... and COUNTING!

We have officially entered the "under 30 days" mark for Andy to be home. In some ways I can believe it and in some ways I cannot. Sometimes I can't believe that he has been deployed since September, and sometimes I halfway expect him to walk through the door at the end of the day. So strange. However we are SO super excited, and my little man is just about beside himself because we are almost done "marking off the days" on his little bedside calendar. I am so glad that this is *almost* behind us and that I will have a partner to share the load again. I am so thankful for my heavenly Father who has sustained me. He is always faithful.

My exercise and fitness regime is going well! The torture from the trainer is paying off, I suppose.... especially when I caught a glimpse of a pretty well defined tricep muscle while unloading the dishwasher today! Who knew it was even there before? Everything is firmer, more toned, and I am down one size since beginning this mission. And that ellliptical machine? Totally my best friend now. Love it. I get to have 45 minutes to jam out awesome praise and worship music on my ipod, read my latest mag or just watch my favorite news channel ...uninterrupted. It is a great break in the mornings that always seems to come just when I need it!

My little Andrew contines to crack. me. up. every day. I have to call mom and dad to give them an update on what he has said during the day every single night! He is absolutely hysterical... but I guess most 3 year olds are because they are just so literal- you know? We were at my grandparents visiting one afternoon last week, and Andrew proceeded to wander around the back porch and yard with my grandfathers "yard hat" (a straw hat) on. My mimi asked him why he decided to wear the hat and he (dramatically) sighed and said, "Well, I'll just tell you what Mimi, I am having a bad hair day today". Where does he hear these things? I don't say that. Needless to say, we HAD to laugh at his expense. I walked into his room this week and found him lying on the rug (not asleep) but with his eyes closed. I proceeded to ask what he was doing, and he replied "Mama, I am pwaying to God 'bout some things and you just reawy don't need to worry bout it". He is a great source of entertainment for me, let me just tell you!
Our sweet Anna Kate (or "Kay-Kate" as she has taken to calling herself) has been ill and vomiting today... we spent the better part of the afternoon in the pediatrician's office, and I think she is a little better tonight. A 21 month old+ many vomiting episodes=much extra laundry for mommy today. Hopefully, no one else will get this!!???

I have SO many things I want to post about... my recent "new" vintage clothing purchases, my awesome pillows and sundress I just finished sewing, etc. Hopefully, time will allow in the next week? Hopefully.

Thanks for all the sweet birthday wishes! I had an unbelievable time, and came back refreshed and renewed... Sleeping late (what's THAT??!) can do that for a girl. The food was Fabulous. Fabulous! Did I mention FABULOUS? Let's just say that the entree I ordered began with the words "Sin city" and also had the words "Garlic, butter, gravy, shrimp, grits" ... need I go on? Oh, the birthday cake, you ask? Yes, that would have been chocolate turtle cheesecake on Friday, and a traditional chocolate with cream cheese vanilla icing and ice cream at the family celebration on Saturday. Daddy and I blew out our candles together (our birthdays are separated by only 1 day) and it was great. I adore birthdays.

Happy Thursday and
Much Love

Another year...

I'm another year older today and I don't mind a BIT! What a privilege to be alive, healthy and blessed far beyond what I deserve! Each birthday is a blessing and a gift ... I realize this more and more the older I get and the more I see suffering, sorrow and pain in lives all around us.

I was born in the latter half of the 70s, was a little girl in the 80s and a teenager in the 90s. Each birthday was a huge production when I was growing up..... themed parties, Easter egg hunts, slumber parties (where no one slept). I remember eating out of the "you are special" plate at supper, and having a huge breakfast in bed. Mom and Dad always made a big deal out of birthdays. I never tired of hearing the story of the night/morning that I came into the world and mama always told me again every year. After marriage, my precious husband has continued the breakfast in bed tradition, the fanfare, the presents, the cake, the works.

Today has been a little different. I woke up this morning to the sounds of a sweet 3 year old saying "Oh, mama today is you bur-day, you are a BIG girl now, mama!" while covering my face with kisses and singing "Happy Birthday", while a sweet little 1 1/2 year old clapped excitedly. There was no mom and dad here this morning, no siblings sitting on my bed watching me open gifts after my grand breakfast, no husband to give a happy birthday kiss (though phone calls from overseas are VERY sweet). But tonight will be a very grown up birthday party at a very grown up restaurant with my sister and some friends. My parents will be babysitting their grandchildren while their mommy is having the ultimate girl's night out. A very different birthday? Oh, yes. But still a wonderful birthday with every reason in the world to celebrate.
Psalm 139:13
Happy Friday and
Much Love

Easter Scenes

Here are a couple of scenes of what Easter entailed around our house. Sleet on the patio, and cute little outfits that had to be covered up with bulky coats. It was a blessed resurrection Sunday with 2 services filled to capacity with people hearing the wonderful story of hope that Easter brings!

Happy Monday and

Much Love,

Seriously?!

Thanks to sweet Jenna G for this award! And yes, my first thought was "Seriously"?!

So, thank you, Jenna. You really are just TOO sweet.

...Nominees from me later (I'm a little short on time right now!!)

Happy GOOD Friday and a blessed resurrection Sunday to all of you!

Much Love,

Favorites

One of my absolute favorite scriptures and one that has been on my heart (and on a sticky note on my bathroom mirror!!) lately is this:

"Thou art my servant, I have chosen thee and not cast thee away. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee withthe right hand of my righteousness"
Isaiah 41:9-10

Isn't that amazing? I think of it everyday when I am at the point that I think I cannot do/handle one more thing... and it always sustains me. What beautiful, wonderful words of life.
What are your favorite verses? Sustaining verses? Life verses?

Happy Tuesday and
Much Love,