17 Years Ago

Today is my 36th birthday. On April 24th 1992 I went on a blind date. I had talked to this man that my girlfriend from college told me about once on the phone. I asked him if he was a Christian and he said with emphasis "Yes Ma'am!". He asked if I would like to go out and the date he offered happened to be my 19th birthday. I prepared by having my outfit dry-cleaned and wore my favorite perfume. Holly and I took the trip from Milledgeville to Stockbridge (ATL) after we finished classes that day. He showed up bearing a small coffee cup of flowers. That man that I went on the blind date with 17 years ago kissed me goodbye as he left for work this morning. The picture below is the first one taken of us. This was only weeks later. Four months after we would be engaged, four months after that we would be married.

The coffee cup is still in use today. He took me to Olive Garden, but I really couldn't eat. We sat there talking, him looking at me really so deeply. He was saying things that made me laugh, smile and sometimes raise my eyebrow. Then it happened: I heard "This is your husband" It was in my head, but I heard it - out of nowhere. I immediately said excuse me and slipped into the bathroom. I remember clenching the counter and looking in the mirror and thinking: "I didn't ask for this, I'm not looking for a husband.. I'm 19 What? What is happening?" I composed myself and went back to the table. I sat down and saw the most gorgeous blue - green eyes and this confident grin. He was charming me and was just irresistible. He kept making comments about my hair..my eyes.. . My cheeks started hurting that night and continued to hurt for some time from smiling so much!! Sparks were flying that night. I had never had a date like that. My heart was racing and he held my hand later that night and it just felt like home.

A few weeks after that first date the picture was taken. Four months later we would be engaged (Although he bought the ring some time before that - for me), Four months after that we would be married. Sounds crazy. I am an indecisive person about many things. There was no indecision when it came to Bill. There was no doubt in my mind that I was to be his wife. There is still no doubt. My birthday is special to me as it is the date that I first set eyes on my husband. Marriage is a lot of work and so is parenting, but it is also beautiful. He still gives me goosebumps when he kisses me or sometimes with just a touch of my hand. I still adore his beautiful blue-green eyes. I am so thankful that I met this man on that day back then, what a beautiful present.

Thank you God.

I know What Boogers Are

"Mama....." "What Will?" "I know what boogers are." "Oh you do?" "They're just dried up snot!"

My boy has lost two teeth in two days and three in the past week. I told him I would check the price of Lego City Police Station for him. We don't do the "fairy" thing but we do pay him for his little dentitious treasures. Well it is $90.00 and three teeth will not pay for that! We plan to get him the helicopter that goes with it and wait until his birthday to get the Police Station.

Judging, Judgement, Judgmentally

There is probably some unwritten rule about not having entire posts citing another's post but I just wanted to share this as I am dealing with trying to understand others today.

2nd Cor 4:13
13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,


Judging Judgment JudgmentallyJanuary 25, 2008 By: Abraham Piper Category: Commentary
When we’re dealing with people who are different than us (everybody?) and trying to decide how to interpret the things about them that baffle us, we sometimes forget how fundamental beliefs are to the way we all act. As Paul wrote, “We also believe, and so we speak.”
Seth Godin points out that everyone has a tendency to misunderstand other people, because we don't pay attention to what they believe. He notes that when you are dealing with someone “who is bitter, vindictive, loud and out to cost you your job,” it’s important to keep in mind that this probably does not stem from faulty judgment, but different beliefs.
He suggests that in these situations we should remind ourselves, “If I believed what [they] said when [they] wrote that angry blog post, I probably would have written the same thing.”
So before we judge others, accusing them of bad judgment, it's good to consider what beliefs are motivating them. Then we can admit that if we believed like them we may very well have thought and acted that way, too.
This is humility, and it’s essential if we want to be compassionate (or even just tolerable to be around). It keeps the focus on what really matters when relating to others: understanding what they believe, instead of judgmentally judging their judgment.

Fun for Boys

One of Will's buddies from church spent most of the day with him. I was so thankful that he came. Will had a blast. Drumming in the "multi-purpose" roomLots of fun at the park


One tired chicky chick

Binge Blogging, Catching up Again

I ordered these pics chronologically except the first one. I had to let this be the first thing you see on this post.

What a Spring Beauty!! She can finally wear this 12mos dress that I got at her baby shower!

My attempt at Ma-Ma's cornbread. I miss her so much. I made it in her pan. There is no telling how much cornbread she made in that iron skillet. She made it every day, yes EVERY day, that I knew her until she was ill. I cried when I put this on the table. I look forward to seeing her again in heaven!!

Laura Ann is NOT ready to use dishes. Notice the bowl on the floor.

A common occurrence.

2009 Carriage Lane Presbyterian Musical

Joseph: From the Pit to the Palace

Lots of unscripted Valentine Love

My attempt at Valentine Goodies for teachers, Will's "special girls", and a few family members.

Hail storm '09

The Volvo needs a new windshield. The house needs a new roof. Insurance on the house, not the car.

I am not surprised that the snow looks like it is melting around him. Sizzle!

The next day... The snowman has seen some wear and tear.

Only Will can turn a snow day into a WWII battle.

Yes that's GA bulldogs gear our baseball player has on. We are quite sick about it, but love his coach and the coach's family. Go Gators!! and I guess go dogs, uh dawgs..TYBA baseball that is!

Will's ANT Science Fair project ( made from recyclable materials)

I decided to splurge on take out from Outback one night. This is my "medium" steak. Can you say moo? Well, I got to pray with the take out girl about her broken foot. I thought twice about complaining (until I received a free meal) as I usually do in times like this. I did let the manager know that we didn't receive our salads and Bill picked those up the next day. What should Christians do when they receive bad service? Comments please if you have them. Also, when I got my Blue cheese chopped salad the next day....no blue cheese.

Aren't they beautiful? These are two of my new friends. The one in stripes (Elizabeth) coordinated a Birthday Girl's Night Out for the one in the shawl (Erica-Birthday Girl). I could say so many great things about both of them. I am truly blessed to call them both friend. I can't wait to get to know them even better.

I am really in this picture and no I wasn't hiding on purpose. SO many lovely ladies in this picture. So much love for Christ in those hearts. This was just last night. My sweet Bill is coughing terribly but cared for the little ones so that I could go out. Oh how I love you, Bill!

One last thing Whooping Cough, yes Whooping Cough. None of us are contagious thanks to antibiotics and an awesome Pediatrician that is a man of God. The inflammation will stick around for weeks we are told, though. Little Laura Ann is quite demanding with her ear infection bothering her. I would be too.

It is a sunny day today, ....finally.