Happy Anniversary. . .

. . .to me!! Can you believe--today is our 3rd anniversary . . .And it is true as most say--that it has only gotten better (and much easier!) Now--Brett understands my emotions and I understand his jokes--at least for the most part :) I can truly say that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband. What we think we want and what we need in life is often different. But when the Lord choose Brett -- He gave me both!

I just thought I'd include a couple of wedding photos for those of you who weren't there.

Taking Time

Wow--almost 2 months have gone by since I last wrote. I'm amazed at how often I think of things that I want to write or pictures I want to post--but it just doesn't get done.

Why? Simply because I just don't take the time. We all have 24 hours in a day, but how we use our time differs. Now I have been busy (I just returned from Honduras on a medical missions trip--I'll give an update soon--this is a picture of a suspended bridge that we crossed), but we make time for what we want to make time for.

Being in Honduras was actually quite relaxing. We worked during the days, but my mind and every minute was not filled with "all of the things" "I need to do." You know those thoughts. It really made me think about what I have on my plate and should it all be there.

Now, I don't know if my plate will change, but I do want to make a commitment to do the things I feel impressed to do and to call people when their names come to mind (or e-mailing, texting, etc.) instead of waiting for that "perfect" moment. As we know--perfectionism is often the causing factor for procrastination. We often wait for the "perfect" time--which we also know--never comes. I think I have missed many blessings in addition to blessing others because of this.

Scripture often refers to "today." "This is the day. . . " "Today is the day. . ." "Don't worry about tomorrow. . ." So my challenge is to not delay those things that will cause more grief if put off another day and to avoid putting off contacts that may end up having eternal consequences and rewards.

Now, I have many things I "need" to be doing--but I have a friend on my mind, and instead of waiting for the perfect moment . . .I'm off to call her. . . I hope you do the same.

Fun for Two

This past week I told Brett that I wanted to go ride bikes around the LSU lakes. I just finished the semester (1 more to go!), but he is still studying, so time is limited.

I was so excited when I saw him taking out the bikes. I love being outside, especially riding with him. We rode for an hour around the LSU lakes--and it definitely wasn't just just a joy ride as Brett kept going faster and I kept panting louder.

(Brett running down the street--not sure what he was doing! :) and loading the bikes in the truck)

But all in all--it was great exercise and a great day! I can't wait for another one like it. Maybe next time we'll hit them Louisiana "mountain" trails!

An Heirloom

I've been sewing a lot lately, and I'm often distracted mentally because I'm thinking up some new design or idea for a little girl's dress. It's amazing how God uses everything--even that which distracts us--to speak to us.

Tonight, I had a simple revelation of how the Lord intricately hand stitches our lives --each stitch carefully sewn with precision and utmost control. What I love about hand sewing is that you do have control over each stitch. When I sew something predominately by hand, I choose the best fabrics and laces--because the time invested and the resulting heirloom is worth the best materials. We are no different. We were not put together on an assembly line, but we have been carefuly crafted "woven in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13) by the hand of the Lord.

We are an heirloom, precious in His sight.

This was a newborn gown I made for my a friend's miracle son. The tatting, pleats, and embroidery were all sewn by hand (I didn't make the tatting--just sewed it on!) Below is a bonnet that I also made for a friend.

My Special Girl

I've been thinking about Caroline a lot this week. I'll never forget when she was born. She was such a wonderful, content baby. She hardly ever cried and was incredibly peaceful. As she grew--she became "my special girl."

She went everywhere with me--Chi Alpha functions, high school football games (when I was teaching), speech tournaments--everywhere. I'll never forget the 1st time I baby sat her. She was a few months old and I called Lisa at 1:00 am--because she was "breathing funny." I was so afraid something would happen to her under my "watch."

She has and still is such a giver of life. She was my friend, my special girl.

I won't forget the time we were just hanging out on a Saturday in an antique store. She was about 4 years old. She just started crying in the store. When I asked her what was wrong, she said "I don't want you to get married." Her reasoning "Because I won't be your special girl any more."

Well, God waited until she was 8--and then I got married. And I was proud to have her in my wedding as my maid of honor.

Now--she is so grown up and absolutely gorgeous. Her heart is so tender and loving toward others and the Lord. She has a beautiful singing voice and is in the UL children's choir. She also plays the guitar, sews, crochets, and is willing to do just about any adventurous thing! A girl after my own heart!

Now instead of going to speech tournaments with me--she is competing in them! I was so proud. Two years in a row she has received a "Superior" rating--and of course, this year, Lisa and I thought she should have placed in the top 3! (She was the best after all!)

Thank you, Caroline--for being who you are. And thank you, Lisa--for sharing your little joy with me!

Indecisiveness

So, I changed the color and face of my blog. . .again. I just like too many things--and when I'm in a different mood--I like to look at something different.

Same = boring to me. And yet the paradox of it all. . . . I really do not like change. I can't quite figure me out sometimes.

I do not like to change jobs, clothes (I don't like going places if it means I have to change clothes), the house. I like everything to have it's place in the house--and not to move it. I don't want to change the type of lawn mower (we experienced that this week), nor do I want to change what I always order at certain restaurants.

So what about you? What things do you like to change? What do you like to remain the same?

Welcome Baby Katherine!

Katherine Isabella

Born April 8, 2008

My friends Brandon and Nicole had a new baby girl. Isn't she sweet--and she's named after me! (Well, Brandon and Nicole liked the name -- and it happened to be mine :) Here she is 1 day old and that's Daddy's hand in the picture.

Congratulations!

Why I love my husband. . .

I love Brett for many reasons, but when I saw this on the grocery list the other day, it just made me smile!

He just loves those cookies!!

I'm Back!

Well, this is a test -- of a new blog.

I really enjoy reading other's blogs and keeping up with you people out there in Washington D.C., Africa, California-- and even those right here in town with me! (You know who you are!)

So--I decided to change blog sites for a number of reasons--but the point is -- I'm back. I look forward to sharing a little part of my life with you.