Kids...

As I was getting ready for our big trip to Iowa at the beginning of the week, this is what happened...

Emma today slept with her feet in the bed and her head on the floor. Her diaper did not hold because she was upside down, so she got wet. Yep, this is how she slept. When I asked her how she took a nap, she said "I was stuck, I got wet on my shirt, my eyes, my hair." Ugh, so gross. She will love this story when she is 15!



Evan was wanting to help me pack all day. He is such servant!!! When he asked if he could carry the big suit case with all our clothes in it, I said, well it is really heavy. He said "well I am 5 now." Ok, I guess age does make a difference. The whole night he was right beside me saying, "here let me put that in". At dinner this evening he asked me, "mom, why are you so mad?" Getting 5 people ready to drive to Iowa for 10 days did not make me have the greatest attitude. Kids will always remind you and make you take a self check. My voice did raise a few octaves a couple of times today.



Ean on the other hand was always ready with his "Mario" pose. Right handed fist up in the air with right leg hopping up. This is what Mario does at the end of every level in video games. He was also ready to help out today with the packing. I am glad they love to go see family! He is also reading this blog out loud to me as I am writing it. Homeschooling is always going on in our house. Not! He is reading and that was my goal for this year!!!



I have been very frustrated with Emma over the past month. We started potty training in June. She did well and learned how to have control, but I have to watch her. This past week I have been really angry with her. (Yes, I know, just want you want when potty training!) But, she knows what to do. She is choosing not to tell me. That just gets to me. She wants to hide and sneak away. Well, today I was packing, and six little words came out of her mouth for the first time, "mom, I have to go potty." I was elated!!! It was such blessing to get that today!!! And, then true to her real nature, she did not tell me she had to go later and, so I was back to changing her diaper again. Gotta love 2 year olds. Maybe by the first of the year the Stark family will be diaper free. I am not holding my breath!

These kids are a blessing and a challenge at the same time! I love them.!

11 years...

I had no idea where we should go eat for our 11th Anniversary, so John went to work. He came up with, California Pizza Kitchen. I was really excited! It's a woman thing, I guess. Excited, you may think, about CPK? Well, it brought back memories! The next picture shows why...

On our honeymoon, in Honolulu, we ate at this CPK about 4 or 5 times while we were there. It was right across from our hotel. We loved it! I tried a different kind of pizza every time we went. John, I am pretty sure, got pepperoni EVERY time. Yes, that's my husband!

While looking for the CPK photo, I also found these. We will never forget our time at Pearl Harbor. We did not speak to each other the whole time we were on the tour. The memorial is beautiful and done so well. The men and women that lost their lives will never be forgotten. Please spend time here if you are ever in Hawaii.

21 and tan. Wow, I love this pic and no, I am not vain, it was just snapped by John and the light is perfect. Running marathons will have to start taking place to get this look back.

At dinner on our last night in Hawaii. This trip was just wonderful. Hawaii's weather is so perfect, it really is paradise. I want, no need to go back some day!

This got me also thinking about how far we have come. We have moved a total of 4 times together. I have had 4 different jobs, John only 2. We have 3 kids. Just remembered we have bought 2 mowers, 2 TVs, 2 toasters, 4 computers and also have owned 5 different cars. Wait, one more, 4 or 5 cell phones each! Wow, now I feel old. And the money, ugh.

Well, lets get to the real important stuff. John. (yes, the Lord is #1) But, John has helped me get even closer to the Lord. The first year of marriage I learned A LOT about myself. Of course John, too. It matured me as well as all the other years after and I am still learning. I would not be the person I am today if I had not gotten married. This past year has really pushed me even more. Trust is a word that comes to mind about this past year. In the Lord, will this move be what our family needs? Will the Lord be in San Antonio? Will we meet new friends? Can I survive without family around? Will John be able to be my only friend and support for a while, and can I trust that he will be good enough? This is what has been on my mind. See, this whole process started on our 10 anniversary. How much change a year can bring, and really how short it feels also!

I will say, on the friend and trusting John part, well, tears come to my eyes. John has been loving, kind, patient, helpful and understanding. Just a tower of strength. Some of the emotions I have put him through, oh my. I lost count of all the tears. I would have driven myself nuts, no , I am still driving myself nuts! I am thankful for him. Glad that he listens and just lets me be myself. Still being blessed by saying "yes, John , I will marry you". And, we are still learning and growing. That is the part that I am excited about. What will this next year bring? I already see new friendships forming in San Antonio, two young boys in school, piano lessons, and no more diapers, just to name a few. And, I also am praying for an even deeper friendship with John, that I hope will bring our relationship to a new level.

Yes, the Lord is good, great and merciful. How I don't deserve any of it. It brings me to my knees. He has blessed me.

11 years...and ready for more!!!