Hehmans

Dear Emily,
Happy 30th Birthday! How I wish would could celebrate by reliving anyone of our many adventures or fun outings. You (and Joel) have beensuch a blessing in our lives and we are grateful for your life! Wethank the Lord for allowing us to meet and fellowship in this life andpray for many more sweet times of fellowship AND adventure in thefuture. Thank you for being a dear friend and companion, for yourpeaceful nature, spontaneous adaptabilty, and precious trusthworthyheart. We love you and hope you have a wonderful day and blessed yearto come.
Hugs!
Liz & Eric

Dawn Van Den Bosch

Emily, I feel so blessed and honored to have gotten to know you in the last year. I remember when Kyle told me way back in the spring of last year that you also loved MOPS and I was so excited to have met you and taken you to MOPS. I knew that very morning that I wanted to get to know you better. Emily, the love of Jesus pours out of you. Sometimes when you are with someone, you just simply feel better after being with them. That's how I feel about you. :) The pure joy you exude is amazing - you are a breath of fresh air. I know our talks that we have had this summer have been such a blessing. Oh, to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in a short meeting and cut to the chase and just be real and authentic in front of one another is such a gift. Thank you so much for that. Thanks for all the devotions and songs that we have been able to share with eachother. You are a great encouragement of the Faith.....a Godly woman, wife, and mom - and what a great, beautiful momma you are. :)
I pray that you feel incredibly blessed this 30th birthday. I hope you know how special you are to so many. I have tears in my eyes thinking of the smile on your face as you read all these entries from all those who know and love you. You are such a definition of the Proverbs 31 woman. Here are some verses that remind me of you and ones that you might find joy in: :) Philippians 1:3"I thank my God every time I remember you." Zephaniah 3:17"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Hebrews 12:2a"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." Also, the song One Pure and Holy Passion.....good song!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I17edLkBDCo Blessings to you sweet one, and Happy Happy 30th Birthday!!! Dawn Van Den Bosch

Jessica Christian

Dear Emily,
Happy 30th Birthday! What a gift and a blessing you are to our family! Youare one of our favorite people in the world and for so so many wonderfulreasons!
You laugh is absolutely infectious and it's always present (and we have thevideos to prove it!). We love how joyful you are! Your heart is true gold. You have so much compassion and empathy for othersand have such a unique way of putting those around you at ease, helping themto feel accepted, comfortable and loved. We love your creative mind and your ability to turn ideas into reality.Your special touch has turned your house into a home, has turned seeds intosustenance, has provided countless gifts, blessings and encouragement forothers, and has provided for your family in special and unique ways. You are an inspiration to me (Jessica) as a wife and a mother both in yourexample and in your words of advice and encouragement. You seek to walkyour talk on a daily basis and your love for the Lord shines through you inbrilliant ways.
You are truly a gift, Emily! We are so thankful that you spit that ice intoJoel's mouth all those years ago and that he was smart enough to make you apart of our family. God has truly blessed each one of us by adding you toour lives! Happy Birthday dear Emily! We love you dearly and cannot thank God enoughfor you!

With much love,Ashish, Jessica, Priya and baby #2

Lindsay Aalbers

Happy 30th Birthday, Emily! We pray that you have a blessed day filled with fun, love and lots of laughter. It has been so much fun getting to know you and I'm excited to get to know you even better. You are an amazing woman who loves her family, friends and most of all God. May you feel His love on your special day and I wish you much happiness! Enjoy~ Lindsay

Emily Mullikin

Emily, It has been wonderful having you in Orange City! You have been a blessing an encouragement in my life. It has been great having you in small group! I am thankful God has lead your family here! I hope you have a wonderful 30th birthday with many more to come!Emily Mullikin

Kristen Markell

Emily,I still remember the first time you and I hung out - with a bunch of pre-schoolers! It was so fun to be a sub with you as the teacher's aide - and I was so glad you knew what needed to be done! It has been a huge blessing to get to know you, be in a small group with you, share stories and lives together...you are truly an amazing and beautiful person! I still wish you lived here, but I know that the Lord will use to you bless and serve so many people wherever you go. Enjoy your entry into your thirties! It's not so bad...! :)Happy Birthday!!~Kristen Markell

Marisa McAllister

Happy Birthday, Emily!!! Welcome to the wonderful world of 30-year-olds!! You're now crossing over into a whole new world of being "Grown up". You can't get away with as much now (trust me, I've TRIED!!!) :>) Hard to believe we are getting so old though.......Well, when I think back I can picture you and I outside of Johnson Hall on the bench between there and Madsen while I tried to cut your hair in the wind!! :>) The cape kept blowing up in your face...... And I always loved your hair cuz it was fun to cut!Thick and cute!! :>) Kind of a random memory, and you've probably never been told that your hair is fun to cut, but I thought I would just share that small memory real quick tonight!! :>)And what a nice husband you have to do all of this planning and correspondence for you!! Cute kids too!! :>)K, well enjoy your day!!! Love, ~Marisa (Wolff-McAllister)

Karen Woudstra

Emily,Happy 30th Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day!When I first met you, you were pregnant with Jake and Icould see the love you had for Joel, Ella and this new little one.I could also see the faith you had in the Lord and your love for Him.I'm so glad for the new friendship we've started with you and your familyand I hope you have a special day celebrating another year of life! Praying God blesses you with many more years ahead! Karen (and Earl)

Monica Aalbers

Emily is such a pleasant person to be around. Her bubbly personality iscontagious. She is continuously smiling and laughing. I really enjoyedbeing pregnant at the same time as her; it was fun to deliver our 2little men 2 months apart during football season of course! I thoughtfor sure that I would be bringing her to the OB after some of thoseclose NWC games. :) I am looking forward to getting to know her evenbetter! She is a beautiful Christian woman! - Monica

Phil and Kathy Arnold

Dear Emily,It is hard to believe that you are turning 30 this year…where did the years go? I clearly remember spending our first Christmas in NY with yourfamily in your blue house in Connecticut, when you and Lindsay were babies, taking pictures of both of you together in your Santa sleepers! You were just a funny, cute little 5 month old with dark hair that stuck out all over your head. We had some fun times while your family lived in CT and we were nearby in Mt. Kisco, NY. Too bad you guys moved to California…what was up with that! Oh well, life has a way of doing the unexpected and that is one example. It amazes me how close all of you cousins have been through the years, in spite of living coast-to-coast and half-way in between! I have loved watching all of you grow from babies, to toddlers, to elementary-age kids, to teenagers, to college students, and now to husbands, wives and moms and dads! I take pride in each one of you and love the wonderful choices you have all made in your lives…your choice in spouses, your choice in careers, your choices in how you raise your beautiful children, and especially, your choice to follow the Lord. I am truly blessed with 9 wonderful nieces and nephews! So today it is your dayto celebrate…30 amazing years! You are a precious niece to me, and Ialways think of you with joy in my heart. May God bless you today, Emily,and through this new year and decade that God has given you. May He grant you the desires of your heart, and may you know great joy in following closely after Him. With love, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Phil

Tanya Penner

I am so glad that i met you Emily! when Greg and I were first dating he always talked about "Joel & Emily" this and "Joel & Emily" that. I remember how nervous I was to first meet you as Greg seemed to greatly admire and respect you and I felt that I would not be able to live up to your expectations as greg's girlfriend. But of course like you always do, you made me feel loved and accepted the very first time we met! I always look forward to meeting up with you and your family and always enjoy the time that we get to spend together. You are always so positive, encouraging, and gracious and it's so easy being around you!! One thing i really admire about you is that you don't tolerate gossip or putting others down and it's so refreshing to be around you! i know that we might not email or talk much in between our visits but every time we do see each other it's so easy just continuing from where we left off the last time. You have become a very dear and precious friend and I love ya!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Tanya

Erica Smith

Happy Birthday, Emily! I consider it a great blessing to have you as a friend! I have wonderful memories of being your "trailer buddy" at WCA and wish that we could've worked together longer. You were always an excellent listener and a great helper when I needed something. You always had a wonderful way with your students, and they learned so much from you! Since that time, many changes have come in your life. You are an amazing mom and coach's wife. Those are big shoes to fill, and you do it with grace! Your kids are so blessed to have you as their mother. They might be too little to recognize it yet, but they will. Your loving heart and kind spirit are known well by those who love you. And I'm so grateful that you have been a part of my life. "Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." Proverbs 31:28-30 Love you,Erica Smith (for Jason, Owen and Maggie, too!)

Cynthia Dyck

Please wish Emily a happy birthday from all of us. I remember meeting her at your wedding celebrations and thinking what a great girl she was for you! What a wonderful mother and a caring woman. Wishing her all the best in the next year and many more!With Love,Chris, Cynthia, Carson and Caleb

Jess Hulst

Emily, It has truly been and is such a blessing to have you as a friend. It has been so fun to get to know you and I am so fortunate to also have you as prayer partner. I value your faithfulness as a friend and your heart to encourage others. I have appreciated the times when I have come to you discouraged or heavy laden. In those times, you have shown yourself to be such a great listener, and you truly have a way of encouraging others by using God's truths and Word. I think you do a great job at finding balance in life by making sure you spend time with God and time relaxing during your down time. I admire that in you and it is something that I strive towards.
I hope you have a simply splendid birthday and that you feel truly celebrated. I hope and pray that the Lord will lavish you and your family with His great love, peace, and joy in this coming year.
Love, Jess

Alisha McCarty

Emily- Happy, happy birthday to a very special person!! Hope that your big 3-0 is a wonderful day! Im so glad that you are a part of our Northwestern family and a new friend of mine :) It has been great getting to know you more. A memory that sticks out to me would be the many games that you and I were very pregnant... sitting in the nice hard bleachers together...cheering on the Red Raiders... with our little tots by our sides :) You are such a GREAT mommy! I Look forward to many more fun seasons ahead of us. I pray that God would continue to bless you and your wonderful family! ~Alisha

Anissa Murphy

Emily, We grew up so close to eachother yet didn't meet until college - i'm so glad we met then. I honestly wish we had become better friends during those years. BUT, now - I adore you. If I could choose ten people to live by you would be included in my list! I wold love to have my kids growing up next to your kids. You seem like you are living an amazing Godly life. Your kids are amazing! Your attitude is encouraging and infectious. Your drive to live life to the fullest is very obvious! From a distance watching your blog I strive to do life as well as you are. You have inspired me and I love keeping up with you through your blog. I also REALLY truly appreciate all your encouraging words about my kids. It is amazing to have someone be just a few months ahead of asher to keep me focused on where Asher should be going. Your advice has been priceless. I hope our lives cross again someday! Happy 30th I pray you have an amazing day, you obviously have a amazing husband for doing this for you!! Cheers to you and another great 30+ years!love...anissa

Aubyn Hoegh

Happy 30th Emily! I hope you have a special day :) The short bit I have known you has been a pleasure. I remember the first time I spotted your family at church. You (pregnant with Jake) and Joel were a few rows ahead us. You guys caught my eye as it was a young couple that I had not met (and you were pretty pregnant and I was earlier on in my pregnancy so that caught me eye too :). I asked Jerod if he knew either of you, he said he didn't and then I replied "they look like people we should get to know." I then remember meeting and talking at a baby shower and looked forward to chatting again. Time flies! I am so glad God brought you to Orange City! It has been great having you in small group, and getting to know you outside of small group. You are such a genuine person. I appreciate your sweet spirit and your wise advise. You have a calming way about you and are so easy to talk with. Thanks for being you :) Happy Birthday! Aubyn

Kyndara Woudstra

Dear Emily,Happy Birthday! It’s hard to believe that it’s already been an entire year since we met, but in that short time I have already felt very blessed by your friendship and I am so grateful that the Lord has sent you and your family our way! I have been encouraged again and again by your witness as a sacrificing and dedicated mother and wife. Anyone who is able to give up dairy for anything is impressive in my book:) Seeing you take care of your family with a joyful heart while Joel has been injured is a great reminder to me that even when things feel overwhelming with the kids or life in general, God is faithful to give us the patience we need to get through those trying moments. Thank you for your friendship and have a wonderful 30th! Love,Kyndara

Jodi Fish

Emily, First of all, Happy 30th Birthday! I have to say that things only get better as you grow older and as you grow in the Lord and your family. :) When Joel first emailed to ask for kind words and memories for you, I instantly thought about the first time we met for discipleship...and then a flood of memories started and it was tough to stop! But...more important than a one-time memory, I have a lasting friendship that I hold dear! I remember meeting in the loft of the student center and as we introduced ourselves and got to know each other I remember thinking how mature in the Lord you were. I quickly realized that even though I was older in years, I had much to learn from you. I think that as our friendship grew, our individual walks with the Lord grew as well. I can only pray that I was as much an encouragement to you as you have been to me throughout the years. In all honesty, you were the first example of a true Christian friend and a true example to me of what it meant to spur one another on and uphold one another in the Lord. We have so many memories together...we've cried together, we've laughed together, we've dreamed together...and all of those memories I hold dear. Thank you...even as we live so many miles apart and with too much time between our face to face conversations...thank you for continuing to be a dear friend and encourager. It seems that the rest of our lives we will continue to invite each other to coffee...and we will continue to dream of the days when we can actually sit down and savor our conversation more than the caffeine. :) I pray that your day is special...that you feel God's blessing upon your life and as you look back over the last 30 years you can see the imprint you have left on people's lives for Christ's glory. I also pray that as you look forward to the future you dream about the imprint you will leave on the lives of those whom you see every day and have yet to meet. You are a blessing! Happy 30th Birthday, Friend! Love, Jodi

Amy Achterhoff

Happy Birthday Emily,I know we haven't known each other very long, but I'm looking forward to many exciting games and our families getting to know each other better. I have been impressed with you as a mother, wife and a woman of faith. Enjoy your birthday!Love, Amy Achterhoff

Laura Arnold

Emily I can't believe you're turning 30!!! It feels like yesterday we were getting together at the Blakemore's house for family reunions ... so many good memories from all our trips to Indiana and Ohio (and California except I don't remember much about that trip besides finding those kittens!). Thanks for being such a great big cousin and letting Dana and I join in on all the fun you and Lindsay had (apart from the 'top tier' cousins ... haha). So many memories I will never forget! You have truly been blessed with adorable kids and a wonderful husband and I pray blessings continue to fall on you and your family! Enjoy your special day ... love you cousin!
Laurie (and all my boys)

Mom Penner

Dear Emily, I can't begin to say how grateful we are that God brought you into Joel's life and thus into ours. I still remember the day when Joel (before he had met you) announced to me that he thought he would like to marry a nurse because they were "nurturing people". He said this as he was sitting at the kitchen table eating an impromptu meal which I had just made for him!!! I think what he really meant was he wanted someone who could minister to his stomach!! Anyway, you have become way more than just a cook!! You are indeed a very nurturing person not only to him, but also to the two precious grandchildren you have given us. I am thankful for your godly spirit, your never ending patience, and just the grace you exude to all those around you. When we count our blessings you are indeed a very important one to us. Wishing you a happy 30th birthday and many more to come. Love, Sue

Jodie Evans

Emily, I have so enjoyed getting to know you this past year. You are always so quick with a kind word and reassurance. I have so enjoyed having our prayer meetings together with you and Jess, it's so great to have a friend like you who loves the Lord and is quick with spiritual advice in all situations. I am blessed to call you my friend, and I hope we have many years left of watching our kids grow up together!! Hope you have a very blessed 30th birthday! :)

Aunt Margaret

Hi Joel,I'll never forget when I first met Emily. I came to Abbot. for a visit and then to ride down with you so we could pick Stacey up at Seattle airport. She was coming back from Calif. You left to go back to Illinois that same day. Your dad is so good at coordinating this kinda stuff. I remember thinking....Jon married a "J".... I really liked Emily, but her name did not start with a "J" Solution, "Jemily" The real spelling should be with a "G" as in "GEM" because that's how I felt about her. She was the "gem" that came into your life. I loved her right from the start. She just fit in immediately. I loved that about her. I'm happy she's part of our family.HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY Gemily !!!!!! With love,Aunt Margaret

The Buzzell's

Hey Cuz!I had lost track of what number you were on!The big 30!!!Don’t be too sad. The few days of depression pass, and then you slowly realize that the thirties are not so bad…somewhere between still being young enough and feeling like you have figured somethings out (just some!)I hope you enjoy your day. It should be full of joy, silliness, and love - just like you are! I truly enjoyed our conversations over a year ago at Sapphire Valley, during one of our latenight cousin fests. You will always be the silliest, giggliest, gassiest girl cousin on the block…and becoming an adult, a wife and a mother with you has afforded some great conversations and jokes! We love you, Em! You are a beautiful person. Looking forward to seeing you soon! Love, Leslie, Aaron, Natalie and Colden

Lindsay Pflug

Emily,
I love the enjoyment you have in life. You have a cheerful, content spirit that is contagious. The way you interact with Joel, your kids, how you carry yourself, in each way you show a great example of a woman emitting love in all it's various forms. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and pray that God continues to guide you throughout life.
With love,Lindsay

Dan Pflug

My dear sissy wissy,
You turning 30 makes me feel pretty old, but it also makes me feel very proud, knowing all that you have accomplished in your brief life so far. We have both gone from being kids to raising kids and it has it all happened to fast.
I remember when we were young and Tim and I would get you laughing at the dinner table each and every night. Mom and Dad would give their looks at us, but I know we all miss those days sometimes. You have been a naturally gifted nurturer from the very beginning and that has greatly helped you in recent years.
You are a true friend and encourager. I will probably never be able to compete with you in having more friends on facebook. But I know that you are a better friend to more people and you have always been loyal and kind to everyone. I am most grateful for this quality within you as you have deeply befriended my wife, Amy, from the very beginning and made her your adopted sister. Thank you for that.
Em, you are godly woman, a great mother and wife, with wisdom, good humor, generosity, and grace. I am proud of you and will always love you as my sister and friend...even when we are miles apart. Happy 30th Birthday!
Sincerely, your older brother, Daniel.

Ann Gustine

Emily,What a blessing you have been in my life! It is so hard to pinpoint just a few memories that stand out. Ed classes, tae-bo, all kinds of 3A craziness, weddings, teaching together...I just know that the last 10 years have been full of laughter, joy and loving friendship; many thanks to you! Your strong faith, humility and gentleness are a blessing and example to everyone who meets you. I am glad that we have been able to stay connected even though we haven't lived close the last 5 years. It is so fun to see your pictures and hear your stories of this new crazy motherhood adventure we've both entered. I am thankful to God for you and our friendship. I love you, Emaline!
Ann

Danica Giffen

Emily -You are one of the best neighbors a gal could ask for!! I have so many fond memories of chatting over the fence, across the driveway, or over meals. It was so much fun to go through our first pregnancies together and sharing so many fun memories with the kiddos. I long to have a friend and neighbor around here as great as you -- I mean you just can't trust to get a cup of sugar or egg from anyone :) Not only have I appreciated you as a neighbor and a friend, but you've been a tremendous blessing to me as you've encouraged me as a wife, mother, and friend!
I hear thirty isn't all that bad - let me know for sure though, I have a couple years till I join you and my other favorite "30 and older" friends ;)
Love you and have a fantastic 30th birthday!!Danica

Dad Penner

Hello Emily and Happy 30th Birthday!! We are so glad you are our daughter, our youngest daughter actually! We will never forget to thank God that He brought you to be our dear son's life partner. Your temperament and caring nature are so good for Joel and for your children. You have brought two beautiful grandchildren to join our ranks and how we thank God for Ella and Jake. You always come across as deeply caring and considerate. You are patient and kind. You are a godly woman. We admire all these things. You have become a creative gardner! Way to go! You are always supportive of Joel's career and participate with the other football ladies in the games and activities. We get to see you in a few days!!! Yeah for us! Best wishes Em and we pray you will enjoy many more birthdays as the years go by. Rick

Aunt Barb

Dear Emily, Happy 30th Birthday! What a joy to have you in our family! I have not known you well, but what I have known has been sweet, godly and very well-matched as a wife for Joel. I'm excited to see your family grow - we need lots of Christian familes to raise lots of Christian kids. I praise God that you are doing just that. A note about turning 30: When I turned 30 (over 30 years ago), 30 was, well, 30! It meant you were "over the hill" and if not married, an "old maid."!! As a single young woman, I refused to look at it that way after turning 29, so I contemplated how God would have me look at it. He gave me the thought that when Jesus was 30, His REAL ministry began - up until that time He lived and worked at home, in preparation for His ministry to come. I began to think this thought every time I thought about turning 30. After awhile, I began to wonder if God had something concrete in mind with this approach - was something special going to happen after I turned 30? To make a LOOOOOOONG story short (I can tell you sometime when you've got 45 minutes!), God was preparing me to meet and marry Harold Alexander, all of which happened right after I turned 30. So if 30 seems scary or old (I hear 40 is the new 30 :), the Lord can give you a positive, anticipatory outlook! Love, Aunt Barb (for both Harold and me :) :)
PS My birthday is also in July - the 5th. And Aunt Marion's is the 11th :)

Grandma Atkinson

Dear Emily, Congratulations and a very happy 30th b irthday. Time certainly flies by. It seems only a few years since I came to be with your mom and dad when you were only a newborn, and a very special one I might add. You have grown into a very special young lady and Mom to 2 lovely children of your own. It has been great for us to watch our grandchildren grow and become parents themselves. I am sorry granpa has to miss some of the special times. Lots of love to you and your little family, Grandma

Ted and Janis Meredith

Dear Emily,
What an exciting celebration! Turning 30!
But honestly, we don't think of you in number of your years, but how you are such a great mom and supportive coach's wife. WE think of how you loved on Cristi for three years at Greenville and how you always opened your home to her and treated her like a sister. For that we are so grateful!
Have a great day and know how much you are loved!
Janis & Ted Meredith

Beth Walker

Dear Emily,Happy Birthday!!! I hope your day is great. I'm sure your 30's will be awesome and there is no reason to do anything but celebrate today! :)
Emily, we have known each other for a LONG time! As students in college together, coach's wives, first time moms, we have celebrated many fun milestones together and I have loved every one of them. I remember so many fun things about our time living around the corner from each other. Letting the dogs play together, you giving the boys hair cuts, BBQ's and camp fires, stamping, traveling to SO many games and hanging out at SOOOO many practices!
You are such a great mom, so patient and always striving to do what is best for your kids. I have loved watching you in person and in blog videos giggle at your kids cute activities. Your love for Joel is so obvious and you are an awesome balance for him. You are a great supporter and awesome example to women around you of how to be a loving and supportive wive, but still have your own identity. I have sat often this year with college students and have heard them reference conversations they had with you. You planted seeds here in Greenville and I'm sure you are doing the same there! The thing I appreciate the most from you is your friendship. You are always happy to hear from me and our conversations are always full of laughter and yet we can be serious, honest and love each other whether we agree or disagree on something. That makes you a rare and special friend and I will always value you!
Happy Birthday Em! Love you!Beth Walker

Michelle Westlake

Emily,
What an encouragement you are! I consider you a true Godsend especially in the college years for me. It was great to get to know you and be mentored and encouraged by you through the years at Greenville. I have a lot of fond memories just hanging out-chatting, e-cafe nights, e-cafe leadership nights and football games. I appreciate all your hard work and your investment in all of us girls. I look up to you as a wife, mother and woman of God. When I think of you the verse that comes to mind is a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. You are definitely in that category! I wish you all the best in the years to come and have a very happy birthday!
Love, Michelle Westlake

Holli Meredith

Dear Emily,I miss you! I wish I could see you more than I have been able to. I hope your birthday is great! I am so glad you are my cousin because you are so sweet and funny and beautiful! I love you and miss you!Love, Holli Meredith

Candace Schenk

Happy 30th Birthday Em, We have known each other for so long. Before kids, before husbands before college and even before high school. Now there is no reason to figure out how many years that is but it is a lot. You have been always a person who has encouraged me and loved on me. During all different times in your lives. We have been thru so much together over the years and I am proud to be able to still know you. I am blessed that I have gotten to see all the different stages of your life. Welcome to the 30 club. It just means that you are more knowledgeable in life and that much more of a beautiful person. Happy Birthday!

Mom and Dad

Emily, It is hard to believe that our ”little girl” is turning 30. How fun it is to see you grown upand busy with the demands of your own household. And it is easy to see that you are a wonderful homemaker and mother –naturally gifted at what you do. We are very proud of you!Your birthday, Emily, has always come at a time when we were on the road to CSU, or at CSU, or when friends were on vacation. Sometimes that has made it hard to celebrate as well as we would have liked, but sometimes it has been a plus, allowing for multiple celebrations over a week or two. We remember the day you were born. It was a Saturday, in New Haven, Connecticut. Your mom remembers how much easier the labor and delivery were the second time around, which caused us to change your middle name from “Megan” to “Joy”! What a joy you were then, and have continued to be to us ever since! You have had a sincere, sensitive heart for God since childhood – even if your theology wasn’t quite up to seminary standards. In fact, when you were six-years-old, and Tim was four, your dad was tucking you both into bed one night. We were talking about Jesus and how He diedfor our sins. “Timmy” was quick to add, “But He rose again, He’s still alive!” Not wanting to be out done, Emily, you elaborated on the concept, “Yes, He didn’t stay dead, but rose again.” Andthen as almost an afterthought, you added, “I think He does it every Easter!”Some of our best memories of you in junior and senior high are of your ministry with StudentVenture. Your commitment to walk strong in a secular high school and lead other girls tobecome disciples is a wonderful legacy that we thank God for. Whatever theological gaps may have been there, we thoroughly enjoy watching you as a godly young woman influencing others by your life and words. Then there were your trips to Europe, one with dad, and the other on your own with Candace. Getting lost in Basil, driving around Switzerland, haggling with the hotel clerk for a room in Austria, touring Neuschwanstein and Dachau, … it was a special time. Remember the Germankids you watched during dad’s conference? You thought you were communicating pretty well in German, only to have the German teen working with you (who spoke English) tell you that one of the kids asked her, “Is she speaking Chinese?”The other day, dad came across a copy of the “list” you gave him concerning the qualities youwanted in the man you would marry. And having seen that come to pass, we’re now praying for the growth and well-being of those two beautiful children you have and their future spouses, also. Emily, we love you. You are a wonderful daughter, sister, wife and mother. On this 30th birthday we celebrate who you are and all that God has done in you and through you in the lives of those you touch.
Love,Mom & Dad

Sara Crane

Happy Birthday Emily!Welcome to the world of "thirty-somethings" :-)
I feel so blessed having you both as my neighbor and as my friend! I love running into you outside and our backyard chats... you bring me much encouragement!Hope you have a great birthday celebration!
~Sara Crane

Jan and Dustin Fenton

Hi Emily!
Happy 30th Birthday!!! 30 isn't so bad - I'm enjoying one more month of it :). We sure do miss you guys - we were so blessed to have you in small group! Love seeing pictures of your family and hearing updates through facebook.
Hope you have a great day!
Take Care-Jan & Dustin

Dan and Maryanne Dainsberg

Happy Birthday, Emily! We hope you have a very special celebration with your family and friends! Just want you to know that we have always appreciated your sweet spirit and ready smile. It's always fun to spend time with you and Joel, just wish we could do it more! We pray that God will bless you and your growing family.
Love,Dan & Maryanne

Patti DiSandro

Hi Em! I miss your smiling face and wish so much that I could give you a big birthday hug but hopefully these words can be my arms that stretch across so many miles. Emily, you are such an amazing and graceful Christian woman that I and so many others are blessed enough to call friend. Your sweet nature and love of life are so refreshing and encouraging to those who surround you. You have an obvious care and concern for those around you and I think that is what draws people to you. You are an amazing wife and mom to Ella and Jake and I love to hear you talk about them and all that they do to amaze and entertain you. They are blessed indeed to have you. Em, as you celebrate these first 30 years passing it is my prayer that you embrace what the future holds for you and your family and that you continue to delight in learning and teaching others even in the small things. I have a feeling that the next 30 years will be quite the ride. :-) We hope you have a wonderful birthday full of fun and laughter! xxxooo Patty (Jeff and Beniah)

Angie Thieszen

Dear Emily,I know we aren't technically "family" but I still feel as though in some ways we are. Between being in the same stage of life and getting updates from Dan & Amy as well as checking in on your facebook page and blog, I feel as though I know your life better than some of my own sister-in-laws! I appreciate the way you let others into your world through your honesty on your blog. We've enjoyed seeing your pictures of the family growing in number and age and connecting to some of your life experiences.
If I think back to one of the first times I met you, I talked with you in your room about reading the book I Kissed Dating Goodbye and my own experience after reading it. I remember thinking..."Emily has her head on straight and her heart is in a sweet spot with the Lord. I wish I was the same when I was her age." I was blessed to see your example or honoring the Lord and wanting His best for your life and your relationships. I have always thought you are one sweet spirit and I was glad Amy was gaining you as a sister.
Beyond your relationship with the Lord and how I love seeing that play out in your everyday life, I have also admired your sense of style and "chicness". You are on top of the latest fashion and yet also play it smart and don't go overboard into the worldliness some do. You look beautiful, radiant, and joyful. I'm sure there are days in the life of a stay-at-home mom where you feel less than all of those things, but let me assure you that you ARE those things!
If you are like me, you are probably also longing for your kids to just thank you for something you've done for them that day or notice that you actually put your sweats away and wore a nice outfit, but for some reason they just aren't saying those things. Allow this to be a reminder that you are doing an amazing job and even though they don't understand how to thank you for it now, someday you'll be rewarded for all you are doing for them. Ella and Jake are blessed to have you as their mommy and don't ever forget that.
Happy Birthday, Emily. May your life continue to be blessed by the Lord's direction and energy!Love, Angie Thieszen

Amy Pflug

Emily,
Happy 30th Birthday, sis! I am honored to be among all these people who are celebrating your wonderful life on such a special day. Ever since we met, as Dan and I were getting together, I always thought it was great to inherit a beautiful new sister like you! You have always been such an encouragement to me, and you've added so much joy to my life. I love being able to look back on our fun memories. It was both an honor to have you stand with me at our wedding and to stand beside you at yours. It has also been a blessing to share in our experiences of motherhood together. Thank you for the ways you rejoice over our kids! They are blessed to have a loving Auntie Em. I appreciate all the times you've listened to me, whether I've been up or down. You have been supportive, compassionate, and generously helpful all these years...whether we've lived many miles away or right there in your own home. On that note, what a beautiful sacrifice you made of opening your home to us that summer and then supporting us through the most difficult experience we've faced in life. I will never forget your presence during the infamous Greenville ER night and especially during the St. Louis Children's Hospital days. (I still wish that summer had gone far differently than it did! What a bummer!) A much more fun memory was how you joined us as we trekked across the country to Colorado the year before. I know that life is a bit crazy as we both currently try to parent little ones, but I want you to know that you are a magnificent wife and mommy. You work hard and are creative in your home. You care so much for your friends and relatives. And you live by faith in the Lord that you love. Thank you for blessing me time and time again over the 14 years we've known each other. How grateful I am for a sister like you. Have a wonderful birthday, Emily!
I love you,Amy

Lita Holman

emily, happy 30th birthday! 8 yrs of marriage and 2 kids later and you're at your 30th birthday - time flies! i feel priveleged to have known you and been friends with you for as long as we have. you've always been such a sweet, caring friend of mine that i've always had so much fun with. its fun to be able to remember back to being in youth group together and all the fun and silly things we did at that age. one of my best memories with you from back then was the dinner theater dance we put together! we had such a fun time practicing and laughing during that. we were blessed to have such a rich time during highschool and such a great support group. i also love that we were able to share our college days together and even more so since ryan and joel played football together! it was such a blessing having other christian couples in the same place that we could spend time with and be encouraged by. i hope you have a wonderful 30th birthday! wish we got to see each other more often.love, lita

Rachel Gaspar

Dear Em,Turning 30 this year does feel significant. We are officially leaving behind our childhood and adolescent years and embracing adulthood. Oh, I know we've been adults for awhile now, but I really feel it this year, don't you? Let's pause and go back 11 years to the fall of '99 when a group of us became known as the 3A girls.
We were full of spunk and girly giddiness. We formed a fast sisterhood doing everything together-eating at Melton, going to the beach and to Chapel, choosing a church, reading philosophy, doing Tae-bo, watching movies, having a major indoor water fight, winning the Santa Lucia suite decorating contests years in a row, painting a sheet to hang in the lounge, dying/highlighting/cutting hair, playing a game of powder-puff, anticipating and attending candle-lightings, throwing bridal showers-and squealing with embarrassment at our own, and eventually planning weddings.
We shared clothes (I loved your closet-thank you!), food, classes, memories, insights, personal discoveries, tears (stinking boys!), laughter, and hopes.
Some of my favorite memories of you are as follows:sleep-waitressing, teaching me "Gopher-Girls," watching Runaway Bride (and countless other chick flicks) together, working through the ED program with you, road-tripping to see an away football game-we stopped to "pee" in the cornfield, visiting your family in OH, witnessing your wedding, and you sweetly caring for me the day of my wedding.
You were my listening ear and shoulder to cry on. You challenged me to grow spiritually and modeled discipleship as you mentored many girls. You were an excellent example of a teacher merging your sweet, tender, caring spirit, with your creative, silly, fun side to create enticing meaningful lessons.
I so enjoyed learning along side you, and living with you. I treasure the time we had.
I look at your blog and see the wife and mother you have become and am immensely proud of you-knowing you serve them with love, seeking to glorify God in all you do. My sweet sister from Suite 3A-May God bless you richly in this 30th year of your life. May you experience peace, joy, love, excitement, spiritual growth, and contentment in abundance. I love you.
Sincerely, your Gopher Girl partner-Rachel Gaspar

Greg Penner

Happy Birthday Emily!
You are the salt of the earth. After every visit we leave encouraged and are motivated to be better people. Your kindness, warmness, and hospitality leaves a visible impact on people that we all see. Your creativity is also really cool to be around. From games with your kids, crafts, home decorations, or even ideas for food it always seems you have some unique idea. Ella, Jake, (and Joel) are so blessed to have your in their lives.
It has been joy to get to know you over the last few years and we always look forward to more times ahead.

Becky O'Hagan

Emily, you are one of the few people I know who embodies genuine sweetness. I always felt encouraged and joyful when in your presence. I have such found memories of our days at Trinity together. Thanks for pampering me so often with fun hair styles and cuts - making me feel like a princess. What goofy, fun memories from the trip to Southern IL to watch our boys play! And singing songs from Runaway bride endlessly. All the projects of 3A - especially those Santa Lucia days of decorating and all those candlelightings! Ah - those were wonderful days that wouldn't be nearly as treasured if they were without you. You are a blessing to me and everyone you know - and I'm sure to many others as well. Lots of love and God's blessing to you on your very special 30th birthday!!!! :)
Becky O'Hagan

Kelly Grace

Emily,I have so many fond memories of time spent with you. Many times over, you were an answer to prayer. What stands out to me is your gentleness, compassion and nurturing spirit. This is the heart of a beautiful mother, wise teacher and kind friend. The images that come to mind when I think about you is your smiling, laughing face and your open arms which extended so often to the women of e~cafe and those around you. You have spread so much joy Emily and offer a safe place. What gifts! I will always treasure the season we were able to spend together and hope our paths cross again in the future. May you find that your 30th year is one of jubilee! Jesus, surround Emily with your hope, rest, comfort and shalom. Amen. Happy birthday friend! ~ Kelly Grace

Kay Neuhausal

Dear Em,
One of my favorite things about you is your calm presence - you have always exuded a special peace that soothes and comforts. I so value your ability to take things as they come, face challenges head on and remain focused and gentle. I imagine it doesn't always feel that way to you - know that to those of us who are fortunate enough to call you our friend, we admire you deeply for your patience, kindness, laughter, flexibility, poise, gentleness, and deep care for those around you. I know I can always count on real honesty, thoughtfulness and love from you - and this is so rare. Every time we get to catch up in person, if even for a short while, I am so grateful to feel as though we are picking up just where we left off. And that is thanks to your genuineness. I love so many things about you and cannot imagine the world without you. Happy 30th and may God bless you with twice as many years yet!
Hugs and much love,
Kay

Jon Penner

One of the things we always enjoy about Emily is her laugh. We like watching your videos on your blog because she laughs in almost all of them. Her joy and enthusiasm for life spreads to all around her. We hope Emily has an awesome birthday – surrounded by love and joy!

Krosschell's

Emily,

Happy Birthday our friend! When we think of you Emily we think of Philippians 4:11…”For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which delights in God’s wise and Fatherly disposal in every condition. Emily you are that very thing and we honor YOU!! Our prayer for you is that God will continue to be your Rock and firm strength and that your desire will be for him first. Psalm 73:25-26. Celebrating YOU!
Perry and Kimber Krosschell

Jessica Odell

Our memories sail all the way back to our days at TIU. I was priviledged to be your roommate for a semester, but I remember more memories of our days at the guys' house in Lake Bluff. I remember the days Curtis and Joel shared a room and we would spend date evenings over at the house together, watching movies and chatting. I remember making the Christmas stockings together, which still hang in our home every Christmas. Valentine's Day will always be a special memory for us. I remember how excited Curtis and I were to take you out on Valentine's Day when Joel was in Canada. The surprise of him arriving at the airport we pulled off so well. Not to mention the other Valentine's Day surprises we have pulled on you since. I remember visiting your Lake Bluff apartment after you and Joel were married. You would fix dinner, and we would listen to the Metra barrel by outside the window. I was pariticulary fond of your rice and chicken dish (I still make it today) becaus! e a home cooked meal was few and far between for me in those days. Then, I remember when you then moved into Hehman's basement in Libertyville. You were so content with the little that you had. Yes, you wanted more, but your patience for what God would bring taught me so much. You were so willing to be there for me for the two years that Curtis and I were miles away. Thank you. We both fell in love with our men at the same time, and it was a privilege to share those moments with such a good friend.
As we have grown older and into new stages of life, I have always enjoyed our conversations because you are so optimistic, and take life one moment at a time. I love how laid back you are and the joy you find in simplicity. I appreciate your heart for the Lord and your willingness to serve Him. You are so willing to listen, which I appreciate when I just want someone to talk to that doesn't know me as the "pastor's wife". I miss the days of a quick drive (3 hours) to see you. Just seeing each other a couple of times a year was refreshing, and brought joy to my heart. We will have to carve out those special times as the miles between us have grown longer. I hope that our kids will know each other like "cousins", and that our friendship will grow deeper as we experience the hardships and joys of life. May we together enjoy the journey God has given us. I love you.
Jessica Odell

Tim Pflug

Emily, It seems like I've always been on your heels since we were kids. Here you are marking 3 decades of very full life here on earth and I'm so thankful to have shared much of it with you. You are such an amazing person, Emily! I think we've talked about this before, but, I sometimes wonder at how we were able to fight so much when we were young. I honestly think you might be one of the easiest people to love and get along with. There is so much I have admired and respected about you as we have grown into adulthood. Your consistent love for our Lord and very evident desire to please Him, your sincerity with others without favorites, and your joy! I have been so blessed by your ability to see the good in a crummy situation and that optimism overflows into how to treat others. Almost every greeting is seasoned with welcome and kindness. This is more rare than you think, Em - don't lose it! Truly, you are an example for many of us in loving Christ, and in loving others (especially in loving your family well).Thanks for teaching me, loving me as your little brother, and for always being a great sister.Happy Birthday...and here's to many more!Love,Tim