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!