Our 28th Anniversary

It's hard to believe that 28 years ago this time, I was excitedly and anxiously awaiting our late evening marriage ceremony! It didn't begin until 8:00 p.m.!

July 31, 1982...


In some ways, it doesn't seem possible that it could be 28 years. Then again in another, it seems like we've always been together. Jason and I have been through many happy seasons, but we've also had our share of difficult seasons in our 28 years.

Then...


We've been blessed beyond measure. I know God gave us each other and I'm so glad we both listened to Him and trusted God on knowing He would send our future mate. Now 28 years later, here we are in a new season of our life which some might say should have been reserved for grandchildren (instead of a new 2 year old). :) But that's okay. The best part is....we're right where God wants us. And we wouldn't want it any other way! I remember praying when I became a Christian (at the age of 10), that I wanted God to plan my life. That still holds true today.

When I think about us, I think how I love the simple things. I love sitting on the back of a 4-wheeler with my arms around Jason just enjoying the ride down the gravel roads. I like taking country drives and just enjoying the scenery (and that's funny because our kids never "get" why we enjoy that...it's boring to them). I like the times we're in deep conversation and I like the times we can just ride in silence holding hands....and be comfortable with either. I love dreaming together....whether it's about our kids, our home improvement projects, our financial goals.....or just growing old together. I like remembering past times together and laughing about them. No, we don't have everything we've dreamed of or desire, but part of the fun is just dreaming it together and the journey getting there.

Now..


This evening, we're going out to dinner to Outback Steakhouse. It will be the first time "out on a date" (which I've missed) since we've been home from China.....and I'm looking forward to it very much!

So to my honey and best friend.....I love you....More! Happy 28th Anniversary, Jason!

~ Tammy ~

** NOTE ** If you would like to read previous anniversary posts and our love story, you can read more here, here, here, and here.

Mr. Personality

I hope you'll forgive me for flooding you with pictures of our newest family member. But...I just can't help myself! Luke is so entertaining!

The following pictures all took place within a span of less than five minutes....no kiddin'. He was thoroughly entertaining us at the supper table (thus the evidence left on his face). Actually, we basically finished eating and were just sitting there around the table....talking and planning on a 4-wheeler ride after supper. I think he knew he was putting on the charm and he's already learned that mama always has a camera in her hand, so he might as well embrace it! :)

So here goes....

(My very favorite)
















(My other favorite one)




Those eyes tell all........Mr. Personality! :)


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Just to let you know, I'll try not to make my blog all pictures of my family.....and will try to give you more variety! lol! It's just that these days, there has been very little decorating or home improvement projects going on....or homeschooling adventures yet either. However, we have some home improvement projects up our sleeves....a major one that will be long term. I'll try to share that soon.....because it will be interesting to see it unfold from beginning to end (for me too)!

Thanks so much for your interest in our not so exciting life and for stopping by my blog for a visit, and for the sweet comments received as well! I appreciate it all so much!

Blessings,
~ Tammy ~

I Can Do All Things...

Here's Mr. Luke practicing his memory verse, "I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength." Phillipians 4:13.

It was lovingly taught to him by his jie jie, Joy.



Enjoy! :)

Brothers...

You've seen many pictures of Luke and his beloved, jie jie, Joy. They're always together! Here's the pictures that don't come around quite as often. After all, Colt is 21 and....well....you know how often you get to see them then, right?











Colt has slowly won him over and they're growing closer all the time. And I have a feeling these two could (and probably will) create some mischief together. :)

Another Guitar Player in the House?

The other night before bed (thus the T-shirt and pull-up), we were upstairs. Joy was playing her guitar and singing, and Jason and I were exercising. Of course, Luke had to grab his guitar and serenade us too! I think we might possibly have another guitar player in the house! Here he's singing, "Mama, Baba, JieJie". Sometimes the song has ge ge in too. And notice his own unique style of holding and playing guitar....Enjoy the serenade! :)



Thank you so much for stopping by and for the comments I've received! Things are getting better all the time as far as us finding a new normal. Luke is doing better with his sleeping most days too! Have a great evening! :)

~ Tammy ~

What Happens When You Have an Eleven Year Old Big Sister.....

Joy and Luke disappeared upstairs for a bit and when they came down, Luke was sporting a new look, thanks to his 11 year old sister, complete with lip gloss, hairbow, bracelets and all. He even struck a pose.



* NOTE * A picture was snapped and then they were quickly told (by Dad) to get that stuff off of him! :)

But don't you think he makes a cute girl too? :)

American Girl Draws Crowd!

While in China, we really had a great time in Hohhot (Inner Mongolia). The little park down the road across the street from our hotel (home away from home) became a familiar place to spend the late afternoons/evenings. We'll always have special memories from there. It was full of Chinese culture and we loved watching people and even enjoyed the people watching us! :) Yes, we got lots of stares, but the people were very very good to us. From a post in China, I told you about Joy dancing with the Chinese culture dancers in the park. Some days there were just a handful of dancers there, and at other times there were more. Joy watched them and I could see her wheels turning wanting to try it. Well...on the third night of watching them, she asked if she could ask to join them. Her dad was a little reluctant, but finally agreed. I think he wasn't sure how they would take to a foreigner joining them or if she knew the dances well enough to join in. They graciously invited her to join them. Each time they did a little different dance, so she really was winging it and just watching and learning as she went. As you can tell, she drew a crowd. I suppose they were all interested in this American girl dancing their dances! We were so proud of her and she was so glad she had the courage to go up and ask!


Here she is in a posed picture with them afterwards....