happy birthday to my love

today we will celebrate 29 years of you!
it seems like only yesterday we were celebrating your 19th.
ten years ago I would have never imagined our life like this.

even with ups and downs, it's so much more than I dreamed.

how blessed I feel to share life with you.
it has been so wonderful to grow and learn together.
you have become more amazing every year.
i have enjoyed every moment together
and can't wait to enjoy even more.

you are a wonderful husband.

you are my best friend.
and today, on your 29th birthday,
i'm still totally and completely crazy about you!

to the love of my life ... "happy birthday,

and savor the last year of your twenties!"

our out-of-the-ordinary holiday

We've had a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend.
Out of our ordinary - yet, fantastic.
Unlike the past 9 Thanksgivings since marriage.
We celebrated away from home.
Missing the many gatherings with our extended family
and 3 scrumptious southern meals.

However, our Thanksgiving was full and good; none the less.
And we were blessed to have family present.

My sweet mom headed here early on Wednesday morning
to surprise me and attend
the school's Thanksgiving program and lunch.
What a delightful surprise indeed.
(for the record, I tried my first taste of corn pudding)
Wednesday night we enjoyed

the Thanksgiving themed church service.
Visited with friends K&J afterwards and sipped hot cocoa.

While Chris worked a little Thursday morning,
mom and I slept in, cooked, and took a nice walk,
before Chris joined us and friends for dinner
where we indulged in a spread too big for the table ...
turkey, ham, fried pork tenderloin, dressing & gravy,
green beans (or snaps, as the natives would say),
sweet potato souffle, cabbage casserole, creamed potatoes,
peas, pintos, cranberry sauce, macaroni & cheese,
and more ('cause I'm sure I left out something)
Desserts of chocolate meringue pie, candy bar cake,
sweet potato cobbler, and coconut cream pie.
Dinner was followed by lots of laughs

and several games of Rook.
Mom endured much teasing from her pesky son-in-law
and was hilariously mistakenly called Belinda.

Friday, mom and I hit the town a little after 6 AM with friend, J.
Shopping at just a few stores,

but not getting caught up in the madness.
Friday evening ended with friends again,
eating pizza, playing more Rook and a little of Pit.
Mom spent some time visiting with "old friends"* here;
most of which she has known since childhood.

Saturday morning we said "goodbye" to mom
as she headed to her mom's (my Granny's) dinner
and in the afternoon we said "hello!" to my dear in laws.
We had a great time showing them around the area;
dining at one of our favorite little Italian restaurants,
[where Chris was splattered with marinara by the waitress],
strolling through the military cemetery,
laughing our heads off at silly, random stuff,
of course, missing a turn or two with Chris driving,
visiting with K&J (their "old friends"* too),
ending the evening with Thanksgiving dinner leftovers,
a game of Skip-Bo [that I won]
and a few competitive intense games of Bananagrams.

Today, we went to church this morning
and visited more of my in-laws' friends.
Took them to see the school where I work.
Came back to the apartment to pack them up.
Exchanged hugs and away they went.
Sad "goodbye" to the last of our company from home.

We had a wonderful weekend,
despite it's out-of-ordinaryness. (if that is a word)
And my heart gives thanks for the greatness of it all.
Thanks to mom and inlaws for visiting.
You were like a taste of home!
We love y'all so much!!!!!!

*the term "old friends" doesn't necessarily refer to age.
can also refer to long-time friends of many years.

thanks a plenty: Thanksgiving Day

today is Thanksgiving.
the last Thursday of November 2009.
and this will wrap up my thanks a plenty posts.
although, i could continue this every Thursday.
and i may "throw in" a thankful thursday now and again.
i am truly blessed.
and i am thankful. (although i don't always act it)
so here's today's count of blessings:

1. salvation and the change in my life
2. peace that passes understanding
3. joy unspeakable and full of glory
4. love from others and to others
5. songs
6. my school children
7. my sweet nieces - C, L, and A
8. my mom is here! and in-laws coming the weekend!
9. my Granny's surgery was a success
10. my life

and #11 -- we were invited to spend Thanksgiving dinner
with some special folks in VA. thanks to the J's!

lately, I've been "blue" and "gloomy"

dwelling on missing home and family/friends,

being away for Thanksgiving festivities, etc, etc.

and sweet aunt S, reminded me to look on the positive side:

The people I love best may not be here

in person with me today …

but: is anyone in the hospital?

In jail? A nursing home? Drying out in rehab?

If I can answer NO to all that, I am thankful.

Will I spend one minute of this holiday in need of food, shelter,

or the fellowship of another human soul?

If I can answer NO to all that, then I am very thankful.

Will I receive friends at the funeral home this holiday?

Somebody will … I am incredibly thankful

for God's mercy on me .. on us.

So whatever it is today or however different it feels …

I can still be extremely glad for all that it "ain't".

this Thanksgiving 2009 might be different

than all previous ones,

but i can choose to be thankful AND hopeful

looking and anticipating brighter days ahead.

and more happier Thanksgivings.

(love you, aunt S. thanks for putting it in perspective.)

wordless wednesday

L + camera = many silly pictures

saturday night, my 5-year old niece used my camerafor a photo session with many silly, but cute pictures.

mostly self-portraits.

a few of others, that I may or may not share.
most could be used for black mail. :)

oh, how i love this little girl.
wild and sweet.
silly and cute.
i love every bit!

let this be me

Lord, please use all my circumstances

to change me and teach me your ways.

Make me stronger.

Draw me closer to you.
And love on me, tightly.


(picture is from Dayspring card, words by Holley Gerth)

i've got questions

He's got answers.

May be not entirely the answers I would like;

but, answers none the less.

And He is only revealing some of them ... one at a time.

And I'd like for Him to hurry up, already.

I am not patient.

"I'll do it myself, thank you."

I am a planner.

"To death with all the unknowns and uncertainty"

I do not like change.

"I thought my life was good the way it was."

I cannot handle it all.

"I'm losing my mind, really."

Why? Why? Why?

Three little letters.
A small word followed by punctuation.
And used to ask many questions.

This life is full of tough questions, some even unanswered.

And although hard for me to understand
and difficult for me to wrap my mind around:

He does indeed have my BEST interests in mind.
And His ways and thoughts are high above mine.

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways,

and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:9

That in itself answers many of my “why’s.”

He knows exactly what He is doing.

So, I must gain control, surrender, and choose to trust Him.

And find comfort in knowing that

In the not-so-very-distant-future,

I will be able to sit down with Him one on one and ask “why?”

I'll get all the answers.

He'll tell me my story from His point of view.

And then I will completely understand, by and by.

God is faithful

He never fails to send the sun to shine on our day.

He faithfully sends the moon out to shine each night.

He always sends food for the sparrows that fly.

He is faithful to clothe the lilies of the field.

And God will faithfully care for His own.
He never fails us - and He never will.

Every promise He fulfills.

I know, first-hand,

over and over, again and again,

God is faithful and true.

friday's week wrap up

For those who care,

probably only our mamas,

this is what we've been up to this week:

The drive to VA was rough late Sunday night;
it was hard pulling away from home,

much lingering and lingering,
but at last, we arrived in VA a little past 1 AM.
As usual, Chris snoozed and I took over driving.

Monday morning,
we rolled our tired and weary bodies out of bed,
knowing there was no other option but to "get up and go."

A student absent on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
called for teaching with many revisions to lesson plans;
as I do not want to get to far ahead with 3 students
and have one student falling behind.
So, I improvised and adjusted
to review lessons and learn about Thanksgiving
with a few corresponding books and crafts.

Likewise, Chris' week wasn't smooth sailing either.
Left early on Monday due to equipment issues
2 hr lunch on Tuesday, while a compressor was replaced.
His helper laid out Thursday due to an allergic reaction
claimed to have "swollen tongue 3-4 times it's normal size."
Then Thursday, Chris was told there'd be no work on Friday.
not productive - which seems to be our "stroke of luck" lately.

We attended revival services at a local church.
Monday and Tuesday night's message were similar
in that the preacher was encouraging us
to push past hinderances in our Christian walk.
We must give Jesus everything.
We will have no regrets from surrendering all to Him.
Wednesday night's text was from the prodigal son's story.
No matter where we are or how far we've wandered,
the trip back to the house is a short one,
cause the Father is running out to meet us.

And on a funny note, I tried a new recipe in the crock pot,
only to come home and find it charred and overcooked.
So, Thursday, we met friends J&B at little local diner,
it reminded us of Lucky Strike at home.
Fried chicken tenders and fries, smoothered in gravy.
And something we'd never heard of ... a hot hamburger,
which is a complete hamburger covered in hot gravy.

Also, I came home Tuesday to find that Thumpy,
our typically layed-back, lazy, bum of a dog,
who has never chewed on toys or chased a ball,
had chewed on a "coffee table" book and a box of Kleenexes.
And Thursday she obviously had gotten thirsty,
she found a bottle of Gatorade from a huge pack under our bed,
chewed the lid off, and obviously drank it all.
The vet says it's her way of expressing her dislike for VA.
She's away from her home and her routine.
Just another sign; we belong home. :) That about wraps it up. It's been a busy one.
And we've been smiling
knowing we were coming home this weekend
and staying through Monday.

And now we're SUPER happy - we ARE home!
I took off Friday since Chris wasn't working.
Hey, it's only a 1/2 day
and the student will probably still be out sick,
so not too much will be going on.

visions of home now dance in my head

'tis the day I am going home

and all through my mind

are visions of this blessed place

and I'm not getting there fast enough!

if only for a few days;
just merely hours in the scheme of things.
but at least I'll be home.
***This is my 3rd post of the day, but a change of plans called for a reschedule and a push of "publish post" earlier than expected; 'cause at this moment, I'm unexpectedly in the car headed south to home! Chris was told today that there's no work tomorrow. And although Chris will miss a day's work tomorrow; I can find joy in the bad --- I'll be home an extra day. Yippee!

thanks a plenty: 3rd edition

Today I'm thinking on the simple things:

1. breath to breathe this morning
2. a comfy bed to begrudgingly roll out of
3. strength and will to get out of bed
4. warm, cozy heat
5. clean water to shower in
6. indoor plumbing
7. necessary toiletries (ie. soap, toothbrush, deo)
8. clothes to wear
9. shoes on my feet
10. food to eat

After all, it's the simple things in life that really matter.
All the other and some things I mentioned are actually luxuries.
We aren't "owed" any of it.
I am gratefully thankful for all the undeserved blessings.

Psalm 106:1, "Praise ye the LORD.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:
for his mercy endureth for ever."

november 19th

and it is
someone's birthday.
a special somebody.
my cousin, A.

although many miles were between us,
we became close friends in childhood,
spending weeks together in the summer
and fun times on the holidays at Granny's.

while we remain miles apart,
we're still best of friends.
and even though our visits are seldom,
we manage to always pick up were we left off.

A, I hope you have a beautiful birthday.
now, you are older than me for a few months.
and at this age, i'm okay with that. ;)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

from the hearts and minds of children

In 2nd grade,

I wrote a book titled "I Am Thankful ..."

On each page, I wrote something I was thankful for

and drew a corresponding picture.

I enjoy looking at this book today.

I decided to have the children in my class
create their very own.

Several weeks ago, we began creating a page each day.

Since they are only kindergartners, of course,
I helped writing their sentences, but they are doing well.

And their thankfulness is abundant.

wordless wednesday

thanks to my cousin, M, for the picture! :)

i ♥ all things Gaither

I love music. Many types of music.

But my favorite is music that worships God,

brings praise to my lips, speaks words to my soul,

and lifts my spirits higher.

And for that reason I love some Gaither music.

Bill Gaither is the originator of the Homecoming concerts

and I enjoy all the variety of artists he features.

And that is how I learned of David Phelps,

my absolute FAVORITE singer.

He's a top-notch, phenomenal tenor singer.

Simply the best in my book - never heard another like him! David left Gaither Vocal Band and traveled solo,

but he is now part of GVB again.

Saturday night, Chris and I,
along with our goofy, crazy cousin, Ashley

sporadically traveled a 2.5 hour adventure to a Gaither concert.

Parked our Chevrolet in a Luxury Mercedes Benz parking lot.

Found a steal on tickets at the door.

Avoided concessions.

Got weak in the knees climbing the steep arena steps.

Screamed our heads off for David's solos.

Nearly ran out of gas traveling country roads home.
But, Ashley and I needed our "fix."
And we got it - satisfied, as usual.

Ash, thanks for joining your goofy, crazy cousins.

We had a blast and we're ready to go again!
For your listening pleasure, I'm sharing my favorite song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNQ4byWpHJk&feature=PlayList&p=F105520DC8AFEBEA&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=94

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to my very own, first Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama.
In the fast lane on the road of life, and functioning with half a brain, I've had quite a few occasions lately that were followed by a quick look around to see if anyone noticed my mishaps. And I thought I'd join in the fun therapy this week and share some of my Not Me! moments:

I did not get excited and purchase my first box of chocolate covered cherries of the Christmas season only to devour the entire box within 24 hours. Nope, Not Me!

In trying to catch a few more winks of sleep, I absolutely did not take the time to wash my hair for 4 days. And I would never throw my hair up in a sloppy, messy do like this:

And on one of those rushed mornings, I most certainly did not show up to school and have a fellow teacher ask "is your zipper zipped?" Oops! - I would never be so rushed to forget that important detail.

And I have it all together and keep the perfect little classroom, so you'd never find this empty bulletin board in my class, and definitely not for weeks on end:

Of course, I always remember to pack everything, so I'd always have my iron and never throw Chris' Sunday clothes in the dryer in effort to "iron" them. Dress pants must have nice little perfectly ironed creases. And everyone will notice a dress shirt unironed.

Okay, I did it! And there's actually more ... but, maybe I'll share another time - if I live to tell about it all.

while the cats are away the mice play

and while the humans were away (for weeks),
the mice played in our 'presumably' vacant house.
a few weeks ago, we noticed evidence of mice
making their abode in our empty house
in search of warmth as fall brought cooler temperatures.
so, we set traps and caught those pesky rodents.
mice CANNOT play in my house, even if no one is home.

then, this morning, we had a new kind of guest.
TWO of them to be exact.
i found the first 'hiding'

under the bowl of potpourri on the side table.

Chris saved the day and got the little rascal out of the house.
later, this morning, though, Chris left, and i was alone.
and i walked in the kitchen and found this:

thankfully this one behaved properly for me.
i opened the back door, 'shooed' him a little,
and he/she walked straight out.
i hope i see no more of these today.
and this i know:
while the people are away the lizards CANNOT play.
we, humans, me and Chris and dog, Thumpy must return.
or there's no telling what other critters may take up residence.

my man

Chris has been extra-sweet the past few days. (so sweet I even asked him if he was "buttering" me up to tell me some bad news) But, there's no bad news, just a great husband loving me!! He told me Wednesday that we were going home this weekend, which makes this homesick girl so-so-so HAPPY! :) Yesterday he sent me a text which read, "I have some spare cash in my wallet, let's make tonight a date night - we'll eat wherever you want to." And he even surprised me by pulling in at 3:42 PM yesterday afternoon - and he never gets off early. We had a great, fun evening together, despite the cold and the rain. I love him!

leaving for our date

Today for fun, I decided to add in this fun survey about my man:
1. Who is your man? Chris
2. How long have you been together? a little over 12 years
3. How long did you date? Dated for 1.5 years. Engaged for 10 months. Been married for almost 10 years.
4. How old is your man? 28 - he'll be 29 the end of this month
5. Who eats more? most definitely Chris. we shared fajitas last night - he ate 4 and i ate 2
6. Who said "I love you" first? Chris
7. Who is taller? i am by about a 1/2 inch
8. Who sings better? Chris ... he's got the music talent
9. Whose temper is worse? Ummm.......probably Chris, once he is actually mad. mine is just shorter fused and flares more often. :)
10. Who does the laundry? ONLY me; Chris and laundry would be a disaster
11. Who takes out the garbage? Chris - he found out early on in our marriage that i have a sensitive gagging reflex when it comes to bad smells.
12. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Chris
13. Who pays the bills? i actually pay them. he makes the $$
14. Who is better with the computer? probably me
15. Who mows the lawn? typically Chris, although I don't mind to, it just normally ends in a broken lawn mower, no weed eater string, or the wrong gas in the mower, etc.
16. Who cooks dinner? Me - always me! (unless it is microwaveable)
17. Who drives when you are together? Chris mostly; expect at night on long drives - so I've been doing a lot of driving lately.
18. Who pays when you go out? Chris
19. Who is most stubborn? I would say Chris - but, he'd probably say me!
20. Whose parents do you see the most? At this time in our lives, we see them the same. When we go home we make it a point to spend time with each.
21. Who kissed who first? He kissed me first!
22. Who asked who out? Chris asked me - we're old school, boys do that stuff.
23. Who proposed? Of course Chris did - at Stone Mountain GA, June 26, 1999!
24. Who is more sensitive? that's a given, ME
25. Who has more friends? Me - but a girl must have friends!
26. Who has more siblings? we both have one sibling.
27. Who wears the pants in the family? I'm striving to be a good submissive wife. :)

thanks a plenty: 2nd edition

At school we've been practicing songs

for their Thanksgiving program.

One of the songs they are singing is "I Have Been Blessed."

And it is reminding me daily - I am blessed.

Despite current situations and circumstances,

I am richly blessed.

So, without further rambling, here is my list for today:

1. America - and our freedom

2. our good health - no cold or flu, so far

3. my mom: love her much

4. my in-laws: good as gold

5. our church, our haven

6. churches in VA - it's nice having a 2nd home

7. senses - I have all 5!

8. the internet - it keeps me connected

9. Facebook - I've connected with 3 old friends this week

10. rain - even when it floods :)

I Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks: ..."

proud to be an American

And I'm grateful for wonderful men and women

who have served/are serving our country.

Thank you for all you do

in protecting this great nation

and fighting for our freedom.

Happy Veteran's Day!

wordless wednesday

expecting a good day

I awoke early, 5:30 AM to be exact.
And began tackling "the list" for today.

After getting awake and doing a few things, I read in my Bible.
Today, I picked up a devotional book that I sometimes read alongside my Bible. And actually, I haven't used it in quite awhile ... over a month to be exact. It is Grace for the Moment (morning & evening edition) by Max Lucado.

But, anyway, on with my story ...

today's devotional was right up my alley.
Or should I say right where I am living.
Actually -- it is exactly where I am TODAY.
With all that is happening in my life currently,

I have so many "feelings."

Weary - disturbed - stressed - sometimes angry

sort of depressed - hungry for direction - lonely

Yep, that's me - all of the above.

I am a rollercoaster of many emotions.

I needed to know that Jesus has felt each of these feelings.

So, He understands how I feel and He can sympathize.

And He realizes and knows that I'm feeling this way.

And actually, most importantly, He feels them with me.

Maybe you need to be reminded,

if so, go - read it for yourself.
Be encouraged that Jesus understands YOUR feelings.

Today, once again, I am persuaded that the Lord gets in the

arrangements of an "arranged" devotional reading.

It happens to me. Often.

And after such a blessing in the start of my day,

I'm expecting a good day; no matter how I "feel."

a song for sunday

Austin's Bridge is one of my favorite music artists.

And "Jesus, You Are" is my favorite song on their project.

I listened to it several times today.

And actually the counter in Itunes reads 117.

So, yea, that's proof - it's a fav of mine.

(I tried to find a video on YouTube, but to no avail)

However, here are the words to the simple chorus.

You are my Comfort when I am lonely.

You are my Strength when I am weak.

You are my Peace in times of trouble.

You are the One who cares for me.

You are the Rock of my salvation.

The One I base my life upon.

You are the One, the only Cornerstone of my heart.

My Bright and Morning Star.

Jesus, You are.

I know that I can take that last line and complete it personally.

"Jesus, You are _____________."

He can be anything I need Him to be.

My provision. My courage. My help.

My father. My healing. My friend.

Jesus is everything I need.

And He is all I will ever need.

quiet saturday

we're taking it easy today.

enjoying a quiet Saturday.
and it feels good.

2 shout-outs

It is Friday, November 6th.
And I'm sending "shout-outs" to two special girls.

"Happy Birthday, H!"

Today, "it's all about you!"

I hope you have a fun, exciting birthday.

You were the first of babies born in our circle of close friends.
It seems like only yesterday I came to see you in the hospital.
I loved holding you every chance I got.
And on your 9th birthday, I still enjoy being a part of your life.
You are one of the sweetest girls I know.

and

"Happy Birthday, Beth!"

I hope you have a wonderful day.

"A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away."

Although VA is not my place of choice to be,
it has given me the opportunity to know you better.
A big thanks for all the "counseling" I've received
when I've been stressed to the max!
You're so kind to share the "patient couch." (ha! ha!)
Seriously, I appreciate your understanding.
And I promise I'm not telling anything!!! ;)

thanks a plenty

On the Thursdays in November leading up to Thanksgiving,

I want consider all that I am thankful for.

I have so much to be thankful for.

And so often I take it all for granted.

I truly do appreciate all of God's blessings in my life.

1. God - I'm glad that He is in my life.
2. Chris - he is my best friend in this world.
3. My family - who surround me with love.
4. My friends - who truly care about me.
5. A job for me and a job for Chris.
6. A home in SC (and VA)
7. Vehicles to get us to and fro
8. Bible - God's Word to me
9. Thumpy - our dog who gives great company
10. Cell Phone - keeps me in touch

Ephesians 5:20, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God

and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

a not-so-wordless wednesday

Other blogs have "wordless Wednesdays."
A post with a picture and no words.
I love pictures.
They make me smile, as I recall the moment.
And sometimes on Wednesdays, mid-work-week,
I need a pick-me-up.

So here is my picture for my first wordless Wednesday:

-My brother fighting with the rooster-

Now, I smile. :)
I had such a great time visiting him.
I love my little brother. And I miss him.
I wish we didn't have so many miles between us.

And yea, yea, I know this post is not wordless.
I'll try to do better next time.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

a prayerFULL evening

My mind is overflowing of many friends and family in need.

My heart is heavy for many facing rough times,

scary health issues, uncertain job situations, etc.

My soul is whispering prayers tonight on the behalf of these:

A friend, who delivered her baby boy, on Monday, 5 weeks early.

He has fluid in his right lung.

Doctors are trying to find out the problem.

Praying for my friend as she recovers.

Praying for all of this family as they deal with this,

as well as other sicknesses within their family.

Another friend who had hysterectomy last week.

Then her husband developed a serious infection.

Doctors are working to determine the "strand."

My dear, Granny, who is scheduled for surgery later this month

to remove "more" of a skin cancer previously operated on.

A family who buried a family member today.

And many, many other family and friends dealing

with difficult situations in their jobs, health, marriages, and families.

"God, You know these needs before we speak. You know every tiny detail. Tonight, I ask that You would be with all my family and friends, specifically those who need help from You. May Your presence bring comfort and may Your power perform a miracle. In Jesus' name, Amen."

autumn

Seems like autumn just arrived.

And it's feeling like it is almost gone.

All too quickly.

Summer lasts a loooong time.
Then, one day, it's fall.

Resolved to not let autumn slip by without noticing the beauty,
I've been making an effort to watch the changing leaves,
take deep breaths of the crisp air.

trick-or-treat

What a TREAT to see these cute little ones

in their costumes on Saturday evening.

We were glad to be home for the occasion.

-AUBREY the sweetest Tootsie Roll-
I could eat her up!
She did not like being flat on her back for the picture.
She's growing. And big girl wanted to sit up.

-CHEYENNE, what an adorable Winnie the Pooh!-
We had fun watching her maneuver in her costume.
Especially seeing her attempting to jump up and down.

-LAUREL, as Princess Snow White-
She thought no one would recognize her with black hair!
But I'd know that precious face anywhere.

Aubrey with Snow White's hair - looking like a baby B-52.

We love each one of these "little treats."