Our Story

It all started back in late August of 1997. I was 16 years old. I had just transitioned from wearing glasses to contacts. It was the first day of my junior year of high school. I was standing in class catching up with some friends that I had not seen in a while when someone I had never seen before, a boy, walked in the room. He didn't say a word, but he and I made eye contact, and I swear my heart skipped a beat. Not wanting anyone to know how I felt, I didn't say a word to any of my friends, but that night I remember thinking about him and wondering what his name was, so I made a plan. I would listen for his name the next day as the teacher called roll.

The next day, I found myself becoming more and more nervous and excited as the time for that particular class came near. Finally, the time arrived, and yet again we made eye contact with each other. This time, however, he came over and said hello to a group of us who were standing together, but for some reason, I felt like he was speaking directly to me. The problem was, I still didn't know his name, but thankfully that problem was solved soon after class began when the teacher called the roll. I finally knew his name, but I knew nothing about him, and I was too nervous and shy to let anyone else know how I was feeling, so I was completely on my own. I remember going home and thinking about him, wondering what he was like. Fortunately, over the next few months I did get to know him better. A bunch of us from class sat together at lunch and we talked about all sorts of things like most teenagers do. At first, he was sitting at the other end of the table, but pretty soon he began sitting near me almost every day. I learned a little about him and his family and what he liked to do after school. (Oddly enough, we had been going to the same high school for two years and had never heard of each other. I also discovered that when he first saw me, he thought I was a senior. Even more ironically, he is only five days older than me!) I was pretty sure he liked me, but it was hard to tell because he never said or did anything that let me know for sure, and there was no way I was going to make the first move when I wasn't even sure if he liked me or not.

Toward the end of winter, we went on a class fieldtrip. He sat near me on the bus. Some other kids on the bus began playing "MASH"...something I had not done since elementary school at that point, and eventually pretty much everyone was challenged to join in on the game. The boy and I both refused to play until someone (I don't remember who) said that if you didn't want to reveal the names of the people in your game, that you could just use initials. This is when this particular boy decided he would play along, too. The initials he chose were CC and two other sets of initials that I don't remember. Now, one is very familiar with his or her own initials, and when he chose CC, I was almost 100% positive they were mine, and it was his subtle way of letting me know he liked me without coming out and saying it.  (My name was Crystal Salena Chandler back then, and he knew that I went by my middle name.) I have no recollection of how that particular game of MASH turned out, but I do remember what happened later the same day.

The boy and I were sitting next to each other as our group waited for the performance we were attending. I got completely brave and asked him who he liked, and these were his exact words to me, "I can't say, because she is sitting beside me." I'm sure I turned 30 shades of red. On the other side of this boy was another guy, so I knew for sure he was talking about me. Five minutes passed, and we didn't say a word to each other. My heart was pounding out of my chest, and I wondered if he was experiencing the same thing. The next thing I knew, he was asking me if I would like to go out with him, as in a date. My 16 year-old self panicked. I had never been asked out on a date before, and so I told him I would think about it (although, in my head I was saying "yes"). For whatever reason, a few days later, I turned this boy down on the date offer. (More on this later.)

He and I continued to talk and sit together at lunch with our group of friends, but I soon found myself going out with someone else, even though it never got serious- we never did anything more than hold hands. (This part of my life is a big blur to me. It's almost as if it all happened to someone else.) This boy from school did not give up, though. He was always polite to me and never pushed anything. He knew I was dating someone else, and he didn't want to interfere. Over time, things changed. I realized that I didn't have feelings for the guy I was dating (other than a friendship), and that I really had feelings for this boy from school, but to be quite honest, it scared me to death! I was afraid of so many things. I didn't want to hurt the other guy's feelings, and I didn't know how to handle the feelings I was experiencing. Thankfully, the guy I was dating had mercy on me and realized that our relationship was going nowhere, and we stopped dating. He told me he cared for me, but that he completely understood if I didn't feel the same way. I was relieved, but I felt horrible at the same time.  He was super nice about everything, though.

Within a couple of months, the boy from school and I began spending more and more time together. Sometimes it would be just the two of us and sometimes other friends would join us. During this time, I began to pray about what I should do. (Why I didn't do this earlier, I will never know!) I felt like the relationship that was building between me and this boy from school was different, and one day when we were going to Subway to grab a bite to eat on a hot summer day, I found the courage to tell him how I felt. For probably an hour, I poured my heart out to him. I admitted that I had liked him for a long time, even back when he first asked me out, and I admitted how scared I was. I apologized for hurting him (because, even though he never said it, I knew I hurt him when I turned him down), and I asked him for forgiveness. Then, I waited.

Thankfully, he too, had mercy on me and he told me he forgave me right there in the Subway parking lot. Then, for the second time, he asked me if I would go out with him. I gladly accepted right away, and he and I began dating soon after (not just hanging out on the tennis courts and grabbing a bite to eat!). I met his family and spent time with him regularly.

Now, this boy was obviously very brave when it came to asking me out on a date, but he wasn't so brave when it came to kissing me, even though I was pretty sure he wanted to kiss me just as badly as I wanted to kiss him. I gave him plenty of opportunities to do so over the first couple of months that we dated, and I even kissed him on the cheek each time we parted to let him know I was interested. Finally, one cold January day, I had enough of waiting on him, and I decided to take things into my own hands. When it was time to go, instead of kissing him on the cheek, I decided to give him a real kiss. At first, he just stood and looked at me, bewildered. I had already decided that I was going to let him make the next move. My heart was racing, and after what seemed like an eternity, he finally kissed me back. From that moment on, he was always the first to kiss me when we were together, and he surprised me just a few weeks after that first kiss by telling me he loved me. Again, this scared me to death, and I did not reciprocate his words. I told him that I cared for him very much but that I didn't want to say those words to anyone until I knew for sure that I really did love them. Fortunately, it didn't take me long to be able to reciprocate those words truly and freely, and when I said them, I knew in my heart he was the one I was going to marry.

Time went on and this boy and I fell in love. I came home from college each weekend and spent the majority of that time with him, and many times we even found ways to spend time together one evening during the week, too. Once I graduated, I moved back home with my parents and I began teaching. He took me to look at rings and we picked out some we liked together. We knew we wanted to get married, but we decided to wait a while since I was settling in as a new teacher and I was working on my master's degree. On July 17, 2004, upon returning from a week-long vacation with my parents, this boy came over to spend time with me. He waited patiently for over an hour without complaining as I posted assignments online for my master's program. (We had no internet at our condo back then. Now that is practically unheard of!) Then, he asked me if I would go to the park and play frisbee with him, which is something we did often. Because I was tired, I declined and said I'd rather stay in and watch a movie with him instead. (Poor guy!) After some coaxing and a promise that we would just sit on the swings instead of play frisbee, I agreed to go to the park with him.

On the way to Pitts Park, I caught him up on all the exciting things we did at the beach (not realizing he was a nervous wreck!), and by the time we actually got to the park, I decided I might as well play some frisbee with him afterall, so I grabbed the frisbee and headed to the grassy area of the park. He called after me and asked me to wait for him, so I did. The next thing I knew, he was down on one knee declaring his love for me, asking me to be his wife. He completely surprised me, and I immediately said yes. My dreams were finally coming true, and I knew he must really love me because I looked awful that day (gym clothes, no makeup, bed-head from sleeping in the back seat of a car...you get the picture.) That boy from school was Brent McKay, the man I love more than I could ever explain. Although we got off to a rocky start, I truly believe that it was all for a reason.

We were married June 25, 2005, and it was one of the happiest days of my life. I am so thankful that God put us together, and I cannot wait to grow old with him, the man of my dreams!

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I am thankful for..

1) Heartfelt conversations with friends. I truly believe that God places just the right people with just the right words to say in our time of need.

2) Our Sunday School Christmas party tomorrow night, and the fact that Nana and Grandad are keeping Chandler so we can enjoy the "adults only" social. It's our first gathering of the season, and I am looking forward to good food, fellowship, and fun!

3) My first grade class. Sometimes they say and do things that just warm my heart and I believe it's God's way of letting me know that I am just where I should be.

Some Christmas Cheer

I couldn't be more pleased that Chandler is finally old enough to get excited about Christmas! It's so sweet to hear the things he says and to see his face light up with pure joy over some of the same things that excited me as a child (and quite frankly as an adult, if I'm honest with myself!).

He loves seeing Santa all over the place, and he declares over and over that he's bringing him a four wheeler. It's funny how he has caught on so quickly. We've already watched the original Rudolph movie with Burl Ives two times, and each time he gets super excited when he sees Santa, but I think he gets even more excited over the abominable snowman, which I think is so funny. Most kids would be a little afraid of him, but yesterday when we went to Kmart, he got all excited when he saw him on the shelf. He even gave him a hug! Both times he has also called Herbie the elf's "Denistry" book the Bible. I can certainly see the resemblance!

We put up our Christmas decorations last Friday, and he is in love with the snowman beside the front porch. He wants to go see it every evening after the lights come on (and even before that if he thinks about it). He also loves the Christmas tree, but thankfully he has not offered to even bother it. This afternoon he did remind me that it was time to turn on the lights, though.

Our drive through Cornelia Park a couple of nights ago was magical for him as well. As we drove slowly behind the other cars he would exclaim, "There's Santa Clause!, There's Trees!, There's A Bear!". It was precious.

All of these things warm my heart greatly. It brings me pure joy to experience these things with him, but most of all I look forward to sharing the story of Jesus with him this Christmas. We've already taken a look at the nativity scene together on the mantle and we've talked about how Jesus was born a long time ago because he loves us so much, and this evening he called it a "Jesus' House". Some may say he's too young to understand, but I completely disagree. It may be a while before he understands everything, I agree, but I don't think any child is too young to learn about Jesus. After all, He is the reason for the season. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My List

God has blessed me in so many ways it is impossible to list everything, but here are a few things I am thankful for today and always. Have you counted your blessings lately?


               *salvation*Brent*Chandler*parents*grandparents*in-laws*extended family*
                                        *friends*health*job*home*comfort*church*

Top Ten Reasons I'm Glad My Husband Is Finally Working Day Shift

1. I get to sleep beside him EVERY night.

2. I get to see him EVERY morning.

3. He and Chandler get to see each other and play EVERY day. (This hasn't always been the case!)

4. We get to spend more time together as a family.

5. I don't feel like a single mom anymore because he's around to help me out.

6. He is less likely to have to miss fun functions like family gatherings and Sunday School socials.

7. Chandler and I don't have to find somewhere to go on Saturday mornings unless we just want to.

8. I can clean and do chores around the house on the weekends without worrying about waking him.

9. He's in a better mood. (Maybe this should be closer to the #1 spot!)

10. His schedule is more predictable.


Yes, a day time job means less money, but money isn't that important to us right now. Spending time together raising our son is.

The 3 Cs

        Starring....Connor as Superman, Carter as a Pumpkin Cutie, and Chandler as Super Why!

Stone Mountain, Part II

If you have never been to Stone Mountain Park in the fall, you are definitely missing out on some fun times with the family! It's the perfect time of year to go and enjoy the park because it's not too hot and it's not too cold. We knew when we went to the laser show back before school started that we wanted to go back and explore the park, and we are so glad we did.

                                                      We all loved browsing the toy store, 

                                                                    Riding the train,

       
                                                              Trying out the sky lift,

                                                              
                          Exploring the mountain top and taking in the beautiful view of the city,

                       
                                                         Decorating our own scarecrow,

                                                   And most of all, playing in The Barn!

                                                                 
 I am so thankful for another fun-filled weekend with my boys. We made lots of memories together!

About Motherhood

Unfortunately, millions of women each year choose to abort their unborn children. Many of these women, in my opinion, are misinformed about the entire process and are made to believe that it's "just tissue". Although I entirely disagree, I do believe that it is important to pray for those who have been down this tough road, and for those who may be facing it in the future. We are to hate the sin...not the sinner.

Then, there are some women who give birth to children and either by circumstance or choice cannot or do not provide the needs of these children. They are hungry, dirty, and lack medicine when they are sick. They often go home from school to empty houses to take care of themselves. We must pray for these families as well and step in and help when we are called to do so.

Lastly, there are women who have children and they have the means to take care of them, but they complain about them ALL.THE.TIME. They never seem to be grateful for the small moments they have with their children. They don't appreciate the sweet noises or the messes they make,  the toys all over the floor and the stained t-shirts and sofas that will never be the same, or the sloppy sticky kisses they receive everyday. They always seem negative every time you see them or talk with them. For these, we must pray, too. Many of them don't see the miracles that walk among them everyday.

I gave my walking miracle an extra kiss tonight before bed and I thanked God for sending him to me. Have you thanked God for your children lately? 

Thankful Thursday

This afternoon we had a simple dinner and Brent headed to work a little early. Chandler and I headed outside in the crisp, cool, perfect air to play some football. I had a blast running after him, throwing and catching the ball, and showing him the tiny acorns that are growing on the tree in our favorite corner of the yard. He was amazed with the "corn" and kept wanting me to pick him up so he could see them. It was the sweetest thing! These are the kinds of moments that make my day.

Way Back in College

It's been nine-and-a-half years since I graduated college. Sometimes it's hard to believe. Dahlonega was my stomping grounds for four years, and I loved my time there. It's a beautiful place, and it will always be near and dear to my heart. Every time I go back, my mind is flooded with beautiful memories. I can't wait to share them with Chandler as he gets older.

In many ways, it is the place where I "grew up". I liked the freedom I had to make my own choices, yet I also loved coming home on the weekends to see my family and to see Brent.  I liked most of the classes I attended,  I had a great group of girls in my education cohort group (several whom I still talk to), I loved my job at the campus post office, and I even enjoyed living in dorms (most of the time, anyway). I met two of my dearest friends while I was there, too, and I have been blessed greatly because of their friendships.

It's crazy how I thought my life was so hectic way back then. Looking back on it now, it wasn't all that hectic afterall. I had no full-time job, I had no debt, I had no major bills to pay, no house to clean, very few groceries to buy, no meals to cook, and no one to clean up after except myself. (Thank goodness I always had tidy roommates!) I also had time to exercise regularly, read lots of books, watch pretty much anything I wanted to on tv uninterrupted, and I got plenty of sleep.

My life now is pretty much completely the opposite of that. That' not particularly a bad thing. I really do have an abundance of blessings in my life.  I just wish sometimes I wouldn't have wished those years by so quickly. I wish sometimes I could be that college kid again...just for a moment.
 

A Weekend on Hilton Head Island

Once again we had the opportunity to visit Hilton Head Island for a few days with Brent's parents. (I wish we could have stayed two weeks like they did!) The weather was hot and sunny, and we had a great time exploring together outside. Here are a few snapshots from our trip.

 

We enjoyed some food and fun on the way down. Chandler was so excited to be going to the beach. He had been asking about it all week! Surprisingly, he stayed awake the entire trip even though much of it was at night, and he did great!

Chandler enjoyed riding his Daddy's bike all over the place each day we were there. At first, he was a little unsure about all of it, but he soon settled in for the ride.

He enjoyed seeing all the people, cars and trucks, alligators and birds. It was fun watching him take everything in.

 

Here, we were stopped to rest by one of the ponds. He kept telling the alligators to wake up. It was the cutest thing! He loved exploring the island this way.

   Chandler enjoyed some spaghetti at one of our favorite restaurants on the island. He was a complete mess, but he was happy so I didn't care. My calzone was yummy, too!

He  had some yummy ice cream at one of the local ice cream shops...

He played at the park...

He played in the pool...

 

                                                       He played in the sand and water...

He did lots of sweeping...

And he was super silly!

 We made lots of fun memories together, and I can't wait to go back again next year!

 

   

A Night at the Fair

Mid-September marks the time of year for the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair, and what's a fair without fun rides? This year we decided to take Chandler to enjoy some of the rides the fair had to offer, and they did not disappoint. Fun was had by all, and we can't wait to return next year!

                         On the way to the gate, we saw some tractors. Chandler loved them!

 

He laughed the entire time he was on this ride!

 This ride was a little scary at first, but he was very brave.

We enjoyed this spinning ride together.

The teacups were a "kids only" ride. It was so funny to watch him!

Guilty

The group of kids I have at school this year are great. They listen when I ask them to do something (mostly), they are all eager to learn, and they are overall pleasurable to be around. I look forward to seeing them everyday. I can't wait to take them to new heights in their learning this year.

Brent and I are blessed that my mom, "Grandmama" and his mom, "Nana', are willing and able to keep Chandler during the week while we both work, but it's still not easy to leave him sometimes. I often feel so guilty for being away from him for so many hours of the day. I feel even more guilty when I lose my patience with him during the time I do have at home with him.

I hear that this is something all moms have to deal with, whether they work on a public job or not. However, it doesn't keep my heart from breaking.

Labor Day Weekend

This weekend we had the opportunity to spend some time at Lake Hartwell with Brent's aunt and her family. Chandler had his first swim in the lake, as well as his first ride on a pontoon boat. It was nice to have a relaxing weekend without a full agenda, and I liked that it was close to home so we didn't have to spend all our time on the road.

We stayed late on both Saturday and Sunday before heading home, and Chandler had a blast! He loved being the youngest kid there because it meant he got lots of attention from everyone. Lots of memories were made this weekend, but I am most thankful that God kept all of us safe while we played out on the water.

Current Chandler-isms

It's been a while since I posted any of these, so I thought I would post them for your enjoyment! I hope you find them as precious as I do. I especially adore the way he adds "es" to the end of a lot of his words.

Naxes = Snack

Bloxes = Blocks

Teen Up = Clean Up

Dinsor Chrane = Dinosaur Train

Boh the Biller = Bob the Builder

Whyatt!!! = Super Why (Loves it!)

Min = Amen

Bootses = Fruit

Bapes = Grapes

Tut Gas = Cut Grass (Loves to watch!)

Gas Wet = The grass is wet.

Weed = Weedeater

Poon = Spoon

Pork = Fork

Tut = Cut (As in "Cut my food.")

Toc Ball = Soccer Ball

Foo Ball = Football

Bass Ball = Basketball

Tarses = Car

Tees = Cheese 

Tetcha = Ketchup

Muss = Mustard

Omeal = Oatmeal

Cheeros = Cheerios

Brandon = Grandad (Brent's Dad)

Empa = Grandpa (My Dad)

Wallma = Walmart

Choos On = Put my/your shoes on.

Poo = Pool

Bash = Bath

Toth = Cloth (Washcloth)

 

 

Thankful Thursday

School has started and is in full swing for sure. These are a few things I am thankful for this first busy, exhausting week.

1) A sweet class

2) An awesome group of coworkers

3) A terrific husband who has been entertaining a sweet two-and-a-half year old for the last hour just so I could relax for a little while

Linking up with Julia....

How I Grocery Shop Once a Month

You heard me correctly! I only go on one major grocery shopping trip in a 30-day period, and it saves us $200-$250 a month. That's money we can use for other things. It's how we got our car paid off 15 months early! Here's how I do it...


1. I keep a running list of items we need/have run out of on a notepad on the fridge. When we run out of something, either Brent or I will add the item to the list.

2. I keep a list of what I have on hand in my freezer. As an item is used, we mark it off the list. This helps me add to the notepad on the fridge more easily.

3. When it's time to shop, I look through the sales paper of the store I am going to shop at, keeping in mind what meals we will potentially have on the menu for the month. This helps me know what items are on sale. If I see an item on sale that we need, I'll add it to my list. I mark items that are on sale with an (*) on my list so I can do some comparison shopping when I get there.

4. I use coupons when I can if it's a good deal. If I have a good coupon for an item that we need, I'll add it to my list and put a ( . ) beside it. If an item is on sale and I have a coupon for it, then I can really save money. These are the items that I stock up on. (Cereals, Snack Crackers, Pasta Sauce, etc...).

5. When possible, I use cash for my purchases. This helps me stick to my list more easily. Any money I have left over goes to Chandler's piggy bank, which will eventually go into his savings account.

6.  I keep a calculator handy. This helps me do some quick comparisons while in the store, and it helps me stay in my budget.

7. I usually shop alone and I eat something before I go. Shopping alone allows me to take my time and really look for the good deals. Eating before going helps me not to splurge on things we don't really need.

8. I strive to stick to the list as much as possible. I do give myself a little room because sometimes I see a good deal that I just can't pass up, but sticking mostly with the list is a must in order to really save money.

9. I don't always buy name brand products.  In many food items, the store brand tastes just as good and is a lot cheaper. My theory is that we can try it at least once and see how we like it.

10/ Look at the size of the product.  If you are looking at two different brands of the same item and you are trying to decide which one is cheaper, take a look at the amount of product being sold in each package. Figure up the price per ounce or pound and you'll see which one is the better deal.


Linking up with Many Little Blessings....

The Not-So-Terrible Twos (Well, Most of the Time, Anyway!)

The other day, in a moment of fury,  I posted my frustrations on Facebook about how, at almost 2.5, Chandler has entered his "Terrible Twos". It had been an exceptionally challenging day at our house because there had been several unexplained meltdowns, but after I read some of the comments from some other more seasoned mothers, I felt so guilty for what I said. 


Here I was, still grieving the recent loss of a fifth sibling of Chandler's, and I was taking the child I do have for granted instead of appreciating and enjoying every single minute I have with this precious little boy. God gave him to me for a reason, just like he took my other five for a reason. No one can ever convince me otherwise that Chandler is a miracle. He is a blessing in my life, and even though he may have entered a more challenging period of his growing up, I have vowed to make the best of it and try to focus on all the wonderful things he does to make my heart melt. Here are a few of those things...



* Dancing in the living room floor with me, even though it's really more like marching
* Saying, "Oh, me!" when something seems funny to him 
* The endless books and puzzles that we look at and play with together
* The Legos, balls, and cars on the floor all over the house
* Answering "I'm here" when I ask him what he is doing while I'm cooking, cleaning, etc...
* The "raspberries" he attempts to give me and how he giggles when I give them to him
* How he absolutely LOVES to crawl and wrestle on our bed
* How he runs to me excitedly when we've been apart
* The way he declares "I'm done!" both at the end of a meal and when he's on the potty
* How he absolutely loves running around with nothing on after going to the potty
* The way he seriously ponders things these days by saying "Let's see..."

* The cute, mischievous grin he gives me when he knows he's been caught being naughty

* The precious way he says "Nope!" or "Uh-Uh" when he is asked a question 

* His sweet laughs, even though sometimes there is really nothing funny happening

* The way he still sleepily rubs his eyes and cuddles with me every night before he goes to bed

My list could go on and on, but my point is, I love this little boy that God has given me, and I don't ever want to take him for granted. He is too precious for that, and like I was reminded the other day, before I know it, I'll be helping him pack for college. For now, though, I will enjoy all the sweet things he does, and I will make it through the tough times just like millions of mothers before me have done.

Laser Show

Each year, Brent's work sponsors some type of family day event or gives a gift that families can enjoy together. This year, he received two vouchers for a year-long membership to Stone Mountain Park, which really is an awesome deal! So, before school is back in session and things get super busy at our house, we decided to take advantage of the passes and head down to the laser show this weekend. (We're thinking we might go back and enjoy other parts of the park when it's not quite so hot!)

On the way to the park, we stopped for a quick bite at Burger King. Chandler loved people watching while he ate and waving at all the people who were coming in.

When we found our spot on the lawn, Chandler enjoyed running around and around our chairs and blanket. He was too cute when he danced to the music! I guess he gets his dance skills from his Mama. (Poor thing!)

He also loved the glowstick bracelets that I gave him (that I found at Walmart for 25 cents!), and he insisted that they be put on his ankles. He played with the bracelets long after the laser show was over and amazingly kept himself awake for almost an hour after we left the park... a full three hours later than when he usually goes to bed!

During the actual show, his favorite thing was the strobe lights. He would turn around and try to figure out where they went, and he said "WOW!' and "YAY!" a lot. He only jumped a little when the fireworks boomed, and it made my day just to watch his face during the show. I am thankful that I got to share this memorable evening with my two favorite boys. I can't wait to share many more memories with these two!

Thankful Thursday

"The world would be so lonely, in sunny hours or gray. Without the gift of friendship, to help us every day." - Hilda Brett Farr 

                                     Linking up with...

This week, I am so thankful for my close friends and family who have been there to give me a "pick me up" just when I needed it most. (You know who you are...know that your gestures of kindness have not gone unnoticed!) Life isn't always going to be fun and games. There are going to be some hard times along the way as well as some difficult decisions to make, but with friends and family beside me, I can make it over the bumps and move forward on the path set before me. 

Hot Summer Evenings

It's been super hot around here lately, and several evenings after Brent has gone to work, I have filled up Chandler's pool and we have both taken advantage of the cool water.

Chandler loves to pour the water back and forth between his two sand pails and pretend to wash his hair (which is ironic since he actually HATES to have his hair washed!). I usually soak my feet in the pool and try to get in some reading while Chandler plays. Before going back inside, we usually have some splash time. We both look forward to going to the pool!

Tubing

The first time I went tubing behind a boat, I was 24 years old. I guess you could say I lived a sheltered life.

Well, Chandler is not quite two-and-a-half, and he had his first ride on a tube this 4th of July on Lake Rabun with his Daddy. Now, believe me...I was on the boat beside the driver, so I didn't let him go fast, but it was neat to watch my little boy out there on the water. However, it also made me realize that it's not going to be long before he becomes a little dare devil just like his Daddy. I may just have to close my eyes when that moment comes!

Thankful Thursday- My Little Man

In the summer of 2009, it seemed like it was going to take forever for him to get here, but since the day he was born, on Friday, February 5, 2010, it feels like time has been put in fast forward. Each and every day he amazes me with the things he does and says. He's even almost potty-trained now, which is so hard to believe.

The other night, he woke up at 3:00 a.m. This is a rare thing for him. I'm not sure if he had a bad dream or his tummy hurt, but I went in his room, got him out of his crib, and held him. Because we were both sleepy, I laid him on my chest, and for the first time in a long time, he fell asleep like this. However, I laid there taking it all in. His feet go all the way down to my knees when his head is on my shoulder.

My, how this little man has grown, and my what a blessing he is in my life. I am so thankful for him, and I treasure all the moments I have with him because he is so precious! One day he's going to be bigger than me, but while I still can, I am going to hold him every chance I get. He is a special gift straight from heaven.

Seven

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the day I said "I DO" to my best friend. Many people say they are nervous on their wedding day. I can honestly say that I wasn't. I was just ready to begin my life with Brent by my side. I knew he was the one for me, and I knew that wanted to be his wife. It's hard to explain that feeling of love, but if you've been there, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

At 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2005 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, before our family, friends, and God, we made a vow to each other, and we intend the keep that promise now and forever. I am so blessed to have Brent as my husband...

Come See My Guest Post!

For the first time ever, I am guest posting over at my friend Julia's blog, Black Tag Diaries. Please click here to come on over and read the post!

Thankful Thursday

Summer is in full blast, and Chandler and I have been enjoying VBS together this week. I have been working with children on fun crafts and helping them remember their bible verses, while Chandler has played and laughed with three wonderful ladies who must be ready to fall to the floor each day after loving on about 10 two-year-olds. Nonetheless, they show up with smiling faces each day, and they give my little one hugs and kisses to boot. For this, I am thankful.



Linking up with...

Beach Souvenir

I'm not one of those people who goes out searching for a souvenir from every trip I take because it usually just ends up causing more clutter in the long run, but if I find something I like, I usually do have a tendency to splurge a little more on vacation than I do back home in the real world.

So, last Monday evening when Brent and I were walking around Barefoot Landing at Myrtle Beach and I saw this little shop that creates letter art, I just had to check it out. (You see, I had seen something similar on Pinterest a while back, and it caught my attention!)

The business is owned by a couple who does all their own photography, developing, and custom framing. We got to choose what designs we liked for each letter and even got to hear the background information for each of the letters we chose. Of course, I fell in love, and I know exactly where it's going to hang in our house! I know it's something we will all enjoy for years to come.