New York - What a Family Trip

Dear New Yorker -

I so enjoyed the trip we just took with the kids to New York. This was truly a great experience. To be able to see Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the light show in the Grand Central Terminal. These are wonderful sites.

Every trip I take to New York, I am reminded of our special trips to New York. Like when I gave you your ring in the middle of times square. I told you then that you are the most amazing person and I couldn't think of a better place to give you your ring than in the most amazing city and in the most amazing place in the city. We will always be able to share the cup of noodles.

I also am reminded of our first trip to New York. The way that you planned the trip and you helped me to fulfill a lifetime dream of being in NEw York for the New Year. I can still remember it...It looked a lot like...

Well, I look forward to many more trips, but I will always cherish these memories....

I love you now more than I did then...

My Perfect Christmas Gift

Dear Christmas Present -

I wanted to thank you for making this Christmas the "best christmas ever" according to a couple little voices that we know. This Christmas was a very good Christmas. I really enjoyed opening presents with you and I really enjoyed our special Christmas as well.

However, I just want you to know that you are my very best Christmas present. You truly are gift and I do appreciate you and all you do. You are so special to me and I love you with my whole heart.

I love you Amazing -

Ace

Our Griswold House

Dear Ms. Griswold -

We found out last week that we did not win the light contest in our neighborhood. I know that you were very sad, but I want you to know that as long as we have each other we really do have first place. Thank you for working so hard to make our home warm for Chrstmas. You really do light up my world!

You Runner Up -

I Love Christmas

ElfYourself™ : Brought to you by OfficeMax®

Our Christmas Traditions

Dear Ms. Christmas -

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoy our Christmas traditions. This past weekend we went to Gaver's Christmas Farm and picked out our "live" Christmas tree for the year. I am so glad that we started this tradition. It is so much fun to search the grounds and pick the right tree for our family. This we spent the night decorating it and putting on the lights. It looks so beautiful!

Other Christmas Traditions I love:

• Decorating our special tree
• Driving through the Christmas light display
• Opening our special gifts on Christmas Eve
• Going to a Christmas Eve Service
• Going down and seeing the National Tree and standing by the Yule Log.
• Having sex on Christmas day - oh, well that is a tradition that we should start...:)

I love you and I look forward to all the traditions that we have together....

Your Naughty Elf

O Christmas Tree

It is Christmas Season and I love it. Yesterday we purchased a new 9 foot tree for our family Christmas tree. It looks so beautiful and better yet, the one who decorated it looks the most beautful of all. You truly are my Christmas angel and I love lofe with you!

Your Secret Santa

Thanksgiving Day Football

Dear Cheerleader -

Yesterday, I got to spend thanksgiving day with your family. I am thankful for so many things...

• I am thankful for your love


• I am thankful for friendship and your support


• I am thankful for the kids that you have blessed me with


• I am thankful for our home


• I am thankful for you as my wife


• I am thankful for our jobs


• I am thankful for our church and for your spirituality


• I am just thankful for you!

I also thankful that you got to watch me play football yesterday. I really wish you could have seen me play when I was in high school. I would have just done better knowing that you were there cheering me on.

I love you and I am thankful that you are my biggest fan!

The Sweetest Place on Earth

Dear Hershey Kiss -

This past weekend we enjoyed a little family time at the Eastern Christian Convention. I think that this experience was a real breakthough for us. I really enjoyed being able to attend these workshops and sessions with you by my side. You truly are my best friend and my confidant.

I also enjoyed our family time. The time at Boyd Bears, the meals and of course the time that we spend around the Hershey fire place.... Yay, warmth.....

Then there were all the chocolate and the chocolate events. I know you didn't get to enjoy the chocolate because this baby like salty rather than chocolate but you still got to enjoy the chocolate events. Events like Candy Lane and the Sweet Lights...

Sweetheart, you are my best friend and you really have brought sweetness to my life. Thank you for being so yummy.

Your Hershey Bar -

Our Baby - Watch Him/Her Grow

Our Love Story

We made up a fun game for the couples who are attending our "Vows" event tonight. This was our love story!

Our Love Story

It all began __17_ years ago. We had both decided to go out with friends one evening.
(number)
It was a beautiful night and it goes without saying that the stars must have been perfectly
aligned. I remember so well, looking around the crowded room when our _noses___ met.
(body part-plural)
We both knew it was _moody__ at first sight.
(emotion)

Oh, how we loved spending time together. In those days, hours seemed like __century____
(length of time)
until the next time we would see each other. Our favorite date had to be the time we went
to _Sea World__. What fun! We talked for hours and laughed until our stomachs hurt! I
(place)
still remember it like it was yesterday.


And of course there was our first fight. Who can forget that? She got so mad because I
forgot to _smell___ her. I felt really _simple___, but when I said I was sorry, she quickly
(verb-present tense) (adverb-without ‘ly’)
forgave me and all was right with the world again.


What a surprise when I met her family. It was Thanksgiving and her mother had made a 20 pound _Chimichanga_. How strange! The only person in her family that was a bit odd
(food)
was her _Grandmother's cousin. I’m not sure, but I think there might have been too much cooking
(relative)
sherry in her _Death by Chocolate_. Holiday’s might be a little rough, but my love is worth it!
(dessert)

And I have to talk about our wedding day! That is a day I will never forget! It was so
__Colorful__. All of our friends and __Fijians_____ were there, but you know I could have been
(descriptive word) (group of people)
just as happy if it were only the two of us. I remember how _cuddly___ she looked in her
(adverb)
wedding dress. She took my breath away. Our vows were so romantic and special. We
had __swam___ them ourselves. But the best part was when the preacher told us we could
(verb-past tense)
_sing____. I think fireworks went off. The happiest day of my life is when he pronounced
(verb-present tense)
us _cardboard__ and wife.
(noun)


Now I have to be careful what I write, but I have to mention that our honeymoon was Phenomenal!! We made love _7____ times and even once in the _Olive Garden_! One of
(number) (place)
my favorite memories is when she dressed up like __Elmo___ and called me
(fictional character)
_Willy Wonka____. Oh, to be young and in love. These are memories we will never forget.
(name)

Then End

One Of Our Wedding Songs -

I was just thinking about this song today. I just wanted you to know!

I love you and I am glad that I said "I do" to you!

7 Weeks and a Letter from you - how Impressive

Dad,

I am growing fast! Last Thursday I was only at this stage,

7 weeks - Facial features are visible, including a mouth and tongue. The eyes have a retina and lens. The major muscle system is developed, and the unborn child practices moving. The child has its own blood type, distinct from the mother's. These blood cells are produced by the liver now instead of the yolk sac.

but in 3 days, I'll look like this!! 8 weeks - The unborn child, called a fetus at this stage, is about half an inch long. The tiny person is protected by the amnionic sac, filled with fluid. Inside, the child swims and moves gracefully. The arms and legs have lengthened, and fingers can be seen. The toes will develop in the next few days. Brain waves can be measured.

So, do you love me yet? I love you. Oh, and mom says to tell you she loves you too!

Dear Child -

You are growing so fast and I am counting down the days until you get here. You are already making yourself known in the cravings that you are having for food. You have turned mom from a chocolate loving to a salt love. You have quite the taste I can already see.

We are starting to tell other people about your coming. We have told your grandparents and your brother and sister. We have also told a few friends who have been able to know because of the glow that you have put on your mother's face.

Even this past weekend we could tell the difference that you have made with your grandmother on your mom's side. She was very supportive and very loving to your mom and I can tell that your grandparents are already excited about your coming as well.

I know that God has great plans for you and I am thankful to Him everyday for giving you to me. I can't wait to see you grow and develop. I love you very much and tell mom I love her too.

Your Dad!

My Hopes and Dreams for the Baby

Dear Sweetheart,

I wrote this the other day thinking about our baby and I wanted to share it with you...

1. I hope that you are healthy your whole life.
2. I hope that you will find a dream and pursue it with all your heart
3. I hope you experience great joy
4. I hope that you know God fully in your life.
5. I hope that you will always value wisdom
6. I hope that you realize and appreciate real relationships
7. I hope that you beleive that you really can do anything.
8. I hope that you accepts your parents friendship as an adult
9. I hope that you feel true and deep love.
10. I hope that you will always be safe from harm.

Your soon to be Dad.

Our Little Package

Dear Mother to Be...

I can't beleieve the news that you gave me yesterday. You told me that we are expecting a baby. I am so happy and I am so thrilled that we are doing this together. You are amazing and you have amazed me again by giving me this good news. I can't wait to see what the next nine months will bring to us. I love you so much and I am so glad that we are together. You are by far the best thing that has ever happened to me!

Love a soon to be Father -

Vows KickOff

My Oath -

Sweetheart, I could not be prouder of us. This past weekend we kicked off the "vows" study at our house. I can't believe that it is finally a reality.

I remember so many times over the past few years where we talked about reaching out and helping other couples - well, baby that has now become a reality. I love the fact that together we can help others from waht we expereinced.

I know that we have much to learn about our vows, but I am so thankful for the committments and vows that we have made to each other. I am so glad that you are the one that I have given my heart too...

I love you and I look forward to what the next few months will bring!

Your Devoted Husband.

Just an EveryDay With You!

Dear, My Every Day Girl -

I have been thinking lately of just how much I enjoy spending the every days with you. I know that many times on this blog I talk about special days or events, and I do love our special days together. But, more than our special days, I love our everyday's!

I love talking to you on the work everyday
I love raising the kids with you everyday
I love waking up with you everyday
I love taking walks with you everyday
I love looking at your smile everyday
I love kissing your lips everyday
I love exploring life with you everyday
I love eating your wondeful meals everyday.
I love loving you everyday!

I do love you and I love you everyday more than I loved you the day before!

Just your everyday guy.

Our Beach Weekend

Dear Concert in the Wind -

This past weekend we celebrated the end of our summer by having our annual beach weekend. This weekend was not like we would have wanted but we were able to swap houses with Patrica and were able to enjoy the beach in Virginia.

I do love going to the beach with you! I enjoy exploring new worlds and enjoying the peace and quiet of the water washign up on shore and knowing that I am with my soulmate. Or, sitting on the lawn next to the ocean and listening to concert music or watch a magic show. You truly are my little bit magic and you bring such music into my life

Going to Virginia reminded me a lot of where we have been in our relationship and exactly how far we have come. I never dreamed I would find someone like you in my life, but I am so glad and happy that I did. When we got together I thought you were amazing and now all these years later I still think you are amazing.

Oh - and another amazing part of this weekend was our special night at the beach when you were wearing your cowboy hat :)

You are quite the little cowgirl....yippie kia yah!

I love you now more than ever and I look forward to watching many more sunsets on the beach!

Our Disney Summer

Dear Ariel -

I want to thank you for working so hard on our first family vacation. We truly created a memory that we will always have. Some of my favorite memories are:

• Eating at all the Disney Resorts but especially OHana looking out over Snow White's Castle.
• The Late night Disney Hours - especailly walking around Epcot with the kids asleep.
• Riding Soarin and Test Track - you always know how to get my motor running.
• Your comment about "Are those people real" when we were getting off of the Viking ride.
• Sitting in the hot tub at our resort.
• Riding in the front of the monorail.
• Walking to our car the last night after Epcot had closed.

You are my favorite memory and I love that you are my little Arial.

Your Sweet Note -

Dear Sweetheart,

Thank you for your sweatheart for your sweet note:

Have I told you lately how much I love my blog? Well I LOVE MY BLOG VERY VERY VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!What an incredibly special treat to go in there today and find so many new posts. I just re-read almost all of your posts to me. This was such an incredibly special gift and a special collection of memories.. You are really the best, you know that? I really love you!

I love you very much!

My Snow White

Sweetheart -



WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY!

Our Family Weekend

Dear Zoo Keeper,

I just wanted you to know what a wonderful weekend that we had together. I really enjoyed our Saturday at the Baltimore zoo and going to the movie. I love how we can take just a few hours and we can create a memory that lasts a lifetime.

I think the kids really had a great time and I think this weekend will always be a memory that they will have. I mean how many times have they gotten to go to the openning weekend to a movie, especially a movie like SHREK!

I really do love you and I love our family. I am so looking forward to the next few years together as we continue to grow and develop as a family.

Thanks for being my little zoo keeper!

The Great Ape!

My Little Star

Dear Super Star,

Today we found out that you got the promotion that you have been waiting for for almost 2 years. I am so proud of what you have been able to accomplish. You have gone from nothing to now being a leader in your field and you have done it all by yourself. You should be extremely proud of your accomplishments. You are a true leader and I am so very lucky to have you in my life.

Shonda, you really do handle things with grace and beauty. You have handled yourself and every obstacle that you have faced over the past 5 years in your job with excellence and I am glad that your boss and your co-workers understand what a wonderful person that have as a part of their team.

I know that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to and I know that you have such a bright future - so bright that I have to wear shades all the time :) I love you and I am so proud of you!

P.S. I can't wait for your next promotion so we can go back and get some more Brewsters Ice Cream.

I love you, my super star!

Ace

Happy Mother's Day

Dear Best Mom Ever!

Yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day and I want to post just a short note telling you that I really do believe you to be the best mom ever. I love the way that you care for the kids and the way that create special memories just for them. Yesterday we gave you small tokens (a bracelet, a candle, a cd, a key chain) but you give us all so much all the time. I am happy to be by your side raising our family.

I hope you enjoyed your day.

Your biggest fan!

Our First Peter Lik

My Amazing Work of Art,

Today we went and purchased our first work of art and I love it! This is a beach that we stayed on when we were on our honeymoon and I cannot look at this picture and not think about that wonderful adventure. We stumbled upon this piece (number 488 out of 950) and together we chose to dive into the art collection business.

I really love that we accomplish great things together. You have helped me to accomplish so much in such a short time. I really do love you and I love the "greats" that we share together.

You truly are my best friend and the most beautiful piece of art that I ever will see.

Ace

Baby Shopping - Part One

Dear Mommy to Be -

Yesterday we went to our neighbor's house to a sale. This sale was special because it had a lot of baby stuff and together we picked out the bedding and curtains for our babies room. I know that we are still in the process of preparing for this event, but I really enjoyed watching you look and think about what you wanted for this baby. I also know that we both have some fear about adding another child to our family, but somehow I sense that together we would make it just right and it would be like everything else - jsut perfect!

I love you so much and my love for you continues to grow. I look forward to what the future holds for us.

Your True Love

Our First Day of Spring

Dear Lady Bug,

This weekend we spent in the yard perparing our yard for summer. We bought mulch and cleaned out the flower beds. I just know that we are going to have many memories in this house and in this neighborhood. I can't wait to expereince all parts of the year in our new house. I know that in this house we will laugh and share in our wonderous times. I told this weekend "that you have made my dreams come true." I truly have dreamed about a day just like the day that we experienced. I really do love life with you.

Your Man Bug

Our New Big Screen TV

Dear Amazing,

I just wanted to drop you a note telling you how much I am thinking about you today.

This past weekend I was able to get our big screen up and running in the basement. I enjoyed watching Amazing Race and 24 with you on it, but more than that I enjoyed holding you in my arms on the couch.

You have really helped fulfill my every dream and I really love you for it. I just want you to know that I am always thinking about you and I love you more and more each day.

Your Biggest Fan

Our First Anniversary

Dear Showgirl,


It is really hard to believe that we have already been married for an entire year. The year has come and gone so quickly. It seems like just yesterday that we were standing on the beach in Fiji getting married. Now a year later we arranged for a week long trip to Las Vegas.

I enjoyed seeing the hotels, the strip, the lions, Ray Romono, but most of all I enjoyed spending the week with you. You are what is unforgettable and why I enjoy life.

I have learned a lot this past year and as I reflect upon our first year of marriage I am filled with great hope and optimism. I know that you are the love of my life and that I could spend the rest of my life exploring you and enjoying our friendship and our great love.

I love that we have so many memories and that we create new memories all the time. Vegas was not a bad place for our first anniversary but I am excited to discover where we will spend the next 49....

I love you, now as I have always....

Your 1 year old groom.

Our First Snowman!

Dear Frosty,

Here he is - our first snowman. I think he kind of grows on you after awhile. Your idea and my man power put this little guy together in a short period of time after a long weekend.

There I was out in the snow in my shorts and my flip flops. Then you had Carli join me and together we made....well we made a snowman with what we had. I think it is quite orginial and I am very proud of the little guy - I know that he is a snowman that we will always remember.

I want to thank you for encouraging me to have fun and to play! I really do enjoying laughing with you.

My Little Bobsledder

Dear Gold Medalist,

I just want you to know how much I enjoyed sledding with you and the kids yesterday. I think you were the best sledder that I have ever seen - you were definitely the most enthusiastic. I was surprised at your adventurous side - the way that in my arms you were willing to slide down the very big and steep hill in our own backyard. I am glad that you love me and that you trust me enough to do things like that.

I also enjoyed being the hero at the bottom of the hill and able to catch the kids when they slide down. You really do make me a hero and I love you for that.

This is my best sledding memory and I just want you to know that I love you because you help make me a kid again.

Ace

My Valentine

Dear Valentine,

I want to thank you for making this Valentine's Day such a special day. I enjoyed our "Snow Day" where we got to spend the entire day together. I enjoyed going out to a romantic dinner and being able to share some of our thoughts and feelings. And I greatly enjoyed our giving each other gifts. I have always loved about us that we know what to get each other and that sometimes we think so much alike.

But probably, the best gift, was your sweet card. I love the card that you picked, but even more the special words that you wrote to me. You are truly the love of my life.

Happy Valentines Day!

Our 24 Hour Weekend

Dear 24 Fan -

I just don't know what has happened to us. One day we were fine and the next day we were addicted. It is official - we are now "24" junkies. I just want you to know that I have enjoyed spending our last few weekends and weeks watching the past years of "24."

It really is my desire that I am your Jack Baurer and you are my Audrey Raines. I want to be your hero and I want to always protect you from the bad guys that are out there.

I really enjoy that you are my soulmate, even the shows that we watch.

Jack

Clue Weekend

Dear Ms. Scarlet -

I just wanted to write a small note telling you how much I enjoyed our family fun time weekend together. I enjoyed watching 24 with you and I enjoyed the many games of clue. You are very much a detective and I hope that you can detect my love for you.

I look forward to many more weekend like this one as we build our family and our lives together.

Col. Mustard

A New Beginning and a New Year

Deart New Year Resoultion -

This was a new year to remember. We didn't spend it in Times Square, or in a 70's resort in the mountains - we simplyt spent it in our new house. We watched a movie and played cards with the kids but we were a family and together we celebrated the new beginning of a new year. I look forward to all the new years that we will be able to share and the experiences that we will share in each of those years.

Here are my new year resolutions for us:
1. To kiss you every morning when I wake up.
2. To let you feel how much I love you and enjoy our relationship.
3. To be a gentle husband.
4. To forgive and forget the past

Here is looking to a new beginning in the new year!