Pics of our NY trip

Here are some pictures we took on our trip to New York to visit Paul's family.

The trip started out in Scio, where Paul grew up. We had a lot of fun riding tractors, hiking on the family property, shooting guns (I'm turning into a true country redneck!), taking Grandma to the 4th of July parade in Andover, going to see the fireworks and eating fried dough, getting together with family friends, and relaxing with Mom and her boyfriend. Ryan (Paul's brother) was there the first 2 days.

On our way to visit Dad, we stopped to see our good friends the Cooks in Spencerport. I met their adorable 2-year-old son, Jesse, for the first time. What a cutie! They cooked us a fabulous lunch, and we had a good time catching up.

The last 2 days or so were spent with Dad and his girlfriend at their beautiful log cabin in Hamilton. It's amazing what they've done in just a year! We looked at pictures of the building process, and it was quite remarkable. I still don't understand how they hoisted those huge logs up without a crane! They have a nice garden in the back, like Paul and I want to have soon, with lots of vegetables. Paul made some frames for the horseshoe pits and we played a few rounds. Unfortunately Dad got sick with a 24-hour bug while we were there, but the rest of us just enjoyed hanging out and relaxing.

July

Wow! I can't believe how fast July is going by. I'm not going to write much now, but I'll give everyone a condensed version of what's been going on with me and Paul. For the 4th of July, we drove to upstate New York to visit family, and so Paul could show me how beautiful his hometown is in the summer. We stayed with his mom for the first 5 days, then went up to his dad's log cabin for the last 2 days. In the midst of travelling from one place to the next, we stopped in Spencerport (near Rochester) to visit some good friends of ours.

Last week, two of my very best college friends, Mem and Mir (nicknames), came to visit for a few days. Mir brought her precious 2 1/2 year old daughter with her. We had a blast hanging out together, going to the beach, shopping, and talking! Paul was gone on an 8 day trip to the middle east, so it was good to have company. It made the time fly by, and Paul was back before I knew it.

I've got pictures to post from our trip and friends visiting, but I'll have to do that later. For now, I'll leave you with some fun stuff. My friend Allison introduced me to this cool website where you can get music to post on your blog. It's called Radio Blog Club. How fun is this!!??
I found the song I posted the words to a few posts back (for some reason this one takes a little while to play):


2 more good songs:

My Hubby and Me & Darling Daisy

Paul and I went to his squadron commander's going away party a few weeks ago down at the Isle of Palms. We had a good time and met some more squadron folks.

Our baby girl is getting SO big. Paul weighed her today and she was 32.5 lbs. Here she is in all her puppy glory...proudly carrying her puppy fish (a chew toy).

Stampin' and Scrappin' at Tybee

I was invited to Tybee Island (off the coast of Savannah, GA) with a few girls in early June for a scrapbooking weekend getaway. Two girls came in from out of town, so I didn't think I'd know them...but as it turns out, I did! They were both in Altus when Paul and I were, and we all attended the same church and Sunday school class. Small world...especially the Air Force world! The weekend was so much fun, even though it rained the entire time. I don't do a whole lot of scrapbooking yet, but I do make cards and other fun things, so I kept busy. It was fun to see everyone's projects come together! Here are a few pics of our weekend.
By the way, Megan (the girl in the pink) had her baby a few days ago, so make sure you hop over to her blog and congratulate her and her hubby on their little boy!

Paul's family visits

I know...I've been really bad about blogging lately. I've got quite a bit to post too, I just haven't had the motivation to get on the computer and do it. Paul's mom, sister, brother, and brother's girlfriend came to visit us at the end of May. It was so good to have them here, and Paul and I really enjoyed showing them around Charleston. We did put them to work one day laying sod...so a big thanks to them for helping us get that done so fast! Our wonderful neighbors pitched in too!
Here are some pictures from their visit. I didn't make it to Magnolia Plantation with them, but I liked some of the pictures they took and added them. Enjoy! If anyone else wants to come visit, let us know! There are lots of things to do in and around Charleston!

Happy Birthday Mom!

We've shared many good (and not so good) times together. I am so very blessed to have you as my mom. You mean the world to me. I cherish our relationship, and I love you so much!

Father's Day

This is the insert I made for my dad's memorial service (Paul helped me with it). I truly miss him this Father's Day.

My Dad

Well, it's been a month since my dad passed away. May 14th. His memorial service was on the 18th. Thank you to all who drove and flew from all over to attend his service. It meant so much to my mom and me to have your support and to know that my father touched so many lives. He was a wonderful man, and I miss him terribly.

In those last two weeks of his life, in hospice care, I was able to share some sweet moments with my dad. I got to tell him how much I loved him, what a wonderful father he was, how much he taught me. I let him know that if he needed to go be with Jesus, that was alright. He didn't need to worry about me and Mom...we were going to be okay. We would take care of each other, and Paul would take good care of me. Even though he was unable to respond there at the end, I knew he could hear me. He squeezed my hand. I feel lucky to have had that time to say all I wanted to say before he left this world. So many people lose a loved one in an instant and then wish they had said certain things. I just hope my dad didn't suffer. The wonderful nurses and doctors at Peachtree Christian Hospice were so good to him, and I know they did everything they could to make my father comfortable.

I do feel the need to mention something. It's the power of prayer and the power of God. Throughout this tough time, my mother and I often talked about feeling a strength we didn't know we had. We felt a certain peace and comfort. We wondered why we weren't crying more, even though we had our moments. The night of the service, Mom and I were up late discussing these things with her sister, Jeannie. All of a sudden it just kind of hit Jeannie and she exclaimed "that's what we've been praying for!" Mom and I had been experiencing the Lord's comfort, peace, and strength (and still do!). These are things we had specifically been praying for ourselves, and I know others were as well. It's amazing what prayer can do! Thank you to everyone who prayed for us...we certainly felt the results! I truly don't know how someone can get through an event like this without faith in Jesus Christ.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Can I ask a favor of everyone? Father's Day is just around the corner. If you still have your father, please let him know how much he means to you. Tell him how much you love him and admire him. You never know when you won't be able to say those words again.

Meaningful Song

Last Sunday Paul and I attended North Point Community Church here in Alpharetta. During the worship time, we sang a familiar song which had new meaning to me. As I sang the words, I realized how simple, yet how profound they were. The song talks of praising the Lord in good times and bad, when things are going perfectly, and when you're in the valley of dispair. I took that to heart and realized that even though things are rough right now for my family, I still must praise God for who He is and what He's done in our lives. I don't always understand everything, but I must trust that God is in control. I can't let my circumstances keep me from praising my Lord! Right now I think I'm writing more as an encouragement for myself than anything else, so I'll get on with the song.

Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman
- - -
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Visit to Bluffton

On Saturday, Paul and I visited our friends Heather and Brent and their twins in Bluffton, SC. Heather is a dear friend of mine from high school and college. I'm so lucky to be closer to some old friends now. We had a great time hanging out, playing with their 2 1/2 month old twins, and eating a wonderful dinner. They introduced us to a true southern dish: lowcountry boil, which consists of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes all boiled in the same pot with special spices. It was really good! Thanks Heather and Brent for having us over! Here are some pics I took of their precious babies, Caroline and Wyatt. They are too cute for words! I just wanted to take them home with me! I hope she doesn't mind me posting these :)

Rain

This morning in my Bible study group, we watched a short video entitled "Rain." Then we divided into our small groups and discussed the storms of our life, the trials we face, and the foundation we need to have to get through the difficult times when things don't make sense. This may be a little more personal than what I usually share on my blog, but I got a little emotional discussing the major storm in my life right now. As most of you know, my dad is not doing very well. He still has a blood clot in his leg, severe acne on his face, chest, and back from one of the chemo drugs, and he just had surgery on Monday to relieve some hemorrhoid discomfort. He seems to be going downhill rapidly and gets weaker every day. We were informed about 2 weeks ago that his last MRI showed a 25% increase in the size of his brain tumors since February. And there is only one more chemo drug to try. I don't think any of us realized that we're nearing the end of the treatment road so quickly. I feel the only thing left to do is pray for a miracle. Please, please pray for my father...I beg you. He really needs a miracle. I know the Lord is in control of all things, and He will carry my family through this storm, but it gets tough.

When the waters rise, it sure does help to have a foundation built on Christ Jesus. Jesus told a parable about 2 guys in Matthew 7:24-27...one built his house on rock and the other built his house on sand. When the rain came down, the streams rose, and the wind blew, only one house was left standing. It's a fact that we are going to go through trials in our lives. Like the video this morning said, "When the rains come, it's not like they might...they do. It rains in our lives...alot." But remember that God is ready to carry us through those hard times. Deuteronomy 1:31 says "There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son..."

The Bible also says "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." What an assurance that is! That verse gives me great comfort. God has it all figured out, even when we don't. He loves us dearly and desires a relationship with us. Whatever you are going through right now, rest assured that God is in control. Cling to Him and let Him carry you through. Don't try to get through the storms of life on your own.

If you would like to see the "Rain" video I watched today, it's online. Click here and then click on "Play 001 Rain Film" in the blue box. It's only 11 minutes long and it's really good!

Paul's Dollar Ride

About a month ago, Paul went on his first real trip in the C-17. They call that his "dollar ride." Well, the guys decided to play a few jokes on Paul, being the new guy and all. One was a soaking with a 5 gallon bin of water. They got him pretty good. See for yourself...they got it on video!
They also put pillow stuffing in his bags (even in his dirty laundry), and put this yellow powder dye in his socks (which he trekked across our bedroom floor unknowingly). You should have seen the color of the water when we soaked those socks! Anyway, he had a good trip overall. They went to Germany, Jordan, Qatar, and India. I'm glad to have him back home, but I know he's looking forward to his next trip.

Chaleston Newcomers Tour

Last Thursday Paul and I went on a Charleston Newcomers Tour offered by the Air Force base. It was really good! We picked up a genuine Charleston tour guide at the visitor center and she told us all about the city. We certainly learned alot. We drove around Charleston, visited The Citadel, checked out the fancy homes South of Broad on the Battery, went by the famous Rainbow Row, stopped at Waterfront Park, ate lunch on Market Street at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., drove through Mount Pleasant, stopped at Fort Moultrie on Sulivan's Island, and last but not least viewed the beaches and houses on the Isle of Palms. It was an all-day event, and we enjoyed it very much. Here are some pictures I took. They're not great because most of them were taken while on the bus, but it gives you an idea of the sights we saw. Just click on the picture below...you have the option of viewing them in a slideshow. And let us know when you want to come visit!

Newcomers Tour

Wow!

A friend of mine sent this to me in an email. I found it on the web and decided to post it instead of sending it out. WOW...is all I have to say. It is so applicable to me right now since I've been studying about end time events in my Bible study group. We've been doing a Beth Moore study on the book of Daniel, and my goodness...my eyes have been opened to so many truths I can't even begin to describe what I've been learning. And I came in half-way through the study, so I only did the second half! Let me just say that God's Word is AMAZING!!! Things that Daniel prophesied about actually happened...like the 4 empires: Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman; Alexander the Great's reign, and Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Some took place in Daniel's lifetime, others took place hundreds of years later. You can read history books and see what happened...just as the Bible foretold. And there are things that haven't happened yet. But they will...I truly believe that these events will take place in time. Jesus is coming back to earth and those who have put their faith in HIM will be taken up in the rapture (just as this video portrays). You'd better be ready! Don't be left behind. There are things that will happen here on earth that you don't want to be here for, trust me. Just gives you something to think about. If you'd like to know more or want to discuss a different view, please let me know...I'm fired up about this stuff and love to talk about it!

A Budding Friendship

Almost looks like a kiss! I'm sure Beau says "No way! I was just sniffing her."

All Dressed Up

Last Friday night Paul and I attended the Moose Stomp for his squadron. It was a formal "dining-out" where you dress up and have a good time. There are lots of Air Force traditions carried out throughout the night and rules you have to follow. For example, we could not clap our hands...instead we had to bang our spoons on the table to express applause. If you broke a rule, you had to take a drink from the grog bowl (if you saw what went into it, you would definitely not want to go there!). It was my first dining-out experience, so I enjoyed getting to see how everything played out.

Daisy Duke

Well, our little girl is doing well! Beau is starting to tollerate her more now, although he still growls and barks at her when she wants to play. I took a few pictures of Daisy out in the yard a few days ago. Isn't she the sweetest thing?!? I apologize in advance for all the pictures I will be posting of our baby girl...she really is the highlight of our life right now! We talk about and treat her and Beau like they are our children.

A few days ago, Paul took an after-work nap on the couch with Daisy. She just curled right up on his chest and fell asleep. She is such a cuddle bug!

The newest addition to our family!

Meet Daisy...our new puppy! Paul and I decided to get a playmate for Beau, since he seems to be bored often. We've been talking about it for a while now...I guess it started when we were in Altus. But just the other day Paul saw an ad in the base classifieds for free puppies. He went to take a look, but they only had one puppy left, and someone had already called before Paul did. When those people came to see him, they took him...so we were out of luck. However, the next day we got a call saying that one little girl puppy came back to them because the lady that took her didn't realize how much work a puppy was. We went to see her on Sunday after church and fell in love! She came home with us! We've named her Daisy, to go along with the whole Dukes of Hazard theme with our animals. She's a 6 week old mix of German Shepherd and Redbone Coonhound. She's a real sweetheart...loves to cuddle up in my lap and fall asleep. Beau is not too sure of her yet. He growls at her when she wants to play - what a grumpy old man he has become! Today I said he reminded me of Eyore from Winnie the Pooh. He's just a little depressed that he's not the center of attention anymore. We'll see how he is in a few weeks.

Birthday Surprises

A few weeks ago, I celebrated my birthday. My hubby surprised me with a night out at the cute little tea room I blogged about earlier! He also surprised me with an MP3 player, which I have been wanting for a while. He got me a Samsung YP-T9J, which is sooo much better than one I would have picked out. He really did his research and found a totally awesome one! It can even play videos and slideshows! Not that I need it to do all that, but it's supercool and so very tiny and light. He also got me 2 other things I have been wanting for some time, but had no idea he even knew. One is a welcome mat that says "Warning: Dog can't hold it's licker," which is absolutely perfect for our slobbery dog Beau. The other is a glass cake keeper that turns upside-down and turns into a punch bowl.

My parents came up the day after my birthday to visit and see our new house. With them, they brought my new Kenmore Progressive canister vacuum cleaner (a birthday gift)! It may sound crazy, but I have been desperately wanting a new vacuum cleaner for months! I did some research and found these vacuums did well in Consumer Reports. I was soooo excited to vacuum with it for the first time! I did the entire house and was enthusiastic about it! Now it's just a question of how long my excitement can last. Cleaning is not my favorite task, but at least for now it's fun.

Unfortunately while my parents were here, my dad ended up in the hospital for 4 days after experiencing a seizure. As most of you know, he has a GBM (glioblastoma multiforme), the worst type of brain tumor. It's been almost 15 months since he was diagnosed. He has been doing so well, but recently there have been a few bumps in the road. He has his appointment at Duke tomorrow, so maybe we'll find out what is causing this increase in seizure activity. Please keep my father in your prayers. Thank you!

During my parents time here, we did manage to make it to Azalea Park, which is in downtown Summerville. Here are some of the pictures I took while we were there.

Tagged

I'm back from Atlanta, where I had a wonderful time with my parents, Allison, and her mom. I'll write more about that later.

I've been tagged by a "bloggy friend" to do a meme. She tagged me a while ago, and I just haven't gotten around to doing it until now.

The Page 123 Meme

1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Open to page 123, look down to the 5th sentence.
3. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog.
4. Include the title and the author's name.
5. Tag 3 People.

"The only thing my husband has found is another excuse to go off and do his own thing. And excuse me for saying so, but this is none of your business." I turned away from him and looked straight ahead.
-A Day with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory
(This is a short book and didn't have 123 pages, so I just used page 12 instead.)

I tag Allison and Heather (I don't have that many friends that blog, so I am only going to tag 2.) Have fun! I hope to see yours on your websites!