Walk with me on this journey called life

Here we go again.

2012-02-29T11:01:00.004-08:00

There's a couple of health issues I've had all of my life.

I was born with Turner Syndrome.

Secondly, I have hearing loss in both ears, which is in large part due to the Turner Syndrome.

I made yet another trip to the doctor this morning for my ears. It's an ongoing issue with these ears of mine. I have a hearing aid for my right ear. Anyway, my left ear has been giving me some issues for the last couple of months, it's been an on and off again thing. But the left ear is a mess. We've been keeping an eye on it and knew eventually it was going to need some surgical work. Well, it looks like surgery will be in my very near future here soon. I'm on medicine right now to get the ear under control and then have a follow-up in March to discuss surgery and proceed.

Remember me in this beauty back in 2010?

In life, it's easy to to define ourselves by our circumstances. But what life has given me, I've chosen to embrace it. Maybe one day God might open the doors for me to work with the hearing impaired, who the heck knows.

Trust me, there are moments where it sucks and I sit in my self-pity, but you can always look around and see people who have it way worse. And I say I'd do all this 100x over if this is all I have to deal with.

I'm blessed.

The Voice.

2012-02-28T10:01:00.004-08:00

Do any of y'all watch the show "The Voice" on NBC?

It really is neat the whole concept of the judges not being able to see the performer but their opinion and decisions are based solely on what they hear.

People get to share their voice.

Isn't that kind of what this whole blogging thing is about? We don't see the other person on the other side of the computer, but our opinions of that person are based on what we read. We have a voice and our sacred place on the internet is is where our voice lies.

I'm not a mommy blogger.

I'm not a married blogger.

I'm by no means a fashionista blogger.

I'm not a crafty blogger.

I feel like within the past couple of months I've kind of found where my voice lies.... To give people hope and to give a glimpse of how God can walk you through some of the hardest times when you choose to give it all to him. I feel like in sharing Larry's story with you, I was able to do that. I feel like if I did that then this whole blogging thing is so very worth it. I imagine it's the best voice to have.

It's so easy to compare. I may not be any of the above, but I'm going to grab that microphone with both hands. I may not be busting out any song lyrics, but this is my story and because this is my voice.

I guess it isn't so bad after all.

New beat.

2012-02-24T09:52:00.009-08:00

Larry's gone. I'm still trying to process that.

He's the closest thing I've had to a father here on this earth and the closest anyone in my life has lived up to the name "Father." He's gone. It hurts.

I'm not going to lie, ever since his passing I've been in a funk. Depression might you call it. I'm trying to snap my way out, but the grieving, it hits you like a ton of bricks and you don't know when it's going to hit. It's at the strangest and most unexpected times.

I know the depression won't stay. It will eventually leave and it will get easier. It's just a terribly hard season we're in right now.

Larry's memorial was last Saturday. Could not have been anymore beautiful of a tribute to a man's life. I was able to get up and speak and share what he meant to my life. Our family came together in such a way that honored him and know he would have been proud. It's been two weeks now. One thing you realize, time still marches on.

And I guess with that we're just trying to find our new beat.

Bare with me.

This song was sung at the very end of Larry's Memorial. It has ministered to me so much during this time.

If you're going through a season of your own, maybe these words might minster to you today. Thank you Lord, that there's no mountain, no valley, no gain or loss we know
could keep us from Your love and healing is in your hand.

Psalm 34:18 - "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

A promise.

2012-02-16T12:20:00.001-08:00

Throughout Larry's illness, Larry told me each and every, and I mean EVERY single day "May the Lord bless you beyond your wildest dreams."

I've been thinking about what he said a lot since he's been gone.

While Larry was sick, I made a promise to him that I'd finish school. It's been a journey and so many times I've wanted to just give up. But Larry's biggest dream for me was that I'd finish and make something great of my life and achieve my dreams. Larry reminded me that Rowland's never quit. We weren't blood but he considered me a Rowland. Makes me cry just typing that out. So I WILL finish and I'll make him proud and I'll do it for him.

His favorite saying was "Work hard and Trust God for the results."

I go back to school next week.

I'm going to work hard.

I'm Trusting for results.

I made a promise. There's no way I can even think about not making good on it.

And know in the end, God will bless me beyond my wildest dreams! And I know a certain angel in Heaven has some connections with the big guy upstairs now and will see to that :)

J. Edgar "Larry" Lawrence Rowland.

2012-02-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

J Edgar “Larry” Lawrence Rowland, 61 of Sanford died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Thursday, February 9, 2012. Larry, a native Floridian, was born in Gainesville, FL on August 3, 1950. Raised in Pompano Beach, FL he became an avid surfer and loved the water. During college he was a youth pastor sharing the love of Jesus Christ for all to know Him as deeply as he did. After graduating Florida Bible College in 1974 he started a career with Winn Dixie as a manager in Raleigh, North Carolina and then in Fort Pierce, Florida. In 1986 Larry moved to Central Florida and started his career in sales. In 1989 he joined the Tom James Company selling custom clothing and excelled so quickly that he achieved the President’s Club Award within three years. Larry was an inspiring man to his family, friends and clients who were like family to him. He took great pride in helping others look good and feel great in their new attire. Larry was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors on January 4, 2012. Even with this news, he never stopped trusting in Jesus or sharing the gospel with those around him often saying, “The good news is I get to see Jesus, the bad news is I get to see him before you do”. He loved the Lord and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and was extremely saddened that he had to leave his family behind. Larry is survived by his loving wife, Mary; six children, Christy Peters, Deborah Calhoon, Joy Mentz, Blake Kelly, Lauren Kelly and Danielle Fredericks and six grandchildren, Emma, Adin, Ian, Taylor, Lexi and Mackenzie. A Life Celebration will be held 10:30AM, Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Northland Church, (where he was a member for 20 years).

We got the news of Larry's passing out in the newspaper this week (I hate the word obituary). This is the picture we used and are using for the Memorial (It's our favorite of him) ..... We're looking forward to celebrating his life this weekend and honoring him. Hope we do him justice.

Also, there's is no doubt my Momma is one loved woman. She was showered with tons of love yesterday on her first Valentine's Day without Larry. But he was with her :)

L.O.V.E

2012-02-14T05:26:00.000-08:00

Today my heart is heavy for my Mom. She is missing her her Valentine like crazy.

My Mom and Larry will forever be my example of what love is all about it. It's not so much by what they said but by how they walked it out.

I know I'm sharing this picture again, but if you want to see love, real tangible love, this is it friends!

Today, as a single gal, I choose not to let it be a reminder to me of what I'm missing. But I instead choose to focus on what I have to look forward to, God bringing me a kind of love like this someday!

A love like theirs.

From Heaven with love.

2012-02-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

Feels weird that this is now all over.

It's Monday and I'm back at work today. The reality is life goes on. It must go on.

The past month has been an emotional roller-coaster to say the least for all of us during Larry's illness. We're having Larry's Memorial this Saturday. I'm sure it will be a beautiful celebration of Larry's life and of a life well lived.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and my heart breaks for my Mom. She will be missing her Valentine like crazy.

I got the memo from above and per the orders of Larry I'm going to send my Mom some flowers with a card that says "From your Valentine in Heaven." And I think it's only fitting to use the flowers from their wedding.

Don't you think???

Unexpected place.

2012-02-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

First, thank you so much for your sweet and kind words regarding the passing of Larry, blessed me so so much. We are missing him like crazy but can't imagine the party he's having up in Heaven.

I just wanted to take a quick moment to share.

Are you experiencing a sorrow, disappointment, or a blow from a totally unexpected place? Please read this. My Mom read this devotional to Larry which was for the day he passed away. I don't think God is a God of coincidences. He's a God that's ON TIME.

I pray this blesses and speaks to someone today right where you're at.

And speaking of a God that's on time. I am about 100% certain that God is in the fortune cookie business. I've had Chinese twice in the past couple of weeks!

Not by accident!

Welcome home, Larry!

2012-02-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

The most amazing man I've ever had the pleasure of knowing got his healing today and met his Savior face to face. What a glorious day! We are saddened beyond belief but Heaven rejoices!

Welcome Home, Larry!

Also, wanted to add, my Mom won the "Woman of the Week" nomination with our local Christian radio station that I submitted her for that I talked about here. Also,click the link here to listen to the audio of me on the air this morning honoring my Mom. I was beyond thrilled to be able to do this for her! So deserving!

As this journey has now come to an end, for everyone that has lifted up prayers on our behalf and walked the journey with us, thank you does not seem like enough. We love you all. It was an honor to share Larry's story with you and share his faith. There's great hope in eternity and knowing we'll see him again. We covet your prayers in the days ahead.

They lived it.

2012-02-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Ephesians says, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

They lived it. They've done their part.

Sister time.

2012-02-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday my sister and I got to get away for a little sister time and head to Gainesville for the Gator basketball game.

We sat right behind the band, ha!

The dancers

Our boys in action!

My beautiful sis and I.

Look at all that orange and blue!

My favorite Gator!!! :)

We beat Vanderbilt 73-65!! It was a fun time hanging out with my sister and getting our mind off things and to have some fun!!

GO GATORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Update on Larry: It's nearing the end and will be any day now. Thank goodness that our last breath does not mean the end, but only marks the beginning. Can only imagine the amazing things that await Larry as he transitions to Heaven. Thank you for continuing to pray for our family. We'll need them in the days ahead. Love y'all.

Support.

2012-02-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

I've talked a lot about what's going on with our family right now.

You've allowed me to vent. You've allowed me to pour out my heart to you and thank you for that.

I haven't talked about the amazing support I've received.

I've been overwhelmed with the texts and tweets on Twitter simply just stating, "Praying for you. I'm here for you", or texts saying, "Just checking on you, how's Larry?

And the cards I've gotten in the mail, oh the cards (some which included gift cards).... I'm so so blessed. Beyond what I deserve. The emails from people I've never talked to before but read my blog to offer their love and support, they'll never know how much that means to me. I try to respond to each and every one, some not always timely, but I make a point.

I'm saying all this because a big chuck of the out pouring of love and support is coming from those of you in the blog/twitter world. This community is amazing, simply amazing, and I feel so incredibly blessed and fortunate to be a part of it.

A million thank you's to each and every one of you who has reached out. And maybe you haven't commented and I haven't heard from you, but you know our story and are praying, thank you!! Thank you, for those prayers don't go void.

You have never made a girl feel more loved as we're walking through one of the hardest times as a family right now and in the days ahead..

I've never been more aware in my life and appreciative of the people in my life who have shaped me for the better just by "knowing" them, and y'all are included!

You all have the best of my heart! Truly!

Woman of the week, month, year, and century!

2012-02-02T05:39:00.000-08:00

Our local Christian radio station Z88.3 here in Orlando does a weekly thing called "Woman of the Week."

You can submit an amazing and inspiring woman who you feel deserves to be honored and recognized. In 200 words (it's possible but so hard to sum up in 200 words) you write and submit, and if she gets chosen I get to go on the air and tell about her. How awesome would it be to tell millions of listeners about my amazing Mom???

I IMMEDIATELY knew I had to submit and so in 200 words I did just that.

"I’m pretty biased but I happen to think my Mom is the most incredible woman you will EVER meet. To me she is woman of the week, month, year, and century. She has faced a lot of adversity in her life and is yet facing another one. Her husband and love of her life is going through the fight of his life. He was diagnosed with Glioplastoma, a terminal and rare form of brain cancer. He is under hospice care and only has a short time left with us. They’ve only been married a short 2.5 years, not long enough. She has been nothing short of amazing during this time. She has been such a pillar of strength when her husband has needed it the most. Her faith never waivers and continues to praise God during the storm. To me she gives new meaning to “during sickness and in health.” She will always be my example and inspiration. I would love to honor her and give her the recognition she so deserves. She truly is the most important woman in my life and my best friend! Thank you in advance for considering her as WOTW :) God Bless!"

I really REALLY hope she gets chosen. Keep your fingers crossed. She's so deserving of this and I'd love to be able to honor her in this way. I'll let you know!

To me she will always be my woman of the week, month, year, and century!

Also, if you don't have a local Christian radio station in your area, you can listen to Z88.3 online. Go check it out, it's a wonderful ministry and blesses me so so much. It will you too :)

Have a GREAT day!

Thank you Dr. Pepper!

2012-02-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

I am even having trouble formulating the words for this post.

These past couple of days have been rough.

We've been up in the middle of the night with Larry the past two nights. I woke up this morning, realized I had overslept. I shot straight out of bed with about 5-10 minutes to get ready for work. I have about an hour commute in the morning. I had a flashback to that scene in the movie Home Alone, where Claire and Peter realize they overslept, and shot up out of bed and screamed, "WE SLEPT IN!!!!" Ha!

All I can say is thank you Dr. Pepper for your assistance this morning. It was greatly needed!

I didn't even get to take a shower.

I brushed my teeth at work.

Seriously, I'll be glad to see you Thursday. Better yet! Skip Thursday, straight to Friday :)

On that note, have a great day peeps! And grab a Dr. Pepper, does wonders!

Temporary Home.

2012-01-31T08:12:00.000-08:00

I think as long as we're on this earth we'll long for eternity.

This is just our temporary home, we're just passing through.

Honestly, this life, this world, it hurts. It's hard. There's pain. There's heartache.

But there's the promise of eternity.

Revelation 21:3-6
³And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
⁴He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
⁵He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
⁶He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

Eternity, it's hard to grasp. The bible obviously talks so much about eternity but you still can't even wrap your mind around it.

But one thing I do know, there's no way I could survive without the knowledge, hope, and peace of eternity!

Lord, please always let me remember this is just my temporary home. The hurts, trials, and struggles of this world are nothing compared to eternity.

Eternity spent with you.

Sweet Devotion.

2012-01-30T05:26:00.000-08:00

There are a few pictures I could share with you from the weekend, but this one deserves a post all of its own.

This is a sweet moment where my Mom was reading Larry his daily devotional.

If you really, I mean really look at this picture, you'll see it's about so much more than that. It's the devotion that a wife has for her husband, that they have for each other.

What an example.

We were sitting around the dinner table last night talking about how this whole experience has been eye-opening. How we now fully grasp what families have to go through when a loved one has a terminal illness. We wouldn't wish this on anyone. But for some reason the Lord is having us walk through this. And we will not stop giving him the praise and honor. Because even when it hurts, God is in the midst of the pain.

It really has been an honor and privilege to share Larry's story with y'all. Because we know that lives are being touched by this man and his story and his amazing faith needs to be told.

Saw this quote this morning and could not be any more truer for us right now:

"Love the people God gave you because he will need them back one day!

Not going to rain on my parade.

2012-01-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

Woke up to a rainy and dreary day today!

But it's not going to rain on my parade ......

BECAUSE IT'S FRIDAY, YAY!!!!

Some things I'm looking forward to this weekend:

Getting my haircut after work today (Great way to start the weekend if you ask me and does anyone else enjoy the hair washing as much as I do?)

Family time of course

Loving on Larry
Spending time for a few hours on Saturday with a friend catching up

Seeing my nieces

Time in the word and quiet time catching up on bible study homework
Catching up over breakfast on Sunday with an old friend who will be in town

Sleeping in (Hallelujah and amen)

It will be a low-key weekend! Hope you had a great week and have a great weekend, friends!!

All the time in the world.

2012-01-26T09:36:00.000-08:00

"I have all the time in the world"....

Isn't that what most of us go through each day thinking? I'll be the first to admit I've been guilty of this.

I was reminded of a scripture.

“Remind me that my days are numbered.” Psalm 39:4

Um, yeah. See that? Our time here on this earth is of the essence. The bible says our life is but a vapor. My question to myself, and one we could ALL ask ourselves, "Time, what are we doing with it?"

I've found myself more and more lately taking inventory of my life. Even more so when you're watching someone you love and their time here on earth soon coming to an end (which by-the-way, we're continuing to believe for a miracle for Larry and will not stop.)

Did I choose to invest my time and emotions wisely and where it mattered? Did my actions and words speak life into others? Was I firmly planted into the word of God? Were my priorities aligned where they should be? Was I a good friend, daughter, sister, and etc etc. Did I live every hour, every minute, every second in the moment? Did I treasure and cherish the ones I love? Was I the best person I can be, the person that God has called me to be? Did my life bear fruit? Did I love and serve God with every ounce of my being? Did I bring people to come to know him? And on and on.....................................

It's all this and SO much more. I will regret so much if I can't look back and answer all these questions with a resounding YES! Because I do not have all the time in the world, which ALOT of us so foolishly think.

My advice and question for you is..... Stop thinking you have all the time in the world; And again I ask.. Time, what are you going to do with it?

Steady My Heart.

2012-01-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars

You steady my heart

~Kari Jobe

You can tell the disease is progressing in Larry. There were a couple of moody outbreaks over the weekend and very little sleep for him. The past couple of days have been relatively quiet and he and my Mom have gotten quality time together and you see glimpses here and there of his normal self. We have a new understanding of the pain families experience when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness. So many emotions and we're all experiencing it differently. But as we know, God knows it all and we're drawing strength from our faith and Larry's faith. And asking him to steady my heart. Steady all our hearts.

That's pretty much the update on the home front.

Love y'all.

Much needed distraction!

2012-01-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning my friend Michelle texted me to see if I wanted to go to the Jason Aldean/Luke Bryan concert that evening!

My response, "Ummmmm, YES!!!"

The beautiful Michelle and I before the concert.

We're rockin' the boots!! :)

Love me some good ole' country music!!

It was a great night and they put on a wonderful show! With the heaviness of these past couple of weeks, can't thank Michelle enough for treating me to a night of fun!! Just what this girl needed.

Friends like her are such a blessing!!

Worth getting up for.

2012-01-23T06:16:00.000-08:00

You know those days you just want to stay in bed a little longer, not quite ready to face the day?

Well, this makes it all worth getting out from the warm comfort of the bed covers, putting both feet on the ground and knowing the devil has to be saying, "Crap, she's up." :)

Have you ever seen anything like it? This was my view this morning as I got out the door and it took my breath away. God's beauty just amazes me.

Sometimes we get so busy and focused on the circumstances and the craziness of life and that we totally miss the beauty of it all. It's there, you just have to look hard enough!

I just needed this reminder today and maybe you do too!

Have a great Monday!

Saturday morning scene!

2012-01-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Just a scene from our house this morning!

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm.

~Casting Crowns

Friday Blessings!

2012-01-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

I feel for the past couple of weeks this blog has just been really heavy.

Understandably so. This is our reality, what we're facing right now.

I thought I would keep it light hearted today and end our week by counting our blessings.

"Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!"

So please, would love for your to share how God has blessed you this week. Counting our blessings helps give us some perspective. Lord knows we could ALL use a little perspective, right?

So, fire away..... I know you can name at least one thing. Big or small.

This song puts it perfectly. It's really ministered to me as our family is walking through this time.

Have a good weekend!

A new normal.

2012-01-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

I know I'll look back on these blog posts from January 2012 and can say without a doubt that even through the midst of what our family is going through, that we're going to know we've tasted and seen that the Lord is good and fully know that we've seen firsthand the extent of his peace that passes all understanding.

Life is interesting. It seems to always be constantly ever changing. Change can be good, it can be scary. It can be a necessary, or it can be an unwanted change.

For our family, we always call it a "new normal".

For us, we're about to face another new normal, a life without Larry.

Maybe you, if you're reading this, maybe you know exactly what I'm talking about. Can you think back on a time in your life that brought about a new normal? You can probably think of one after another. Our lives are full of them, huh?

But sometimes you just get sick of a new normal. Sometimes you just want a normal that will stick around for awhile.

With that said, there's the one constant, the one who always remains the same, God! He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Larry is at total peace knowing he will be meeting Jesus face to face. He is so incredibly ready for his new normal. Because I will say his new normal will be pretty fantastic.

1 John 5:13

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

Read and believe that verse today, trusting Christ as your savior!

Just because I love this pictures!

The tales of two families.

2012-01-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

Larry is my Mom's fourth marriage. Please don't cast judgment. Would she have wanted that for herself, no. But it's a part of her story. Her beautiful story.

Let me back up.

When my Mom married my Dad (her first marriage), it was young love and they loved the best they knew how. They had my brother and I, but in the end it just didn't work and they divorced when I was really young. My Mom then went on to meet and marry my sister Danielle's Dad. Tragically he passed away in a boating accident. He was a great man and we gained a wonderful sister out of that marriage. My Mom was a single mom for many years until 1998 when she remarried. Due to some devastating circumstances and details I will not go into, that marriage ended in divorce in 2005.

Fast forward to 2010. Larry and my Mom did not meet in a conventional way. They meet and fell in love through E-Harmony (Yes, it does work, ha). A little background though. Larry's family has a story of their own. There's been love and loss on many levels in both families, the dynamics and parallels between the two families blows my mind. My Mom is Larry's third marriage. Larry has two daughters of his own from his first marriage. And a daughter from his second marriage. Both of his previous wives had passed away. So, his daughter's have lost their mother's and now they're losing their father, breaks my heart. Now my brother, sister, and I are losing another father. And sadly, my Mom is losing another husband.

Back to Mom and Larry. Larry had been widowed for about five years, and then comes my Mom. Truly, them meeting was healing and restoration for both families. God is so good. They had a fast courtship and pretty much knew that they knew right off the bat they loved each other and wanted to spend their lives together.

The day they got married.

They knew it was much more than a hunch, that this group would somehow form a family!

This July would have been their third wedding anniversary. Just not long enough. But this time we wouldn't take back for anything in the world.

Larry's biggest concern after he passes is that we remain together and remain a family. Don't think he has anything to worry about. Going through something like this kind of bonds you for life!

The tale, leads us to where we are now...

And that's the way we all became the Brady Bunch :)

It's okay.

2012-01-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

It's an interesting thing. When you're faced with our situation, with a loved one battling cancer (which I still hate with every ounce of my being) and knowing it's terminal, it's a fine balance.

The selfish part of you wants to say FIGHT, fight to the end, we want you around a little longer.

The other part of you just needs/has to say, it's okay, it's okay to leave.

Larry often says "Brain cancer is exhausting".

In a moment of intense emotion last night he just said through tears, I'm ready to go. And for those who love him, it's hard to hear him say that. He is just so ready for his perfect healing whether it's here on earth or in Heaven.

I can't even begin to imagine how he must be feeling, or the emotions running through his body. I try to put myself in his shoes, but you just simply can't.

We continue praying for comfort for his mind, his body, his spirit.

And continue reminding him that it's okay.

1 Timothy 6:12

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses".

Video- Family Pictures!

2012-01-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

Can't even begin to say what a sweet time this was! So much love in this family!

Sneak peak at family pictures!!

2012-01-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

Family is where the heart is!!! <3

Forever changed.

2012-01-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

I think these past couple weeks have forever changed me.

Like I said before, the stuff that used to matter, not so important anymore. I've learned so much and maybe that will be for another post.

I've seen and experienced God's presence during these past couple of weeks like I never have before, in more tangible ways than I've ever experienced. I have witnessed first hand someone walk through the unimaginable with such grace that I could only wish I had if I were going through the same circumstance.

The last two days have been fairly busy. The hospice doctor, social worker and nurse have been by to evaluate our home and assess Larry's condition. As hopeful as we were that Hospice would bring us more comfort from the medical aspect we found that they are more for the emotional comfort of the family. We've come to realize what an amazing support system we already have in place; therefore Hospice cannot compare. We are blessed with an amazing family and circle of friends. Larry's use of his left side has diminished which requires additional physical support for mobility. He continues to amaze us with his positive attitude and effortless witnessing to everyone that comes through the door.

This weekend will be a full one as we're getting family pictures taken tomorrow and then Sunday we are having a open house for those who would like to come by and visit Larry and love on him, and share memories, photos, and laughs with him, which I'm sure will be a beautiful but very emotional time.

We continue to covet your prayers in the days ahead! Today I'm feeling a little rundown and under the weather. I think it's all catching up with me and I'm just in need of GOOD rest. Now is NOT the time to get sick, so hoping this will pass quickly!

Have a good weekend!

Not just in fairy tales.

2012-01-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

They say true love is just in fairy tales.

It's not. It's so not.

Captured this sweet moment yesterday. Such an example they are. I love them and I'm proud to call them my parents!

Cancer can suck it.

2012-01-11T03:26:00.000-08:00

I go back and forth between sad and mad. Everyone assures me it's okay to be mad.

Honestly, Cancer can suck it, that's what I say.

This is our life, our reality right now, and it sucks.

Our anger, confusion, and questions...it doesn't take God by surprise.

This is my venting place. I thank God for this little space where I can dump all my emotions and thoughts, especially during times like right now.

I hate seeing cancer take over the brain of a once vibrant man who now struggles with the simplest of things like brushing his teeth and getting in and out of bed. Ask him about details of his day and he can't remember. He's so weak right now but we know where our strength comes from.

We shouldn't have been talking around the dinner table last night about arrangements for Larry's memorial and what songs he would like. It just doesn't seem fair. We're still continuing to believe for a miracle, but at the same time know God could have other plans.

I hate this for my Mom, I hate this for our family.

Cancer. You suck.

His legacy.

2012-01-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

I'm a firm believer that what Satan means for harm, God can turn around for good.

While a patient at Shands Hospital, Larry was invited to be a special guest yesterday morning as the first year Medical Students at The University of Florida (Go Gators) started their Neuro Science class. His Doctors felt that Larry's rare case of Malignant Gioblastoma would be beneficial for future studies & possible cures. Jesus SHINED through Larry for sure!!!!! I wasn't able to be there but my Mom called me after. As a family, we were able to verbalize how this impacts all involved from a personal and practical level! There were lots of great questions of the students, but nothing compares to the accolades they gave to him at the end. Many shared how his story inspired them, but the best inspiration was his faith!! Larry wouldn't have missed the opportunity to give back! He was funny, articulate, and authentic Larry!! And from what my Mom said, he did amazing!!

My sister took this yesterday. It was on their way home from Shands. You see that smile on his face? It never leaves. It just amazes me!

There's a Nichole Nordeman song called Legacy. There's a line that says " I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me?" Y'all, this is his legacy right here, how we're going to remember him. His story is touching so many.

I realize in the midst of our circumstance there are those of you out there praying for healing, either for yourself or maybe you have a loved one in need of healing. I'm praying for you, please know that. One thing we've learned from this is that his ways are higher, his ways are greater, his ways are not our own.

Ephesians 3:20

" Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

In an instant.

2012-01-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

Life, it can and will change in an instant.

When we arrived at the hospital, we had no idea we'd be driving back home with the knowledge of the possibility that Larry only had a few weeks left with us (We're praying and believing for so much longer and continue to believe for a miracle).

We're continuing to see the blessing in this, in that we can cherish and savor each moment we have left with him, say all we want to say to him and do all that we want to do with him before he leaves us.

At Christmas I wrote each of my family members a letter. This is before having any idea of Larry's diagnosis and I'm so glad I did. If you're reading this, my advice to you, don't wait to tell people how much they mean to you, let them know now, at the exact moment you want to say it.

I just wanted to preserve this:

Christmas 2011

Dear Larry:

You came into our family at just the right time. It was a total God thing the way he orchestrated our families together. The way you have embraced Danielle and I, you will truly never know how much that means to us. You are our Father in every sense of the word and in every way that counts. Thank you for loving as your own.

You are an amazing husband to my Mom. I have never seen her happier or more content in all my life. Thank you for loving her and loving her well. You have been such an example for Danielle and I of what a godly husband looks like. You’re a man of such integrity and great character. All the qualities that I would love to find in a future husband.

Larry, you have filled such a huge void in my life. Thank you for being the kind of father that I’ve always wished I had. The Lord knew what I needed when he brought you into our lives. You are slow to speak and quick to listen, thank you for always listening. I appreciate your sound and godly wisdom when I need guidance.

I will never ever be able to say thank you enough for taking us into your home. I know you knew with Mom you were getting a package deal, but I’m sure you weren’t thinking in this way, ha! I don’t take lightly what you’ve done for us and I consider myself extremely blessed and fortunate in so many ways.

With Danielle and I, there has been a lot of hurt and disappointment in the area of fathers. But God is a God of restoration and with you he has restored what was taken away from us. So very thankful for that, more than you will ever fully know.

In the past few years, when someone would come into Mom’s life I’d always feel as if we were losing her or someone was taking her away. But with you Larry, it was so different. I knew instantly it wasn’t a loss, but we were gaining a whole lot with you. It’s way too much to even attempt to put into a letter.

I love your sense of humor, your goofiness and your corny jokes, the way you make Mom laugh and the way her face lights up when you’re in the room. And with you in her life, I know that smile will stay permanently there.

You have brought so much to our lives, truly. It’s hard to remember life the way it was before our families merged together. I’m looking forward to continuing to build memories together as a family and with you. I think some of the greatest gifts we can give each other are words. Words of love, words of encouragement, and words of affirmation. It doesn’t have to come tied up in pretty paper with a fancy bow. I think letting others know how much we love them can be one of the greatest gifts of all.

At Christmastime and always just wanted you to know how much I love you, how much your presence in my life has meant to me, and how blessed I am to call you my father. I love you so very much. Merry Christmas, Larry!! Looking forward to what the New Year has in store for our family.

The best of my heart,

Lauren

Thank you for your continued prayers. We covet them more than you know!!

Love y'all.

Take a moment to watch this. This song has ministered to us so much during this time! If you're walking through a fire yourself right now, pray it ministers to you as well. We're fervently praying this over Larry!

I'm gonna love you through it.

2012-01-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

Have any of you heard the Martina McBride song "I'm gonna love you through it?"

If you haven't, you need to. Have some tissues with you though.

It's kind of our anthem right now.

The house is quiet and friends and family have left and I have some time to myself. If you follow me on Twitter or friends with me on Facebook you know we just got home from a week away. Last Friday night we took my Mom's husband to the hospital. We didn't get good news. After a brain biopsy it was determined our Dad has a wide spread and rapid growing cancerous brain tumor and it's terminal and most likely only has a few weeks left with us. To say it's been an emotional week would be an understatement. Just when we think we can't cry anymore, fresh tears find their way to the surface.

As long as I'm on this side of Heaven there are some things I will never understand, but one thing I'm certain of is that God is faithful to the end. We would covet your prayers right now. Please pray for my family, my Mom, and specifically Larry, if you would like to call him out by name. They had 2.5 beautiful years together, just not long enough. Pray that the rest of the time they have together would be sweet and special. We are going to cherish the rest of the time we have with him, however long that may be. We have been in contact with Hospice and at this time it's about making him comfortable and his time left with us as enjoyable as possible. We have some things planned for him to make this time wonderful and want to mark some things off his bucket list. I have a feeling this is going to be a really neat and amazing time as a family and making memories we'll keep forever.

If there's one thing I've learned these past few days is that it's amazing how things that were once deemed important mean squat now.

When they got married they pledged to love each other in sickness and in health.

(This is my favorite picture of them)

Before going for biopsy.

He and I before leaving the hospital today.

(Sorry I look like a hot mess. Just keeping it real. It's been a long and emotional week)

We're going to love him through it.

Of course we we are choosing and believing for a miracle. We realize it's a win/win situation and he'll be healed either way, whether it's on this earth or if God calls him home.

Here is the Facebook page set up for Larry for those interested: http://www.facebook.com/#!/LarryRowlandProgress?sk=wall

Hi.

2012-01-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

God says in this world we will have trials and tribulations but to take heart because he has overcome the world.

Our family is going through a pretty big trial right now! My Mom's husband was readmitted to the hospital before the New Year and is not doing well! He is scheduled for a brain biopsy. He went before a board of doctors and it has been determined it's most likely a form of lymphoma cancer. He has multiple lesions in his brain. So to biopsy is the best way to get proper diagnosis.

As you can imagine we are all pretty scared and it's been a very emotional time, but we know our God is greater. Please pray for complete healing of his body, for the doctors, and for my Mom and family! Specifically for Larry if you'd like to call him out by name!

The hospital has been amazing and the staff even better. He is in great hands!

I know there are prayer warriors out there and they would be so very much appreciated more than you know! Great things happen when two or more are gathered!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

Love y'all!!

It's back.

2011-12-21T06:53:00.000-08:00

On top of the health issues going on with my Mom's husband.... We found out my Granny (My Mom's mom) was told right before Christmas that her cancer is back in her lungs. She starts chemotherapy again next Wednesday.

This Christmas season has been a strange one. Our focus has been shifted and as I sat in the living room last night with my Mom, her husband, and my sister I found tears coming to my eyes .... Because in that moment, I just felt overcome with gratitude for the family God picked for me.

I've been reminded more than ever this Christmas season how blessed our family is to have one another.

I'm so so very blessed and tears are forming as I type.

Family, it's what Christmas is all about.

So, during this Christmas week, when you're surrounded by your loved one's, remember how blessed you are.

A girl and her dog.

2011-12-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

This could alternately be titled, "Get this girl a husband." Or "Here's to hoping for a husband in 2012." LOL!

What is the poor dog going to do when a husband enters the picture???

Taco is the star of the card folks. You wouldn't believe how many comments that boy has gotten. Stealing my thunder, lol!!! JK :) He is pretty darn cute if I say so myself! :)

Christmas cards are such a fun part of the season!!! Merry Christmas, friends!!!!!!

I'm linking up to Faith's Christmas Card Carousel. Click over and join in the fun and check out everyone's Christmas cards and show off your own!!!

Catching up.

2011-12-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

Oddly, it hasn’t really been feeling much like Christmas around here. I think we’ve just all been so consumed with the medical stuff going on with my Mom’s husband, that we haven’t been able to think about much else.

He’s still in the hospital. Turns out that there was inflammation and fluid around the brain due to a reaction to an infection his body had at some point. This explains so many of the symptoms he was having. Good news is its totally treatable but he’ll be in the hospital until at least Wednesday or Thursday. They have him on medicine right now and will do another MRI of his brain to make sure the medicine is doing its job. And hopefully if all goes well, he’ll be home this week recouping from that and then can proceed with the heart valve replacement surgery later on down the road.

It was a blessing in disguise because if we hadn’t of brought him into the hospital for the heart, the brain situation could have gone undetected for much longer and don’t even want to think about what could have happened.

This hospital stay is taking a toll on both my Mom and him, and just an emotional time for all of us. They are just both ready to have him home, but he has been such a trooper. My mom has been so so wonderful. Such an example of the kind of wife I want to be some day.

Just please continue praying for him and my Mom. There is still a little uncertainty and we don't have all the answers yet. I know they would appreciate it and so would I.

Aren't they the cutest??

We may not be doing the typical Christmas stuff right now and our minds may be far from that. But there is no place I’d rather be than by my family. This kind of stuff has a way of putting things into perspective.

I have my Jesus and family and that’s all I need. Hope y’all are enjoying your Christmas season!

Surgery

2011-12-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

An update on my Mom's husband....

He is scheduled for open heart surgery tomorrow for valve repair. Please lift him up, my Mom as well, and our family. I'm taking off tomorrow to be with her. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

He is in good health otherwise and a candidate for the surgery and so we are fully expecting him to make it through just fine, but anything having to do with the the heart is scary! But we know God is in control!

Thank you so much!

UPDATE:
Surgery has been postponed. They found some abnormalities on brain MRI. They are doing a spinal tap today and other tests before they know how to proceed. Pray! Pray! Pray!

Continue prayers please.

2011-12-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give you update on my Mom's husband since my last post. My Mom and sister took him to the hospital this morning for his heart. They are admitting him and running more tests.

I am at work and so want to be there.

Prayers would be appreciated please. Prayer for answers, a good outcome, and peace of mind and specifically his heart.

Thank you!

Here comes the sun.

2011-12-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

Watch More Christian Videos on GodVine.com

I'm speechless.

Just watch.

And make sure you have tissues.

I will never look at the grass and the sun the same.

(I know it looks like there’s nothing there, just click play arrow and it will play)

Prayers please.

2011-11-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

Yep, two posts in one day.

I'm here with a prayer request.

My Mom's hubby is dealing with some heart issues and there's some other stuff going on. Obviously we're all very concerned. He went yesterday and saw the doctor and had a echo and blood work done. Today he went back for stress tests. So hopefully within the next couple of days we'll know more answers.

Prayers would be appreciated. Hard not to let your mind wonder and obviously they are both very worried (As well all are). My Mom texted me and said he's not having a good day today. He's very tired and mentally tired as well. Please pray that God would give them peace of mind and guard their hearts, specifically his.

Thank you so much!!!

A few good men.

2011-11-30T05:50:00.000-08:00

I came across this and it almost brought tears to my eyes.

Lord, I don't play football. But whatever I do, let me do it for your glory!!!

Thanksgiving 2011.

2011-11-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words.

And sadly, I am only missing a picture of my youngest niece :( But this right here, this is what Thanksgiving is all about. Family.... Oh the joy of family! Nothing can compare.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and now bring on Christmas!!!! :)

Psalm 9:1 - I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. I will recount of his wonderful deeds.

Heart full of thanks!

2011-11-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

I know, I know... I said I was taking a break. But frankly, it's my blog, so there ;P

Honestly, I'm sitting here in front of the computer with a heart full of thanks and I have to spill it out somewhere.

It's Thanksgiving week .... and what better time :)

Thankful I'm going to have all my family under one roof this week.
Thankful for the turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, rolls, etc etc, that will will be consumed this week. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite meal of the year.
Otherwise thankful for food, ha.
Thankful for my health.
Thankful for transportation.
Thankful for my salvation.
Thankful for the gift of family. I'm privileged and honored to have the family I do.
Thankful for a mother who I walked in to TJ Maxx with this weekend and blessed me by buying me a blouse and three pairs of shoes. I love her. Truly love her.
Thankful the Gators won their game over the weekend. We've had a rough season. It wasn't a SEC team win, but it was a win and I'll take it!
With that said, thankful to be a Florida Gator.
Thankful it's going to be 70s on Thanksgiving Day and not in the normal 80s. If you lived in Florida, you would appreciate this, ha.
Thankful for the pedicure I got over the weekend and the hour or so I just got to relax.
Thankful for the pain I have after my run this weekend (its been awhile, ha), because it reminds me to be thankful I have legs to run.
Thankful for the fun fun time I had with the family this weekend putting our tree up while listening to Christmas music.

Speaking of which, thankful for Christmas music. Just makes everything better.
Thankful for friendships that add so much joy and meaning to my life.
Thankful for my job.
Thankful that when things aren't always going my way, I'm reminded that it could always be worse.
Thankful for my Compassion child that I sponsor.
Thankful for my Father God who loves me even when I feel unlovable.
Thankful for Faith, Hope, and Love.
Thankful for memories made this time of year and the way it warms the heart.
Thankful for laughter. Couldn't imagine life without it.
Lastly, truly truly thankful for each and every one of you. If you're reading this... Yes, I'm talking to you.

Some of these are silly things but I pray the Lord will always teach me to have a thankful heart in the small and big things. This life is hard and circumstances beat us down. And it's easy to focus on everything else. Gahhhhh, we have so much in this life to be thankful for. This list could seriously go on and on.

I pray that you can pause for a moment in the hustle and bustle. Go to a quiet place, maybe by yourself, and reflect and give thanks.

Who knows, I might be back, maybe not..... but interrupting to pour out some thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving week!!

A break.

2011-11-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

I’ve been blogging since 2008. I would have to say that this year has been the hardest year yet blogging wise. I look back and can see that this year I’ve posted less than all of the other years.

I don’t know why it’s been such a struggle. I admit, in the midst I somehow lost focus of why I’m blogging in the first place. That happens to the best of us. My desire is that I can get back to the point where I'm blogging for me and no one else. And frankly, just need a break.

I think I’ve decided that I’m going to take the rest of the year off from blogging. We’re coming up to that busy time of the year where time with family and friends is precious. I just want to be in the moment and soak it all in. I think it’s good for us to do that every now and then.

I’m so looking forward to coming back in 2012 and starting fresh. I hope the holidays find you blessed and your hearts full.

I love and appreciate y’all so much.

“See” you soon!!! :)

In the meantime...

Good intentions.

2011-11-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

We all have goals. We all set out to do something in hopes of obtaining those goals. Whatever those goals may be.

We all have good intentions.

I even prepared and ran my first 5k back in May in hopes that would keep me on the road of running.

I'm in the green in the front.

I went on to do one more 5k and haven’t ran since.

I went a WHOLE month without soda and what am I back to drinking again. (Carbonated liquid is the DEVIL).

Good intentions.

I was being very good there for awhile about watching what I eat and eliminating the crap from my diet. Yeah, fell off that wagon.

So.Frustrated.

With anything that you set your mind to, I’m learning one thing, you have to be intentional in whatever it is that you're trying to achieve.

Whether that’s trying to spend that quiet time with God.

Maybe it’s turning your phone off and shutting the computer down and stepping away from all things social media so you can be in the moment.

You might find yourself trying to eat better and exercise a little more.

It might be something as small as when you told that friend, "I'll give you a call soon," and have yet to pick up the phone but you had all intentions.

Whatever it is, chances are it requires us to be intentional. Life is full of good intentions but somtimes good intentions, well, just aren't good enough!

Lord, help me be more intentional, whatever it may be. I can't do it without you.

Any area of your life he's calling you to be more intentional?

A little Compassion.

2011-11-15T05:33:00.000-08:00

If you're in the blog and Twitter world, you might have followed the Compassion Bloggers while they were in Ecuador. Each and every post affected me in some way. But it was Sophie's last post of the trip about sweet Jonathan that left me sobbing.

I’m ashamed to say that at one time I sponsored a child with World Vision but I called and canceled my sponsorship. With much conviction I tell you that I believe that was out of selfish need. It’s easy to think what is my sponsorship really doing and how far can my money really go. Oh my word, it goes so so far. It’s easy to doubt and of course it’s easy for us to hold tight to our money and think, Oh I just can’t give up $38, I have bills to pay. But seriously, the work compassion is doing is amazing, truly amazing!

So for all the Jonathan’s out there in need (and the many others), I sponsored a child.

Meet Darwin. We're birthday buddies. I typed in my birthday and he was the ONLY one that showed up and he's been waiting 6 months for a sponsor. It was meant to be.

I believe in the cause, I believe in what they do. And I believe that Compassion is the hands and feet of Christ at work, and truly making a difference.

I can't wait to see what my sponsorship does for Darwin's life. He's a 13 year old boy who has dealt with more than I can imagine. It might mean less going out to eat on my part but so so worth it to see the way God is going to move in this precious life.

So, today, I'm so so thankful for this boy and my role in Darwin's life.

Black belt.

2011-11-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

And I don't mean karate! :)

I've said it once and I'll say it again! I am by no means a fashionista! Not by any stretch of the imagination. Ha!

But I love a good outfit.

I love when that one piece ties the outfit all together!

Sunday outfit of the day. Like the chopped off head??? :) Ha!

Love accessorizing. Never thought to wear a belt with this, but it was the perfect touch! Don't you think?

How was everyone's weekend??

It was a beautiful weekend here.

It was one of those weekends were it was Sunday evening and I just felt so extremely blessed. It was a weekend spent with family and friends.

My cup overflows.

My pretty Momma and I at Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch after church.

It's eerie how much we look alike in this picture. I look at this and see my future self, ha!

Happy Monday!!!

Friday Randoms.

2011-11-11T06:04:00.000-08:00

Today is 11.11.11 ... How cool is that? Wonder how many babies are scheduled to be born today or how many weddings will take place.

Thankful for our Veterans today past, present, and future. I will be forever indebted to them for their sacrifice and duty to our country. I have to work today, BOO! But that's not what it's about. Thank a Veteran today.

It's Friday, WooHoo. And I have nothing really on the agenda this weekend. I purposely did that, ha!

A few bloggers have put together an ornament exchange. SO fun! Go by here and sign up! November 14th is the last day.

You may or may not have already seen this. But Erin and Nina are doing a Random Acts of Kindness challenge. I was able to mark something off the list yesterday. It felt good. It's the time of year to give back and sometimes we just need to take the focus off ourselves. Click over to their blogs and print off this printable.

Treat yo' self!!!!!!! Name that show??? And it was soooooo good!!!

Woke up today and Brrrrr, it was cold outside. (Remember I live in the Sunshine State) :)

Just realized exactly seven months till my birthday (June 11th), but who is counting, LOL!

I'm really excited because I have a few servicemen I'm able to send some Christmas love to this year. I can only imagine how lonely it is overseas around the holidays! It's always nice to know someone is thinking of you back home.

This week was very disheartening because Revenge was not on TV this week. Seriously??? How can they keep us hanging like that? It was just getting good up in the Hamptons. This show is like a drug! Any Revenge lovers out there???

Who watched the CMAs this week????

This girl can wear anything and look stunning!!!

I'm really loving all these thankful statuses I'm seeing going around Facebook the month of November. It's a nice change from all the whining and complaining you see on there. Puts things in perspective, and a good reminder that we ALWAYS have something to be thankful for. Wouldn't you agree?

Watch this little girl's reaction to finding out she's going to Disney. Guaranteed to make you smile today!!

Y'all, our office mailman, bless his heart, wears a toupee. I just keep waiting for the next really windy day. Ha! I've been racking my brain ALL week trying to think of how I can discretely get a picture. Just don't think it's possible, ha!

Thought this was fitting for today! Goooooo Gatorssssss and beat South Carolina this weekend!! :)

All I have for you folks. Have a wonderful Friday and awesome weekend

Where I come from.

2011-11-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun today to introduce you to my hometown.

Leesburg, Florida: Population 19,086 (As of 2005 and according to good ole' Wikipedia, ha). Who knows what it is now.

Located right smack dab in the middle of the Sunshine State.

Welcome to Leesburg:

I'm a born and raised Leesburg girl. My Mom and Dad are both from here.

This is historic downtown Leesburg back in the day

What it looks like today.

They have really made an effort to beautify the downtown area. And it's really become one of my favorite places in this city. The law office where I work is located right off downtown.

They not too long ago built a beautiful new library.

Our one and only hospital.

This is not the hospital back in 1984 where a brown haired, brown-eyed little girl was born.

The hospital I was born at was waaaaay smaller and turned into the North Campus of LRMC (Leesburg Regional Medical Center.)

Leesburg is surrounded by a chain of lakes. Thus, why it is called the Lake Front City!

This is what you can find while sitting at Venetian Gardens, one of our local parks.

My brother and I went to Leesburg High School. Home of the Yellow Jackets.

I'm class of 2002 baby!

My Mom and Dad also graduated from here.

Good times in these halls. Sometimes I'd go back just so I wouldn't wish those four years away.

So yeah, I found this interesting piece of knowledge while doing some research on good ole' Leesburg.

Ummm, do you see the orange? In the words of Antoine Dodson.... "Hide Yo Purse, Hide Yo wallet." Please do let this hinder you from visiting Leesburg.

Anyhow........

Just as a little history for you, Leesburg was first settled in 1857 by Evander McIver Lee. Several of Evander Lee's brothers followed him to the area. One of these brothers, Calvin Lee, was credited with giving the town its name.

More and more people I went to high school with that left to go away to college are back, married, and settling with there families here. I have ALWAYS been the person that could NOT wait to get out of Leesburg. Not going to lie, nothing to do in this forsaken place. For real. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. It kind of stinks for the younger people. Leesburg is a little less than an hour north of Orlando. Thank heavens or we'd lose our minds up in here.

I never imagined Leesburg to be the place where I'd stay put. Leesburg is growing by leaps and bounds but it still maintains it's small town feel. It will always be my first home. My permanent home, no. But will always have a piece of my heart. It's my hometown, how can it not?

Now that I've bored you to tears about Leesburg.... What's your hometown? What's your favorite thing about the place you call home???

It's that time again!

2011-11-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

It’s so hard to believe it’s that time of year again where you start thinking of Christmas cards and getting your list together. My list grows longer and longer every year. Christmas cards are one of my FAVORITE things about the holidays, along with ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas… Ha!

Last year I went through Shutterfly and I’ll be using them again this year and taking advantage of their wonderful promotion for bloggers.

My card last year.

Yes, I know you must be thinking, get that girl a husband, ha! All in God's good timing, my friends :)

I was so pleased with the way it turned out and these are a few of my favorites I found on their website this year:

Really fun colors.

Love the black and white.

LOVE this one.

Thought this was unique and different.

And these are just a few among many. Such a huge selection. Shutterfly also offers calendars, photo gifts, Christmas invitations, and so much more.

And always love participating in Faith's Christmas Card Carousel she has on her blog each year. It's going to be held 12.14.11. So fun! Don't miss out on that this year.

So if you're a blogger and want your free Christmas cards, what are you waiting for? And get in the Christmas spirit!!! Ho Ho Ho!!!! :)

Attitude shift.

2011-11-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was kind of a cruddy day all around.

I felt like death all day. I have an ear infection and my throat was really really scratchy and irritated. I went to the doctor yesterday morning. They wrote me some prescriptions.

I go to Walgreens to pick up the medicine to where the lady kindly says, "That will be $70."

Crazy lady say what?

I wanted to say I know my ears are clogged up, but I know you didn't just say $70. I felt horrible and this was not the cherry on my sundae.

You see, last Friday I was so excited because it was a paycheck where I had no bills to be paid that week. It felt really great.

Then comes the $35 I pay to the doctor and $70 for medicine piled on top of that.

Way to bust my "I have no bills and paycheck is all mine" bubble :/

But I as I drove away from Walgreens mumbling under my breath, it hit me like a ton of bricks...

Lord, you are Jehovah Rophi, the God who provides.

He knew I'd need that $105 dollars. And in that moment, my attitude began to shift., and I praised him for a no bills paycheck. Would I have liked to have spent that $105 dollars on something else, heck yes! I could think of countless other things, and might have muttered at the end of that praise these ears drops better be made of gold, ha.

The point of this post isn't about co-pays or prescriptions, but the truth is.... God knows our need, even before we do. He is always faithful

I know there are people in third world countries that don't have access to medicine and doctors. I'm lucky and blessed in so many ways and God is continuously showing me that and pray that my eyes will always be open to recognize that.

And happy to say that with sleep and medicine..... I'm like a brand new person today!!

Just $105 poorer, ha!! :)

Weekend pics.

2011-11-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

The weekend started off with some fun. One of my BFF's Jill invited me to go Gator Growl with her. It was homecoming weekend for the Florida Gators. So I got out of work early on Friday and headed to the Swamp!!

Jill and I at Gator Growl.

The Gator Growl was so much fun!! Goo Goo Dolls and Sister Hazel were there and were great. The Band and the UF dancers were there. The Senior football players and the coach were there. There was a comedian. They crowned homecoming king and queen. And there were fireworks and so much more. It was my first time going, had amazing seats, and it was such a fun atmosphere and such a fun way to get pumped up before our game against Vandy on Saturday. So proud to be a Florida Gator and proud to be in the SEC. Only the BEST conference ever.

Saturday was the game. And unfortunately I couldn't go but of course I had to show my Gator pride!!

I look pale as a ghost but Gooooooo Gatorssssss!!!! :)

And we beat Vandy! We soooooo desperately needed this win after 4 weeks of loss.

Saturday late afternoon I went to go head over to my brother and SIL's house and spend the night and visit with my nieces and go to church.

Being goofy!

This picture is so sweet. Sisters playing together!

It was a fabulous weekend. Hope yours was too!!!

Have a great Monday!! :)

Love at first sight.

2011-11-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Confession time:

One thing you should know about me, I'm a complete planner nerd. I love writing things down, staying organized and marking things off my to-do list.

Many in the blog/twitter world jumped on the Erin Condren bandwagon a long time ago. This is a great great company y'all.

I didn't jump on it right away but when a heck of a deal came to One Kings Lane a few weeks back, I could not pass it up.

Was so excited when I got this in the mail this week. Say hello to my beauty...

I'm in love.

I love the tabs. I put protection over the tabs, so hopefully they'll hold up good.

It's great how you can look at the month in a glance or weekly.

And it came with these fun stickers. As you can see some I've already used, ha.

And came with these fun extra little goodies.

And I have some pretty pens to write in it with. Seriously, having so much fun with it. Not getting anything for writing this but just really love it. Erin Condren has so much other stuff on her site that you just might love. Go check it out :)

Wordless Wednesday - Pure sweetness!

2011-11-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

My niece the ice cream cone. I might be biased but this is just pure sweetness!!!!!

If I could turn back time.

2011-11-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Okay..... Do you have that song stuck in your head now? Ha!

It's November 1st. How is that even possible??? All day I've just been sitting here thinking where did 2011 go?

This time of year always makes me nostalgic. Pretty soon we'll be in the thick of the holiday season. This is the time of year where memories are made. The memories you just want to keep locked up and tucked close to your heart forever.

This is my favorite time of year. The time of year we all look forward to. As soon as it hits December 26th we're already looking forward to the next Christmas.

You know what though, if I could turn back time.... I would take back all the times I wished time away as time just goes was too quickly. I want to enjoy all 365 days of the year and all the memories and sweet moments in between. I would maybe tweet a little less, Facebook a little less, put the phone down a little more, put the laptop away. You get where I'm going with this.

This time of year always draws me back to what's important .....

Faith, Family, Friends, and Health.

This time of year just has a way of bringing you back into focus.

We're given 365 days a year, 24 hours in a day.... What is my time and energy being spent on?

This is just something I've had to sit back and think about.

Truthfully, I look forward to November because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, but Thanksgiving is simple. It's a time of reflection and giving thanks. It's about being with the ones you love. It's looking around the table at your loved ones and you are overcome with such gratitude and thankfulness because you realize in that moment that this, THIS is what it's all about.

I just want to take these next couple of months to live in the moment (as really we always should), but really just want to take this month to just acknowledge something each day that I have to be thankful for.

These people, my family... I don't deserve them but I'm so glad they're mine.

And so THANKFUL!

My weekend in Arkansas!

2011-10-31T07:47:00.000-07:00

Okay! So I pretty much had the best weekend EVER!

My weekend started Thursday and I hopped on a plane to the great state of Arkansas to visit my friend Whitney! We planned this trip way back in June and couldn't believe the time was already here. We were so excited.

Our first photo after Whitney picking me up!

And before I continue this post I'm just going to say that some of these pictures are mine and some are Whitney's. She has the whole editing thing going on and her pictures turned out way better. You'll be able to figure out which one's are hers, ha!

The night I flew in Jenna had arranged a dinner for a group of us bloggers at a local restaurant in Bentonville. It was so yummy and the company even BETTER.

It was so great to see Jenna again. I've had the chance to meet her before. And so thankful she put this dinner together.

I was BEYOND thrilled to get to meet Katie. She has become a great blog friend and is so dear to me. Have been looking SO forward to seeing her. She is a beautiful person inside and out. Love you, Katie.

Jill unfortunately doesn't have a blog. I was thrilled to meet her and she was as sweet as can be.

Lindsey and I just started becoming blog/twitter friends. I so enjoyed getting to meet her and spend time with her. Hope to see you again real SOON Lindsey!

Me, Niki, and Whitney. Niki stayed over at Whitney's house with us Thursday night. Such a blast to have a girl's night and hang out!

The whole group...

Back: Jenna, Whitney, Jill, Niki, Katie.

Front: Leah, Me, Lindsey.

Friday morning Whitney, Niki and I woke up and got ready and went out and about. Went went to some of the local favorites like Riffraff, Rick's Bakery, and the mall. Fun!!!

They also took me by the Razorback stadium. I'm a Florida Gator girl all the way, but for the weekend it was Wooooooo Pig Sooooooie!!!! Let me just stop right here for a minute. Oh my goodness, Arkansas people DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT joke around about their love for the Hogs. Okayyyyy, moving on.

Calling the Hogs!! (Just for the weekend! Sorry Gators!)

I had to do my Gator chomp! It's only fair!!! :)

Love these girls.

You will not convert me, but for one weekend, and one weekend only :)

Then Friday for lunch we met a bunch of the other girls at the Crumpet Tea Room. Yummmy food and so so fun! These are some photos I got with my camera.

Leah and Niki.

Me and sweet Jillian Kate, Jennifer's daughter.

Kelly and I with sweet Hollis!

The whole gang.
Laurie, Leah, Niki, Yours Truly, Whitney, Hillary, Amanda, Jennifer, Kelly, and all the sweet babies.

Saturday we set up for the Fall Festival at Whitney's church. We worked hard for a couple of hours and then went to go eat at Rivertowne BBQ. We got to listen/watch the Razorback game. They won, but sadly the Gators didn't on Saturday.

After the game we got ready for the festival. Whitney was a 80's girl and I ended up finding a cheap cat costume at Wally World. Ha!

Whitney and her husband Brad.

Before I left Sunday we went to Pinnacle Hills Promenade and did a little bit of shopping before they had to take me to the airport. Turns out my flight was delayed and so sweet Whitney and her very sweet husband Brad turned around (luckily they hadn't gotten very far) and picked me back up and we went to dinner.

Time to go back, cue sad tears!! (and no I didn't mean to use Razorback luggage, totally a fluke, ha)

One last picture before heading back to Florida.

Oh and best of all, this Florida girl got to see some leaves!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I came at the peak time of Fall and could not have been more thrilled. NWA is truly a beautiful area and will definitely be back! Thank you Whitney and Brad for being such good hosts and so glad I got to see all my Arkansas friends.

Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend!!

Too cute to burn.

2011-10-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

One would look at this and think isn't that a sweet shoe.

Don't worry, I was made for a fool, too.

I'm convinced these are the devil in disguise.

I got these from Target over the weekend. I wore them for the first time yesterday, but by the end of the day I wanted to burn them. I was over it.

Oh my word, talk about PAIN.

I was totally deceived, ha!

Here's to hoping I break these babies in.

There are simply too cute to burn.

Then I go on to the Target website today and this is the message I get:

Woof! (with the cute dog on there of course)

We are suddenly extremely popular.

There is no need to refresh your browser. Please stay here and we'll get you in as soon as we can!

Thank you and our apologies for the inconvenience.

Really Target???? Ha!

Corn Maze.

2011-10-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!!

It was a beautiful weekend in the Sunshine State.

Yesterday my friend Michelle, my sister, and I went to a local corn maze. It was the first time for all of us.

Honestly, we didn't know what to expect, but it was So.Much.Fun.

They don't joke around though, we had a guy talk with us and had to watch a video before, lol. Apparently we aren't supposed to pick the corn.... DARN!!! ;)

And FYI: When they tell you to use the rest room before going into the corn maze, DO IT!!! You have no idea how long you'll be in there, ha!!

Another FYI: I was reminded of how absolutely positively disgusting porta potties can be. I have to remind myself to just hold my breath and look straight ahead and don't look down. Gag me!!!

But y'all, corn mazes can be kind of scary and not something I'd want to do alone. You'd find me lost, so so very lost. HA!

Michelle and I before hitting the maze.

Photo op with the tractor :)

My sister doing the "we made it out" pose!!! Ha!

Funny.... That flag you see in my hand, each group had to have one. It was to use in case we got lost and you hold it above the corn and wave it. Luckily that wasn't necessary :) It took us about an hour to get through the maze.

There was so much to do there....pumpkin patches, corn mazes, games, food, and so much for kids. It was a beautiful day but a little on the hot side. It was a great afternoon.

I have more pics on my camera but stole these from Michelle, haha!! :)

Have you ever been to a corn maze? Hope you'll find yourself one to go to this Fall. SO SO fun!!!!!!!

Mean.

2011-10-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

We deal with all sorts of people in our life.

Whether it be people we see at the grocery store, people we see while pumping gas. We've gone to school with people, we work with people.... you get what I'm trying to say.

We come across people all.day.long.

And some people can just be down right mean. This song tends to gear more towards a guy but can be applied to anyone we come across.

Take a minute to watch this video. It will make you smile. I watched this more than once.

If you follow Angie's blog, you'll notice her girl's are in it. Read here to get more info on how this video came about. A father went way out of his way to make his sweet girl's birthday wish come true.

I see those girls and I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that people will be people, not always kind and they'll be mean. The world and people (boys) will tell us we're not pretty enough and not thin enough. And so many things you could add to that list. I would remind her that insecurity is one of the hardest battles we will have to fight. People will hurt us. Words will sting. But most importantly, our self-worth isn't found in what people say or think about us or through the actions of others. Do you kind of wish you could go and sing this song to every person that's ever been mean to you? Ha!

I think we could all write our own "Mean" lyrics from the people we've dealt with in life. Wouldn't you say???

But with that said...

The nice people far outweigh the mean :)

She'll be coming 'round the mountain....

2011-10-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last year our family went away between Christmas and New Years and so stoked because this year we're doing it again.

It's not too early to start counting down the days until we're heading to the North Carolina mountains.

The house we'll be staying at.

Has an awesome game room.

Beautiful view.

And hopefully will be covered by lots and lots of this!!!!!

My bags are already packed!!!!!!

What about y'all??? Do you have any fun Fall/Winter trips coming up???

Tuesday Randoms.

2011-10-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to rush time but y'all, the countdown is on till we can start blasting Christmas music.
Can't get the song "Christmas Shoes" out of my head. Everyone I know loathes it. Are you one of them?
This show. Hilarious. I have been obsessed with catching up on the seasons with Netflix. I have never laughed out loud so much. Right up there with Modern Family for me.

I know, I'm late on the bandwagon. I'm pretty stoked and eagerly awaiting One Kings Lane voucher to be sent to me so I can get my hands on a Erin Condren planner for a super deal. I'm getting it in this design and obviously my name is not Paige, ha! They are so stinkin cute.

So you know my last blog post? My parents sent me a picture of this. It's like a dagger in the heart.

If you're a sucker for a good love story. Go read this.
Now after reading that. All together now .... "Awwwwwwwww."
This month is breast cancer awareness month. Wear your pink and support the cause.
I have no crafty bone in my body. I started a project over the weekend. I'm too much of a perfectionist. It's still sitting there undone.
Everyone is thinking Beyonce's baby bump is fake. What do you think???

I can't remember the last time I dressed up for Halloween. Does that make me lame?
I love this time of year and all the scary movies that are on TV. Talking to you Jason and Freddy.
My day started with me thinking Lord please don't let this morning set the precedence for how the rest of the day is going to go, and luckily it hasn't.
Perspective, got to have it.
Feel like I'm forgetting something but with that...
Have a wonderful day my friends.

A Florida girl's dream!

2011-10-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

We always want what we can't have right????

It's a well-known fact that Florida is known for its palm trees.

This picture has got to be Miami South Beach or something, because Lord knows the water isn't that pretty in my neck of the woods here in Florida.

Anyway.... Yes, the palm trees are nice and all. But this, this is what I want to see:

Unfortunately, palm trees just don't change their leaves. Ha!

I stole these pictures off a family friend's facebook page. And my parents are on their way today to visit said family friend to see these said beautiful leaves and I'm all sorts of jealous!!

This might seem so simple y'all but this is seriously on my bucket list.

One day I will see the leaves change. And I might just up and move.

Palm trees will be a thing of the past.

Or just have a home in Florida and home in the mountains.

Not to go all Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana (whoever the heck she is at the moment, ha) on you... But it would truly be the best of both worlds!

A Florida girl can dream, right?

Somebody send this poor girl some colored leaves. I'll pay for shipping!!! Anybody?????

Where it all began.

2011-10-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

It all started with a single commercial.

The next thing I knew I was sitting for the first time in class as a court reporting student.

The journey has been long and at times frustrating. I've been in school it seems so long that it's hard to remember not being in court reporting school.

Sometimes it's hard to give 100% and not feel burn't out when you work full time and going to school three nights a week and trying to balance life in general. There is so so much this school requires of you. It is hard and demanding.

It's easy to want to give up and question God's plan. But if God calls you to it, he'll get you through it, right???

This is the most recent commercial that just came out. Funny because one my teachers is the lady talking to the group at the very beginning, ha!

I never thought the journey would take so long. I try to remember that all of this will be worth it in the end.

The rewards are great if you can just persevere. I've had alot of obstacles along the way mentally and physically that left me thinking if I'm going to be able to do this, much less see it to completion.

I've had such a great support system and people cheering me on and letting me know I CAN do this and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The Stenotype Institute has been my second home. But I'm so ready to move on to the next season of my life, spread my wings, be successful in the career and make a life for myself and be all that I can be. After typing that, realize how totally cheesy that sounds, lol.

The future is at my fingertips, literally, ha.

I guess I say all this to say.... If you're on a journey, questioning the journey. I feel you, I really do.

So I would covet your prayers. To complete and press on toward the goal and win the prize. Philippians 3:14.

(and Lord willing you'll see me in a convertible like the girl in this video when all is said and done, haha)

Rawrrrrr....

2011-10-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

I am a woman.........

Hear me roar..

OOTD (outfit of the day) this Friday!

I hope everyone has had a great week and has a wonderful weekend. TGIF!!! :-)

Impact.

2011-10-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

I didn’t really know a whole lot about Steve Jobs, nor did I really keep up with his story and obviously I didn’t know him personally.

But what I do know, he left a huge impact. He left a legacy. He had vision. Comments about him flooded the internet via facebook and Twitter, it was a little overwhelming and so touching.

Impact is defined as having influence or effect.

Whether you’re Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and an amazing innovator and a brilliant mind, or just an ordinary every day person, you do and can have influence and effect. It doesn’t take you being the co-founder of Apple.

Upon hearing about his death yesterday it got me to thinking about what kind of influence I want to have and what kind of mark I want to make in this world.

In the “About me section” on the upper right side of my page….. I wrote “ I want to look back and know that my purpose was served here on earth. That I loved God with my whole heart, loved people, and loved well. “

Hearing about the death of Steve Jobs caused me to reevaluate that. Take a look at myself. Am I living out my purpose? Am I loving God with my whole heart? Loving people? Loving well?

Steve Jobs purpose was served here on earth and he was brilliant at it. We’re all living out our purpose. And pray he knew and loved the God that quipped him with all those tools to live out that purpose each and every day.

I’m sure he had no clue the impact he had on this world and unfortunately most people don’t until they’re gone and it's too late.

As the comments kept flooding in about Steve Jobs….. I kept thinking to myself, I’m sure he would really loved to have heard all this while he was still here on earth. Teaches you to be intentional about letting others know what they mean to you and what their gifts, talents, and time here on earth has meant to you.

Because impact, we all have it.

Be intentional today. If you go to a store today and someone opens a door for you, take the time to thank them and let them know you appreciate it and appreciate them.

Big or small. It will make an impact.

"Your time is limited and so don't waste it trying to live someone else's life." ~Steve Jobs

The million dollar question.

2011-10-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sure at one time or another we've all been asked that question....

"What would you do if you had a million dollars?"

I went and got my hair cut today. Y'all..... I cannot tell you how much I look forward to hair cut day. Like it's pathetic. I just love how it looks and feels after a good cut and wash.

But I can say with full assurance and without hesitation if I had a million dollars, I would pay good money to have my hair girl come to my house every morning and help a girl out.

Amen. Hallelujah.

I have resigned myself to that fact that I will NEVER get my hair the way she does it. It's a gift they have.

But unfortunately I don't see a million dollars coming into my future any time soon.

(Hello long long lost relative who has left me an inheritance, you can find me anytime now).

Sigh.... I guess I'll look forward to every six weeks having my little slice of heaven in a chair getting my hair washed... Oh the hair wash, don't even get me started.

Excuse me while I pick up the phone and give the show "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" a call.

Scars.

2011-10-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

We all have them.

Scars from the past. Old hurts and wounds that we hold on to. Some are more permanent though.

To this day I have a little scar on my forehead. When I was about two or so I jumped off the couch and hit my head on the coffee table. My Mom had to take me to the hospital and get stitches. Of course I don't remember any of it but from what my Mom said it was pretty traumatic. More so for her then I think for me, ha.. She couldn't even be in the room. My grandma stayed with me.

But lets talk about J.R. Martinez for a moment.

If you watch Dancing with the Stars, this guy is just incredible. I know we can all get sucked into reality TV, but we can all learn from this guy. His attitude and outlook are an inspiration.

Even if you don't watch DWTS, take a few minutes of your time to watch this.

J.R. has served this country and this dance was a tribute to the men and woman who didn't make it home. I was brought to tears.

It's so easy to let our scars define us, especially physical scars, whatever they might be. Some scars are inward and some outer, but J.R., wow, he wears these scars proudly as we all should.

Because, those scars, whatever they maybe, tell a story. Whether it's a two year old girl who hits her head on a coffee table or a guy who bravely serves our country and lives to tell about it with scars as a reminder.

Those scars, whether inner scars or physical scars... They don't define us, they're a part of us, a part of our story.

Bedroom Makeover.

2011-10-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

My bedroom was in major need of a makeover. This weekend I did just that.

I'm not even going to show you pictures of the before. It was that horrific.

But I love my little sanctuary now.

Without further ado.

I got these for over the bed.

I am in love with this accent pillow.

New nightstand.

Got window treatments put up.

And a better close-up of the bedding.

I realize flowers may not be everyone's cup of tea, but this is so me. And I love all the colors together.

Just love it.

Meet my new friend.

2011-09-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

How does that say going? Oh yes, make new friends but keep the old. In this case, I could care less about making new friends, ha! Friends are not supposed to cause you pain.

Y'all. I can't help but laugh. This is going to be a love/hate relationship.

Love because it's going to help me get better. Hate because it's going to be pure torture. But this contraption is what the doctor has ordered.

You can get caught up here.

I've been going to physical therapy for my arm to get my range of motion and extension back and hopefully this will speed the process along.

Hurts just looking at it, doesn't it? Needs a name, don't you think? Ha!

Good times. Good times.

Just pray I don't kill it before this friendship is over :-)

So I guess we'll spend our weekend getting to know each other. Sigh.....

It is real.

2011-09-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

God brings people into our lives in different ways.

Take the blogging community for example.

I don’t care what others say, but real and genuine friendships are formed through blogging and you will never convince me otherwise. Some I've met, some I've emailed consistently with, talked on the phone, texted, skyped, sent cards, mailed gifts, prayed for, and rejoiced with friends I’ve made on here. And my Christmas card list, yeah half of it is made up of blog/twitter friends, ha.

It.Is.Real.

Nothing can replace the face-to-face, day-to-day, contact with those friends we have in our lives but this blogging thing…

It.Is.Real.

Heck, people meet over the internet and get married all the time and so forming friendships via blogging, ummmm not so crazy.

I don’t know if it’s just me but trying to explain to others this blogging thing, so so hard.

Next month I’m going to hop on a plane to Arkansas and go visit some blog/twitter friends. My first thought was how do I tell people without sounding crazy. Little fun fact, I got on a plane back in 2005 to go meet a pen pal that I had ever since elementary school all the way out in CALIFORNIA. I’m sooooo not new at this meeting “strangers” thing. But the thing is, some of y’all, my friends, not strangers to me at all. Sometimes I feel as if you get to know people this way better, if not more, than if there was a face-to-face/day-to-day contact.

It.Is.Real.

I spill my guts out to y’all more than I do sometimes with the people in my life. I don’t know why that is, but that’s just how it rolls. We all share in the highs and lows of life in our own little corner of the blogosphere. I love the people I’ve been able to meet and the relationships I’ve developed that wouldn’t have happened any other way without this blog and via twitter.

Yes, all this comes with some downfalls, but the good far outweighs the bad.

This community is so special and unique and so glad to be a part of it.

It.Is.Real

So so real.

I feel like this should be put on a shirt.

Full heart.

2011-09-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those times on Sunday evenings when you are genuinely sad to see the weekend go and you wake up on a Monday morning thinking to yourself, "What a great weekend".......?!?!?!?!

Unfortunately, I don't have my cord for my camera with me, but pictures to come.

This weekend left me so full.

We had the nieces all weekend, so I got some good Aunt time while Mom and Dad were gone.

But the exciting news of the weekend is we now have a walker people!!!

Someone please tell me how that is when it feels like my niece Mackenzie was just born!!! Makes me all kinds of sad, but I got my first ever "walk to me" hug.... Gahhhhh, I felt like my heart could burst. This girl has me wrapped around her finger, and so does her sister. I truly believe those two are the greatest gifts my brother and sister-in-law will/can ever give me.

We got some pool time in, snuggle time, just hanging out and enjoying some wonderful family time.

I am so blessed.

And I was able to sneak away Sunday to see the movie Contagion with Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow. Have any of y'all seen it??? Crazy good. And I'll be stocking up on anti-bac and washing my hands every second. If you've seen the movie you'll know what I mean, ha!

Weekend can best be summed up: Clear eyes (absolutely is nothing more important than family), full hearts....

And with that, you just can't lose! (you know I love me some Friday Night Lights).... haha!!

Hey, that analogy can go way beyond just football :-)

Oh baby.

2011-09-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Friendships back in high school seemed so much easier.

Once you get out in the “real world” and get older friendships require a little more work and effort. As you step out of the four walls of high school eventually down the road comes marriage and a baby carriage. We just have different seasons of life that keep us busy and going in different directions.

Neither which I have experienced yet.

Back in high school I had a handful of friends that I could count on my finger. Too me, friendships are about quality, not quantity.

My friend Monica was one of those friends.

I stood beside her as she said I do.

And now….

A blessing on the way and nursery to get ready!

I stole these pictures from her, but don’t think she’ll mind, ha.

When friends are in different seasons of life it doesn’t have to be the make it or break it in a friendship. I have to gain a new understanding of why certain friends may not be able to call me as often as I might like, a better understanding of why the stretches might become longer in between seeing each other.

I’m realizing that I have to learn to extend a little more grace and not take it so personal.

Monica and I had a chance to get together last night for dinner and catch up. It had been a very long time. It was so nice. She’s 22 weeks along and I still had not seen her cute baby bump.

I’m learning the value of the friendships don’t change whatever the season might be but yes, the dynamics might change nonetheless. And I’m learning that's okay and that it's normal.

And now there’s a baby shower to look forward to. Can’t wait to meet baby Matthews! :)

Toothless Wednesday.

2011-09-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

My sweet niece is so happy and wanted to share some exciting news with you.

She lost her very first tooth. Like seriously.... Could she possibly be any cuter????? Gah I love this girl to the moon and back!!!!!!

A couple of weekend highlights.

2011-09-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

I had plans to go out of town to visit a friend this past weekend but at last minute they got cancelled. So this weekend was very low key. Just the way I like it.

Just a couple of highlights:

The Gators kicked some Tennessee behind. It was a good game though and the Volunteers put up a good fight.

Here’s my sister and I dressed up for Game Day.

It’s great to be a Florida Gator. I had a nice Florida State Seminole fan tell me I need to change my colors to Garnet and Gold because blue tends to wash me out. And well, I said look at the tan we have going on.... haha!! Yeah, blew his theory out the window :) Gotta love football smack talk. Ha!

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m a firm believer that there are just some movies you are never too old for. So when Lion King came back to theaters, you better believe I was all up on that.

And in 3D, hello? Yeah, I'm soooo there. Ha!! I went Sunday and saw it. Some conclusions:

Circle of Life makes me bawl. You know it does you, too.
I totally forgot Jonathan Taylor Thomas (affectionately known as JTT) was the voice of young Simba.
I will forever love Disney.
I can never ever ever ever ever sit through a movie without popcorn. I just can't.
This is by far my favorite scene.

And with that…. HAKUNA MATATA!!

My story.

2011-09-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

I think I’ve shared on the blog before but don’t talk about it a lot.

At birth I was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome. It occurs in very few women. It results in a missing or incomplete sex chromosome. In most cases (in my case) it causes ovarian failure and infertility. So the doctors say I will never be able to have children.

I’m so drawn to infertility and adoption/foster stories because I know this will be in my future. I would love to be a mother someday. And so love hearing about God bringing children to people that have prayed and longed for it, for so long and pray for those who are still in waiting.

I know whose report I’ll believe and I know God has the final say as to how I start my family someday. Have to find that husband first, ha! Of course it’s easy to think, will I ever find a husband someday when I can’t give him kids? But I have to take that thought captive and know that’s a lie from the enemy.

So as you can imagine, I was extremely blessed by Amy’s story. Please click on the link. No doubt you’ll be blessed too. Please pray for her and her husband on this journey.

These are two other stories I’ve loved following . You’ll find them here and here. Just click the links. Amazing stories of God’s faithfulness. His plans are always perfect.

Back long ago when the doctors told me I’d never be able to have children of my own, the impact of that didn’t quite hit me because that time seemed so far off. But as I get older, I can’t help but wonder and question what God’s plan is. Everything looks uncertain and don’t know how all his plans will unfold in my life.

One thing I do know from reading these stories. God knows EXACTLY what he’s doing. And the same rings true for my life as well.

We all have a story, or maybe multiple stories that make us who we are and exactly who God created us to be for reasons we may not always understand.

So check these stories out and hope you’re blessed by them.

Choose Joy.

2011-09-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Perspective. We all need it sometimes. Perspective brings us back to what’s REALLY important.

The body of Christ is an amazing thing. It’s a beautiful thing.

If you’re a praying person, could you do me a favor? Or even if you're reading this and your not, hop on over to Sara’s blog and leave her some encouragement. She’s on her way home to Jesus.

I just bawled. I can’t even put into words how amazing this woman is. Just incredible. Her faith, her attitude, her perspective, just cannot be matched. Such an amazing testimony of unshakable and unwavering faith.

I don't know Sara personally and only through her blog which I came across awhile ago. Nothing else I could have said on this blog today is more important than lifting this sweet girl up and offering prayers on her behalf. I know she’d greatly appreciate it.

If you’ve never stopped by her blog, please take a minute to go, read her story, leave some encouragement and go back and browse and you’ll come to see the true jewel and real deal Sara is through her words.

Today and always, for Sara, in her honor, I’m choosing Joy. Will you too????

Thank you!!!

For your viewing pleasure!

2011-09-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's one of my favorite times of the year! Fall.

And with Fall comes GREAT Fall TV. It's the start of premiere time and these are my must-see TV shows:

Parenthood.

I so want to be a Braverman. Love this family.

I'm a Gleek and darn proud of it.

It will be interesting going into the new season without the dynamic duo of Elliott and Olivia!! :(

Need I say more? This lady cracks me up!!!

I'm a HUGE Betty White fan and this show is pee-in-your-pants funny!!!

The greatness of this show cannot be put into words. Brilliant!!!

Looking forward to trying these new shows this Fall:

I watched this premiere last night and it was crazy good!!! Gotta love Buffy!!! :)

I've heard a lot of good things about Parks and Recreation? You have any thoughts on this show??

Charlie's Angels baby! Gonna give it a try. We'll see!

Of course you have DWTS and Bachelor/Bachlorette in between that, ha! And Teen Mom on MTV is my guilty pleasure.

What did we ever do without the DVR?? I feel like I'm missing shows, lol... but this could take all day :-) These are just a few.

YAY for Fall. What are your fav shows???

Who wants to go shopping??

2011-09-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

It’s a fact that all women want to walk out the door feeling cute and put together.

And all you women out there would be lying if you said you didn’t.

I’m by no means a fashionista, but at the same time I don’t belong on the show “What Not to Wear” either… Hello Stacey and Clinton if you’re reading this :)

I’m probably the WORST shopper you will ever meet. I love clothes but get me into a store, and I’m so lost. But if I have someone with me who knows what they’re doing and I have four or five outfits in my hand in no time. You know the shoppers “eye”? I just don’t have that. Gah, how I wish I had the eye.

Anyone else with this problem? Ha!

I can find things but it’s the putting it all together that’s my problem. I really do love the layered look when it comes to piecing outfits.

I walked out the door this morning feeling pretty good.

Until I came in and saw I had a tear in my blouse.

Ugh, oh well. (One thing I’ve learned about the store H&M…they have cute clothes but they do not have a long life span, haha!!)

Anyone want to go shopping with me??? HA!

I'll buy you lunch :)

Blogging.

2011-09-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

I was looking back and I’ve noticed up to this point I’ve blogged way less than last year. I got to thinking as to why that could be.

I can’t quite put my finger on it except to say the urgency to blog everyday just isn’t there like it used to be. If I don’t have anything to say, then I just don’t blog. I’ve realized that less and less I’ve documented just my every day to day life and I want to get back to that. I’ve taken the camera out less and less. I began to get frustrated with myself.

I’ve shrunk back.

I really really have come to love my corner of the internet. I cherish it. But blogging is a funny thing. It causes you to play the comparison game and you find yourself trying to measure up to those you might never even meet.

I wish it didn’t, but it does and it happened to me.

I have no husband. Have no kids. I’m still living at home trying to work towards getting out on my own. Still in school trying to get into my career. I have to be careful and don’t have tons of money to go out and spend on alot of things. And at the end of the day it’s easy to think who wants to read about that??

But I am so so blessed in MANY ways!! More than I deserve.

Let me say, this is not a woe is me post. The point is, I need to realize all this is okay. I’m not trying to be like anyone else or measure up. My journey is just that, my journey.

Everyone is in their own season of life. I guess the moral of all this is just to be content with blogging during every season, no matter what that season maybe. At the end of the day I know I'll be glad I have this blog to look back on to see how God has gotten me through each and every season of my life.

Anyone feeling me here?

So this is me. Where I’m at right now. This minute. And I’m learning to be okay with that.

Hand in Hand.

2011-09-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Two years ago my Grandpa went to be with Jesus.

Today is his birthday as well. And I just wanted to honor him today.

Honestly, I can not think of any greater birthday gift than the one he received two years ago, oh to be face to face with Jesus! I imagine that was one pretty amazing day for him, but hard for those of us left behind.

Today holds so much.

My Grandpa passed away in the ICU at the hospital. I was standing right next to him as he drew his last breath. It was the first and only time I've truly experienced death like that. To witness someone's time here on earth end and not only that but on the very day that his time here on earth began.

To me, there was nothing morbid about it. I felt honored as his granddaughter to be holding his hand and rejoicing, but tearfully so, that God was waiting for him with open arms.

Gramps, for two years now you've got to experience the awesomeness that is Heaven. I wish there was a direct line to Heaven so I could talk to you so you could tell me what it's like. I can only imagine.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you again. Walking hand in hand.

Accent Vlog.

2011-09-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Here goes nothing:

The instructions are to say these words:

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught (I realize I missed this word in the video, ha).

And answer these questions:

What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say to address a group of people?
What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?
What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

I realize this is kind of on the short side but seriously how awkward is it talking into the computer and you feel like you're talking to yourself, ha. And don't mind my eyes, they are even kind of freakin me out, haha!! And don't you love my face before you push play??? HAHAHA! It's like it went and picked the worst possible shot of me. Oh well, it is what it is :) Hope you enjoyed watching. Head on over to Jenna's blog and participate!! So fun seeing everyone's vlogs!!!

Wordless Wednesday- The "Ouch" Edition.

2011-08-31T03:42:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those moments where you do something totally and utterly stupid and you slowly turn around to make sure noone was watching??

Well, let me share, shall I?

It was just like any other day. Nothing out of the ordinary. I was just going about my business. I was doing my job and I was away from my desk at the office and the phone happened to ring. I hurried real quick to go try to get it.

Two things you can conclude from this:
Yes, I tripped.
and Yes, the carpet was out to get me.

I mean, it was so fast before I could even realize what happened, I was on the ground. But thank heavens no one saw me.

Apparently I have two left feet and I need to go back to walking 101. I'm sorry if this picture grosses you out. But honestly, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

I never claimed to be graceful!!! Ha!

Law of the garbage truck.

2011-08-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

My Mom sent this to us kids yesterday, with note attached, and so thought this was worth passing on.

"Good one. Hopes it helps your days, my children! Life is so full of angry discontented people. Have a joyful spirit. Remember I love you always no matter what and so does God who created you in His image. Love, Mom"

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us .My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital! This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Pretty great, right? I mean seriously, how many garbage trucks do we come across each day? When you look at it with this perspective you could probably think of quite a few. It's easy to not think about my reactions toward the garbage. I could probably think of many instances which I could have shown a little more grace. Or better yet, could probably think of even more instances where I was the one spitting out the garbage.

I would so hope that I'd receive grace on "garbage day" that I know I'm called to give others.

And lastly, just wanted to say that note from my Momma is reason #99079754983795847359843 why I love her.

A wise woman she is.

Have a garbage-free day :-)

Matthew 11:28- "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Reshaping it all.

2011-08-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the way home from work I picked up a book that I’m really really excited to read. I wanted to share with you.

Take about 3 minutes of your time and watch this.

I think this is going to be a really great read. It’s great motivation for physical and spiritual fitness.

I think as women we ALL compare ourselves to other women. I think we all want to become a size 0 or size 2 so we can measure up to the woman standing next to us. We don’t take care of our bodies for us but a lot of the times it’s because the world tells us we have to be skinnier to be prettier.

I think this book really challenges us to see ourselves through God’s eyes and not through our size. And how putting God first really does affect every area of our lives and how we view ourselves and this book is written with the goal to help reshape all areas of our lives spiritually and when it comes to food and how we treat and view our bodies.

I think every woman should read this book and I haven’t even opened it up yet, ha!

I’m a size 6. I’ll be honest I don’t feel 100% comfortable in a bathing suit. I’ve always had self-esteem issues when it comes to my body. Some things I was able to wear even a year ago, I can’t anymore. I’m an emotional eater and don’t think twice about what I’m putting into my body. And how many of you can say the same?

I’m not writing all this to talk about weight or what size we are….. But we all want to feel comfortable in our own skin. It’s just so important, especially us as women and playing the comparison game, that when we look in the mirror, what do we see? Is our first thought “Yep, still not skinny as so and so….” or do we think “I’m beautiful and fearfully and wonderfully made”. Are we remembering the truth of God’s word or believing the lies of the enemy.

I realize that we have a part to play too. I don’t think a lot of us, including myself, consciously think about how we view our bodies and that it’s a temple of God, and it’s so so important how we are feeding ourselves spiritually. Plays a HUGE part.

Anyway, getting on a tangent here.

But I’ve had the opportunity to meet Candace Cameron Bure. She’s phenomenal. Who doesn't love DJ? Ha! (and wow, how different do I look?? lol).

I’m so looking forward to Reshaping it all.

Small.

2011-08-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Every.Single.Day God is showing us how small we are and how BIG he is.

There is one instance in my life I can vividly remember where I just sat there thinking Oh my word, God does not joke around. I think it was that day and many other occasions since that I really grasped how HUGE our God really is and how much he loves us. There is just no way of measuring up to him. His goodness. His grace. Just no way.

As I stood there that day looking over the Grand Canyon, I felt so very small. It was almost overwhelming. I knew that it wouldn't be the last time he'd show me the abundance and depths of how truly great he is. But I felt like that day, that's when I really got it. Truly got it.

I was with a group of people but standing there, I felt like we were the only two people on earth. I felt like that moment in time, that view, it was just for me.

I will never forget that day.

I never want to forget how HUGE he is and how SMALL I am.

Life is not always easy. Sometimes just flat out hard. In the middle of our mess it's easy for us (me) to forget how blessed we are and that no matter the circumstance we still serve a big God.

Has he been showing you this lately, too?? In what ways??

The kitchen and I.

2011-08-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

Y’all, let’s talk about the kitchen for a minute.

You see, the kitchen and I, we have a love/hate relationship for many reasons. Too many to go into. Suffice to say, we’re probably both just happier if I stay out of it, ha. The latest incident may or may not have resulted in me breaking something and slipping and falling on the ground landing on my behind. This all happened in the same kitchen scenario. Yeah, see told you!!

I never claim to be an expert in the kitchen. In fact, far from it. My poor future husband, ha!

So when I come across super easy recipes, I’m all for it. I honestly can’t remember if I’ve ever put this on the blog. I’ve made this one other time.

I’m going to make it again tonight. It’s super quick and easy and so so yummy!!!

Sloppy Joe Casserole:

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups canned sloppy joe sauce
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated reduced-fat crescent rolls

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook and stir the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, and mix the sloppy joe sauce into the cooked meat.
Unroll a can of crescent rolls, and pinch the triangles together to form a single sheet of dough. Lay the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the meat and sauce mixture in an even layer over the dough, and sprinkle the Cheddar cheese over the meat mixture. Unroll the second can of rolls, pinch the triangles together to make a single sheet of dough as before, and place the dough over the cheese.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the top sheet of dough is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

Easy enough, right????

Nom Nom! Enjoy :-)

Any of you others out there have the same relationship with the kitchen??? HA!

When the rain comes.

2011-08-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend was great. We went camping with my brother and his family. SO much fun. Although I really wouldn’t call it roughing it when you’re in a camper with AC, ha. To me, nothing beats a weekend where you’re just spending time with family, the ones you love, the people you do life with.

I love my family. They are my rock.

Yesterday we went out on the Gulf to go scalloping, spent some time on the water swimming, grilled out on the grill for lunch. Pretty much the day was perfection.

And then the rain came.

Pretty much the day was beautiful and then we saw that the sky was getting dark so we decided it was time to head on in. But the rain had no mercy. We got caught in the rainstorm of the century. There was no staying dry as the rain was coming down hard and FAST and we scrambled to keep everything dry that needed to stay dry. We were all trying to take cover and huddled together and here we are out in the middle of the water and my poor brother trying to steer the boat when you can barely see ahead.

I was pretty sure this was going to be the next big flood and somebody forgot to build an Ark, ha!

It might have been one of those “you had to have been there” moments…. But all we could do was laugh though because at that moment that’s all you could do and memories were made.

I really wish I could have videoed the whole thing. It was quit comical. Later on, after we were all dry, My Mom proclaimed “Getting caught in that rainstorm was so awesome.”

I agree Mom, I so agree…Because as I sat there dripping wet with a towel over my head, I looked around I could only think when the rain comes, there’s no other people in the world I’d rather go through the storms of life with.

Your family are the people you need the most.

When the rain comes.

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. ~

I am.

2011-08-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am God’s child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John (15:15)
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt. 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation (Rom.8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil. 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8-31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor. 5-17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15:1-5)
I am God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16)
I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3)
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1)
I am God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil 1:5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14)
I have been adopted as God’s child (Eph 1:5)

I’ll be the first to admit, I forget who I am. Each and every day it’s easy to believe who this world says we are and what the enemy would like us to believe and somewhere in there the truth gets lost.

Sometimes I feel like the Lord is constantly banging me up against the head and repeatedly asking “Don’t you get it, don’t you see who you are?”

Don’t you think he ever gets tired of that? Because he sees it so clearly in the midst of our obscured view.

I’m sure he does, but I’m so thankful that our God is a God of patience.

It’s like the great “I am” has all the time in the world to show me who I am.

Wordless Wednesday - Lucky Charms vs. Fruit Loops

2011-08-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

I’m a firm believer that there are certain things you are never too old for.

Case in point:

I realize I could alternately title this “The post where I talk about cereal”…. Ha! But stick with me here.

I am 27 years old and still love Lucky Charms just as much as when I was a kid. I found myself snacking on these last night and mentioned something on Twitter and so many others were in agreement with me that you are just NEVER too old.

I still pick out the marshmallows, ha!

Don’t get me wrong, I realize there are some fruit loop lovers out there too:

So, which are you??? The beloved Lucky Charms or do you have a special place in your heart for Toucan Sam??? (and I seriously just had to google the name of the fruit loop bird, ha).

So yeah, I’ll probably be 80 years old and still eating these things and still picking out the marshmallows!

Never too old.

3 years.

2011-08-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

I just realized that last month marked three years of blogging for me. July 5, 2008 I wrote my very first blog post. I can’t adequately explain what the blogging journey has meant to me.

People might think the whole blogging thing is crazy. I say it’s completely awesome.

People might say it’s crazy to put yourself out there for the entire world to see. I say it’s an amazing outlet.

People might say it’s crazy to make friends with people over the internet. I say if they only realized I’ve meet a lot of people through the blog and they are some of the most amazing friendships.

I’m not going to lie, blogging can bring out insecurity. Easy to get caught up in the numbers.. who is reading, commenting, following, blah blah blah…

I would like to think that if that follower number read 0 that I’d be perfectly content. But the God’s honest truth is that this whole blogging experience has been so much better with each and EVERY single one of you in it.

The emails I receive every now and then that you take the time to write speaking words of encouragement over me and letting me know that a particular blog post really resonated with you and the stories that you share with me… Now that, that is what it’s all about.

I feel like God has given me this blog for a reason.

I want this blog to be all about him, and very little to do with me. If even one person has been blessed by this little corner of the internet, then I could shut this blog down and be a happy person. I honestly mean that.

I don’t know who all reads this blog, but my prayer is that this blog has somehow encouraged you all to allow God to walk with you through your own journey in life, and along the way you can finding great meaning that can only be found in having a relationship with him.

With that said, again, don’t know who all reads this blog and I know there are new readers. If you’re a reader and you’ve never commented, delurk for a minute would you and introduce yourself? Would love to “meet” you :-)

Happy Tuesday!!

Somewhere over the rainbow....

2011-08-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

I was driving along this morning..... Watch this. (Don't mind my voice, ha).

Yes, I was that crazy person that pulled over into the parking lot of an office complex so I could video this, ha!!

It simply took my breath away.

On this Monday morning this just made my heart smile. I'm sure the tons of people driving by noticed it too, but I like to believe it was placed there just for me, ha! There's something comforting about a rainbow, don't you think?

God loves us so.

Beautiful way to start a Monday!

“May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.”

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen (if there are any of you out there).......

What you are about to see, there are no words.

I saw I got a comment on Facebook from my sister that was simply "bwahahahaha" on a picture I was tagged in. So I clicked and I was mortified.

This was a picture of me taken over the weekend! This is cropped.

Not my finest moment.

Just keeping it real around here!!!

I don't know what was going on here, but I promise you I do eat with my mouth closed and I don't talk with food in my mouth.

My Momma taught me manners!

PROMISE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clearly that day I win Miss Photogenic.

HOWEVER, this cutie pie of a niece DOES get the award, haha!!

Survey

2011-08-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time celebrating my Mom's birthday this past weekend. She turned the big 50.

Here is Momma with her girls!! These are the two most important women in my life.

I do NOT think the woman looks 50 AT ALL.

What do you think??

Just go ahead and say no. She'll love that!! :)

Spotlight on my Mom!

2011-07-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

Time after time, Mom, you are the one
who proclaims your pride in me,
but today it's my turn to talk of pride
and place the spotlight on you -
for the life you've lived
and the example you've been to me.
No matter the situations life has dealt,
you've handled them with honor and grace.
You are a woman of countless abilities.
I've looked up to you all my life;
growing up, I assumed you could do most anything.
The pride I have in you goes beyond
all the things you have done.
I'm proud of the person you've always been -
kind, caring, dependable, and wise.
So I am the one who is bragging today
because I have a mom
who makes me so proud.

Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!!

I love you!!!!

*Walk with me on this journey called life*

Here we go again.

The Voice.

New beat.

A promise.

J. Edgar "Larry" Lawrence Rowland.

L.O.V.E

From Heaven with love.

Unexpected place.

Welcome home, Larry!

They lived it.

Sister time.

Support.

Woman of the week, month, year, and century!

Thank you Dr. Pepper!

Temporary Home.

Sweet Devotion.

Not going to rain on my parade.

All the time in the world.

Steady My Heart.

Much needed distraction!

Worth getting up for.

Saturday morning scene!

Friday Blessings!

A new normal.

The tales of two families.

It's okay.

Video- Family Pictures!

Sneak peak at family pictures!!

Forever changed.

Not just in fairy tales.

Cancer can suck it.

His legacy.

Ephesians 3:20

" Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

In an instant.

I'm gonna love you through it.

Hi.

It's back.

A girl and her dog.

Catching up.

Surgery

Continue prayers please.

Here comes the sun.

Prayers please.

A few good men.

Thanksgiving 2011.

Heart full of thanks!

A break.

Good intentions.

A little Compassion.

Black belt.

Friday Randoms.

Where I come from.

It's that time again!

Attitude shift.

Weekend pics.

Love at first sight.

Wordless Wednesday - Pure sweetness!

If I could turn back time.

My weekend in Arkansas!

Too cute to burn.

Woof! (with the cute dog on there of course)

Corn Maze.

Mean.

She'll be coming 'round the mountain....

Tuesday Randoms.

A Florida girl's dream!

Where it all began.

Rawrrrrr....

Impact.

The million dollar question.

Scars.

Bedroom Makeover.

Meet my new friend.

It is real.

Full heart.

Oh baby.

Toothless Wednesday.

A couple of weekend highlights.

Walk with me on this journey called life