Our Journal Entry the Days Before Our Wedding

Here is our journal entry from March 2/4 2006...

Shonda:

Our trip began on Thursday morning March 2nd with a wonderful chauffered trip to the airport with Ray. This was such a small but significant way to begin our journey.

We arrived in Los Angeles, took the shuttle over to the Sheraton Gateway, where Albert arranged to have us specially taken by ourselves to meet the four company. Our tour of LA consisted of a stop in Santa Monica where we were able to walk along the boardwalk and take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean - which was a first for us both.

Next, we traveled through Beverly Hills stopping to peruse Rodeo Drive and see the famous "Pretty Woman" hotel and do window shopping in the stores such a Versace. From here we proceeded to Loehman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where we saw various handprints of the stars including Marylin Monroe and even were fortunate enough to see the preparations for the Oscars (Academy Awards) which were scheduled for MArch 5, 2006. We concluded our tour at the Farmer's Market which we were very impressed by and took a few beautiful pictures as we shopped and ate.

The tour was perfectly times between our flight into LA and our flight to Fiji. The most memorable part of our flight into Fiji was the surprise of our inter-island seaplane flight! Wow - how spectacular. The views were magnificent!

Kenneth:

Then off to Namale. Upon arrival all we could say was "wow"! As we drove into the resort our ears were filled with music from the Namle Band. Wearing fresh flower lies we had received from McCoy Travel at the Nadi Airport, we were given moist towels and drinks while Simon preceeded to tell us about the Resort. We ate breakfast overlooking the Pacific ocean. After breakfast we were given a guided tour of the resort.

We were then taken to our room, the Loloma - a honeymoon bure. The cabin was right on the beach and we felt right at home. We spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach, enjoyed a pinic lunch and explored some fo the colorful sea life by the swimming hole together. This was a very romantic expereince.

Our evening culminated by particpating in a traditional kava ceremony with the other guests and staff, while the band serenanded us. The night concluded by sharing a candlelight dinner outside on a deck overlooking the ocean and returning to our room which had been prepared for us. We are now falling asleep together and listening to soft music and the gentle quiet rain outside. :) What a great first day!

An Anniversary Song for You

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I know one the things that we loved at Namale was the Namale Band Boys. Here a song to remind you of the songs that they sung to us each night at Dinner.

Get the Message!

This was a shirt that you gave me as a wedding present. Even after 4 years it is still true. I LOVE SHONDA!

Happy 4th Anniversary Video

This video so reminded me of so many things we got to do in Fiji. This year as we head into our 4th anniversary I want to remember about the week leading up to our wedding and then of course our wedding day. Watch the video and remember our trip together. I love you, baby!

Our 4th Anniversary Weekend Getaway

Dear Bride -

We just celebrated our 4th year wedding anniversary with a quick overnight getaway to the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael's MD. I think this weekend was a nice start to the celebration of our anniversary. I throughly enjoyed our night at the Inn as we watched our wedding video, wrote in our anniversary book about our very busy year, read our vows to each other, and enjoyed our dinner in the 4 star resturant.

Our lazy Saturday was fun as well. Looking at the small shops in St. Michael's reminded me of the little shops that we visited in Kuranda and in Port Douglas. I so love exploring with you. Then going to the outlets reminded me of the day that we spent in Williamsburg shopping when we first got together. All we needed was an Outback (That night is still so vidid in my mind.

Lastly, I enjoyed listing to the "our songs" cd you made for me and the cd with our first dance songs while we drove in the card. I also enjoyed you reading the cards and notes you gave me the day and the week that we got married.

For such a short trip we sure packed it full of meaningful experiences that put me back to the day that we took our vows and began out life together. I look forward to spending the next 46 years together.

Your Adoring Husband!

Remembering Namale...

Dear Fijian Princess -

As we get close to celebrating our 4th Anniversary I find myself remembering back to our wedding week. As you know, one of the things that I enjoyed the most was the beach outside of our bure. I loved being able to hear the waves of the ocean splashing outside of our window. This was the perfect place to take my perfect soulmate. I can't believe that it has already been 4 years. To me it seems like it was just yesterday. We always said that with us life would fly by and it truly has. I love you so much and I am so glad that I married you! I love that have so many special memories and that we are always creating more.

Bula!

8 GREATS 2010 Version #1

#1 - Our Wedding Day

This was the absolute best day of my life and our relationship. You took my breath away when you first appeared behind the fijian warriors. I was then and still am completely and madly in love with you. This day was perfect from the beginning (praying on the mountain) to the very end (when we became man and wife :)) I remember so vididly your vows to me and how special they were. I also remember our first song and dance and also getting to celebrate our wedding with our new friends and the fijians from the villiage. I love you so much and I am so glad that you became my wife.

8 Greats 2010 Version #2

#2 - The Day Kaiden was Born

Sweetheart, I can't even begin to tell you how much this meant to me and how close I felt to you in the hospital. You are the best mom any of my children could hope for. You are so sweet and so loving and kaiden is so lucky to have you as his mom. I am really glad that we decided to do this and I know that Kaiden will always be our special little boy. You were so brave in the hopsital and I was so proud of you. All I cared about was letting you know how much you meant to me and how you just did an excellent job growing and nurturing our baby. I can't wait to see what Kaiden does in his life but I know that we will always cherish the time we were in the hospital and the day that Kaiden was born.

8 Greats 2010 Version #3

#3 - My Birthday Trip to Philadelphia.

This was such a surprise and it was literally the best gift I think I have ever been given. To get to see my team (Arizona Cardinals) play on Thanksgiving Night was just absolute amazing. To get to go to the game with the most beautiful woman on our baby's first Thanksgiving was PRICELESS. I enjoyed our conversation up to Philly and I enjoyed our time after the game. You are so complex and I enjoy all the parts of SHONDALAND. This is a Thanksgiving that I will never forget and you made it all possible. Thank you for being my super sexy football wife.

8 Greats 2010 Version #4

#4 - Our First Family Vacation (2007)

DISNEY WORLD - Baby, this was truly a memorable experience. You planned every detail out for us and we had the most full week ever. We ate, we rode, we laughed, and we enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. I will never forget the look on your face as you watched the Spectomagic parade - you were like a precious little princess. I also will always remember the ice cream cookies that we found at the main street bakery. (This so reminded me of the cookies that we shared at Nigara Falls). I enjoyed staying at the Old Key West Resort and hanging out enjoying all that Disney had to offer me. :) Also, I remember our talks after a long day at the resort and the laughter we shared at the waterpark - (BTW - you looked so HOT is your swinsuit.) This also reminded me of one of our first dates at the waterpark in Williamsburg. I love going on vacation with you and I look forward to all the GREAT things we will get to see over the next 50 years!

8 Greats 2010 Version #5

#5 - Our First Kiss

Obviously we don't have a picture of that first kiss but the picture I have will have to do. :) I so love kissing you and I knew that our first kiss would change our lives forever and it did and I am so grateful. You have amazing lips that I could kiss forever. I was just so connected to you and I wanted us to share that moment together. It has been a defining moment in our lives. All the other kisses after (the kiss in times square on new years; the kiss at our wedding; the kiss on top of the mountain in Fiji; the kiss at the lighthouses in North Carolina; the Kisses in our new home and on the day Kaiden was born all follow this first kiss. There is nothing like a first kiss and our first kiss was AMAZING, just like you!

8 Greats 2010 Version #6

#6 - Our Weekend at Virgina Beach

Our unexpected trip to trade houses turned out to be a fanastic weekend and a great that I will always remember. We had so much fun as we just enjoyed our old stomping grounds for a few days. I really felt young and felt like we had a lot of fun eating at reasurants, walking along the beach, and trying to start having our baby. You were so beautiful that weekend and I remember us talking about creating our story. We have been to the beach many times but this weekend was truly a weekend to remember.

8 Greats 2010 Version #7

#7 - Our Anniversary Trip in Atlantic City

I have always enjoyed our anniversary trips and this year was no different. We have gone to:

1st - Las Vegas

2nd - Mertle Beach SC

3rd - Atlantic City NJ

This week was not what we expected but we really made the best of it and had some great times including our "Date Night" when we got to go out. You are a wonderful wife and I enjoy out special moments and one of the most special is remembering our wedding day and the vows that we shared with each other. It is hard to beleive that we are already approaching 4 years of marriage but it has all been GREAT. I love you sweetheat and I simply love being married to you! (One month and counting to our 4th anniversary)

8 Greats 2010 Version #8

#8 - New Years in Times Square -

This was one special memory. One Thing I have always loved about us is the fact our beleif and HOPE in a new beginning. I love celebrating the beginning of 2003 in New York together. I loved seeing Times Square, Central Park, The Statue of Liberty, Rockfeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall all for the first time with you by my side. I love you so much and I truly love our 8 Greats!

My Valentine

Dear Sweetheart,

As we approach Valentine's Day this year I want to tell you about the 2010 Version of our 8 Greats. I will speak about one each day and talk about our "best great" on Valentine's Day. I love you so much and I so glad that you are my Valentine!

Christmas in january

Dear christmas surprise

we just celebrated our christmas in January with the kids. I think this will be a new nice tradition. The thing I liked the most was recording our memories in our book. I love Christmas with you no matter when it is.

Our Special Little Christmas

Dear Christmas Present -



I really enjoyed our Christmas this year. I enjoyed watching Kaiden open his presents and I also enjoyed our special christmas a few days later. I will also remember our trip to ICE.

Chrsitmas Pictures

My Parents 50th Wedding Anniversary

Dear Party Planner -

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love you and appreciate all you did to plan my parents 50th wedding anniversary. They were so surprised and you really cemented a special place in my heart. I appreciate all your work, like:

1. Creating the Invitations

2. Finding addresses for people and preparing the invitations to be mailed.

3. Finding the decorations for the party

4. Working to get the cake - even at the last minute

5. Decorating the church

6. Getting the DJ

7. Buying special stuff for the party and then having it sent to Kevin's.

8. Shopping with Teresa for the food

9. Writing the order of the program

10. Just being your beautiful self and being the star on my lapel.

Sweetheart - you are the best wife I could ever ask for. I love you with all my heart and now my family does too.

Your Adoring Husband

Halloween Memories

Dear Wonder Woman -

I just wanted to write a little note telling you how much I enjoyed our Halloween this year. This was Kaiden's real first Halloween and it was a blast. I enjoyed everyone making over his Micky Mouse custom that we both picked out seperately and then decided together that he should be. He was the cutest Mickey Mouse Ever! I also enjoyed watching him get the candy and know that it was HIS basket and HIS candy. He is quite the little person that we created. You know the funny thing is - me seeing him with you and how you care for him and love him makes me fall in love with you all over again. I am so glad that we have had him and that we have done this together. I love you my sweet little eye candy!

Your Handsome Prince!

Me Telling the World You Are a Great Mom

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

September 24th - Kale's B-Day at the Nat's Game

Dear Baseball Mom -

We just attended the Nationals Game for Kale's B-day. I just wanted to write to tell you how great of a mom I think you are. I am glad that I have you to raise our family with. The way that you got him a special gift at the game - I know that it made him feel very special. I loved taking you to the game and showing you off - you are so hot and so beautiful and I love that you are my wife and the mother of my children!

Ace

Our Fall Disney Trip

Dear Disney Star -

I just wanted to write a short note talking about our recent disney trip. I really enjoyed our fall trip and I enjoyed that we create such great memories together. This was one of my favorite Disney trips. I especially likd kaiden's interaction with the characters - especially Jasmin. This trip was so unexpected and yet it was filled with so many memories...

• Walking around the "Great Show-Case" during the daytime. I really enjoyed the different countries and it made me think about all the trips that we are going to take during our lifetime.
• Riding the Winnie the Pooh ride with Kaiden.
• Riding its a small world - I so remember that ride in LA. I so enjoy watching you when you ride these rides.
• Staying at the Pop Century Resort and going to the pool late at night.
• Eating breakfast with Micky and the other characters.
• Celebrating Kale's Birthday at each of the Restruants.
• Seeing the Parade at night!

I love you so much and I look forward to our next Disney Trip.

Ken

My Beautiful Wife

Dear Beautiful Wife -

You are the hottest thing that I have ever seen! Looking at this picture of you just makes me want to come out of skin. I have never been as turned on as I was when you first wore this dress. You are just an amazingly beautiful woman and I am so lucky to have you in my life.

Let me list the reasons why I have found you beautiful:

1. Your long blonde hair - I love your hair and how it feels when brushes against my skin.
2. Your long sexy legs - that dress made your legs look long and sexy.
3. Your flat stomach. I love your mid section and how hot it looked in that dress. I especially love your belly ring - the little palm tree.
4. Your beautiful nails - You are such a woman - you are my little princess. You are just all woman, all the time!

I want to explore your body - I want to explore all of you. I love you and I think you are damn hot!

Ace!

Family Vacation - Part Two: Palm Beach

Dear Beach Bunny...

We just got back from family vacation and I wanted to post about our trip. Our Trip Schedule Continues...

Saturday:

The first day at our resort. We did a lot of exploring of Palm Beach and getting ready for the week. Because we got to the resort so late we slept in a litte - as much as Kaiden would allow us and then we got food and some of the beach equipment that we would need for the week.

Sunday:

Church at City Place and then shopping for my little Diva. I will never forget how you looked at me when I tried on my armani shirts. I thought you were going to explode. I love that you found me so hot! That is how I feel about you all the time.

Monday:

Beach Day! This was the day that we just enjoyed the beach at the resort. I just love going to the beach with you. You looked so hot in your binkini. You are just an awesome wife and I am so lucky to be able to spend time with such a hot looking woman.

Tuesday:

Today we took a boat over to peanut island. I think this was the highlight of the trip for many of us and help me to think of another reason I love you - your ability to find all the right places for us as a family. I so enjoyed swimming with the fish and snorkling around the big rocks. I also enjoyed watching you snorkel and seeing one of your biggest ASSets.

Wednesday:

Lion Sarari - Today we drove through a lion safari where we got to see all different kind of wild animals. This was definitly a memorable experience.

Date Night: We went to Ruth Chris Steak House in City Place and had a nice dinner. Then we came back to the resort and had a couple of drinks before going back up to our room. The thing that I enjoyed the most about this date was our conversation. I just enjoyed talking to you and it reminded me of the fact that our relationship is one long conversation.

Thursday:

The last full day we just enjoyed the resort and hung out at the pool. This was a nice way to wind down our vacation. I enjoyed hanging out at the pool and I enjoyed our last dinner at the resort.

Friday:

Headed back to Fort Lauderdale and we stopped at Aruba's to eat lunch. This is where I proposed to you. I will talk more about this in another post but what a great way to end our week in Florida.

I love you sweetheart.

Ace

Our Family Facation - Part 1: The Keys!

Dear Beach Baby -

We just got back from our family vacation. This year we went to the florida keys and palm beach.

Our travel schedule was:

Thursday:

Long flight to Fort Lauerdale and then a long drive to Hawks Cay Resort in the Keys. I was reminded this day of how well we work together as a team. Although our vacation didn't start well, we were able to work together to get to our resort and enjoy Florida.

Friday:

Spend the day at Hawks Cay. I love this picture of you and Kaiden. I also will always enjoy our memories of Kaiden in the kiddie pool and how much fun we had playing in the pools at our resort. We spent the last half of the day driving to Key West and going to the Southern Most Part of the United States. I am glad that we got to experience that together and I look forward to all of our trips.

My Surprise Little Note -

Dear DHW -

I received a surpise little note from you yesterday. I was so surprised by it and it meant so much to me. You are such a wonderful wife and I wanted to write my response to you here on your blog...

Your Letter To Me...

Kenneth,

I wanted to take a moment to tell you how wonderful a dad you are. You took off early to be there for Kale, and then not only took him but stayed to watch him. Further, you were engaged in his practice so that you could provide encouragement to him and help him to improve. This is just one example of how involved you are and how you place importance on our children's interests and encourage their growth. It just reminds me of one of the many reasons I love you. Thank you for continuing to prove your love for me through loving our children and being a great dad!

Love,
Shonda

My Letter Back to You -

Dear DHW -

Thank you for your letter of encouragement about being a good dad. I just simply love you and I love our family together. I must admit that it is quite a change and sometimes it seems overwhleming , but I just enjoy looking at what we have created and I do beleive that we will look back on these years and "we will miss them." You being my wife is what brings me great joy and happiness. One example of that is when we took our family to niagara falls. I love watching you with our kids getting wet pictures as the falls sprayed us...You are such a good mom and an even better life. I have told you many times that I did not feel like life began until I met you and that is the truth. You are my world and you help me to be a better person. I love you with all my heart and can't wait for all the memories that we will create together.

Love -
Ace

I Just Love You...

I was just thinking about you and this song came to mind that "five for fighting" sung at the NFI Gala. Just know that I love you. Enjoy!

Our Trip to Niagara Falls -

Here is the note that I wrote to you on our hotel stationary...




Dear Amazing -



Good morning baby. I wanted to write you a short note to tell you how much I love you and love our family. We have the dream of our perfect little family. I have always dreamed about being able to fly to another country and laugh while we create memories together.

You are a wonderful wife and I am so lucky to have you to share life with. We have so many great memories and I look forward to all the memories we will create together. I love dreaming with you about all the things we are going to do and all the places we are going to see and because it is us - I know that our dreams will become reality.

I could not ask for a better person to share my life with. You are such a great friend. I love our conversations - the way we can talk about anything. And I love the way that we laugh together. We find the humor in life and find secret things that connect just you and I even when the world is crowding in around us.

Thank you for choosing me to share your life me. I am so happy that through it all we found each other and kept finding each other again and again until this moment. Just know that no matter what - I would always find you because we are suppose to share our life together.

I never really thought I would find someone like you to share my life with and to have a family with - then I found you. You are so much better than what I dreamed about. You know how to please me and how to complete me. My life never really existed before you - you have brought me life! I just can't beleieve that no one really saw how amazing you were. I saw it right away and I still think you are just simply amazing!

• You look Amazing
• Your Friendship is Amazing
• Your Amazingly Smart
• Your are an Amazing Partner
• You are an Amazing Mom
• You are an Amazing Christian women
• and you are an Amazing Wife!

You are just amazing - and I know it.

Sweetheart, I have joked about how beautiful you are compared to the falls this weekend. I really do believe it. You are the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.

Happy Just an Everyday -

Ace

Happy Birthday To You

Dear Birthday Girl -

I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and tell you that you are by far the best present that I have ever received.

I really hoped that your enjoyed our day of adventure! First we got to try zip lining at an adventure place in Savage Maryland. Although I wish that we were able to do zip lining in Costa Rica - I think we made the best of a short time span to fit in a new and exciting adventure. I remember years ago we started a book about us and we had a chapter in that book entitled "firsts." Well, we could now add to the list - the first time we went zip lining was on your 26th birthday.

Next we ate lunch at Al Tectza - a mexican restruant that I found. I thought it was nice but I mostly enjoyed being able to look over at my beautiful wife and having you take away my breath because of how awesome you look. I also enjoyed our great conversation and it just reminded me of one of the many reasons that I love you - because our relationship is just one long conversation that never ends.

Happy Birthday Baby - I love you with all my heart!

ACE

4th of July Block Party

Dear Fireworks -

I just wanted to drop you a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July fireworks at our block party. I really enjoy the fireworks that we create together but I especially loved...

• How you invited our friends to be a part of the party. You are so good for us by the way that you help expand our influence by the development of true friendships.
• How you are such a good homemaker as you made the hit of the party with your meatballs. I have always loved that you were an excellent cook and I love events like these when I can show you off as the "perfect wife".
• How you were the most beatuiful woman at the party. I love walking in with the best looking girl in the whole place. You really are beautiful and I am so lucky to have you.
• How together we make such special memories. I know that we will cherish these events for all of our life.

Baby - Happy 4th of July. Thank you for helping me create a life of fireworks!

Ace

A Special Little Day!

Dear Speed Racer -

We recently got to take Kale on one of our date nights. We went to Adventure Park USA and took Kale go-carting. We have had a lot of fun go-carting throughout our dating life.

I remember...

• Going Go-Carting in Va Beach. You were such a speed demon and you wanted to show off. I remember how in love I was with you then - I just couldn't take my eyes off of you.
• Going G0-Carting in Daytona Beach. We laughed so hard as a family as your wrecked that guy because you were not going to let anyone get around you!
• Going G0-Carting in Gaitinburg. You almost could not let Kale win - you wanted to win so bad, but I enjoyed watching your hair blow in the wind.

You are truly a lot of fun to be with. I enjoy your racing spirit and I love most how you make my heart race when you are around. I love you!

Ace

Just Thinking of You and This Song Came to Mind

Kaiden's 1st Birthday

Dear Mommy -

Dad let me use his blog to write you this letter on my first birthday. I hope you don't mind. I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me during this first year of life. I know that I havn't said these things yet because I am still learning how to talk but I wanted you to know...

I have so enjoyed how you have watched me every night since my birth. I know that I haven't let you get much sleep but it is because I hate being away from you and when I wake up and you are not there I get very sad. I hope you notice the smile that comes to my face when you walk into the room. You just brighten my life so much.

You have given so much to me and I have really appreciated it. I love the time that you give me each day to play and how you spend time during dinner to feed me. I enjoy the moments that we have and I feel so close to you.

Thank you for all that you have taught me this year. You have helped to teach me how to crawl, walk, eat real food, and laugh. You are the best mommy any little boy could hope to have and I look forward to telling you that each day of my life.

Mommy, I really love you and I so lucky that God choose you to give me to. Thank you for all you have done for me this first year. I would have never made it without you.

Love your one year old son.

Kaiden

Our Surpirse Trip to Missouri

Dear Best Friend -

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated you over the past few days. You know that that this past week we have expereinced the lost of my brother Mark. I can't tell you how much it meant to me that you were by my side during the funeral and the trip to Missouri. You are truly my best friend and I can't imagine my life without you.

Ace

Another Song....

I just recently heard this song and it reminded me of my love for you...




I LOVE YOU!

You Are Still the One...

I was thinking about this song and our first dance this year on our anniversary. I am glad that you are still the one...

Our 3rd Anniversary!!!

Dear 3 year Bride -

I know that our anniversary trip this year did not go as expected, but I want you to know that I still think that you are my bride and I still feel like we are on our honeymoon. This year was different, but it was still very memorable. The things that I will remember about this trip are:

Our Date Night at the Trump's Taj Mah Hall. You looked tremendous and I loved the connection we had through our conversation. The date ended in the most wonderful way and left me with images that I will remember for 50 years!

Our day in Ocean City New Jersey. I really enjoyed walking along the pier and talking and sharing. I had so much fun with you and the kids as we feed the birds and found a few little shops to search in and eat at.

Our Trip along the NJ coast to get to the 1,000 places to see before you die "Cape May." We can check another place off the list. I enjoyed sitting with you in front of the bed and breakfast and I want you to know that I want to see all the places with you and only you!

Kaiden's first pool experience. He had so much fun and so did we.

Our day trip to Baltimore and seeing the Austrialia exhibit. It reminded me of our honeymoon in Austrialia and made me fall in love with you all over again.

Sharing our special presents. I really enjoyed the stuffed monkey "banannas" and I enjoyed the necklace with a leather strap and of course the writing on the necklace - it was special and I will wear it with great love.

Our shopping day in Atlantic City. I enjoyed watching you pick our your newest purse :)

Our time in the car - I love that we talk and I love how even long trips can seem short because it is still not enough time to talk to you.

I love you sweetheart and I look forward to sharing the rest of my life with you. I enjoy each of our anniversaries but I think we will always have a special place in our heart for this one since we got to spend it with the kids.

Happy Anniversary!

Ace

Our Eight Greats - Start of 2009

I did this last year as well. Here are the eight great heading into our 3rd Anniversary....

1. Our First Kiss (2001) - I so love kissing you and I will never forget our first kiss and how I knew that I wanted to kiss those same lips for the rest of my life.

2. Our Weekend in Va Beach (2007) - See Picture...You looked so hot and I will never forget how much fun it was trying to make a baby on the balcony....

3. Our Wedding Day in Fiji (2006) - This was just the perfect day. There is not a thing that I would change about the day except to make it longer.

4. My Birthday Treat on Thanksgiving - (2008) This was by far the best present I have ever received and I loved watching a football game with you on Thanksgiving Day. I enjoyed our deep connection and how you treated me like a king all weekend.

5. Dancing with You (2006, 2001) - I really enjoy both memories of dancing with you. I remember dancing with you in Wal-Mart and I also remember dancing with you in Vernuti's in Frederick. Both of these are very special and things I will always remember.

6. New Years in Times Square (2005) - This was a great weekend and I loved that you helped me to accomplish something that I had always dreamed about. I enjoyed looking at all the sites in New York and I will always remember this trip.

7. Our Day in Kuranda on our Honeymoon (2006) - This was another perfect day. Even though it did not start off like we had planned, I enjoyed our breakfast on the peir and then the train up the moutain and our day with the kangaroos and koala's. And who could forget the waterfall. :)

8. The Day at the Grand Canyon - (2007) - This was another wonderful expereince. I enjoyed seeing this great wonder of the world with my greatest wonder of my life.

I love you and I love the "great" memories we are going to create this year!

Just Because Day

Shonda -



Usually on this blog I have highlighted moments that we have shared or special activities that we have done together. Today I am writing to you for no special reason - I am writing just because...

• Just because I can't stop thinking about you


• Just because you are the best wife ever


• Just because you are so beautiful


• Just because I love the times that we laugh together


• Just because we have so many "greats"


• Just because I love our long conversations


• Just because I think you are the most special person in all the world


• Just because we faced the world alone and we won!


• Just because you are a great lover


• Just because you are a wonderful homemaker


• Just because you are the mother of my kids


• Just because you are my best friend


• Just because I love sharing life with you...
• And Just because I can't stop thinking about you!

Shonda, I love you just because....

Ace

Valentine's Day Lunch

Dear Valentine -

I just love our lunch date and 3 course lunch at Hillbrook Inn. The Inn certainly fulfilled its description:

• "The ducks on the pond of this 17 acre European-style country house hotel will welcome you; Chef Hale will cook you a marvelous 7-course meal; the fascinating art and book collections will entice you to explore the Inn's public spaces; and the great bed, comfortable chairs, log fire and whirlpool will tempt you to sneak off to your very own room."

This place was quite the hidden gem. I love sneeking away with you and finding special places for us to touch and make a memory. This was our best valentine's day and I will always remember...

• The hearts that were apart of each course of our 3 course lunch
• The trip there and how we kept getting lost, but even getting lost with you can be fun!
• The large chess set that was on the grounds and how we got to play a quick game even though it was cold
• the beautiful grounds with the ponds and the ducks - but even in its most beautiful state, the grounds pailed in comparison to how beatuiful you were.

Valentine - I love that you are the one that has my heart. Happy Valentine's Day Baby -

Your Sweet Kiss!

Cardinals Biggest Fan

Dear Cheerleader -

I wanted to thank you for the way that you have supported the Cardinals on their Super Bowl run. I have really enjoyed watching the Cardinals together. I will never forget the cheers and fun that we shared together. Also, I will always remember the special Christmas present that you gave to me. I love you Cardinal outfit - you look really HOT!

I am also very thankful for the game that we got to go to on Thanksgiving day - you really are the best cheerleader I could ever hope for!

The balloon and food that your prepared for the Super Bowl was also very awesome. I loved the cookie and the wings. You really know how to put on a football party.

I love you with all my heart and you really are the best cheerleader that I could have ever had hoped for.

Your Football Player!

You Are Such a Good Mom!

Dear Great Mom -

We just got back from the doctor's office. Kaiden has been very sick lately, but I have loved watching you take care of him. You are such a good mom and I love you so much because of the way that you care for your family!

Ace

New Years In Walt Disney World

Dear New Year's Date -

I have always loved New Years with you - kissing those lips :) and this year was no exception. We spent New Years standing on Main Street USA watching the wonderful Disney fireworks. I swear this was the best place that I have ever spent New Years.

Even though we were in the midst of 75,000 people all I cared about was you! You are my true love. You are the one that I want to spend each new year with. You are the one that makes my life complete. You are the one that is my soulmate.

Shonda, I love you so much and I love the memories that we create together. I can't wait to see what we discover in life and all the places that we will go!

Your Biggest Fan!

Christmas in Universal

Dear Cindy Lou Woo -

We just got back from Universal Studios where we got to see Grinchmas. This was so much fun. This was an excellent show and I am glad that it was Kaiden's first show. I so love the memories that we create together -

Memories like:

• Watching the Macy's Day Parade in Universal Studios.
• Spending New Years in WDW.
• Taking Kaiden on his first flight!
• Eating in the resturant in CityWalk. I love taking you out on a date!
• Going to downtown Disney and eating at T Rex

I love you and I love that you make every trip a special memory!

Our Perfect Christmas Tree

Dear Mrs. Christmas -

This weekend we picked out our family Christmas tree. I really enjoyed going to Gaver's Tree Farm and drinking hot coco and looking through the field of trees until we find the right one. You are always so sexy and I love that our family goes out and enjoys this day together. I think everyone envy's our family.

You picked out the right tree and then that night we decorated the tree with the kids. We also gave the kids their special ornament.

You really make Christmas special and I count everyday we you a sweet present!

I love you!

Ace

I just love this little boy!

My Birthday Suprise

Dear Best Wife Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We just got back from our trip to Philadelphia. This was my birthday surprise this year. You surprise me by taking me to Philadelphia to watch the Cardinals and the Eagles on Thanksgiving night. This was the best present that I was ever given. You not only got me football tickets but you got me to the stadium to watch the Cardinals on Thanksgiving day!

I will always remember...

• Eating the turkey sandwich at the stadium.
• How the eagles fans adored Kaiden and how Kaiden got to spend his first thanksgiving at a NFL football game
• The car ride to Philadelphia and how we talked and played... :)
• The hotel and how connected we were....
• How cute you were at the game wearing my jacket and how sexy you always look

Shonda - I love you for so many reason, but I love you because you are my best friend!

Eastern Christian Convention

Dear Awesome Wife -

This past weekend we were able to attend the Eastern Christian Convention in Hershey PN. I just want to tell you how much fund I had with you and our family this weekend. I love taking the most beautiful girl at the convention to the convention. However, the thing I like the most is the way that God speaks to you. I loved you sharing you God moment with me and how the song "Loss for Words" touched you life this week and how God brought that back to you at the convention.

Other things I enjoyed this weekend:
1. Watching you worship during the main sessions.
2. Singing a Christmas song on video at Hershey Park
3. Taking Kaiden on his first real train ride at Hershey
4. Getting a late night snack at the Hershey Den
5. Seeing the Sweet Lights
6. Watching you with Kaiden on the Carasoul.

I love you and I love you even more than chocolate.

Fall Outreach Event

Dear Leader -



This past weekend I got to see you in action at our fall festival. This event just reminded me of all the reasons that I love you. Some of the things that I thought about were:



1. I love your passion for reaching the lost and the way that when you become passionate about something you get other people excited.

2. I love your vision. I trust the way that you see things and I am glad that you have such a great vision for our family.

3. I love your smile - which you showed off as you greeted every person that attended our event.

4. I love your detailness - this is something I count on in so many areas of my life.

5. I love your energy - I loved that you kept going for weeks as we promoted this event. Thank you for all you do for me and for our family.



I love you so much - and I am glad of things like this that remind me of why I love you!

Catoctin Wildlife Zoo

Dear Tiger -

Yesterday we took the kids to the catoctin wildlife zoo in Thurmont. I really enjoyed our time as a family and it just reminded me of all the reasons that I love you. A few of things that I thought about yesterday was...

• I love you because of the way that you care about your family. Seeing you care for Kale when he had a reaction just reminded me of how much you care about all of us.
• I love you because of your laughter. I enjoyed just laughing at the different animals and just enjoying each others company.
• I love you naviety - You pointing out the love monkeys to our kids... You are always adventure and fun to be around.
• I love your softness - watching you feed the allpac's and be gentle with them reminded me of how you are soft and gentle with all of in your life.

I just love life with you and enjoy the times that we can spend together!

Your Wild Animal....

Our Summer Trip to Meet the Family

Dear Road Warrior -

Last week we went to Gaithburg TN to meet my parents and have our summer vacation. We had a good time. We stayed at Eagle's Ridge Resort - In this Cabin!

I enjoyed the cabin, but mostly I enjoyed the hottub... :)

We particpated in many activites. We rode go-carts; shopped, especially for quilts, went to DollyWood and my favorite activity was...

I know you enjoyed the part when the cowboy picked you out of the entire crowd and threw you a flower...it just amazes me how you always get selected....

But seriously, I really enjoyed showing our new baby off to his grandparents. I know they have been looking forward to that for many years. Now it is our family and no one can ever take that away from us.

I know that this was no Disneyworld, but I had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed our family this week.

Love Ace

Our Special Child

I love this little boy so much and I am so thankful that we had him together!

Your Birthday Date

Dear Lion King -

Yesterday we had our date night for your birthday. I took you to see the Lion King at the Kennedy Center.

Although the evening wasn't quite what I had planned. I really did enjoy taking you out and being reminded of the shows that we saw at Disney. I will never forget going to DisneyLand on our honeymoon and it being the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. It was just proof that we were meant to be together.

I love you now and in 50 years!

I just love my family!

Your 29th Birthday

Dear Birthday Girl -

I just wanted to write you a little note on your birthday. I know that neither of us enjoys getting older but I want you to know how much I enjoy that you have picked me to grow old with. I remember how much we used to talk about how we would sit together when we were old and think about all the "greats" and memories that we had collected over the years. Well baby, we are making it happen. We have purchased a home, and now made a baby, and we are raising a family and taking family vacations.

Sweetheart, I just want you to know that you are more beautiful to me today than the day that I first feel in love with you. I hope for you that you will always feel my love and know how special you are to me, God and your family. I really am the luckiest person in the world to have you as a star on my lapel.

I love you!

4th of July

Dear Wife -

This 4th of July we took the kids downtown DC to watch the fireworks on the mall. Although the day did not go as we had planned, I still think everyone had a good time and during the trip I realized all over again why I fell in love with you. I love you because of how you love your family and want things to be just perfect... :)

Here is just a sample of things we did on this 4th of July:

• Watched the parade
• Created candles with beeswax in the white house visitor center
• Signed the declaration of independance as the Maryland delegation.
• Went to the Archives and saw the actual declaration of independance and looked at a picture of the people that we acted as when we signed.
• Relaxed at the hotel
• Watched fireworks over the white house

You make everyday a celebration!

Happy 4th of July

My Trip to Missouri

Dear World Traveler -

I am so sad that you are not able to be here with me on this trip back to Missouri. I so wanted us to be able to show off our little one. I am so proud of you for giving me a son. I often thoguht about this day, but in many ways never thought it would happen. Now, because of you - I will have a legacy.

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and that I will be home soon.

Ace

Kale's Last Day of School

Dear Teacher -

Today we celebrated the kids last day of school and specifically Kale's promotion from 5th grade. It is hard to believe that we have a baby and a child in middle school and high school. You are such a great mom that you should have had a bunch of more kids - but they should all have been and should all be with me...

I know that we don't what the future holds, but I must admit that I do like living life with you. You make every day an adventure and you truly are my best friend!

Ace

One Week Old

Dear New Mommy -

It is hard to beleive that Kaiden is one week old today. He is growing so fast. I am still so tired over the events of the last week and I know that you are also. I also know that we are going to miss this so I am trying to enjoy each moment!

I really enjoyed taking care of you in the hospital. Here are the things that I will remember the most about his birth and our hospital stay...

• Seeing him cry for the first time - I was so proud of you and how you nurtured him for 9 months.
• taking our walks around the hallway and showing off our new prize.
• you reading his first book - the book that I bought for him about first steps.
• Waking up in the middle of night when he started to cry and watching you be right there to take care of him
• Crispy Cream Donuts on our way home...
• his first visitors and everyone saying that he was so handsome and so perfect!
• Me being able to take care of you and be there when you needed it.
• The water in labor - I swear it was enought to fill a baby pool.

I just love you so much and I look forward to all the birthdays that we will have with this new little man.

New Dad

Coming Home

Today we left the hospital -

I can't say that is was the most pleasant place that we have ever stayed, but we are leaving with quite a gift. I arranged for a stork to be placed in the yard annoucing the arrival of Kaiden. I also wanted you to know how much I am glad that we have this new addition so when I went to the store to get your pain medication I got you a dozen yellow roses.

Shonda, I love you so much and I love the life that we are creating together. I know that the next 18 years will fly by with you by my side.

Ace -

Our Little Love Bucket

This is one of our first videos of our new bundle of joy...

Day One...

Amazing -

We have just completed the first day of Kaiden Edward Gosnell's life and I couldn't be more thrilled and happy. A lot has happened over these first 24 hours. He has taken his first breath, gotten his first bath, received his first shots, and has been held by the most beautiful woman in the world.

I know that the last nine months have been difficult, but I want you to know that you have handled them with grace and beauty. I also, know that the labor did not go as you expected it to, but I am so proud of you! You grew a very healthy 9 pound 7 ounce little boy and delivered him safely into the world. I just couldn't be prouder of you and now I want you to get healthy and rest so that we can leave the hospital and start this new phase of our life together.

I think he is the most wonderful baby ever and everyone that sees him talks about how handsome he is and how wonderful he looks - they have even said that we have made a perfect baby. I don't know how perfect he is, but I do know that he is perfect for us and that you have just been perfect through this whole thing.

I must admit that the last couple of days have been very stressful, but I am just soaking in each moment because I know how special and how long I waited for a moment like this. I love you with all my heart and I know that we were meant to share this moment together.

I am so proud of you and I know that Kaiden is lucky to have mom like you. I know that I am sure lucky that you are my wife.

Ace

He is Here!

This is the e-mail that I just sent out to our friends and family...

All - After a long day of labor my wife did delivered Kaiden Edward late this afternoon. He weighed 9 pounds 8 ounces and measured over 22 inches long. After stuggling in labor most of the day the baby's heart rate drop significantly and we all decided at the doctors encouragement to have an emergency C section. My wife will be in the hospital till Friday The baby is doing very well and his heart rate is steady and strong. We have just recently been admitted to a room and the baby and his mother is resting after a very long and difficult day. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and warm wishes today. I will send out a picture soon.

One More Day!!!!

Dear New Mommy to be...

We just finished at the doctor's office and we all decided that you should be induced tomorrow. They told us today that the baby weighs over 9 pounds. I can't believe that as we watched the ultrasound that tomorrow I could be holding the little guy in my arms.

I must admit that I am a little sad to see your pregancy come to an end. Here would be my 8 greats from the last nine months...

1. The first ultrasound and pictures of little Kaiden. I cried a little when I saw his picture and knew that he appeared to be healthy.
2. Our trip to South Carolina - I enjoyed spending time with my beautiful pregenant wife. I especially liked our special moments with increased passion... :)
3. Cutting up veggies to handle your cravings. I really enjoyed trying to take care of you as you were taking care of our baby.
4. The trip to the hospital. I really enjoyed the last moments of your pregenancy. I enjoyed talking to you about our pregency and about our little boy.
5. The day you told me that you were pregenant. The way that you told me was very sweet and I loved the baloons and the lovely outfit.
6. Getting the baby's room ready! I really enjoyed all the time that we spend putting up the crib and decorating the babies room. I know that Kaiden will love it and he will always know that we have a special place just for him.
7. Doctor's Trips. I really loved hearing the heartbeat for the first time. I was so excited and I just couldn't wait to see this little one.
8. Deciding on a name. I love going to the bookstore and looking through books together. I also liked playing with all the names - even girl ones like Kiearra Channel....

I love you so much and I can't wait for us to have this baby.

Ace

What is in a Name...

Dear Sweet Rose,

Today we were looking at the parent.com site and searched on the name of our new son to be...Kaiden. Here is what they said about his name:

Caden...Kaiden is a variation of Caden
ORIGIN: English
MEANING: Spirited

One of the contemporary names with an "en" ending. Debuted on the popularity chart in 1992, quickly climbing among the top 100.

VARIATIONS
Cadence

ALTERNATIVES
Kadin Kadyn Kayden Cayden Kaiden Caiden Kaden Kaeden Cadan Caeden

NICKNAMES
Cade

Edward
ORIGIN: Old English
MEANING: Wealth protector

Greatly influenced during the 11th century by Edward the Confessor, who became king of England before the Norman Conquest. He's considered a saint by the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Remained a popular royal name in England. A literary name used by William Shakespeare in several plays.

ALTERNATIVES : Eduard Edouard

NICKNAMES: Eddie Ed Ted Ned

FAMOUS Edwards
Edward Villella (ballet dancer) Edward R. Murrow (newscaster) Edward Kennedy (senator) Edward Woodward (actor) Edward Burns (actor/writer) Edward G. Robinson (actor) Edward Norton (actor)

I think this is a very fitting name: spirited or beloved companion in some books, wealthy protector.

I love you and I love the name that we have from being together: soulmate.

Ace

Our Memorial Day Weekend

Dear Weekender -

I just wanted to write you a short note telling you how much I enjoyed our weekend together. It is truly a dream come true to host a bunch of our friends (and their kids) at our beautiful big home over a long weekend.

I really enjoyed watching you talk with the other moms. I also enjoyed fixing the hotdogs and hamburgers for everyone. We really do a have beautiful home and I love the fact that we share it with our friends and family.

I love you and I look forward to all of our special weekends!

Your Weekend Lover!

Counting the Days

Dear Mom To Be -

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you today and that I am counting the days till when little Kaiden comes. I know that he is getting ready and is going to come any day.

This is a picture from the second shower for our baby - the one at your work. You are so beautiful and you look so happy. I want you to know that you have made me the happiest man in the world. You are the love of my life and you are going to be the best mom this little boy could ever have hoped for.

I love you with all my heart now and forever.

Ace

One of my Favorite Pictures

Just Remembering...