German Fest

After church yesterday, we went to German Fest in a nearby town for the second year in a row.  And just like last year, we had a great time!

Our main objective is always food.  Jack got a whole meal with pork schnitzel--which he devoured!  Bryan got a bratwurst--his favorite!--and I got a corn dog--my favorite!  We also shared a huge pretzel and a caramel apple.

After eating, we went over to the carnival side

and rode the tilt-a-whirl!

We had an absolute blast on the ride!  When we got off, Jack said it was the most he's laughed all year!

We had the best time together!  I'm so grateful for my 2 boys!

Way to Go, Sarah!

Yesterday, was her last day of school.  In 2 weeks, she'll walk across the stage and graduate with a 4.0.  In June, she'll begin her career.

As always, we are beyond proud of her!  And, as always, we are reminding ourselves not to blink.

Happy Easter!

Forever, He is glorified

Forever, He is lifted high

Forever, He is risen

He is alive

He is alive

This morning, the boys and I went to the 7 AM Easter service, and it was beautiful!

And a couple hundred miles away, Sarah and Billy sent us this sweet picture of them at Easter service.  Which was extra fitting, because while the boys and I were taking our picture, Jack said that it didn't feel the same without Sarah!

And last, but not least, this Easter gem from my childhood.  My sister, (who is obviously upset that I'm rocking the Easter bonnet, and she is clearly not!), my Dad, my brother, and me.  This picture is even more special this year since it's the first Easter without my Dad.

After church and pictures, Bryan and I made ham and all the fixings for an early Easter lunch.  And Jack, who had given up dessert for Lent, was very excited for the cold cherry pie!

We had a wonderful day being together and celebrating our risen Lord and Savior!

 

Happy 22nd Birthday, Sarah!

22 years ago today, God blessed us with our baby girl.  It has been one of the greatest joys of our lives watching her grow into the beautiful and amazing woman she is.

And even though she's 22 today, she will always be our baby.

 

22nd Anniversary

In 9th grade, I told my best friend I was going to marry Bryan Crowder one day.

22 years ago today, I did.

I am beyond grateful to God for him and for our marriage.

 

December Sweetness

Our December technically started on November 29th, when we put the tree up!

We have one of Bryan's Nana's old Christmas trees, so this year, we put it on the front porch.  It was so dreamy!

I took Jack out on a date at our favorite lunch spot!

For my birthday, Sarah came home!  Then, we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant!  I meant to take a picture while we were there, but honestly, we were having so much fun talking and laughing, that I completely forgot!  We truly had the best time!

When we got home, we had 2 kinds of birthday cake, then went to go see Christmas lights!  It was the sweetest day with my favorite people!

Then, I got to take Sarah on a date!

On Christmas Eve, Billy came over, and we had our annual gingerbread house competition.  This is the kids' favorite tradition!

Jack's

Bryan's

Billy's

Mine

Sarah's

2024

2015

This was the first year we started all decorating gingerbread houses!

Christmas morning.

His reactions are always the best!

We surprised him with an authentic Japanese katana!  This was his favorite gift!

We celebrated Jesus' birthday!

Then, we took a couple more pictures before heading to Bryan's parents.

My favorite people celebrating our precious Savior.  It doesn't get any better, and I am forever grateful.