It's a Hard-Knock Life...Preacher's Life That Is

To say that being a preaching family is hard might be the biggest understatement ever made. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my church family, and I love the work that we are doing for the Lord here in Fairview. This is really an appreciation for all that our dear friends go through every day trying to work for the Lord. I guess when I went through the preaching school and listened to all that the instructors told us about how it would really be, I guess deep, down inside I never really truly believed that it would be that way. There are so many days when you feel like you work your fingers (and heart) to the bone and no one really cares. Not only do they not care, they say horrible, hurtful things that makes all your work seem to have been done in vain. Not to mention those doing the talking are 99% of the time doing none of the work. But that's o.k. I know that if I continue to pray to God, he will fix it. He will open my eyes and make me realize that regardless of what people do, think, or say, he is proud that we (meaning preaching families) have decided to dedicate our lives to bring souls to Him. To all my friends, I pray for your work everyday, as I know you pray for ours. Just remember what Brad always says, "Our retirement is out of this world!" It is such a sobering thought to think that one day all of this hard work will pay off when we hear those words "Well done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant" Matt. 25:21. Hang in There Guys...We Love You All!

13 Years Ago Today...

I married my Best Friend!!!

Love you Brad!

2010 in Review and a Look Into 2011...

Well let me start off by saying Happy New Year to You and Your Family! It is so hard for me to believe that it is the year 2011. It seems like the older I get the faster time goes (oh, that's what my parents were always saying :) As always this year has been a year of change in our family. We started our new work here at Fairview, and so far (keep your fingers crossed) things have went great. We have met and been accepted by a wonderful Christian family here. They are very active (as compared to most congregations) and we keep very busy. The kids are very involved with Lads to Leaders and I have watched them grow so much spiritually this year. To watch my shy little man lead singing at the devos makes me want to cry, it's amazing! The church also started a pre-school program this year, which I am director. I love it! We are going to expand the program into this summer and I am very excited about the possibilities it holds. This summer me and Brad got to renew our vows at Tybee Island. It was wonderful to get to have that experience and renew my love with Brad. This fall I had to have my hysterectomy. It was a long recovery (due to my unique condition), but was soooooo worth it. I am feeling great right now. All my pain is gone and no periods...WHOO! WHOO!!! As far as the new year is concerned, I have lots of goals (as always :) My number 1 goal is to lose some of the weight that I gained during my recovery. Some great friends at church are helping with that. There are several of us couples at church who are competing in a "Biggest Loser" competition. Since I am super competitive and HATE to lose that should keep me on track! We shall see :)

A Parent Must-Have!

For all of you parents of small children, this "Elf on the Shelf" is something you must get. I will admit that I have never heard of this little guy until some friends here at Fairview introduced us. He comes with a story book that tells all about him. How he works is once your child gives him a name he comes to "life". He shows up sometime before Christmas at your house. He hides out everyday in a new place and observes what is going on. At night, he goes back to the North Pole and reports to Santa, then returns to your house in a different location the next day. Christmas Eve night, he gets to go back to the North Pole with Santa until the next holiday season. Jacob and Carley have had so much looking for "Samson" (our elf) every morning., plus it works as a good threat :) Here in Nashville you can find him at most Hallmark's and Gift Shops, but he is also available online.

Snow Days...

Well it's official, Nashville has had there first snow day of the season. We measured somewhere between 4 and 5 inches. We were out of school Monday, late start Tuesday, and early release Wednesday. Talk about a crazy week.

Look at my handsome husband (all for that ugly hat...hehe!)

Here's my little angel all bundled up. It was a balmy 6 degrees!

Here is my rough and tumble ALL boy. His favorite thing to do is throw snow at people.

But pay backs can be dangerous!

The best part of a snow day...Hot Chocolate!

Finally Made It...

Over the hump that is. I finally got to live a somewhat normal life yesterday after 5 weeks. I was able to go to church yesterday morning, out to eat with my hubby, by the grocery store with Brad to get a few things, and back to church for singing last night. I will tell you by the time church was over last night I was in a lot of pain, but the good news is I made it. I did come home and lay on the couch and take a pain pill, but overall am feeling pretty good. I am just glad the worst is behind me and hopefully all this will soon be a distant memory. Hopefully I can start getting ready for the holidays. The cold weather this weekend made me want to Christmas shop :)

A Little Better

Well it has now been a little over 4 weeks and I am still getting a little better everyday. This week I have actually managed to get out quite a bit. Brad took me to get my hair done, which was sooooooo overdue. I cannot even begin to explain how bad my color looked. I also got out to vote, went to see Jamie play ball, and went to Target today (oh how I've missed thee). Jamie actually got to play basketball last night at Vandy. It was so neat to get to see her playing at a big SEC school. They lost, but at least they were there. I still move really slow and am sore, but am trying to get my body back to moving again. I am hoping to go to church Sunday for the first time since my surgery. I have missed being in worship so much! The only set back I am worried about is being able to sit on the pews for a whole hour. Sitting is still really uncomfortable, so we will keep our fingers crossed that I'll make it.