Lately, I've been in a toasting mood, like a rambly-speech that makes you cry and laugh but just overall gushing with excitement toasting mood. I keep trying to sign off on things using 'Cheers!'... which may not be as awkward or inappropriate if I didn't work at a church. Oh, well. I thought it would be fun to at least get the feeling of a toast out into the world. So here we go!

A Few Toasts to Year Two

To Rick,For all the places we've gone and all the moments of celebration and equally for those that were filled with heartache. To the Napa Valley, Costa Rica, Waco, Denver and everywhere in between - each of these trips have been fully enjoyed. We have grown closer to each other with each mile and along the way closer to the word God created.For the love of the small moments. Those moments that are so often overlooked. The times when you've come home tired and still cooked me dinner. The times when things have been taken care of when I haven't even given them a second thought. (Hello, trash!)For all the support, tears, encouragement, pep talks, and dream talk we've shared throughout the year.For a year peppered with so many emotions. For the most defining moment of the first time we had kids... dog kids that is. It has changed us in so many ways through the challenges of dog parenting, grief, and settling into new routines. It is hands down one of my favorite experiences in our marriage, even in the midst of the pain that has come with it.For all the family and friends that we've gotten the pleasure of hosting in our home and to all of those we've met up with elsewhere. Seeing our people is definitely one of our favorite things in life.For God who we love, worship, celebrate and live for. Here's to growing closer to Him this year and drawing closer to each other throughout the process as He teaches us more about ourselves, each other, Sabbath, obedience, and praying dangerously.Here's to year two - you've been fantastic. Year three, we're so excited to embrace you and all you have in store!

Our Favorites From Year Two

Games:Skipbo (the obsession continues) // King of Tokyo // Munchkin // SushiGo Party // Settlers of CatanTV + Movies:Gremlins // Stranger Things // NCIS // Hocus Pocus // Nailed It on Netflix // Great British Baking Show // Raising Hope (still) // Parks + Recreation // 30 Rock // Adam Ruins Everything // The Dark Tourist on NetflixPodcasts + Music:The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey // Popcast // Red Sea Road by Ellie Holcomb // 80s Smash Hits Playlist on SpotifyBooks:The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron + Suzanne Stabile // Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter ScazzeroFood:Chavez Mexican Restaurant // Brother's Pizzeria // small ice cream companies we can find in stores like Sweet Cup Gelato & Sorbet Originale // All Apothic wines, but especially their Apothic Brew // Costa Rican food - momones chinos, patacones + gallo pinto // Sushi Dates at Japaniero's // Wine + Cheese PlatesMiscellaneous: Our first holiday to host - Thanksgiving // Napa Valley // Costa Rica // Doing ministry together // Our journey into observing the sabbath // Going to the Houston Zoo // Pokemon Go Community Days // Scout basking in the sun