Life just seems crazy. So many times over the last days I've found myself reflecting and processing. I just don't know how much of it is ready for verbalizing yet. One thing that's been on my mind a lot, though, is this picture:

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Meet Kinsey. One of the most free-spirited, gentle children I know. She's one of my great friend Sharon's children. Sharon's really good about taking pictures, and also sharing them with all of us. When she sent this one earlier this week, I instantly lit up. A smile stretched across my face so big. Here's what I've been thinking.

 This is how free we are in Christ. This is how I want to live. I know, I know, before you say it – adults have adult responsibilities. There are mortages and insurance and carpets to vacuum. But there's got to be time for playing on a tire swing. For getting sprayed by your husband with the water hose. For cuddling up in the bed one day late last week and watching Rikki Tikki Tavi. I've tried hard lately to not take myself so seriously, and we all know that's one of my largest hurdles. It's taken a lot of apologies to my husband. My tendency is to snap at him when he soaks me while I'm planting flowers. Looking back, that was one of my most favorite times of our married life.

Dinner with our friends the Thompsons last week has been all over my mind, too. I cried a little bit after we left them, because their family is so beautiful. Josh and I want our family to be so much like theirs. If we're lucky our oldest daughter will be sophisticated, but completely free and silly like Sarah Grace. Maybe our youngest daughter will be joyful and content like Charlotte. After we left dinner (which consisted of Charlotte eating more tomato, mozerella, and crab than I've ever seen; Sarah Grace sharing spinach dip with Mom and I; Tad cracking us up like usual and displaying his wisdom and foresight; and Kimberly being as gracious and concerned for others as ever) the 6 of us walked around downtown Lawrenceville a little. They were playing this game with Charlotte (who's just starting to walk really well) where they lifted her off the ground every third step or so. Her laughter flooded the area. It was beautiful. Watching the four of them beam as we walked brought me just a little closer to Christ. It really changed me.

Watching my best friends be wives is changing me, too.

Kristen and Craig teach me so much about love and sacrifice. They are gracious and care about us more than themselves. Marriage doesn't change who you are, it just highlights your best features. Kristen and Craig are probably the truest examples of that. The two of them together are wonderful.

Leslie and Nick are different people. Their sacrifices are greater. Marriage makes you appreciate each other more, and they are a true testament to that. Writing on her blog about Apple Jacks is beautiful to me. When you can really appreciate a bowl of apple jacks and plate of fried green tomatoes together, you're a special couple. They help me remember to cherish everything.

On that note, I'm realizing how much more I should appreciate my precious husband. He's brilliant. He's funny. He loves me more than I love myself. He knows how to push my buttons and does it just to make me mad, so he can watch my face turn red. He takes care of me. He responds like Christ would to me. He's open and honest with me. He's my support. He is Christ to me. He eats my cooking even when it's bad. He listens to my stories even when they're far too long. He lets me take naps on his lap. He considers me over himself. If only I did half of this for him. Honey, I love you. You're my favorite.

Also, in exciting news, we've started a cooking blog. Check out our dinners, help us, suggest, and laugh at us. That's why we started it.