Mr. Magnificent

Today is my sweet husband’s birthday.  I met this man when I was 14 years old!  Yep, you heard it right, 14.  We started dating when I was 15 and as they say, the rest is history.  He’s the kind of person who’s a gift to the world ya know?  Who was I to say no to the gift God sent my way?  I’m not stupid!  Yea, I could have dated more, waited a few years, blah, blah, blah..but one thing I know for sure..I could have looked the world over and never have found someone who loves me like he does.  He does it so perfectly.  He’s a man I can respect.  He’s smart.  He’s handsome, he’s a great dad, he’s my best friend and he loves the Lord.  He’s one of those guys who still opens the door, waits until everyone has their plate before he prepares his, and he can fix just about anything..or so me and Blake think.  He loves me as my son’s mother, creating a wonderful example for Blake on how to treat a woman.  I remember him wading into water to drag a lady out of her car and bring her to safety after she had run off the road.  While he was covering her with blankets she looked up at him and said, “what is your name again?.. Because you’re my hero.”  As I looked on, proud of my husband for proving that chivalry still lives, I thought, I know..right?  He’s MY hero too!  He’s the most selfless human being I know.  He’s a peacemaker.  He makes me laugh and surprises the heck outta me with his sense of humor.  He can cook a mean egg sandwich. He prays with me and we share our thoughts on scripture as we read our bibles together late into the night. He hugs me and the whole world seems to be sitting perfectly on its axle.  I cry and he knows why..without asking.  I get angry and he soothes the hurt…. he brings the calm.  He stays awake many a night to make sure our son has made it safely to his destination.  Blake calls, he goes, no matter the time, day or night.  He listens..yep, he’s a great listener but he gives the best advice as well and I’ll listen to him before anyone, even if it’s not what I want to hear because I KNOW he has my best interest at heart.  He’s a great friend and he extends himself far beyond the norm for the people he cares about.  He sees the good in other people, and he’s a great judge of character.  If on any rare occasion, there’s someone he doesn’t trust, sit up and take notice because I can count those on less than one hand.  All in all what I’m trying to say is although today is his birthday and it’s about gifts and cakes and all, I can’t help but think of what a better place the world is with him in it!  He’s a gift.  And believe me folks, I live with him 24/7, 356.  I don’t have anyone else in my life I admire or respect more than him.  So happy birthday to the magnificent man I share space with, you make me better by knowing you.

She tells the Truth on Herself!

“She Tells the Truth on Herself”

That little statement I ran across this morning while reading a book review jumped out at me like a flashing neon sign. “SHE TELLS THE TRUTH ON HERSELF” Wow, its easy to tell the truth on others isn’t it? But to tell the truth on ourselves? Hey, that’s a whole other story. We want to shed our selves in the best light possible. However, I have found that by telling the truth on ourselves that we become more approachable, more human, more transparent, more trustworthy, more genuine. We can come down from the clouds and sit among the commoners and find company there. Because the pedestal is a lonely place. It’s high above everyone else. There is no conversation, no connection, no growth, no grace. But it’s risky and it comes with a price. Telling the truth on ourselves means we run the risk of putting ourselves out there. It means that someone may actually realize that we don’t have it all together. That we do make mistakes. We don’t have the spotless house. (That’s only when I know you’re coming over!) That our laundry is not neatly folded and tucked away in the drawers but rather piled high so that getting to the washing machine is a marathon in itself. It means that we realize I actually said that about her and it wasn’t nice. It means admitting that our Beaver Clever appearing lifestyle is actually the Animal House and the saint I hoped you saw is really a struggling sinner, saved by grace. Telling the truth on ourselves means we admit we are flawed and some days maybe even broken. It means you may be the girl that everyone is talking about it and how imperfect you are…it may mean that… but it may also mean that you’re the girl someone can relate to. That they see hope in your imperfections and the fact that you realize they are there. It may mean that as they approach the pedestal they find us kneeling at the bottom in prayer to see Jesus high and lifted up and not ourselves.

Making Memories in Florida

This time next week we'll be soaking up the sun in Florida.  My family has rented a beach house with a pool and Saturday we start the 9 hour trek down the interstate.  Looking forward to the road trip?? .....not so much.  We have ALOT of personality in our clan and being cooped up in the car with all the personalities searching for a place to rest will be a true test of patience for everyone..Did I mention that patience isn't really ANY of our strong suites?  Regardless we all love each other.  It's that kinda deal that you can say anything about your family but NOBODY else treads that water.  We're opinionated, we're quick to speak, we mostly have short fuses and we are a passionate bunch.  But we are also loyal, and we love deeply and we are there for each other.  So that's what this is about.  For the first time in my ENTIRE life we are going on vacation to the beach with my mom and dad, my brother and his family and my sister...and Brian, he's our brother from another mother..and Levi..you know, he's our son we borrow from Jay and Kim.  I'm really looking forward to this time with all of us together..making memories.  You will  find us here......................

and I know for sure alot of our bunch will be doing this...

and I hope to sit in the evenings and catch a few of these.....

and of course we can't pass up.....

We might even catch a glimpse of these.....

and I'm positive the ladies will end up at this location...

Looking forward to some rest and relaxation and great times with my family.

PRAY FOR US :)