You Know Your Daughter Is Getting Married When...

You look online at the proof for her wedding invitation. There it is in real life...I mean like she is a real adult getting married. Surely, this is just a little pretend fun my little girl is having, isn't it? No, I don't think so. She is really getting married...the invitation says so.(They are beautiful by the way!)

She calls you to come to a furniture store to see furniture her and her future husband are about to buy for their "home". Oh my...it was like seeing myself 24 years ago. I was very proud of Mitchell, the future husband, for the way he handled himself in his business dealings!!!! It reassured me that I was right in the fact that this man can take care of my daughter.

They are officially registered for wedding gifts. Mitchell was the official "shooter" of the "gun" while they registered. It was fun helping Kristyn look for the wonderful items they were going to register for before they registered. It makes a mom proud to watch her daughter pick out things like her moms. 

People have switched from "oh you have a while to get ready" to "we need shower invitation list" and "oh that is going to be here before you know it." GULP!

You see this beautiful young woman in her wedding gown. Just a glow about her when she has it on. Words are just not there to describe the feeling of seeing your baby walk out in her wedding gown. I will have to ponder this to come up with the appropriate words!

You see all her bridesmaids gather to be fitted for their dresses and try their shoes on! They all looked gorgeous! And even though they don't all see each other all the time, when they come back together, it's like they have never been apart. They just fall right back into their friendships. Love that!

Boxes and containers are being gathered so she can pack up her bedroom. She is leaving for college next week and when she comes back home for semester, she will be getting married. So, she has decided to pack her room COMPLETELY! I cannot hardly go up there! I went up the other morning to tell her bye because she was going out of town. I looked at that room and as I started back down the stairs, I just began to cry! There will be boxes for things to stay with me and boxes to take when she is married. Oh there are so many emotions around this event. When she goes to school next week, she really will not be living with me again. Just coming home for visits to do wedding planning and going to showers and having bridal portraits made. Then, December will be here and she will come home and head to that chapel and walk down that isle and become a Mrs. A Mrs. mind you. This child that I just birthed yesterday and was keeping me up all night because she was a night owl from day 1, is going to be a Mrs. She is going to be a wife. Seriously!

But, you know, a mom can tell when its time for them to leave the nest. I watched Zachary go thru this process and watched as he began to pull away and become his own person and I knew I had to let this happen. (ugh, talk about a weird feeling, going upstairs and seeing his room being clean all the time and his bed always made because he rarely comes home :(. )I see that in her now. It has just been of late that I have began to notice the switch. Be assured it is there, her heart is going to be with Mitchell already and she is preparing to be a wife. She is so excited to make her home with her almost husband. This is how it should be. 

One of my favorites times as of late has been when we have been in the pool and she has no make-up on and her hair is wet and slicked back. She looks like that little girl that I raised instead of the young woman she has become. It is just fun to get a little glimpse back in time. Doesn't last for long though, she may look like my "little girl" but she does not act like a little girl any longer. Oh she has her moments. We can get so tickled that I almost pee my pants (Pretty Woman comment!) Ok, sorry, I have gotten off the beaten path. Starting to head down memory lane, another post perhaps.

Seeing my closet and office fill with bags of stuff being purchased for the wedding. The goal is to have everything possible done before she goes back to school. We are pretty darn close. Granted there is still plenty to do but we are doing great with the planning.

Ok, well I feel better getting all of that out of me. Next week, I will turn 48 and take my daughter to school for the last time. I am so excited for her and I know she is so ready to be married and settled and for this I am grateful. I know its going to be so hard to let her go, I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it but I know its the right thing and all will be well. It will be well with my soul!!!!! I'm Trusting!

As a side bar - I apologize to those of you that I haven't called like I should or gotten with like I should. I don't think I have ever had a summer go by so fast and been so busy. Please be patient with me thru the end of this year. I love you all but my girl is getting married and my boy has been in Fayetteville all summer and they have kept me busy. I'm enjoying it while I can!

Love ya!

 

It's Bailey Anne James who will be 3 months old this Friday, the 24th. She is just so darn cute and hilarious to watch. That first month it was like having a newborn/toddler in the house...about wore me out. We now have our little routine down and she has settled into the family dynamics. She is just a joy to watch. She loves being outside all the time. She chases moths and grass that is blowing and has now discovered a frog that gets on the porch every night, she just barks at that frog. She rarely barks which is nice, I didn't want a yapper!

I KNOW it has been sooooooooooooooo long since I have posted but life has just been a little busy. My sweet Kristyn has been home this summer, going to school, working and we have been planning the big event, her wedding. Her goal is to get everything done that we can possibly get done before she goes back to Fayetteville on August 20th. We have gotten so much done. We have her entire wedding ensemble and the bridesmaids dresses and shoes. We have picked out the flower girls dress. We have the chapel, the reception, the photographer, the cake, the flowers, there have been shower dates planned. It is just rolling right along. It is now less than 5 months away and I cannot believe it. It will be here before we turn around.

When Kristyn goes back to school its going to be really sad for me because that will mean she no longer lives with me. She'll come home for showers etc. and then when the semester is over, she will come home to get married. So surreal. I'm so happy for her and Mitchell but am shocked that this time has come. I want to enjoy every last minute I have with her.

Zach has been in Fayetteville this summer going to school and coaching the West Fork Sr. Babe Ruth baseball team. They came in 1st place for the season, won the championship tournament (I was there for this and it was so exciting!!!! The look on my boys face when they won that game was priceless.) He has now been the assistant coach for the allstar team. This past weekend they went to Jonesboro for the state tourny. They won all their games to become the state champs. How cool is that!!!!! He is done for the summer now. The team goes on to Texas but Zach cannot go.

I guess that is whats happening in my world right now. Hopefully, I will be back sooner to post. I'd love to get a laptop for my birthday, then I would be able to write a lot more!!! We'll see.
Have a great day!

Bailey!

Hi, everyone! It is Kristyn, I'm uploading pictures for "Granny Beth" (the name I decided me and Zach's children should call her...haha). I'm doing the pictures because "Beth" isn't so good at it :)


For Mother's Day this year we decided to get my mom a new puppy. She has made suggestions here and there of getting one...but I knew she would never go all the way... and buy one. So, I set out to find one...and man did I find some crazy people selling dogs. Anyways long story short...I found a lady in Crossett, AR on the internet here "PUPPIES". She was very legit and had a fresh litter of miniature dachshunds. I called her up on the phone and she had a female which is what we wanted. The puppy was chocolate and tan which is so beautiful and something we never had or seen before. She sent me pictures and I fell in love. But, the puppies would not be ready to leave their mom until May 29th. So I went to Petsmart and bought a collar, dachshund key chain, puppy bones, and a puppy toy. Wrapped all the goodies up in a cute puppy "paw" bag and pink tissue paper (because it is a girl) and got a "Congrats on the New Pet" card!
On Mother's Day Eve we sat "Beth" down and made her close her eyes. We placed the bag of goodies in her lap along with my lab top with a picture of the new puppy on the screen. She was so excited and loved her as much as we did. YAY!!
So, today we drove down to Crossett (2 1/2 hours) to see her and made a deposit.


As of today she is officially Moms and we are so happy. My mom also decided a while back if she ever got a new pup she would name her "Bailey"...so folks we got a "Bailey" and we will meet to pick her up to join the family officially on May 29th. It was a great time and she is so darn precious. I hope that "Granny Beth" is pleased and I know they will have fun times together! I love you MOMS!!

The puppies with their mommy (which is very PRETTY)!

Bailey just being...soo very cute! :)
Can you believe how tiny she is?


We love her so much already!!

p.s- If you want to see more pictures of Bailey click here "Beth"!

TO "G"

G,

You left a post on my blog about my friend Robin Wooten. I have no way of responding to you. I'm just wondering who you are.



Who was Robin's new best friend? Where did she work?



Are you the same person that responded a long time ago to my blog about Robin? I had sent that person an email back but never heard from them.

It's just so interesting to me how you found my blog and two people out here in blog land know the same person from so long ago.

I hope to hear back from you. I'm just being curious :)
b

Easter Weekend

Easter 2009!

Friday I went grocery shopping for the kids being h0me and for Easter dinner. When I got home I made a "from scratch" cream cheese pound cake that Zach loves. You bake it and then wrap it alum. foil for 24 hours before cutting. Oh my it is soooo good! I then made the batter for what I call TQ's sugar cookies. My friend TQ gave me the recipe years ago and this is the first time we made them. I put the batter in the frig. for us to make on Saturday. I also made all the easter baskets and hid them so I wouldn't have to do it while they were there!

Zach and Kristyn got home Friday night. We watched Doubt when they got there and just hung out together...love love love this time with them.

Saturday, everyone slept in. The kids are so tired when they get home for a weekend plus I think it just feels good to be in their own beds! We made sugar cookies on and off all day. I rolled out the dough and cut out bunnies, circles, eggs and ice cream cones ( I know these aren't easter but they are so cute). Zach and Kristyn did the decorating, well Kristyn did most of the decorating, Zach only decorated a select few and they were quite interesting. He decided one of the bunnies needed male private parts! BOYS! Kristyn and I also made the deviled eggs for Sunday. Saturday night, their dad wanted to take them to a BBQ place in Little Rock and the kids wanted me to go so I did. We had a good time.

Sunday, the three of us got up and went to church at 9:00. It was a good service and then left in the pouring rain. Got home and I finished up lunch while Kristyn set the table really pretty and made bags of cookies with ribbon for Mitchell, Susanna and her dad.

I invited Dave and his parents over for lunch so they could see the kids. Zach is torn when he comes home over who to spend time with and I don't want him to feel that way so I decided its easier for me to endure so that he can be comfortable and want to come home. All went well except some frustration inside of me.

We had...honeybaked ham, potato salad, green bean bundles, corn casserole, homemade macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs and rolls. I made strawberries in sugar to go with the pound cake for dessert and cookies of course. I divided all the left overs up and sent them with everyone so they wouldn't be left in my house. I love sending food back to school with the kids. For the first time at a holiday meal, I asked Zach to pray and he did. Touched my heart!

They liked their Easter baskets. I get them things they need and then add the kind of candy they like. Kristyn got perfume and a couple of bracelets, scarves and socks. Zach a shirt, socks, sunflower seeds and candy. Mitchell a shirt and sunflower seeds and candy. Susanna got dark chocolate, candy and socks.

Kristyn surprised me with a coffee cup made by the art students at UofA, its so unique, I love it. She put some candy in it and a charm that has the shape of AR on one side and a razorback on the other for my pandora bracelet.

We did a lot of laughing this weekend which I LOVE. Also, I had bought a tower of crayons and new coloring books. Both of the kids colored such pretty pictures. Its a tradition for us.

I so enjoyed having my kids at church with me and to be able to worship with them on this special Sunday of Jesus' resurrection. I am a blessed mom!

Catching UP!!!!

I cannot believe its been a month since I last posted. Time gets away quickly. So I thought today I would write about what has been going on in my life the last month.

Zach and Kristyn were both on spring break. Zach came home the first weekend but then had to go back for baseball, his highschool team was not on spring break. So, after he left we went to the chapel kristyn is getting married and took a tour. Mitchell (fiance), his mom Sharon, Kristyn and I went. That was fun and the chapel is so beautiful. It is at Hendrix College and has the stained glassed windows, one isle (which is very important to K) and beautiful wood work. Also, a fantastic looking organ. The four of us went to dinner together afterwards. Fun times!
The next day we went to meet with the florist and ordered flowers. Scott is so amazing and has such wonderful ideas.

On Wednesday afternoon Kristyn and I went to Fayetteville to spend the rest of the week with Zach and of course so she could see Mitchell. We stayed with Zach because all of his roommates were gone. That was fun. Zach had even washed his sheets for his Ma to sleep in his bed. Didn't get it made but at least he washed them! I cleaned their kitchen, his bathroom, vacuumed, dusted, swept, mopped and did laundry. You know, 6 guys, 1 house, their idea of clean and a moms idea of clean, 2 different things.

They took me to dinner at Wasabi, their favorite rest. for sushi. I tried but I didn't like it...sorry I'm just not a sushi girl.

On Friday night we got to see Zach help coach the baseball team. My heart just swelled watching him. Kristyn made fun of me because she could just see my heart melting watching him. You would have thought he was the head coach. I miss going to baseball games and watching him and all the "boys" play and this night brought back the memories. For any of you other Moms that were at those games with me, it was freezing, remember???? And then, to see him out there being called "Coach James" like he is an adult or something, oh I guess he is, isn't he! At one point he was at the door of the dugout and every one of those boys were standing right behind him just talking to him. He loves doing this and I think will make a great coach. Oh, they also won their games that night, it was a double header. His coach told me I had to come to every game since they won. They are a young team and so don't win a lot of games. We went to IHOP after the game and he began telling me and Kristyn about all the boys, who they liked, what they were like etc. So fun!

It was fun just hanging out with the three kids during the week without interruptions. Zach, Kristyn and I even ended up in the same bed one morning...just like the ol days. I'm sure Mitchell wishes he could have been there for that!

Ok, moving on...Kristyn came home last weekend and we went shopping all day Saturday. She is looking for an outfit to wear for her engagement pictures that are coming up! We had so much fun, laughing, talking, eating and shopping for her, of course.

Kristyn is majoring in nursing, wants to be a labor and delivery nurse. She studies all the time, goes the extra mile to go to study labs they provide for classes. She has to apply for nursing school and they only take a certain amount at the UofA and her desire is to be accepted on her time schedule so she can finish her degree on time. She received an email last week inviting her to join the NASC Honor Society Membership. It is by invitaion only and has a lot of benefits for joining. I'm so proud of her for putting so much effort into her classes. She is very goal oriented and focused. She will make a wonderful nurse some day. She will also make a beautiful bride come December!

Wedding...well, we have the photographer, the place, the reception, flowers, bridesmaids dresses. The next biggies are the cake and the wedding dress!!! She has her mind about made up on invitations. Mitchell has booked their honeymoon...they are going on a cruise. They will get married, spend the weekend away, be home for Christmas, then leave on their honeymoon January 2. He has also reserved the car to take them from the wedding to the reception. They are now applying for their passports. Mitchell has decided what he wants to do for his bachelor celebration. He wants to go to Texas to see the Razorbacks play in the new stadium. His dad is working on making that happen for him. What a fun weekend that will be for him and his guys and the dads.

They are having a very traditional, elegant wedding. It will be such a wonderful celebration of Kristyn and Mitchell. Its so sweet because neither of them want the other to be overlooked, they want everything to be about both of them. The ceremony to be a sacred moment and the rest to be a time of celebrating them. I will be investing in the softest kleenex I can find. I'm so happy for them and am so excited to see them start their life together but this moma will cry and has cried.

Well, as you can tell the last month has been a lot about my kiddo's, as usual. It is so nice to enjoy them so much at this age as I did at every other age. God has blessed me with two great children and soon to be one son-in-law. (Just don't tell him I said that!)

I have been taking a class on Tuesday nights, its a pretty deep class about figuring out "your stuff"! Also, I have started a new aphgan, its going to be so pretty. The colors are a deep purple, taupe, green and a deep burgandy. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Its been fun catching up and I'm going to try to get some more pics on here soon. I promise. The kids will be home for Easter and so I hope to get some good pictures that weekend. Easter, what a time that is...when Christ got on that cross for every single one of us and for every single one of our sins and took that weight on Himself and died so that we could live and so we could be forgiven. There is no sin to big for Him and nothing happens to us that He can't handle. Then, then He arose. Gives me chill bumps to think of such a God. I am thankful to know Him and I hope if you are reading this, you know Him too. If not, ask me about Him.

My Boy!

It's baseball season again! This is his 17th year of baseball. He began instructional league when he was 4 years old. This year it's a little different though. He is coaching! Now, for this mom, that is crazy!

This is Zach's senior year of high school. 2006.

Zach is getting his degree in Kenesiology. He wants to be a coach and teach history or P.E. About 15 minutes from Fayetteville, where he goes to school, is a town named West Fork. He is doing something like an internship with the high school baseball team.

He is right handed but bats left!

Does he love it, well, of course he does. The coaches are really good guys and are allowing Zach to really be involved in helping coach. He is riding the bus just like the 'ol days, wearing a uniform, even got new shoes (fortunately I didn't have to pay for this pair, the school did!)

Baseball is truly his passion. What an awesome thing if he gets to do this for a living. How many people do you or I know that actually love what they do? And, he'll be working with kids and God can use him to impact their lives for His glory. Isn't that great!

I can't wait to go watch him in a game. That will be so fun! I miss the days of going to the ballpark and watching baseball and softball games 3-4 nights a week. That was our life and I loved it.

March 3

My scripture this 1/2 of the month is:
Psalm 73:26
My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; He is all I ever need.

I NEED this verse this week...I have grown tired and weary and need God's strength and for Him to lift me out of this pit.

Do you ever wonder what brings on sadness...loneliness...depression. You seem to be going along doing ok and then its like a dark cloud just moves over top and refuses to move on and let the sun come back out. Makes no sense to me.

One thing I know is that God is my refuge and my strength and no matter what else, He is here with me, even if I can't feel Him.

So for those of you who aren't on top of your game this week, here's to you and to me, may God be our strength and let His Son shine thru quickly in our lives.

:)

Hello Beth, 

This is how you put a picture on your blog! I love you!!

Your favorite daughter ever! :)

What happened to the 15th?????

I cannot believe no one has called me out on this one. I didn't put a post about our scriptures for February 15th. Time got away from me and I do apologize. So, I'm wondering did you go ahead and change your scripture or are you still working on the first 3? What is going on out there scripture sisters?

I have to admit I've had a harder time with my verses this time. But, I'm going to keep on keepin on. Do you remember that saying? I hope you are joining me in keeping your scripture memorization going.

Come on girls, we can do this...we are only in February...let's do this together. Let me know how you are doing?

Colossians 3:16a- Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
The above is my verse and what I desire to do, I want God's word to dwell in me, richly. I want to know His word.
love
beth

I love this!

Scripture Sisters,

I love you all sending me your scripture. Just reading them gives me this wonderful feeling. I want to memorize them all with you. They are all so fitting for me and you. Isn't that awesome. You go girls!!!!! I'm so proud of all of you...and thankful for the Word and how powerful it is and real and true and God-breathed.

Thank you for joining with me in this adventure, its boost me to keep going and to keep learning. Where 2 or more are gathered together...well here we are and I know God is smiling at us!

Have a great week.
b

February 1

Its February 1st! We should have all memorized at least 2 verses for the month of January.

Now onto the 3rd for the first half of February.

I would like to memorize Psalm 63:1-8 and so I'm just going to write all 8 verses, it may take me a while to memorize it all but I'm hoping it will come quickly.

1) O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

2) I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3) Because your LOVE is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4) I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5) My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6) On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7) Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8) My soul clings to you;
Your right hand upholds me.

I pray the Lord will continually draw us to Himself thru memorizing His word. Ask and you shall receive, so I'm asking that His word would become a part of us, that we would think on it when we lay down to sleep and when we awake in the morning. Through remembering His word we would be changed and He would be glorified!
b

Kids and Ice Storms

As you have probably heard, an ice storm hit Fayetteville, AR this week. I realize this week how hard it is for me to be here without my children when there is crisis going on. They are fine, a little irritable maybe, but ok. They have all seem to handle themselves fine. Zach's house is without electricity, Kristyn's fiance's apt is without elec., Kristyn's dorm has elec. but she has no food there. So, they have been floating around. Of course, I wish they were home with me but neither of them want to come home.

Reality check. They are growing up and even though there is unpleasant times they are sticking it out and handling the moment. That is what I raised them to be, right? UGH!

They were both home last weekend and didn't want to make the trip back home. I have discovered Zach feels like he has to please to much when he is here. He feels torn about where to spend his time, between me and his dad. I know where that pressure is coming from and its not his moma. I just want them to want to come home, thats all. And feel comfortable being home and not feel pressure to have to be with or do anything with anyone.

Krsityn has been sick this entire time with soar throat, cold, headache. Her and Mitchell went to WalMart last night after he got off work at 11:00 to get her some drugs. WalMart had closed at 10:00 p.m. due to the weather!

I've noticed I have had a really hard time sleeping this week. I think because I'm thinking about them sleeping in the cold or not and wondering where they are.

All of this to say...my kids are growing up and handling themselves pretty well and I'm back here wanting to still be a mom and finding I'm not needed so much. Another reality check. I know this is the way its supposed to be but that doesn't mean its easy.

Way to go kids and the way you've managed this week and I just know I'll be better the next time something happens, won't I?

MeMe

Rules: Post the list on your blog replacing my answers with yours. Tag 25 people to do the same. Don't forget to Tag me back. I tag everyone that reads my blog.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My Granny's name was Elizabeth but was called Bessie hence Elizabeth aka Beth for me.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Today, I cry just about every day.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Zach 21 and Kristyn 19 and a birth son Daniel 23

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Some but not a lot

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No I'm afraid it would hurt my neck or back

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Frosted Flakes

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Probably home made vanilla, the old fashioned home made kind.

13. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? I look them up and down, checking them out as my friends would say. I try to see their soul!

14. RED OR PINK? RED

15. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My size

16. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Dad who died in 1985, my Granny who died in 1981 and my kids when they aren't home.

17. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?? Absolutely, I love knowing more about people

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Red plaid pj bottoms and beige house shoes

19. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Some commercial on the tv.

20. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Red

21. FAVORITE SMELLS? Wood Wick Carmel candle, my kids hair, rain and coffee :)


22. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Kristyn, my baby girl

23. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO POSTED THIS NOTE? I've never met her personally but I like her thru blogging.

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Whatever my kids are playing which isn't much anymore!

25. HAIR COLOR? I was born red headed - turned white - turned blond - turned dirty dishwater blond - turned I now get it colored to remain my blond.

26. EYE COLOR? Hazel

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No.

28. FAVORITE FOOD? I really cannot answer that...I love food...I enjoy salty more than sweet and I love soups.

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings, I'm a die hard romantic

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Loving Leah, the Hallmark movie on last night (Sunday)

31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Red tshirt from my sons fraternity and a plaid robe he got me for Christmas.

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter

33. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs, I think I've forgotten how to kiss!

34. FAVORITE DESSERT? Home made Cream Cheese Pound Cake or homemade banana nut bread with a little butter on it and a cup of coffee.

35. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?

36. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?

37. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I'm reading a book about doing some healing from my past and memorizing scripture. I haven't been in a big reading mood lately, it comes in phases.

38. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't have a mouse pad.

39. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Loving Leah, 18 and counting - the Dugger wedding

40. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? Conversation with my kids and their laughter when we are together. Rain. When my phone rings and one of my friends is calling me.

41. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Neither.

42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? China

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I'm a great listener and I can touch my nose with my tongue :)

44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Miami, Florida

45. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? EVEYBODY!!

46. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? Church...but we are separated at the present time and heading towards divorce.

OK...I'm going to tag people, but if I haven't listed you and you stop by my blog, come on and play. Just let me know so I can come by and check out your answers!!

I tag: Everyone that read my blog!


So come on and tell us about yourself!!

Happy 21st Birthday Zachary!!!!

All About Zach:

• I had a great pregnancy with you. I craved Dr. Pepper and M&M's.
• Your room was done in Koala bears. I had collected them for years. We even put a pole in your room from floor to ceiling and hung all my stuffed koala's on it. Very cute but I wouldn't do that now.
  
• Born January 22, 1988, Friday, 1:58 a.m., Baptist Memorial Hospital
• Blond hair on the prettiest shaped 15.5 inch head ( you were in the birth canal such a short time that you looked like a c-section baby!)
• 8 lbs. 12 oz., 22.5 inches and now 6'3" and around 200 lbs.
  
• Blue eyes
• You took to nursing like nobodies business and have always enjoyed a good meal!
• Your love for sports started as a toddler, especially baseball. I guess we should have known you would want to be a baseball coach and here you are fulfilling your dream.
• You love music. As a toddler we would be home and you could be in your walker anywhere in the house and the song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" would come on the TV and you would run in that walker to the television and just stare at the TV and "dance". I know I should have given you piano lessons!
• You didn't like baby food but real food. Your dad started giving you iced tea at about 6 months out of his glass and you have been drinking it since.
• Your dad and you had a special bond from birth.
  
• You never would take a bottle, you went straight from nursing to a sippy cup.
  
• I nursed you for 14.5 months, until I found out I was pregnant with your baby sister!
• Jacob and Tyler have been your friends since you hung out together while still in the wombs of your moms. They have spent every birthday with you and you them.
• Even though your love language isn't gifts, you love celebrating your birthday and always want it to be special.
• You never used your baby bed. I guess you didn't like it :), instead you chose to sleep in a big ol water bed with your mom and dad.
  
• You have always been the snuggliest baby and person. Even as a baby when you would go to sleep you didn't move. You are like that to this day.
• You give GREAT hugs.
• You came to know Jesus at church camp and baptized at Gravel Ridge First Baptist Church.
  
• You are now 21 and have had a great life so far, I think. You have been blessed to grow up in the same place and with a great group of friends. You've gone to school together, played sports together, gone to church and church camps together. You have a baby sister that loves you and you love her and when push comes to shove, you are there for each other.
  
• You have mourned the loss of some good friends and have attended more funerals than you should have at this age. I have been proud of the way you have been in this area of your life. You and your friends were always there for each other during these times and always wanted to be together.
  
• Your friends parents have loved you. They say it takes a village to raise a child and I believe you were blessed to be raised by a village of people that have loved you.
  
• You have been loved with passion and unconditionally by your parents.
• You have been such a blessing to my life and I am so humbled and honored to have had the privilege of being the woman who gave birth to you and raised you, the Moma in your life. What a gift God gave to me when He gave you to me.
• I love you so very much and pray the next 21 years will be filled with great blessings. You will have tough times and I pray you go to your heavenly Father for wisdom in these times. You will have great joy like you have yet to experience and I pray you go to your Abba Father and thank Him for these times. You will be a mentor to people you don't even realize you are mentoring.
  
• Love God passionately, without reservation, give everything to Him and you cannot fail. Doesn't mean life will be perfect but it means you will be where you need to be and have the strength of a god that is perfect and Holy and Good and loves you so much!

Well, I really didn't mean to go into all of that but since I have, I think I will leave it. Here's to you Zach, Zachy, Zachary, Zachary David, Zachariah, Happy Birthday with love from your Ma!

The Bridal Weekend

Well we had a really nice weekend.

Saturday night, a total of 8 of us went to Cupcakes on Kavanaugh and then to Macaroni Grill for dinner. We saved our cupcakes for after dinner. Then on to the movie. It was a really funny movie but I still managed to cry! After the movie we took everyone home and then Kristyn and I went to WalMart to buy some school supplies and stuff to make chili.We got home and sat and talked until around 2 a.m. I cherish those talks with that child!

Sunday, we went to church and heard a great testimony from a man on forgiveness. After church we went to lunch and then Sharon, Kristyn's future mother-in-law, Kristyn, me and Becky went to the bridal fair. It was packed with vendors. All brides wore a sticker that was pink and white and shaped like a diamond ring. They filled out slips to win things at every table. We didn't win anything though :( It was really fun just being able to see all the different types of wedding ideas. There was a fashion show at the end that was so fun. Kristyn really enjoyed going. We came home and as soon as we got here, she had to put her stuff in the car and head back to school. We have two huge bags full of stuff she got at the bridal fair waiting for her to go thru when she comes back home.

A good time was had by all. I always am sad to see her go but excited to know she'll be coming home again.

Next weekend - Zach and his girlfriend are coming home for his 21st birthday. His birthday is Thursday the 22nd and they will be home on Friday. This will be the first birthday of his that I have not been with him. Makes me so sad! But, I am trying to refrain from getting in my car and heading to Fayetteville!!!!! It will be fine I know. So, the next post will be all about Zach!!!!!!!

Its Friday!

I woke up this morning with such a headache that I decided I would just keep laying in bed. I slept a lot this morning and I just have to say, it was wonderful. The best part, I have no guilt!!!!!

Kristyn, my baby girl of 19, is on her way home from school for the weekend. I love love love when my kids are home. We have a pretty busy weekend ahead of us. Tomorrow we have to go to WalMart and get school supplies for Kristyn and stuff to make chili for her to take back to her brother. He hasn't felt real good this week and wants his Ma to send him some chili. Tomorrow night we go to see Bridal Wars or whatever that new movie is called. Of course, that also means going out to eat.

Sunday, church, a guy is giving his testimony about forgiveness. I think the way the story goes is his family was killed but he lived and later found out his son was the one behind the killing. He has written a book and its supposed to be an amazing testimony. I'll let you know Monday!

After church, eat again, then off to the Bridal Fair for the afternoon. Krisytn, as I've already posted is getting married in December and so we are going to look at all the vendors and the fashion shows. I hope this will be fun and I hope she wins something wonderful!!!!! You know like a free wedding :) wouldn't that be the greatest. I'm sure they don't even have that option but I think its a great idea.

Its also nice meeting all of you who have come over to my blog about the scripture memorization. Its just so fun meeting all of you and to think that women all over the country are memorizing scripture together. Wow, doesn't that just give you the coolest feeling inside! I'm looking forward to knowing all of you better!
b

January 15th

Good Morning,

I was a little late getting on my blog this morning because I had to wait until I got to work to do so. BUT, I'm so excited to see everyone with their new scriptures. That is so fantastic!!!!

I'm curious about how your first verse went, did you get it memorized, did you look at beth moore's tutorial on memorizing and did that help. Do you have a great way that you memorize? I'd love to hear comments about this.

I got my first verse done and the one below it. There are 4 verses in a row that I wanted to memorize and God just allowed me to get the first two already. Psalm 18:16-17.
16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.


My next verse(s) is Psalm 18:18-19.
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support.
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
He rescued me because He delighted in me.

As you can probably tell by my scripture, my life has been in turmoil this last year. I'm just trusting God to fix me and my circumstances and in the mean time to trust Him to draw me out of deep waters and rescue me because He does delight in me. Isn't that just amazing, He delights in each one of us, individually and personally. I love that and depend upon Him doing so.

So, you go girls...on to the next verse(s). Just remember to keep saying and praying the first one because by the end of the year we want to be able to have all 24 verses in our hearts, minds and souls and be able to say them easily.
In Him!
ps- i don't know if you know about this or not but there is a web site that you can go to and have the bible right there to look up scripture. Someone sent it to my email address and I just keep it there and when I need to look up a verse and don't have my bible handy, I go there. It is www.biblegateway.com

Scripture memorization Update

Hello friends,
Well, how is everyone doing with their first memory verse? I'm getting it, but its slow. I'm praying God will help me to retain the Word. I hope you are having so much fun doing this, I am so enjoying getting the Word in my heart and mind.

I wanted to share with you Beth Moore's blog. It is www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com
She posted a mini-turorial about how to memorize scripture. It is really good. You can also sign up on their blog to be part of their group to do scripture memorization this year.

I'm sure all of you know who she is but in case you don't...She is a bible teacher. She has written many bible studies and speaks all over the world. She loves the Lord. In fact, when her first bible study came out I was meeting with a lady and we decided to do a bible study and she picked Beth's first one. God used that study and the time I spent in my quiet time to change my life completely. I highly recommend participating in one of her studies if you have not.

On another note, Zach and Kristyn are leaving Saturday to go back to school. Where has the time gone? It seems like they just got here for Christmas and now they are heading back to school for the next semester. My house will become quiet and I'm guessing I will be doing a lot more crocheting! I miss them so much when they are gone.

This is a big year for us. Zach turns 21 this month! He's really excited. He is bringing his girlfriend home the weekend of his birthday and we will go out to eat at Shogun and have birthday cake from Rick's in Fayetteville. He just can't think of anything he wants for his birthday.

Kristyn is getting married December 19th and so we are now planning her wedding. She will turn 20 in November before getting married. We already have the chapel booked, the reception booked, the bridesmaid dresses bought. No, we haven't even looked at a wedding dress yet. She wanted to make sure she got these two places taken care of before someone else booked them.

Me, well I have the rest of my weight to lose. I've kind of gotten off track while the kids have been home but I've only gained 1 pound back. So, Monday I'm back on it hard. Weight Watchers is just easy for me to do. I'm praying hard for this house to sell and I have pictures to go thru and scarves and aphgans to make!

Here's looking forward to a great '09!

Ps:18:16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me. He brought me out of deep waters.

b

My Cup Runneth Over

Good morning dear friends,
My heart was so full when I saw fellow bloggers having a desire to grow in their knowledge of God's word. How exciting. Thank you betty for posting as well, you reach a lot more people than I do and for that I'm grateful.

A couple of you asked how we are going to meet or do this. Well, here it is:
1) Get your notecards.
2) On the 1st and 15th of each month we will all pick a new scripture. Everyone's may be different and some of us may pick the same one. Doesn't matter, just whatever you feel led to memorize and meditate on. By the way, if you haven't started and still want to, jump on the wagon. Its only Jan 3rd, you have plenty of time to learn a verse by Jan.15th.
3)Post on my blog the scripture you are going to memorize.
4) On the 15th we can post our new scripture and tell how we did with our first one. During the month if you are having problems or you are so excited because of what you are learning, post about it.
5) I find it really good to pray the scripture back to the Lord as well. It is His word and so if we pray His word to Him, He is delighted.
6) I have a friend that lives in another state and she and one of her friends have been meeting on a regular basis since around 2000 to do scripture memorization. They help each other. So, if you have someone close or someone to talk to on the phone that would like to join you, that would be a great way to learn as well.
7)This is simply an avenue of accountability for each of us.

May God bless each of us for being faithful to be in His word!

Good Morning January 2nd.

I'm so excited to hear from those of you that have a desire to know scripture which will deepen our walk with God. I hope you have chosen a scripture and have it written on your index card (or whatever you choose)!

Thanks Betty for yours, I love it!!!

If anyone out there has a great way of memorizing, I'd love for you to share. I can always use help in that area!
I'm praying we all will have 24 new verses or passages of scripture filled in our minds and hearts by this time next year. Won't that be fantastic!

My 2009 Goals:
1. Memorize Scripture and read the Word daily, I have a desire to go deeper.
2. Join a bible study when a new one begins and really dig in and get the most I can get out of it.
3. Find a beginners Yoga class and GO.
4. Continue WW, I've lost 30 lbs so far and have a lot more to go.
5. Be kind to others and myself.
6. Help Kristyn plan her wedding and be the best mom of the bride I can be! (Please pray for me)
7. Sell this house, oh how I want to sell this house!!!!!!
8.Learn how to add pictures to my blog, help anyone??????


On anoter note, my daughter and I met a friend at Dillards yesterday. I had NO IDEA they were having such a sale. It was CRAZY! The shoe dept. and the purse dept. look like war zones. Esp. the shoe dept., you know the paper stuffed in the shoes, it was laying everywhere, boxes thrown everywhere. I felt so sorry for the people working. Kristyn found one pair of boots but there was only one of them, it took us about 10 minutes to find the match. Everything that was on sale was an additional 50% off. Kristyn got a 180.00 pair of boots for 50.00. My friend got a 310.00 purse for 75.00. The people were everywhere, it was really pretty funny. Of course, I love watching people, cracks me up! There were people carrying luggage around everywhere I looked. We finally made it up there and their luggage dept. was almost completely cleaned out! It was fun though. We decided next year on New Years day we are going to be there at 10 a.m. when the doors open!!!!!

Scripture memorization

I don't know how many of you read the LPM blog, Beth Moore. But I was looking at it yesterday and they are starting today, January 1st with scripture memorization for the year. On the 1st and the 15 of each month you choose a new scripture to memorize, meditate on. You buy a spiral index card holder and carry it with you to memorize. By the end of 2009 we will have memorized 24 scriptures. Isn't that cool. So, I'm challenging you to either sign up on their blog or if you want a smaller, more intimate group, please join me. You can choose whatever scripture you want and then on the 1st and 15th we can all post our scriptures here and see what we are memorizing and hold each other accountable. Its ok, if we memorize the same scriptures or not, it will be interesting to see what scriptures come up!

If you are interested, just comment on my blog.

This is something I know I need desperately.

Here is my scripture, I opened my bible to look and it opened to the Psalms and this verse was hi-lited and just seemed to fit my life right now.

Psalm18:16
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
vs 17-19 go onto to say, He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place, He rescued me because He delighted in me.

I'd like to say I could memorize all of the above, I'll try but I dont' know if I can this first time. But, isn't that great scripture. Its exactly what I need at this place in my life.

I hope you will join me!