Happy Birthday, Sweet Sister!

Today is my sister-in-law Lindsay's birthday.  I am so blessed to have her for my sister...and humbled that God would bring me not just an amazing husband, but through him and his great brother Neal, the sister I have always wanted!  In honor of Lindsay and how much she means to me, I just had to list a few (and I mean, this is just the beginning of the list) reasons I love her so much...

Lindsay is an amazing mother.  She has the perfect combo of constant love and Biblical discipline of her boys.  She doesn't do what I think of as "over-mothering;" she is always there for them and tends to their every need, but at the same time remains so laid back and calm.  I want to model her when I have my own one day!

She is an incredible decorator, with an eye for color and coordination that I learn so much from!  I always take mental notes when I am at her beautiful, warm home.  Everyone feels comfortable and welcome at Lindsay's house, because she knows how to create an inviting place and has such a gift of hospitality.  I love it.

She is a faithful, loving wife.  Lindsay is so supportive of Neal and joyfully keeps things at the house going--thriving--while he works.  With three kids, life can get crazy, but I have never heard a complaint, always joy and thankfulness for the kids God has given her.  I think of Proverbs 31:11, "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value..."

Lindsay is also a true friend.  She listens, shares from her wisdom and wealth of experience, holds things in confidence, laughs when your laughing, cries when you are suffering, carries others burdens, faithfully prays...I know she is a blessing to all who know her.

Loves to plan!  I love that Lindsay thinks ahead and organizes everything.  Again, you should see her house--so organized.  When I needed to cull out things in January, I called her for advice.  It helped so much!  The Container Store should consult her for advice!

Is an amazing artist, especially in photography.  Whenever we have a long visit, we love to go have a photo shoot with her.  Pictures she took of Adam and I hang all over our house, and we used some for our Christmas card this year.   Many people wanted to know where we had them done, and I told them Watson Photography did all the work.  I picture her one day--in the right season, probably when the kids are a little older--setting up an incredible photography business.  She really has a gift.

And last but MOST important, Lindsay loves Jesus with her whole heart, mind and soul, and it shows in every aspect of her life.  She has suffered and stayed faithful, trusting...she has seen the Lord carry her through a tough tough year, and continued to give Him praise despite great confusion and pain.  Is that not the essence of the Christian life?  We will suffer, but we have hope because of Christ...to live is HIM...Lindsay is an example of that, and I thank God for her obedience and love for Jesus.

Lindsay, I love you and hope you have an amazing day!  You are a gift from God to all of us.

Loving on Gabe

Pregnant with little Luke in December

(trusting the Lord day by day to heal him, and He did, praise God!)