TEN years

Ten years ago when I told you on our wedding day that I adored you, there was a bit of blissful ignorance attached.

Ten years later when I whisper in your ear before we fall asleep that I adore you, there's so much more substance to what I'm saying.

I adore you because you've held me when I cried.
I adore you because we've doubled over with laughter a hundred times together.
I adore you because you've seen me at my worst and still loved me.
I adore you because we've walked through hard time and come out stronger.
I adore you because your servant's heart never ceases to amaze me.
I adore you because you love our Savior even more than you love me.
I adore you because you've looked at me sick and pregnant and told me how beautiful I am.
I adore you because we've had the days that I wonder why we can't stop arguing, and you want to see us resolve our problems.
I adore you because you're still so stinkin' hot!
I adore you because I've watched you swing our sons high into the air and bring them down for a tickle-fest.

I adore you because I've a peeked around the corner to find you snuggling our daughters.

I adore you because you're willing to work hard on our relationship.

I adore you because you're my best friend.
I adore you because when I look into your eyes the sweet memories of the past ten years are brimming over in my head.

I adore you, Steven.

Happy Anniversary.

Ava's Birthday Party

Being the photographer and the mommy just doesn't work sometimes. Ava had an adorable little outdoors party for her first birthday, and looking at these photos, I realize how little of it was captured through my lens. Oh, well. Here are the moments that did make it into my camera....






A long-held Helms tradition is that lasagna is served at the first birthday party, and the baby gets to have a ball feeding themselves. Sometime I should upload the photo of my one-year-old self covered in lasagna with the bowl on my head.




At least little Veronica can say she was at the party...


Adriana and her honorary "other sister"...


Aunt Hannah in her element...








I cannot even tell you how much joy this little girl has brought into our family.

Thank you, God, for a whole year with Ava Louise!