day 7: Love believes the best

On paper, make a list of positive and negative things about your spouse. Hide the list. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.

NOTES: I choose not to share my list completely, but I can honestly say that the positive list was an easier one to make. I had to call and thank Ruth for just one of her positive attributes today and I chose to thank her for not being a major complainer. Everything must continue to be coupled with patience and kindness.

Day 8: Love is not jealous

Become your spouse's biggest fan. Take yesterday's list of negative attributes, burn it, and share how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.

NOTES: I shared this dare with Ruth and told her how proud I am of her smarts and motherhood. Although she has not received any recent awards or achievements for anything, she succeeds daily with the kids and deserves much more than a plaque. Bottom line is to avoid becoming bitter towards or jealous of your spouse. "A loving husband doesn't mind his wife being better at something, having more fun, or getting more applause. He sees her as completing him, not competing with him." I do need to work more at edifying my deserving wife. She is truly my hero! (I gladly burned that negative list with Melia outside).

Day 9: Love makes good impressions

Think of a specific way to greet your spouse and do it with a smile. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them.

NOTES: Many months ago I actually decided to always greet Ruth with a kiss every day after work. I still do it, but everyday has turned into more like 1-3 times per week or when I remember to. I am loosing this one and chapter 9 was a great refresher for me. From this day forward, my goal is to kiss or touch during good mornings, hellos, good-byes, and good nights. "Remember, love is a choice. So choose o change your greeting. Choose to love." "It doesn't have to be bold and dramatic every time. But adding warmth and enthusiasm gives you the chance to touch your mate's heart in subtle, unspoken ways."

Day 10: Love is unconditional

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

NOTES: In the business of today, I ended up only buying Ruth some cad bury cream eggs. My words spoke of love, but I was short tempered.....

Day 11: Love Cherishes

Choose a gesture that says, "I cherish you" and do it with a smile.

NOTES: I took the day off and bought a 15 passenger van. This is irrelevant to the chapter and I have a headache. I have lost patience and have not been too kind in the process. After my head is overloaded with auto dealing and number crunching all I want is something to break. My interactions with Ruth have been brutally military, short, and far from sweet. My bad today. Lord, forgive and help renew my heart through this.

Day 12: Love lets the other win

Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first.

NOTES: Maybe this counts and maybe this doesn't but whatever. I disagreed with Ruth about installing a DVD player in our old van, but gave in to her preference on the new one. Above all, I was able to get back to my devotions this morning and have a renewed strength (coupled with a sore throat). I love me wifey...... I never stopped and never will stop loving her, but I'm trying to search for newer deeper ways to express it. Here's to day 12!

Day 13: Love fights fair

Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement and Resolve to abide by them.

NOTES: Ruth and I discussed that we need to disengage early during arguments in the kids' presence, understand each other better when both of us "had a long day", and never let the sun go down while we're still angry. Never letting the sun go down while your angry is an old one we established at the beginning of our marriage and although we've been good here, it doesn't hurt to revisit. Better communication as usual. For me proper communication. I figure if I go all out in trying to really listen to what she is saying, then I have pretty much covered 90% of the communication part. Truthfully, I married a unique and wonderful creature and there is nothing on God's green earth that I would trade in for her. (Ruth reads these sometimes so I probably just scored some hubby points). God has established marriage for His purposes and in all His wisdom I am convinced that ultimately His plan will prevail. I may be up and down on the patience scale but: "All things as they change proclaim the Lord eternally the same".....AMEN!

Day 14: Love takes delight

Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse.

NOTES: I neglected playing video games (on a Friday night mind you) and just laid next to Ruth while she watched one of her TV shows. It was fine. I gained having some small talk with Ruth during commercials and got to see Joshua smile ear-to-ear while I was holding him. If that's the exchange for skipping video games for a night then I'll take it! I do have to remind myself to keep loving regardless of the return. Agape love. God's love.

Day 15: Love is honorable

Show your mate that she is highly esteemed in your eyes. Holding open doors, put away clothes, or the way you listen and communicate.

NOTES: I opened doors, filled ice waters, helped with kids, cleaned dinner, did nap and bedtime routine, and listened differently. These are the norms, but I placed the high esteem of her for my reasoning behind it all. In my own heart it helped me to do things with less frustration, but I was in my own little world on this one. I'm not sure if she notices or not. It does not matter though, because it's not about me or rewards for my good works. It's about marriage. It's about commitment. It's about death being the only thing that parts us.

Day 16: Love intercedes

Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for 3 specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.

NOTES: I do pray for Ruth and the kids, but this dare is helping me to focus in on 3 specifics about Ruth alone. I choose not to share this list. I will just add that God does not appreciate what God does not initiate. I'm all for this one!

Day 17: Love promotes intimacy

Guard your mate's secrets. Demonstrate love in spite of issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.

NOTES: It's hard to just start sharing your innermost feelings as a man and, in this case, as Ruth. "I don't have secrets". "I can't think of anything that you don't already know". So, we just ended up kickin it all night with are normal life discussions, agendas for the day, and so on. Ruth says she feels safe with me, but I don't know how deep that one goes. If she ever does come up with a secret to tell me, I hope she knows that it's safe with me. She is safe with me.

Day 18: Love seeks to understand

Prepare a special dinner at home for just the two of you. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate.

NOTES: Ruth is back to working again. She had to work an evening shift tonight so this one didn't happen. She did have some potatoes and roast ready for me when I got home though. Thanks Honey! I hope I can find the time to work this dare in on a different day.

Day 19: Love is impossible

Look back over previous dares. Were some seemingly impossible? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask Him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strength while agreeing to settle your eternal destination.

NOTES: March 4th, 2009...(trying to keep better track of the days). So just sticking to the rudimentary patience and kindness thing has been challenging. There is so much going on through out the day and the kids, oh man the kids! Marriage is tough alone, but throw kids in the mix and you've got your work cut out. People need the Lord! When I prayed about this one, I found that 90% of it was thankfulness. Unlike my finite capacity, God's infinite love will never run out and He desires me to take in more and more. Oh, I have a grateful heart and I love the spouse He's brought me.

Day 20: Love is Jesus Christ

Dare to take God at His Word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, "Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. But you have shown your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and you have proven your power to save me from death by your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by you grace".

NOTES: 3/5/09, done. Grace through faith in Jesus because there is no other name given under Heaven by which we can be saved....(Acts 4:12)

Day 21: Love is satisfied in God

Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your Bible. As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.

NOTES: 3/6/09, I love it. I always think that things can get too hectic for alone time in prayer and the word. Being intentional about it made it easy to see that I can skip watching TV, playing guitar, or even cleaning the house in order to spend some quality time with the Lord. If things appear hectic than that's when I need my Jesus most. I like these "dares".

Day 22: Love is faithful

Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Choose to say something similar to this, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return."

NOTES: 3/7/09, I was sitting at the table rubbing Ruth's hand and as I gazed into her beautiful multicolored eyes I said, "Honey, I LOVE you plain and simple. I just want you to know that no matter what I will always love you, okay..? Do you know this to be true?" Ruth responded, "Yeah, I love you so much too. Was that one of your love dares or something?" She called me out and cracks me up all at once, and I do love her.

Day 23: Love always protects

Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.

NOTES: 3/8/09, I can get addicted to anything really, but the areas I have struggled with the most are lust, alcohol, and weed. God's grace, mercy, strength and forgiveness have helped me to not have to "remove" any addictions that may be hindering our relationship. There were moments that I had to remove some things, but Ruth stayed by my side. That being said, everyday is a battlefield and I have to consciously fight to preserve this marriage by taking every thought captive to the Lord. It all begins in the mind. If it were not for the goodness of God, I would not be where I'm at today with my addictions. This is a major topic for me and I could write a book here so I will end it with this: Addictions are parasites that will utterly destroy your relationship. (Your relationship with God, people, and your spouse that is).....

Day 24: Love vs. Lust

End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it.

NOTES: 3/9/09, New day same battles. I have, by choice, ended all objects of lust with prayer for power to excel still more. I think I have matured enough over the past 10 years or so in having more discernment towards the deception of lust, but never too mature where I become complacent. (Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1st Corinthians 10:12)

Day 25: Love forgives

Forgive your mate. Let it go. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive".

NOTES: Forgiving seems to come fairly easy for me and I think it's because I've been forgiven for so much. I'm no better than my spouse or anybody else.

Day 26: Love is responsible

Pray through your own wrongdoings, admit them and ask for forgiveness from your spouse. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love.

NOTES: 3/11/09 My wrongdoings are being stubborn and hard headed. I had the perfect scenario tonight to be that and to share my deepest apologies. I'm not sure what happend on the receiving end of things, but I do know I just felt more comfortable on the couch for some reason.

Day 27: Love encourages

Eliminate unrealistic expectations in your home. Apologize for being so hard and promise to seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.

NOTES: 3/12 A long time ago when we used to be newly weds, I was hard on Ruth about cleaning more around the house and prioritizing things better. I'm not that guy anymore. It used to cause me more stress trying to control everything and have it my way. I gave my reassurance of love again and let the chips fall where they do. I left a hidden note in the van that read something like this: "You're beautiful, amazing, and holy all by grace alone. Scoot over just a little bit and allow God some room in your day. I love you! I appreciate all that you've been doing!!" Ruth states this had an impact and I am grateful for that. I meant what I wrote and believe very much in my wife.

Day 28: Love makes sacrifices

Purpose to meet one of the greatest needs in your spouse's life right now.

NOTES: 3/13 Ruth needs a front loading wash machine with a large capacity. Installed it tonight...... I would'nt want to be doing laundry for 8 hours at a time if I were at home all day. The Lord has opened up material things for us lately which is hard to imagine since we're in the worst of economic times. I'm grateful.

Day 29: Love is motivation

Pray for your spouse for their needs, say, "I love you", then express that love in some tangible way.

NOTES: We had some family over for games, I told her that I loved her, and was up and down getting her stuff from the kitchen. It's fun playing board games with Ruth and the family.

Day 30: Love brings unity

Isolate one area of division in your marriage and ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for your spouse and if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.

NOTES: Nothing revealed

Day 31: Love and marriage

Conquer a "leaving" issue and commit to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.

NOTES: We've leaved and cleaved as far as I can tell and it goes without saying that this marriage is the top priority in my other (little as they are) relationships.

Day 32: Love meets sexual needs

Initiate sex with your spouse in a way that honors what they have shared about their sexual needs.

NOTES: Sex is one of the greatest things God ever came up with. Although I have not initiated anything yet (as I type) I plan to address all of her needs, in a way that honors her, this evening.

Day 33: Love completes each other

Include your spouse in upcoming decisions and mention that you need their perspective and counsel.

NOTES: 3/18/09 I included Ruth in making decisions about some washer and dryer upgrades. She is also advising me through this thought of going back to school for nursing. As I began to mention my need of her perspective and the way I love to hear her side of things she cut me off in mid sentence with, "Is this one of those Love Dare things". Red handed! Thankfully, I was able to convince her of my appreciation in this area with all books aside. Although my decision may be the end result of things, I love to her Ruth's opinion and insights along the way. God bless her!

Day 34: Love celebrates godliness

Verbally commend your spouse for demonstrating Christian character in a noticeable way.

NOTES: 3/19/09 I had to commend Ruth on the way she listens to and supports her other family members and one of her friends. I also see the love of Christ through her (at moments) tender-encouraging-heart with our children. Be quick to listen and slow to speak....

Day 35: Love is accountable

Find a marriage mentor if you feel counseling is needed and ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.

NOTES: 3/20/09 I don't think we need any counseling at this point in time. Saying that, I don't ever want to become complacent or cocky about our marriage either. One thing I do know is that the Holy Spirit (who IS God) is called our wonderful counselor. I think we would be wise to stay prayed up and keep our church body close as they pray for us as well. Every aspect of life is spiritual and, of course, marriage is in no way different.

Day 36: Love is God's word

If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock.

NOTES: 3/21/09 This one was a quicky. Ruth was headed off to work a graveyard shift and I read one verse with her, "delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" out of Psalms. Short, sweet, and powerful. My bad that I do not incorporate more time in reading with Ruth. I am comfortable in my alone time with God and I need help sharing these moments with her too.

Day 37: Love agrees in prayer

Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together committing your time to the Lord.

NOTES: 3/22/09 We've prayed together quite a bit in the past and did so tonight as this chapter was a refresher. We don't do it enough and I feel guilt for not initiating this one more often.

Day 38: Love fulfills dreams

Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable and commit this to prayer. Meet these desires to whatever level you possibly can.

NOTES: 3/23/09 I think Ruth would ultimately desire being a 100% stay-at-home mom and I have been working on this one for 5 years through prayer and looking into other job offers. It will not happen over night, but I'm applying to CBP again and wanting to go to school for Nursing. God opens doors and closes them too. He wants me (us) to learn something here but one thing is certain.......NEVER LET UP!

Day 39: Love endures

Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until Death, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.

NOTES: 3/24/09 RUTH,

What’s up beautimas maximus? I am just writing this letter as part of day 39’s Love Dare, but mostly because I believe the following to be true:

When I first began to realize I was in Love with you, I was talking to you on the phone while I was chilling on my couch at the Hide-away apartments. That particular love bug never went away. Approximately one month later we were saying “I do” at the Grange Hall on Lummi Island.

I, Jeff, ask you, Ruth, to continue to be my wife as my friend and my love. Everyday I affirm the relationship we have enjoyed, looking to the future, to deepen and strengthen it. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. Together we will dream,will stumble but restore each other, we will share all things,serving each other and our fellow humanity. I will cherish and respect you,comfort and encourage you, be open with you, and stay with you as long aswe shall Live, freed and bound by our Love. I will die for you my lady! All of this by grace through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Day 40: Love is a covenant

Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate.

NOTES: 3/25/09 I'll pin up yesterdays letter.

Final thoughts about the Love Dare: Time just cruises right on by. The "dare" is over. Who has to "dare" to love really. I enjoyed the journey and especially like the fact that there were a few golden moments in there for Ruth. I hope to carry on with more patience and kindness and less passive aggressive behaviors. The highest moments in the book, for me, were the chapters about God. I want to know what God thinks about our marriage. I want to know what God thinks about my life, what I'm doing, and where I'm going. What does God desire for our marriage? How can we honor God with our relationship? Because of God's infinitude, there is no end to us getting to know Him more each and every day. Jesus desires a relationship with His church of both intimacy and passion (like a marriage). He has that for us and wants to develop that in us. In Philippians 3:8, the apostle Paul says, “More than that, I count all things to be a loss in the view of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord.” This is a passion and desire for intimacy. Jesus is our eternal bridegroom as His church!

I want to end this love dare thing with a quote from C.S. Lewis and really hope it sinks in deep to anybody who reads it and is married (or has plans to get married)..........

"When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now."
C.S. Lewis

Newest twins moments

Today I was visiting with Jeff's parents. We were looking at pictures of Jeff's sister's twins. She had fraternal twins a little over a year ago. The cutest picture was taken when they were very small and in a crib together. They were both looking in the camera even though they were very new born. Jeff's mom and I decided we should try to get a similar shot of the boys. Well here it is. I took three and loved them all. I really like where Josh is covering his brother with his arm. Almost to say look at me.

They are getting so big so fast. They look at people now with a more intent stare. They seem to know voices more and more.

Moments with Melia

Melia can crack me up, amaze me, and frustrate me to no end all with her words. I thought I would share some of these moments. Yesterday I was driving home from my moms house which takes about 30 minutes. I soon heard Melia singing from the back. I don't know how many of you know the teeth brushing song that uses different times to brush your teeth, but Melia's version went like this. "When you wake up in the morning and its quarter to 6 you have nothing to do but pick up eggs. You brush your teeth. Ch ch ch ch. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7(spoken very softly). When you wake up in the morning and its quarter to 7 you have nothing to so but pick up logs. You brush your teeth. Ch ch ch ch. 1,2,,3,4,5,6,7,8. When you wake up in the morning and it quarter to 8 you have nothing to do but pick up grass. . . ." This went on till ten. The thing you do is suppose to rhyme with the number. Hers not so much. At least I know she can count to ten. Her new favorite number is cat. This is four in French. She likes to call it kitty. You can never leave the ketchup lid open in her presence. She will make you close it and has done so since she was about 2. Recently her dad taught her Mary Had a Little Lamb on a play piano. Yesterday she taught both Samantha and Kellina how to play it on the big piano. She also made up a story about Adam and Eve that starred goldfish. These are all good things. Her most challenging moments are when she thinks she knows more then you and wants to do it her way no matter what. She had one of those moments when I tried to get her to pose for her picture.

Things that make me laugh

Here are a few things that make me laugh.

1. Kellina seeing her brothers privates then yelling "Look his peanuts, peanuts, peanuts!"


2. Melia explaining to Kellina that the boys are crying because their peanuts are hurting even though their just hungry.


3. Samantha laying on the floor laughing so hard she may cry, but not sharing what is so funny.


4. JEFF!!


5. The joy of having healthy twin boys that toot louder then me at certain times. Their yuckiness is winning me over!

Growing fast

So many things in my life have grown so fast. My family use to be a family that was only me and Samantha. Now just a few short years later we're a family of seven! I can remember when Samantha was a bald happy go lucky baby(bald till she was two). Now she is a young lady soon approaching the life changes we all must go through. Today she is being my biggest helper. Last night I had a high fever and a left breast that hurt so bad I wanted to cry. It turns out I'm dealing with mastitis. Today my wonderful big girl is helping with everything so I can manage to get through the day. I think the stress of all of it my cause her to want to lock herself away for a least a day, but she is still helping as much as she can. Which is a lot of helping. If you told me that she was going to be such a big helper when she was little chub I don't know that I would have believed it. Watching her help brings a smile to my face. I think that God plans these moments to help us in the hard times. The way she is helping now is trying to get two toddlers to play school. She likes the control, but with strong willed toddlers anyone may go a little crazy. I think at nap time she gets to do what ever she wants.

What Dads do with their musical daughters!

Its a good thing that one of us has musical talent to pass down to our children. Kellina really loves music. She loves to sit down at our piano and play while singing songs. No matter what shes doing if she hears music she likes she will stop and dance. And yes there is music that she likes and dislikes. It turns out that she also has a love for the drums. Jeffs 32nd birthday gift was one he picked out himself. No big surprise that it was a musical instrument. When I found out we had drums in the garage I first thought of how many noise complaints our neighbors would have(so far none). While hanging out with Kellina one day Jeff shot this video.

I am so glad we have drums now. Bring on the noise complaints. Kellina has become so big since her brothers came home and now she is a little drummer girl. I hope her love for music grows as she does.

Gods blessings

If you've talked to me at all in recent days then you know that I've said how yucky boys are. With the twins being my first boys I still stick to the fact that they are yucky, but sometimes when they are peaceful God reminds me that they are just as sweet as girls. Speaking of girls Kellina was showing off how sweet she can be by pretending to be the baby again. I know we're related because the stories that always get retold about me are how much I loved to be in the nude. She did all the modest editing herself. God has blessed this family with many different personalities and I will show off more soon.