Welcome Home Pete

Fatigue is just part of the game.

He and I greeted each other with a hug. We st00d in the kitchen, sleeping on each others shoulders, until one of our kids asks to be lifted up into the hug with us. We don’t really rest until 4 other little bodies are completely passed out in their beds.

Even then we’re on call.

Hunger is to be expected.

Dinnertime comes at the same time – everyday.  Try as I may, to get my menu plans in order, sometimes life just gets in the way. What’s for dinner when we are getting ready to leave town, the morning after our son’s birthday party? Pickles, fruit roll-ups and frosting. Awesome.

Good thing Peter is a master griller! He cooked up some meat and made a meal. A nice expression of his love for me – a night off from service.

Family time fills my heart up again.

Inside, I fed the babies their bottles in the living room. Outside, squeals of laughter bounced through the open screen door hitting every square inch of this house. (Yes, I’ll admit, sometimes the squeals of tears loom around the house too.)

I guess it is all the little things, that makes my house a home.

It’s all the little things that I need strength to get through.

It’s all the little things that help me grow into a woman of character.

A familiar breeze, a loving haven, a sad story and a life time of joyful memories that make my heart fill up, time and time again.

The good, the bad, the everyday.

I could carry on about my day -

My salon appointment mix-up after the kids were in bed or How we left the cover off the sand box before it rained (again) or About how the ring I bought was the wrong size and needed returning.

But alas, the evening eventually came to a close. Slumber took me into the next day. And God carried me through yet another day full of life.

Even when my days blend together with driving, wiping, fixing, loving, teaching, yelling and trying; I will cloth myself in strength and dignity.

Love,
Jess

In honor of my husband’s special day, I enlisted the help of some folks to tell Pete how great he is. (Which happens to tie in nicely with my  Proverbs 31 hands on learning  series.)

Proverbs 31:23

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

Okay here it goes…

First, I admire how generous Pete is with his time – everyone comes to Pete with computer questions eventually, and he always has time to help. Second, after attending Bible Study with Pete I have come to respect his unique and well thought-out insights as well as his desire to learn and grow. Pete is a faithful friend.

-Jay (Bible Study Leader)

I have friends who are smarter than me, and brotha, you’re one of them. You are a valuable friend for your insights.  Thanks Pete!

-Jeremy (Friend)

Pete is a pretty special guy in my book. Not only has he been one of the best employees I’ve ever had the honor to have work for me, but I also consider him a good friend.

He’s one of the smartest guys I know, and I think he could pretty much figure out almost any problem he puts his mind to. He has a way of seeing things before others do that is particularly impressive. I know he doesn’t give himself credit for how bright he actually is, but he really is an extraordinary person.

I feel blessed to know him, work with him, and call him my friend.

-Erich (Employer)

It’s hard to believe that when we first met Peter was just 18 years old. We were so blessed when just a few years later he met with us privately to tell us he was going to ask Jessica to marry him. We could never have asked for a better son-in-law.

He is industrious, energetic and loving. He is a godly husband and father who has made such a difference in our daughter’s and in our lives. We wish him a very happy 30th birthday and we hope many more. May God continue to bless him always.

-Dennis and Lucy (The Inlaws)

The thing that has stood out most, in my relatively short time in knowing Pete, is his ability to be slow to react, quick to stay cool, and his ability to view situations or people in a positive light.  There have been many times that I have been quick to judge something and Pete presented his view and completely changed my outlook on it.  He certainly seems wise in that way.

-Josh (Co-Worker)

I agree with all the statements above and then some! I am so proud to have a guy like Pete. {happy birthday, you elder, you!}

Love,

Jess

Happy Birthday Peter!

You are finally as old and as wise as I.

You are many things, but one thing you are not, is lame. In other words, you are super awesome.

Together Till the End

Though you annoy me, on certain crabby days

I count you as a blessing in many fantastic ways

As glimpses of time crease around your eyes

Your appeal increases, its really no surprise

Your loving manner shines in every phase

Bringing you joy and honor, really pays

I’ll stick with you until your last breath sighs

Cause no one else remembers my killer thighs

Love You!

Us circa 1999 (Yes, those were the killer thigh days...*sigh*)