Anniversary #9

With Nana in town we were able to slip away for a couple of days and head to our favorite place on earth, The Sugar Tree Inn. Jeff and Becky, the innkeepers, knew Rosemary was coming so they were eagerly awaiting our arrival. We barely got a hello and a quick hug before they whisked her away. They were in heaven. It was such a pleasure to share her with them and see the joy she brought to them.

 

Since we had her with us, we stayed in the Creek House which is a little set off from the other buildings. It is the only place that allows children under 12, but it has become our favorite place to stay. There is a gorgeous waterfall right outside the house and you can hear it from inside.

 

We got some food at the hot bar at Whole Foods on our way out of town, so we stayed in for the night and just relaxed. Then the next day we had breakfast and drove around looking at different properties of land since we're considering building in the future. It was such a wonderful time. Just the 3 of us in the car, with not a care in the world. Rosemary was the sweetest little companion and was a complete sport the entire day as we drove our way through several counties. It's amazing feeling free as a bird with only one kid with you.

 



So thankful to God for this amazing life he has given me. I am overwhelmed with his goodness.

While we were at The Sugar Tree we bought two new mugs. We already have two and wanted two more. Then when we were driving around we realized we hadn't looked up what the gift for a 9th anniversary is. Low and behold, one of the options is pottery. Very cool. Here are some excerpts of what we found:

"After nine years of marriage, a relationship that was once new and malleable has begun to solidify."

"For this reason, clay is one of the traditional wedding gifts that is symbolically fitting. Like clay, the marriage starts out a blank slate and with a little work it is smoothed and shaped into a work of art; it then hardens to take its permanent shape."

I thought that was well said. After completing nine years, it definitely feels that way to us. These past 2 years have consisted of a lot of smoothing and shaping of our character. We are feeling very content in our marriage and have found it to be a very rich and rewarding season.

Then when we got home we watched Syracuse in the Final Four! A perfect weekend, even though they lost.

Now onto making plans for the big #10 anniversary! When we got married we always said that we would have a renewing of our vows every 10 years. I just can't believe we're looking at our first one in less than a year. Details are completely unknown, but if I can swing it, I will be wearing my wedding dress again! Woohoo!

Daddy the Farmer

During the first trimester of this pregnancy I should have been tending to the garden in full force, but I wasn't. I was too busy growing a human being from the size of a poppy seed to the size of a lemon. (It's amazing how exhausting that is). But for the sake of our garden, my sweet husband picked up the slack and took over it's care. Through that, he has found a love of gardening, or farming as he'd like to call it. The garden is now his.

 

When it was seconds away from death, I told him to just pull it all up and that it was a worthless cause. He insisted it could be saved. And sure enough, he was right. He did his research, got to work, and resuscitated it. Here's a recent pepper to prove it. I still have much to learn from this man.

 







Anniversary #8

It would be quite typical to say that "I can't believe we've already been married 8 years." But, honestly, it sure feels like it's been more. Not because the years are dragging and I am not happy, completely the opposite! We have had 8 amazingly full years of marriage. They've most certainly have had rough patches along the way, but undoubtedly they have been filled with blessing after blessing.

We had a fantastic time this year celebrating what God has done over these past 8 years. Andy's mom was able to come down for the night to watch the kids while we went away to an Ethiopian restaurant in Richmond. It was our first Ethiopian food experience, and we loved it. She brought us a basket full of yummy foods, too. Nuts, maple syrup, fairly traded chocolate and honey! She sure knows us well.

Amazing flowers we got from Andy's dad and step mom.

Each year we like to get a gift for ourselves that represents that year's traditional gift. This year the gift was pottery. For awhile we have wanted to start taking communion as a family at home and when we saw this set at the farmer's market, we couldn't pass it up.

Thankful for - My Husband

Most mornings you will find Andy in this chair before any of the children wake up. Annabelle is often the first awake, so he will bring her up in this chair and let her play with his phone while he finishes up. She adores these quiet times together and I love watching it all unfold as Andy exemplifies Christ to this precious Lamb from the very first interaction he has with her each morning.

Few things in life are going to last for eternity, but this man is storing up treasures in heaven as he invests so deeply in me and in each of our children. I am so thankful for the leadership and gentle love of this man. I am in awe of God's goodness to me.


A daddy's girl through and through

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Celebrating 7 Years

In early April, while my mom was here, Andy and I were able to get away for our anniversary to The Sugar Tree. It was pure bliss. Of course, our little lady came along for the ride. She was a doll baby and made the trip even more enjoyable.

These falls were right in front of our cottage.

Hiking Crabtree Falls


Our precious little sidekick

Hiking

These past 7 years have been filled with more blessings than we can count. God is so faithful.

Dating My Husband A Week at A Time

God wants us to be in love with our spouses, not just coexist with them.

So, for the past couple of years we have always set aside Tuesday nights as our date nights. We put the kids down early or on time and then make an extra effort to do something special together. We have gotten pretty relaxed with our Tuesday nights and often find ourselves sitting next to each other one with the computer and the other reading a book and calling that 'a date'.

So, we are taking a dating challenge. It's pretty much just a way to check ourselves and make sure we are continuing to go the extra mile each Tuesday night.

We had our kickoff last Tuesday night. I taught Andy how to sew. We keep journals to each child where we'll just write in their composition notebook during various times to documents certain things in their lives. Since they are just composition notebooks and not very pretty I decided we would make some covers for them. A good tutorial can be found here. We didn't finish, but we had a blast. Andy really enjoyed it and even asked to sew again sometime really soon. I loved bringing him into my world of sewing.


The way it works is that people post on what their date was to give others ideas of what to do. It seems like it will be a great way to keep it up knowing others are doing it as well.

Here's another neat resource on date ideas. Alphabet date ideas, how fun!

Who wants to join us?

Why I Love Him

PigB,

I'm excited about our date too. Let's have a treat and watch the India movie. Or if you want to do something else that will be fine too (though I'm hoping the treat idea won't really be up for discussion). I'll pick you up at your place at 8:20!

Andy

Best Friends With Rings

On April 10th Andy and I celebrated 6 years of marriage. Wow. I can't believe it's been that long. I could not have imagined 6 years being filled with so much. Best years of my life, by far!

Andy's mom came to stay with the boys while we got away to our favorite place on earth. Yes, the Sugar Tree Inn. She gave Andy money for his birthday in January to go again since the last time we went wasn't so relaxing. We waited to use it for our anniversary since it would be our last chance to get away before Annabelle makes her grand entry.

It was phenominal.

My wedding boquet was white orchids so each year on our anniversary I try to get some orchids to celebrate. I found this stem at the Charlottesville City Market for THREE DOLLARS! I was so thrilled. It still looks like it did the day I got it (4/4).


We got home from our trip to these two little precious cut-outs of our boys telling us about their time with Gigi. They are still up on our walls and we laugh at them every time we pass.

Birthday Recap

Andy surprised me the night before my birthday by telling me he was taking me away to one of the places where we went on our honeymoon, a mountain bed and breakfast in the Blue Ridge mountains called the Sugar Tree Inn. It's literally our favorite place on earth.

He told me by serving us ice cream in our Sugar Tree coffee mugs that we have from there and saying he thought we could have some ice cream, but specifically ice cream in our mugs because that's where we're heading the next day.

So Andy took off a half of day on my birthday, which was already a huge surprise, since he had so much going on at work. (I thought it would be a plus if we were able to fit in a dinner out). He had his mom come down to stay with the boys and she brought me an ice cream cake and they sang to me before we left.


We got there and it was gorgeous as usual. Over the course of our three trips there, we have gotten very friendly with the inn keepers and when they saw us, they said it felt like their kids were coming home to visit. We just love them.

The first thing we wanted to do was go on a hike before dinner. So, we set off and were having a great time, and then... we stepped on a yellow jackets nest, which are in the ground. Andy got stung first and about 15 seconds later, I got stung. We continued to head back down the mountain but at a quicker pass. Well, Andy was perfectly fine, but I ended up having a HORRIBLE reaction to it. I got bumps all over my body and was burning like fire. They eventually all swelled up and I was one big swollen itchy ball of flame.

It took quite a while to get it all under control, but eventually we did. We talked of going to the hospital, but since my breathing never got too difficult, I decided to wait it out. I'm glad we didn't.

So, no dinner at the Inn, but we did get it brought to us after things calmed down. I spent the entire night in bed with my loyal husband by my side nursing my wounds.


By the next morning everywhere but my hand, which was where I got stung, was almost better, so we decided to change plans and instead of going hiking we went to see Wade's Mill and the Frontier Cultural Museum before heading home.

Despite the unexpected, we had such a fabulous time together. We commented that even though it was far from ideal, God used the situation to grow us probably closer together than we would have if I hadn't gotten stung.

What a blessing our time away was. To be away and to know our kids were being so well taken care of was a huge plus. We're so excited to do it again. Even, though it had been exactly 2 years since we'd been away without any kiddos, we were ready to get back home. We loved our time away, but we're the happiest when we're all together.

New York Trip

Here are some pictures of our trip.

We had a lovely visit with my Dad's side of the family while we were there. I just had to take these pictures. This was my dad's bedroom when he was growing up. They've never painted over it. The first one is of the ceiling.


And here's one wall of our boys' bedroom. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, now does it? I guess we both have a thing for painting on the walls :)

Playing in their uncles 1934 car! They were in heaven.

Family picture

Visiting with old friends

The two Joe's tearing it up.

Joe the ham bone!

Our attempt at getting the three kids in a picture together. Hilarious!

Seriously, the only halfway decent shot I snapped with this camera of the bride and groom.

Andy and me at the reception.

Joseph being his ridiculous self at the reception.

(I realize I hardly have any photos of Samuel lately. He's not that into getting his picture taken, and this one loves it... so for now, you're gonna get lots of Joe :) I'm sure you don't mind).

He is Risen!

Jesus rose and conquered the grave. Hallelujah! Our God is so mighty to save.

We had a fabulous celebration of our risen KING this past weekend with family and friends. We pray you had a great celebration as well!



Enjoying a family hike.

Enjoying our time with cousin Ashley!

On friday, Andy and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. Our God is so good!


Making sure we all see the airplane overhead.

4 Years

April 10th, Andy and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary. We stayed home, made some Mexican food and ate homemade ice cream and cookies while we watched some of Planet Earth. (By, the way, this documentary is amazing!)
Within 4 years we've:
* Added two dogs to our family
* Added two children to our family
* Lived in 3 different homes
* Lived in two different states
* Been in different continents from each other for 13 months (6 & 7 months straight).
* And probably have been away from each other for a total of 15 months thanks to the USMC.

It's been a busy 4 years. But, we've been blessed beyond words. It's been our best year yet, and we're looking forward to the next!

Blogging About Blogging

It's been exactly a year to date since we started our blogging journey. It's been a fun one. As I was looking back over to see what I wrote a year ago, I was reminded of our original intentions of the blog. Yes, we were to keep this blog for family and friends to view photos and hear stories of our precious little ones, but there was more to it than that. I wanted to have a place to share with others what the Lord has been doing in and through us.

My words from April 11, 2007:

Wise people have always told me to journal, journal, journal. I have for the most part taken them up on that. I hand write most of my thoughts, and no one reads them. Which is how I like it. But, there are times when I think it is good for others to read your thoughts. I write for therapy. I write to document our lives. But, now I begin to write so that others are informed. I want everyone to know the great and awesome things God is doing in our lives! His blessings should not be kept quiet only having a few be glad, but to be shared with all, so that we can rejoice together at what an AWESOME God we serve!

We have had the incredible opportunity of walking along side our dear friends Jordan and Patience as they celebrated their precious son's life. We are currently walking along side Nate and Tricia as they face difficult circumstances in their lives. We have never met Nate and Tricia, but they would be the first ones to tell you that the prayers of other Christians is what is carrying them through. They have had on some days 100,000 hits on their blog. 100,000! And I guarantee you that about 80-90% of those people are praying to God for their situation. What an awesome opportunity for Christians to unite and share in one another's sufferings.

Here is are a few examples of people who have been touched by baby Isaac, the sweetest boy, the son of our friends, Jordan and Patience. There are HUNDREDS, if not THOUSANDS more that I could tell about if I had the time...

Patience, I just want to take a moment to Thank you for sharing Isaac with us. Isaac continues to hold a special place in the hearts of our family, even though we have never met. I was directed to your blog from a member of your church that I know from a childcare forum. It was through your blog that I was introduced to the Lawrenson's blog. These two journeys have enhanced my faith in ways I couldn't have imagined. God is speaking loud and clear to me these days... Please know that you and Jordan continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Here's another:

Patience and Jordan, we love you very much and have been so inspired and challenged by your touching story. It is exciting that you have impacted so many by sharing the story of baby Isaac. You have shown us what true worship is really. True worship amidst the storm. We are thinking about you both and are praying for ultimate peace, joy and comfort.

And another, and then I promise I'm done...

You guys are so awesome! Thank you for sharing your journey with us - for being so open about the joys and sorrows that have been such a part of your life over the last year. Thank you for sharing Isaac with us - he is so precious! When we get to heaven, I'd like for God to let everyone "line up" whose lives have been touched by Baby Isaac! What a sight that would be - what joy this little guy has brought to so many!

People would have never been given this opportunity if it were not for blogging. We have connected in a way that technology years ago did not offer. I believe this network has been used for such good things. People all over the world are reaping the rewards of such an invention. I personally have been able to link up with women online who have encouraged me so much in my faith and as a wife and a mother.

Living where I live (in the middle of no where) I would not have otherwise had this opportunity to learn from such women. I have been blessed beyond words during a very crucial time in my life as I raise two tiny children and as I continue to build a foundation for my faith, and our marriage to be built on. I don't take my jobs lightly and it is so beneficial to join with others who think similarly.

All this to say, that I have lost my focus. I have be swayed by others that think we are sharing too much of our lives for the whole world to see. I disagree. I believe there are risks to sharing information online, but there are many more blessings that are capable of coming out of it than risks. I have forgotten that over the months.

We are not currently going down such a journey as Pai and Jordan, or Nate at Tricia, but we are definitely experiencing life. And those experiences are meant to be shared. Not just with family and friends, but with all who want to know more about God and what he is doing through his people. I have felt a sense of guilt for not sharing as much as I should what the Lord has been doing in our lives. He wants us to share with others. He wants us to bless others with our stories and to ask others to bear our burdens with us. That's why we are here.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

So, as an anniversary post, I am recommitting this blog, not only to sharing our good times, but also our bad, and everything in between. To share our thoughts about what's on our hearts and to look ahead towards the things to come. Thanks to those of you who are walking along side of us on our journey and encouraging us every step of the way. We are indebted to your wisdom and love.

Will We or Won't We...

Marriage is under attack. That should not be shocking news to anyone. Andy and I are determined to stay committed to our promise that we made to each other and to the Lord as long as we both shall live, no matter how difficult times get. And when they are difficult, we need encouragement and support because it's much easier to fail when you don't.

I just read a great article on intimacy in marriage and want to share it with those of you who are interested. In an effort to keep Eckert Escapades a 'family blog,' I have posted the article in it's entirety over at Hospital to Home.

It's quite a lengthy article, but I believe you will not only be challenged by it, but also blessed.

Stop, Drop, and Kiss

If I had two ounces of writing skills I could have written this exact story. I want to encourage every wife to read this. It might be long, but I promise you, you will get something out of it!

One small gesture sparked romantic evenings.
by Mandy Houk

A typical evening at five o'clock in our house would find me cooking dinner, my two small daughters desperately in need of a bath, and my ears perked, awaiting a magical sound—the garage door opener. This was the blessed signal that my husband, Pete, had arrived home from work. Yes! I'd think, mentally pumping my fist. Reinforcements!

As he came through the door, I'd give Pete a choice: "You want to make sure the rice doesn't boil over or get the girls in the tub?" And that was on a good day, when he walked in smiling.

If he dared to come home dragging and tired. … Well, game on, buddy. Get ready for the Exhaustion Olympics. "Oh, you would not believe the day I've had," I'd groan. "I did 14 loads of laundry, went to the grocery store, the post office, and the bank—not the ATM, mind you, the actual inside of the bank, standing for 45 minutes in that roped-off line." (Cue the dramatic sigh.) "You've got to help me with dinner; I'm about to keel over." So there.

Then our pastor began a series of messages on marriage. The first three focused on the husband's role. As I diligently took notes, I was struck by my great fortune in being married to Pete. He's tender, patient, tolerant of my insanity, generous, steadfast, loyal, and loving. By the third Sunday, I couldn't get all his wonderful qualities out of my mind. All day Monday I was preoccupied with the kind of thoughts I'd had when we were first falling in love. So when Pete arrived home that night, things weren't all that typical.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

3rd Wedding Anniversary

3 years ago yesterday, in front of our family and friends, we vowed to love each other through good times and bad, and to never give up on what we knew would be hard work. Boy, is it HARD WORK! But, the blessings that have come out of it were beyond our imaginations!

We celebrated our special day with an adventure into downtown Indianapolis for dinner at Buca di Beppo. We were able to spend a few hours marveling at where God has taken us in the past 7 years, and how much he has blessed us. All without the sporadic interuptions from a little boy blue!