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Happy 18 year anniversary to us.

Together, we've grown, we've journeyed many miles, moved states 3 times, countries 3 times, house 10 times.

We've birthed 8 blessings, faced losing parents and a sibling, and miscarriage also.

We've walked through the valley of the shadow of death on multiple occasions with the fear of widowhood threatening to rip the chord of our marriage covenant. We've made awesome family friends that have stood by us through the waves of the tempest.

We've lived in seasons of abundance and being able to bless others, but also poverty and scrapping the bottom of the barrel.

We've walked through parenthood trenches with virtually no community to help ease our load for many years now, and yet keep feeling like strength beyond human comprehension keeps being filled into our cups.

Amidst all the highs and lows, one thing has remained steadfast: the love and blessing of intimacy that God has gifted us. 

Eben-Ezer, until now He has helped us.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has been our Rock of Refuge and strongtower.

Soli Deo Gloria.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

#18yearanniversary #marriage #homemaker #nzugc #nzugccreator
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This year I got to check off a dream family bucket list adventure.

For years I've dreamt of taking my little ones to an apple orchard in the autumn. I wanted them to run, frolick, and feel like the world is their's and their's alone.

I wanted them to feel what I felt as a child when mum would pile all 12 of us in the van, and drive us to an orchard to pick apples, to drink apple cider, to eat crispy hot and soft cinnamon doughnuts.
I wanted to live the nostalgia of yesteryear when life was slower, simpler, sweeter.

I asked friends and loved ones across the north island if there was a PYO apple orchard anywhere in NZ. After a recent chat with my sweet friend, Linda from @__the.little.homestead__  my Facebook showed me an ad to Molewood Orchard. At this point I had lost hope of ever finding a PYO apple orchard in NZ. When I looked up where it was located I was pleasantly surprised at the prospect that I could in fact create this dream for my kids!

We piled up in the van, all 10 of us, photo props, baskets for picking, and 2 picnic baskets filled with food to feed an army (langosi, blueberry scones, homemade bread, chicken salad, șnițel, chiftele, and egg salad), and just like good old times- headed out. Did I mention it was over 5hrs away and that we headed out at 4:30a.m?

Nothing mattered to me in that moment. I knew it was going to be a good day; one that would last us a lifetime of memories.

We picked to our heart's content (20kg to be exact). Some ate more than they picked but we're grateful for many hands that made light work. 

Somewhere between Greytown and home, it dawned on me, that this is an adventure that will be a yearly family tradition. As I listened to the hum of the faithful motor and the slight breathing coming from the bellies full, content sleeping children in the back, I turned to @rominu22 and we smiled.

It was never about the photos, or the apple picking (though that was a huge highlight). It was always about family.

And that's what makes an 11hr adventure so worth it.

Thank you @molewoodorchard for making our 16 year bucketlist dream a reality. We will be back next autumn. 

#molewoodorchard #homemaker #appleorchard
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