After a Year

Last year when Mother took our engagement pictures we were very excited. It was the one time through our courtship and engagement that we were really close together. We did not hold hands, give hugs, and absolutely no kisses until the wedding day. Roman and I both agree that we would not have it any other way. The is nothing to compare with the delight of that first kiss, which Roman's sister Raydeemie described as "steaming!"

After a year of marriage we really enjoy kissing, find holding hands a delightful pastime, and just plain enjoy being with each other in many and varied ways. Our engagement photo shoot last year was fun, filled with new experiences, yet slightly overwhelming. Our wedding photos were also filled with new experiences as we started learning more about each other by being close together.

This year's family photo shoot (done by my talented mother and aided by my wonderful and funny father) was very easy. We are closer to each other without any hesitation or awkwardness. Roman and I are happier this year, in a quieter way. Content in the joys of seeing one another every morning and evening, this makes us comfortable with each other in every circumstance. Ways we have changed, Roman is calmer and more thoughtful (though he is the more excited between the two of us), I am more flexible with change and happier (since I tend to be the realist who overworks every situation).

Add to the delights of one year of marriage, a handsome baby boy. Ethan smiles reflect his daddy's joyful personality as much as his hair reflects mine. His happy noises delight us daily and watching him grow in these past 7 weeks has been an amazing experience. What a wonderful year this has been, and all the changes have been very good, because every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights!

Smiling at each other!

Happy with Mummy!

Puddledum with Roman

Update: this is a little something I wrote back when Roman and Caitlin were courting. I don't know why I never published it.

It was a lovely Saturday evening. Roman to dinner, sunny weather, a nice day...a walk was in order. So we all headed down to Swan River Nature Trail to work off our dinner of barbecued chicken, corn on the cob, stuffed mushrooms, and sourdough bread.
It was beautiful. Roman picked flowers for Caitlin, and we went down to the river, which is going fast right now:


We found a big rock in the sunlight. Happiness.

And then the pranks started.

The first one was pretty. Mother picked some little white flowers and told me to put them over Caitlin and Roman. I sprinkled them over. They looked lovely in her hair...not so much in his. So he picked them out and set them gently on Caitlin (don't worry, he did not touch her), and gave her a Romeo (I did not a misspell that!) look. All happy and tingly. I think everything else fell away.




With all the rain lately, there's been a lot of puddles. Roman started walking real close to Caitlin as we passed a puddle, forcing her towards it. She avoided it, but his evil grin said that there was more mischief in store.

Big puddle and courting couples spell danger. Roman jumped full in like a little boy, intending to splash Caitlin....and got me soaked. Oh, Caitlin got a little wet, but that's it. Caitlin jumped in a later puddle to get back at Roman, and got me wet again.

Once more, as the walk was almost over, the last puddle in sight, of course I jumped full in...and got my self soaked once more.

Moral: Stay a good 10-20 feet away from courting couples taking a walk. You never know what could happen.

In Christ,

Jillian

Honeymoon

Roman and I are safely back and well settled into our home, so now it is time you will see just a little glimpse of our honeymoon. The first night was spent at a lodge on Big Mountain, so not a long drive. We left late Sunday morning and drove to Moses Lake, WA. Seven wonderful hours in the car, visiting, listening to John MacArthur, sharing stories, and enjoying music and silence together. It really was the first time we had been alone. No siblings or parents close by, just the luggage. We both were so glad that we waited until now to hold hands and hug. It was easy to settle in and the waiting had taught us both a great deal of both patience and self-control. I can say very honestly that I do not regret the boundaries we set in our courtship and engagement.

Now all is very delightful indeed.

We reached our destination Seaside OR on Monday after several hours in the car. I was thrilled when Roman told me that we were going to the coast. It has to be one of my favorite places on God's earth.

Long beach walks and picnics was how we spent the time. It was so nice to just relax, and not have to do anything at all.

The locals were very kind to ignore all the romance of a happy, young couple.

The driver did a great job, never got lost once. That was the navigators fault (yours truly).

We are praising God for the work He has done for it is wonderful to us. May God bless you as you see His work in your lives.

Caitlin

Something Fun

There are a great many things people do to express affection and admiration. We should all seek to regularly show how we love our family in ways other than verbal. We can do simple things, such as helping with a task, give treats, and leave notes. There are also many ways to be creative. Plan an outing, hide a gift, write a song. Or you can give an unexpected hug, with a smile and compliment. Everyone loves to hear that they are loved and appreciated by the ones they love.

My soon-to-be husband gave me a delightful expression of his affection. I finally got a picture of it to share. This will be a regular reminder to me of the creativity God has given this wonderful man.