Monday, March 24, 2008

Happy Birthday Lela!

Hello All,

Today is my lovely wife's birthday. I will never divulge the number, but she has again climbed the numbers ladder! I was recounting that we have now celebrated at least 12 of her birthdays together, which is pretty cool. My wife is the best woman in the world to me, and I know that the kids would insert "mother" next to the word "best" as well. She holds her life, our kids' life and my life together with simple grace and beauty. Of all the people that I love to make laugh, she is my favorite. I pray that she will have a wonderful birthday today! Here are some of my favorite photos of my wife...although, I am now realizing that she or I rarely have a photo alone!

Here is Lela on a Spanish beach with our little surprise, Elizabeth. This picture reminds me of my wife's courage and commitment, to go overseas to follow the Lord when this was our smallest child. Not very impressive until you understand the temperment of our children at this age! Lela is a saint!


This picture reminds me that my wife has cooked for 5 people for the last 6 years. This is generally the microcosmic scene where my wife is finally sitting down to eat, only to be interrupted by some little (sometimes big) person! She has had probably only 2 mildly warm meals in all that time!



During my time in ministry, Lela has been a faithful partner. Whether it was the crazy Junior High Youth group, the mission in Spain, or the worship teams, my partner has always been by my side. This is both a wonderful thing and a crazy maddening thing when it comes to leading worship, especially because we always disagree who should get the solo. I always think me, she always thinks her! I would ask you what you think, but if you have heard us sing before, I am pretty sure what your answer would be! :(

I guess that this picture has little to do with anything, but gives you a glimpse of my wife's corny personality that I get to enjoy. This is why we get along so great: We can be goofy together, and laugh about all kinds of ludicrous stuff, especially ourselves. This picture also speaks to my wife's optimism and hopefulness, in that this picture was taken with our old defunct camera. She found a way to make it work (I guess that also shows that she is incredibly resourceful!) and this was the test picture. Classic! She has made this face at our car in Spain and now our computer at home! Mostly her prayers and optimism keep it all running and working!
I know what your thinking: "What does this have to do with Lela?" Let me explain. First, do you seen anything green? Before Lela, my motto was "If it's green, it ain't in me!" You will notice a salad and asparagus. (Every thing goes down better with a t-bone!) Asparagus, as well as a whole host of foods have been introduced to me by my lovely wife and personal chef! Second, you will notice a glass of Apple Cider. B.L., that glass was about 3 feet taller and it was filled with various things that ended with the word "Soda!" Finally, and perhaps the best thing : You'll notice the presence of utensils...ENOUGH SAID!!!

I love my wife! Happy Birthday honey!

Blessings...To Our Friends,

Frank Sanchez

9 comments:

Jeff and Aimee said...

What a lovely tribute to Lela from the man who knows her best! I'm glad to know you, too, Lela. This world is a much better place because of your presence here. Happy birthday. :)
Aimee

Frank And Lela said...

Thank you Aimee for your very kind words! My husband sure knows how to make a girl feel special! Hope you all are doing well!

Love lots,
Lela

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Lela! Feliz CumpleaƱos! I to think this is very special of Frank to share how beautiful you are inside and out!
You are not only a wonderful wife and mommy, but a wonderful friend and sister! Keep shinning for Jesus!
Oh, and as far as music....Lela knows best!
I love you and miss you!

In His time,
Yolee

Cowen Family said...

Lela,
Happy Birthday! You have been such an incredible source of encouragment, wisdom, love, Godly wife and mother, and unending support in all the 16 years that I have had the privilege of knowing you. Happy Birthday! Hannah
Frank, What a sweet surprise to shout your love for your wife "from the mountain tops!"

Patty said...

Happy Birthday Lela! What a beautiful tribute by a loving husband. You are truely a Proverbs 31 woman. When I grow up I hope to be at least half the woman you are so my husband will see what Frankie sees in you. You are one loved mamasita! Let us know the next time you guys are in the IE; we'll stop by and say hi.

Hugs & smoochies! Patty

blythe said...

what a sweet and fun post!
happy belated, Lela!

Anonymous said...

happy belated birthday Lela! we love you lots!
from
jeff & diane

Frank And Lela said...

Wow! Thank you all for your sweet comments on my birthday blog! Your kind words really made my day super!

Love lots,

Lela

Carrie Allen said...

yaY! Lela's birthday! this was one of the greatest posts...so much info! :)