Fourteenth Anniversary

Fourteen years ago, two very young people committed the rest of their lives together before God and man.  

Mark 10:9 says, “Therefore what God has joined together let no man separate.”

The world would have us believe that at 20 and 23 we were too young to make a life-long commitment. However, about two years before I had already made a lifelong commitment to serve God and worship him only. 

Trent found in me a young woman so full of faith in the overwhelming, undeserved goodness of God. And I found in him the unconditional love, loyalty, strength, and consistency of a solid man of God. 

But man, were we young. And man, were we poor. 

We honeymooned in Key West but couldn’t afford to do anything other than walk around the island. We only ate out twice the whole week; instead we grocery shopped and cooked at our little bungalow. No snorkeling, no admission to Hemingway’s house, no scooter rides. But we were together, and that was all that mattered. 

The early years of our marriage helped us build our faith in God to always provide for us. We had so many babies so close together. And God was with us everyday. Then even after our finances became more comfortable God called us to bigger things than we could have imagined when we were newly married. We never had any doubt that God would provide the financing for both of our adoptions. 

We knew our scripture and that “of whom much is given, much will be required.” We had been given the gift of a fantastic marriage. It was required that we share that gift in some way. Adoption is one way we were able to do that. 

I am so grateful for the years we struggled. Not only did we learn to fully rely on God, but we were able to focus on what was most important. Many years we didn’t have money to eat out, let alone go away on a trip for our anniversary. Some years we were able to get away for a weekend and build some memories. Other years we had a new baby and attempted to take her long for a most unromantic, tear-filled (memorable) weekend to Trent’s parents’ cabin. This year we opted for take-out Chinese food and leftover Thanksgiving wine after our six daughters were in bed. 

I am far from a perfect wife. In fact, today, our actual anniversary, 99% of my texts to Trent have been to complain about the things that have gone wrong in my day or to ask the most random questions (Is there a UPS in Quarryville? Should I go back to the pharmacy or just go home?) 

The love I have for Trent is so much fuller and deeper than it was fourteen years ago. We were laughing the other night about high schoolers writing “never change” to each other in their year books and what a dumb thing that is to say. I’m so glad Trent and I are different from when we married. Even our faith has grown and matured into the steady bedrock of our marriage it is now. 

It’s a treasure to get the opportunity to be married to Trent. I’m always trying to remind myself not to take him for granted and know I fail at times, but I am truly truly grateful for him. 

Watching Trent father our daughters with patience is the most amazing thing to me. Last night he was rocking Heidi before bed and I felt I couldn’t love him more. I felt like I was getting a little glimpse of heaven as I considered how much our Heavenly Father loves each of us. 

I could be biased but I think we’re getting better looking the older we get. Haha! 

Happy anniversary, Trent! I love you. Thanks for going along with a lot of my crazy ideas and for being our sanity in this house overflowing with females. 

Tempe, Arizona

I had the opportunity to tag along with Trent to a conference being held in Tempe, Arizona. In the beginning of March. Just when you can't stand winter any longer in Pennsylvania. We flew out of Philadelphia's airport at a brisk 32 degrees and touched down in Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport at a lovely 80 degrees.  It felt like Heaven.

Front of Tempe Mission Palms

We stayed at the Tempe Mission Palms hotel. I can't even tell you how lovely this hotel was. But I'll try.  Open your door to a beautiful open-air courtyard full of palm trees, orange trees full of oranges, and the most deliciously fresh, clean scent you can imagine. The room itself was also nice, recently updated. The pool was on the second floor, a roof pool over looking shiny buildings on one side and a desert mountain on the other.

Orange trees right out our door!

Courtyard view

  The main reason (other than the obvious escape from the cold) I wanted to go was the chance to visit my grandparents. They live in Clarkdale, Arizona, about 2 hours away from Tempe. My Grandpa (78) made arrangements for someone to cover for him at his job at the hospital (he does valet parking at the hospital), and my Nana (72) communicated with me on the timing of it all. They were very generous and helped pay my way to them since they knew we were trying to be super careful with our spending as we plan for the huge expense of our adoption. I was thrilled for a chance to spend a full day with them.

The last time I saw both of them, Magdalena was just three weeks old, and I was still recovering from the c-section and the whirlwind of adding a third child under age three to our family. I was not fortunate to grow up with any grandparents living in the same state as my family. My family is originally from California, but we moved to Pennsylvania when I was four years old, leaving behind aunts, uncles, cousins, and both sets of grandparents. I remember well the angst of "grandparent's day" at school, knowing that mine would never be there. I feel extremely grateful that we were able to drive out west multiple times during my childhood to see family and they were able to come see us a few times as well. I'm very grateful that my daughters can get to know their grandparents very well.

Even though I didn't get to see them often, the feelings and memories are alive. When Nana and Grandpa stepped out of their car it was like no time had passed at all since I last saw them. What a treat to have them all to myself!

Selfie with my Nana!

We sat in the courtyard and chatted for a couple of hours, then made our way to Macayo's for lunch. Legend has it they are the unintentional inventor of the chimichanga (deep-fried burrito). The story goes that a burrito was accidentally dropped into the deep frier, and out came the chimichanga. The rest is history. Obviously I had to have one. With guacamole. Because you're in Arizona. So you need a margarita to go with it. What a lunch!

Macayo's with my grandparents!

What a treasure these people are!

Next we drove outside of Tempe for some sight seeing. Grandpa didn't get us lost at all. ;) We had a nice scenic view of the botanical gardens and even drove past the zoo. It was getting too hot for us to walk around at this point.

We went back to the hotel to get some water and lemonade and a piece of carrot cake. Trent was able to get out of his classes from 5-6 so he hung out with us for a little while. At 6 Trent had to go back for a cocktail hour and dinner. My grandparents still had a two hour drive home so they headed out. It was sad to see them go, but what a wonderful day we had.



Friday I was on my own as Trent had to be at his conference. I walked to Starbucks at 10 am for a late, delicious breakfast. The weather was just perfect. I enjoyed walking down the streets, not a care in the world, and perfect temperatures.

Totally turned into one of "those" people who takes pictures of their food. Haha!

Tempe seems to be a very young city. Everything was bright and clean, although there were a lot of homeless people. After leisurely strolling around I headed back to the hotel to hang out by the pool. I caught up on my Bible study, relaxed, listened to podcasts, and swam.

Bible Study with a view!

Trent joined me there when his lunch was over.

Watching my man swim :: weird leg pic.

I ate a nice big salad from the Pool Grille. After more swimming and more relaxing we headed back to our room.

Another food pic - but Oh man! I wish I could eat this salad again!

After cooling off and drinking lots of water we headed out for a hike to the little mountain we could see from the pool. It was a nice climb with many beautiful cacti. There was a gorgeous view of the city and our hotel on one side, and the other side was the suburbs and more red mountains. It was just lovely.

The little mountain we climbed (view from the pool, of course!)

"Mountain" top selfie

That night we went to an Irish Pub Trent had seen and wanted to take me to. Unfortunately, well, it was Irish (my mom's side of the family is Irish). And, I just had to chuckle because in some ways it reminded me of what a family reunion would be like. Loud. Lots of laughing, lots of loud talking. Definitely not Trent's scene.

Had to wear a fringe dress while I was in Arizona!

But the food was awesome, and of course I had to have some sort of Irish coffee. I went with the "Nutty Irishman". Warmed me right up!

Me and my Nutty Irishman!

We again walked the streets of Tempe. Found these candy cigarettes in a Sweet Shoppe. Am I the only person who loved these as a kid yet never smoked a real cigarette in my life???

Wanted to buy them for the girls - Trent said, "no!"

We ended the night by sitting in the courtyard of the hotel, enjoying just being together in a beautiful place. I'm so grateful to Trent's parents for watching the girls, my grandparents for helping make it happen, and Trent's job for letting me tag along. I really believe that one of the best gifts we can give our children is to show them what a strong marriage looks like. For me, that means occasionally getting away with my husband, so that when the kids are grown and out of the house we still know who each other are and still have a strong bond and connection.

So if you ever go to visit Tempe, Arizona in March, just be prepared that you might not want to go back home.

Love this man!

Tenth Anniversary

Today. Ten years ago today. I was twenty years old. Still in college. Fresh-faced, round cheeked and happy.

I married the man of my dreams.

He was twenty-three. So much older and wiser. Six months out of college. Baby-faced and happy.

We married.

In our little Mennonite Church where we both grew up. Poor as church mice, barely a cent to our name. We married.

A little city house was purchased, and wall paper was peeled and scraped. Stairs were sanded down. Three whole rooms were ready when our day came.

The wedding was simple. Our little church wedding. I giggled through most of the ceremony.



Words were said, kisses given and received. Uniting us together. Til death do us part.

Ten years ago. Today.

FLASH SALE

Let me cut right to the chase then give you the story afterwards.

I have two CUSTOM listings that I am marking $10 off for one day only. Monday, October 26, 2015 in the morning until 11:59 PM the following two signs will be reduced. All sales must be made through Etsy. These signs may take up to 8 (EIGHT) weeks to be finished depending upon the volume of orders. They will all be made and ship/be ready for pick up prior to Christmas. If you want to pick up your sign use the code PICKUP at checkout on Etsy. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS CODE IF YOU ARE NOT PICKING UP!!! In the drop down menu I listed the most frequently purchased colors. If you do not see the color you would like simply choose "other" and in the Notes to Seller box at check out write out the color you would like instead using the color sample chart that is pictured in the last photo of the listing.

1.) Regularly $40+tax, this one is marked to $30+tax. (Click link below for full information)

Personalized Mark 10:9

2.) Regularly $35 reduced to $25. This is a STEAL!!!

Order this sign HERE!

Now the fun part. The story. Many of you may know that the past week my husband and I have been gallivanting in Charlottesville, Virginia, acting as though we haven't a care in the world, let alone four children! And why? We were celebrating!! December 17, Trent and I will be married for ten years. In honor of our tenth anniversary I am marking these two signs, which recognize the value of a committed, Christ-centered marriage, down by TEN dollars. 

This idea popped into my head months ago when we started planning our trip. Originally I wanted to have the sale on our anniversary, but that is the very end of the busiest time of the year for Mama Hess. (I mean, who gets married the week before Christmas?? Oh yeah, us crazy, in love kids.)  So, there you have it. A great sale for you and a fun way to encourage your marriage, or a loved one's marriage!  I can't wait to see the colors each of you choose for your special sign.

 So: happy {early} anniversary to us and merry {early} Christmas to y'all! Look for a blog post of our trip - hopefully soon!!

Shop Announcement and some Recent Custom orders

Friends, there are so many joys I have with this adventure of working from home, doing something I absolutely love. However, the one struggle I am facing recently is the skill in walking away from work. My workspace is in our "eat-in kitchen" (cough, cough).... okay, and slowly spreads to the homeschool room, the living room, the garage, and the office. And usually there is a stack of signs lining the entryway of our house waiting to be picked up. And often lining my server (turned paint cabinet). And you just never know when you might find one drying on one of the bar stools, or on a humid day you might find one (or three) lying on the living room floor under the ceiling fan.

I normally take a scheduled break immediately following Christmas. However, this year I am feeling the need to have a break a little sooner than that. Last year back to school time was a slower time for me, so I chose these dates to attempt to more naturally coincide with that time of year.

****** The last date to order so that your sign will be able to be made and shipped/picked up will be Friday, August 28, 11:59 pm. After that my shop will reopen on Saturday, September 12. If you need your sign before those dates or in the next week after I reopen please order early. Thank you all so much for understanding!!!******

AND NOW! The fun!

 Customized Mark 10:9 with first names and wedding date. Shown in black and white. Sign measures approximately 12"x24".

 Custom phrase done on pallet wood. Shown in bridgeport gray wash and charcoal lettering. Sign measures approximately 16"x20".

 Custom phrase. Background is distressed black over dark walnut stain with cream lettering. Measures approximately 17"x24".

 Custom stamped baby onesie.

 Custom phrase for above a girl's double bed. Shown in black, white, and pops of coral blush. Sign measures approximately 36"x12".

 Custom verses for a Texas wedding. Mark 10:8 and Mark 10:9 done in coordinating fonts and colors. Shown in Cabernet stain and magnolia white lettering. Signs measure 12"x18".

 Custom phrase for an Etsy customer. Shown in gp purple and magnolia white lettering. This little sweetie measures about 9.5"x12".

I hope you all enjoyed looking at these as much as I liked making them! Thank you all for you continual support. It's a fun journey!

8 Years of No Regrets

Eight years of marriage. I am grateful to God for each day, each moment, of these eight years.

This past year Trent and I have been to funerals of people we believe died too young. People in the midst of raising their families. People who could be us.

Through the tears during the funerals and after, we think of their loved ones left behind. Left to carry on in the midst of their pain. To raise their families without the support of their spouse, but with the help of God.

I imagine myself in their shoes. What if something were to happen as unexpectedly as these deaths occurred to my dear Trent? Would there be anything I would do differently with the time we have?

No.

Both Trent and I realize how precious life is.

James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

I don't intend for this post to sound sad and morbid, but this is something that needs to be thought about, if only to remind us to celebrate the little moments. So we celebrate the little things, a child loosing a first tooth, a girl learning to read, a chubby hand writing her name all wobbly, each smile, each hug, each whispered and exhausted "good night". Because this is life. As each of these small moments pile on top of each other, always stacking higher and higher, they create this beautiful, precious life. Eight years of moments. Is there pain in the midst of these moments? Of course! A frustrated word, an irritated look. But those are followed with forgiveness, with love, acceptance, sometimes tears. And always, always, the love of God in the midst of all we do. 

So today as we celebrate eight years, we are grateful. Grateful for each of these tiny moments stacking ever higher. Giving praise to God for the beauty of life He has blessed us with. We strive to find beauty in each day, as exhausting as it may be. Because whenever our time comes to meet our Lord, we want to have said we lived a life of no regrets.

No regrets. Only love.

This Old Pair of Jeans

To the common eye they are nothing extraordinary. Just a common pair of dark-wash denim jeans. Size 4R. Gap. Flare. The backs are frayed because of my too short legs. But to me they are so much more. A small corner of my past that I never got rid of.

Today I dug these jeans out of the back of my closet and slipped them on. A perfect fit. Aren't old jeans just like old friends? You haven't seen them in a long time, but getting back to them is so comfortable and natural.

 Under normal circumstances I would probably not be thrilled about adding two pant sizes to my thin frame, but this is different. It's like coming full circle. I hope to make this journey again sometime. From thin, to adding weight for a lovely new baby, to bringing a beautiful new life into the world, to thin again. Yes, I certainly hope to make this journey again.

These jeans have walked many miles with me. I remember the first day I saw them. I was preparing my outfit for a date that night. A first date, so it was important. I'm trying to picture that girl of so long ago. The choppy short blond hair, the athletic build, the excitement, the nervousness, the laughter that came so easily.

Nine years ago these Gap jeans were purchased by a 19 year old girl at Marshall's; the same Marshall's that this girl still shops at for her own children. The jeans were paired with a thick-strapped tank-top in bright pink and pink sandals.

That date was the start of something special. As Trent and I look forward to our 8th anniversary I wonder if I will wear these jeans again for that date. As my stomach continues to swell I don't imagine that they will be very comfortable in another 12 weeks, but maybe in 13 weeks, a week after our fourth baby is born I will wear these jeans again.

And as the weight continues to fall off as it always does when nursing a sweet new baby, the jeans will go back into their place in the back of the closet. Hopefully to resurface at another time. They serve as a loving reminder of the girl I was, and make me grateful for the woman God is slowly molding me into.

So to you they be just an old pair of jeans, but to me, they are much much more.

The Defense of Marriage

1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

I have always liked to label myself as a passionate person. Thankfully my passions have changed from soccer and boys while in high school, to now building a strong marriage and raising my children with grace.

Something that has been on my heart for a long time is marriage. Statistics show that a large percentage of low-income families are also single-parent families. The devil would like nothing better than to ruin our country and our world by destroying the family unit.

People, we need to WAKE UP! We have a very active enemy prowling around looking for someone to devour. We have a large local church who just let go one of their pastors because he was committing adultery with his female assistant. How does this happen? How do two Christian people fall into this?

I heard a sermon preached by Matt Chandler in which he stated something along the lines of: "Do you know how I know my wife is "the one"? Because I married her!!! Could I be happy with someone else? Probably. But I married my wife!"

So here's the thing; I think sometimes people become complacent. Maybe their marriage is "fine" but there is something that the other spouse does that irritates them. So, without trying it, they start looking at other individuals who don't have that annoying flaw. And somehow, they are no longer "alert" or "self-controlled". 

We need to be vigilant defenders of our marriages. We need to appreciate our spouse, show them our love and respect in various ways. If you know your husband loves a hot meal when he gets home but you never make one for him, you are not loving him the way that he wants to be loved. If a husband knows that his wife likes to talk to him in the evenings before bed but he never listens or reciprocates conversation, he is not loving his wife.

I think the very basic reason for marriages failing is because people are selfish. When a husband and a wife can become as selfless as possible, their marriage will succeed.

A few months ago I had a conversation with someone who was going through their second divorce. When she asked how long I had been married and I told her "seven years" she was surprised and asked, "How do you do it?" but didn't wait for an answer. She continued on to say that she must have "the family curse" because almost everyone in the family was divorced more than once.

Friends, we MUST be intentional in making our marriages succeed. They do not have to fail! Think how hard you tried to please your spouse when you were dating. I want to encourage you all to do one thing today to intentionally please your spouse.

I think I could underline every word in the 1 Peter 5:8 passage,  
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

The imagery in this Scripture is awful. The devil, in the form of a roaring lion, prowling, searching, looking for those who are not alert, waiting to devour them!! 

I hope all my friends will be intentional today to show love and respect for their spouse.