Family Trip to the Dells

Four days together as a family gave us time for everything...time to play, time to read together, time to swim, time for the kids to take extra long bath's, time to have extra long bed time routines, time to eat every meal together, time to laugh, and time to watch Luke and Eva enjoy being brother and sister.

Our kids are possibly the most excitable kids around.  Most of the pictures we took had the expression below, the super smile.  The kids loved staying at the hotel.  They ran in every hallway, jumped on every bed, did a high knees bounce routine from room to room, did a parade routine around the tub, pushed every elevator button with glee, and explored the new areas with great excitement. 

 Eva and daddy reading.

 We went out to eat and had "train delivered food."  The kids would have watched for at least three hours.  It was fun getting our food, but we enjoyed watching every train delivery.

 Last night, good night.

Kindergarten Graduation

Luke starting Kindergarten was certainly a milestone, yet him finishing it felt even more profound.  I am so happy that Luke had a successful year.  He was able to learn at a rapid rate, make friends, go to different classes, ride the bus, and get "green" cards every day.  The kids recited four different Eric Carle books, did a 12 part Kindergarten chant, and sang a song about going to first grade.  I cried when Luke gave me a big hug and the purple flower after the performance.

This song is sung to the tune of "New York, New York." 

Start spreading the news, we're leaving today, we want to be a part of it, first grade, first grade.  We've worked very hard, wer're ready to go, we're gonna be a part of it first grade, first grade.  We know our ABC's and our 1,2,3s so well, We've worked at sounding out words and stories to tell.  Just ask us to rhyme, we'll say tens and pens, we've learned to share and get along with all our friends.  So now we made it there, we'll make it anywhere, we're on our way, first grade, first grade.

I love Eva's smile in the picture of her on her last day of school.

Andrea's Wedding

She's been waiting almost 10 years so we really had something to celebrate when Andrea got engaged.  We had a girls night out with dancing and a party at Beck's house.

 It was a beautiful day for Andrea to get married.  The ceremony was outside by the gardens below.

 Here is our group from work.

10 Year Wedding Anniversary

I (Dave) am writing this blog.  It is a surprise Anniversary blog to honor our ten years of marriage.

On May 26th, 2002 Alyssa and I got married..... It doesn't seem that long ago, but yet I don't really remember life without her. 

We each recited our vows to each other that day before God, family, and friends.  Today our vows mean so much more to me.  They are supported by God's Word but are now seasoned with life experience.  God has taught us so much about how to love and I look forward to all the growing and learning we have in the future. These vows challenge me today and make me want to be a better husband.

Our Wedding Vows

I, David, vow before God, and fully by His strength, _{Philippians 4:13}
         to love you with whole-hearted devotion and a willing mind, _{1 Chronicles 28:9}
As we journey together I will seek first the Lord, _{Matthew 6:33}
        I will live in freedom _{Gal 5:1}
         and believe the Truth _{John 8:32}
        and walk by faith and not by sight _{2 Corinthians 5:7}
I will rejoice when you rejoice,
        and mourn when you mourn _{Romans 12:15}
And in all circumstances, I will pray for you _{1 Thes.5:17-18}
         stand in the gap for you _{Ezekiel 22:30}
        and fight for you _{Colossians 4:12}
By faith, I will trust God's Word to illuminate our path _{Psalm 119:105}
        and let the Holy Spirit be our guide,
        that we may walk in wisdom _{James 1:5}
I will strive to love you as Jesus has first loved me _{1 John 4:19}
        to offer you grace as God has offered grace to me _{Ephesians 2:8}
        and to forgive you as He has forgiven me _{Colossians 3:13}
For freely I have received, so freely I will give _{Matthew 10:8}
I will be united to you as one _{Genesis 2:24}
        while forsaking all others _{1 Corinthians 7:2}
        and embrace you as God's perfectly given gift to me _{Matthew 7:11}
And may God deal with me, be it ever so severely,
        if anything but death separates you and me.  _{Ruth 1:17}

There are many things I love about Alyssa.  I have found that her heart and soul haven't changed that much in the last ten years. 

The day I proposed to her I planned a scavenger hunt throughout Madison.  I hid different notes with a reason that "I Love You" around the city/campus.  Each love note also had another clue leading to another location that was special to us.  The reasons I loved her then are still the same today.... just deeper.

Why I Love Alyssa (as written eleven years ago).

#1 Reason I Love You
I love you because you are friendly and intriguing.  Sometimes I can't figure you out but most of the time I know your heart.  This inspires me to ask you lots of questions so that I can know you even more.

#2 Reason I Love You
The next reason I love you is because you are filled with JOY and it exudes throughout your life.  You have a beautiful smile and it has always made my heart jump.  Your fun spirit inspires me and gives me energy.

#3 Reason I Love You
I love you because you are sensitive, attentive, and honest.  You have always shared your heart with me and listened as I shared mine.  You are always careful to share the truth in love.  I have always loved the way we talk and communicate with each other.

#4 Reason I Love You
I love you because you are adventurous.  You are always planning fun activities or dreaming up fun things to do for others and us.  Never lose that spirit because you help me to think this way and it keeps me healthy and dreaming. 

#5 Reason I Love You
I get one selfish reason to love you.  I love you because I enjoy taking you places, dancing with you, and knowing that we always have a great time together.  

#6 Reason I Love You
I love you because of your faith in Jesus Christ and your pursuit of God.  Alyssa, you encourage me so much to grow in my relationship with Christ.  You are truly amazing and your heart is beautiful.  Your humble attitude and strong faith lead you to seek God in prayer.   I am excited to see how God will use you and us.

#7 Reason I Love You
I love you because you are patient, gentle, and kind.  These characteristics are just part of the fruit of the Spirit, but are clearly evident in every area of your life.  I see it in your interaction with others and myself.  In our many discussions you have lived these out - in heated discussions, when I am frustrated, when you don't know what you are feeling, when I am hurt, etc.  I know that we can get through anything because of these qualities in your heart.

#8 Reason I Love You
I love you because you are generous and thoughtful.  Proverbs 31:20 says "She opens her arms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy."  Your giving spirit allows you to connect with others, so you know what they need, and provide it if you are able.  You are also generous with me and give me many things money can't buy.  Thank you for always thinking of others first.  God will honor and bless those actions.

#9 Reason I Love You
I love you because you are romantic and sweet.  You always plan special things for us and show your love to me through the details and planning.  Thank you for honoring and caring for our relationship.  Your sweetness carries over into other relationships and everyone I have talked with knows of your genuineness. 

#10 Reason I Love You
I love you because you are intelligent and have compassion to serve others.  God has given you these gifts to use all of your life.  Your choice of career reflects this.  Your mind is sharp and your heart is big.  I will love to see you use these gifts to there fullest.

#11 Reason I Love You
I love you because you are loving.  So many of the qualities and characteristics I love about you blend together and flow from your heart and the love God has given you for others.  I am very blessed to have you give your love to me.  Thank you for choosing to love me.  There is no greater gift. 

By the way - after two hours of biking around Madison and finding all these love notes - Alyssa still had no idea I was going to ask her to marry me that night.  I thought she would think something was up, but she didn't suspect it.

With ten years of marriage and two children I have many more reasons why I love her.....

New Reasons Why I love Alyssa
I love you because of the honor and respect that you show to me and our children.  You have taught me how to see the value in others when it's hard to see.  You have helped me respectfully love our kids when they are hard to love. And you have been respectful of me when I am hard to love.

I love you because you are creative.  Whether it's our kids education, planning family activities, or dates for us you are always brainstorming of a better way.

I love you because you are patient.  Many times you have waited for me patiently to make decisions even though you were ready.  Everyday I see your patience with the kids and I'm amazed.

I love you because you are my best friend.  I can always depend on you no matter what the situation. 

I love you because you have wisdom.  Thank you for all the decisions you have helped make.  Your input, foresight, and intuition have been a blessing. 

I love you because you are humble.  In situations where I would take the credit or reward, you humbly put others first by giving up what you deserve. 

I love you because you are a hard worker and don't procrastinate.  You are always setting goals for yourself or the family and pushing (in a nice way) to get them done.  Thank you all the work you do in our household.  You see what needs to be done and you do it.

I could continue writing this list for a long time.  I see the beauty of Christ's character ever increasing in you. 

Alyssa,
You are a gift to me from God. I thank the Lord for leading us together.  I love you and I know this love is from Him.  It comes from what God has done in my heart and how he created you.  I am glad that He gave me eyes to see your heart and a passion to pursue you.  I admire you and love you.  May we always have this love.... and know its source is God.... in whom we trust for everything.
Love,
Dave