California and our first Valentine's Day :)

We took a trip to California in February.  Just the two of us.  It was our first Valentine's Day :)  We stayed in Laguna for the first part of the trip.  We visited my brother Andrew.  It was beautiful every day. 

My brother took us to a remote beach and showed us a cave along the ocean, amazing cliffs, and beautiful waters.  The next day he took us to the top of his neighborhood and down an awesome path that led to the most breathtaking view of the ocean.  I looked out at the vast ocean and soaked in God's greatness. 

The most amazing day in California was the day that my brother took us sailing.  His roommates and girlfriend, Elsa, joined us.  It was gorgeous, peaceful, and amazing!!!  We came across a pod of dolphins numbering at least 200+  and if that wasn't enough we came across two whales, a few sea lions, and some seals!!!  I could have reached down and touched the dolphins as they swam along our sailboat.  It was a day I will never forget. 

We enjoyed the San Diego zoo one day and explored downtown that evening.  Fun times!!

My brother has been on assignment as a nurse in California for a while now.  We are all waiting for him to tell us he isn't coming home.  We miss him.  It's not the same without him around :(  Let's hope he gets home sick soon!!

Brian and I visited Temeculah during the middle of our trip.  We spent the day in wine country.  We tasted wine, learned about the families that make it, and met some wonderful people along the way.  The trip home was an adventure to say the least.  We took the Ortega highway which goes up the side of a mountain and if you veer off you will be heading down a huge cliff into the ocean!!!!  I was on the edge of my seat the entire trip home.  I was so happy to be back to our condo :)

We spent the last part of our trip with my family in Newport Beach (My dad, Brenda, Emily, Ross, and Jessica).  I have two siblings that are the same ages as my kiddos.  Emily is 9 and Ross is 7.  It was fun to spend time with them one on one.  We played Dance 2 on the Wii as a family.  I played American girl with Emily until all of her dolls hair had been done into awesome hairstyles :)  This was no easy task as she has at least 20 dolls!!  Ross and Brian played Ninja and spent time doing boy things.  I was able to go to my sister's Cheer and Baton practice and visit her school on Valentine's Day.  We enjoyed meals together, laughed, played, and we tucked them in each night and sang to them :)  We hugged long and hard the day we left.  I cried and so did they.  Oh if only the miles weren't so long between us.  I miss them!!! 

Our last night in California was Valentine's Day.  We spent our first Valentine's day on Huntington Beach.  We watched the sun set, walked along the beach, and wiggled our feet in the sand.  We had dinner at Duke's, a restaurant on the beach.  Brian surprised me with flowers, a giant cookie, a beautiful card and a lovely dinner.  We held hands and I stared into his eyes thinking of how blessed I was to have this man in my life.  He makes my heart beat faster, puts a giant smile on my face, and makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world.  He is an answered prayer.  I am madly in love with my best friend.  I look forward to growing old with this man.  He is smart, thoughtful, kind, loving, generous, incredibly handsome and has made my life sweeter and my kids lives more full.  Thank you God.

We brought the kids goodies from California.  They bring us such joy.  They were so excited to see us and to hear about our trip.  Next time we are taking them along :) 

Our Honeymoon - A dream come true :)

We have been married for 5 months now.  It sounds like a short time but I feel like I have known this man forever :)  He is my best friend.  Time only increases my love for him. 

I have been meaning to post about our honeymoon but I couldn't locate our honeymoon pictures.  Well I found them today so I thought it was the perfect time to blog.

I remember when we first started talking about where we wanted to go for our honeymoon.  Brian thought we should take a three week honeymoon - lol.  He was completely serious.  That's what I love about him.  He doesn't do things the way everyone else does.  He wanted us to have three weeks to just be in love, to relax, to be free of the world and it's pressures for a short time.  We compromised and went on a 10 day honeymoon :)

We had been counting the days to our honeymoon for quit a while.  I couldn't wait to be Mrs. Wheeler.  We knew that this relationship was rooted in God and we wanted to do things His way.  This means waiting to live together until we were married and waiting on other important things as well (wink, wink).  It felt like it was going to be forever.  I felt 100% sure that it would be worth the wait and so did Brian.  We had done things our own way in the past (with other relationships).  We knew that this only led to heartache.  God's way is always perfect and we knew there would be blessings in doing things rightly this time around.

We decided to go to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for our honeymoon.  We stayed at the Riu Palace.  It was beautiful!!!  We had the most amazing time.  The weather was perfect every day.  Sunshine, blue skies, clear waters, and my best friend!!!  It was a dream come true.

We took a boat to "Lover's Beach", went on a Zipline adventure, were nearly swept away by a giant wave, spent a day in Cabo, visited Cabo Wabo, won the ping pong tournament at the resort, enjoyed a couple's massage on the beach, enjoyed lots of good food, met some amazing couples, and soaked up the sun.  I will remember our time there forever.

I can tell you that doing things God's way was worth the wait (that's all I will say - lol).  We are still experiencing fireworks and I have a feeling we will be for a long time.  I feel so blessed to have Brian in my life.  He loves me with everything in him.  He takes my breath away.  It's not just the big things he does but the everyday little things that make me love him so much.  Taking the time to play board games with the kids, fixing their hurts with kisses and laughter, talking with them, listening to their hearts, singing to them, and praying over each one of them at bedtime.  He plans our meals, cooks, goes to the grocery, helps me with the house, surprises me with massages, flowers, and dinners out.  I am truly blessed.

We are looking forward to going back to Cabo one day!!!!  We would love to have some friends/family join us :)    

Happy Birthday Hannah :)

Hannah,  Happy 8th birthday!!!  It's hard to believe that another year has passed and here I am writing you another birthday letter.  It's been a big year for us.  You gained four brother's this year when mommy married
Brian.  You have adjusted well and seem to love being our only girl :)  You have no problem bossing the boys around and making sure they act according to your girly ways - ha ha.  The first thing we hear in the morning is "Boy's get in here and flush the toilet"  "Put the seat down"  - lol.  Life with boys is messy but you have so enjoyed having them around. 

You are in second grade this year and your teacher is Mrs. Allspaw.  She told us at your parent teacher conference that you have a great personality.  You have the potential to be a great leader but at this point you do more following than leading (whether good or bad) so she is making it her goal to get you to lead by the end of the year.  She said you remind her a lot of herself :)  You are doing great in school and made all A's and one B on your report card. 

You love to jump rope.  You asked us if you could try out for the jump rope team at school (coming up this Spring).  You are playing soccer with the YMCA this Spring.  I don't think you are really interested much in playing but the boys are playing so you decided to sign up :)

From the time you were a little toddler you have said you wanted to be a doctor.  That has not changed.  You have said you want to be a pediatrician.  We told you how much schooling it will take and you are still persistent on it.  I guess we have a few years before you really have to make that decision - lol. 

We had your birthday party at the church this year.  You invited Lily, Maegan, Julianna, Isabella, Nevaeh, Ella, and Ava.  Gabe had his party at the same time.  We played hot potato, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, and had a relay race.  It was a great time.  You were thrilled to get squinkies, zoobles, a bracelet making kit, and a friendship stone.  MeMe took you to get your ears pierced for your birthday.  She said you almost came home with one earring.  You realized after the first one that it was pretty painful so it took them 10 minutes to convince you to get the other one done - ha ha.  You came home with the cutest Hello Kitty earrings. 

You have a high energy personality.  You are silly and fun and you have a wonderful giggle :)  You ask lots of questions and you are not afraid to voice your opinion (which often leads to a time out).  You are the first to stick up for someone that is getting disciplined.  You love old people and could spend hours in a nursing home loving on the elderly.  You also love babies :)  At Christmas you wanted to hold your nephew, Elias, as much as possible.  He was as big as you but that didn't stop you.

I love you so much.  You have been through so much change and transition.  I am so proud of the way you have flourished through it all.  When times were hard it was your sunny personality that got me through.  I have so many memories of you being the light in my life when everything around me seemed dark.  I am so thankful to God for you.  You are my sweet girl.  My only daughter.  A true gift from above.

Happy Birthday!!!  I love you to the moon and back :)  ~Mom

Happy Birthday Gabe!!!

Gabe, This is my very first letter to you.  It's hard to believe I didn't even know you one year ago.  Our lives have changed so much in just one year.  I remember meeting you for the first time.  You were a bit reserved and a little unsure.  I realized you might be the hardest one to get to know.  I prayed about our time together and asked God to help me to get to know you more.  That was the start of something special :)

What I have learned about you in the year I have known you is this . . . . You have a big heart, you have lots of questions about life, you are super sweet, you have a natural skill in art, and you love to read.

You and I have had many long talks since those first prayers I prayed.  We talk about life, God, family, love, and just about everything in-between.  You won't go to sleep without getting a big hug and kiss from me.  In fact you usually need two or three (it makes my heart so happy).  We have developed quite a bond :)

You gained a sister and brother this year.  I think you are enjoying it although you and Hannah are so much alike that at times I think you are unsure about this sister thing.  We laugh at how similar the two of you are.  Hannah always tries to give you a big hug and kiss before bed and you usually try to run :)  If she forgets to give you a hug and kiss then you are upset.  It's a game between the two of you.

School comes easy for you.  You are in the accelerated programs at school.  Reading is your favorite thing to do.  We find you reading just about everywhere (even in the bathroom - haha).  I am amazed at your reading level and the amount of homework you are able to complete in one night.  I think you are going to outsmart me before too long!!  Everyone was amazed at your art skills at your school program this year.  We are very proud of all your talents.

You played football this year and really enjoyed it.  I have noticed that you are not super in to sports and would probably be ok without them.  You love legos, computer games, and chess.  We signed you up for soccer with your brothers for Spring.  I think you are happy to be on a team with Logan.  It should be a fun season.

Your personality is a bit high energy like Hannah.  You are sensitive, caring, aware of the world around you, and sweet.  You gave your birthday money and slinky to Grandpa Jack on his birthday (so sweet).  You are concerned for the homeless and less fortunate.  You would be the first to give up your toys or make pb&j's for the homeless.  Like Hannah, you get upset when others are in trouble.  You love family and you thank God for giving you a family almost every day.  You can also be slightly dramatic when you have a scrape, a bump, or any other condition that you are sure that you have :)  We do a lot of reassuring you that you are perfectly fine and that we are almost certain you will live - lol.  We get a kick out of it and we love you for it.

We have had many spiritual conversations and I believe you really understand what it means to follow Jesus with your heart and life.  I am so proud of the boy that you are.  You have taught me about faith and believing in things that seem impossible.  I love you so much and I thank God every day for bringing you into my life.  I am so excited to have a lifetime to get to know you more.  You are a very special boy and I love you with all my heart.

Happy Birthday!!  I love you to the moon and back!  ~Mom

Our First Christmas :)

Last year on Christmas Eve I looked up at the mantel and stared at the three stockings hung on the chimney with care.  I remember feeling sad that there was one less stocking there.  It had been a tough year on all of us.  I thanked God for my two precious children sleeping in their beds.  I prayed that this year would be a new start and a time of refreshing for all of us.
 
This year on Christmas Eve I again looked up at the mantel and was filled with joy as I stared at eight stockings crammed on the chimney with care :)  I reflected on all that God had done in our lives in a year's time and how He had grown our family from three to eight.  I couldn't be happier.  I cried as I reflected on God's amazing love for me, Brian, and our kids.

Christmas morning was filled with noise, laughter, flying wrapping paper, and lots of love!!  We told the kids they could come out at 8am so at 7:59 we heard them counting down.  30,29,28,27,26......3,2,1 and then screams of delight as they ran from their bedrooms to the living room.  My entire family came over to help us celebrate our first Christmas together.
 
My dad and Pam got the kids games, clothes, and other goodies.  My mom got the kids colts gear, books, and stuffed animals.  My siblings went together to buy the kids tons of games (aqua doodle, break the ice, moon sand, pixie sticks, etc...).  My parents also got us a family membership to the aquatic center.  We had to get two memberships for a family of eight!!  We are already getting tons of use out it.  The kids love it!!!  We got all the kids a pillow pet, a game, and other fun stuff.  It was a great Christmas.
Brian got me a brand new camera (total surprise) and a new printer for labeling cd's and dvd's.  I was more than excited as I have been wanting a new camera for some time now.  I bought him shoes, a fun hat, clothes, and other fun surprises.

It was great to see my little nephew, Elias, and let the kids get to know their cousin.  They live in D.C. so we don't get to see them very much.  Elias loved his new Uncle "B". 
Hudson was the first to notice that Santa had eaten his cookies and milk :)  Of course Santa left half a glass of milk on the mantel that ended up on the floor later in the morning - lol.  Christmas is still a magical time in their eyes.

We talked about Jesus, read the story of His birth, and prayed for all the kids in the world that wouldn't experience the kind of Christmas we would.  This will be a Christmas I will never forget. 

God of second chances (by Brian)

He is the God of second chances; of redemption.  He is faithful.  “I once was lost but now I’m found and now my lifesong sings.  I once was blind but now I see and now my lifesong sings.  I once was dead but now I live.  Now my life to you I give. Hallelujah!”  Song lyrics by Casting Crowns

We are lost without Him. If we only give God the opportunity, with our lives...everything, He is all that He claims to be.  Loree has made such a wonderful account of our God story.  Even then, we only scratch the surface on just how good God is and all of His mysterious ways.  

Over a year ago a new thought unexpectedly overtook my heart.  A desire growing in me to have two more kids.  I was a single dad with four boys...why on earth would I have such a notion burning in me?  I shared this feeling will many (who thought I had lost my mind!!!) then tucked it away in my heart and thought of it no more.  

A couple months before the wedding the thought resurfaced in my mind as if God wanted to remind me who had been at work in our hearts from the beginning...preparing the way.  I would soon be blessed with two beautiful children to love as my own.  

“A page is turned in this life, He’s making her his wife and there is no secret to the source of this much life.  When the grace that falls like rain is washing them again. Just a chance to somehow rise above this land.

Where the God of second chance will pick them up and he’ll let them dance.  Through a world that is not kind and all this time, they’re sharing with the one that holds them up when they come undone.  Beneath the storm, beneath the sun and once again, here you stand.  Your day has come.” A Page is Turned by Bebo Norman

It's what He does isn't it?  Holds us up when we fall apart.  Picks us up and sets us on our feet.  Then we dance.  Grace, God's grace.

I would not ever be able to fully describe just how miraculously God worked through our lives to bring us to where we are today.  Some things I will just cherish in my heart. His grace...is sooooo good.  I don’t feel like I deserve second chances, but He gives them anyway. 

He was down right showing off by bringing Loree to me.  (He’s God after all and that’s just fine with me!)  She is beyond an exceptional woman.  Her character in Christ makes it easier for me to be the husband and leader God calls me to be.  She has such a fun easygoing heart with the same love of dancing as myself which includes dance movies :)  (Step Up 3 was pretty rockin’ for us!)

I don’t know your story.  I’m sure it has/had its own set of difficulties and heartache, but there is one thing we have in common.  Our God, our Redeemer, our Healer, our Comforter, our God of second chances.  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7  

Let go and let God.

Jesus is very fond of you and so am I,

Brian

Our wedding day - My heart was pounding with excitement!!

We got married on October 16th at 4:30pm.  I spent the night at my mom's house with my two sisters.  We woke up the next morning and my mom treated us to manicures and pedicures at a little place here in Avon.

The weather was gorgeous!!  Sunny, warm and beautiful, and autumn leaves everywhere.  I couldn't believe the day was finally here.  I was so excited to marry my best friend.

My sister-in-law was kind enough to come to my mom's house to do all of our hair (she did an awesome job!!!).  She will be doing our hair again for my sister, Anna's wedding this March :) 

Brian and I had to be at the barn early for photos.  My mom and sister's helped me get ready and our photographer came to take pictures.  I then rode to the barn with our photographer and hid behind the barn so that Brian couldn't see me until just the right time :)  He met me behind the barn and that is when we saw each other for the first time that day.  He looked so handsome.  We had fun taking pictures before the wedding. 

The funniest thing that happened that day took place right before our wedding was to start.  The field behind the barn was being plowed!!!  We looked over to see a huge combine heading for the field which was very loud and all you could see was corn flying everywhere - lol.  We found the driver and asked if they could wait until after the wedding to plow the rest.  He happily agreed.  We had to get a picture on the combine after the wedding :)

Brian stayed at my house the night before the wedding along with his family and all of the kids.  His family had a big job getting six kids showered and ready for the wedding!!  They were a huge blessing.  The kids looked great and they were so excited that the wedding day was finally here.  They were so excited to be a family, to be brothers and sisters, and to live together under one roof.  We spent time as a family before the ceremony started.  We got pictures being silly, playing in the leaves, and walking to the barn hand in hand.

The ceremony was beautiful.  The barn looked amazing.  Our friends and family were all gathered in one room to celebrate this awesome blessing in our lives.  It was an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and love.  The kids memorized Corinthians 13 and recited it during the wedding.  I was so proud of them.  Brian played a song for me on the piano and sang to me.  He had kept this a secret.  I had to fight back the tears.  The song was perfect "When I say I do" by Matthew West.  At the end of the ceremony the worship team played a few songs and everyone stood up and sang along.  It was beautiful.  Gabe, our eight year old, had his eyes closed and hands lifted as he sang to God and thanked Him for restoring our families.  Every one of the kids sang their hearts out.  I can't begin to tell you how that made my heart feel.  I had a flood of thoughts and emotions come over me.  I was thanking God for bringing this amazing man of faith into my life, praising him for giving me a family again, and thinking of these beautiful kids that I would now have the privilege to raise.  My heart could have leaped out of my chest with excitement.

The rest of the night we were blessed to dance, sing, take communion, and share a meal with our closest friends and family.  It was perfect in every way.  Our first dance was to "A page is turned" by Bebo Norman.  The kids played hard and danced even harder :)  MeMe said they crashed hard that night - lol.  At the end of the evening we kissed each of our kiddos goodbye and thanked our families for all of their hard work to make this day a success.  We then headed downtown for our first night as husband and wife.  There will be no details on that one "wink".  It all felt like a dream.  An answered prayer.  God is so good!!!  Our love story will continue with our amazing honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas.