My Husband Rocks~Friday

We have been under attack this week; I don't know if it's because we are coming to the end of our story or what?  BUT I do know this, God is stirring something up in Josh.  He is moving in ways we cannot see.  I absolutely love how the Holy Spirit moves in Josh's heart, like never before.  He stands confused at times, and he can only ask God to either reveal Himself or give him a peace.  It's refreshing. 

This weekend Josh fixed the breaks on his car, and he spent time trying to work up the figures on starting a business. I am excited, for him, as he continues doing what he needs for his project.  I, also, love that I have a mechanic for a husband.  He is thinking through so many aspects; thinking ahead is something I adore. 

Josh took Jael on a Daddy-daughter date on Monday. I love seeing my daughter grow up with the security she has in being a princess, loved by her daddy.  Her daddy gives her a picture of THE FATHER, and I can't be more grateful. Having worried about what the future would hold for her, I am thrilled to see that things are better than ever. 

Since there wasn't one thing that Josh did this week that stood out above the rest, I had to put it all.  Thanks for being amazing, Josh.

My Husband Rocks~Friday

He finally dates me!

I remember when we were courting and Josh mentioned how excited he would be after we got married to take me on dates.  (since we didn't do anything unchaperoned)   The thing is.....our dates were nothing to really brag about. Sometimes I thought he was a stick in the mud. You know what though.....sometimes it takes THOSE times to look back and appreciate what you have NOW.  I sometimes get frustrated when a month goes by and I haven't had  a date. But, really, a month is NOTHING, compared! 

Thanks, Babe, for NOT being the man I married. I could not be more happy with who you have BECOME! You have grown, matured, and made me love you more than I could imagine! You Rock!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Shallah is now 7 weeks old, but I have to mention that she was TWO WEEKS OLD before I had changed her diaper--even once!!! I am a mom of five, and I have never changed a meconium diaper. I know this may mean very little to some of you, but if you have never seen one of the FIRST diapers then you cannot fully understand. They are thick, sticky, and NASTY!! Josh is the most amazing Dad; I know I have said this before. BUT I think it bares repeating.

The boys are blessed to have a Dad that takes his job seriously. He is teaching them to open doors for people, and reminding them to treat a lady with extra care. Josh is sensitive, yet firm. The girls are blessed to have a daddy who adores and loves them. He tells Jael that he will take care of her and that no other man has to, such security is priceless for a little girl. I just LOVE that I am so blessed. Josh is STRONG, yet TENDER. This picture says it all........

My Husband Rocks~Friday

This last year has been financially challenging, to say the least, and it still seems to be a struggle. Do I feel blessed? ABSOLUTELY!!! I mean, God is SOOO good. I know that Josh has been under stress to provide for us--a job he takes very seriously. (thanks, Babe)

The reason I bring this up....I am SO ENCOURAGED by the faith and optimism that Josh SPEAKS, when I know inside the stress has been getting to him. He is believing for a new job, which he interviewed for on Tuesday. (more $$) He speaks things into existence, because he has GREAT FAITH.

He called me the other day to ask if anything "good" was in the mail. I had to reply, "No!" BUT I was curious as to WHY he asked. His reason: "I am expecting a miracle!!!" God has provided for us in some many ways in the last year, many of which are miracles. BUT he continues to believe that God is a GOD of MIRACLES, not just ONE TIME....but we are His kids. MANY TIMES over we will continue to receive God's blessings.

I have a few of my own prayers, wishes, and concerns, and I am gaining GREAT faith from the example displayed by my rockin' husband. God is a GIVER of GOOD GIFTS, and I pray Josh receives every one of them.

Thanks for being a man of faith and a speaker of it, too!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Josh has decided to start playing softball, in a league. Games are every week, and I have no idea how he will find the energy or time with all of his hard work to play in a game. We got invited to the first game, and it really was enjoyable. I appreciate the time we got to spend watching him have fun. It was something to get us out of the house and be Daddy's cheerleaders.

Thanks, Josh, for including us in your plans. AND great win....your skill in EVERYTHING you do amazes me. You haven't played organized sports in over 15 years, and you did amazing!!! You won your first game; I look forward to seeing you WIN more.

You Rock!

playing catcher

"cheerleading"

got on second base

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Josh said we would look at the dryer, but I was wondering if he would procrastinate! He did not. I told him that I really felt we could save some money if the dryer was cleaned out; I told him his "mommy" said he should, and I also commented on my concern about the fire hazard.

I knew when we moved in that the lint catcher was broken, which I asked our landlords to replace. BUT if it was broken how long did lint just accumulate?? Anyway, he did agree....but I still wondered if he would actually DO it this weekend.

I am so glad he did!! He took the cover off, and sure enough lots of lint. Josh is also a perfectionist, which I appreciate when I ask him to do projects like this. He always does an excellent job. He kept vacuuming, taking off more pieces, and pulling apart the whole dryer: the motor, the fan, and the door, the top, etc. He found the heating element... it was NOT a fun wake-up call.

In some ways, I am very glad to have the evidence for next time,when I ask him to do it for me. But I am happier that he just DID what he agreed to do. AND that he is such a perfectionist in his work.

The heating element had a piece of lint covering the whole thing, like a blanket--BURNT!!! Josh was very GLAD we cleaned it out. AND I am glad I have a husband that isn't scared to take something a part.

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years. ~ Simone Signoret

It's been a while, but I guess it's about time that I get back to my Friday posts. If no one agrees, but Josh, then it's still worth it! Love you, Babe!!

The past few weeks have been busy, but it's not that Josh hasn't been an amazing, rockin' husband; it's that I haven't posted anything.

All those tiny threads just add up and then it's hard to pick just ONE to comment about. How do you pick just ONE thing out of a whole month's worth of wonderful things?

Our vacation to Glenwood Springs was beautiful and relaxing. We got to even do a little bit of hiking, which is something I enjoy doing. After one particular outing, my back started to really hurt, and I was walking really slowly. Josh walked ahead, and he got the car to come pick me up. He held my hand lots during our walks, even if I had to remind him to WAIT for me......we walked side by side, many times. Those are the sweet memories I will cherish for a lifetime.

It's not the big huge things that stick out in our marriage, because those things can only carry us so far. It's the phone calls at lunch time, it's the text messages during the day, it's the glances at me when he thinks I didn't see, it's the teasing and poking.....THOSE are what I think about in the day when I want to remember what WE HAVE!!!

You rock, Josh.......for making an ordinary day seem extra-ordinary, just because you ask to hold my hand.

I love you, Josh!!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

"What makes a happy marriage?"

One man and one woman and the one TRUE God giving 100% to each other in mind, body, soul, and spirit. Seriously, how can you go wrong with that equation? No, really, I am not sure you can......the problem is remembering to DO all of those things. Mind, Body, Soul, and Spirit is a lot to remember.

I have found in almost 10 years of marriage, with MANY ups and downs, that the best times have been when BOTH of us were focused on our relationship with God. When our relationship with God has been made a priority we fall into place. Putting FOCUS on our marriage is what always seems to turn us around. If the happiness of our spouse is made a priority then naturally it turns into a habit. How can your marriage not be happy, if you are making each other happy?

When Josh participated in the Love Dare it was one of the greatest 40 days of our marriage, in my opinion. Everyday may not have been perfect, but it was nice to know that WE were on his mind. I knew that EVERYDAY he was focusing on how our marriage could be better.

I cannot remember the last time Josh and I went away by ourselves on a getaway. We came to Colorado last year, which was a great time.....but we had a 4 month old with us. For Valentine's Day Josh decided that we would take a small vacation during Spring Break. I am very excited. AND I know how much things like this help US. I also know that Satan has been trying to take the joy out of this trip....anyway that he can. Thanks, Josh, for planning our trip! Thanks for putting US at the top of your list. Thanks for keeping things in perspective, so that the joy is not lost in our time alone. I am praying this this will be just the thing we need to take us into a new season of being "happily married!"

For those of you who pray for us, please pray that this weekend trip will be amazing. THAT Satan stops trying to put stress on us, before we go.....thanks to you all!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

I love family pictures, and I was thrilled that Josh is the one who suggested that we get ours taken. He was even complimentary of me and my EXPANDING figure. We paid extra for the picture of the two of us. For Christmas, Josh got me a frame for our bedroom; he wanted me to put a picture of US in it.

I am proud to be his wife, and he rocks for making US a priority. He wants there to be an US, not just our family. We are a cute family, but I think WE are cute by ourselves.

You rock, Babe!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

The last few weeks have been very busy, and yes, I did get reminded that I didn't post anything last Friday. Valentinte's Day turned into a weekend of activities. We had desserts and dancing at our church, which turned out to be lots of fun. We had a dance insturctor teaching us a whole bunch of different classical dances. Josh was the perfect dance partner; I couldn't have asked for a more strong capable hand to guide me around. (even blind-folded)

We also went to a yummy restaurant that added a lot of FIRE to the weekend; it was some HOT and SPICY food. It was a great restuarant that only ended up costing us $18.00. We had a gift certificate and then got our appetizer free, since this great restaurant made us wait over an hour to be seated. We planned a movie date, too, which didn't turn out exactly right. We watched Pink Panther 2, not exactly romantic....well, maybe it was!

The greatest thing about the whole weekend was that with some of the things not working out exactly as planned, Josh never got upset. He took it all in stride; we have had a lot of things to do lately. We have a parenting class on Wednesdays, and Josh has been READING the book. I have had doctor's appointments, and he hasn't missed them.

I appreciate how busy he has been, and yet he is still finding the time to do everything else. He knows how to keep his cool and get it all done.

Love you, Babe! You Rock!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Click on the picture above to see how this all started--the bragging every week about how my husband rocks......

Josh hates snakes with a curious passion. Is that even a type of hatred? Working in the landscaping business has afforded him the privilege of coming across a few snakes over the years. I still smile about this, because to hear him talk about snakes is hilarious. He hates them, but the times in our marriage where we have had TV or have been at someone's house who does.........he manages to find the National Geographic marathon about snakes.

We will end up watching the WHOLE MARATHON about snakes. Josh knows a lot about snakes, but he hates them. He has shot at least two rattlesnakes. I have the rattles of one of them; he was BIG. EEK!

BUT it still makes me laugh when he BRINGS HOME A SNAKE???? If you hate snakes WHY on EARTH are you bringing a snake home??? I am glad that Josh has a healthy fear of snakes, but I do wonder how much fear is really involved? I admire Josh's courage, because if he really is as afraid of snakes as he says......he is one BRAVE man!!

Josh has always been very good at concealing his fear; I have learned now when he is afraid. I enjoy knowing that over the years I can now "read" him, thanks, Babe, for letting me love you. AND for being so brave.....and doing things even though you are afraid. You are very courageous!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

This week's prompt is to write about "The Moment." You know the moment you know that you would marry this guy.

That was a long time ago, almost 11 years? How does time fly? The most vivid memory I have was sitting on the counter (yes, the counter) at the local Dairy Queen chatting with a co-worker. I remember telling her about Josh; it was the first time I had really shared anything about him to anyone.

I remember SAYING to her, "I really believe this is the guy I am going to marry." Now, I remember when the words came out of my mouth, thinking...."I am pretty sure of myself, aren't I?"

I really had not even known Josh more than a few months when I told her this. I guess it was so clear to me, that he matched everything I wanted in a husband. I had written a list of the things that were ultimately important to me, and Josh fit the bill. Those were things, non-negotiable....my friends, on the other hand, said I was too picky to start with....and that I would never get married, and my mom would NEVER approve anyway.

I am going to share my list with you:

1. He doesn't want to hurt God, and loves God with his whole heart. God is utmost in his life.

2. He has a vision.

3. He is trustworthy.

4. He loves his family.

5. He wants to have children and homeschool them.

6. He is financially capable.

7. He believes in purity, not just in virginity.

8. He wants to be in ministry.

9. He has a teachable spirit.

10. He is sensitive to others' needs.

It's funny for me to read these, because I was only 16 when I wrote them. They meant a lot more than my small sentences conveyed, but I guess I WAS a bit too scared to write them down. If you checked with my friends, they would agree that I could be very opinionated and detailed in every area.

Josh, you were the man God brought into my life. Thanks for sticking around. You rock!

(thanks, Mom, for approving)

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Click here to read about why MHR Fridays started!

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This week's prompt:
Tell us about a time that your spouse went out of his way to serve you, and love you sacrificially.


I have never used one of the prompts, until now. We will see how this goes........

I am pregnant right now, and it has got me to thinking about the birth of our newest member. Yes, I realize I am only halfway, but I cannot help but think about it.

After the birth of every one of our children Josh has taken off work to be with me. I know that at times it was more sacrificial than others. I have always appreciated those moments of bonding for us as a family. He certainly did not have to, because my mom has often been around to help. AND after each new member, my recovery seems to take less and less time.

Thank you, Josh, for being there for me. I might act tough, but I do need help more than you realize.

My Husband Rocks~Friday

This is the USUAL headline: How to get out of watching a chick flick with your significant other.

I really think some guys have been trained from a young age that they just should NOT have to endure torture.

I have always been good at watching all the movies Josh picks, except for dubbed martial arts movies. Right, Babe?

This has to be one of the first times I can remember that Josh watched a movie with me that was ENTIRELY a girl movie. He has been known to watch Romantic Comedies, but they have a COUPLE in them.............and he certainly wouldn't watch one TWICE.

Last night he agreed, with NO fuss at all, I could almost give him credit for suggesting we could watch MY movie. I was very happy to have my friend watching a movie with me, so I didn't have to enjoy it by myself. I MIGHT have even heard a few comments like, "that would be amazing to have FOUR good friends......usually it's only TWO." Was that a bit of enjoyment??

My husband rocks..........because he endured Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants AND Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. I think he is set for a few years..........

My Husband Rocks~Friday

My husband rocks because he is getting better at being romantic.....without a lot of hints.

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Christmas has past; New Year's Day is gone...........wow, what a BUSY holiday season. Is life going to seem "dull" now? I will blog, hopefully, later about our very eventful Christmas, but I cannot forget to write about my husband. Especially since I forgot to write one last week!!! I am glad that Josh cares so much about reading what I have to say about him---so much so that he reminds me when I forget. You rock, Babe!

I am feeling more and more blessed to be married to Josh; I have never regretted saying "YES" to him--10 years ago. Even through the rough times it was nice to know that I felt like GOD had a plan for us, even if it wasn't looking like it. I am falling in love with my "new Josh" more and more every day. He has been working so hard to put God first in his life, and it is evident in his daily life. I cannot be more proud to see him walking WITH God.

Last Sunday Josh spoke at church; he hadn't been behind the pulpit in almost a year and a half. The man I listened to on Sunday was not the same man I married. I know it took a lot of God's strength to get him through that day, but I was blessed to see him make some amends to those who have been hurt by our choices. It takes humility, that I haven't ever seen in Josh before, to bring up past hurts.

Josh, you rock! I am so proud of who you are becoming. I love you, and I am glad I am your wife. Thanks for making this holiday season the best EVER, for me!!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

This picture totally makes sense to you, right? I mean, you have moved a staircase? Can you make it so it's not too steep? How about it? Oh, and while we are at it, how about a flagstone patio or maybe a rock, water feature? Oh, even better, maybe a pagoda?

This is one thing I have always admired about Josh, it doesn't matter if he has never tackled a particular project before, he is always willing to give it a try. AND seriously, it always turns out fabulous. I wish my efforts were so rewarding. He has such great confidence, and I admire that a lot.

A friend asked Josh if he would help MOVE a staircase, which from my "limited" knowledge of construction, doesn't sound like an easy job. MOVE A STAIRCASE?? Isn't that like ripping it out and building a new one? "Of course I will help!!" he says. Why did I imagine any different?

I am glad to have such a handy guy, and now I know if I ever need my staircase moved.......I have the MAN to do it!!

You rock, Josh, because you are willing to tackle any problem.

I love your confidence, and you always do things with perfection.

My Husband Rocks~Friday

Another day to brag about how my husband Rocks!!!!

If you have never participated, and you want to.........click the picture!

I have to admit this is getting more difficult to think of good things to write about, but I don't want it to seem like that is because he is not "rockin!" In the last few months, Josh has never been more amazing. Sometimes I have to STOP him from helping me out, because he is making me feel badly. I am three months pregnant, and I have been having a harder time keeping up with my housework. BUT I have already mentioned how helpful he has been, so I have to think of something different.

This time of year always makes me think of "how it all began!"

Josh lived in California while I lived in Arizona. We wrote many letters, emails, supported the phone company, and visited as often as possible. My mom would do her best to drive me up there on long weekends, but it never seemed long enough. One Christmas, I planned a surprise. I would come for a visit for three weeks so we could spend the holiday season together. I didn't tell him I was coming. AND I was even more shocked that my mom said, "Yes!"

I arranged everything with his family. They arranged for his best friend to pick me up at the airport on Christmas morning. Christmas morning, his parents faked a disagreement, then Josh and his Dad went to town on a last minute errand. As the story goes, apparently, they "forgot" to deliver a present. Honestly, Josh was a bit frustrated, as all of this "fuss" did not seem necessary. He was feeling that Christmas was not turning out as he had hoped. While they were doing a series of pointless things in town, including a stop at the post office. By this time, Josh was frustrated because we ALL know the post office is CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS MORNING!!

I arrived at his house, his sister helped wrap me up and I was placed under the tree. Josh's mother paged (yes, I said PAGED) his dad to let them know we were ready. Josh came home a little exasperated that the traditional Christmas morning had been a little ruined. Here it was nearing ten o'clock and they hadn't eaten breakfast or opened presents.

"Let's have devotions!" his mother said. All the family rushed into the living room to read the Bible and pray, something usually saved for later. Josh decided to throw a minor fit; I cannot imagine him doing it now. But he was SO hungry, and things were NOT going "as planned!"

And everyone was acting so strangely! After many minutes, Dad finally convinced Josh that he would be brief in his devotions, so that we could get on with the day. Please keep in mind, I have been in a PLASTIC BIKE BAG for what seemed like a long time. I was in high heels, and a skirt. Josh finally glanced over to the tree, only to see a BIG present. "What's that?" he asked curiously, then poked me in the head. All the time I am getting hot and tired of being wrapped up. Finally he read the tag, "To Josh, From Serena." He tore the package open. I popped out, giving him a hug! The look on his face was priceless! I think we ate breakfast right after, so Josh was no longer minding that things did not go as planned.

Happy 10th Christmas, Josh!

You Rock, more every day!!!

My Husband Rocks~Friday (Monday)

Sorry, Babe, for not acknowledging how much you ROCK. You never voice how much you like something until you miss it. I am glad to see that you read my blog. I was pleasently surprised to know that you check it all on your own, once in a while.

Wow, the weekend was SO busy, and you made it more enjoyable. We had lots to do, but you were by my side the whole time.

Jael made us proud by winning 2nd place in the Awanas' Grand Prix, and you were the main reason she won. You worked on building her the fastest car. Thank you for taking the time, even though you don't have much extra.

You chose to stand by your convictions all weekend, even though I know a few times it was hard. I am so proud of you, my friend!

AND even thought the weekend has been busy you never sit to take a break, if there is money to be made. You are already out making some cash, since your regular job isn't giving you the hours. You have so many things that make me proud.

You Rock, every day of the week!

My Husband Rocks~Friday

I am out of town for the holidays, but I didn't want to forget about thanking my husband for making our marriage a priority.

I really admire all that he has been doing the last few months. One of the things he did for me recently was prepare dinner. He made a special dinner for just the two of us. We ate AFTER the kids went to bed.

The Menu:

Grilled Filet Mignon (bacon-wrapped)

Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Cilantro, Green Onions, & Bacon

Rice Pilaf

Caesar Salad

Steamed Broccoli

Sparkling Apple Cider

Vanilla ice cream blended with Heath Bar and Magic Shell

It was delicious~~and so special.

Thank you, Josh, for a wonderful, memorable evening.