Some *SMILES* for ya - Riley style

If you frequent this blog, you know this little fella... our friends have the most precious little boy and he spends a little time with us here and there.. he feels a lot like family... 

Thought I'd show ya a few pics from a couple of his recent visits to our house for play dates.

Riley LOVES him some dinosaurs.. and not just your garden variety t-rex or stegosaurus lemme tell ya... this kid knows the names of the dinosaurs that have like 10 syllables...

Anthony and Riley built the race car track so the cars would jump Wolverine... 

It was epic !

The Avengers Lego set was pretty sweet, too. Boy toys have come a long way I must say.

And any time Anthony has food, it's a given that Riley must also sample...

What a boy! So expressive this kid...

Me thinks he digs Anthony... and his goatee

It's a little sad for me really... cuz when Riley was a baby he was kinda MY BOY but now that he's gettin bigger he tends to lean more toward hangin with Anth. 

But it's okay... I just pick up the camera and try to capture the cute moments like these...

If you didn't smile, your smilin' muscles must be broke!

Striving to do better

I read a few blogs here and there. I'm usually looking for one of two things out of a blog - information or entertainment. Sometimes I'm fortunate enough to get both. 

One of the blogs I enjoy is Lysa TerKeurst's. Lysa's blog 
If you've never heard of Proverbs 31 ministries, read Proverbs chapter 31 and then go check out their site here. 

I recently read a piece on Lysa's blog about random acts of kindness. I feel like {sadly} kindness is not one of my strongest attributes. But Lysa's blog post planted a seed in me. And it sprouted a few weeks ago. 

At work, they send everyone an email once a month that provides company news and lists employee anniversaries. I decided I'd start writing down the names of the folks I work with or know pretty well and the number of years they'd be celebrating so I could email them a quick happy anniversary. 

I've been doing that since the first of the year and the response is always a heartfelt one. I think they really appreciate the small gesture.

Another thing I've been trying since the first of the year is listening to Christian music in my car. KLove is 97.1 in the middle Tennessee area and they play great worship songs and Christian music that's current. What I love about this switch I've made is that now when I have a song pop in my head it's something that helps me remember the God I serve and reminds me of my purpose.  

A couple Sundays ago our pastor preached out of Philippians and kinda forced us to memorize this verse: 
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus Philippians 2:5

In this sermon he talked a lot about pride. {ouch} Pride is a big ugly problem most of us try to ignore. But pride does a lot of damage - it's why we struggle with forgiving others, it's why we judge others and it's why we won't ask for help. Pride can really destroy us.

When we're full of pride, we put ourselves in place of God. And guess what? God is not pleased with that. 

I'm afraid I've had a big ole pride problem a lot in my life. I try to appear strong when inside I'm so weak & tired. I justify my anger with others. I compare myself to others... and on and on it goes. 

But it seems like the harder I try to do things right and follow God's plan, more obstacles & difficulties are put in my path. 

Inside I'm screaming I don't deserve this! 

Instead of focusing on myself, I could be reaching out to others around me and showing them the love of Christ.

We're all in this together. We all have struggles and need help here and there. And we're gonna make mistakes. I feel like sometimes we just forget to tap into THE SOURCE who has promised us He'd never leave us or forsake (abandon) us - Jesus!

I'm leaning on HIM a lot these days. He's everything we need and more. 

So I'll leave you with this  - - 
  
Philippians 4: 6,7 says:  
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  

Every day I'm trying to do better. Some days I fail miserably. Other days I do okay.
He never promised us a life without trouble, but He did promise He'd always be there with us. 
And I know He is. And I'm thankful for that. Cuz I need pickin' up a whoooole lot!

Welcome to 2013

I'm starting to realize more and more that the some of the things my parents said when I was growin' up really are true. (groan) The older you get, the faster time seems to go. 

It's hard to believe it's already January 20th. 

I don't know if you're like me, but sometimes I feel like I'm in a rut. Week after week, the same ole routine. Work, church, and the occasional social event or family function. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

And before you know it, a month has passed.

Whoosh! 

And we say where did this year go? 

So far in 2013, I can't say that anything significant has happened in my life. And I really want my life to have meaning and purpose. I wasn't created to sit on the couch and play on my iPhone or watch tv. I know that. But that's just so easy. 

Lately I feel like God is challenging me. I feel like he's wanting me to stretch a little. 

The story Josiah Anthony (@java_jo on Twitter, middle school minister at Long Hollow) told on a recent Wednesday night at our church really spoke truth to me and I hope you can relate to it, too. 

He said he has this enormous fear of roller coasters. The thought of going up in the heights, the speed, all of it just terrified him to the point he avoided them. As in completely. And it was a pretty easy thing to avoid. It's not like you're going to be faced with that fear in your everyday life, right? 

But because of this fear, he never experienced the thrill of the ride. 

As he explained to us that night, you can relate this story to our walk with God. 

God doesn't force us to do things. He will allow us to maintain the status quo in our lives, sitting along the sidelines and enjoying staying within our comfort zone.  

But what are we missing?! 

The thrill HE has for us. 

If you've ever done something that made you get out of your comfort zone, you'll admit it was at least a little scary at first. But I'm guessing it was worth in the end. Maybe it's even one of your life's defining moments. 

God is speaking to me about something. I can sense it. I don't know what it is He wants me to do, but the point is I'm listening. 

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 


In 2013 I plan to be more obedient. 
I plan to serve more. 
I plan to be the child my Heavenly Father can be  pleased with. 
I plan to be MORE in 2013 than I was in 2012.

So long 2012, you've been a good one

This will be my last blog post in 2012. 

Sadness.

Of course we have to take a trip down memory lane. And if you expect it to be brief trip, you don't know me. So skim if you must, but you may miss some of the good stuff. Just sayin. 

Family stuff

~ In February Anthony's step brother and his wife added to the fam... and he's a super sweet babe. 

 2 weeks old

 Big sis McKenzie is 14, big brother Bryson is 7 (til October, when he turned 8) so the kids are 7 years apart

Christmas... 

crawling finally ;-) 

~ My nephew Caleb joined the Army

So that meant we haven't gotten to see him as much this year. But we're very proud of him. 

~ My niece and her hubby are expecting twin boys.

So excited!

So excited!

Us stuff 

~ 2012 was a year for concerts! 

*Keith Urban's All for the Hall Benefit

*Grand Ole Opry featuring Alan Jackson

*Zac Brown Band 

*Grand Ole Opry - induction of Darius Rucker

*Zac Brown Band Southern Ground Music & Food Festival

*Kelly Clarkson

They were all awesome... if I had to pick a favorite... well I can't. I just can't!

~ After living in our house for 5 years, we finally painted a room. We painted the utility room AND Anthony's room upstairs. 

~ We had a pretty major church change. Left the church I had attended since I was 11. The only church Anthony and I have ever attended together. That was tough. But change is always tough. After some visiting around and seeking God, we've ended up at a great place. 

~ At Tinsley's annual check up this year, the vet said she wasn't obese, but she's a little heavy at 14 lbs. She didn't put her on a diet or anything. I don't know why she thinks Tinsley is chubby... 

~ We went to a Vandy football game (only my third college football game EVER)

~ We went on our summer vacation with Anthony's fam and had a great time... 

in Fort Walton the past two summers 

Ahh, how I miss the beach...good times

~ We did our anniversary weekend in Gatlinburg

Yeah, it was that fun!

I'm such a lucky girl! 13 years of marriage to this guy.

Me stuff

~ I had a goal and I started working on it in January.. 

 I wanted to run a half marathon.

So I followed a training schedule... and I did it!

 Country Music Half Marathon 

April 28, 2012

Nashville, Tennessee

My friend Angela convinced me to do another one with her in September... which meant training in the hot summer months (oh me)

But we did it! 

Women's Half Marathon

September 21, 2012

Nashville, Tennessee

I've run more than 500 miles this year. I don't anticipate a repeat of that in 2013.

~ I met Edens Edge at a work function... 

So that's just about it... 

Take a look back, but don't linger... 

2013 is almost here and regrets are a waste of time. 

Make 2013 great! 

The true reason we celebrate Christmas

By now you've eaten too much and have probably given AND received a lot of gifts. If you haven't already, take a few minutes to remember our Savior's birth and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. 

From Luke chapter 1
"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Here's a video from our church that provides a little light hearted humor and shares the story of Jesus' birth in a unique way. 
Watch for me in the choir - I'm wearing my specs though ;-) 
Long Hollow Christmas video 2012

From us to you, we wish you a merry Christmas. 

And thanks for stopping by my blog. 

MY very own birthday

Today is my birthday. Take a tour with me. 

This morning I opened my package that came from Florida, from my sweet friend Renee. She's the attorney I used to work for that I love dearly. Even though we haven't worked together for the last 8 or 9 years, we've remained friends. 

 She knows I love Mickey Mouse. And she works for the mouse himself... hehehe

Isn't this bag adorbs?!

And a girl can never have enough bags.

Renee also gave me the cutest card that is sorta polka dotted.... which makes me :-)

As I was about to rush off to work, I noticed an envelope and gifty from the hub...

The CD is awesome sauce btw.

And since he doesn't read my blog I'm gonna tell you what that card said. Cuz it made me teary eyed. And that's not an easy task.

   You're not only my wife - you're my best, most trusted and most special friend. 

   And for me, your birthday isn't only a day for celebrating a moment in time - 

   It's also a day for celebrating how beautiful and precious love can be. 

   Happy birthday with all my love

Then he signed it in cursive luv you Anthony

In printing, he wrote Yes, I forgot how to make a cursive "v" which made me giggle

He also tweeted me a happy birthday message that called me super cool and included this: I know turning 28 has been fun for ya ha 

He's such a cool dude. And I'm such a lucky girl. 

Movin on.

When I got to work, a package from my sweet friend Jan awaited me. A handmade (crocheted) infinity scarf. It's so soft and pretty. I know I'll just love wearing it. When it decides to be winter. lol 

My friend Brandi (also at work) is one of those thoughtful friends who hears every word ya say and gets you the gift you haven't asked for but you want. Yeah, so she gave me some things that I had mentioned liking and that was a super nice surprise.  Then she and the other gals - they carted me off to lunch, to the place of my choosing....

On the way, Juvonda had put several songs in her tablet to play in the car that had happy birthday in em... it was such a hoot! We sang along and danced on the way to the restaurant... 

where I had a delicious cheeseburger and this big hunka cake... 

 I think I liked it.. 

So it turns out they asked the restaurant to sing Happy Birthday to me, but instead they brought out this complimentary delicious chocolate cake. Suits me. 

Well, little did I know, the gals had a little cake for me back at the office... so yeah, I had two birthday cakes ... 

This one here was lemon - my fave! And somebody (probably Brandi) remembered that purple is my fave color. 

These gals rock! And I love em.

And yes, I'm wearing a tiara. Because I can. And it was my birthday. So there. 

It's an office thing... 

Tonight we went to watch Cullen play basketball. He's my nephew whose birthday was yesterday. And he and I have a lot of similarities... 

Little birthday rewind here. 

My sister-in-law bestie gave me a super cool ACS shirt Saturday to show my team spirit at the basketball games - no pic doggone it, but I'll get one soon because I'll be rockin that shirt a whole lot. One of those ya know... it has polka dots on it. What what?! 

My little momma gave me some smelly gifties. She knows I love Love Spell at Victoria's Secret. I don't think she thinks I stink. Lol She gave me some other great stuff, too. Cuz she loves me.

My sweet mother-in-law gave me a gifty Saturday night. Oh how I like these early birds! 

Now I just need some stuff to cut up and a craving for a chocolate chip cookie... I'm sure that will come very soon :-)

On Sunday Anthony took me to J Alexander's for my birthday meal. 

It looked like this - - 

 Fyi - their mac n cheese is out of boundssss

it's called "not your ordinary mac n cheese" and they are NOT kidding! 

 This pork tenderloin with Thai "bang bang" sauce was also off the chain

Had to get some carrot cake to go... 

after all, it was for my birthday

So that my friends, is a tour of my birthday today. 

It really was a great one. I'm so thankful to enjoy a birthday no matter the number I hafta claim... 

I have so many great friends and wonderful family members to enjoy it with... I surely can't complain. 

So blessed! <3 

Kerby's birthday party - -

Kerby 

15 year old hunk

If you know me or you've hopped on my blog this year, you know my nephew Kerby. And that he used to be in Haiti before he was adopted by my brother Jonathan and his wife Michelle (who already have a son and daughter both in their 20s).  

On December 7th, he turned 15. He doesn't really look or act like a typical American 15 year old though. And that's fine with me. ;-) He'll have plenty of time to be a typical teen soon enough.

Some cruel person in my family thought trick candles were appropriate. I assume it was my retarded brother. Kerby didn't seem to mind and he's a prankster anyway so...

On to the gifts... 

Kerby loves the Boston Celtics. More specifically, he likes Rajon Rondo. Probably because Rondo played for UK (Kentucky) in college. And my brother and most of my family is obsessed with some Wildcats. . .  

When Anthony and I were shopping for Kerby's birthday gift, we initially considered one thing, then Anthony found a Nerf basketball hoop that lights up in the dark. So I text my brother to ask if he had one first, and second to see if they would kill us for getting it. 

  

The text exchange went something like this -  - 

Me: Do you think Kerby would like putting a model car together?

My bro: Yeah maybe. He loves that sort of thing.

Me: We just found a cool Nerf bball goal that lights up at night.

My bro: Lol He already has a Nerf goal that he thoroughly drives us crazy with. But it has no lights. Thank God.

Me: So does that mean don't get it? Lol Anth thinks it's awesome!

My bro: Of course he does.

Me: We are the ones with no kids, remember? We like to get obnoxious toys!

My bro: Paybacks are rough you know.

Me: Ha

My bro: Let's think this through shall we? We want a kid with zero common sense to have a goal whose use is best used when it is dark and the subject is black. Hmm

Me: I'm laughin my head off. It's in the cart and being purchased shortly. Deal.

My bro: You are a but thread. You know that right. 

My bro (2 seconds later): Head. Butt head. 

So when Kerby opened said Nerf goal, he loved it and the other boys did, too... 

I love this candid pic of Anthony telling Kerby he was the one who picked out his gift. 

Michelle's uncle has a running joke with Kerby about liking Barbie dolls... so they wrapped one up as a joke... 
     It went like this - - 

Commence opening Nerf goal with lights !!! 

always a good sign when the recipient opens your gift and plays with it at the party he he he 

Cousins and the pup - so cute!

The grandkiddos on MY side of the fam 

so nice to have Caleb home !!

and the grandkiddos on Michelle's side of the fam

I hope Kerby and Kerlandy are as happy to be in our family as we are to have them in our family...