Six Years today!

Eric and I met at church on December 30, 2001. That night, we just happened to be invited to the same get together and were left alone (I was told later it was planned!) to talk and get to know eachother. We started hanging out almost daily after that. I had dated a lot of creeps early on so I had asked the Lord to guard my heart and make it very clear who was my soulmate. And He did. It wasn't just that new relationship feeling, I knew Eric was my prince. Two weeks after meeting, we started ring shopping. I have never regretted getting married jut 9 months after meeting. Since that time Eric has become my best friend, my listening ear, the one who I love to joke with, hang out with and talk to. I have told many people that you don't know how strong your relationship is until tragedy strikes. Not that I think everyone should experience tragedy, but unfortunately, it comes and you need someone who will stand by you during that. I am so thankful for meeting Eric. I am so thankful he asked me to marry him. I am so thankful I said yes. And I am most thankful, that thru the rough and easy times, we have stuck by each other and continue to love and support each other. I love ya, babe!

Exciting news!

I am so happy to announce that my brother Pete and his wife Andrea are having a baby!

Congatulations Pete & Andrea!
I love you both very much!

This picture is from their wedding in June 2003~ it's one of my favorites of them!

8 miles around the island

When I lived on Mackinac Island, we would always see couples renting the "bicycle made for two". It was funny to watch them try to balance and then attempt to ride while fighting the whole way! good times... any ways, I used to say that if couples could make it the 8 miles around the island and still want to talk to eachother, than they could make it through anything.
Well, Eric and I have never rode a bicycle made for two together, but I think this year can count for our 8 miles around the island! Obviously, we saw something in eachother that we liked enough to marry eachother 5 years ago, but I have seen a different side of Eric during this last year. He has become my absolute best friend. He has been the one who understands my faces, my silences, my talking.... he gets me. And he's been the one to crack me up... we've spent many hours laughing at pure sillyness usually caused by Eric! I have even gone to him and stated that "I am on the brink of tears, tell a funny." and he did!
Since he works at home, Most nights I have come home after work or the gym to find dinner waiting for me. He says he's gotten really good at heating up frozen food, but he always adds a touch a la Eric to every meal! ... and I am so spoiled, that when I do cook, It's not good at all~ we both try to keep me out of the kitchen! So, as 2007 comes to a close, I am thankful that I've gotten to know Eric better this year and to have him by my side! You rock Eric!!!
and if you wonder what this mackinac island is, here's their website: http://www.mackinacisland.org/

...and on to 2008!

Through the trials and emotions of this year, we are still standing! We thank God for that~ and for providing in so many ways this year! And the coolest thing?! Well, we won a contest this past summer that helped us pay the last of the money to send off our paperwork for our adoption~ and here's the picture that won it for us!

Out of almost 1,000 entries, ours was chosen to be one of 10 to vote on. Basically, we had to take a picture of what we would look like if we won the money and with the support of our family and friends we received the most votes! HOW COOL IS THAT!?!
Happy New Year!

Thankful

Through the frustrations and loss of this year, God has sustained us, guided us, and guarded us. My mom has had some health scares that started a few months back. Just 2-3 weeks ago, she was given a clean bill of health! It was a step in restoring my faith that God does hear our prayers. My brother and I were very nervous and I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we prayed hard for her. He reminded me to continually thank God for her and her health and this I do. And I am so thankful that God has sustained us. I have to mention that again. And not just Eric and I because I know that the loss of Micah affected the rest of our family and our friends as well. I praise God that in my moments of greatest darkness, there is this sense of Hope. It has kept me going. I still don't like the reality of not getting to share our days with our son, but this is our reality. And in it, Eric and I thank God for daily provision and guidance to see us thru.

There are many things besides my awesome husband, loving family, and caring friends that I love and am thankful for...Rain~the smell, the sound, playing in puddles. The animals~Trax, Shasta, Jazz, and Lil B. My 2 summers on mackinac Island~ people, sights, sounds, experiences. Chocolate. Sweaters. Music of most kinds. Dancing silly when no one can see. the ability to create art in so many different ways. Hugs. Smiles. Laughing. SINGING AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS. detangler shampoo... such a great invention, people. my car. my house. my Nintendo DS. Games to play. apple cider mills. Playing in the snow. Playing in the leaves. swimming. talking to my friends. Making someone else laugh. Pizza. cool kick butt boots~ something every girl needs. my Anne of Green Gables books. the love the Lord is growing in my heart for orphans. listening to the music my husband creates on the many instruments he has. coffee. coffee shops. iced lemon pound cake from Starbucks. Ice cream with a bunch of stuff in it. waffle cones. Breakfast at any time of the day. pictures of good times. Silly memories.
And all of you... I am thankful for you.
Love, Karin