Jounal Entry March 6, 2006 - One Day to our Wedding

This was our journal entry from the day before our wedding...

Shonda:

After a very restful night due to cooler temp's and soothing rain, I woke up around 7:30 and began by relaxing in the room cushy chair and working on my vows. Kenneth got up and got ready and then went to the Kave Bowl to check e-mail - sending a hello to everyone.

Once ready, we went down and had breakfast with Omar and Caroline and then headed into town to fill out our legal documents so that we can be married in Fiji.

Ken:

The town reminded me of a small town USA. I was surprised by the amount of people and how dirty it was. However, the people are friendly and I felt right at home. We went to the market and bought a couple of necklaces and a mat (to be given as a gift). At one of the stores Caroline and Shonda bought Mary a pair of earrings that she liked. She was very thankful and seemed greatly appreciative of their gift.

After the trip to town it was back to Namale to finish planning the wedding.

Shonda:

Mary talked us through the various options and details and even let us pick our wedding day lunch and dinner menu. Kenneth was thrilled to be able to order a cheeseburger and friend chicken.

After all the arrangements were made, we back to our room (Loloma) to get ready for our scuba trip. Kenneth decided to go kayaking while I went diving with Caroline and Samantha and Dean. We even got to pass him on the trampoline on our way out - how cute!

Kenneth:

My kayak trip was fun but tough because I was constantly going against the current. First, I went out to the trampoline and jumped around a bit and then made my way to the beach in front of our Bure. I got to see many fish and even an eel. I want to go out again - but this time I will go when I am not against the tide. Maybe Shonda will go with me. I was glad to do this and glad that Shonda was out diving, but I missed her terribly!

Shonda:

Diving was an incredible experience! I actually wasn't afraid of losing my mask at all - I was more concerned with not losing the camera, touching coral I shouldn't, and accidentlly holding my breath. I just kept telling myself to relax and focus on the fish, and I'd be fine. I saw so many beautiful fish! I even saw two clown fish swimming around in an anemone. They were so cool! We found out afterwards that we had gone at a really choppy time. they saud we were very brave - and that we went down 35 feet for 30 minutes. I am really glad I went.

Kenneth:

Before dinner we decided to get one last look at possible places to have the ceremony. We looked at the Blowhole Deck, the Conference Center Deck, and the Beach. Although all of them are beautiful we decided to have our ceremony at the conference center deck. We just kep thinking about how we would love to have our ceremony at any of these places back home. They are all so beautiful and we can't wait for tomorrow :)

Shonda:

I second that!

Shonda:

We finished the evening in the Kava Bowl after dinner doing a little bowling, a little air hockey and are now back at out bure and Kenneth is getting ready to give me my second gift (pre-wedding). Last night he gave me the "key to my heart" willow creek figure and said he was giving me his heart. It was incredibly sweet!

We are both so relaxed, so excited about our wedding and so glad we chose a destination wedding at Namale!

Our Jounal Entry - March 5, 2006

Here was our jounal entry on March 5th - 2 days before our wedding:

Shonda:

Today was a spiritual awakening. We began our morning with a trip into the Nandi village to attend the Methodist church service. The people were incredibly welcoming and warm. The choir was unlike anything we had ever heard. The whole church only held about 125 people, but you would have thought 500 were singing because of the volume and harmony. It was an unbelievable expereince. I even recognized "Bringing in the Sheaves" and was able to sing along in English as they sung in Fijian.

The village chief welcomed the Namale guests, and the service continued in Fijian. We were fortunate to be there on a special day (the first Sunday in March) which was there service designed for giving - The Feast of the Tabernacle. It was truly amazing to see these people, who have so little, give with big smiles on their faces.

After church, we were invited by the minister to his home. We sat on a mat, handwoven by the ladies of the village, in an open almost empty room in the front od his home and particpated in a Kava ceremony.

We were amazed at how little he and all of the people of the villiage had and yet even more amazed at the hospitality, and his wife invited us all to stay for lunch. This was especially special as we had all just talked about how the Fijian minister's family lives by faith receiveing to live on only that given by the village to the church.

As we left the village we were shown a tent up on a hill and when we asked about it, were told that it was a place where the people of the village went to pray - what a testimony to worship!

Ken:

After Church the group headed back to the Kava Bowl to talk and relax. Then to lunch and then to the Dive Shop. This afternoon was our first expereince with Diving. After watching a short video we grabbed some gear and headed to the pool. I will never forget how silly we looked with our fins and how I started coughing when I got water in my snokel. We both passed the quiz given by the instuctor which was a series of underwater tasks at the bottom of the pool. This was a fun first experience for us both. I have no doubts that diving is in our future and Shonda is going to dive tomorrow with her new friend friend Caroline.

After changing for dinner we made our way down to the Blowhole Deck. the Sun had just sat and the sky was dark but beautiful. The Deck has an amazing panoramic view of the ocean. It also has a special treat of a Blowhole which shoot water up into the air about 15 to 20 feet. This has become a top option for where our wedding could be held.

After a short time hanging out with the other guests we had our dinner. After dinner we went to the Hot Tub and Pool with Omar and Caroline. The Hot Tub overlooks the ocean. We talked for a couple of hours and they invited us to their home in LA. sometime in the future.

Shonda:

We are now back in our bure, reminising about the awe and wonder of our first full day in Fiji and how pleased we are with our choice for our special day. In fact we've already said it will be hard to leave.

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

p>

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