7 Years of Marriage

Today is our 7th wedding anniversary. It's amazing to me that when we first got married we thought we were "so in love" and had no idea what love really was. We did love each other then, but I think that we both would agree that our understanding of what it means to love has grown and matured throughout these past 7 years to the point now where we can honestly say that we love each other more and more each day.

God has truly blessed our marriage. Danae and I have had to face difficulties that many couples will never have to face...like the fact that just 3 months ago we went over the "been together more months than apart" time frame. I've had to miss a lot of things over the past 7 years (because of the military) but God has granted us the grace and dependence upon Him to get thru everything and with His help our marriage is stronger than ever.

Love and Respect - this is something that Danae and I are both committed to doing for each other. She knows that I need respect as a man and I know that she needs/craves love as a woman. Anytime we have disagreements we try to fall back on this principle and it usually solves whatever issue has occurred.

Thank you Lord for the past 7 years with my wife. Please help me to love her even more for the rest of our lives. Amen.

I love you Danae! You always be my Lady!

The Mr.

Air Assault!!

Yesterday I graduated Air Assault school which is a 10 1/2 day school where you get hazed (you do a ton of physical exercises for getting in trouble) and you learn about what it means to be part of the only Air Assault Division in the world. It is kind of cool to be part of this tradition that we are all very proud of. :)

The culminating event is a 12 mile road march with body armor, weapon, and an assault pack. Basically 55 lbs of gear on...I did it in 2 hrs and 26 minutes...the standard is 3 hrs or less. I've been very fortunate to have been able to go to so many schools in the very early stages of my officer career. This will probably be my last school for a little while tho...I'm glad to be able to get back with my platoon.

Life is going great here in TN. God is blessing us and showing us how He wants to use us here. Looking forward to the days ahead as we pursue an awesome and Holy God.

Love and miss you guys.

Will

Thoughts on Raising kids...

One thing that always happens to me whenever I am away from my family (or they are away from me) is I take more time to pray for them and to reflect on what they mean to me. Lately I've been thinking about how important my kids are to me and how much I want God to help me be the best Father possible to them. It seems that our culture today is trying very hard (and winning the battle if you ask me) on telling Christians how we are to raise our kids.

In my quiet times God always seems to reveal things to me about how I am called to raise my kids with Danae. Here's what I feel God wants me to share with others. Especially those with daughters:

Dads - go after their hearts...that is where obedience and respect will grow from. Take them on dates (even if they are little) make them feel special. Compliment them often...on everything. Girls want to be adored, admired and sought after...if you don't give them this attention now they will go looking for it in some dead beat guy later. Set a standard of how a man is supposed to love a woman by how you treat and love your wife. Your girls are being taught and trained what to expect from guys by how you treat them and how you treat your wife...think about this responsibility often.
Help around the house. True leaders lead by example! True leaders are servants...like Jesus. Help your wife with everything...especially in discipline when they are younger. Lead with love and not with anger.
Most importantly teach your kids about God - pray with them, do Bible studies with them, teach them to memorize God's Word. Make them want to mirror your relationship with Christ.

Moms - You too have to lead by example. You are with them probably more than any person ever will be...this means that you have endure more headaches than anyone...God will bless your continued efforts! Don't get so wrapped up in the moment that you lose sight of what you are really doing...which is loving your kids and raising them to know the Lord. Teach your kids to obey you the first time...this helps with the patience thing. :) Lead by example in your walk with God and your kids will want to follow in your footsteps.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox. I love and miss you guys.

Will

Good News and Good Day

I just wanted to let everyone know that we had the tests on the baby yesterday in Nashville. All came out great as far as the doctors could see. He is weighing right on and there were no defects found. God is good all the time!!!! I do want to thank everyone for the sweet phone calls, emails, and texts. You all are great friends.

Now I am leaving tomorrow for Ft Leonard Wood MO with the girls. My brother and sister-in-law are expecting their second any day now. I told Shannon that it would just be easier on everyone if she had the baby while we were there....my parents are driving out there too. If she doesn't I don't think we will get to see Leah till Christmas time as I am getting too big to make that trip. So Shannon I am praying Leah comes soon!!!:)

Will starts Air Assault school Friday here at Ft Campbell. He will do well I am sure of it. He can already do the most challenging part of the course well. Not to mention he surpassed all the standards for the prelims. He's so smart! I just love my man!

Well, it's off to the free movies with the girls even though I should be here doing laundry and packing. That can wait till midnight I guess like it usually happens.

Always Praising Him
Danae

It's a BOY!!!!

For those of you not on facebook, we found out last week that we are having a boy. We are very excited and I think Will has picked a name. Payton Will. The girls are so excited and so funny when they talk about Payton and a baby brother. They will be great big sisters.

Please keep the baby in your prayers as the ultrasound came back abnormal. I am going to Nashville next week for further testing. Not really sure what any of it means. We just have to be still and wait on the Lord who already has a plan and a purpose and has our best interests in mind.

The family is headed to KY for the 4th for a big family reunion with all my Mom's side of the family. We are very excited to see everyone.

Hope you all have a great 4th! Praise God for our Freedom!!

Love
Danae

Scentsy

Well, it's official, I am a Scentsy consultant. Haven't even gotten my start up kit yet, but I have my very own website. I think it'll be just a fun little extra thing I can do. In case you need some more wax or even a new pot my website it...

www.scentsy.com/danae1



As far as baby goes, I finally get that long awaited ultrasound. It's on the 25th of June. Can't wait.

Hope all is going well.
Danae

Our home....

I thought I'd post a few pictures of our home. We love it here and we are finding lots of fun and exciting things to do. We have been hiking a few times and to the river to go boating once in KY with my aunt and uncle. It's nice to be so close to family. This weekend we plan on going to the land between the lakes to check that out.

I see a nurse this Thursday at my OB clinic but I'm not all that sure what a nurse is going to do for me. Hopefully set up an ultrasound apt, huh? I'll post some prego pictures in the near future...not all that exciting this time around:)

Glad to finally be back online. Looking forward to hearing from everyone.
Danae