I ♥ Melly

2012

The beginning of our story… Together, we designed a truly unique and fun wedding ceremony for all to enjoy. And I am so happy to have you as my wife!

“And love, true love, will follow you forever.”
The Clergyman from The Princess Bride

2013

I fell in love with Montana during our first vacation there… but my love for the beauty by my side was far superior. And while we may never be able to call it our home, I will always cherish our time together in Big Sky country.

“Wyoming is good, but Montana is like heaven on earth.”
Henry Winkler (“The Fonz”)

2014

Our firstborn son… Our life has never been the same. Brandon holds a very special place in my heart. He made a dramatic entry into this world, forcing you and I to truly have faith in our Savior, and each other, in new ways that stretched us. Even today, he challenges us, and watching him grow up is always a reminder of God’s provision towards our family.

“Now they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, and the men looked at one another in astonishment.”
Genesis 43:33

2015

The adventures did not cease when Brandon came along, but we did begin to see them through a different set of eyes. I remember cautiously, but also daringly, exploring the upper realms of Bishop Castle with him for the first time. Watching carefully as he explored the wonder before him.

“Rocks in my path? I keep them all. With them I shall build my castle.”
Nemo Nox

2016

Amy and Justin’s wedding was an opportunity to have a little fun in the midst of the grind of refurbishing our home. We worked so hard, especially you, to rebuild a house, train up Brandon, to hold us together… At times it felt overwhelming… but, we did it. Together, we did it. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together.

“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.“
Newt Gingrich

2017

We added another son to our family! Levi arrived in his own perfect timing. And we were so blessed to have him to join our family. Brandon was proud to be a big brother too! How different is his personality from his brothers? He likes to sing, and dance, and describe in detail about his day and what’s on his mind… And sometimes he just likes to “be” with you… it’s like his own special way of letting us know how much he loves us.

“There are no words that can describe the euphoria you feel when your baby recognizes you for the first time and smiles.”
Jared Padalecki

2018

Another very fun and memorable photo shoot. 🙂 Melly, you truly are Wonder Woman to our family. You are Wonder Woman Teacher to our boys. Wonder Woman Mechanic to our cars, mowers, and implements. Wonder Woman Builder. Wonder Woman Chef. Wonder Woman Mom to our boys. And you truly are my Wonder Woman Wife. You are so much more than I ever imagined. Thank you… I know that being our Wonder Woman is exhausting much of the time… so truly appreciate your sacrifice!

“As lovely as Aphrodite – as wise as Athena – with the speed of Mercury and the strength of Hercules – she is known only as Wonder Woman.”
William Moulton Marston

2019

We survived some very cold and snowy winters in Colorado, but we never let the coldness spoil our ability to have fun as a family. I remember Brandon sledding over the backyard fence once! I remember spending hours clearing the driveway only for it to be impassible again by morning. I remember the makeshift plywood snowplow that you attached to the Nissan. I remember Suzy and her kids hiding Easter Eggs in the snow one year. I remember our catio and how much Mowie, Sweetheart, and Fifi enjoyed playing in the snow. I remember…

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
John Steinbeck

2020

One of the most special characteristics that you bring to our family is your sense of adventure. You always have plans for vacations and creating special moments for our family. You have taken us to Massachusetts, Delaware, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Canada, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Florida, and more… You have planned relaxation at the beach, fishing in lakes and ponds, hiking and camping in the woods, playing and trying new things at apple orchards and the pumpkin patch… The arch, dinosaur museums, fossil sites, Indian ruins, homesteads, horseback riding… more dinosaur sites… meteor craters, quaint mountain towns, Disney World, train rides – including the real Polar Express!… the list seems never ending. Please keep the magic going… me and the boys are so thankful for you.

“If you climb in the saddle, be ready for the ride.”
Unknown

2021

You are fun to be with! There is a little girl inside of you who just loves to have fun and to make fun for others. Never let the dumb realities of life steal that away from you! Even during Covid, you made sure that your family made the most of life, and took advantage of the short lines everywhere! You never let fear control you, and held tightly on to truth that Christ was protecting over our family… even in the most uncertain of times. He is still doing so.

“Be crazy. Be stupid. Be silly. Be weird. Be whatever. Because life is too short to be anything but happy.”
Hoda Kotb

2022

Because of you, Brandon (and I) got the opportunity to meet Lord Vader. We are now in a moment of calling Missouri our home. It may not be ideal, but it is home. The boys have a yard to play in with a tree house and play ground built with our own hands. They have friends to play with in the neighborhood and at church. We have firewood to keep us warm, chickens to feed us if needed, friendly neighbors, family nearby… We also have no clue of the curveball that life is about to throw our way.

“I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
Darth Vader

2023

This has been a wild year filled with a lot of emotion. And you have been a solid rock to our family. You encouraged me to take the job in California, and bought me a truck and RV to make it happen. You have held together everything at home while I have been away. You have proven once again that you are Wonder Woman to me, Brandon, and Levi. I truly believe that the Lord has something incredible planned for us, and that if we have faith that we will see it through together. His timing is rarely our timing, and His plans are rarely our plans, but if we hold tightly to His Word, He will see us through to the other side.

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do. “
Helen Keller

Protected: Dress Up

Protected: On Our 12th Anniversary

for Melly (2019-2022)

Full of Surprises

Mommy sneakily planning to surprise Daddy…

Let’s get Brandon the HUGEST ice cream cone!

Eat at a restaurant where your food is delivered by train?!?!

Did you know Mommy can do cartwheels? Let’s all do it right now!

Brandon getting his not-so-surprise but still a surprise Jesus In My Heart Birthday present and cake…

Sure… we can have a bubble party inside!

Is Mommy making wine or washing clothes? In the bathtub!

An early Christmas gift from Santa…

Ever blown the petals off of a ginormous dandelion? No, let’s do it!

You are always on the lookout for and pointing us towards the rainbows…

Thank you for keeping us on our toes with fun moments throughout life… and these are just a smidgeon of examples!!!

On Our 11th Anniversary