Twelve.

Today is our twelfth wedding anniversary.

We were just kids when we first met. So very young.

But there was something different about this boy. I just knew he was the ONE.

And now, nineteen years later, I am still just as intrigued, just as drawn to him.

My husband is such an amazing man.  And I am so very very proud of him!!

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

1. Humor. Oh my! He is just.so.funny. He has this way of perfect timing and subtle sarcasm that will have you laughing, tears and all.

2. Kindness. He has this natural instinct to help. To act instantly in a time of need.

3. Inner strength. He has this amazing ability to pull strength from deep within when a job needs 

done. Even when he's exhausted or hurting.

4. Gentleness. This man can go from hard and stern to gentle and loving in a moment. This makes him an AMAZING dad, by the way. 

5. Devotion. He has clearly devoted himself to his wife and sons.

6. Playful. Okay, sometimes, this gets on my nerves. He's a boy. He loves to romp around. But, mostly, it's adorable. And fun.

7. Giving. The man will give you the shirt off his back, if you need it. And to his family? He gives EVERYTHING. Actually, he spoils us.

8. He loves the Lord. This has come with time.  And it's probably been the most special privilege I have ever had; witnessing a man come to know God, learning to give his life over to the Savior, walking with Jesus. He has this quiet, natural way of sharing his faith and when he prays it is so honest and real.

9. Brave. He keeps us safe. He does hard things. And without hesitating.  

10. Entertaining. He loves to make people laugh. And that in itself can be so funny.

11. Creative. BJ has always been an artist and a builder. He has created some beautiful things with his hands over the years. Just another part of what makes him, him. 

12. Us. It's always been us. BJ and Kim. Kim and BJ.

I am incredibly blessed by this man. And so thankful for this day 12 years ago when love and life only got better, stronger.

These days.

Truly; 

"The days are long, but the years are short." 

And it's been quite a year. 

 BRAVE is our family word for 2015. I remember writing about that and how excited we were to start a brand new year. 

Have we been brave? Most definitely! 

[I have three boys. Brave should be their middle names!  But, seriously. It's been a year of...brave shifting.]

We are in a season of busyness. That is something we are NOT accustomed to. We have always been a laid-back, go-with-the-flow bunch, so this business of schedules and plans and places to be on a weekly basis? A-D-J-U-S-T-M-E-N-T. 

The twins are playing soccer; their very first organized sport. It's been fun and they do a great job! Mostly, they have fun, especially since they are on separate teams and get to play against each other. They have fun encouraging each other's team and every now and then a pat on the back or a quick sideline pep talk. 

All three boys attend AWANA. This is another new, wonderful experience as they work on tucking God's Word in their hearts with new friends every week. 

The twins are officially Kindergartners!!

We started our first day of (home)school August 24th.  We are currently in our fourth week with our Classical Conversations community. (Click here to find out more about Classical Conversations.)

It's such a blessing to get to learn right along with these guys. My only problem? Keeping up with them! They learn so much so fast, it blows.my.mind! These guys are really amazing. I am so proud of them...all three of them! Even baby boy is catching on quickly. We have fun days and we have hard days. BUT, even at the end of the hard days, lessons are learned and love abounds. And I could not be more thankful. 

Once again, it's Fall! 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of year! The crunchy colorful leaves, the flowers put on their Fall display, pumpkins!!, cool mornings, warm bright days with NO humidity, bonfires, apple-picking, hayrides, apple cider, all things pumpkin-spice!, and school field trips! 

As we enter this new season, our hearts are overflowing with thanksgiving for all that God has given us this year. 

While there has been heartache, there has also been blessing.