Word.

I have discovered audio books. For a couple of months I have been complaining to David that the worst part of my job is the commute. I travel 45 minutes one way. Some days, actually most days, that is just too long. Anyway, over the holidays and all the traveling on the road we did, David checked out a couple of audio books to help pass the time. I was instantly hooked. I am already on my 3rd audio book.

I am currently reading through all of the Debbie Macomber audio books that the Bienville Parish Library has in stock. At present, I am listening to Thursdays at Eight. It is a very cute novel about 4 very different ladies that find a real friendship and provide support to one another as they each venture through their individual life challenges they are facing. I wouldn't call these books 'inspirational' but you do get attached to the characters and their trials and triumphs they experience. (Am I the only one that does this?) Anyway, the book starts out giving a brief bio on each lady and all are trying to come up with one word that is going to be like their motto for the year. Naturally, we are in January, so I play along. That was in chapter 1 and I am now on chapter 23. I have finally come up with my own word.

With everything that is set before us in the year of 2011, I think I have had a million word(s) go through my mind as to what MY word is going to be. David and I have lots of goals, accomplishments, successes, plans that we are anticipating this year.... trust, all have been words that I have considered. It wasn't until this morning on my way to work that I finally agreed with myself on what my word is going to be.

Focus.

I am officially on my 3rd day of graduate school at LSUS and so far, everything is going well. I am thrilled to be back in school. The most amazing thing about the different courses I am taking, are all the people that are enrolled in these courses. Because this degree is offered 100% online, we have students in our classes that are from NYC, Colorado, Alabama, New Orleans, and of course Shreveport. It is as though, God just knew I needed a little perspective of the world from other geographical locations, and in each one of my classes - that is exactly what I have! I am especially interested in those living in or are from New Orleans. Why? Because that is one of my top law school choices there. I have been encouraged in a way I didn't even know I needed. I love school. I love more than anything, I really feel like I have found my purpose. I understand that life is full of seasons and the season we are in right now, allows for me to study in Shreveport, online at LSUS and obtain my Masters. How cool. I am giddy as to what I am going to learn and the contacts I am going to make this next year as I complete this goal. I am equally excited to know that I am making slow and steady progress towards the next season. One day at a time, one step at a time.

Focus.

I found this quote from Ms Dolly Patron yesterday, and felt as though it was completely applicable in my life right now.

When I'm inspired, I get excited because I can't wait to see what I'll come up with next. ~ Dolly Parton

One thing I did the last 4 months or so of 2010, was write out what we could look forward to happening in the months to come. So a list might include anything from starting/finishing a quarter for David, going to visit someone or family, taking a trip somewhere, a multitude of different financial goals, personal fitness or weight loss goals, etc. I tried to make sure the list wasn't harping on one thing specifically so I wouldn't become obsessed with that. Anyway, we had the list up on our bedroom mirror and as we 'accomplished' something, we checked it off. OMG! It was so rewarding to be able to check off each thing we set out at the beginning of a month to do and then to be able to do it. :) Yes, again, I am sure I am headed towards the loony bin.

Realizing how helpful this was, I made a tentative set of goals or things we know and/or are planning to do this year and separated them by month, (so we wouldn't get SO overwhelmed by everything). We have already checked off everything but 2 things we wanted to do/achieve in January! I am planning to start a Couch to 5K program, but am waiting for it to STOP raining before I begin. LOL. The last thing on our January list is to spend the last weekend of the month in Dallas. Naturally, we are just waiting for the last weekend of the month to arrive before we can mark that off our list! David rolls his eyes by my OCD-ness, but he really does appreciate it. I know this because when there is something on the list that he has done he makes sure I know that he has marked it off. ;)

Focus.

I am no super human, and I still at times feel overwhelmed by everything that we have going on, but one thing I have realized in this season is that everything has to be kept in perspective. We have a million things we want to accomplish and do but broken down by 12 months, we are able to just focus on 4 weeks at a time. Broken down even further we focus on each day. Everyday we wake up, that is a day to be thankful for, it is a day that we weren't promised. You can do anything for a short amount of time. Sooner than David and I would like to think, this season of our life, will end. Where I can't wait, it will be a milestone for us, together. Perserverance is hard, but we are building character. One day at a time, we move forward. Period.

Focus.

Finding my Inner 'Suzy Homemaker'

I have fallen in love with making my own bread. Yesterday, David and I awoke to the sound of ice beating against our window. Pretty soon after, we got a text/email that church was cancelled and per the news media, it was advised to NOT get on the roads, naturally everything was closed anyway so that wouldn't be a problem.

What do you do when you have an unexpected day to do nothing? If you are in my house, you cook, bake, and clean. :) Luckily I got a head start on the cleaning Saturday afternoon, so I was ready to get my hands dirty in the kitchen! David loves helping me too, so that makes cooking all the more fun.

Back in November, my Mom and I took a girls weekend to New Orleans, and on our way home we stopped by a farmers market and found these amazing pottery dishes that you use to make small loaves of homemade bread. The dishes came with 6 different bread recipes. The first and easiest one is the Super White Bread. Anyway, Mom and I fell in love with these pots and had to get them! Naturally, I had to wait until Christmas to open mine. I couldn't wait. In the past year and a half, I have been a pretty lousy 'suzy homemaker' due to the craziness of our life. So, I felt that with this small bread dish I could begin to slowly but surely change that. :) I am definitely NOT a 'suzy homemaker' by any stretch, but I do like having more than microwave dinners, 3 times a day. :)

Yesterday was the perfect day to try our bread dish out. The bread turned out PERFECT! It was super easy to make, and made the house smell wonderful! This year will be just as busy, however, homemade bread will at least make our house smell good, as I am reminded of how wonderful the product of our labor tastes!

This is the gorgeous picture of our 1st loaf of homemade bread. As far as I am concerned, I think it was by far the best Christmas present ever! I can't wait to try the other 5 recipes. I think I have reconnected with my inner 'suzy homemaker' and I am totally OK with that.

Welcome, 2011

David and I are thrilled to start yet another year together. It seems as though every day we grow closer and closer together and our goals become more and more aligned. I love that man more than I have ever dreamed possible. Together we are unstoppable. It is amazing when you seek Christ separately, He unites you as one. I don't even know if that makes sense to anyone else, but it sure does me. We have reached a level in our relationship that quite frankly, I had no idea existed. It is incredible!
As much as I have found out that I am NOT a country girl, and that I NEED the city, I have come to recognize this incredible season of life we are in right now. God has totally done in a work in us. Our whole life, attitude, perspective, everything has changed... and for the better I might add! Don't get me wrong, we both still enjoy being spoiled and having nice things, but it seems that we have put boundaries on where that line is. A need versus a want are two totally different animals, and sometimes I think, especially pre-moving to the country, those two different animals were made out as one.
This year brings excitement to both of us. David is still busy and working hard at school, studying like a crazy man and making grades to kill for. I, too, will be working hard and studying this year. Starting January 18, 2011 I will begin my Masters in Non Profit Management. I simply can not wait to begin school! I feel like this is truly something God has put in my heart to do and because of it, I am just giddy to begin. Since I have previous graduate work, I will be able to complete my Masters from LSU-Shreveport, by December of this year! I think one of the biggest things I already feel such a huge accomplishment over is the fact that we saved, and are paying for it in cash, plus books! I feel like because of this achievement I have already won the prize.
Just a mere 12 months ago, David and I were not in horrible financial shape by any stretch, but there was definitely room for improvement. We enrolled in the course by Dave Ramsey: Financial Peace University. We feel in love. The program just clicked for us, together. We saw black and white what areas we needed to improve and made a road map of steps to take in order to achieve that. One of the steps - paying for my Masters in cash. Every day is a new day and every day together we have to commit to each other that we are going to continue to walk the road towards financial peace. We have come SO far. This year we will continue to make huge strides as well. Life happens and we are definitely not omitted from that, but together we are working through those 'life moments' and moving forward.
This year, David and I are also seeking healthier lifestyles. I start running last year, and had to stop for an extended amount of time due to shin splints, but after several months off the legs, I am ready to get back at it. My goal for this year is to run 5 5Ks. Last year, I did 2. By no means am I the first one to cross the finish line, but rest assured, I cross it. :) David and I also have several little "mini" trips planned. We will be attending a couple of weddings this summer, one being in Baton Rouge and hope to break away and spend a day or two in New Orleans. Also, we will be going to a couple of family reunions. Lastly, we are going to spend a weekend away with another couple towards the end of summer, to kick of the fall. Other than that, we will be working or having our nose in the books! I know 2011 is going to fly by, but I can't wait. David and I both are loving this place we are called right now in life. We are anxious to what the future holds, but know good things come to those who wait. :P Unfortunately, patience is still not one of my strong points. LOL.
We are so blessed to be loved and supported by so many. Hope each one of you had a wonderful New Year's and have bright, healthy and prosperous 2011's!!! Happy New Year!

Cheers for the Holidays!

Just like I seem to start all my blogs, where does the time go?!!?
The past eight to ten weeks has just flown by. In the non profit world, the last quarter of the year, is typically the busiest. It is when most people give their last tax deductible donation or want to get their time and volunteer. Rest assured, the Mission is no exception! We hit the ground running in November and hardly have had time to look up since, even though we are almost half way through January!
I had to work Thanksgiving Day, so David went with me to the Mission to help get the volunteers squared away and make sure the serving of nearly 1500 people went off without a hitch. Afterwards, we drove from Shreveport to Rayville, which is about 20 minutes on the east of Monroe. My Great Aunt Lennis turned 90 the day before Thanksgiving. All of the family came in Thanksgiving Day and had a birthday party for her. It was a great time and we couldn't have asked for a better way to spend Thanksgiving Day. Below is a picture of myself, Aunt Lennis and David.


A couple of days later, on December 2, 2010 David and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary! We actually went to David's work Christmas party that evening and had a great time. :) David had a gorgeous display of flowers delivered to me at work. To celebrate, we went and enjoyed an evening together eating sushi and Christmas shopping. Overall it was a low key anniversary, but it was perfect. I couldn't imagine celebrating any other way! I can't believe it has already been 4 years since we said, "I Do". It seems just yesterday I was planning our wedding! Crazy. This is a picture from our evening out.



In the middle of December, one thing I wanted to do last year and we never got the opportunity to, was go and see the Christmas lights in Natchitoches, Louisiana. We decided to not only go this year, but to make a Saturday of it. Aunt Char joined us. We started the day stopping for lunch in Shreveport, and taking Aunt Char to one of our favorite places to eat, Newk's. From there we headed down to Natchitoches. Even though we got there several hours before we could even see the Christmas lights, we had plenty of time to kill shopping!:) All three of us, absolutely loved walking through the different shops. David and I did some much needed Christmas shopping and really enjoyed the window displays too! For dinner we had to stop by this amazing 'home cooking' cajun food restaurant. It is to die for! Below is a picture of myself, Aunt Char and David at dinner. It was a wonderful day, and once the Christmas lights were on, they were amazing, complete with fake snow. :) I definitely think spending a day down in Natchitoches to shop and see the Christmas lights will become an annual thing!




Before we knew it, we were heading home to Dallas for Christmas! We didn't have much time in Dallas and yet had a jammed packed schedule to try to squeeze everyone in. One of the highlights of the trip was getting to spend the evening with some old friends I grew up with from church. I love that even though we don't get to see everyone all the time, when we do get together, it is as though we have never missed a beat! I treasure each one of these people so much. Each one of us is so completely different, and yet we all have something to offer. It is incredible to see how amazing everyone has turned out and to get to touch base and see where they hope to go in the future. I love each one of you so much. :)



Probably my most favorite evening of the entire year, is Christmas Eve. I absolutely LOVE the Christmas Eve Candle lit service. I don't know what it is about everyone singing as an entire church Peace, Peace, Peace and Silent Night and holding up candles in the darkness, but to me there is nothing more special. I know Christ, and I know Christ is in that place at that very moment. :) This was David and I before heading to the service.


After getting back from Dallas and spending a wonderful Christmas with lots of family and friends, we were headed to Indiana to see my grandparents. They aren't getting any younger, and well at this point, we are trying to spend as much time with them as possible. I absolutely love my grandparents and only wish we lived closer. We started our 12 hour drive after work on Wednesday and stayed the night in Stuggart, Arkansas. We have never driven to Ramsey directly from Arcadia, so I googled directions. Naturally, Google had us traveling back roads all the way through Arkansas. Just a word to the wise, Arkansas sucks at having road signs! We were taking the one way roads slow, knowing that deer being out and on the roads was a huge possibility. Never the less, we hit a deer! We weren't hurt, and thank God our jeep wasn't either, but I am almost positive the deer didn't get such a great outcome. :( Anyway, we had a good night sleep at our hotel and drove the majority of the next day. Once we arrived, we really enjoyed ourselves! We ran errands, cooked, laughed, told stories and cooked some more. I made three different chicken dishes that Gramps and Granny could freeze and have whenever they felt like it. I also made several dozen chocolate chip cookies (Gramps's favorite!) and made some Magic Bar candy. The Magic Bar has become a new favorite holiday candy treat for me to make, simply because it is so easy! It is just a layered cookie, pop it in the oven and let cool. Done! :) Ironically, I don't care for the candy, because it is too sweet, but everyone else who has tasted it, LOVES it! :) Below are pictures of myself with Granny and the other with Gramps. I dearly love them and we had a wonderful visit. We can't wait to go back in July for the family reunion. Love y'all!




Finally, that brings me to HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! David and I spent New Year's Eve celebrating at one of my second cousin's house in Corydon, Indiana. It was a great time of laughter and fellowship. We even got to learn some of the family secrets and some 'dirt' on my dad, when he was growing up! :) I couldn't think of a better way to bring in the New Year, than with family.

Mamasita and Daughter Weekend.... Away!

In the middle of November, I took some time off from work. Mom came over and we had a girls weekend! We decided to go to New Orleans for a couple of days. We stayed at the nicest Hampton Inn EVER on Saint Charles Street. We had so much fun! We walked everywhere and when we didn't walk we rode the Street Car. It was a $1.25 to ride no matter how short or long the distance and it just covered one way - mom and I both thought that price was totally reasonable. :)

I have only been to New Orleans and experienced all that the French Quarter has had to offer. This time the only reason we went to the French Quarter was for a quick visit to Cafe De Monde and that was plenty. :) We also toured Tulane and Loyola Law Schools! I fell in love with Loyola and totally could see myself as a student there.... time will tell! One of mom's old college friends teaches at Tulane and we were able to meet up with him and enjoy a nice lunch in the Faulty/Staff lounge overlooking the campus. I can honestly say meeting Benny for lunch was the best thing about Tulane! ;)

Mom and I enjoyed walking Magazine Street in the Garden District, too. Everyone we met were so friendly and helpful. We found a local farmers market in the Mid-City area and it was great. I am not a scone eater and they had some home made pumpkin scones to DIE FOR! I love supporting locals and I love eating where the locals eat. I am not a very good 'tourist' in that regards. Each night mom and I found a 'local' restaurant and dined there. For evening meals, both nights our meals were less than $20! I thought that was great! :)

Anyway, the drive to and from New Orleans was about 6 hours. We were able to catch up on life, love and everything in between. We had a great time together and seeing a 'new' side of New Orleans. I was so impressed with how clean everything was, how many gorgeous parks there are (that several people were enjoying) and dog friendly everyone and thing is! That was so great to see! We really enjoyed ourselves. If it is meant to be, I could totally see David and I spending a good 3 years there while I attend law school. If not, oh well, it was still a fun, fun weekend that I will cherish forever. It had been at least 4 years since mom and I had gone away together! Regardless of anything else, it was definitely time to spend some quality time together again! Thank you for everything you mean to me Mama - I love you SOOO much! :)


Hotel on Saint Charles St
Loyola School of Law
View of the Farmers Market
Us riding the Street Car :)

Ps.....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Love,

Anna & David

Hellooooo Fall

First things first, I am officially attending LSU Shreveport this spring 2011! I met with my advisor this morning and I already have a projected graduation date for December of 2011!!!! HOW AWESOME! I can not wait!! I will walk across the stage next year with a Masters of Science in Human Services Administration, the short version - Non Profit Management. David and I have been saving up so that we could pay for my Masters in cash and not have any student loans.PRAISE God it is really coming to be. It is crazy, I used to wander about "what I was going to be when I grew up" and thought of being everything from a female cop to a professional cake decorator. I have finally found my calling. I love working for a cause. I have bigger causes I am wanting to fight and work for one day, but I truly have been in the FOG (Favor Of God) in having Him direct my path and am finally being obedient enough to follow. I have serious problems with trying to plan out our whole life, but I am constantly trying to seek God and ask that His plan be revealed. Every time a new stepping stone is uncovered it could not have come at a more perfect time. I am so thankful to serve such a mighty God. :) He never ceases to amaze me! David and I have a very bright future. :)

Speaking of David and I - we have been super busy. (What's new!?) David is doing SO freaking well at school it makes me sick. ;) He is studying like crazy. He has already been advised for the Winter Quarter and is looking at another full force course load. The one nice thing about the Winter Quarter is that it is split for Christmas/New Year's break. David has 3 weeks left of his Fall Quarter. The one awesome thing about quarter system is that he will finish with all of his Fall Quarter finals the week before Thanksgiving, so he really can take the week of Thanksgiving as a real break. Unlike the semester system - you normally go right into finals when you return from Thanksgiving break. It is the little perks in life that we find such great pleasure in. :)David is already being asked when and where he wants to begin different internships! I just think that is so cool, because in my undergrad I had to beg people to accept me (not really, but I sure wasn't having people approach me!!). He is excited because he can really start to see that light at the end of the tunnel! He has just 2 years left before graduation. That just floors me. I hope our kids get his "smart genes". Lol.

The past month we have really been enjoying teaching our kids at church. The class is like 30-40 kids every Sunday, but now that they know who we are and they really are starting to get into the activities that we have planned, etc. We love being with the children and just watching their young minds absorb Truth. It is awesome to watch the innocence of a child and see first hand what it means to have a child-like faith. We constantly wonder how and what our children will be like.

Work for me has been ever crazy, we are officially in our "busy" season and the phone calls, emails and daily work load reflects that. The last quarter of the year is the biggest giving time for most non profits. The donations are great but it always amazes me how much greater the needs are. Because of the federal grant I work with, I see it first hand. I just have to keep reminding myself constantly that I only have "X,Y,Z" tools and if the person/family is in need of "A,B,C" tools that I can refer them, but that there is nothing else I can do for them. Luckily, the Shreveport Bossier Rescue Mission has great contacts with other agencies in the community so a lot of times we are able to refer someone to help elsewhere if we do not have what they need. It is a hard place to be when you know the needs are great of so many, but it is the most unbelievable feeling in the world when you can assist someone/family. It brings an indescribable joy that you can not experience any other way. This holiday season I would encourage you to research what kind of opportunities are in your local community that you could help out - and make it a family event! What better way to show your children how blessed you/they are than to help someone first hand, right in your own community! I think sometimes we think of "needy" individuals in foreign places or the wrong side of the tracks, but all too often they might just be your neighbor or the person who sits next to you on the pew each Sunday. Give back, doesn't matter how great or small, give back - it DOES make a difference!

Ok, off my soap box. ;) Did I mention I love what I do? Lol.

Things that David and I are looking forward to this November:
*Starting another running program (got some new extra bouncy shoes this past weekend!) :)

*Finishing up "odd and in" projects around the house. (Not looking forward to doing them - but looking forward to the finished result and being able to check it off our list!)

*Getting to take a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday off from work! We are not going to be able to go any where for Thanksgiving so we have peeps coming to see us!

*Seeing family

God is so awesome and I can't wait to see what other great surprises He has in store for us; knowing full and well that He has had the 'surprises' planned the entire time. SO COOL.

Last thing, here is a recent pic of David and me. He took me on a hot date night for sushi!

Playing Catch Up

I left off with the birthday party celebrations of August! The last weekend in August David and I went with some dear friends to the lake! We rented a house right on the water. It was perfect. We went fishing when we wanted to, we slept when we wanted to, we laughed non stop - it was great. That weekend we were celebrating yet another birthday - April's!! It was such a great way to end the summer. We had a fish fry on Friday night and grilled out Saturday night. We caught over 50 Brehm (or something like that) and yes, I caught the biggest one!!! :) Everyone said it was just beginners luck - I would like to think of it as skill. Haha.

Labor Day weekend David and I spent working. My family has these old stores that used to be a grocery store, general store, feed store, etc. Basically my family had the Walmart of the 1950's. :) Anyway, we got to clean out one of the stores - Durrett Bro General Store. It was definitely an experience that we hope to never repeat. :) However, we still have a long way to go to get it how we want it. We are hoping to get the stores registered to the National Historic Registry and see what happens from there - basically, LOTS of paperwork to be filled out. :)

The month of September has been busy as usual. David started his 2nd year of college!!! He is taking Accounting, Business Law, Biology 2, and Econ. He LOVES school! Tonight I get to go with him to his Business Law class and I am super pumped!!! In the past year that I have been at the SBRM, I have been really starting to contemplate law school. I am getting some crazy awesome networking connections and experience - so we shall see! We are talking a good 4 yrs before anything would be official or I could even attend.... A lot could change between now and then - but if it is God's will then I will go! David's bus law professor is excited for us and has no problem letting me sit in on some of his classes to see if the content would really be something I am interested in doing. Pretty cool if you ask me! His professor is the retired D.A. for Ruston. I can't wait. :)

At the beginning of the month I ran my 2nd 5K! It was at Brookwood Baptist Church in Shreveport and the proceeds of the run went to support the SBRM! Naturally, I represented the Mission. It was really neat though, because David's brother Tim got to do it with me. I really enjoy running, however I do not enjoy shin splints. I have had to take 2 weeks off from running because of them. :( I hope to get back at it this week.

Also, I have been hard at work getting ready for our annual Got Heart for the Homeless Benefit. We had co-author Ron Hall of Same Kind of Different As Me and What Difference Do It Make? as our guest speaker. It was an incredible night! We had a total profit of 95K! Not too shabby and there still could be more coming in the mail!

October is vastly approaching and we have a jam packed month, but here are some of the things we are looking forward to:

*COOLER weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*David's Best Man in our wedding, Big Rob, is getting married again - and we get to see lots of old friends from Dallas at the wedding. :)

*Getting to go to Dallas, not one but two weekends!!

*Spending time with the padres. I know it is really sad that I will be 25 in March, but I do miss them.

*getting ready for SBRM's next event October 16 - Wheels for Meals Car Show and Chili Cook Off and we will be introducing a COOKIE CAPER (basically a cookie sale!)

*Aunt Nancy and Mike are coming to visit....

*My BFF from high school is getting married on 10/10/10 in NYC!

*Bonfire SeAsOn

*My girlfriend April is going to teach me how to make red beans and rice, gumbo and other traditional southern Louisiana food! Can NOT wait!!!!

Those are just to name a few. We are truly enjoying each other's company and finding pleasure in the simple things. We are making strides in our Dave Ramsey Financial Peace plan and looking forward to being debt free!

Happy Fall Everyone! <3

Boss Birthday Surprise

Happy Birthday Babylove!

August 15, 2010 my handsome hubby had his 32nd birthday!! It was a wonderful weekend that my parents were able to come in town to help celebrate. We had a great time. Saturday night we had a party for David at his favorite restaurant here called JR's Place. It is just a little dive that unless you are a local - you wouldn't ever know about. :) We had our friends April & Philip, Mom & Dad, Myself, Aunt Lennis and my 2nd cousin's Sue & Paul join in on the occasion. It was a fun time had by all! David was blessed with several cards, money, clothes, and a few other items. He isn't a huge fan of celebrating birthday's but this year he really was able to just enjoy it. I know this coming year will be an amazing one and I can't wait to share it with you! Love you punkin pie. :)

Weekend of The Cross 2010

The last weekend of July, David and I took off from work and spent our weekend volunteering for an event at our church called Weekend of The Cross. This event has been going on for about ten years and it is kind of like a "staycation" but instead in a mission trip version. What I mean is, we stay in Ruston, La at the Louisiana Tech dorms and helped people all throughout North Louisiana. There were several churches that came together and made up 32 groups of youth and adults. We had groups all the way from down south in Slidell, to as far west as Texas. Everyone was randomly placed into a group and given a job task for the weekend. I was placed with two other adult counselors and five youth. David and I both stayed at the Tech dorms too. Below is a picture of our lovely accommodations! (SOOO KIDDING). :) It was fun though, my roommate was one of my good friends, Missy.


Once our group gathered that first morning, we drove to the work site. Our group was given the task of building a wheelchair ramp, lucky me, I have never built such a thing. I was in charge of pictures, and talking and helping the kids build a relationship with our lady. When we arrived, right off the bat we hit a glitch. No one was home! What?!?! They knew we were coming didn't they? There were a couple of numbers on our sheet of paper and so we called. Come to find out our lady, Mrs. Loyd was unexpectedly back in the hospital. So, naturally, I suggested we go see her! Hello! What elderly person doesn't like company?! We called the family and they gave us the go-ahead to go. Right then our group decided we would work for 3/4 of the time and spend the rest of that day at the hospital. I was pumped.
In the mean time, we got busy!



This was our friend, Lulu. She was supposed to be a "police dog" for Mrs. Loyd and bite and be scary. Needless to say, she was by far the WORST "police dog" ever and in fact wouldn't stop licking everyone! :) Too funny. We told Mrs. Loyd and she just shook her head like "great." lol.

Anyway, did I mention we had two INCREDIBLE adult men on my team?!?! Mr. Bruce was from FUMC Monroe and Mr. Billy is from Trinity UMC in Ruston. Both had experience out the ears of how to build a wheelchair ramp! It was soooo cool to not only learn but watch as the youth just absorbed their wisdom. *Just in case you are wondering, I did in fact work, but the adults had strict instructions to INSTRUCT and not just do the project and let the kids watch.* ;) I did learn how to "toe-nail" a screw. :) See, told you I did work!

By the second morning the group was ready to knock the project out so we could go see Mrs. Loyd! We finished by noon. It worked out perfect, because we were able to complete our project, but do it BEFORE the peak heat of the day hit! After lunch we went to Mr. Billy's house and made a quick slide show to take to Mrs. Loyd so she could see what she had to look forward to when she came home! We also stopped by Walmart to print a picture of our group, get a frame for the picture, and a couple of night gowns for her to have. This woman was precious. She is the mother of 10 children, over 20 grandchildren and several great grands. She just glowed when you spoke of Christ. She shared her testimony with us and how she was saved and baptised. She prayed with us and by the second day, she claimed us as 'friends'. This woman is a jewel. The best part was listening to her lead our prayer the second day. She could hardly get the words out, she was so overwhelmed with happiness. She said that her husband had passed just a year prior and that he constantly prayed for her to get a wheelchair ramp in fear of her falling. It was by far one of the most amazing experiences to know in that very moment of time, no matter how each one of us got to the Weekend of the Cross, God had been planning for that answer to prayer for years. When I think about it, I can hardly understand! OUR GOD IS SOOOO INCREDIBLE! It is THE most amazing thing to know YOU are part of answering a prayer, even better - when you had NO idea. :) Overall, the trip was definitely impacting. David and I were both thrilled to sleep in our own bed come Sunday night, but it was definitely an experience. I truly believe, Mrs. Loyd will heal faster now and be able to enjoy her home knowing she can get in and out freely because of the wheelchair ramp.

Summer Fun

This summer has been a total blast! After getting home from Aly's wedding we have had something going on every weekend. :) 2 weeks after the wedding on June 26, 2010 I ran in my first 5K ever! It was awesome. I finished 3 mins under the time I had set for myself, and I can't wait to run in my next 5k. I plan to run September 11th's 5K in Shreveport to help support the Shreveport Bossier Rescue Mission (where I work)!!! It is a great way to start your weekend and dang, talk about a sense of accomplishment! HELLO!!!!! Anyway, 5 of us ran together at the Peach Festival 5K in Ruston, La.

David and I attended our 3rd Takin' It to the Streets outreach ministry that the Rescue Mission puts on for lower income areas in the Shreveport community. It was blazing hot, but we had fun spreading the love of Christ to others through - SNOW CONES - of all things! :) I love more than anything I have married such a Godly man that supports me in all that I want to do to help others!

These are just some random pictures of us. We spent 4th of July in Dallas with my parents, celebrating Fathers Day with my dad and just getting to spend time enjoying family on our 3 day weekend. We also went to see Toy Story 3 with some friends of ours - if you know me, you know that I LOVE Disney! Since as far back as I can remember I have collected Disney movies and of course, I hope to share them with our kids one day! Toy Story 3 was so cute. It was a great triple couple date night! :)

Other than the craziness that I have already spoke of, we have just been doing the usual - work, school, church, etc. :) We stay busy and love every minute of it. God is good and is blessing us more than we deserve. When you seek Him first - He not only gives you the desires of your heart, but also funds the way for His plan to be fulfilled!

Lil Sis Ties the Knot!

June was an exciting month. We stayed super busy, but had so much fun!
On June 12, 2010 my little sister was married to the man of her dreams. They had a unique wedding in Southern Indiana. It was everything Aly had dreamed of and more. They were married in the oldest United Methodist Church still holding services today in Indiana. It is a one room church building; with no AC and wood framed windows included. The best part about the wedding location was that our only living grandparents were able to attend. That made the trip and wedding perfect. I took several pictures but here are some of the highlights. :) Enjoy!



David, Me, Mom & Dad after the wedding

David being... well David! :)

Us :)

Aly and I with Granny

The 2 son-in-laws. my parents are so lucky. :)

Sisters.

Thompson's Chapel

Ohio River - view from our B&B

My precious Grampsie-poo :) (yes, that is what I call him)

David and I at Rehearsal Dinner

Childhood friend Jennifer (she was in my wedding) - I love her!

Mommy and Me :)


We had a great weekend with friends and family. I love my family and am so thankful for the time to get away and catch up!