Oh the faith of a child

Seriously, my two year old cracks me up...it seems like every day she comes up with some new thing to make me laugh.  Lately, it has been "I too scared".  Here is just one example of a recent conversation:

"Brianna, come on, let's get your shoes on."
"I can't, I too scared.  I too scared of sandals."
"You're scared of sandals?"
"Yeah, I too scared of shoes."

And so on...she's scared of bed, she's scared of dinner, she's scared of Nana's house.


The other night, we had a pretty big storm here in Pace.  Of course, Brianna was "too scared" to go to bed.  I'll admit, she had a valid point on that one...it was pretty loud.  As I tucked her into bed, we prayed to Jesus that He would keep her safe as she slept.  I told her that the thunder was just noise, that it couldn't hurt her.  I left her in her bed, and went out to the living room.  A very loud clap of thunder followed my departure, and she cried out.  Her daddy went in to comfort her.  I don't know what he said to her, but whatever it was, it seemed to work.  She was quiet, and drifted off into a deep sleep.

How many times in the storms of our lives, do we just trust that our Father is there for us, that He will protect us from those storms?  Oh to have the faith of a child, to where we can just trust our Father.  Of course, He is there for us, all we have to do is believe.

Four years and counting

 Well, Thursday Caleb and I celebrated our fourth anniversary!  My, how the time flies!  It seems like yesterday we were in school, sneaking as much together time as we could in between study time (although I probably should have spent more time in the study department!).  My mind goes back to that beautiful day in May when I promised to love him forever.  Yes, I remember almost everything from that wonderful time, but most of all, I remember the look in his eyes as he promised to be my protector, lover, and friend.  And I will be the first to tell you that he has kept that promise!  He is such a blessing to me...although there are times I want to wring his neck, I love him so much more today than I ever have.  He has given me everything I have dreamed of, and more!  Two years ago, he bought me a house for our anniversary (we closed 4 days before!), he has given me three wonderful children, and he has showered me with so much love, it hardly seems real!  Please let me go back in time a little and share this wonderful day with you!

This is my sweetie when he saw me for the first time that day.  He is so handsome!  The blue roses are an entirely different story, one I will probably share one day!

One thing that I love about my wedding day was the fact that I was not nervous at all, everything was in place, and if it wasn't, I didn't care!  I was marrying my best friend, and nothing in the whole world would take that joy from me!  We were able to laugh and talk and just enjoy the day together!  It was so relaxing to know that at the end of the day, no matter what happened (or didn't!) we would still be married!

I will never ever forget the love I saw in his eyes as we gave each other our vows.  Just seeing him there in front of me, ready and willing to be there for me my entire life, touched me in a way that I can not even begin to describe.  How thankful I am for this wonderful man God has given me! He has blessed me more than I can describe by putting Caleb into my life.  I am a better person because of him!


And the kiss...yes, the kiss.  I could not leave this out, of course...being as it was the first time either of us had kissed anyone, that made me a little nervous...but I had nothing to fear...it was as wonderful as I had ever dreamed it would be!  And yes, he timed it.  9.7 seconds.  He is proud of that.  The photographer had time to get at least 5 pictures of "the kiss"...something he said he does not get that often.

  And here we are, the newly married couple.  I think this is my favorite picture of the two of us.  Mainly because I love the look on his face.  Sheer determination.  He is ready to face the world with his new bride.

Man, I love him so much!  Yes, we have had our ups and downs (sometimes it seems like more downs than ups), but God has been faithful, and I wouldn't trade these four years for anything in the world.

Caleb, I love you so very much, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for us!

Carter's Birth Announcement

Well, I finally got around to creating Carter's birth announcement!  I did it using Shutterfly.  I have used them many times before, and I love them so much!  Thanks also to my friend Wendy for taking the awesome pictures!

Obedience is the very best way...

That little song, learned many years ago, had come to haunt me!  LOL  My 2 year old is starting to really learn the lessons of obedience these days.  She is learning that when mommy says to do something, she means the first time...something we should take to heart as well!  How many times have we heard God say to do something, only for us to answer "later, God".  I know I have said that, sometimes in simple things as maybe listening to a prompting to pray for someone.  But then it hits me, that person needs it NOW...and that's when I realize that true obedience is immediate obedience.  I get VERY frustrated with my darling daughter when she does not obey right away, so I can only imagine how my Heavenly Father must feel when I don't obey right away.  I challenge you all, listen to God, and obey the first time.  It could make a huge difference in someone else's (or yours) life!

Legacy

This Mother's Day, I am really focused on the legacy that is my family.  This is my super awesome and beautiful momma...yes, I still call her momma :)

This was (obviously) taken on my wedding day.  My mom was such a help in that time of my life.  She is such a giver, such an encouraging person!  And the best shopping buddy ever! I can always count on her to listen to me, and she is an awesome babysitter!  She is always there for me, and although I was less than an angel growing up, I can honestly say that now, we are best friends.  I love you so much mom!

This is my beautiful grandma (my mom's mom).  We called her Nanny.  Nanny went to be with Jesus ten years ago on May 3, 2001.  My life was so enriched by this wonderful lady of God.  She was my best friend.  She died when I was 16, but I knew I could always talk to her about anything and she would listen and pray for me.  Her name was Rubye, and she was a precious jewel.

This is my grandmother, my dad's mom Joyce.  Honestly, to my shame, I really don't know anything about her.  But one thing hit me square in the face--I got my looks from her!  She is a beautiful woman!  She died before I was even born, and I am sad I never got the chance to know her.  But I kinda have a feeling that she left a good legacy too, because my dad is amazing as well.  

I could not talk about my wonderful legacy without including this special lady, my mother-in-law Luwanda. She is responsible for giving an incredible legacy to my husband Caleb.  She is also a giving and godly woman.  I know that I can count on her to pray for me and to be there if I ever need anything.  She is such a blessing to me and my family!  

How lucky and blessed I am to have this wonderful legacy left to me.  I can only hope and pray that my life can be a good legacy to my children as well.