10 years Ago

Ten years ago today I was all giddy with excitement getting dressed for my wedding. The only thing that could damper this day was the air conditioning not working (because my friends 1998 was a SUPER HOT SUMMER). Well the air conditioning on one side of the church did not work. I remember my momma coming to me when I got to the church and that was the first thing she told me. It is a funny memory because if you know me I like it COLD! Oh well...everyone else was probably comfortable inside because I think it was about 99 degrees outside.

I digress. So today 10 years later, am I where that 19 year old girl thought she would be 10 years down the road, no...if that was the case we would have a 6 year old and at least one more child. Am I closer to God? yes! It is only because the roads we have been down in our 10 years of marriage have been HARD. I can specifically think of 2 times, when it could have ended. By God's grace and provision we are still here and have made it to a big milestone. Several years ago in the midst of the worst time in our marriage I was going through the Beth Moore study "Believing God". That study will always be close to my heart as it changed the way I believed about God. Everyone, even the demons, believe in God, but the question is do I believe Him and believe that He will do what He says He will do. I can say that when I get the right perspective about this, it is a peaceful feeling to Believe God! Knowing that on my own, my life is unmanageable and I have to turn my will over to Him and trust in Him because HE is in control.

So today, I am happy that John and I can spend today celebrating the 10 years we have been married. learn from the past and look forward to the future. We are taking one day at a time as we move forward!

Praise God as He is our Provider!

A few Photos through the years (I notice I like to change my hair a lot...that has not changed)

May 1994 (We started dating in December of 1993 - Just babies!

We were 17 and 14 in this picture)

January - I think it had to be about 1996

July 25, 1998

(I have more pictures of us but they are not digital, hence the gap in time!)

December 2004

May 2006

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Not sure if my Father-in-law reads my blog (he has the link, but he usually just uses his computer for banking), but I thought I would wish he (Bobby) and his wife Melba a "Happy Anniversary". They met at the recreation center and both went to the same church. They dated for a short time and got married 2 years ago today.

Here is a picture of them at their wedding reception:

Happy 2nd Anniversary Bobby and Melba!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my Daddy's birthday! He is spending his birthday in Branson with Momma, Andrea and Camryn for Cam's national dance competition. There is a slight possibility that he would rather be doing something else for his birthday (something more "manly" in the world's eyes) but I know my Daddy and he wouldn't be anywhere else. That is just the kind of Daddy/Papaw he is. He is the daddy of two girls and the Papaw to a granddaughter. All our lives we always had girl dogs so he has always been outnumbered! However, I've never heard him complain about this ever in my life. He is a protector. He loves us girls with all his heart and has always done what is best for all of us. One example is that he worked in Sheridan, AR for many years. The first 5 years we lived in Sheridan about 5 minutes from where he worked. When we made the decision to go to Abundant Life in Sherwood, we moved to the South side of Little Rock. That meant that he had to drive about 30 minutes to work every day. After Andrea and I became involved in sports at school and Momma was teaching there, he decided it would be best to move somewhere close to the school. So we moved to Gravel Ridge and that put him driving at least an hour to work each day. That is just one example that shows the kinds of sacrifices he makes for the good of his family.
One other thing, I'll never forget is on my wedding day. The look on his face when he saw me all dressed and ready for pictures. His mouth dropped and he said "Oh...WOW! You look beautiful!". That still melts my heart today!
So, Daddy, I hope you have a great day in Branson. I hate that I can't be there with you but you know I love you dearly!

Weight Loss Lane

Take a little trip down "Weight Loss Lane" with me. I need the motivation to continue on this journey to reach my goal weight by my 30th birthday (next July 7th). The pictures begin in May 2006 and go until the picture of me yesterday!

Ok...that is about all I can handle of myself. I thank you all for the complements on my weight loss. I'll wait until I finish spending my birthday to post more pictures of me.

Series of Thanks! (Part 2)

As promised...

Momma - Thank You! I got this black pair of capris and this cute top which got several complements today! Tomorrow I'll be wearing the other top I bought with my birthday money from you!

A Series of Thanks! (Part 1)

Well Monday was my 29th birthday! My last year of my 20's. My family gave me money...most of them knew all my pants were starting to fall off of me. I have a weight loss goal for my 30th birthday. So far in the past 9 weeks I have lost 18 pounds. Since the beginning of 2007, I have lost 29 pounds. So thanks to my sister and the Cato giftcard she gave me I was able to purchase a pair of chocolate brown capris and a denim short-sleeved jacket (which I have been looking for the right one for about 1 year). Here is a shot of me today in this outfit:

As I wear my other new clothes this week...I'll post pictures and a big THANK YOU to each person!

Thanks An! I love my new clothes!