Wednesday, November 23, 2011

With a Thankful Heart

I suppose I’ll end my unplanned hiatus…I miss blogging.  I miss writing down my life – documenting our life.  And I find myself saying, “I should blog this.” Yet, I don’t.  I’m going to be honest and call it lazy.  Because I have been. :)

So, with Thanksgiving tomorrow, here’s what I’m thankful for, but “deep” and superficial. :)

  • Marc – he makes life fun.  I’m blessed to be married to him. :)
  • Family – which covers a LOT.  My Mama and Daddy are awesome – again, blessed with them.  They have their flaws (don’t we all), but they have loved me unconditionally all my life, and taught me that I could be and do anything I wanted to.  Then, they helped me do just that, sacrificing their wants and needs so my brother and I wouldn’t have to do without.
  • Family Portraits. :) A friend at church took these for us, and we’re using them as Christmas gifts.  Who says you have to have kids to give pictures of yourself to family?!?  That’s blasphemy. :)
    IMG_9626I mean, who wouldn’t want a photo of us with our dogs?!? :) That’s our family. :) IMG_9740 And then for my family, we got this one for the grandparents, our parents, aunts & uncles. :) My brother has a beautiful family!! :) Love those girls (and him and Wendy)!! :)

 

  • I’m thankful for my favorite TV shows.  This fall, I’m loving: Hawaii 5-0, NCIS & NCIS:LA, and 2 Broke Girls makes me laugh.  Not a huge fan of Glee this fall – just not really loving the songs.
  • My dogs – they make me happy.  They need a bath right now, but I love giving them belly rubs before bed.
  • These two ladies – best friends for a long time. :)Tiff & Kelli
  • Friends that can get together for a baby shower, but have a blast just catching up.Baby Shower Girls Group 
  • My friends – all of them – they get me through the rough weeks, and good times.  They are there for everything and I’m so, so glad to have an abundance of good friends in my life.
  • Events that I’ve been to this year – MotoCross Race in California, Carolina Panthers game in August, and one of my favorites – Def Leppard concert for my birthday with the help of Groupon and friends. :) A little rain didn’t stop us from singing Pour Some Sugar on me at the top of our lungs…it represented our undying love for trashy rock music! :)Deff Leppard
  • I’m thankful for a job, for a raise in January, and that God provides when we need Him most.
  • Love my church and my church family.  Love that my education allows me to contribute to our church and God’s plan.
  • I am thankful to God, for everything.  My life, while I’m sometimes disappointed that the direction it takes is not the one I had planned, it’s the life God has planned.  Thankful for that above all else. :)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!! :)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

God’s Faithfulness

I love how God works.  You know…sometimes He works behind the scenes.  Giving you a nudge or suggestion.  Other times, He’s a bit more direct – with a sermon.  Or an email. :)

I got this in my email today, and the prayer just soothes my heart.  God knows what I need to hear.  He knows that I need strength, because mine is weakening.

I love how God works. :)

From Max Lucado’s email: Loved By A Faithful God

Father, earthly stress and struggles remind us of your faithfulness. Help us, Lord, to serve you without grumbling. May we, like the apostle Paul, choose to plant a garden in the bricks of our “prison.” Help plant our thoughts firmly on your faithfulness. All hope comes from you, amen.

Monday, June 27, 2011

God answers

I was in the car on Saturday, flipping through radio stations, and I landed on K-LOVE.  And I’ll be honest – I don’t know the song or the artist, but she was describing how she came to write this song.  I think it might have been called Blessings?  I’m not sure.

Anyways.  It’s based on a verse from James:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” – James 1:2

Now, right now, I’m going to work on the joy part of this journey.  It’s gonna be difficult.  Really difficult.  But I’m going to work on it. :)

Sunday, June 26, 2011

A depressing post…

…just mark as read if you’re not in the mood for anything “heavy.”  It’s kind of deep, very honest, and not a light post.


My 28th birthday.  I was hoping for the most amazing present.  I was hoping that I would be pregnant.
And not just because it’s my birthday.  I know better than that.  This month, though, we tried a different approach.  I took different medicine, had an ultrasound to verify a follicle, a shot to force ovulation.


So, not only was I hopeful – I was expectant.  Because things looked so much more promising this time around.


And I should have known better.  Let’s be blunt – we’ve been trying to get me pregnant for over 2 years.  I should just know better.


But if I’ve learned anything from this experience (and I’ve learned a lot), it’s that my plan and expectations mean nothing.


So, less than a week before my birthday, instead of a positive pregnancy test, I get my period.  Happy Birthday to me.


Wednesday I started spotting.  And on Wednesday, one of my best friends also told me that she was pregnant.  Holy emotional overload.


This post – it’s just honest.  It’s how I feel.


I’m extremely happy for my friend.  I love her, and I can’t wait to meet their little baby.  But that doesn’t make it easy for me.


Now?  I’m angry.  I’m disappointed.  I’m sad.  I feel guilty.  I’m jealous.  I’m tired of crying.  I’m tired of not being able to control my tears.  I’m questioning God and His timing.  I’m not questioning His existence – just His reasoning, His timing.  I’m tired of the “It’ll happen” remarks.  I’m tired of the pity.  I’m tired of “waiting for it to happen”.  I’m tired of the headaches and roller coaster emotions caused by my medicines.  I’m just tired.


And Marc.  Bless him…he’s been so good through all this.  I mean, he has an over-emotional wife who can’t stop crying.  And there’s nothing anyone can say, even Marc, that makes it better.  He – the way he’s been with all of this – I love him even more than I thought I could.


So I go through this cycle emotionally.  Resolve to go through the process yet again.  Hope, even though I tell myself to keep in check – not to get my hopes up, not to expect anything.  Disbelief – maybe it’s implantation bleeding, not spotting.  Disappointment and anger (at myself, because I know better than to hope too much) because I’ve started my period.  Again.  Sadness and tears.


Is there a point where we take a break?  Because everyone says “It’ll happen when you least expect it.”  Well, that time has come and gone, again and again.  Because every month, I start out being realistic, and the hope, faith, and optimism just build, and I’m overwhelmed by the let down.


And it’s not just me that I let down, but so many others.  I know that there are so many people who go through this with us.  There are so many people who love us who want this for us, too.  And they’re heartbroken every month, too.  And not just because of that, but because they see our pain, and they hurt with and for us.


I feel as though I’m a failure, as though my body is a failure.  I question my body.  I question what I’ve done, or not done, so that God won’t give me a baby.  I know that’s not how it works.  I KNOW that.  But in the midst of my tears, I get angry at God.  I question Him.  I want to know what His timing is.  What I’ve done wrong in my life.  What do I need to still do?  Like I said – I KNOW that’s not how it goes, but that’s just how I FEEL.


So, what does it all mean?  Where do I stand, now?  Same place as every month.  Ready to try, again, for another month.  Bitter is probably the best feeling to describe how I feel right now, though.  I’ll be better in a week – better when I can think things through more logically, less emotionally.


If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading.  I’m sorry for being Debbie Downer.  I’ve been debating whether to write this or not…but it’s been good for me to write things down.  I would love your prayers, though. :) Can I ask for prayers?  And not just that God would give me the desires of my heart, but that I will be strengthened.  Strengthened in spirit, in body.  Emotionally.  Thank you, loves. :) I appreciate you. :)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

May 2011

The month in review. :)

So proud of my best friend!! Tiffany graduated from UNC with her Masters!! :)  I’m so excited for her.IMG_0741

After the graduation ceremony, her husband threw her a great dinner.  This is after dinner, and I love them. :) They love each other SO.MUCH. And I love seeing them together.  They make me happy. :)IMG_0758

The kids in TinyTown at church sand some songs for us one Sunday morning.  Ava, my youngest niece, is the on on the right in the blue dress with a bow in her hair.  She was so funny, as always.  Love seeing kids sing to God! :)IMG_0776

We did landscaping around the front of the house.  This is the picture the day we did the planting.  Since then, we’ve added a dogwood tree to the right front, just beside the sidewalk, and spread more mulch to the left.  It only took us 3 years to add some “curb” appeal. :)IMG_0770

For my brother’s birthday, he decided that he wanted to race 4-wheelers, again.  Two weeks later, he raced again.  We went to see him, and rode with his wife and kids.  Ava passed out on the way.IMG_0785

This is Brock with some of the other guys who raced that night looking over the track.  Brock’s on the 4-wheeler.IMG_0787

And this is Brock during the practice.  I love watching him race.  He’s such a natural, and so good!  He won first place that night!! :)IMG_0793

We spent Memorial Day at the beach with friends.  It’s always a great, relaxing time.  The guys went fishing on Saturday, and came back with a lot of dolphin (mahi).  This is the biggest one they caught, >30 lbs.  It was GREAT fried up Sunday on the beach!! :)IMG_0851

And this is one with all of their fish.IMG_0855

The girls with the fish, and the big fisherman of the day! :)IMG_0859

Everyone game Marc a hard time because his shirt looks like the dolphin.  If you count him, he’s the biggest catch of the day! :)IMG_0858

Sunday of Memorial Weekend:

IMG_0883

Sand bar at low tide…the guys pushed us offIMG_0885

Wild horses on Carrot Island.  Seriously, one of the most beautiful sights there is…IMG_0890IMG_0904

And that’s pretty much it for May.  Great month.

Now, I’m looking forward to the rest of June. :) Two of my nieces have birthdays, helping to host a baby shower for one of our life group couples, DEF LEPPARD concert (I.cannot.WAIT!!) with all the friends, my 28th birthday, which then leads to July and another weekend at the beach. :)

Hope you’re having a great month! :)

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The hard stuff…

I always have this internal debate about how personal, how “real”, to get on this blog.

And I often think that it would be easier if I were completely anonymous.  Or if all of you were anonymous, so that I didn’t know exactly (using the term loosely) who views this blog.

In all honesty, it’s harder to write, harder to be me, knowing that people I know in real life read what I write.

Because it’s hard to be happy all the time.  Especially when that’s not reality.

So.  What’s real?

- I was miserable in my job for the past two years.  I’m finally happy with my job (same job, different leadership/staff).  We are in a different office, with different leadership, different everything, really.  And I love it.  Not to say I don’t miss some of the former – I miss my former receptionist = she’s a really nice lady, and she knew exactly what to do. I miss my old commute time = I’m driving about 45 minutes each way, now.  Gives me time to think and unwind after work, though. :)

- For the past 26 months, I’ve been unable to get pregnant.  And it’s not for lack of trying! ;) So, by definition, I’m dealing with infertility.  Is it a coincidence that I’ve been unhappy at work for about the same amount of time?  No.  I don’t really believe in coincidences.  I do believe that God knows best.  And He knew that mentally, and emotionally, I wouldn’t have been able to be the best mom.  With that being said, I’m happy, now, God!  I’m ready (or as ready as I can get?)!! :) (There have been many doctors visits, many tests, my body works, my husband’s body works…just no kid.  Yet.)

- When I was miserable at work, I had TONS of extra time to goof off online and write blogs.  Currently, I’m slammed with work, and thus, have no time to blog at work.  Shame.  And by the time I get home, after working on a computer for 8+ hours, sue me for not wanting to get on the laptop there to blog.  I’ve got to work something out, though.  I miss my writing out my thoughts. :)

- My 10 year high school reunion is this year.  I’ll be one of “those people” at the homecoming football game.  One of “those people” that, at the time, I thought was so old.  And this event, stupid as it may be, has me looking at my life and evaluating what I’ve DONE with my life over the past 10 years.  Besides graduating from college and getting married…can’t say that there’s much else I’ve DONE.  Kind of depressing.  And this goes back to the fact that I can’t get pregnant.  Now THAT would be an accomplishment!! :)

- My trust in God is constantly tested.  Do I trust that God will give me a baby?  Do I trust that He is faithful to me and my desires?  Do I simply trust God?  Yes.  I do.  Is it always easy and happy doing so?  Absolutely not.  I have to consistently remind myself that there’s a plan.  And it’s not MY plan.  If it were MY plan, I would have gotten pregnant 2 years ago, and I’d have a little rugrat running around. :)  God’s plan is different from mine, obviously, but His plan is perfect. :) Sometimes, though, my heart hurts too much to listen to reason, and I throw myself a pity party.  I’m forever on this emotional roller coaster that NEVER.ENDS.  Thank you, hormone drugs.  I’m forever grateful.

I have to laugh and make jokes about our situation.  I mean, how else do you work through it?  And I am in NO WAY saying that our infertility path is worse than yours is or might be.  Either way, it just sucks.  Some women may NEVER get pregnant.  And that thought saddens me.  I’m often angry…so, so angry…when I hear that some girl, woman, whatever is pregnant.  And I get judgmental, thinking that the family and home and LOVE that I can and will provide one day is better than someone else’s.  I’m absolutely EATEN UP with jealousy.  And I hate it.  And I have to check myself.  But that’s how I feel.  That’s honest.

**********

With that, I hope I haven’t scared you off. :) And if I do know you in real life, can we keep this between just you and me?  I know that this isn’t a private blog, but I’d love to think that I can trust you. :) Pretty please?

And if you struggle with infertility, and need to vent about the “injustices” of it all, I’m here.  I am in NO WAY an expert.  But I have some experience.  And I can share with you.  And I’m being told, though many sermons and bible verses that just keep.showing.up that this may be part of my personal ministry.  My way of showing God’s love for all of his children – young and old. :)

Have a great day, everyone! :)

And because I HAVE to have a photo – and I need something happy to go with this heavy post.  So, in anticipation of Memorial Day, here you go.  Can’t wait for some beach time with our friends…much needed break! :)

DSC06799

Friday, April 29, 2011

Fill in the Blank Friday

Yes, I’ve been MIA.  Yes, I’m fine.  And yes, I will fill you in, hopefully this weekend, on my life for the past few months. :)

If you’re still around, thanks for the faith, and enjoy my Fill in the Blank Friday from Lauren’s blog:Fill in the Blank Friday

1. I am looking forward to summer and all that implies!  I’m ready for weekends at the lake, weekends at the beach, softball games, summer cookouts, my nieces’ birthdays, MY birthday, and everything else God has planned for my life this summer!!:)

2. Something kind of embarrassing that I still love anyway is ABC Family movies and original TV shows.  Yep – I’m that kind of girl.  I also love the Disney Channel and their movies.  I’m a Jo Bros fan – I can admit that!! Haha!  Seriously, though – I love ABC Family shows.

3. My favorite car is that I’ve owned?  My current Explorer. Granted, it’s my third Explorer, but it’s the only 4-door one.  However, if I could have ANY car, I really like the GMC Acadia.  It think it’s pretty, and semi-small, for a SUV.  And it has an option for 3rd row seating, which comes in handy with our friends!! :)

4. If you could pick one type of weather to live with for the rest of your life, it would be Spring in the South weather.  When the temperatures are around the mid-70s, there’s usually a light breeze.  Cool at night, but warm during the day.  It’s before the humidity gets ridiculous.  Sadly, in NC, it seems to only last for a week before summer moves in.

5. My favorite thing to do after a bad/stressful day is change IMMEDIATELY into comfy clothes – pj pants or sweats and a t-shirt – love on my dogs for a little bit and then veg out on the couch watching some of my shows that are on the DVR.  Hang out with Marc, maybe drink a beer, and just enjoy and be thankful for my home, my family, my dogs.  Try to remind myself that it’s not really that bad.

6. This weekend I will be celebrating my niece Allie’s 6th birthday, again!  She’s having her party with all of her friends, so we’ll hang out there for awhile, then head to our friends’ house to celebrate his birthday, play horseshoes and corn hole.  And I will sew an apron for my best friend.

7. If I were a color, I’d be  blue  because it’s my favorite color and it makes me happy.  Blue, to me, at least, is calming and steady.  It reminds me of the ocean, which makes me smile. :)

If you’d like to join in, just grab the photo and the questions, and head over the Lauren’s blog to let her know you’ve joined in today!! :)

Happy Friday, y’all!! :)

Signature-BE4212C632D29A1F98D632D890C57B22

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Life Gets Busy

Do you ever feel like that?  Feel like you’re too busy to just sit back and take a deep breath to enjoy life?  I’ve kind of been feeling that way for the past few months.  In a way, I’m glad to be busy.  And in a way, it makes me sad.  It makes me feel like life is passing too quickly.

So what’s been going on in my life for the past few months?  Not much of anything that’s life changing, but a few things that are going to make my life a little more enjoyable. :)

Towards the end of 2010, I had grown to pretty much hate my job.  I disliked my boss and the way she treated me…it was frustrating, and there wasn’t anything that I could really do about it.  I didn’t have any other job prospects, so I just had to stick it out.  But I was really unhappy.

In the past month, that’s all changed. I have a new boss coming in next week.  As in April 4th, and I couldn’t be more excited.  Our office is moving, which is a bit of an annoyance, because it will mean a longer commute, but the move means a better chance of a profit for the business, so I’m ready to see how all of the changes are going to change my work environment. :)

************************

On a really happy note, Marc & I celebrated 5 years of marriage on Friday, March 25th! :) Happy Anniversary to us!! :)

We spent the weekend before in the mountains of North Carolina, and had a great time relaxing and sightseeing with our friends, Chad and Katie. :) These are just some snapshots of our weekend near Boone.  The weather was perfect, and it was such a nice mini-vacation! :) I’m so glad we took the time to get away.

IMG_0416IMG_0418IMG_0420IMG_0425IMG_0432IMG_0433IMG_0445IMG_0463IMG_0467IMG_0469IMG_0483IMG_0490IMG_0496IMG_0499IMG_0480

************************

Last week, I went to my first Carolina Hurricanes hockey game.  It was so much fun! :) I look forward to going back soon!! Cutest thing – during the first break between periods, they let the little hockey players come out…so cute! :)IMG_0515IMG_0518IMG_0521IMG_0523IMG_0524

************************

And yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of a couple’s little boy, Lukas.  And I’m really selfish, but my favorite part of this was getting to spend time with my nephew, Brayden! :) He’s so cute and chunky!!  And I absolutely love how Marc is with all of our nieces and nephew.  He’s so good with kids! :) Isn’t this picture just precious?? He’s going to make a great dad…I can’t wait for that time in our lives! :)IMG_0531

************************

Other things I’ve done in the past two months?  I’ve been to Anaheim, California for a convention for work.  While there, I was lucky enough to visit San Diego for a Supercross race (dirt bike motorcycles), Disneyland, which was so much fun, lots of time with friends, lots of time at work.  Nothing out of this world exciting, but just life as I know it. :)

I hope each of you have been doing well! :) I’ve missed you all!! :)

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Do you trust Him?

I get weekly emails from Max Lucado.  Usually, they’re good.  Today, I got just what I needed. :) Amazing how God works like that, huh? :)

Today’s topic was “Do you trust Him?”.  Max starts off by saying that God knows all things that will happen, both good and bad.  Just because God knows something bad is going to happen, that doesn’t mean that He doesn’t care about those things.  It just means he has a purpose behind those things.

Here are a few excerpts from the email, because, really, Max just says things so well:

“From Gethsemane’s garden Christ pleaded for a Plan B. Redemption with no nails. “ ‘Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.’ Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him” (Luke 22:42–43).

Did God hear the prayer of his Son? Enough to send an angel. Did God spare his Son from death? No. The glory of God outranked the comfort of Christ. So Christ suffered, and God’s grace was displayed and deployed.”


Jesus didn’t want to have to die on the cross.  He asked his Father to take that away – to use a different plan to save us all – but God’s plan was perfect.

“He authors all itineraries. He knows what is best. No struggle will come your way apart from his purpose, presence, and permission. What encouragement this brings! You are never the victim of nature or the prey of fate. Chance is eliminated. You are more than a weather vane whipped about by the winds of fortune.”


There are no coincidences.  God doesn’t make mistakes.  That doesn’t mean that our life is easy, or even that we understand everything that we go through.  We don’t have to – God knows.  We just need to trust that He really does know what He’s doing…and He does. :)

“We live beneath the protective palm of a sovereign King who superintends every circumstance of our lives and delights in doing us good.

Nothing comes your way that has not first passed through the filter of his love.”


I love that last sentence - “Nothing comes your way that has not first passed through the filter of his love.”  Doesn’t that bring you reassurance?!?  It does me.  It soothes my heart of the aches it feels because of some of the things that I’m going through right now.  I know that God knows best – and I just have to trust Him, really trust Him, that I will come through this, and I will glorify Him in the process. :)


**********
Happy Thursday, y’all!  Hope you have a fabulous day!! :)

Friday, January 14, 2011

A New Year

Yes, this may be a little late, but I’ve had a hard time putting into words the things that are swirling around in my head.  So, since I’m seriously lacking creativity, you get bullet points…

  • I’m doing Project 365 this year.  I’m enjoying it, so far! :) The link is on my sidebar in my blog.  However, for those of you, like me, who hate clicking out of Reader, here you go.  You many think it’s boring, but it’s way less intimidating than having to come up with words for a post.  I’m just saying. :)
  • My life is pretty boring.  Most days consist of:
    • going to work
    • coming home
    • working out
    • eating dinner
    • watching TV and/or reading
    • going to bed
    • repeat
  • Therefore, not a lot of inspiration. :) I’m working on it, though.

And, because I need to be reminded, and because I’m feeling the sorrow a bit:

“Though your sorrow may last for a night, JOY comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Reflections

I’m still trying to figure out how it’s already 2011.  Do you know? This year has passed in a whirlwind, and I feel like I’m still trying to get my bearings.

January – We rang in the new year with our best friends in Beaufort, NC.  It was a great way to start the year, and we’ll probably end the year in the same way. :) I can’t wait! :) New Years 1 New Years 2

February – Experienced New Orleans for the first time.  I went down for work.  It was definitely an experience, and saw my first (and probably only) pet wallaby.  Yep – that’s for real. :)

March – Marc & I celebrated 4 years of marriage.  Every morning, I look forward to meeting each day with him.  He’s been my rock for so long, I can’t imagine what I’d do without him.

This was the first year that Marc & I opened up our home to the youth group for their annual Metamorphosis event.  It was so much fun, and we’re excited to be able to do it, again, in 2011. :)

We also lost one of our friends to an awful accident.  This is one we’re still dealing with.  It’s hard – I keep expecting him to be at our events/gatherings.  It’s still just weird that he’s not with us.

April – Our great friends, Chris & Jennifer were married! Marc was in the wedding, so we enjoyed festivities for that.  We also found out that Marc’s sister-in-law, Tammy, was pregnant. :) We’re still waiting to meet Brayden, but it shouldn’t be long, now! :)

Also in April, Allie turned 5 years old…can’t believe she’s so grown!  I remember driving home from Appalachian on a Saturday morning to meet my first niece! :) She’s such a special girl!! :)

May – The girls spent a weekend in Charlotte for Krystle’s bachelorette party.  We had a great time in downtown.  It was so nice to get out of town for a bit.  Can’t wait for the next bachelorette party!  Not that we have anything in the works, but we’ve got one more girl to get hitched. :)

June – Kurt & Krystle got married!  We had such a great time at the rehearsal and the wedding!  Everyone did! :) Still wishing that we could have a wedding every year – minus the wedding – really just a big party for all of our friends! :) Wouldn’t that be great?!? :)

I share my birthday month with my other two nieces, so there was lots of celebrating in June.  Karleigh turned 3 and Ava turned 2.  And I turned 27.  I’m starting to feel old! :) And my mom and dad celebrated 33 years of marriage.  They are such an inspiration to me! :)

July – We spent the 4th of July weekend in Beaufort with friends.  We had a great weekend, and love this tradition!

Scuba Couple Housemates M and B Horses on Carrot

This was the first year that I volunteered to chaperone for the youth at their annual summer camp.  I had a great time getting to know the girls, and look forward to spending more time with them in small groups in 2011. :) They’re such a blessing! :)

August – Marc turned 25 this month.  I also spent some time in Charlotte for work.  No huge happenings this month. :)

September – We played in softball tournament one weekend.  It was the perfect weekend – not too hot, kind of breezy, no rain.  It was a ton of fun. :) We also got an alarm system for our house.

October – Allie participated in her 3rd horse show with her pony, Sugarfoot.  She did so well! :)  Marc and I helped at our friend’s family Haunted Corn Maze for a few weekends.

Breast Cancer took the life of our friend in October.  She was a mentor, former teacher, and just good person.  This loss is still fresh among all of us, as she was a huge part of our lives from the past, and from the present.  We miss Ms. Sue something fierce.

November – I spent some more time in Charlotte for classes with work, again.  Our church also hosted an evangelism event that was awesome.  Over 40 people came to know Jesus that weekend, and it’s awesome to see God work in the lives of others. :) Brings a smile to my face!! :)

Marc’s best friend, Grant, bought a house.  So, we spent a weekend in Fayetteville, NC helping him paint.  Marc took a break to go indoor skydiving.  Probably one of the coolest things to watch.  I highly enjoyed watching. :)

We celebrated Thanksgiving, as usual, and I enjoyed Black Friday shopping with my family.  One of my favorite traditions, ever!

December – We spent one weekend in South Carolina celebrating Christmas with Marc’s step-mom and her family.  It was fun and nice to get away before things got chaotic with Christmas activities. :)

We also spent a lot of time with friends – having dinner with everyone before Christmas.  It was a very nice and easy month. :) And, we celebrated Christmas, of course!

Our biggest blessing of December was our nephew!  It’s our first! :) So excited to have a little guy around to buy stuff for!! :) World, meet Brayden. :)

Brayden2Brayden5 This is my favorite – Brayden’s winking at you! :)Brayden Matthew

We’ve already seen tons of white stuff.  And by tons, I mean less than 5 inches, total.  We rarely, if ever get snow in December, so to have had snow 3 weeks in a row is a lot for us.  The kids, I’m sure, were ecstatic, as they didn’t have school for a few days because of that! :)

So, that’s my year wrapped up.  I know lots more has happened in the year, but I really can’t tell you how glad I am to start a new year.  While there has been a lot of happiness this year, the sadness somehow overshadows that.  I’m excited to see what 2011 holds!

Happy New Year, y’all