Double blessings and Second Chances

God knows the person meant for you. 

One who will love you through thick and thin. 

One who will be your best friend and  your strongest critic.

One who will be your biggest supporter in cheering you on in whatever endeavors you are pursuing. 

I have been blessed twice with such a man who is my high school sweetheart. 

Our relationship has been a lot of valleys and mountain tops yet through it all as Dan shares, we always manage to come back to each other because in our hearts, we never left.

Our double blessings (besides the twins) is that we have two wedding anniversaries! 

Today as I write this is our "first" wedding anniversary.

If we didn't divorce, we would have been married 15 years as of today. But, it is what it is and lessons were learned during that time that brought us to our "second" anniversary, which is on November 19.

Second chances are meant for you to realize what you screwed up on and to become better the second time by knowing what you need and not do to make a marriage (or anything) work. 

Second chances from God is truly meant to honor Him by showing through your thoughts, actions and speech that you will not take advantage or take what He has blessed you with for granted. 

Second chances at marriage is affirming with God that you will honor the vows by honoring Him first and your spouse second.

Second chances is knowing the mercy and grace of my God who knows what / who we need in our lives.

I am double blessed at the second chance God gave to me and Dan and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Nothing is more important than relationships

Last summer, our family had a family reunion in Las Vegas. Families from Arizona, Washington and Hawaii came together having so much fun that our children who were graduating from high school decided to combine their graduation party together in Hawaii (just so they could see each other again before our next five year reunion)!

Since that time, we've planned from reserving the hall...

the food...

and entertainment...

As you can see, it was a great success with memories that not just the graduates but our entire family will cherish. 

It is the love we have for one another that is vital in keeping the bond intact through the good times and bad.

It is not a requirement. It is not a inconvenience. It is not a "when you feel like it" feeling. 

It is an everyday nurturing that thrives on the ebb and flow of giving and receiving unconditional love.

Our family knows this and it is hard work but in the end, hopefully everyone especially our children will continue the legacy that we leave with them and the upcoming generations that nothing is more important than relationships.

Colossians 3:14, "...And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity..."

I have a grandson

And he is so precious to me....

From the first time the news was given to now, my love has grown steadily for this little man.

Unexpected blessings gives unexpected joys that provides you a glimpse of God's love for us.

The overwhelming feeling of first seeing your grandchild catches your breath and brings tears to your eyes because who would have ever fathomed that this love goes over and beyond?

When you give birth to your own child, you already love them especially because you've been carrying them close to your heart for nine months.

But, wow...meeting your grandchild for the first time especially if you were given the privilege of being allowed to witness the birth is simply amazing.

Words cannot describe the moment...

Words cannot describe the first time you get to hold him in your arms...

Prayers are immediately uplifted for the parents to protect and guide them as they raise up their child...YOUR grandchild...

Prayers are immediately lifted for the family on both sides that we all remain strong and in unity as we guide and direct your grandchild's parents...encouraging and assisting in any way possible...

This is what love is all about...this is what overflowing blessings are....

Your grandchild...my grandson...

Kal-El Kali'i Okeakuaka'ulunakanawai Yoro Alvardo