Anniversary & Pictures

This is something that I look forward to every year. 

I love getting yearly pictures of Jason and I and know that I will treasure these for years to come. 

I know I am biased, but, he is the most handsome man!

Nicole, thank you for sharing your talent with us year after year. We love our pictures!

It so happened that we got our pictures back just days before our anniversary and it was the sweetest thing looking at them side by side because there were some that were quite similar from that day eight years ago. 

• E I G H T • Y E A R S •⁣⁣

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November 23rd marked eight years of marriage for Jason and I. 

That’s 2,920 days of loving one another!⁣⁣

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My honey, I love you so much and am thankful beyond words for your kindness, your wisdom, your gentle spirit, and the way you love me--you are a true treasure and The Lord was so gracious in bringing us together! ⁣⁣

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It is always so sweet to look back at our pictures and think about how much fun that day was! So many sweet people loved us incredibly well and made sure it was the most special day for us and years later, we are just as thankful.

25 Years at LPC for Papa Steve

Sunday, June 2, 1996.

25 years ago. 

I was 6 years old and was going to start the 1st grade that August.

25 years ago, my Dad preached his first sermon at Lakeland Presbyterian Church. 

Little did we know what sweetness and joy was ahead for us as it relates to Lakeland Presbyterian Church and just how much this church family would mean to our (now expanded) family. 

My siblings and I grew up going to Sunday School under the teaching of Mr. John High. Walking around after church to find Mr. Lonnie to snag a peppermint--red or green? Many summers spent at VBS, first attending and then volunteering. So many trips to RYM both as youth and as a chaperone. Countless Wednesday night fellowship meals. Dinners on the church grounds. Weddings, baby showers, funerals, and much more. We've seen this church and this body of believers grow like wildfire and it has been a true joy. We've seen the building itself grow with a family life center and the most recent educational building addition. 

This church holds so much our family's lives and is at the core of so many wonderful memories.

The church where I was married, Mary Claire was married, and Aaron was married--all weddings that my Dad officiated. My niece and nephews were baptized by their Grando in a gown that their Mimi handmade with the help of another church member. Lakeland has been a constant thread that has woven throughout our lives for 25 years now and it is something that is incredibly special and has been a trust treasure here on earth.

The Lord has been so faithful and so good and we are incredibly thankful. 

What a multitude of blessings our family has received through The Lord's provision of this church and church family. What a joy and a privilege it has been growing up listening to my Dad preach The truths of the gospel. Thankful today, and everyday for God's goodness and faithfulness. The Lord has ABUNDANTLY blessed our family through this church and all that He has done through this "little white church" on the corner of Lakeland Drive.  

Our church family was so thoughtful and pulled off the best surprise for Papa Steve. They had Dr. Ralph Davis come and preach (one of Dad's favorite pastors), a surprise BBQ luncheon afterwards, cards from friends and family, and invited out of town best friends and family to come. It was incredibly sweet and our family is so, so thankful to each person that played a part in making it such a special day. We love you all so much and love being a part of Lakeland Presbyterian Church!

"For the Lord is good;

    his steadfast love endures forever,

    and his faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 100:5

Fall & Winter Catch Up (Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec)

We hit the ground running the day school started and "down time" was scarce. 

Hence the lack of posts. But, I finally wrapped up my Master's degree, Jason finished his National Board Certification, and free time is slowly showing itself around The Ellis household again! 

Let's play catch up with all that's been going on since September!

In September, Jason and I celebrated our 7th "dateaversary"

We make it a point to have dinner where we had our very first "unofficial" date--Papitos.

It's always so much fun to reflect on that date--how nervous we both were, how 

Mom and I had a fun weekend tie dying alllll the shirts and socks we could find. 

In October, we celebrated Jason's 41st birthday.
He says he's finally, fully in his 40's. I've never seen a more handsome 41 year old ;)

Big ole' girl's nights for friends visiting from out of town

Wedding Celebrations for friends

My parents went on the trip of a lifetime. 

They spent weeks in Europe visiting different cities/beautiful places.

Aren't they precious?

Had our annual Reformation Celebration to close out October

Celebrated after turning in my final assignment for my Master's Degree!

Got to enjoy Mistletoe Marketplace with these gals + Papa Steve--this one always kicks off the Christmas Season

Celebrated 6 years of marriage with my sweetie.

We kept it low key this year due to the busyness and enjoyed every bit of taking it easy/relaxing for an evening. 

Decorated the house earlier than ever and loved every second of it!  

Honestly, there's nothing prettier than a house decorated for Christmas!

Had our 3rd annual wine & ornament swap (one of my favorite holiday traditions)

Attended Christmas Parties

Took Ann Hatten to meet Pete the Cat, one of her Uncle Jason's favorite storybook characters

Celebrated Grant's Birthday 

While also having bookoodles of chapstick put on us.

While it's true that life has been busy, it's been full of so many good, sweet things and we are quite thankful for The Lord's goodness as we close out, not only another year, but a decade!