Things You Didn't Say When We Were Dating

I'm not going to sugar-coat it for you... marriage changes things.
I mean it's nothing to write home about, but it's something you might want
to mention to your brain. One day you don't care if you both just ate
a minced garlic pizza, you're gonna make-out... next thing you know
you're passing out Orbit and asking him not to put his arm around you
because oh. my. gosh. you're messing up my hair!

Each passing year brings us to a whole new level of comfortable.
We do and say things that would shock and appall our "dating" selves,
and I love it. Our relationship becomes more transparent, more authentic,
more worn, warm, tried, and true as the days slip into years and the years
weave together the tapestry of a lifetime.

Here's to being more open about bodily functions,
telling each other what we really think,
and brushing our teeth before anything goes down!



"Please take your hand off my back. It's sticking to me."

"I love it when you fall asleep in the kids' room
so that I can have our queen-size bed all to myself."

"Brush your teeth. I want to kiss you."

"Do you like these skinny jeans on me?"
"I like YOU."
"Yea, but the skinny jeans?"
"I like YOU."

"Let's play masseuse. I'll be your customer."
"I'm tired and have to work in the morning."
"I wish I was still your GIRLFRIEND."

"You look pretty when you sleep. Except when you fall asleep sitting up.
Then it's all ugly - weird eye movement - and drooling with your mouth open."

"You make that ZIT look beautiful."

"Ok. Don't kiss me anymore. You taste like turkey."

"I don't want to hold your hand on the carousel,
it's sweaty and people will think we're weird."

"Don't go to sleep. Stay up with me and work... and eat apple pie!"
"I'm sooooo tired."
"If we were dating you would NOT be sleeping."
"If we were dating I would NOT be getting up for work at 5:30AM."



And they all said, "Amen."

One Ticket for Crazy Train

"It's very easy to think that 'someone else' is driving the crazy train...
NO! I am driving the crazy train." - Shauna Niequist



Can I just be very honest and say I got a tad creepy fan weird when I met
Shauna Niequist last month? I mean she lives one suburb over, so every day now
I'm on "Shauna WATCH"... at the grocery store, library, intersections.
I don't even know what I'd say to her. Probably just, "Hi, remember me?"
*Shauna reaches into pocket, pulls out cell, calls 911*

One day I'll get up enough guts to e-mail her and ask her to be my Yoda,
my mentor. Show me all the ways, oh wise and wonderful woman. Until then...

For those of you who don't know, *GASP* she's an author and speaker.
Bread and Wine, Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet... ring a bell?

After I heard her speak last month, I went up and got all emotional as I gave her
a big 'ole hug and told her that she changed my life. The drama level is embarrassing.

Besides all the obvious things that she is known for encouraging,
(community, bringing people around the table, doing YOUR thing well,
finding deep pleasure in being YOURSELF, etc.)
she also was shouting: "GET OFF THE CRAZY TRAIN."

She challenged: "What can I GIVE UP in order to bring the most fruit?"
Too much, too loud changes the quality of life and may actually inhibit one
from achieving their deepest, most cherished dreams.

You guys, I am the conductor of the crazy train.
I keep busy so that I HAVE AN EXCUSE not to do what I REALLY feel called to do.
I fill my days with lots of GOOD, FUN, and sometimes even HOLY activities
so that when God comes knocking, I have a pretty, little itinerary to
wave in His face. "Nope, got plans. Big plans. Not YOUR plans. MY plans."

I'm letting this be my burning bush. My sign.
The crazy train called and they hired a new conductor.
I'm saying "no" to more good things so that I can say "yes" to the
great things that God has put on my heart.

Thanks for ruining my life, Shauna.
I hope that through this recap she has ruined your life too.
Let's all eat ice cream and cry together now...
so that we can step off the crazy train and go change the world.

Childrenisms

Judah, please don't do that. Can you say, "Yes, ma'am."???
Judah: Yeeeeeees, ma'ammoth!
They've been watching a lot of Ice Age lately. I let it slide.



Judah: Momma, you. are. HUGE!
ME: JUDAH! That's not very nice.
Isaiah: Momma, you are TINY!
and YOU are my favorite child!



Singing...
Nathan: "I've got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart... where?!"
"I've got the wonderful power that powered oh Peter
way down in the depths of my heart... where?!"
Isaiah: "I've got the wonderful power way down in my peter."
*insert immature, roaring laughter*

Judah: Jesus has a sword.
Nathan: No, that's a staff.
Judah: He's gonna HIT ME! *crouches in fear*
Nathan: It is for scaring away lions and bears.
Judah: Oh. Not for baby, wittle wambs?
Nathan: You're Jesus' lamb.
Judah: Yea.

Nathan: Judah, do you like green eggs and ham?
Judah: No. I like coffee.
as he proceeds to fake sip his cafe latte from a wooden cylinder block.



ME: Isaiah, look a bus!
Isaiah: What's it do, mom?
ME: It takes kids to school... where they are brainwashed into believing all sorts
of lies that fuel our sick society. That's a joke. Sort of. Mommy is kiiiiidding.
Isaiah: Mom. You, are silly in the coconut.

What would you like to ask Jesus for, Isaiah?
Isaiah: Um. A baby.
A baby?! What would you do with a baby?
Isaiah: I would shake it! And then give it a smoothie. Sound like a plan, mom?
Why God doesn't give children to 3 year olds.



Judah: Mom, I want a crapper.
Let's practice saying, "cracker."
____________________________________

HALLOWEEN is THIS week!
And I'm so excited about the fact that I have TWO kids...
more candy = happy momma

don't miss:

1.) Kid-friendly, Halloween craft department HEADQUARTERS

2.) Next year I'm dressing up like a May Pole

3.) All Hallow's Eve party details

4.) I'm trying to hold off for Thanksgiving, but want to make THIS now

5.) NOTHING to do with Halloween, but my current Instagram crush

+ BONUS + $3 burritos on the 31st


H A P P Y M O N D A Y
from yours truly

Do Opposites Attract?

Nathan and I share dominating temperaments and the exact same love language.
We're both the oldest child in our families and thrive in leadership roles.
We love to be with people, but recuperate better by being alone or with family.
We've got dueling, type A personalities, and I read in a book one time that if we were a
celebrity couple we'd look a lot like Bill and Hillary Clinton. Minus all the junk of course.
I would hope so! Vote for us? 2016.

We're literature lovers, pet haters, pizza connoisseurs, music makers, Jesus fans,
firm believers, dialogue gurus, neat freaks, sleep addicts, adventure seekers,
creativity choreographers, big dreamers, emotional souls...
essentially kindred spirits on every level.

Except I love ice-cream and Nathan prefers sorbet. Sorbet? Pa-lease. Skinny people food.

I feel like we break the rule: "opposites attract."
How about you and yours? Similar or obviously opposites?

Regardless of the combination, I think that most couples would agree with me that
"connecting" with your spouse is essential to a thriving relationship.
_________________________________
::: current favorite things to do together :::

learn new songs to harmonize and play with our guitar and djembe

read our respective books and then share all the details with the other

share something warm to drink // the salted caramel apple cider from Starbucks
is one we both can whole-heartedly agree upon!

put the kids in the stroller or on bikes + walk and talk

hash out our latest dreams and newest endeavors

watch old, but favorite, movies
_________________________________

Like I said, whether opposites attract or not, I don't know.
But I DO know that if you PLAN to connect, you'll find that all the opposite or similar
rigmarole will fly out the window. Attraction is attraction! That's the rule.
And that's the way, uh-huh uh-huh, we like it.

ACCESSORY || Ginger Lane + Goods for Good

I had the honor of meeting Ginger at the Influence Network Conference this past September!
Her joyful spirit, sweet smile, and enthusiasm for her handmade business totally captivated me!
Is still captivating me. She works for a cause and I love that. A portion of all sales goes
towards sponsoring children through Compassion International.



It is one thing to own and love a certain product... it is quite another to know, that every time
you slip on your cowl or open your clutch, you are helping impact another life!!!

::: GINGER LANE :::
BLOG // SHOP
_______________________________
Christmas is right around the corner, and Ginger has been so gracious to offer
FREE SHIPPING to all Lily Field readers!!! USE CODE: THELILYFIELD
((( good through December 31st, 2013 )))
_______________________________

Kristin from Lily & Light, who is a dear friend of mine, and I had so much fun
doing this photo shoot for Ginger Lane down in the heart of Indianapolis last month!!!
I own the brown, suede clutch and it receives a wave of "ooooooohs" and "ahhhhhhhs"
every time I pull it out! I. LOVE. IT.



Shop and spread some love this holiday season.
GINGER LANE = Goods for Good

Pumpkin Patch + Our DIY Halloween Costumes

The pumpkin patch is a MUST on our Fall bucket list!
I got all teary eyed a few days before we went thinking of how
the kids get bigger and bigger each year... thus creating a new
experience each time we go. Cue the flood gates. Momma is tender-hearted.





Since our boys are so close in age, they usually want to have or do whatever
the other is having or doing. It's cute... most of the time! *clears throat*
Halloween is no exception! They've been tigers and train conductors together in the past...

But in light of their passion for soccer and the upcoming World Cup,
I give you Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo!!!

OFFICIAL pro soccer gear is scary pricey - so we used iron-on letters
and numbers from Hobby Lobby (less than $10) to add to these cotton, long-sleeve
t-shirts! They'll be sporting these OVER thermal underwear and hoodies for Halloween!
Baby shin guards and a soccer ball too?! Be still my heart.






FUN FACT: Did you know that Chipotle offers $3 burritos on Halloween,
in most locations (check local), after 4pm to all customers dressed in costume?!

They donate up to $1,000,000 from the event to their Chipotle Cultivate Foundation -
a non-profit that is committed to creating sustainable and healthful food supply!!!

I know, that little tidbit is worthy of a standing "O".

All Hallows' Eve Party + DIY Owl Makeover

October 31st -

A night of tradition.
And when I say "tradition" I'm not talking about ghouls and ghosts or the
typically imagined pagan ideology (insert very evil ideas here).

All Hallows' Eve is one of my favorite feasts to celebrate!
I think it's because it is an "eve", and I am hopelessly in love with the magic of anticipation!
It is a vigil to be kept; a night of prayer and keeping watch for the Feast of All Saints!

Now I am not a liturgical professional by any means. In fact, I find that most of the
details (interesting article) surrounding how All Hallows' Eve as a night of Christian worship
came into practice very confusing. It is understood that this night was one of high pagan worship -
full of harvest festivals praising the false gods of a particular belief or region.

Beyond the middle ages it was a night when the poor would go door to door
begging for "soul cakes" - promising to pray for the beloved dead of anyone who
would share. Sounds a little like modern day trick-or-treating?

I love it that such dark days can be made holy by faithful Christians
who are willing to raise their voices in battle against the ones who still
embrace and live out this "feast" with full satanic flair (again, use your imagination).

Feeling called to community, we decided to throw open the doors to our 1,000 sq ft.
home and invite our friends in to celebrate All Hallows' Eve with us!

A supper club style dinner following a "Fall: Warm & Cozy" theme is underway!
It's going to be a night of food, friendship, and sitting on the floor, couches, or anywhere
you can find a seat to remember the reality of hell and to share and pray for our loved ones
who have passed away and the ones who are still suffering here on earth.

Here's the invite I worked up...
(celebrating on the 30th - it's what works for our community this year)


We will be using the "De Profundis",
which is a fancy name for Psalm 130, to help usher people into prayer....

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness;
therefore you are feared.

I wait for the Lord, my souls waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchman wait for morning,
more than watchman wait for morning.

O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins."
I know I know. Super, trippy, Catholic and all. We might even throw around
a little holy water for good measure. I'm kidding.

Want to host something like this for your family and friends too?!
DO IT. You've still got time!!! Feel free to e-mail me if you need some motivation
or want to bounce around some ideas! lilyfieldmomma@yahoo.com

And P.S. this is NOT just for Catholics.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

In light of preparing our home for this gathering I was inspired to paint
my decorative owl WHITE. Why?! Because almost everything in my home is a shade
of brown and I wanted this little guy to POP!



Flat white spray paint. Hobby Lobby, I count you among my closest friends.
I just love how the littlest change, using a small amount of money, can make
you feel like you just got something NEW!

Ok - here's to a happy fall and blessed All Hallows' Eve!!!

The Demon Fell in Adoration

//image//
Dimmed lights, hushed whispers, the rustling of people falling to their knees -
as the forever familiar scent of incense lingers, possibly even dances, through the air.
I was born and raised Catholic. These are my people. This is our thing. It reminds me of a wedding;
everyone waiting to see the expected party - the Bridegroom. Some cry tears of joy, others cry
tears of sorrow and anguish. Laughter can be heard sometimes as the Holy Spirit tickles the very soul of
some who come to watch, to worship. Hands reach out, heads bow, and hearts throb - beating faster
and slower in anxious anticipation of this holy encounter.

I don't usually share moments like this for fear that some people will pack up and head
to the next blog thinking, "this girl and her Catholic cup of tea is for. the. birds."
It's strange, exotic, dripping with mystery and yet my heart says: SHARE.
Share because this memory, that was created this month, has forever impacted my own faith.

The priest was processing down the aisle as the voice of the people beckoned with the
Tantum Ergo. He held the monstrance with the body of Christ in his hands. We as Catholics
believe that John 6 was written in literal language and that by the power of God, the host,
the wine, even as all our senses fail us, truly becomes the body and blood of our Lord
during the consecration at Mass. It's a lot. Deep breaths. Stay with me.

Many people turn to see, to greet the Savior in this mysterious way.
This time I kept my eyes facing forward - savoring the element of surprise.
As the priest passed our aisle, my moment, my Jesus moment, was interrupted...

She fell. She had been facing forward on her knees, but when the Eucharist
passed by her... she literally turned towards Jesus and fell.

I am so accustomed to seeing people slain in the Spirit, a gift of supernatural rest
typically given in situations like this, that I didn't think much of it.

Shrieks, groaning, twitching, and flailing ensued. This girl cried out inaudible words.
People rushed to hold her, hands reached in prayer. My heart was pounding out a
rhythmic swirl of fear and awe. I was worried for her soul, her physical well-being.

Demons are real.
And they FALL in adoration. It was so clear to me in that moment that...

"'BE QUIET!' said Jesus sternly. 'COME OUT OF HIM!'
The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, 'What is this? A new teaching -
and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and THEY OBEY HIM.'
- Mark 1:25-27 NIV

I've done time in Europe - visiting the relics, the remains of Eucharistic miracles.
I've met the chief exorcist for the Vatican and even had him pray with me.
I've laid in a bed, on the outskirts of Rome, and listened to doors slam
over and over and over again as a seemingly demonic presence was disturbed
by the AWESOME presence of Christ that was shared among gathered believers.

But THIS moment. This moment was different for my soul. All the holy stars
lined up for me that night and I went one notch deeper in my belief in the
TRUE PRESENCE of Jesus in the Eucharist.

He seemed to whisper and shout to my heart all at the same time: "I'm here."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This girl, this girl from just two rows ahead of me, did she know?
She couldn't have known that she had opened herself up to Satanic forces
because I don't think she would have come willingly to such an event.
A young man picked her limp body up off the ground and carried her to
the back where a team of people were waiting to pray over her for deliverance.
Can we continue to pray prayers of healing for her?

Project || Kiwi Crate for Kids

I'll admit, I am not very creative in the art department for little ones. I need loads of help!
I spend lots of time on Pinterest trying to come up with "projects" that will make my kids say,
"Mommy is my favorite!" It's true.

So I went ahead and ordered KIWI CRATE...
when it came to our door last week, my kids were THRILLED! And I was relieved to have a project
in a box with educational flash cards and EVERYTHING needed (down to the tape)
to complete a super fun, "I never could have come up with that on my own", experience!!!

Thanks, Kiwi Crate!!! THREE WORDS = we are fans.

So you get hands-on fun and learning for kids ages 3+ (you can choose your child's age)!
For as little as $16.95 a month, Kiwi Crate members receive all the materials and inspiration
needed for 2-3 arts, science, and play activities - plus FREE shipping and handling.

You can join the fun and order HERE!!!
Or keep pinning away over on Pinterest.
Either way.

Here's a peak at all the fun we had making our ZIPLINE FIREFLY >>>



Isaiah (3) was so excited that he could do this ALL BY HIMSELF!
Made my heart happy as a momma. Felt like I was giving him a gift!




It came with glow sticks so that the firefly could REALLY glow!!!





Isaiah slept with "firefly" that night. Kiwi Crate curated more than a box
of "projects" for my little one - they managed to create a moment that will
forever be cherished in my heart.


// JOIN NOW //

Deep Magic

A couple weekends ago, at the Influence Conference (catch the virtual experience), my heart
and mind were stretched, blown, moved, busted, blessed, and restored in so many good ways.
And in the midst of World War III that was taking place within me - I felt like God was
reminding me that I AM ENOUGH. It is enough if I am just faithful to the most
eminent task before me...

and that is living my vocation as a wife and mother to the fullest degree possible.
If I do nothing else, but love and mother my family well... it is enough.

All the other things - the dreams, the callings, the ministry opportunities are there and
seriously burning in my heart. Some days it all feels so heavy; a joyous burden, if that
makes any sense. I cry over the lives that I hope to touch. I am eager, chomping at the bit of hope,
that if I live my vocation well that God will bring all of the other things into His perfect order.

And you guys... He does.

I am often so overwhelmed with the condition of our world. Where are all the saints?
One day I'm ready to lead a rebellion, the next I'm making plans to pack up and move
my family to the North Pole to ride out "the end of the world."

But then I look at my sons. The greatest gifts I have been given this side of heaven -
and in turn, the greatest gifts I will leave - as a legacy - in this world. I know with my
whole heart that it is my honor, my duty, to love and form them well for the Father.
For the sake of the Kingdom. For the sake of the next generation that will walk this earth.

I want them to know the "deep magic", like that dear C.S. Lewis speaks of in
The Chronicles of Narnia. I want it to course through their blood. I want it seared
on their hearts. I don't want them to forget that when all the lights go out -
OUR GOD IS THERE. And that He must be given to the whole world.
That truth must reign.

If I accomplish nothing else in this life, I will die a happy woman...
knowing that I embraced the message that "I AM ENOUGH" and that it is MORE than
enough to raise a generation for Jesus Christ.



"...'for you I have prepared this.' She held up a small crystal phial:
it glittered as she moved it, and rays of white light sprang from her hand.
'In this phial,' she said, 'is caught the light of Earendil's star, set amid
the waters of my fountain. It will shine still brighter when night is about you.
May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.'"
- The Fellowship of the Ring // J.R.R. Tolkien

Mango Chicken Curry On

I've been savoring every page of Shauna Niequist's Bread and Wine.
She has effortlessly accomplished reaching down into my soul and stirring
up a concoction that has been brewing for awhile; one that I've been keeping
slightly suppressed because it just seems so absurd.

I love to cook.
I love to eat.
There, I said it. Carry on. I am an active daydreamer of food that LIVES (drama added)
for planning the weekly menu and grocery list. Don't believe me? I wake up thinking
about dinner, and fall asleep at night wondering if I should have coffee or tea
with my cinnamon pancakes or warm, blueberry quinoa in the morning.

"I love to talk about food, think about food, play with good. The grocery store
is my happy place, and the farmers market is my shrine. I'm never happier than when
I'm planning a menu or passing bowls around my table, fragrant and full." - Niequist

Preach it.

Chapter after chapter of stories, testimony, and recipes that bring
the idea of LIFE around the table into a place of honor - holy reverence.
My love language. If you are a lover of food and life around the table...

READ THIS BOOK.
|| Shauna Niequist's Mango Chicken Curry ||
I made this gluten-free by using Bob's Red Mill gluten-free all purpose flour.
I also subbed out mango due to allergies and used peaches instead. I think the nice
part about curry is that you can OWN IT. Play with the flavors and make it your own.



INGREDIENTS // get ready to chop

1/4 C. flour
2 tbls. curry powder
1 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2-3 pds. boneless, skinless chicken breasts // cut into pieces
2-4 tbls. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 tbls. fresh ginger, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 C. chicken broth
1/4 C. raisins or currants
2 roman tomatoes, diced
1 mango, pitted and diced
1 tbls. fresh lime juice
3 tbls. fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tbls. fresh basil, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS //
Mix together flour, curry powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Toss chicken pieces into the flour mixture.
Add 1 to 2 tlbs. olive oil to a pan, and cook chicken on med-high heat until browned,
about 5 minutes on each side. Set aside.

Add additional 1 to 2 tbls. olive oil and cook garlic, red onion, ginger, and red pepper
until onion is golden, about 4 minutes. Add chicken back to the pan, lower heat.

Add 4 to 4.5 C. chicken broth. Cook at a simmer until chicken is tender and broth
is reduced by one-fourth. Add currants, tomatoes, and mango, simmer until heated through.

Off heat, add lime juice, cilantro, basil.

(recipe C/O: Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist)

We ate this over rice with fluffy, gluten-free naan to scoop it all up!!!

Project || table canvas for kids

Yesterday we ran the "meltdown a minute" marathon in our household.
I kid you not, every 30 seconds someone was experiencing the end. of. the. world.
And then my husband sent me a text that read: "I love you BIG, my lady!"
Which I mis-read as: "I love you, my BIG lady." If the day wasn't hard enough -
my husband, who wouldn't care if I dyed my hair blue, calls me FAT?! I nearly cried myself.
For the record, he did NOT call me fat. But that's where an all day whine fest
with your 3 ft. tall groupies will get you. Delirium.




As a stay-at-home mom, I am always searching for the "next big thing"
that will keep my kids engaged for longer than a bowl of pretzel sticks.
Something that will keep them distracted from their other favorite past time: melting down.

It's amazing how just the littlest "switch up" of something that we do often
can be so captivating for them. IKEA paper roll for the win this time around.

I took it off their easel and covered our dining room table.
The large canvas and endless art supplies held their attention...

are you ready for this? ALL. DAY.

They took breaks here and there, but would go back and sit for long
periods of time to add to their work of art.




I'll admit that Netflix is my crutch. When my kids are in a funk or their
happiness and focus cannot be bought with my "bag 'o tricks" - a movie plays
and I sit on the couch with my fingers crossed... "please let this last."

But ideas like this are SO simple - and I am grateful that the good Lord
sends them to me on occasion. Nothing fancy, but it worked!

So from one momma to another - go cover your dining room table in paper.
Rage on against delirium... rage on.

Date Weekend || Run Away with Me

Nathan and I practically eloped. I like to say that it was an "organized elope-tion."
Webster, add that to the dictionary. Because we DID sent out invitations and all.

We both grew up South of Chicago, but decided to ditch the formalities of a "hometown wedding"
due to the crazy season of life that we found ourselves in. After dating for almost 4 years - it was time.
And the time came as we were both living out near Franciscan University where I was going to school.

West Virginia, I never, in a million years, would have guessed you'd be the state.
The state to witness our wedding and the birth of our first child.

It was perfect. And that word is imperfectly used to describe a moment in my life
that shines so brightly in my memory. It was a hot, August day - we said "I do" as our 110
guests watched us begin our history as Mr. and Mrs.

I wanted a Friday evening wedding with a reception under the stars.
And so we did it. Nathan and I planned every inch of every detail to give as a gift
to our family and friends who would attend... and it was magical.

Christmas lights hung in the pine trees, tiki torches lined the perimeters,
a bonfire roared on the edge of the woods, candlelight danced from face to face
as hors d'oeuvres were served, music swayed, and we laughed and loved with all who came to celebrate.

It had been 3 full years since we last returned to this place - this place where it all began.

...these pictures were shot out on the lawn where our reception was held...


Nathan and I ran away this past weekend to meander down memory lane together.
It was everything you'd imagine. Romantic. Sappy. Solemn. Celebratory.
My sister and her husband so kindly took our boys for the weekend...
so we had a few days in a row to just BE "us".

...this is the view near where we lived our first year together as man and wife...


We walked on campus, sipped smoothies from the student center,
danced in the rain, prayed, visited friends, attended so many fun homecoming activities.
Our hearts were full. And it was good.