25! this is a long one!

So I turned 25 yesterday and it was a great day! My husband kindly told me that I am now closer to 50 than I am to the day I was born...haha! I laughed and said "you're 3 years older!" Anyway, I have been sick for the past 5 days, we went to camp last weekend and I came home with a terrible cold, I was thankful it wasn't the flu! I am now starting to feel better, but yes I was sick on my 25th birthday, kind of a bummer, but I still had a great time...

I started my morning yesterday with lots of phone calls, emails, text messages, and facebook comments! My friend, Sadie, from Mariners came over to hang out with me in the morning. We sat on my porch, drank coffee, and talked about life, it was so great!
Then John came home with lunch and flowers! He was great, he also got me a new season of FRIENDS, some perfume I really wanted, and let me pick out 2 dresses! Well done babe! After that, I took a nap most of the afternoon, then when John got home from work we went down to the beach for like 30minutes just to get me outside, by the time we got home I was exhausted. I hate how being sick drains you!

Anyway, long story short, I felt very loved all day long. And as I have time to reflect this morning, I am sooo GRATEFUL for so much and so stinkin blessed!

I am married to the most amazing man, I know it seems like every wife says that about their husband, but seriously, he is the most loving, generous, giving, funny, servant-hearted, caring, extraordinary man I have ever known! I wake up everyday not understanding how I got so lucky, that God brought the two of us together! I just couldn't love anything more!

Next, I have the greatest family, immediate and in-laws! John and I have been so blessed by them and they teach us so much every day! I love how they are supportive of our calling to ministry and just so proud of us! Both sets of parents are such God-fearing people, they are so wise and are the best example for us! Our siblings are no different. Sometimes "crazy" (haha) they love us unconditionally and we always have an absolute blast with all of them!! I am so blessed!!




I told you it was long, but I just have too! Next, I (we) have the GREATEST friends! I mean we did have 24 people in our wedding party!
But, seriously, we have such amazing friends! I am so grateful for each and every one of them. I know John is a better man because of his guy friends and I know I am a much better woman because of my amazing girl friends! I love the days we can get together, get coffee, go to the beach, whatever, I always have a blast with my friends. They challenge me and encourage me. I am so glad I get to be there for their big days! I love that I get to share in the joy of their weddings, birthdays, new jobs, trips around the world, their children being born! Every moment is amazing, and even through the hard times there is no place I would rather be than with my friends in their most difficult hour, because I know they would all be there for me in a heart-beat. I love you all and I couldn't imagine my life with out you!

And, last, I am so blessed that I am able to work in ministry! Not just that, but I have worked with and now work with some of the most loving and gifted people in ministry! From my first church, to Kanakuk, to Saddleback, to now at Mariners! I couldn't have asked for more times of growth, challenges, encouragement, gratefulness, and fun through it all!
All the Kanakuk K-west Staff at Danielle and Austin's wedding

K-west girls!

Saddleback student ministries staff

Wonderful Mariners Staff!

Couldn't ask for a better day! love you all!