Even though this has now become a reality, we’re still enjoying the outdoors & date night is a great excuse to get out and see our local surroundings.  This evening, Justin & I visited the nearby Farmer’s Market and found a quaint store with all sorts of antique cookbooks.  Our favorite part of the night was buying fresh tamales & enjoying them on a park bench while the sun began to set.  I cherish each opportunity to embrace a new moment with my love– no matter how seemingly simple :)

Thank you Lord for my husband. 

Sometimes when I see him come through the front door as he returns home from work, or wake up next to him on a sunny day, or watch the excitement on his face when I cook him something as simple as spaghetti, I’m reminded of the completley undeserved gift Justin is.  It’s in those moments that I’m daily in awe of how my Heavenly Father has given me more than all I could have asked or imagined.

This weekend we were blessed to attend a marriage conference with our fellowship group from church in Newport beach.  It was lovely.  We thouroughly enjoyed spending time together and exploring Balboa Island.  Justin and I walked along the beach, stopped at an ice cream shop to enjoy a “balboa bar,” ventured down the pier, and window shopped.  It was a wonderful time to connect while enjoying our surroundings and dear friends from church.  The teaching was wonderful as well; we pray the Lord will use our marriage to bring Him glory and be a testimony to those who do not know Him.

Happy birthday my love :) I’m so thankful the Lord for such a wonderful husband as you.  Each year with you is more of a blessing– beyond all I could have asked or imagined.

Our travels took us to Yosemite, Sequoia, and King’s Canyon National Parks– and then on to Carpinteria to soak up some sun, hand-in-hand.  Justin surprised me with each new destination of our trip, and did an excellent job of it… I didn’t have a clue. 

Being married to my best friend is truly a gift more than I could have ever asked, or even imagined.  The Lord is so gracious!  Lord willing, I look forward to many more years of growing closer to each other and our Savior.   

During the trip, someone asked Justin if we were on our honeymoon and he answered, “well our third one actually” (adding up our honeymoon + 2 anniversaries).  That summed up our time together quite well :)

In January we moved. We’re really enjoying our new place & being closer to siblings. Having a dishwasher has definitely been a highlight too :)

When we were packing though, I realized that I was having mixed feelings. I was sad to leave the first apartment that we lived in after Justin and I were married. It was sad to imagine not having the same view of the hillside out the window, the familiar sounds of children playing in the park below, or even the quirky things that we had come to love about our little home.

It was a good reminder that Christ is my home. I love Ephesians 3 where it talks about, “Christ who is your life.” Although things around me change, often quickly, He stays the same.

I’ve always liked red front doors :) Yay for dishwashers.

Justin barbecuing.