she knows no temperature, only adventure. while we stand and watch in amazement and melt.

been thinking about being a parent and judging things and how much more I judge than I think I do. we all do. but lately I've been remembering before parenthood and how much I judged parents and how sometimes now we can see others judging us. having to explain the way we do things and comparing ourselves to other parents ways of doing things. if I could go back and change something about my younger self, it would be that. who am I to even think those things? to not even try to understand their life or think if they would just do 'this'..

because everyone is different, every kid is different, every situation is different. you absolutely do not know what it is like to be in their place. to walk their steps. a situation might look terrible-or amazing-on the outside, but that's all we see. the thing we do share is that we have the same Father who is the ultimate judge and giver of life and grace and peace. And he calls us to love.

so be kind. extend grace. please don't judge such a vulnerable and precious thing we are all just trying to figure out. let's be a team.

love..

thirty.

today marks my favorite's thirtieth birthday. I couldn't even begin to have the right words to describe how great this man is. I'm really excited his birthday falls on a weekend this year. we are really excited to spoil him all weekend! his parents and sister surprised him at our door last night.. hopefully he's not too mad about me keeping that a surprise. he had no idea!

I am so thankful for this man. his strength and wisdom have given my life so much security and hope in all of the good and the hard times. he is so patient with me (seriously, I love you so much for that!), which makes for a great husband and father. to have spent the last decade with him is such an honor and we are proud to call him ours.

it may sound strange, but I'm thankful for the years before we met as well. where he was shaped and molded into the great man, partner, husband, and father he is today. and while thirty is 'just a number', I think he is going to wear it well.

he sure is a catch.

we love you so much, Chad. happy birthday!

love..