5 Years Happliy Married

Five years ago on June 5th 2004 we were so blessed with a Beautiful wedding filled with so much love, our love for each other, and Gods Love and blessing upon us. Our meeting and relationship has been such a God thing. We both agree that we are a match made in heaven. A lot has happened in the last five years. Many adventures, many surprises, some loss, some gains. Through it all, Love got us through. God Love, and the Love he has given us for each other. Our Love has just grown stronger and Stronger through all the experiences. We feel so incredibly blessed!

So to Celebrate, Joshua decided he wanted to plan a little getaway. We did not want to be away from our kiddos too long so it was just one night, but it was so perfect and beautiful.

Joshua planned it all on his own...he brought me down to the Longbeach Harbor and we stayed at a place called Dockside Boat and Bed. It was the coolest thing, so much better than a hotel. We stayed on a big Boat on the Harbor. Let the pictures tell the story!

Our Boat- Joshua even picked the actual boat we stayed on.

Our Bed :)

The Galley

Joshua getting some rays

The Boat was called the Perfect Landing - and it was Perfect!

The lighthouse was right off the back of the Boat.

We also had a great view of the Queen Mary!

Lighthouse again just beautiful...the weather was so perfect!

We had our anniversary dinner at Gladstones!
We shared a lobster plate...I had never had Lobster.

And yummy mile high Chocolate cake for dessert!
No we did not eat all of it!

So perfect!

We both were very excited with the gifts we chose for each other. Joshua surprised me with a ring, it is a Anniversary ring that is identical to my wedding band. It has five diamonds for five years. Here is a pic sorry its not that clear and it is so much more beautiful in person.

Joshua has been wanting to change our room into a Cabin look, so I had a custom log headboard made for us for our anniversary. He loves it. Here is a pic!

Camping - Leo Carillo State Park

As you can tell we sure do love to go camping! Mom and Dennis invited to go Camping at Leo Carillo on memorial day weekend. This is near Malibu. It was just beautiful! Here are some of the great pictures we captured!

J loves water

She really loves the Sand.

"little eyes are watching" Watching every move Big Brother makes.

Loves his time with Daddy

Little Beach Baby

Daddy and J in a cave

Mommy and J in a cave

Little cave just J's size

Star Fish in the Tide pools

J trying to pick up a hermit crab.

Master of Arts in Special Education

Three years ago I (Julie) started a new journey in my life. After Joshua and I returned from TJ (doing missions work) . We found out that we were pregnant with J, and through that pregnancy we prayed and prayed that God would lead us down his path.

With J in womb, God returned a desire that I once had, it was to teach. Not only to teach, but to teach students with special needs. You see, when I first went to college right after High school I wanted to become a teacher, but God spoke very clearly to me that I needed to teach, but to teach students in a youth ministry setting, and then in a missions setting. With much hesitation, I gave in and listened. It is not the easiest thing to give up your plans, but we must take up our cross and follow him...so I did. We had amazing times doing ministry, and we sure learned a lot about relying on Our Maker.

It is so amazing how God works. When you rely on him and give him ALL your trust, and follow his lead he will give you back the desire of your heart with a Go ahead. That's what he did for me and for us! It was then that I applied and was accepted into the Credential/Masters program at Azusa Pacific University.

It was not easy sitting in 4 hour night classes as a huge prego lady, and then taking many online classes with little J at home, and then still taking those classes while I was prego with Janna. The learning was good, but tough. Every class I took lead me more and more to believe that I was in the right place at the right time. God blessed me with amazing professors that taught me a whole lot about teaching. I realized that teaching is also ministry, just a different ministry setting.

Well here we are three years later :) I have now finished my credential and on May 9th I graduated with my Masters of Arts in Special Education! The road was long and tough! But it was very much worth it. God gave me the guidance and strength to get through. Joshua, J and Janna had so much patience. Joshua and my mom gave me much support! Who knows when I will get back to teaching. Now I am teaching my kiddos at home. But when I do return I am ready and have much passion to make a difference in students lives.

~ Here are some pictures ~

Mom and I after my honors reception

Joshua and I- he gave me so much support

My medal

All my Special Education Professors

Walking across the stage :)

Receiving that Diploma

The Family

Mel, Lincoln and I

My Mom and I

Grandma and I

My brother his wife Erin and I

My Dad and I