Father's Day

It's been 24 years since my daddy passed away and yes time does allow the heartache and pain to subside.  What time doesn't allow is for the yearning to go away.  The yearning to have my daddy hold my hand, the yearning to have my daddy give me the big bear hugs he was so good at, the yearning to hear his voice, to see his face, to smell his cologne, to get his advice, to watch him love my children, and to know the peace that came with knowing he was my rock!

We have had such a quiet Father's Day today that it has given me more time than I care to have to miss him and to long for just one more second with him!  Father's Day was always so special with him.  We would get up and go to church, he would wear a rose on his coat lapel ...always a red rose.  A rose that picked out of my parent's yard and it wasn't just a ritual on Father's Day but every Sunday that his roses were blooming.  I can see him now going outside to pick the perfect rose to wear. 

He tolerated and sometimes even loved the gifts we would give him - typical of most fathers I think.  One thing I knew for sure is that no matter what material gift I gave him the most precious gift was just loving him and spending time with him.  And I loved spending time with him.  I always wanted his approval and I always wanted to make him proud.  I pray that I have become a woman he would be proud of, a mother he would be proud of and a grandmother he would be proud of. 

If I could have one more second with him on this side of heaven, just hearing his voice would be enough.  I love you daddy and miss you so much! 

Life may be tough....but I got a God that is tougher

I need to kneel more! 

Lately the only word that I can find to describe myself or my feelings is "unglued".  I am normally a much calmer, a much in control type personality and I am normally more grounded.  What the heck is going on with me?!?!?  Life has gotten tough and it has been challening but this is not the first time my life has had challenges.  Any way when Lent started I asked Loitton to participate in an exercise that I thought we might both benefit from.  Each night after dinner, we are to think of one positive in the day...one thing we are thankful for and write it down.  On Easter morning we are going to look back on all of our post it notes and see how blessed we are.  Well we started on the exercise and the first few days were easy and going great.  Then on about day 12 we hit a wall!  Loitton had no comments and my disappointment in that kept me from wanting to see the positives in my day. Instead of making a big deal about it though I chose to record three days of his exercise as "no comment" and I recorded mine and we moved on.  During those three days I got an email from an online devotion that I read and it was advertising a devotion book called "Unglued".  It is a 60 day challenge to make wise choices in the midst of raw emotions.  It is a tool to help you be less loud when you are upset, less prone to stuff down bitterness and to realize all of this is a work in progress.  It said before you start the 60 day devotion to realize your emotions will still get messy but that is when grace steps in and wraps mercy around us and when we need God the most.  It clicked with me and I knew I need His help, the help that only God can provide and I need time spent with God.  I hope I am up for the challenge and I pray that God will work in me and through me and help me deal with challenging relationships and struggles.  I know God will do his part ....I just need to do mine.  

New Year

I was asked today what my new year resolutions are going to be.  My response was that I do not have any or I guess I should say I'm not making any.  The term  "resolution" seems so formal and seems like  way to set yourself up for failure.  Therefore I would like to think of this new year as 365 days of opportunities.   Opportunities to make each day count.  Opportunities to show my loved ones how special they are.  Opportunities to pray more, eat better, exercise more, stop overcommitting myself, and  start spending more quality time with my family.

I am grateful for 2012 but sure look forward to a new year and pray that God will grant us strength, courage and peace in the days ahead.  I wish the same for you too!    

Just some thoughts

Recently Heather wrote a blog post about some things our family has learned recently. I too had some thoughts on that.  Besides learning that Loitton has prostate cancer, we learned that Loitton has been dealing with Afib for probably years, we learned that faith and family get you through everything in life, we learned that some friends are like family and prayers can be felt.  I also learned a few other things.  I learned that when you tell someone you have prostate cancer you DO NOT want to hear that at least that is a good kind of cancer to have.  There is NO good kind.  I learned that you do not want to have to wait in a doctor's office for 1 and 1/2 hours before being seen.  You do not want to get to the doctor's office for the results of a biopsy and be told that they do not have your results after waiting 10 days.  You are also do not want to have to waits weeks more before being seen by an oncologist. 

On a bright side, you do like to receive encouraging emails, text messages and pictures ...pictures with no words but pictures that speak volumes.  You also like to encounter "angels" .  The day we went to the hospital for Loitton to have his bone scan and CT scan, a lady touched his shirt and told him "good luck and God bless you".  A woman we do not know, have never seen and will never see again.  I like to think an angel.  On that same day as we waited for him to have his scans, another "angel" passed me an envelope and told me that she wanted me to read the contents when I got home.   Minutes later, she asked me to step in the hall and she said I want you to know my paycheck comes from this hospital but I work for a higher Being.  She said she was compelled to encourage me and at that point shared the results of one of the scans with me.  She said our family deserved some good news.  So many times that day we were touched by very special people and text messages.  How awesome. 

We are only beginning this journey but I know God loves us and has plans for us.  I know we will have challenging days, sad days, days where all of this still seems like a bad dream...but I am trusting that we will have many bright days.  Please pray for us and pray that God will sustain us as only God can!         

Tough few weeks

Faith makes all things possible.... love makes all things easy.  That's all I got and that's all I need!!!

F.a.m.i.l.y

Having a place to go - is a home. Having someone to love - is a family. Having both - is a blessing. ~Donna Hedges

I experienced the "blessing" this past weekend.  Our family, minus Kyle and Hunter, decided to turn our annual apple picking trip into a full weekend in the mountains.  What a great decision on our part.  Loitton and I even extended the weekend an extra day and went on Thursday.  We arrived in the mountains of North Carolina, picked up the keys to our house and headed up the moutain to find it.  When we arrived we just stood on the front porch and tried to take in the breath taking view.  Heather did a great job of finding a very special house to accomodate our family.  Loitton and I had dinner and then headed back to the house to enjoy an evening of just the two of us.  We always enjoy and value our time together however we both look forward to our children and grandchildren being with us.  They arrived on Friday evening and we all settled in for a night of family and catching up.  

Saturday we got up and had a great a breakfast.  One thing about our family is we love cooking together and everyone chips in.  Some of the family picks at Owens and won't allow him to cook grits any more however I would eat his grits if he fixed them :)  True Mother's love!  We then ventured out and took a nature walk and visited Chimney Rock and all the little shops there.  Loitton and I wanted to take Morgan Kate for an ice cream cone and just the basics of eating ice cream together as a family was so much fun.  Saturday evening we grilled some delicious steaks with the trimmings and then just hung out.  We even managed to get in a little "training session" on Instagram and Heytell.  We always laugh about feeling like "The Waltons" when it comes to bed time.  We all go around telling each other good night, we love you and lights out.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the Waltons, that was their nightly routine.    

Sunday was our apple picking day.  We go to Sky Top Orchard.  We love taking our picture each year with the measuring stick so we can see how much Morgan Kate has grown.  One thing that we have learned from our annual trips is do not go to the far end of the orchard, pick all your apples and then have to carry them back up the huge hill to pay for them.  This year, we let Morgan Kate pick a few and then we just waited until we got back to the main shed and bought our apples.  Smart move on our part!

As we parted ways to head home on Sunday afternoon, Loitton was just so sure I was going to cry...I normally do when I leave my children.  This time, my heart was just so full and content with love that all I could do was smile and talk about going back again next year.  I love that our children will take the time to spend a weekend with us....may I never take that for granted.  Until next year. 

Getting older and not so crazy about it

I haven't blogged in while.  Not because I don't like doing it but because the days are literally slipping by.  The days turn into weeks which turn into months and here I am 4 months later attempting to write.

In Isaiah 46:3-4, scripture says "I have created you and cared for you since you were born. I will be your God through all your lifetime, Yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you."   With such good hairdressers these days, I'm not sure about the hair white with age, but I know that God will be with me all of my lifetime and take care of me for all of my days.

I have been thinking about age or getting older a good bit lately.  I have always thought that I never "felt my age".  I have always thought I was pretty active, played hard, and tried to stay in fairly good shape.  I have loved that feeling.  Well recently things have changed somewhat.  I have been struggling with my hands....lots of pain and not the strength I am used to having.  I finally decided to go to the doctor and have things checked out.  Convinced I either had carpal tunnel or a torn ligament of some sort.  I go, have an xray and wait for the results.  The doctor actually called me with the results and said it with neither of those things.  It was arthritis!  In that moment I felt old as dirt.  Arthritis...isn't that an old persons problem, not mine.  She said it was from the "wear and tear" on your body.  Wear and tear!  Heck had I known I would pay like this for playing hard I might not would have played so hard.   I mean when you are younger you are encouraged to be active, play sports, enjoy life but no one tells you you might pay for it later in life.  As I started to read about arthritis, it stated that this particular kind shows up in women around the age of 55.  BINGO!  For the next four days I am exactly that.   Then I got sad thinking if I hurt this bad at 55, what the heck will 56 bring! 

I have finally put on my big girl panties and realized that no matter what the age of 56 brings, I will have my God, my family and my friends right beside me.  Even though I might be "feeling my age"
I am determined to press through the pain and not let it get the best of me.  My mom has been dealing with arthritis for many years and I rarely hear her complain about it so hopefully I will follow in her footsteps!   Here's to turning another year older. 
  

Just a plain ole good day!

Over the last few weeks or maybe even longer, my hubby and I have been talking (or wishing) about a new boat.  One that was bigger.  One that would accomodate our family better.  One that even our moms would enjoy.  One where we could just kick back and relax.  Friday morning we ventured out for the boat search!  Our intent was to find a good used one, if there was such a thing.  We went to several places and we found ones that peaked our interest but none that just knocked our socks off.  We would leave each dealership and discuss the boat, the pros and cons, and we were okay with some of the ones we saw.  However early afternoon came and we were beginning to get hungry and tired.  I suggested we have lunch, regroup, and hopefully find other boat places.  Luck has it or I like to think it was a God thing...we got turned around trying to find the place we wanted to eat.  As we were driving Loitton noticed another boat dealership.  He turned to me and said I just think this is going to be the place!  We are going to pull up, see a boat we both like, and buy it.  I chuckled and commented that sure would be nice but I'm not counting on it.  We got out and started to look around.  I immediately saw one I liked and almost at the same exact time he was saying he saw one he liked.  As you can guess, we saw a boat that we both liked!  Woohoo.  We got the salesman to let us get on it and check it out.  Loitton only had two criteria for a boat and this boat had both.  My only critera was something big enough for all my children and grandchildren.  This boat had it all!  It was a big decision so we thought we needed a little time to think about it.  We went to grab a bite to eat.  As we sat there we found ourselves hurrying - we wanted to get back to that boat dealership.  We decided to take a leap of faith and buy it!  It will be in our possession on Thursday and we can hardly wait.  When we have looked back on Friday we just keep thinking to ourselves boy it was just a plain ole good day!  Time together, lunch, found a boat, and lots of laughter.  We look forward to so many more good ole days ahead.             

Tradition

I am the type that loves tradition....things that start and become part of your life and things that you look forward to doing each and every year. Our Spring Banquet at our church is one of those traditions. I started years ago inviting Heather to go with me. It was an opportunity for she and I to spend time together. Spend time together in a room full of Christian women, hearing a Christian message and participating in a mission. From there I invited two of her best friends that have been life long friends. These girls are like my own. I even remember one year getting a Mother's Day card from one of these sweet girls. I still have it to this day as a keepsake of Raven's thoughts and feelings. She may not even remember it but I will never forget it.

In more recent years I included Trenholm...even before she was my daughter in love :) She recently told me how much she looks forward to it and that it is a tradition to her as well. Well Tuesday night, I met the girls and we attended the Spring Banquet. The food was good, the speaker was inspiring and the fellowship superb! The message that night was about finding joy in your darkest moments. I think each of us that night could feel God tugging at our hearts and tugged He did.

Each year they have a door prize. And for the record Trenholm has gotten the door prize at our table for the last four years! I don't care if it goes to the person with the birthday closest to the day of the event or being the youngest at our table, she has received it. I love it!

As the program ended we had to of course get a few pictures. One of these days I will learn how to add a picture to my post :) We then headed out however we ended up in the parking lot talking. I might add that the fellowship time in the parking lot was just as enjoyable as the banquet. Thank you sweet girls for coming (especially on a week night) and sharing your time with me. I love each and every one of you! Until next year.

Spontaneous visit

A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend. That quote whose author is unknown could have been a quote that I masterminded. After all I have a daughter who was my little girl and has grown up to be my friend.

This morning when I woke up I had a longing to spend some time with Heather. I knew Morgan Kate had not been feeling well and that Heather was home with her today. I waited until I thought they might be up and called to check on them. In the conversation I sort of invited myself to theihr house..heck I did invite myself. Probably the quickest shower I took and then headed out. On the way to meet up with them, I reflected on how fortunate I am to have a daughter. I love my sons dearly but girl time is so special to me. We met up and did a little shopping, had a leisure lunch, and then went to Heather's house. Morgan Kate was too cute. She gave me a tour of their home as if I had never been there. She showed me where to find the snacks, where to find her bedroom, her mommy's bedroom and my bedroom. As she took a nap (or at least a little rest) Heather and I spent some time sipping coffee in the back yard. We laughed, we cried and she let me share with her some things that you can only tell your best friend. We even enjoyed God's beauty in the birds singing and a woodpecker hard at work. We laughed and thought of my "daughter in love" Trenholm. That in itself is an inside joke that brought us to laughter. Time slipped away and the afternoon was gone. I had to head home. When I leave her house most of the time I get in the car and listen to the radio. Not today. I just thought back on my spontaneous visit to see my daughter. I thought back on the afternoon of laughter and tears and thought to myself what a wonderful way to spend the day. I am already looking forward to the next time we can get together. I love you Skeeta.

Acts of kindness

After my daddy died in 1989, I would go to church each Sunday and watch another family in our congregation and long to be like them again. By that I mean before my daddy's death, our family would sit together in church as a family unit....my daddy, my mom, and my family. I loved it. After his death, we stil sat in our same spot. Baptist are like that. They find a seat and claim it as their own. (haha) Any way, I would sit there each Sunday and my mind would wander and my eyes would focus on this particular family. This other family consisted of a daddy, a mom, a daughter and all of her family. A family just like ours. I longed for that closeness, that feeling of family, I missed my daddy putting his arm around me, and I missed the excitement that came with my children siting with their grandparents in church.

From those moments in church I developed a friendship with a very special person. When this man and I would make eye contact in church I would wave to him from the balcony of our church (he sat downstairs). He would actually wait after church until I came downstairs to speak to me in person. He eventually joked with my mom about wanting to adopt me. I would chuckle to myself because little did he know of all the days that I sat there wishing my daddy were still alive and envying his family for just being able to sit in church together. Knowing that his family had the same closeness as mine. Knowing that his daughter loved having him put his arm around her in church just like my daddy would do. Knowing that his grandchildren were excited about sitting with their grandparents in church and sneaking candy.

This man is also known for his kind deeds. Deeds that at times go unnoticed because he does them not for the attention but because he has a heart of gold. Many many times while dining out the waitress will come to us at the end of the meal and say that our bill has been taken care of. I know exactly who has done it. The gentle giant who I call my friend. Right now he is battling cancer and it hurts to the core to know the battle ahead of him. It hurts to know how hard he will have to fight. The amazing thing is that while he is battling this demon, he is still thinking of others, still doing for others and still putting smiles on the faces of so many, especially mine! I wish you strength and courage Mr. Sharpton!

Overcoming challenges

I sat here today in my living room...Christmas tree down, decorations down and everything back in place just like it was prior to Christmas. My mind wandered and filled with so many thoughts. I honestly felt so blessed at that moment to just be here. Prior to Christmas I had not been feeling all that great. I made excuses for the discomfort I was experiencing and kept thinking it would get better. Then bang! Loitton and I were shopping in Target and I had a crushing feeling hit me in the chest. I honestly felt like I was going to pass out. It was the pain and feeling similar to what I felt when I broke my foot. So naturally I thought no big deal - it will pass. All throughout that weekend I had discomfort but again I convinced myself it was a pulled muscle or something minor. Monday morning I am at work and that crushing feeling strikes again! I try walking around hoping it would help. I called and went to the doctor. By the time I got to the office, my BP was very high and my EKG was irregular. I was immediately sent to the hospital for further tests. Thank goodness for nitrogylcerin tablets! Never taken one before and hope to never take one again but for that moment I was thanking God for that small tablet. The pain was instantly gone! After lots of tests, it was determined my heart is good and I couldn't be happier. I am on meds for the BP. Swore I would never take meds for that but lesson learned is never say never! Another lesson I am going to have to learn is how to let some things go and not stress! So much easier said than done.

I have certainly had time to reflect on what was a scary time for me. As scared as I was I knew that I know and love my God and trust that when my time comes He will carry me home but I just kept thinking not now! Please not now.

2011 was a challenging year for me. For the first time in the history of our firm, we had to lay employees off. Employess that were friends - tough stuff! In March my boss and friend died. We had enjoyed a working relationship since 1980. I was crushed! I had to overcome and adjust to a "new normal". I gained a new boss (although I had worked with him for just as many years). We had to find a way to press on. Unfortunately in September, due to financial struggles, we closed the firm. I was crushed again! I honestly thought of my job as family and it was like another huge loss in my life. Again, I had to overcome my fears and press on. I am now working for another engineering firm but change is hard at times and it is taking time to adjust. Our family has experienced sadness and hurt in 2011. I am trying to overcome that and praying that other family members are getting stronger and fighting hard on their battles.

We have however experienced some wonderful things in 2011. I gained a daughter in April when Owens, our middle child, got married. She is the love of his life and I couldn't be happier. I also gained a new "niece in love" when my nephew got married. Another niece got engaged as well as a nephew. Our family is growing in leaps and bounds. And to top it off we also have new babies....Reid, Addison, Abigail and Zoe. Whew - I sure hope I am not overlooking anyone or anything. Although all of these are exciting events some brought their own challenges but we overcame!

I think I have always been the type of person that saw a glass half full, not empty! So as I move into 2012 I want my glass to be half full. I don't want to take life for granted. I don't want to allow stress to get the best of me. I don't want to allow circumstances to get the best of me. I do want to continue to focus on God, my family and my friends. After all those are what really count. Happy 2012!

Gratitude is the best attitude

I read recently where if the only prayer you said in your whole life was "thank you" it would suffice.

I have been saying "thank you" alot lately and in part it is because of a "homework" assignment our interim pastor gave us at the beginning of the month. He challenged us at the end of each day in November, to journal three things that we give thanks. He also challenged us to write a note of thanks to someone ....either on this earth now or even someone in our life that may have already passed. Seal the envelope and give it to that person at an appropriate time. If the letter is to someone that was important in your life that may no longer be with you, tuck the letter away for safe keeping.

I have each day, so far, written down the things that I give thanks. It sounds like acknowledging three things each day would be so easy but try it and I think you will see that on some days it is challenging. On some days it seems like I have struggled to give thanks for one thing much less three. I have found myself focusing on the negative of the day instead of the positive good things. However in doing this exercise I was reminded that I should not take so much for granted. I should give thanks each day for a roof over my head, a job, a wonderful husband, beautiful children and grandchildren, amazing family and friends, and the list goes on and on. I have reminded myself that some days it things as simple as your car cranking that I should give thanks. A new light fixture in our kitchen, a nap (something I rarely do), having a printer at work that is hooked up and working. You see what I am saying. Simple things but yet things I give thanks!

Thanksgiving should not be locked into one day of the year. I want to show and give thanks each day. So as our family gathers on Thanksgiving day, we will our hearts of gratitude....we have had an incredibly emotional year for so many reasons. We have experienced miracles of all sorts....not just the birth of babies but the rebirth of hope. God has been so good! Thank you God. Thank you! I love you!

Witness to yet more miracles in our family!

Surprising and welcome event....event to be considered divine...highly improbable or extraordinary event...marvel, wonder, amazing. All of these are phrases or terms that describe what a miracle is. Through the years, our family has experienced miracles and just within the past few weeks we have been witness to even more! God has a plan. God knows best. God is faithful. We have marveled at His plan!

Recently our nephew and his wife have been proceeding with the process of adoption. They knew in their hearts they wanted children and they were trusting God to provide them with a child. They have an amazing story to share and I want them to be the ones to tell it. I will say however they have a beautiful son named Reid Mallard Thompson. His story is one of a miracle. Welcome sweet boy.

Then on Friday evening text messages started, phone calls came, more text messages, more phone calls. Only drawback no one was finishing a conversation! When I finally did get someone to complete the conversation we learned that our niece was in labor at 30 weeks and was just before delivering. After stopping to pray, I tried to focus on getting to Charleston to be a part of the births. In the meantime I had flashbacks to the day Heather delivered Morgan Kate. When I did, I knew we were facing another situation where babies were going to be born way to soon. Babies were going to have to fight for their lives. Parents were going to experience the roller coast ride of the NICU. Parents were going to have to leave the hospital without their babies. And the list went on and on in my head. Luckily I did arrive in time to hear the news of the birth of twin girls! Again another miracle for our family...in fact two.

In the midst of all of this, I stopped to think of my sister. With the addition of these three sweet babies, a grandmother had been born. She has becomes the grandmother to three in record breaking time :) I know the source of strength she was to me during Morgan Kate's NICU days. I recall the trips home from the hospital that we talked the whole ride home. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I could count on her to be there, to listen and to offer comfort any time of the day or night. I also know beyond a shadow of a doubt, I will be there for her now. I will try to be her source of strength and comfort. And one day down the road, she and I will look back on these challenging days and laugh. All the while knowing that we were there for each other. And when I think about that day...the day where we will be laughing about all of this, I envision that we will be loving on our grands and talking about how truly blessed we are!

God bless you Reid, Abigail and Addison!

Phrases=some I like some not so much

As I took Morgan Kate back to her mommy today all I could think of is a phrase my father in law used to say. His quote was about grandchildren. He would say that is was grand to see them come and grand to see them go. I used to chuckle when he said that. At that time I was the parent and he was the grandparent. I wasn't laughing today. I am always glad to see our grandchildren come and so so sad to see them go. Especially today!

I had Morgan Kate for two whole nights at our house. I say I had her to myself because Loitton was working therefore I had tons of one on one time with her. I get so excited about her visits that I start planning in advance on what we will do while she is here. This time was no exception. Thursday we went and bought a movie so she and I could curl up on the sofa and watch the movie and eat popcorn. We also bought a play dough set (breakfast version) and made lots of waffles, bacon, and triangle things that we didn't know what to call (haha) Friday we went to visit Mama Jean, have lunch, Morgan Kate got a little piano lesson in from MJ, she napped like a champ, she helped me plant flowers, we took her out for dinner and cuddled more on Friday evening. I hated to see the night end because I knew Saturday morning would bring things to an end. I returned her to her mommy and daddy...she was ready to see them. But this was only an end for this visit.

I am already thinking about our next visit. Morgan Kate - you light up my life and I love you BIG!!

Heather Hardison Callahan - my rock!

You had my heart from August 16, 1980 at 11:16 am

You are one of the best parts of me

You are a true blessing to me and all that know you

You are all I ever thought you would be and more!

Your maturity is beyond your years

Being a mother is not always an easy task, yet you do it proudly

You are an independent woman

You are an amazing mom!

You are compassionate and caring...strong and sensitive....devoted and dependable

You are a wife, a sister, a granddaughter, an aunt, a cousin, a niece, friend and teacher.

You are our sweet daughter.

I am so proud of you and love you beyond words.

Celebrate your day...August 16...celebrate you! I surely do. God made my life better when he blessed me with you. Happy Birthday Skeeta!

For the record

We left Orangeburg Friday morning, took our time going to Charleston, arrived, and had a little time to kill before check in. We walked through the market and browsed. Loitton is not a fan of shopping but he indulged me. If you have not seen the market since they started the renovations you are in for a treat. Or at least if you think like me. Loitton on the other hand did not like the renovations. Thought it took away the history. Any way check in time arrived. We chose the Andrew Pinckney Inn for our destination. What an great choice we made (it came highly recommended by Heather and Travis). Upon arrival, we went to our room. We were greeted by chilled champagne, chocolates and a note from the Inn. S.w.e.e.t! We relaxed a little, cooled off from the Charleson heat and made our dinner selection. We opted to go easy and relaxing...California Dreaming. We always like to sit outside, grab a few appetizers, and people and boat watch. It was so ironic that as we sat there we both looked up almost simultaneously and realized that we were sitting in view of the Round Holiday Inn. That was the place we stayed the first night we were married. Boy have we come a long way...hehe.

Saturday was a full day. We started by enjoying breakfast on the roof top of our Inn. Fun time except trying to drink a cup of coffee in 200 degree weather with 1000% humidity is challenging. Next we visited Folly Beach. The vacation capital of the world and a special love for us. Loitton indulged me with a little more shopping late that afternoon. Later in the evening we decided to eat at the Crabhouse. As we arrive there, a horrific thunderstorm with lots of lightning comes up. Loitton is kind enough to pull me up straight to the door. He, on the other hand, had to park the car and run in the pouring rain. About the time he is almost was at the restaurant a bolt of lightning strikes and he truly thought he had met his maker. Thank goodness he was ok! Again, we are greeted by the nicest servers who make our meal experience so enjoyable. As we look out over the Wappoo Cut we think of all the good times we have shared there with family members. Again another reminder of how special our time together has been. Our evening was topped off by ice cream in the Market and lots of conversations about the 35 years we have experienced. Fun! Fun! Fun!

On Sunday it was time to return to reality. I begged to stay but reality won out. But for the record, the weekend was a blast and the past 35 years have been too. Can't wait to see what the next 35 years hold for us.

Thanks Heather, Trav, and MK for keeping "Gracie girl". Maybe next time she won't be homesick :)

The weekend is here!

After much anticipation the weekend is here. Not just any weekend, but the weekend we celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. I can't even decide what all we want to do with our special get away weekend but whatever it is I'll be with the one I love, the one who is my best friend....so whether it be hanging out at the beach, sipping on a marquarita, or just talking I know it will be fun.

We have selected the Andrew Pinkney Inn as our destination spot. It came highly recommended by Heather and Travis who stayed there last year while celebrating their anniversary.

So as we head out ....I want to wish Heather and Travis a very Happy Anniversary. They celebrate 6 years of marriage tomorrow. In my opinion (which is definately biased) they have what it takes to see many, many, many more happy years together. I love you both and wish God's continued blessings on your marriage.

Oh and Happy Anniversary to the love of my life, Loitton! Can't wait the next 35!

Are you up for another 35???

Our wedding was many years ago....but the celebration continues to this day! 35 years ago I was looking forward to July 10 with so much excitement and anticpation. Much like I am looking forward to July 10 this year. I don't think I can summarize 35 years of marriage and another five years of dating prior to that. I did sit down with Loitton this week and asked him what he would consider the high moments as well as the low moments of our marriage. We try to do that every few years. It is always interesting to see what "new things" make our list and also the ones that have been and always will be on that list.

We have no secret recipe for a successful marriage. I am just grateful that whatever we have is working and I pray that God will bless us with at least another 35 years together :) For those of you who know Loitton I am sure this will come as no surprise to you. I have always wanted to "renew our vows" and buy a wedding dress that was just for me. When we got married, I wore my sister's dress because we got married within a year of each other and wanted to help my parents out with cost. However, I have felt like I would like a dress that I picked out and would always be mine. When I suggesed a vow renewal, Loitton did not hesitate. He told me that he said his vows in 1976 and they stuck and there was absolutely no need in repeating them. End of that discussion. I see his point but thought it would be fun :)

I do know over and over again when you ask people what is the best wedding advice they can give I hear two resoundings pieces of advice. Put God first in your marriage. Make time for each other. We have not always done it but we try to have a date night on a regular basis. We decided this year to celebrate our milestone anniversay by making time for ourselves. So as we approach our anniversary on Sunday, we are excited. We are almost as giddy as we were 35 years ago. We are going to make time for ourselves. We are going to enjoy good food, fellowship, talk about memories and relax. We are going to rest up....we want to be prepared for the next 35 years! I'm up for it and I think he is too.

Where is the time going?????

Each time I visit my daughter's blog, I am reminded of how long it has been since the last time I posted on my own. I can't believe it has been at least 3 months! Where the heck did the time go??

It got away from me because I was involved in wedding festivities for our oldest son. Many, many wonderful parties by many, many wonderful people. Then of course we had the big weekend of rehearsal party and wedding. A time that will be etched in my mind forever. I have always loved the song "What a wonderful world" but after Owens' wedding it is my favorite. My husband danced to it with our daughter Heather when she got married and Owens selected it for us to dance to. I honestly did not want the song to end!

I have also been enjoying some much needed family time. Not by choice, but my work week has been cut down to four days a week. At first I was really sad about that but what was I thinking! I love having Fridays off and getting some extra time to enjoy life with my family. The only time it really bothers me is every other week on pay day...haha Didn't take long for the cut in pay to be felt. However I am blessed to have a job in today's economy.

Wow - it is already almost the middle of June. June also means Father's Day weekend. That is now a bittersweet day for me. I reflect on the many, many fond memories of my daddy and yet 22 years later I miss him more and more. One of the greatest gifts God ever gave me was my daddy. He didn't tell me how to live....he lived it and let me watch. I learned so much from him. He was a big man... simply put a gentle giant. I have tried to never take for granted that my Heavenly Father gave me one of the most amazing earthly fathers. I love the saying that any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a daddy...that pretty much says it all! Morgan Sowell....you were the best of the best. I love you and miss you dearly.