As much as I miss the high-pitched voices of my OS when they were little –
As much as I cling to those chubby snuggles and hilarious toddler sayings,
I’ve got to say, there are things about this stage of life that have perks!
“Woo hoo! Gonna take my beautiful sweetheart out for a date night!”
I got a text from our oldest OS on our 25th anniversary. A $100 gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris was on its way!
He and his brothers had pitched in to make this possible
When I was a kid, I remember celebrating my parents’ wedding anniversary but my OS haven’t done this before.
2/3 of my OS even publicly acknowledged our special day on their facebook pages and it sincerely made me happy.
Because it’s not like we made 25 years easily.
In the past, we threw the “L” word and the “D” word with regularity. When my oldest OS was a toddler, we took him with us to the marriage counselor.
He played with a little toy on the floor as the Hubs and I sat on separate couches. We were at impasse. Would we stay together or would we go our separate ways? As we celebrate this hallmark anniversary, I can still see that toe-headed fella on the carpet. He is now an Army officer.
I began reading the card and then Ike took it from my hands and said he wanted to read it out loud to me. ❤
So as the orange hair, freckle face OS stood in front of me (the Hubs had to go to DC to attend to a speeding ticket (!) he got on the way home from Nate’s graduation from West Point), Ike presented me with a homemade anniversary card.
It’s unlikely Ike will be a great artist in the future but we love him anyway. I love these goofy cards and I really, really hope I don’t look like this in real life!
Funny how his drawings look kinda like Tess the Guinea Pig Girl dolls…
Here’s what he said,
“Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for setting a wonderful example for us on what a faithful marriage is. Raising 3 great children and the last one possibly being the great is not easy to do. You have shown us what leadership and sacrifice is and have blessed us by walking beside us in our Christian walks. We love you and thank you for the love you have given us.
Isaac, Nate and Aaron
PS. Thanks for making us”
Ike has always been such a funny guy!
Ike’s drawings look quite similar to my Tess the Guinea Pig Girl doll collection, don’t you think? Not sure what to do with that!
Jesus alone has salvaged the Hubs and me. Individually, the Lord has also redeemed my children’s lives when they repented of their sins and asked Christ into their hearts. Aaron and Ike exist today because of the mighty work Christ has done in this really human family.
My OS know our story and they see our flaws on a daily basis. And they celebrated our marriage anyway. I’m looking forward to a festive date night.
Here’s the link if you want to see more of the Guinea Pig Girl doll collection!
My Awesome Olive Shoots 
You did it again! I am laughing out loud with tears streaming down my face! I am so thankful that our children will reap what we’ve sown and launch off from our ceilings! God is good and doesn’t waste a struggle, trial or tear we’ve pushed through. We love your precious fam and wish you and Mark another 25 years, even more amazing than the first!
PS- thank you for the yummy honey!!
Oh yes, there have been struggles aplenty and blessings through the trials! We love your family too and your testimony as a couple! Thank you Carrie for your kindness and friendship!