April 17, 2009 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, GREG!!!

As a little girl, you dream of what marriage will be. In spite of the fact that you live in the "real world" ... where people are three dimensional and don't have fairy godmothers with magic wands, you want to believe in Cinderella's happily "ever after." It's just the way little girls' minds work!

But today, I can truly say, my marriage to Greg McVey ... with all its imperfections and "real life" ups and downs has been more incredible than anything I could have ever imagined! What an adventure we have been on! During those down times, I have learned that the man I love is steadfast and faithful. He doesn't quit. He doesn't even doubt. I have never been disappointed by the way he has handled adversity. His strength rubs off on me and on our kids. We are a much more secure family because of his strength of character and reliance on the Lord.

And when we were seperated for 15 months? I learned the man I love is worthy of my trust. I fell asleep every night knowing he was thinking of me and our children. His commitment to the Lord, to our marriage and family gave me the courage to keep on going. It cemented the bond between us like nothing else ever has. We learned to communicate more openly, weigh our responses to one another more carefully, and to never take one another for granted. I see him differently than I did before he left us for a time. Even though we were a part, we were still one. We were still able to move forward. The way he talked to me, encouraged me and let me know he loved me made his return that much more special ... a feeling that continues even today.

After 10 years of marriage, there is still no one I would rather be with than my husband! He makes me laugh like no one else can. I still can't wait for him to get home at the end of the work day ... and his smile still melts my heart. Sounds a little like Cinderalla and her Prince Charming, after all! Thank you, Greg for being the most amazing husband and father! What a life you have given me ... I would follow you ANYWHERE!!!!! Can't wait to see what the next 10 hold in store.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Italy 09 pictures

Bello Italy!

Italy was amazing! Our family vacation was laid back and fun. We toured some very interesting spots and ate some GREAT food! I thought instead of writing a long, drawn out blog, I would just do some “snippets” (believe me, this IS a word!) from our trip:

Our drive was so gorgeous! We started out in spring-like Germany and within a couple of hours passed into the Austrian Alps, complete with snow-capped mountains. I took pictures out the window, but there is just no way my little sony digital camera did justice to God’s magnificent creation.

The weather was fantastic, warm and sunny with a gentle breeze. We stayed in Tuscany, near Florence in a very small, country town. Beautiful rolling hills and farm land. We got our fill of the city when we visited Venice, Florence and Siena (our favorite).

Shane loved all the farm animals! We opened the windows of the car once to watch some sheep. When we started to drive a way, Shane looked a me with a face of sheer joy and wonder and said, "Sheep talk me." Those sheep were talking just to him!

The artwork in Florence was almost more than 6-year old Lexi could take! We saw a replica of the Michelangelo "David" ... and Lexi said, "Where is his underwear????" She was shocked.

We ate Gelato every day. YUMMY! We also had a lot of pizza and pasta... but the ice cream was the BEST. The kids always went for chocolate, but Mommy and Daddy tried lots of different kinds ... coconut (my personal fav.), pistachio, tirimisu, white chocolate. Those of you who know how much I LOVE ice cream can imagine how hard it was for me not to eat more than one scoop a day!

Without even thinking, we drove our mini-van into Florence BIG MISTAKE! It was like New York City ... with more traffic, and the craziest drivers I have ever seen. Plus, the mopeds, bikes and motorcycles outnumbered the vehicles ... and they ruled the road! It was a REALLY stressful few minutes while we searched for a parking garage. (And don't forget -- we couldn't even read the roadsigns) Don't think Greg will ever drive into Florence again.

LOVED Siena! It was our favorite spot. Laid back and beautiful. Lots of great art and architecture. We started out and ended at Il Campo, the main city square, filled with restaurants and pizzerias. At the end of the day, we just sat and watched people. It was awesome. Best part for Shane: after a week of asking for chicken (meaning, nuggets), we found a McDonalds for him and he got his McNuggetts. Ashley was thrilled we finally found the "Italian McDonalds" ... that made me laugh. Nothing but pure United States there!

Venice was very interesting, with all the water and "water traffic." We took a bus from our hotel and then a Valparetto (water taxi) to San Marco square. What an interesting way to live! The kids were in awe of the marketplace ... and especially the fact that the vendors dummped their leftover fresh fish right onto the ground for the seagulls and pigeons. What a smell!

I'm going to stop, for now ... and post some pics. This might not be the last blog about our trip! Thanks for praying for us (especially when the earthquake occured ... it wasn't too far from us, but we felt nothing!)