Tom and I married on June 15, 2002, in Burlington, IA, my hometown. And 8 years and three four kids later, here we are. We met through my brother and sister-in-law and started dating after being in a bible study together.
It was a great beginning.
Four months later we were engaged. We married after my junior year at Bethel and little did I know that when I graduated I was newly pregnant with our oldest daughter Eliza. Tom is God’s perfect match for me…the evidence of that mounts each year (or day) we’re together. He is kind, smart, and a good provider. Never has someone known my faults so well and still valued me and my opinion so much. He inspires me to go hard after God. Life is a great adventure that I love being on with him.
Eliza means “Consecrated to God.”
At age 7, she brings much joy to our lives. She is much the opposite of me, which provides great entertainment each day. She is very artistic, organized, and helpful. She likes to try new things. She does well with her school work and wants to be the best at things. We are praying that God will continue to cultivate her tender heart to love Him and others.
“You make known to me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
Seth means “Appointed of God.”
At age 5, Seth is funny and fast. His sense of humor is well-developed for his young age and his love of cars is arguably unmatched. Once his affection is earned, it is very loyal and strong. We are praying that God would make him loyal and obedient to Christ the Savior in all things.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” John 15:16
Elianna means “The Lord has Answered.”
At 3 years old, Elianna is (still) a smiling machine. We often find ourselves wondering, “Did we have this much fun with the other two?” I guess there’s a level of comfort with the third. She likes other people and, is a very social little girl. She loves to talk and twirl and does so with gusto. We pray God will one day take her words and use them for the spread of His Gospel.
“By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” Psalm 65:5
Evangeline means “Messenger of Good News.”
Evangeline, 1-year-old, is a silly, sweet, babbling machine! She’s a blessing day after day after day. She is doted on by her three older siblings. We love watching her develop and grow. God’s handiwork in creating new life is beautiful and amazing!
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16a
Of course I love this. Gracious and kind words my love. I am glad that you are able to express your writing gift blogging to honor the Lord.
Could your kids BE any cuter?!!!
Oh yeah and good matchmaking done by ME!!! ;)
What a joy it is to see you happily married and with children that are a joy to your days. I’m excited to watch you all grow in the Lord day by day. So glad you began this blog so I can know of your thoughts more often and watch you all do life together! My love to you all!
I love your kids’ beautiful names and the verses you chose for them.
I always thought that a third baby would be more carefree, as well. With the first, I was nervous about being a mom. With the second, I was nervous about taking care of a preschooler and having a new baby. I figured once I had gotten used to taking care of a new baby along with the rest of the family, it would be easier the next time. Well, I didn’t have a third baby, but we do have three kids. My step-daughter is our oldest: Melissa–When I read Proverbs 31, I think of her because she is such a good mom and loves being one. Then we had Malachi, who loves the Lord, music, and making videos. He reminds me of Psalms 1:1-3. Cherith, our youngest loves Romans 8:38-39. She is involved in music and missions.
Thanks for sharing about your lovely family!
Oh, I got so wrapped up in telling you about the kids that I almost forgot to tell you about us. I have always wanted to be a wife and a mom, and I’m grateful to have been able to be mostly a stay-at-home mom, but some other doors the Lord has opened for me are: classroom teacher, Missionettes Club leader, free-lance writer, piano teacher…My life verse is Psalms 37:4, and the Lord has truly given me all of the desires of my heart.
My husband Bill is the man of my prayers. Our 20th Wedding Anniversary is coming up on May 27. Bill stands on Jeremiah 33:3. I mentioned in my comment on your Meme that he enjoys being involved in media ministry, but his job is designing tools.
Our marriage verse is Song of Solomon 8:7. We never realized when we chose that verse how many waters we would go through, and we are so thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness in being there with us in them and through them all.
I just came across this blog through a tweet from nationsbeglad! I am very excited to start following and read your adventures, you and your family seem like such blessings!! I am at BBC too! Happy Christmas season!
I always thought that a third baby would be more carefree, as well. With the first, I was nervous about being a mom. With the second, I was nervous about taking care of a preschooler and having a new baby. I figured once I had gotten used to taking care of a new baby along with the rest of the family, it would be easier the next time. Well, I didn’t have a third baby, but we do have three kids. My step-daughter is our oldest: Melissa–When I read Proverbs 31, I think of her because she is such a good mom and loves being one. Then we had Malachi, who loves the Lord, music, and making videos. He reminds me of Psalms 1:1-3. Cherith, our youngest loves Romans 8:38-39. She is involved in music and missions.
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