Bragging Rights

Bragging on family never gets old.  I'm pretty blessed - to say the least - with wonderful parents, in-laws, a great sister, beautiful niece, a new soon-to-be brother-in-law (which I'm REALLY excited about) and my HUBS!  I often wonder what I ever did to deserve such terrific people in my life.

My husband is a true treasure - one I often forget is just around the corner in the other room or laying next to me to "open" and enjoy such a gift.  I waited for Jeff, for what seemed like eternity.  Single and dateless for many years - I ever wondered if I would find "him."  Most of you know our story, but one tale I like to tell is the every day blessings Jeff manages to pull off in the midst of a crazy, hectic schedule.

Right now, he volunteers at our local fire department.  He diligently leads a very successful youth ministry in our home church - averaging 80+ kids every week.  After buying a home a little over 2 years ago that needed MAJOR work, Jeff dedicates "off time" to work on this.  He also helps lead a college ministry in Tyler, at least twice a week.  Oh, and he goes to school.  But, the most important responsibility he has is being my husband.  I can be demanding, to say the least, overbearing and impatient - all of which Jeff insists on demonstrating patience, leadership and love in the midst of it all.

Thank you, Jeff for your love for those around you - your love for me and your love for our Savior.  What a true blessing you are in every sense of the word. 

So - if you have a glass, raise it.  My husband deserves it.  If you have a fabulous person in your life - I encourage you to let the world know.  In the midst of the delivery of sad, awful news on the web, TVs, and other outlets - the world could stand to hear some GOOD things going on.  So, today - I acknowledge something good around me, someone. 

Waiting for Pearls...

Three years ago (tomorrow), I remember placing a very delicate piece of jewelry on my neck for our wedding day - my late Grandmother's pearls.  As if the day wasn't special enough, wearing Grandmother's pearls made me feel like a rare princess...and I was going to meet my prince at the end of the aisle.

All through high school and college (and even after college), I marched through the season of "singlehood" with some pride, but a lot of heartache.  I questioned a lot of who I was, what I could offer someone, and if that prince would ever find me.  I withheld one relationship my sophomore year, but it ended in tears and more questioning.  Throughout my entire 4 1/2 years at Texas A&M, I remained single (by the way, I want to give a MAJOR shout out to our football team last weekend - WHOOP!).

Anyway, back to pearls...

I remember watching friends wear engagement rings and fancy dresses on all kinds of dates with their significant others, while I stayed in pajamas and watched reruns of Dawson's Creek.  I hate to sound so dramatic, but it was true.  I wanted to become someone's wife, and for a while, I didn't know if it would happen.  But, Jesus had someone waiting in the wings...just waiting to sweep me off my feet.

In 2008, Jeff likes to say he came riding on his horse to whisk me away.  And, he did.  Although it wasn't necessarily love at first sight - it was surely a match made from Heaven, and I didn't see it until it was right in front of my face.  After our first date, I felt like I was in Heaven...in love.  Some would disagree that it could happen that fast, but it did with me, with us.  I knew after one date of playing miniature golf, dining over my favorite meal - Italian food, and spending the rest of the evening playing with our wins from golf - I knew he was "the one."  

Now, three years later after our wedding, my prince still manages to whisk me away.  Last night, he gave me my precious pearls.  I opened two jewlery boxes with 1 set of earrings and a beautiful necklace...and he reminded me several times, "They. are. real."

If you're a lady and feel defeated, don't forget your pearls could be waiting just around the corner.  I promise they (he) is worth all the wait.

Throwing in the Towel

Shopping for Father's Day gifts is always a challenge.  You could say, each year I'm always ready to "throw in the towel".  Quite honestly, purchasing anything for the male in your family is nearly impossible - unless you go with the traditional gift card, tool box, or fishing gear.  Except, my Dad doesn't fish (often), he isn't really a "mechanical" guy and I'm really tired of picking up anymore Best Buy or Starbuck's as the "go-to" gift card for him.  It has nothing personal do with my Dad, my hubs or any other man in my life; men are just plain hard to shop for, right?  Can I get a holla' back on this one from my girls out there?

This year, I was going big, or going back to the gift card aisle.

After doing a little online research, I found a few ideas.  I came across this blog that gives you a great tutorial on creating a golf towel for that special guy in your life.  Perfect - my Dad DOES golf, so this was hitting the jackpot!  After picking up a few things at Hancock's and rummaging through the sale bins, I found some great fabric and pulled Sal (my sewing machine) back out to stretch her legs again.  

                                         What you need:
"Manly" Fabric (about 1/2 yard)Soft Fabric - terry cloth or I actually used flannel (about 1/2 yard)
Grommet Kit (instructions are clearly outlined on the back on how to use this fancy tool)
Hook to match your Grommet Kit
Thread to match your fabric
Iron-on letter (optional)


It went off with a hit - no pun intended!  I know Pops is swinging better, hitting further and you can definitely make bets that his game has improved with this little beauty by his side. 

I know Father's Day seems like it was ages ago - but life has happened in between the last couple of months and I've been sewing like crazy with my new little sewing busy.  Check us out Etsy or "like" us on Facebook to receive an extra discount when you shop! 

Happy Thursday!

Magical Moments and Fried Okra - A Tribute to Mothers

You may remember back in April, I wrote a little something to honor my amazing mother, here.  In celebration of Mother's Day, I feel it's only appropriate to share about the other special women in my life.  My heart continues to remain full as I watch the blessings overflow in my heart when I think about all the mothers in my life.  In particular, I think back on November 14, 2009 when I officially became a 3rd daughter to my fabulous Mother-in-Law and for the years of my on-going, wonderful relationship with my amazing sister who became a Mother last year.  Today, I dedicate this post to them!

Colleen, my older (and only) sister, became official "Momma" to Tatum Lynn Carroll on February 2, 2011.  I'll never forget the day this little miracle came into our worlds.  Weighing in at 7 lbs, 15 oz., and 20 inches long, Tatum stole every heart that laid eyes on her.  She. Was. Beautiful. That day was unforgettable for many reasons, but one reason I will never forget is how my sister looked the very first time I saw her holding our new little bundle of joy.  She was glowing - beaming really.  I had never seen my sister with this look before.  I remember trying to "soak" in the moment.  Looking at Colleen and watching my niece so delicately gaze at her new Momma for the first time, was, well, magical....

Their connection was instant.  They say newborns can't really see - but for reasons I can't explain, I believe she saw Colleen.  Of course, I cried like a baby and tried so desperately to snap a picture of this moment that will forever be engrained on my heart, but I failed.  I just remember not wanting to take my eyes off my sister - as a new Mom - and my gorgeous new niece.  (I'm so glad Melissa - Colleen's best friend - captured it on camera so I can re-live it by picture, although this snapshot will never quite give that moment appropriate justice).   

Ever since that day, I have continued to witness my sister be one incredible Mom to our Tatum, every reason why little "Tay" will always want to hold her gaze on Momma...

Colleen has taken care of kids that were not hers for as long as I can remember. She stole the hearts of countless families for the times she loved, cared for, and nurtured their little loved ones.  She made a career of it and traveled to states near and far to carry the title of "nanny".  She spent time holding, calming, teaching, playing, and spending hours with kids - she was a second "Mom" to so many.  She played the role of big sister famously and made sure I was taken care of, too, especially on stormy nights when this kid just couldn't quite get to sleep.  Nurture was Colleen's second nature - no doubt about that.  Last year, she finally became Momma to a beautiful little girl.  Now, she spends countless hours bathing, holding, reading, teaching, playing, and loving on our sweet Tatum - and she does it beautifully and with complete humility.  Tatum is one of THE happiest babies I have ever seen and I give Colleen the credit.  What a fabulous job you have done with your own.  I am so proud to call you sister, friend, and now Mom to Tatum Lynn.  I love you!

Have you seen a happier baby?

I remember meeting Edie for the first time when Jeff and I were dating.  She ordered fried okra at a local restaurant and I instantly fell in love.  Not just because she ordered fried okra (one of my very favorite guilty pleasures) but because she had a smile that could warm your heart.  I felt an instant bond and knew we would be friends! 

Most people reluctantly share stories about their dreaded "in-laws" and visits home to see them.  I, on the other hand, have the blessing to call mine friends.  I have the blessing to call mine true family. 

In Edie's home, there is always room for one more, there is always food on the table and you better believe there will always be a hug to greet you.  She sets the example of a servant's heart and a humble spirit.  She loves people and she certainly loves her family - and she'll tell you that.  She will go to bat for them, too.  Sound familiar?  Yes - my mother and Edie are strangely alike and I don't doubt for a second God didn't have this in mind when he orchestrated his plan for Jeff and me to marry.  He's good like that, isn't He?

My most favorite thing about Edie is simply that she loves with every bone in her body.  She loves others more than herself and she'll do anything, for anyone, at any time.  When I think of Edie, I think of service and love.  My heart is full at the thought of God placing her in my life. Thank you, Edie for being more than just another Mother-in-Law.  And, thank you for always sharing a good bowl of fried okra with me.  

My Mom?  What else can I say that I haven't already?  She makes me want to be a better wife and I only hope I'm half the Mother to my kids that she has been to Colleen and 

 me.  I love her more than cheeseburgers, a clean house, fresh flowers, and even fried okra.  You are, indeed, a blessing from above.  I love you! 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

to Colleen, Edie, and Mom!

I love you!

Table for Two

*I promise to get back to sewing posts - but I had to share a little piece of my heart with you after my Easter weekend*

All of my growing up years, I cherished holidays with my family.  In fact, I still love them.  But, I will say they've changed quite a bit over the last several years since losing all four blood-related grandparents.  Both sets were the "hub" of all things holiday.  It was always one place for Christmas, another for Thanksgiving and so on... They were generally loud (in a good way) and bellies were always full (not always so good).  It was about family, food, and fellowship.  But, like I said these have changed over the years due to deaths and my new marriage. 

As you know, my husband is a Director of Youth Ministries at our church.  You learn quickly that most major holidays are also some of the busiest times for the church.  We've missed spending holidays with family as our commitments are with our church family during these times.  At the beginning, I struggled with missing home, missing my parents, missing his parents, siblings, in-laws, all of it.  I missed Christmas Day with family.  But, to be frank, I was really missing the whole meaning of these days anyway.  Let me explain...

What's important about holidays is not whether you're at home or not.  It's not important that you have 10 people at your table or two or about the biggest, greatest meal you can prepare - although I love every bit of these traditional holiday celebrations!  What I can tell you, for me, it's not so much about "the day" or the preparations for it. It's about the person you're celebrating.  Ever think about that when it's someone's birthday?  Just a thought...

My Easter this year was quiet.  Jeff and I ate a wonderful meal after a long, fruitful, blessed day of worship with our church.  As I sat across the table from Jeff, I realized my table of two is enough - it always has been.  Our two dogs sat close by and we ate and reflected on the morning.  We didn't have 10 at the table, we didn't have kids running around nor did we have an extravagant meal, neither sets of our parents were able to join us.  What we DID have was time to reflect, be thankful, and enjoy celebrating the reason we have Easter - the reason we can celebrate everyday - not just on Easter, or Christmas, or Thanksgiving, or any other holiday.  He is enough.  I miss my family and wish all the time they could be here for holidays, but when we can't spend Christmas or Easter Day together, that's okay, because I can still look across the table at my family of two and celebrate what Christ as done for us.  (And, in case I'm missing the noise - you better believe I can celebrate with any of our 100ish-member congregation on any given day of the week!  In fact, we have invites every holiday to share with families in our church - what a blessing!)

Reflecting this Easter, I've learned this: holidays are not about how many people are at your table, what meal you prepare, or even if you're able to be with all your family.  All these things are great and such blessings, but it's not completely the reason we celebrate.  We celebrate because of what HE has done.  So, next time you order for 10 or two, there's a reason to celebrate, because...
He. Is. Enough.


Next holiday, I hope to remind myself that my table is never empty and my heart is always full when I walk with Him, right?  Hebrews 13:5 "...Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake you."  What a promise!  Friends - pass on the green bean casserole next year and feast on the Bread of Life - I promise it'll fill you up way more than any casserole dish or apple pie!

 

Celebrating Momma Bear

Today, April 9th, marks my fabulous mother's birthday.  I celebrate her today, although she deserves honor every day, really.  She's been the best mom to my sister and me and to say she's been a wonderful wife would be an understatement.  She displays grace, beauty and faith like no other.  She protects and consoles.  She loves and adores those around her and never meets a stranger, much like her mother, I'm told.  If you've ever met my mom, you would certainly agree.  And, if you haven't met her, you should!

A while back Mom earned her "Momma Bear" title when I was deeply hurting and in so much emotional pain.  I'll never forget the day she told me, "When my children are hurting, Momma Bear will come out."  In a moment of such distress and pain, she made me laugh.  My Mom is a gentle soul - wouldn't hurt a fly - unless you hurt her cubs and then Momma Bear comes out of her cave.  We still laugh about that day.  But, you better believe those words...


So, today, I celebrate my Momma Bear - for the times she protected me when I needed it most.  The times she fought for me when I didn't have it in me and for the times she just listened when we both knew she really wanted to talk.  I celebrate the Mother-in-Law she was the day she humbly gave me (with my precious Father) away to my sweet husband on our wedding day and how she continues to bless our marriage with her gifts and encouraging words.  I celebrate Su-Su, the grandmother she has become to my beautiful niece, spoiling her every chance she gets.  And, for the Su-Su she will be to my future children.  (And, I expect the same amount of spoiling, too)!  I celebrate her as a wife to my Dad.  Their marriage is a true example of love and faith.  She is a true example of a Godly wife, one I hope to be to Jeff through the years. 

And, above all, I celebrate you as Mom.  What can I say?  You are fabulous!  I love you and I know you are loved.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!