Busy = Piles of Laundry

There is nothing better than a rainy Monday to accompany a day filled with piles of laundry.

I try to keep up with our laundry.  Nothing like what Bob Saget did on Full House though.  Didn't he have a day for just the socks?  But I do try to keep it from piling up.  However, lately it has become a race to get one load done just so we have something clean for the next day.

Busy = piles of laundry.

So, today I am thankful for a rainy day when we can't play outside, we aren't running errands, we are simply at home....running the laundry.

Tomorrow will be Clean Clothes Tuesday in this house!

"Well, that's Grandad for ya."

If you run in our close circles, then I'm sure you've heard by now that Grant's grandfather passed away this week.  He was 92 years old and had been married for 70 years.  How awesome!  I hope Grant and I get 70 years together.  Let's see that would make Grant 100 years old when we hit 3/3/77 and our 70th anniversary.  So, glad he has good genes.


Throughout the day yesterday we went through boxes and boxes of pictures for the funeral home to put together a video.  They needed 40 pictures.  Do you know how hard it is to pick only 40 when you have lived such a full and rich life?


With the pictures came lots of stories.  Here is my favorite story of Grandad.


When Grant and I were dating we spent Christmas at his grandparents house with all the Faulks - I am truly blessed to marry into such a wonderful family.  And as is customary in my own family, when you leave the house you hug everyone's neck.  I followed behind Grant and made the rounds hugging necks of people I had just met and they hugged me like I was already family.  Towards the end we got to Grandad.  And he went straight in for a kiss on the lips!  Leaving the party, I looked at Grant and said, "Your Grandad just kissed me on the lips!"  I can still hear Grant's laughter.  And he said, "Well, that's Grandad for ya."


I learned pretty quick that the bob-and-weave tactic won't throw him; he's going to get that kiss!  And I will never forget that first kiss from Grandad.  That Christmas he welcomed me into his family with open arms and a loving kiss.  He was a man with a big heart.  And I'm very thankful for him and the family he raised over his lifetime.

Love Always

Grant came across my old journal of poems a few days ago.  Ten plus years ago I wrote poetry all the time.  Not so much anymore.  Tonight, I'm reaching back to find that creative voice.  This one's for you babe.

Love Always

I always dreamed of getting married.

Little did I know it would be you.

I always dreamed of romance.

Little did I know what it really meant before you.

I always knew that God had a plan.

Little did I know His plan would include us.

I always knew that I would have a family.

Little did I know our family would be so special.

I always planned to fall in love.

Little did I know love would feel like this.

I always planned to have a great marriage.

Little did I know being intentional with you would be awesome.

I always will be your love.

Little did I know the security that comes with love.

I always will love you.

Little did I know that a lifetime would not feel long enough.

Hello Blog

Hello again.  So, its been a month since I've made the time to write.  My goodness life gets busy fast.  So much has happened!  I turned 29...almost 30 - I think that is really one age put together because it always comes out in the same sentence.  A week later I found out my eyes are going bad and I need glasses.  I only have to wear them for driving, reading and working on the computer, um so basically all the time.

Here I am sporting them for the first time

We went to the circus with my family the last weekend in January.  A great Christmas present that my parents gave all the kids/grandkids.  On the way there I think I was just as excited as LB.  But once there she could not contain her excitement.  I think I held my breath for half of the show because I expected LB to run into the ring at any minute.  With front row seats, we could not get any closer to the action.

Last week my cousin's softball number was retired at Southwest Georgia Academy.  Bailey is a senior and will soon be graduating.  She has put in many long hours towards her pitching efforts.  And this honor could not have been bestowed on a more deserving athlete and person.  I can't remember all the records she holds at SGA, but I think its somewhere around 13ish.  Great job Bailey!  I am so proud of you!

It may only be February, but it feels like spring in the air.  And with pollen covering everything my sinuses are reminding me of one of the few headaches (literally) of living in the south this time of year.  But aside from a sinus headache every now and then, this is one of the most beautiful times of the year.  Why?  The tulips are coming!  In fact, some are already here.  The picture below is the front steps of my office in Donalsonville.  You can also find some around Dothan.  The Visitors Center on the Circle are standing tall.  Absolutely beautiful!

I hoping to get back into the habit of writing more.  It is definitely something I enjoy.  And I love hearing from you!  Thanks for reading.

Goals for 2012

1. Use a normal/patient voice when talking to LB - if I raise my voice she'll think its OK for her to as well.
2. Continue to read parenting books with Godly wisdom
3. Make my quiet time a priority - it benefits all around me
4. Respect Grant - Love and Respect - its a neat little circle that can enrich our marriage greatly
5. Count to three in my head before I attempt to correct/train/coach LB
6. Stick to my guns - give LB one opportunity to obey and follow the rules - giving her an endless supply of "if you do that then you'll have to go to timeout" doesn't benefit anyone
7. Tell and show Grant and LB how much I love them through my words and actions
8. Focus on work while at work, focus on family while at home
9. Communicate expectations clearly
10. Just say no - keep the focus on the budget set up at the 1st of the month
11. Go to bed early
12. Make date nights a priority with regularity
13. Keep things in perspective

Peanut Festival Fun!

Sunday afternoon we made it out to the Peanut Festival with our small group and had such a good time that we decided to go back last night.  When we told LB our plans, she immediately told us that she wanted to see the cow poop!  There is definitely plenty of that out there.  And just in case you haven't been around that much cow poop, don't worry, LB says it smells like chewing gum!

Love conversations with my 2 year old!

A Story of Hope, Strength and Peace

All week I've been trying to figure out the best way to start this blog.  I'll begin with two things you should know about the past few weeks.  To answer the question that is on most minds - How am I doing?  I am doing well - amazingly well.  But more importantly I want you to know that I give all the credit and glory to God for everything - my strength and peace especially.

Several weeks ago I finished reading the book of Matthew and was considering which book of the Bible to read next when something jumped out at me from the book of Job.  I cannot remember what it was or where it came from, but I remember thinking that maybe I should read Job again.  I have read Job before, but it is not a book that I have spent much time in.  This time has been different.  I have soaked up the book completely.  God wanted me to read this in preparation for the events to come, preparing for our own suffering of having a second miscarriage just five months after our first one.

"Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"  Job 2:10

In Halley's Bible Handbook that we use as a study guide I would like to relate what it says in the beginning when discussing the subject of the book of Job.

~God does not allow us to suffer without reason.  At times the cause of the suffering may be hidden from our understanding in the mystery of God's divine purpose.  But we must trust in Him and always turn to Him, even in times of suffering.  What a powerful witness it is to the world for Christians to not be full of anger and resentment toward God when suffering!  We know that He is a God who loves us and does only what is right.~

Yes!  This completely explains how we have not just survived but thrived since we found out.  God's plan for my life and the life of my family is perfect; therefore, I have no fear.  I pray that God will use my life for His good plans and ultimate story.  And I am humbled that He has chosen me to tell this story.  A story of hope, strength and peace during a time of sadness and grieving.

"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." Psalm 145:3

I must be honest and tell you that sad things can and do happen.  And in the midst of them it can feel like you are in a deep hole searching for light, for something to shine into the darkness and break up the path of devastation.

The morning I woke up with cramps and bleeding I very much suspected the worst.  Everything was too familiar to ignore.  It was a long morning of waiting to get in to see the doctor.  And there was only one image I could not get out of my mind, the image of our precious baby.  A real image. In my drawer with my Bible, I have 4 ultrasound pictures that I cannot part with.  I haven't looked at them since we found out.  And who knows when I'll pull them out again.  But deep in my heart I feel that God wants me to hold on to them to be used for His purpose.  His light can and will shine into this darkness and that gives me hope.

I look to the Lord for strength when I am weary, guidance when I feel lost, and comfort when I am sad.  "The Lord is near to all who call on him" Psalm 145:18

We do not know and the doctors do not know why this miscarriage happened.  First guess (with both miscarriages) is that something was wrong with the babies.  It is hard to believe that something like this is even possible when each and every pregnancy is a miracle from God.  I don't try to answer or understand this.  I rest in the knowledge that God is much bigger than I am and He has my best interest at heart.  He has a reason.  That is good enough for me.  And it is from this knowledge that I can daily draw strength to endure the loss that is so fresh and real.

"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made."  Psalm 145:17

God knows my heart better than I do, so it must be obvious to Him how deeply I desire to have more children.  Grant and I are praying and asking for wisdom for His perfect timing.  Technically speaking I only have to have one normal cycle before we can start trying again.  Will we be ready in two months to start trying again?  Emotionally, I don't know.  But if God is ready then I am on board 100%.  Who am I to set up time lines that limit God's plans?  I have peace that He will let us know when it is time.

"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.  The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."  Psalm 145:13-14

We are sad and disappointed.  But during all of this I have leaned hard on God, and with my full attention He has shown me love like no other and given me amazing peace.  A complete and whole peace that can only be from God at a time like this.  I believe with all my being that God will one day bless us with more children.  In the meantime, I hope and pray that I will honor Him with my story.  A story of hope, strength and peace during a time of sadness and grieving.

"My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.  Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever." Psalm 145:21