countdown.

One month. That's all that stands between TJ and me being back in Port de Paix, Haiti with our dear friends at Hope Vision Ministry. I can't wait to squeeze them and hear their precious voices say my name and watch them climb all over Teesh and wake up with the sun to hear footsteps outside of our door and have them ask me a million questions and tell them stories about how much my kiddos from City Kids love them and have twelve little ones in my lap at the same time and just simply be with them. I know that those five weeks are fast-approaching, and I'm already preparing myself for how quickly our time will pass with them if we're not intentional in scooping up and savoring every moment we're given.

We're still fundraising, but we don't have too much left to go. The faithfulness of the Lord is sure and steadfast; what a blessing it has been to walk in His light for the past two months as we have trusted Him for everything. As much as He has done for us during this season of preparation, I can't wait to see the fruit of what He will do while we're there. We serve a mighty God who never leaves us nor forsakes us, and we are confident that this will be another display of His love and generosity pouring out abundantly.

I'll be daydreaming about this beautiful place and these beautiful faces for the next thirty-two days!

"Beautiful Lord, awesome and mighty; I'm captured by this love I see. Beautiful Lord, tender and holy; Your mercy brings me to my knees. It's Your mercy that has made me free, beautiful Lord."

-Leeland

carowinds.

On Saturday morning, the Bargeron clan road-tripped to Carowinds for a day of thrills in honor of Trent's big day. We rocked our matching t-shirts that made Trent the most famous dude there, and we even had cake when we took a break for lunch. It was such a fun day; so fun, in fact, that it was almost impossible to get out of bed. Ten hours of constant walking makes for some tender legs and feet, but I didn't mind one bit. The rain held off for us, and it didn't get hot until after lunch, which made for an enjoyable morning. We all got to work on our patience as we waited in line for hours, which was totally worth the ride at the other end. Teesh and I even met two guys in line that were visiting from Colombia, so, naturally, I told them all about P. Sawyer and her rockin' family. Maybe next year we'll take a trip down to Six Flags. Whatcha say, Cannie Ree? :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRENT!

picnic for two.

In honor of the tenth anniversary of our first kiss + the second anniversary of our first kiss as husband and wife, we went back to the lovely spot where he kissed me + asked me to be his wife. There is no other spot in the whole world that gives me more butterflies than this little park does, and I love coming back here to relive all the memories made in this little piece of heaven. I could sit on the side of the road with this guy and have the best time, and that's one of my favorite things about our relationship. Simple yet extravagant.

Love is commitment and joy and cheesy smiles, but I really think it's what you make it. Every minute spent with my Teesh is magical; it may not look that way to you, but my heart has a wonderful habit of beating fast just by him glancing my way. I hope I never get tired of my face hurting from smiling and my stomach being in knots and my laughter becoming so intense that it turns to snorts. A hundred years could pass, and I would continue to love him more and more.

I'm already looking forward to our next field trip to this monumental piece of this beautiful earth; I know I'll be even more head-over-heels for him then. :)

"For love still remains life's sweet mystery."

-Helen Steiner Rice

a proper celebration.

Our anniversary was probably as cute as they come, y'all. Not only were we overwhelmed by so much love and so many blessings by the people closest to us, we also had the opportunity to celebrate with sixteen of the most precious kiddos on the planet. From the moment I walked through my classroom door on that bright morning to my departure at the end of the day, I was greeted with "Happy 'aversary,' Ms. Anna!" over and over again. Who knew that mispronouncing could be so stinkin' adorable? I was surprised to find three homemade cards awaiting me when I opened my cabinet, as well, which made me smile even bigger than my typical smile.

Mr. Teeshy Weeshy (we love nicknames in Ms. Anner Bananer's class) joined us for an 'aversary' party when we woke up from nap, and he even showed us some of his excellent dance moves afterwards. When he left, we sprinted to the fence to wave goodbye to him as he sped away in his "super fast car," also known as Blaise. The kiddos still haven't stopped talking about that hour, and I've already been asked a dozen times when Mr. Teesh is coming back. I love that the people I love so much love each other just as much, too. I'm tellin' ya, Ms. Anna's heart could explode.

our weekend.

Snapshots from that precious time I got to have TJ all to myself for a whole weekend.

Two years behind us, a lifetime still ahead.

I can't wait for all my tomorrows with this perfect-for-me fella.