Happy 18th Wedding Anniversary!

Happy 18th birthday to our family!!  Man, when I think back to that wedding date 18 years ago, we were such babies and really had no idea what we were doing. ha ha  Eden is only 5 years away from the age I was when I met Brad and that just makes me feel a lot of nervous feelings. Being the parent is much scarier than being the "know it all" teenager.  ha ha 

 But what an 18 years it has been!  And what a journey of growth and love.   Marriage has brought us a lot of experiences to push us to the highest of joys, and the lowest of sorrows. These past few years have been especially challenging, but especially meaningful as we have worked through some difficult cycles that needed to be broken!  I'm so grateful for a partner willing to stay committed to the process, and committed to the work.  Something I've learned these past few years is that marriage is not about how to get someone to love you the way you want/deserve to be loved, but instead it's about promising to God, yourself, and your partner to be the kind of person who will love the other and to honestly pursue the good of the other person with the most integrity possible, no matter what you get in return.  It's really hard, but it's what real love looks like.  I'm proud of Brad and I for all the very hard work we have put into it these last few years, especially to face our own insecurities and unkind behaviors, and learning to be more vulnerable with one another.  It's been a journey, and a beautiful love story.

Eden was very sweet and offered to make us an anniversary cake.  It was delicious and so thoughtful of her!  Thank you Eden!

Happy anniversary Brad.  I love you and am grateful that we are partners committed to this thing called marriage that is about so much more than I knew 18 years ago!

 

Eden Lovin' the Dances

Eden's been having a lot of fun going to the church dances this year.  She has a great group of friends, girls and boys, and I'm so glad that she does.  There are always a lot of learning opportunities through social situations, and she is really blossoming and figuring herself out more and more.  I love seeing all her cute photos on her phone, and her happy, smiling face.  You're so beautiful Eden - from the inside out!

Potty training the twins

What's more fun than potty training a toddler? Potty training two toddlers!  Everywhere Erin goes, the little potty goes too!   It's been a handful for us all keeping track of these two potty training girls.  They like to run away, and in different directions.

Meanwhile, Olive, Karly, and Lola were in charge of the bribery treats - cupcakes!  Both Lola and Olive's expressions in this photo made me laugh.  These two are a lot alike.  Lola reminds me a LOT of Olive at that age.  So cute.

Good luck Erin - it's your last time in the potty training battle - you've got this!

Ruby Gets A Haircut

Just a day in the life - captured by Eden on her phone.  Ruby has to get a haircut every six weeks and we are all very happy when she does because she gets so stinky and gross! Usually I run this errand alone, but today I had all the girls with me and Eden got some great candid shots.  Thanks Eden!

 

Best Brother

Bentley really is the best brother ever.  We all really love this guy.  

It's really hard to get him to let me take his picture.  He usually blocks his face or runs away when he sees me trying to take pictures of him.  But I don't know why - what a handsome dude - he should be showing off!    We love you Bentley.  Thanks for being the best brother ever.

 

Singing and Piano Lessons

I only got a picture of Karly, for some reason, but let this one represent all the music lessons that are starting up this semester!   Karly is starting singing lessons with Bo McEwen, and will also be learning some basic piano.  She is excited to join all her siblings in the musical journey.

Olive will be continuing her singing lessons with Bo.  She loves it and has really been developing the strength of her voice.  

Bentley and Eden will also be continuing to learn piano from Bo.  We are so grateful for her time and talent (and that she comes to our house!).  She is an excellent teacher and the kids are learning and growing so much with her.

I am so grateful for all the beautiful music that fills our home!
 

Eden Begins Playing with the Albuquerque Youth Symphony

 It's a big day for Eden!!!  Today she started her first rehearsal with the Albuquerque Youth Symphony.   She is a beginner in every sense of the word.  She just got her pedal harp a couple weeks ago and has yet to even have a single lesson on it yet (that will be this Thursday).  She is going into this first rehearsal a little "blind" and very, very nervous.   Nothing like being thrown into the deep end, playing in a symphony for the first time, on a new instrument that she has yet to learn.   I appreciate Eden's bravery and willingness to step into things that feel very scary.  She has a lot of courage and I'm so proud of her!

I'm so excited to witness her growth this year.  She is going to have some amazing opportunities to learn so many new things, and to be a part of something big.  I'm so excited for her.