Happy Easter!!

The moment he realized there were eggs to find.

 Our sweet neighbor and friend, Kairi.

 Caleb got me...

But I definitely got him!

Just to make sure Zach got some in his hair.

Happy Easter! Jesus is risen, he is risen indeed! 

One Hundred Love Sonnets: XVII

I don't love you as if you were a rose of salt, topaz, 

or arrow of carnations that propagate fire: 

I love you as one loves certain obscure things, 

secretly, between the shadow and the soul. 

I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom but carries

the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself, 

and thanks to your love the right aroma that arose

from the earth lives dimly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where, 

I love you directly without problems or pride: 

I love you like this because I don't know any other way

except in this form in which I am not, nor are you, 

so close that your hand upon my chest is mine,

so close that your eyes close with my dreams. 

Pablo Neruda

Happy Wedding! Back in two weeks!

In Continual Celebration of Spring

This last white one reminds me of a wedding dress.

I walked around our neighborhood just to take a closer look at these. I love the different textures in each of them. There are fields erupting in color everywhere here, constantly reminding me of the season of life I am in.

I'll call this season New.

Wedding Wedding Wedding!

Photo by Cristina Robeck

19 days.

WHAT??!

It is hitting me harder each day that goes by. But if nothing else got done between now and then everything would probably go great. Well, except I'd be barefoot. In that many days I am going to walk down the isle to my beloved.

This whole wedding planning process has not been a dream. It's rough actually. Each step of the way there has been a major curve-ball that required twice the time and effort. Most tasks that I could have finished in a day ended up going on for at least a week. Some women have desk jobs where they can plan their weddings at work, not me. Somewhere between the 40-50 hours of standing at either job I squeezed things in. It wasn't graceful, it wasn't on time, it wasn't easy. However a lot of it was really fun. Someone asked me the other day if this will be the wedding I'd always imagined...

Nope. Not even close.

Though if on April 14th nothing is the way I'd planned, I'll be walking toward the man of my dreams.

The man I've always imagined.

March 14th 2012

When you were four you sat on my lap in the middle of your pink-and-sparkle-clad room and said, "Ashee one day you will find a prince and he will marry you". I replied, interested, "Oh yeah? Who will he be and what will he look like?"

"Well what color do you like?" you asked, "like do you like green or purple? I think your prince will be purple".

We used to talk about you as the flower girl in my wedding, dressed in white tossing flowers all around. I see all of that little girl in you, when I could carry you on my hip and you could flip upside down between my arms. But mostly I see a beautiful little lady, so smart, so caring, growing and changing each time your picture is captured. You are strong, passionate, silly and sometimes shy. You know who you are, what grabs your attention, and who you are loved by. 

Buttoned up in an ivory flowing gown,

 or barefoot in faded jeans and tangled hair--

either way, I love you Rebekah.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers are famous for lining Texas highways, filling meadows and adding little pops of color anywhere there is a little soil and water. You have to catch them quick, because they come and go as fast as Spring here, but when they come they come in droves.

This morning I'm sitting at the kitchen table and through the open window pours a soft breeze, sunlight and the sound of birds singing.

So much to do, so little time.

New Seasons

It is official.

I cant deny it.

I'd like to, because I love cozy winters and rainy tea weather.

But hello! Wake up! It's spring.

In this crazy state of Texas spring means looking forward to the hottest summers. The last cold front blew through a few weeks ago and then suddenly blew out as quick as it came. The days have gotten warmer and warmer and though the winter is sadly gone, we're enjoying the spring.

This Guy-- James David

We're making life decisions lately. Lately there are stressful wedding moments and down-to-business conversations. It's so good to have him by my side.

Yesterday we went and found some open space (not hard in Texas) and wandered through it. The wildflowers up to my shoulders (again, not hard) we walked and talked, just to spend some time together. At one point we even woke some sleeping deer. He amazes me. The things I am scared to talk or make decisions about, he takes them straight on and with no hesitation. He has moments of stoic seriousness and yet at times I catch silly antics that make me burst out laughing. He works hard and dedicates himself to excellence. I think he's pretty handsome too. 

Aren't those glasses to die for? 

Looking forward to April, we are enjoying the process of getting there. The months have now turned into weeks and things are coming together. 

This guy, he's the best. 

Alina-bobina

Her dad came down yesterday morning and said to her,

Alina, how come you're so cute hun? Did you get cuter last night?

 Just had to capture those curly-curls.

For the Sweetest Five Year Old

She hasn't been feeling good the last couple days, so we thought she may need a little beauty and love.

I adore the details.