wordless wednesday

sharing a 'funny'

One night at the dinner table, the wife commented,

"When we were first married,

you took the small piece of steak and gave me the larger.

Now you take the large one and leave me the smaller.

Don't you love me any more?"

"Nonsense, darling," replied the husband,

"You just cook better now."

it’s the little things that make me smile

• smell of “outside”
• cookies and milk; of course dunking them
• a clean house
• hearing Chris’ truck coming up the street
• receiving mail from a friend
• Thumpy excited to see us arrive home
• falling asleep to the sound of rain
• being a the beach, hearing the waves, and feeling sand between my toes

we are Gaither Homecoming bound!

Yep, Chris and I, and 4 of my cousins

are headed to the Gaither concert in Asheville tonight.

And I can hardly wait!

Very soon, I'll be hearing this voice sing:As well as all the other voices of the 2010 Homecoming tour.

Of course, next week some time,

I will post a concert review and pictures from tonight.

14 years ago

Chris and I met (again).

Our parents knew each other.
But, our paths didn't cross much - rarely ever.

I only remember ever meeting Chris

one other time in my life at around 8 or 9 years old.

However, Tuesday, March 26, 1996,

Chris and his family visited our church.

We were in a week-long revival with Rev. Steve Orr.

Chris was 15 years old.

I was 14 years old.

And I like to think that when our eyes met,

the connection was instant.

Chris was informed that I liked him.

And I was told that he liked me.

By Friday night of revival, he found courage

to ask me to "go with him" at the beginning of the service.

I said "yes." And we sat together.

As young love sometimes goes, by November,

we were on 'the outs' and no longer 'going together.'

But that's how it all started.

And as you obviously know, we got back together.

Most definitely, March 26th 1996, goes down in our history,

as a day that changed me FOREVER.

I thought I'd share a few photos from back then.

I 'accidently' scanned them as black & white,

but it slightly helped with the quality,

and I guess it's appropriate, since they are 'antique.'

The big-framed glasses are a good laugh, too! :)May 1996 - Church Picnic @ Biggerstaff Retreaton the church porch

Youth Camp 1996

Session in old-timey photo booth
in Gatlinburg on Teen Sunday School class trip

my friend

shall forever be my friend

and reflect a ray of God to me.

~Henry David Thoreau

it's getting late

I am exhausted. It's 1:37 AM.
(last night it was after 5 AM when I fell asleep)
With no sleeping-in.
Thumpy promptly woke me at 9:30 AM this morning.
I jumped up. And I've been hopping ever since.
Getting many tasks accomplished. But now my brain is mush.
I have little to say. I'm headed to sleepy-town.
My hair is wet in a towel.
Yea, yea. I know, it's against Mama's rules.
I'm going to apply Aveeno lotion to my dry-winter-skin.
Spray my pillow with Sleep Mist aromatherapy from B&BW.
Take a sip of water.
Turn out the light. Say my good night prayers.
And I'll be snoring shortly thereafter.
Good night. Hope you're having sweet dreams. {already}
Tomorrow is another rush-rush kind of day.
Will be up at 6 AM to get it started.
~blessings!

i (heart) holly gerth's writings

and I desire this perspective.

success on the grill

Last Friday night, Chris grilled bbq ribs for the first time.

And when he proudly carried in this plate he proclaimed,

"Take a picture of these 'bad boys' for the blog."

This plate was wiped clean shortly after!

revisit those resolutions

#1 - My relationship with God: I feel closer to Him than I have in a long while. Since January 1, I've prayed for an increased desire to read the Bible and pray. Chris and I generally read at the same time each morning and we talk about what we're reading; this also helps to keep a consistent schedule. I have a new found joy and peace; as well as a greater trust in Him -- for He knows what is best for my life.

#2 - My relationship with family/friends: Chris and I are happier together than ever. With Chris working 3rd shift, he typically comes home and sleeps until lunch time (unless he has 1st shift construction work) - then we spend the remainder of the day together and we love being together so much. We have set out to work on making sure that each other is happy -- so we both win in the end. So, I hope I'm being a better wife. :) I've really tried to stay more connected with my friends and family ... by emails, facebook, phone calls, texting, visiting grandparents, etc. And I've even sent out a few hand-written cards via snail-mail. Also, I surprised a few friends with random thoughtful acts of kindness along the way. So, I hope I'm being a better family member and friend.

#3 - Making a difference: Of course, I made the $25 donation to Foothills Crisis Pregnancy Center in honor of my 100th post. And also we give at our church ... to our Ladies Home Mission, a prison ministry, and missionaries to Mexico. I have also begun the process to work with DSS/United Way in becoming a mentor for the Friends Family program. And CHRIS is wanting to volunteer together at our local soup kitchen (more details on this soon). Also, I gathered unused "in-date" boxed food and cans out of my cabinet to donate.

#4 - How I spend my time: I've made out a 'tentative' daily and weekly schedule -- to make sure I have time do the things most important. I've attempted to put time limits on the amount of time I 'waste' each day on the internet, reading, entertainment, etc. (and as always, sometimes, I don't follow my schedule and time limits ... and slip into old habits)

#5 - For my health and the environment: Chris and I both are working to watch what we eat. (we've started recording what goes in our mouth and reviewing at day's end --- it can be a shocker some days!) We're even having BRUSSEL SPROUTS for dinner tonight! Also, I've been using the "Walk Away the Pounds" DVD some; not consistent yet, but making progress. And most recently, since the gorgeous weather arrived, Chris and I have been walking together outside, one or two miles at a time. As for being more "green," we are recycling cardboard, glass, plastic, and cans. (it reduces the amount of trash, BIG time!) We're also trying to save all errands for one day each week, turn off the lights when not in use, lower the thermostat, and only wash large loads of laundry ... saves gas and energy -- and saving money is a nice bonus!

I've only tried to change a little at a time -- too much at once can be complete overkill. And I've not made progress by leaps and bounds. I have some days of complete 'regression.' But, after two and half months, I finally feel like I'm making 'head-way.' Most of all, it feels good to know that I'm drawing closer to God, accomplishing important tasks, helping others, and making a difference. I am happy with that.

we live in the foothills

At the base of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.

Not everyone has a sight so gorgeous in their backyard.This pictures doesn't do the real-life view justice.

It is stunningly breath-taking.

I love living in the foothills.

Another reason why I'm thankful to be home.

my responsibilty

I don't have to figure out how God

is going to solve my problem.

I don't have to understand how

He's going to bring it to pass.

That's His responsibility.

My job is to simply believe that He will.
-Joel Osteen

a big no-no

I discovered Thumpy here (see below).

Being a 'bad' dog.

She knows she shouldn't be on the furniture.

But, of course, I had to snap the cute picture.

Then the scolding commenced!

it's my one-and-only sister-n-law's b-day!

Do you have a friend that can cheer you,
no matter how blue you are feeling?

I have that kind of friend.

She’s bubbly.
She loves to be silly.

She’s always laughing.

She believes in having fun.
She’s kind. She's outgoing.
She keeps smiling no matter what.

And today is her birthday.

Heather,
I hope you have a marvelous Monday,
today, your birthday.
Thanks for being such a happy friend
that never fails to make me smile.
And you’re the best sister-in-law I have. ;)

"Are we going to be friends forever?” Asked Piglet.
“Even longer,” Pooh answered.

(and I need more recent pictures of me and you,
they all seem to be of your 'gorgeous baby' now)

sentimental on Sunday

Me, Leigh, and Ashley.

(almost 17 years ago)
Singing at our church's annual homecoming.

Please pardon the poor quality of the picture.

This is a picture of an old home video while playing.

prayers appreciated

We have several decisions to make.
Chris and I are prospects for a few jobs.
There are situations that are uncertain.

In all these things, we desire God's perfect plan.
Please pray to that end.
We appreciate you.

fun times at applebee's

Straws are great entertainment.

At restaurants. At the late-hour.

Following the final service of revival on Friday night. C, adorably looking at H, rather than the camera:"That-a-girl, C"

Now I got them both looking at the camera.

Such cute, sweet faces!However,

she is not at all interested in taking a picture with me. Nope! No picture with "Aunt Diby."
She would rather play with the straw again.And she's happy with the straw!

It's more fun!

frog legs, anyone?

Chris began cleaning out the pool the other day.

Warmer weather gave him the fever.

It reminds him of the hot days of summer to come.

As he opened the skimmer, I heard him yell, "Whoooa!"

He was suprised by these two huge frogs.

He called one "Goliath" and the other "Goliath's son."

I'm sure you can determine who is who according to the picture.

Chris also commented,

"Those legs are the kind some people eat."

Some people - not us, some people.

We're not the frog-leg-eating-type, you know.

These frogs will soon find a new home.

Some where other than our home.

They do bad things to a pool.

2 LARGE frogs - free to a good home.

Any takers?

wordless wednesday

~yours truly

made my day

This afternoon, I walked into the kitchen and found this:

And it made my day.

In my biased opinion, 'mine' is the BEST!

belated wishes

I wasn't feeling to well yesterday. I wasn't motivated to post.

But, I did want to mention a milestone and a sweet memory.

Yesterday, my cousin, A, and her husband, D,

celebrated their TENTH wedding annivesary.

Wow! Such a big event calls for celebrating!

I'll never forget the rehearsal and wedding.

The floral arrangements were all gorgeous.

I love the dress I wore as a bridesmaid.

And the cake was a huge display

with many Precious Moments figure toppers.

It was a lovely, beautiful day.

The young bride and groom:All the wedding party:Me and Chris (two months away from our big day):

[side note: After dropping me off at the church
for early preparations,
Chris got lost going back to Aunt A's.
He said every road looked the same ... flat fields on both sides.]

Happy, Happy Anniversary to A&D!!
May you be blessed with many, many more.

look who is 6 years old

Wow! How do little babes grow up so quickly?

I remember the day L was born.

I was working, but on my lunch break,

I made a mad dash from Clemson to Easley to see my "niece."

And she was a beautiful sight to behold.

This proud "aunt" fell completely in love instantly.

I babysat her regularly when she was little.

And soon she called me "Wivy."

I love her. And she loves me right back.

She's growing up, this little blonde beauty.

I enjoy hearing her talk and make conversation.

It's amazing to see a small mind at work.

She started kindergarten this year.
And just announced last week -- "I have a loose tooth."

I find great joy in spoiling her however that may be ...

giving her candy, going shopping,

playing at the park, spending the night,

all those fun things aunts and nieces do together.

And much to her mom's dismay,

she's got 'my' taste for bright colors and 'my' love for clothes.

L, thanks for 6 years of love and joy!

Looking forward to many more.

It's wonderful being your aunt.

You're more special than special can be.

I love you.

Beautiful tulips.

Pleasant surprise.

A definite day brightener.

From my sister-in-law.
Since neither of us have a sister.
We've adopted each other.

She's my 'sister' and forever friend.

I purchased this vase a few years ago

at a florist in downtown Clemson.

I filled it with flowers.

Surprised her, no occasion.

She enjoyed the flowers,

then filled it again and returned it to me.

And back and forth it goes.

What a special, fun tradition it is.

Giving flowers.

Receiving flowers.

more on worry

And another recent true story to further prove my problem:

(little background: Chris has a not-so-good driving record.
Only 4 points remaining on his license.
One failure to stop at a stop sign could mean "no license")

On with the story ...

A few weeks ago, Chris had just headed out to work.
I called him. (We always chat on his drive to work.)
Soon after answering he said,
"Let me call you right back, I'm being pulled over."
After 5 minutes, I texted him, "Are you okay?"
No reply.
8 minutes.
I texted him again, "Are you okay?"
After 10 minutes, still no response.

All the while, I am envisioning him,
hand-cuffed against the patrol car.

So, what do I do?
Grab my keys. Jump in my car.
Drive up the road until I spot the blue lights.
Slow down. Pass by.
Make sure he's okay and not being arrested.
Turn around. Drive slowly by again.
And return home.

I don't know what I would have done had he been arrested.
But, one thing is for certain, I made sure he was okay.
Calmed my imagination. And ceased my worries.

Yep, I know. I've got it BAD.
Worry Wart. That's me.
I realize it changes nothing.

And I'm not fully trusting God.

But, I can't seem to control it.