Life Together

Today marks another milestone in our lives...this past year we have witnessed our sweet youngest grands turn 1, our oldest turned 13, twins are offically double digits, cams is 9 and we are right on top of Landon's next birthday and Laney...well she is our Laney girl! To watch each one of them continue to grow with their very individual personalities is so fun!!! I don't know if every grandparent feels this way but I understand better now than when I was the mom with the small ones...just how fast the years go...and I'm enjoying all the milestones with each one of them...

While I'm so thankful for each one of not only the grands but our kids and our in loves that God has brought into our family...this post is about 37 years...37 years of growing up...37 years of fears...failures...successes! 37 years of getting to know one another better...37 years of laughter and tears...of growing in Jesus together...of raising a family we are so very thankful for and proud of...37 years of getting older...of aches and pains...of becoming grandparents together...of serving the Lord together...of traveling to our second home (India) together...of learning to communicate better together...of learning the importance of praying together...37 years of life...37 years of losses and leaning on one another...37 years of marriage...

I cannot say that our marriage is perfect...truth be told we still have a lot to learn still...probably...or maybe I should say I hope we are and still willing to have a teachable spirit...

But today...we say thank you Jesus we have made it this far...I have been blessed by way more than I could have ever wished for or certainly deserved...

I love you Scott...happy anniversary...here's to at least 37 more years!

~Beth

Cassie Diane...

This beautiful girl is my first born! She is the first one I had to learn with or practice on...I did a not so good of a job most of her life...Jesus helped us...and I got better...

She was always expected...to be grown up...to be the responsible one...to do the right thing...and for the most part she did...but during that time she lost a bit of her childhood a long the way...something I, as her mom, took from her...something I wish I could give back to her...but again...I can't...and Jesus provided us with a first hand...witnessed with our own eyes...merciful...miracle!!!!

That history, however, formed who she is...and bondage's in her own life she would in time learn to break free from...she learned, due to the pressure I applied...to attempt to be everything to everyone...to be what and who people expected her to be...and that is something we cannot do or be...we cannot be other's source of joy...not even our own spouses...she also learned from her mom...to stew and fret...especially if someone is not happy with her...

However, God gave her grace, salvation...Jesse Ball...who helps to balance her...to teach her it's okay to laugh...life needs the laughter too!!! God also gave her 4 precious kiddos...in turn she has learned somethings that are very important earlier that her momma did...she has learned over the years...to embrace Jesse's ability to laugh even when life is hard...she has learned to cherished those hard...looooonnnng early years with her children...she has learned to give them individual time once in a while...she has learned to understand she must please God...then her husband..you know...seek ye first the kingdom of God...and His righteousness...and all these things will be added unto you...

This last year or so, she has gone back to school for her masters...and it's been hard on her...I've heard her say more than once she doesn't think she is doing good in any area...

Well my girl...you are doing amazing!!!! You've managed to keep up your school work...your job...you family...introduced to jr high sports and activities...loved Jess well...and those kiddos...

So, your special day is here...know just how truly loved you are...know that dad and I are always your biggest fans...that Jesse still looks at you like he did in your prom dress...that was the instant I knew...he was crazy about you!!!...your kiddos know they are blessed to call you mom...heck you gave them a dog this year!!!!

Start all your days in prayer...end your day laying your head down on your pillow knowing you lived your life to the very best of your ability for HIM that day...and then you will know...no matter what...it was a good day...

I love you so very much...thank you for being you...for growing into my friend...for loving Jesus and Jess...for giving us those crazy Ball kids...

Happy birthday sweet girl...
love~mom