Meli's world

Last week we celebrated the beginning of us. 12 years since I became your girlfriend and my life has never been the same. I decided I wanted to write you a letter like those we wrote in class so many times and folded in a special way. I don't know what we thought in our teenage minds about life, but one thing was for sure, I loved our friendship. You made me smile and I couldn't wait to go to school just to see you the next day waiting by the gym like you always did You were smart, funny, and had a fresh humor... you were able to insult.me and compliment me in the same sentence. You challenged me to speak up, to not wear make up, to do things that would make me uncomfortable and help me grow.... you helped my English and did my homework for Algebra 2..... you took buses and taxis just to see me. You would take the city bus all the way to Albertsons with me just so I wouldn't be alone. You spoiled me with all types of stuffed animals and surprises. You introduced me ...

Today is the end of a season for our family. For the past 4 years my husband has had a second job to help cover expenses and to continue to provide for our family. Today I can happily say its his last day! He took on this job 4 years ago.. (when this picture was taken and we were expecting Emeli) and it has been a great blessing and income for our family as we  prepared for the new addition, to buy a home and just tackle all the expenses that come as homeowners and parents. We haven't gotten rich yet and we can still plan for those unexpected expenses but its no longer a necessity. Our focus as a family has shifted into having more time for one another, investing in the kids real family time, in friendships, and in continuing to serve in the Kids ministry at our church. We have realized there are things far more important than making money and time is something it can't buy. I have to say it scares me a bit to let go of the extra income, but I know I will love my husband ...