Our Song

In honor of our upcoming 11th anniversary, I posted the words to our song.....I just love the words.

Every Day by Rascal Flatts

You could've bowed out gracefully

But you didn't

You knew enough to know

To leave well enough alone

But you wouldn't

I drive myself crazy

Tryin' to stay out of my own way

The messes that I make

But my secrets are so safe

The only one who gets me

Yeah, you get me

It's amazing to me

CHORUS

How every day

Every day, every day

You save my life

I come around all broken down and

crowded out

And you're comfort

Sometimes the place I go

Is so deep and dark and desperate

I don't know, I don't know

Sometimes I swear, I don't know if

I'm comin' or goin'

But you always say something

without even knowin'

That I'm hangin' on to your words

With all of my might and it's alright

Yeah, I'm alright for one more night-

every day

Every day you save my life

First Day Of Kindergarten

We made it through the first day and she loves it!  She is so excited to get up every morning (as excited as one can be getting up at 6) and get to see her new friends and her wonderful teacher, Ms. Jennings.  Here are some pics.

Birthday Planning

One of the things on my "To Do List" is plan Hannah's 5th birthday party.  Wow, my baby girl is going to be 5....I still cannot believe it.  As all my friends know, I am tearing up just thinking about it.  So besides her constant talk about having an ice skating party (thanks Brian), we have decided to have a pool party at our great friend Kayce's house.  Very simple....swim for a couple o hours, have cake, hand out goodie bags, and party over.  That stress is out of my life.  I even know how I am doing the goodie bags this year.  Something a little different.  I may have to get my friend Morgan to help...she is very creative!  

Here is the soon to be birthday girl....I love you baby girl!

I don't know why I have been thinking about death a lot lately.  It could be the constant reminder when I watch the news, or the sad blogs that I always find myself reading, or just the fact that I am getting older and the people who once helped mold me into the woman I am today are getting older too.  Death has always been a very hard topic for me.  I don't like to think about it.  I don't like to talk about it.  But yet all my life I remember sitting in church and the preacher would say "I cannot wait to die and be with Jesus".  I always would feel bad because I would always disagree.  But wait....I want to get married, and I want to have children, and I want to see them get married, and then have grandchildren.  

And then I came across this poem...it makes me realize that I don't have to think about it or talk about it or embrace it like the preacher says.....I can just make the most of the time that I do have and make the dash on my tombstone(which hopefully is far from the making) count:

The Dash
By Linda Ellis 
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.
 
He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
 
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
 
For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
 
So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.
 
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
 
And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
 
If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
 
So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

I am an official Slacker!

I know...I know.  You thought you were going to get this grand post about how busy we have been and all of our exciting adventures.  Well.....sorry to disappoint.  But don't give up hope.  Tomorrow I will remember to bring my camera to work and show you what we have been up to.

Until then.....have a great Thursday!

Happy Easter

Taken from a children's bible:

They nailed Jesus to the cross. 

"Father, forgive them, " Jesus gasped. "They don't understand what they are doing."

 

"You say you have come to rescue us!" people shouted. "But you can't even rescue yourself!"

 

But they were wrong. Jesus could have rescued himself.  A legion of angels would have flown to his side-if he'd called.

 

"If you were really the Son of God, you could just climb down off that cross!" they said.

 

And of course they were right.  Jesus could have just climbed down.  Actually, he could have just said a word and made it all stop.  Like when he healed the little girl.  And stilled the storm.  And fed 5000 people.

 

But Jesus stayed.

 

You see, they didn't understand. It wasn't the nails that kept Jesus there.

 

It was love.

I've been Tagged.....again

I’ve been tagged:

1. What is your favorite thing about where you live? Being near the ocean/water.  I love the water.  Whether it is laying on the sand listening to the waves crash or being on a boat…it has to be the most relaxing thing.

2. What do you get the most compliments on? I do get compliments on my kids, but they do not look anything like me so I guess that is not a reflection of me.  A lot of people say I look like Jennifer Connelly.  I take that as a compliment…I hope they mean it that way.

3. When did you know you were in love with your husband? Crazy I know….but the first day we met I knew he was the man I was going to marry (I did not even know his name).

4. If you could be just like someone you know, who would it be? There are pieces of several people I wish I could mix together.  The motherly best friend type like my mom (pre-wreck), the quiet time Christian like Tonya, the provider like my father, etc.  I could go on forever.

5. Why? Because each has different qualities that I admire  

6. Who do you know that you dont want to be anything like? If you live in Charleston, you see many of those people around.  I do not want to be someone who is negative all the time and I want to live life to its fullest.

7. If you were back in time 10 years what would you be most shocked about in your life now? I would never have thought we would be living in Charleston with 2 kids.

8. What would you be most sad about? Leaving our friends in Columbia was really hard but we all keep in touch.  Losing our first child in 2003 was the toughest challenge on our marriage and our faith.  But it only made it stronger.

9. How would the people that know you best describe you? I would hope that they would say loyal, a good listener, a wonderful friend, and always positive.

10. What makes you laugh the hardest? For some reason when I am pregnant, I laugh uncontrollably when there is nothing funny.

11. What can put you in a bad mood faster than anything else? When Brian and I get in an argument or money stresses

 

12. What flaw have you recently been working on? I have a pet peeve that I am trying to deal with….I hate when people cut through parking lots to get somewhere.  I am trying not to get mad at them.

13. describe a perfect day: a good work day, a wonderful dinner and a glass of wine afterwards, then go home and curl up into my warm sheets with Brian and the kids.

14. what is your favorite holiday: Christmas.  I love spoiling the kids, I love Christmas music at church, and I love how excited my kids still get when they see the Christmas tree every morning.

15. are you a morning or night person: I am a morning person as long as it is not too early. 

16. what character trait do you respect most in a person: I love to see people show others respect.  Whether it is holding the door, not cussing, saying mam or sir, etc.

17. favorite restaurant: Red Drum.  We have a gift card that we got last February.  I cannot wait to use it.  We are waiting on you, Morgan and Andy!

Great Verse for not so Great Times

32"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

 33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Things You wanted/Did Not Want to Know:

44 ODD Things about me.....

This was sent to me by several of my friends....enjoy!

.1. Do you like blue cheese? Not really.

2. Have you ever been drunk? Yes

3. Do you own a gun? No

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Grape

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes

6. What do you think of hot dogs? Baseball game only

7. Favorite Christmas movie? Elf

8.Mom's name? Joyce

9. Can you do push ups? Maybe 1

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My diamond cross and Hannah's birthstone

11. Favorite hobby? shopping (expensive hobby)

12 Do you have A.D.D.? No

13.What's your weight? Enough

14.Middle name? Suzanne

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? Would rather be at home, wonder what the kids are doing, my week is too busy

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? coke, tea, water

17. Current worry? the economy

18. Current hate right now? the economy

19. Favorite place to be? With my family

20. Ever been in a car accident? Yes, 3, none my fault

21. Where would you like to go? Italy or skiing

22. Name three people who will complete this? Kayce, Heather, ??

23. Do you own slippers? no

24.What color shirt are you wearing right now? I am wearing a pink dress

25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets? I can sleep anywhere.

26.Can you whistle? Nope

27. Favorite color? green, pink

28. Would you be a pirate? No

29.What songs do you sing in the shower? None

30. Favorite Girl's Name? Hannah

31. Favorite boy's name? Keith

32. What's in your pocket right now? No pockets

33. Last thing that made you laugh? My crazy kids

34. Best bed sheets as a child? I was never into characters, they were purple

35.Do you love where you live? Yes

36. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? fell off of a slide and sprained my arm

37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 4

38. Who is your loudest friend? ????

39. How many dogs do you have? none

40. Does someone have a crush on you? Doubt it.....

41. What is your favorite book? DaVinci Code

42.Diet? Every other day

43. Favorite sports team? UNC Tarheels

44. Favorite song to be played at your funeral? Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin

I TAG KAYCE AND HEATHER!

Farewell

I am kind of sad seeing our current president say goodbye.  Although many did not agree with his decisions for our country, I truly believe he did his best.  And my favorite thing of all was he loved God.  Every day he prayed.  Every day he talked to God.  Every day he looked to God for guidance.  I just hope that this next president follows the same routine.  We shall see.

Goodbye George W.  

Boat Ride

Looks like purchasing a boat will be in our future.....I have children who love the water almost as much as me!

What a great idea!!

We have been discussing witnessing to others in Sunday School.  Well I can tell you first hand that that is not one of my strong points.  I know I love the Lord and I do not mind telling people.  But I am not good with the questions that come along with witnessing.  I admit, I have not read all of the Bible and I do not know all the answers.  I just know I believe and I love the Lord.  So, to get back to the idea....we were asked to give any examples that we had had recently of witnessing.  This man had a wonderful idea that he had been using while he is on the road for business.  When eating at a restaurant and the waitress says "Is there anything else that I can do for you?", he asks "Is there someone I can pray for for you?" Now that screams Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Wordless Wednesday

She is flying!

Thinking....

I hope everyone is finishing up their shopping and wrapping.  One day I will finish.  I am determined to have it all together this year and not be running around on Christmas Eve trying to finish.

Around the holidays, there is one constant thing that I tend to think about.  I do not talk about it much for not many understand or even want to hear about it.  I think about it very privately for fear that I may shed tears or question why things are the way they are.  I think about our son Maddux who is in heaven celebrating Christmas with Jesus himself.  It brings joy in my life to know that he is running around with other children and laughing and swinging.  Sometimes I wonder what life would have been like if he were still with us.  But I know God had other plans.  It is so hard to believe that Maddux would be almost 6.  I always wonder who he would have looked like.  What he would have wanted for Christmas this year.  But I know he is getting the best gift of all...to be with Jesus and to be able to sit on his lap and listen to his stories.  

In reading another blog, I found this great verse.  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:1-3

It reminds me of last year's Vacation Bible School and the theme of running the race for God.  I feel like sometimes God is pulling us to continue on in the race, but we keep calling out "I am too tired" or "Let me just rest for a minute".  My prayer for 2009 is that I will continue on and not get weary.  God has great plans for us and all he ask me to do is TRUST.  Easy enough, right??

Keith and his first girlfriend

This is Keith's girlfriend Kate.  She is so adorable.  But we found out on Keith's birthday that she is moving this summer.  I do not have the heart to tell him.  He will be crushed!

Holiday Spirit

This holiday, I am having such a hard time getting into the spirit.  Do not get me wrong.  I was moved by Walk through Bethlehem.  I am excited that my entire family will be together for the holidays.  I am so undeserving and blessed that God loved me so much that he sent his son to save me. I guess with the economy and all the financial woes, the looming expense reduction consultant creeping around work, Brian having to work out of town every week, Brian's mothers diagnosis, and then a co-worker's mother passing away unexpectedly, I feel like I am reaching for some happiness.  

Luckily, when I go home at night, this is where I can always depend on finding it......

Thomas, Thomas, and more Thomas

Since I do not have much time to blog today, I thought I would sum up what Keith did his entire Thanksgiving vacation.

Marriage Survey

I'VE BEEN TAGGED WITH A MARRIAGE SURVEY!  HERE GOES....(I did it in the color "RED" for love)

How long have you been married?

10 years and 19 days

Is this your first marriage? 

Yes.

Is it how you imagined it would be?

Yes and no. The first six months was really tough.  We fought about stupid things (my control issues with money).  Now our life is so chaotic that we do not even have time to fight. 

What would you change?

More time together. 

Are you married to your soulmate?

Yes. 

What do you argue about the most?

Money. 

What do you see eye to eye on the most?

God and our children. 

Where did you meet your spouse?

Out to dinner with friends. 

Where was your first date?

Depends on what you call a first date....When we were first dating we always went out with friends. 

Where were you when you became engaged?

Brian's apartment. 

Did you live together before marriage?

No. 

What was your wedding song?

Random music.  Brian always tells everyone we walked in to Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It". 

Who was in your wedding party?

My girls....Joy (reason I met Brian), Judy (my sister-in-law), Crystal (my BF), Paige (my old roommate from college), Angie (friend from high school), Ami and Amber (Brian's nieces).  The boys...Hud, Brian F, Chris (all friends of Brian),Frank (Brian's brother), and Brian's dad. 

Do you get along with the in-laws?

Yes. 

Whats your view on children?

When I married Brian, he said he wanted an entire football team of children.  After 2, he is done.  We love them and hope to raise them to love God.  All our friends are having children now so we love holding their babies and loving on them. 

Does your spouse feel the same way?

Yes. 

Are you a 2 peas in a pod or opposites attract couple?

That is a hard one.  When we first got married, everyone said we were "like peas and carrots".  Is that opposites or the same?? 

Do you go out without your spouse?

Yes. But with other married or "taken" girls usually. 

How long are you away from your spouse before you start to miss him/her?

1 minute.  But is is okay...I will survive. 

Have you ever compared your spouse to someone you have dated in the past?

No. 

Do you trust your Spouse?

Yes. 

Does your Spouse trust you?

Yes. 

How well does your spouse know your favorites?

That is a good question.  I usually buy my own gifts so I guess not too well. 

Do you get along with your spouses friends?

Yes. 

Does your spouse get along with your friends?

Yes. 

Did you go on a honeymoon?

Yes.  We went to Cancun and we were suppose to go back for our 10-year anniversary but with the economy the way it is...we will have to wait until later. 

Do you watch the same TV shows?

Some.  Private Practice, The Biggest Loser, and Dirty Sexy Money. 

Can you agree on Pizza toppings?

Yes, Meat Lovers. 

Who takes out the trash?

Him more than me. 

Who does laundry??

Me. 

Who cooks dinner?

Neither. 

Do you have any traditions?

I cannot think of any right now. 

Do you know your spouses passwords/pins?

Yes. 

Does your spouse know your social security number?

No. 

Do you ever nag your spouse?

Me? Nag? What a silly question! 

Do you admit wrong doing?

Sometimes. 

Does your spouse?

Sometimes.

Okay Heather and Morgan, your turn!!! 

 

Fun in our Pajamas

On cold, dreary days like we had last week, it is just fun to stay inside in your pjs....

But on other days........we can go BOWLING (the only sport that mom is competitive at).

Okay Ryan and Kayce, it looks like I still need help with this new camera and on blogging.  

God, where are you?

I know a lot of people who are asking this right now...unemployed, sick, mourning, etc.  I know when we lost Maddux, I probably thought it.  But the great thing is that he was right there, holding my hand, loving me, comforting me, and leading me closer to him.  I never thought loss in my life would be the eye opener to the glory that God brings.  Every day when I read blogs from people who are dealing with infertility, loss of a child, economical stress, there is always one thing in common.  They are still glorifying God and praying to him to show us all the way.  Sometimes it is so hard to understand.  But what is the other alternative......not believe???

How can I look at these two faces and not believe in Him!