tales from a far-land

Today marks a milestone that fills my heart with gratitude and joy. Fifteen years ago, I said "I do" to the most remarkable man, and every day since then has been a journey of love, growth, and endless adventures. To my incredible husband, Joshua, on our 15th wedding anniversary: thank you for being my rock, my partner, and my best friend. Together, we've built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories that I hold dear to my heart. From the moment we met through Leadership West back in 2007, I knew there was something special about us. Our shared passion for making a difference in the world brought us together, and since then, we've been unstoppable. We've been blessed with two amazing children, Aiden and Madilyn, who fill our home with laughter, excitement, challenges, a hectic schedule, and love every single day. Watching them grow into incredible individuals has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. Our home has become our sanctu...

In honorarium, the Farrell-Landers clan compiled a list of the fifty reasons that we love Tim and Shirley Farrell.  Fifty years married is an amazing accomplishment.  One that I can only aspire to accomplish.  We love you very much and hope your anniversary is still filled with the love that you shared so long ago when you first united as husband and wife.

After six months of continuous time with our kids, Josh and I decided do a little weekend getaway.  We had been eyeing an old historic resort that originated in 1896 located just on the outskirts of Phoenix called Castle Hot Springs .  After many, many years of destruction and desolation, the new owners renovated the property and reopened it in 2019.  We were surprised to find this precious gem so close to home.  It is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert.  The grounds were magnificently tended. the meals were fresh from the on-property farm, and the service was impeccable.  We enjoyed all of the resort's amenities -- the hot springs, the pickle ball and bocce courts, the spa, and the electric bicycles.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable weekend escape.  Here's hoping that we will be able to someday return to one of Arizona's best luxury resorts. The infamous hot springs A view from our room A morning bicycle ride

To my love and best friend, Ten years ago you chose me.  You will never understand how incredibly blessed you made me feel on that day, standing in front of our family and friends in the intense heat.  You held my hand, nervously recited your vows, which were adorably scribbled on a paper napkin, and expressed your love and commitment to me and our future together.     And every day since, we have both chosen to wake up next to each other and navigate through life together.  Some days have been rockier than others.  We definitely have had our share of fights, crying, struggles and failures.  We have had to find solutions to many problems, especially, when a resolution seemed to feel impossible or the puzzle piece (or refrigerator) didn't fit.  We have tested each other over and over, and yet, we have found a way to support and lift each other so that our marriage could succeed. We have also had our moments of pure bliss.  ...

Happy 7th Anniversary to the man who chooses to love me each and ever morning. I promise to love you with all that I am and all that I will be. I am yours completely and forever.  Whittier Homecoming 2008 Kenya ~ December 2008 Wedding Day 2009 Pregnancy Photos 2010 Family Photos ~ Fall 2010 Family Photos ~ Fall 2011 Anniversary Hike 2012 San Diego Family Photos ~ August 2013  Playa del Carmen Trip ~ Spring 2014  Family Photos ~ Spring 2015 Israel Trip ~ February 2016  Spring 2016

Eight years ago, I was presented with an incredible gift. A key to Josh's condo when he lived in Arcadia. And, although, a key may not be considered romantic to many. To me, it meant the world. It was a *huge* gesture of his love towards me. It signified a more committed relationship. One full of trust, intimacy and vulnerability. One that would begin our journey towards marriage. And it all started with one simple little key. Happy Key Day, my love....I love you more and more every day. I am so blessed you selected me to hold the key to your heart.

Kiddushin is the Hebrew term for wedding.  What makes a relationship “sacred”?  In what ways can you enhance the holiness of your relationship? From my perspective, the two people involved in the relationship are responsible for defining what makes their relationship “sacred”.  I believe that every relationship will have a slight variation on the definition of this term.  For me and my husband, “sacred” can be defined as separate and unique.  Our relationship should be different than all other relationships in our life.  We have chosen to hold our relationship above all others at all times.  I am not stating that this definition is easy to uphold, but I know that we have both committed to each other that this is what we strive to do in our marriage on a daily basis.  One of the ways we ensure that our relationship continues to be “sacred” is by taking time to continually work on our relationship.  Relationships take love, respect, trus...

Forty years ago, today, my parents were wed.  The year was 1973.  They were married at four o'clock in the afternoon.  The ceremony was held at The First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The church was decorated with daisies and yellow roses.  The bridesmaids wore yellow halter dresses.  My aunt Angie sang "their" song, The Wedding Song by Paul Stookey .   The reception occurred at the Colorado Springs Country Club.  And the after party followed at the home of Rae and Frank Schuhmacher, my mother's parents.  It was a beautiful, magical day. Cutting the cake... Dad and Grandpa Frank The Bridesmaids -- Aunt Becky, Aunt Jerre, & Aunt Sue Mom and Uncle Terry Grandma Helen & Grandma Rae At the reception The beautiful bride What is even more magical is that my parents are still married forty years later.  I am so in awe of this accomplishme...