Almost 2 years...

I can't believe John and I are coming up to our 2nd year anniversary...we've had two Christmases, two Thanksgivings, two birthdays (apiece), two years of seminary, so many wonderful things to celebrate! And I think I'm happier as each day passes as I know him better. When we got married I was so elated that I would finally see him everyday, be with him everyday...and now we don't see each other as often as we would like, but it is everyday! And when he comes home we have some laughs and hang out and talk about each other's days - nothing fantastic or ground breaking, but it's those times that I really love - that I know we are befriending one another even after two years of marriage.
I wanted to post some of our wedding pics in honor of our upcoming anniversary and I know that the next few weeks before our celebration will be very busy, so I figured sooner, better than later...and I love to look at them too. Maybe that is a little conceited, but I think everyone should love and cherish their wedding so much that they love their pictures and memories - it's the best when I get to share them. And as I think about that day that joined John and I together I also think about all the prep my mom and I did and all the time I spent with my parents that last year at home. I was just sharing with my mom on the phone tonight how my trip home for Mother's Day was different than the last time I went to see them...it's changed somehow...that is, I've changed somehow and that has become my parents house. It will always be where I grew up but John has really become home. I couldn't wait to get home to him from when I had been away. And that's the way it should be. Some of us come along a bit more quickly than others, but we all eventually make the break and start our own way, which can be difficult because it's all changes, but it's what we need to do...We'll always have the memories and experiences from our 'parent's house' that made us who we are - who we have grown to be and who we want to be. Even in my mid - 20's I have visions of who I want to be. So thankful to know the Lord isn't done with me yet.
Hope you enjoy the pictures...I've enjoyed sharing them...

This makes me smile...

The Lovely Month of May...so far...

Just a little recap for pictures. John and I celebrated his birthday with dinner and shopping for a new pair of shoes - it's so much fun to shop for your husband. He is always so generous to me - I love it when it's my turn to spoil him. His work schedule has been a little different lately and we have gotten more opportunities to see each other - which has been so nice. And of course I had to post pics of my Flea Market finds for my mom so she could see what I found. And speaking of my Mom I had such a great time suprising her on Mother's Day. My Dad and sister Steph helped me pull it off - and she was so suprised - you should have seen her face. It was so great. I got to see two of my three sisters while I was at home too. Steph was up for Saturday and Sunday and then Sunday night Jenn and Randy and their family came to visit for the evening. I had not seen them since last year - my nieces and nephew have gotten so much bigger!!
Hopefully, more (and better) pictures to come in the future - I know how much our mom's love them!

Picture Update...

Update on 'Lately'...

Once again I have taken a hiatus from the blog world for so long and with so much going on too! It feels like things have been going and going and going and just now we are about to catch a breath. I'm so looking forward to when John gets through his week of finals and school is finished for the summer - he is probably looking forward to it more than I am.
I started a new position at work in February and it has just been a whirlwind since then...
We had a special Easter with John's family. Tim and Kristen announced that they are expecting in November. And then we had to keep quiet for two weeks until Mom and Dad Varner came for Dan's Ordination so Tim and Kristen could tell them about the baby in person. But it was worth it to see their faces (as you can see in the picture).
John and I are going to CanCun in June and I am so looking forward to it. The water, the beach,... I'm just having trouble finding a good swimsuit...any suggestions would be really appreciated!
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about friends and family. I love close friends. I love to make close friends and so often it's so hard to keep our good friends close! Reminiscing over good friends come and gone has taught me some good lessons. Seminary is a precious time for me to befriend my husband and grow in a relationship with him - In whatever phase of life we are in John will still be there. Seminary may be the time of our lives that it is solely 'us'. The second thing I have realized is to treasure the friendships I have at the points that I have them because friendships don't always last due to relocation, etc. (although it's always our desire and endeavor to make them last - circumstances in life don't always allow this...) I know it sounds a little like 'a reason, a season, a lifetime...' but it's true! Treasuring friends and family while they are close and learning what you can from them while your lives intertwine.
I've also been thinking about 'life balance'. Balancing home, work, relationships and ministry ... and learning to say 'no' when necassary, but how do you know when to say yes and when to say no? All these things I'm learning.
Just a couple of blog topics to get me back into it...anyone had some good coffe lately? Three words...Gevalia Organic Peruvian....

Springtime is so busy!

Clips from Valentines Season!