Memory Monday

It doesn't seem like a year ago I was packing up all our belongings.  The final days on Green Meadows were growing closer and closer to an end.  Box after box, day after day, I packed.  It came to a point I felt like we were living in a shell, instead of a house.  Your "things" really make a house a home, when you sit there and there is nothing on the walls and there is that eery echo.  

As I packed boxes, Carter found old toys he had lost under the couches, in the closet, under the beds.  He also kept himself busy playing in the countless number of boxes that filled our house. He really liked the cat carrier, I can remember his chuckle as he would open and shut the door. Silly kid!  Oh the memories of Green Meadows.

Hope everyone has a blessed Monday!

She's O.N.E!!!!

Last year you may remember me blogging about my friend Heather who was expecting her first child, Rylee.  I had the wonderful opportunity of sharing in Rylee's arrival and watching her grow has been a true blessing.

    

Heather asked me early on to do her first birthday pictures.  Tonight was a beautiful evening, the heat slacked off for a bit, and the sun was peeking in and out of the clouds so it worked great. Heather brought a couple of balloons and all was going well until I let go of the balloons, jumped for them and then twisted my ankle.  Yep, sure did.  About 15 minutes into the shoot. So I hobbled along the rest of the time but it turned out to be a success regardless!  

I am shocked that a year has passed already and sweet Rylee is one.  She is walking, and keeping her momma ever so busy.  She has gorgeous brown eyes and the most heart warming smile.  I hope that I captured what Heather was looking for!  

 

Hope all is well with you all.

God bless!

~That chick stole my cake!~

Wonderful Wednesday

I know it's supposed to be wordless Wednesday, but come on people.... I love to talk.  So, I'm renaming it to wonderful Wednesday today.  

It's wonderful because I'm alive.  It's wonderful because I have a roof over my head, food on my table, and shoes on my feet.  It's wonderful because I can see, smell, feel, and touch.  It's wonderful because I know I am loved by the King and He is my rock.  

It's a wonderful day because Papa had a better night last night.  His spirits are better this morning.  When I called to check in they said he was smiling, and laughing about his "liquid" breakfast.  It's a wonderful day because he is still here for me to talk to!

It's also a wonderful day because our little Tucker bear has decided he will crawl.  Granted he's not taking long trips just yet, he's on a mission.  I just thought I was busy before.  Oh stars! 

Is it bad that they know they are cute?!

Anywho, slow down today.  Remember why the day is wonderful, thank God for opening your eyes.  Look for Him throughout the day.  Everyone deserves a smile, we all have bad days but we have too many blessings to frown.  There is a reason and a purpose for everything...God's plan is perfect!!

Is this not the sweetest picture?!  I just LOVE it!

Purpose for life

I wrote a blog several months ago about your purpose in life.  Each of us is put on this earth with a purpose.  Many people spend their days not knowing what that true purpose really is, others of us know but choose not to follow, then there are those of us who are just so unsure.  I often think God is still teaching me what my true purpose in this life is.  I know He sent me here to be a mother.  He sent me here with the ability to show compassion, and to be supportive.  For a long time I never saw those as gifts from God and then one day it hit me that I am usually able to be a support to most people.  Am I being braggy?!  Heaven no.  I have just come to the conclusion that those are just traits that God blessed me with.  He gave them to me, I must use them.  

Our dear Papa had a very trying night last night.  Today has also been difficult.  The family has gathered, prayers are being said, tears are being shed.  As I stood there tonight over that hospital bed I looked at him with a breaking in my heart, but a joy in my soul.  How can a person have two totally opposite feelings?  The peace of Jesus Christ, plain and simple.  I stood there reflecting on what I know of him from the past twelve years.  I've never heard a harsh word come from his mouth.  He always shares a smile, a hug, a chuckle, and true southern hospitality.  Weak, and weary his body, but his heart so ready to be in the arms of his saviour! Holding back tears to the best of my ability, I leaned down and hugged him.  I told him how very much I love and appreciate him.  I told him that I am grateful that he was a true man of God.  I told him that the boys love him dearly.  My voice was beginning to crack, he hugged me as tightly as his frail body could.  He squeezed me and said, "I love those babies, I sure do!"  So sad to know that he will not be here with us on earth for my children to love and hug on, but I know God is waiting.  

That purpose in life, Papa has lived his purpose.  He has lived a life pleasing to God.  I sit here tonight examining my own heart and life.  God is making it so clear to me that there are many areas that I need to work on.  I need to fully surrender my every thought, my every breath for His work.  I want to know without a shadow of a doubt that when He calls me home, I can say I've lived my life pleasing to God.  I want to know that I have fulfilled my purpose that God sent me for.  

I don't know who will read this blog.  I don't know if you have the same spiritual beliefs as I do, but if you are reading it I don't believe it is by chance.  I ask that each of us examine our lives. If you do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour, will you come to know Him today? He died for our sins, can't we live our life for him?  He provides a peace like non other.  The bible says, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16"  What a promise.  We have to believe in Him, and He will give us everlasting life.  I was telling Travis on the way home tonight that I have always known there was a Heaven.  I know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, but it hasn't really sank in until just recently.  I've thought about what Heaven must look like, but this past Sunday sitting in church the preacher asked us to close our eyes.  As I did, I pictured Papa in Heaven.  I pictured him with the biggest smile on his face and being his normal cheerful self.  Not hurting anymore, just glad to be home where he's waited so long to be.  Makes me smile now just thinking about it.  

While I type this some of my favorite songs are playing.  Here are the lyrics, 

You are my King-Chris Tomlin

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken
I'm accepted, You were condemned
I'm alive and well
Your spirit is within me
Because you died and rose again

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken
I'm accepted, you were condemned
I'm alive and well
Your spirit is within me
Because you died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be?
That you, my king. would die for me
Amazing love, I know it's true
Its my joy to honor you
Amazing love how can it be?
That my king would die for me
Amazing love I know it's true
Its my joy to honor you
In all I do
I honor you

Such true words...I am forgiven, because He was forsaken.  How can a love like that be?

Open the eyes of my heart Lord-Michael W. Smith

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You

To see You high and lifted up
Shinin' in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy

It is my prayer that each and every day that I open my eyes that God will open the eyes of my heart.  May He allow me to love like He loves.  May each of my actions be actions of Him.  I want to lift Him up, even in the trying days like the ones we are facing now.  

I ask that you continue to pray for our Papa and our family.  I thank each and every person that reads my blog for the prayers that are being said.  It is a comfort to read your comments here and on facebook.  I will probably never be able to thank each of you in person, but please know that they are greatly appreciated.  May God bless each of you and your families!

A murder, and now a thief?!

Sunday we went to church with my mom and grandparents.  When we entered the sanctuary, Carter was extremely hyper.  Granted, he's always hyper but this was on a new level.  He was in the floor, in Travis' lap, my lap, talking to my mom.  All the time I'm trying to get him to cool it. Usually a matchbox car, or some crayons will keep him busy during the singing until it's time for children's church.  Not Sunday.  Nothing was keeping his attention.  I sat there wondering what on earth was wrong with him?!

We had lunch with mom and the entire time we were preparing lunch and eating... Carter was like a kid on speed.  I kept looking at Travis like what on earth has happened to him, and he would look at me the same.  Even my mom was starting to wonder what happened.  I was thinking maybe he didn't get enough sleep and on Saturday he had a really long day with Travis. Who knew...  all I knew is I was ready for bedtime... SOON!

On the way home, he crashed.  I unloaded all the stuff from the car.  Went to his room to pull back his covers.  I walked around the far side of the bed and that is when I saw what looked like a rat had been in his room.  There were papers everywhere!  Yellow, orange, silver, you name it. I stood there in awe.  It was at that very moment that I realized what had happened to my child that morning.  The little thief had stolen our candy basket off the counter!  I started to pick it up, then I stopped.  I saw this orange basket under his bed.  I knew immediately what it was.  It was my candy basket.  The little rascal asked for a piece of candy that morning.  I told him, "ONE piece, and ONE piece only!"  Well, when I made my way to get a shower he made a beeline for the candy basket.  The little squirt had enough mischief inside him to take the basket, and HIDE IT!!! I really don't remember being this wise as a child. Was I?  I'll have to check with my mother.  She has always said, "Carter is just like you!"  Trust me mom when I tell you I'm being paid back for everything.  EVERYTHING!!

I called Travis to his room.  I told him we were doomed in another couple of years.  I children will take us over, and after that they'll take over our town.  I'm sure of it!  He was just looking at me as if I were nuts!  He walked around the bed, stooped down, and then laughed.  Carter came in his room, looked at me like a deer in the headlights and said, "What?!"  I told him he would not be getting candy for a week for not listening to me earlier that day.  I'm so glad I found that basket before Monday morning.  Could you only imagine his poor teacher if I sent him to school not knowing that he dined on candy for breakfast?!  Whew, that would have led to dismissal immediately! 

The lesson I learned... Carter is much smarter then I give him credit for.  He's already outsmarting me.  I've always teased Travis by saying, "I'm two steps ahead Babe, two steps ahead."  Huh, now Carter is two steps ahead of me.  Lovely, just lovely!!!

Wild bandits as dogs... and a four year old theif!  Wowzers!!!

Tucker Talk

Well, well, well.  Our sweet Tucker bear turned 7 months old yesterday.  I don't know if it's because life is much busier with two children, but I feel like the 'baby' days with Tucker have been obsolete!  I remember coming home with him, I remember him being so tiny and those cute little clothes for about four weeks.  Then I remember then insane amount of crying, and now... he's 7 months?!  How on earth did this happen?!  

He's truly amazing.  He still resembles Travis in every way imaginable.  I am beginning to wonder if I'm even his mother, LOL! :)  He's starting to babble, constantly.  Not a moment goes by that he's not looking to get into something or watching Carter's every move trying to figure out how he can do what big brother is doing.  He's now sleeping like a champ, twelve hours every night!! Food, trust me when I say he was born to eat!  Baby food is a thing of the past. This kiddo wants table food, and he's serious about it!  He loves mashed potatoes, green beans, french fries (healthy, I know), and any kind of cake, pudding, or ice cream!!!

Rather then calling him Tucker Bear maybe we should rename him stunt devil!  In the past two weeks he has managed to roll off the changing table. Disclaimer, yes... I was right there. I leaned down to put diapers in the cabinet and he rolled off.  I am not a horrible, irresponsible mother, just FYI.  He crashed his walker yesterday, he hits his head on the entertainment center daily, and he has learned that putting his finger in his mouth now causes pain thanks to the two little chicklet teeth he is sporting.  I called Travis this morning to tell him he would need to lower the crib when he gets home.  His first words, "Did he fall out of the crib?"  Okay, yes... he rolled off the changing table in my care, but no he did not fall out of the crib.  He has learned to pull himself up and that's how I found him laughing when he woke up.  We are in big trouble with this one.  Start the prayer chains now, we're going to need them! ;)  We only thought Carter was a handful...Tucker's already plotting against us.  

He is attempting to crawl but when he gets the hang of it, I don't think it will be long before he starts to walk.  He is already pulling up on the furniture and this morning, he's also standing up in his crib! Time to lower it I do believe!!!!  I keep repeating, Momma, Dada, Bubba, and Nana to him but thus far we've only heard Dada twice.  Little stinker doesn't have much to say I suppose!

With the holidays upon us, I know the months ahead are going to fly past. Only five more months and we'll be celebrating a first birthday!  

Tucker Bear, 

Days are speeding pass me and I'm in awe of all the things you have already learned.  I am so grateful for you and the joy you bring to our family.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for becoming a great sleeper, keep it up... your momma needs all the rest she can get!  I love to watch you grow and learn new things, but slow down just a bit... I'm already missing all the baby stuff.  :)  I love you more and more every day!  

All my love...

Momma

~  Here's just a little glimpse of what I have to blog about later! ~

Memory Monday & Happy Birthday Nana!!!

So, I'm a little late getting this posted.  Better late then never, right?! :)

This past weekend we celebrated my moms birthday.  My sister came in to town from Graceville, and we surprised my mom.  I contacted the ladies she works with and the plan was to meet us at Ruby Tuesday around 4ish on Friday.  Mom met me at JoAnn's but little did she know Jessica was waiting on the next aisle to surprise her!!  She was shocked.  We left JoAnn's and off to Ruby Tuesdays we went. 

We pulled in the parking lot and she got a really strange look on her face and asked, "What is going on here?"  She noticed two of the vehicles and guessed that they looked just like the ones her co-workers drive.  I just smiled and grinned.  Mom's not much on surprises, but hey... everyone needs a good surprise now and then.  We were joined by six of her co-workers and some of our cousins.  Dinner was wonderful, and after dinner we saw Love Happens, with Jennifer Anniston.  It was a great movie.  Mom enjoyed her evening, I do believe!

Nana's birthday celebration last year... hence, Memory Monday! 

On Saturday we met up again and mom and I spent the day together.  She was a little hurt that Carter didn't come, but he was with his Daddy in the woods getting ready for hunting season *more on that later*.  We made a trip to Wally World, Big Lots (woo hoo... great fun, I know), and lunch with my brother.  On Sunday, we all went to church for Homecoming and afterwards I helped mom cook lunch and we had cake and ice cream.

Our family is so blessed to have my mother.  She is a caring, compassionate, hard-working, dedicated, individual.  She is one of those people that would give you the shirt off her back if that is what you truly needed.  I thank God for her guidance as a mother, her support as a friend, and her endless love.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!  Love you, always!!

Please pray

I am so behind with blog entries.  I have tons of pictures to load.  This past weekend was crazy hectic, as was all of last week.  Today is my moms birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!  I LOVE YOU!!!!!

I sit here tonight heavy hearted.  We visited with Papa tonight and he's not doing well.  He's still smiling, and cheerful but we all know he's hurting. The pain is getting stronger, and his body weaker.  As I sit and chat with him, we laugh, and I look at him knowing that he knows that this journey won't last forever.  Sweet Granny, by his side constantly.  Her heart so broken.  Her tears stream almost constantly.  

On our way over tonight Travis told me that he stopped by this morning, and he went in to say hello and as he entered the room he saw Granny by Papa's bedside, holding his hand.  Oh what a love.  From the time he told me that until this moment I still keep thinking, I hope that when my time comes I still have that love.  They truly are such a sweet couple to watch.  He's still trying to be strong for her.  She watches daily, not knowing if this might be her last day with him here on this earth.

I ask tonight that you pray for this sweet couple that is such a true blessing to my life.  I'm not asking for some miraculous healing.  I know God is ready for Papa, and knowing that I'm at peace.  I know Papa is ready to meet Him as well.  I heard him talking to his pastor the other night about crossing the river, and the pastor replied with, "And Bro. Joe, you'll be the happiest you've ever been."  As I listened to their conversation, I imagined what it will be like when we meet Jesus.  It will be so sweet!!  I can already imagine that Papa will have a smile so big, and an extra pep in his step.  Nothing like serving the Lord all your days, to finally be face to face with the King.  My prayer request is that you ask God to provide each family member with peace, and understanding.  Give them all rest, Papa, Granny, their children.  The family has come together and everyone is doing their part.  It's a sad time, but a comfort to be together.  

I don't know God's plan.  I don't know if He will be ready for Papa in a month, or in three months but it is my prayer that He take away his pain.  I thank each of you who have sent me emails, and comments here that you are praying for our family.  It means so much to know that people that don't even know me are praying.... prayer is a powerful thing.  May your week be filled with endless blessings.  Take the time this week to remind each person you love how much they mean to you.  Call your grandparents, your parents, your siblings.  We are not promised tomorrow.... so why put it off?  

God bless!

Murder on my porch?!

I love fall. I love everything about it, pumpkins, scarecrows, mums, hay bales, candy apples, the fair. I could go on for hours about how much I love this season.  This week I was so excited to start decorating.  I went by our local hardware store and picked up four pots of mums.  I was a bit reluctant knowing that we had two terrors that might destroy them, but I was going to give them the benefit of the doubt.  

I placed my mums ever so perfectly on the front porch.  Something about having fresh flowers on the porch just perks up the day, for me.  On Wednesday, I went to the store and purchased little scarecrows to put in the plants.  I buy them every year for a $1 at the dollar store, and Carter & I were so excited to put them in the flowers.  They looked so cute, and really got me in the mood to decorate more.  I would have to wait though because all my decorations are in the barn, and I can't reach them so I'm patiently awaiting my dear husband to get them down.

I wake up Thursday morning to find... my scarecrows have been murdered.  Seriously, there were arms here, legs there, and a head with runny eyes.  It looked like the poor thing was crying, I suppose they decided to lick it to death.  Who knows with these two beasts we call dogs.  Ugh, I was so disappointed.  Luckily, my plants were still in tack.  I cleaned up my poor scarecrows, and scolded the dogs.  They just wagged their tails as if I was telling them were the most wonderful creatures on earth..... UM NO!  

Don't get me wrong, I love them... because Carter loves them (sometimes).  But they are the most mischievous creatures I have ever known.  When we have company most everyone parks outside our fence and walks to the house.  Why you ask?  Our dogs like to climb on cars.  Yep, sure do.  Our cousin came over a few months back, left their shoes at the back door they left barefoot because our pups decided they needed a snack.  Yep, ate poor Heather's shoes to shreds!!!  I still owe her a pair of Reef flip flops.  

How is it something can cause you so much strife, but you just can't bare the thought of not having them around?!  Tater & Cowboy... you monsters.... PLEASE leave my decorations, peoples shoes, vehicles, and plants alone, please.  I beg of you!