Understanding Blessings

Hubs and I have always thought that we are considerably blessed, trying to never take any of it for granted. Yet, this weekend when Hub's paternal grandmother passed away - we were overwhelmed as we considered how truly amazing God has been to us. Hubs got to spend an unforgettable 29 years getting to know his granny, and I was lovingly welcomed into her family almost 6 years ago (3 dating and 3 married). She was able to share her 83 years of wisdom with him - her strong will, domestic talents, and unwavering love for God and family. Moving through the sorrow of losing Granny, we we were comforted in the idea that not every one gets this type of experience, not every one will learn from years passed, and not every one experiences God's love on Earth through another as we have.

And Granny was particularly excited about Peanut's arrival. In fact, she was steadfast in calling baby a boy answering the phone for the last 9 months simply asking "How's my boy doing?" and she didn't mean Hubs. So, in light of our 4 weeks to go mark.... here is some art for the room. Each silhouette has a different letter assigned to it. Spelling our last name (since we suck at picking out first names).

I don't know if Granny is right, but we will find out sooner than we think! Happy Wednesday. Now go count your Blessings.

Odd little Anniversary...

Hubs and I remember the day we got married (it's engraved inside his wedding band), and the first time we said I love you, and the day we got engaged... all those loverly little anniversaries.

Today is not that kind of anniversary.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the Motorcycle-Deer Battle of 2008.

I posted about it a couple of times - here, here (squeemish beware), and here.

And today - I am thankful for all 365 days that brought us to July 10, 2009; for the grace and blessings from God we have experienced in this time, and for my wonderful prince charming who is an amazing husband and is going to be an unbelieveable dad...

... with a super-awesome battle scar. :)

Traditions...

My family has holiday traditions of the typical sort... you know... the few days surrounding Christmas there are several events that take place, like family gift swaps, attending Christmas eve service, and eating a big hearty meal together (x2 now that I'm married :) I love every minute of them and the memories that each tradition brings.

It is neat to hear what traditions other families observe during this time of year. Catherine posted what she is doing with her precious twin girls during this holiday season. I absolutely LOVE this idea - and will probably steal it when I have little ones of my own (in several light years).

"Each night after dinner, we will read a scripture verse from the bible and then light a small candle. Then we will look inside the calendar pocket to see what activity our family will do for that night. I have come up with 14 different activities. Some are as simple as singing a Christmas carol while sitting in front of the fireplace or dancing like crazy in our living room. Other examples include watching a Christmas movie together, making candy for our neighbors, and seeing snow fall for the first time (more on that later!). Each night, we will light one more candle until we come to Christmas. On that night, all 14 candles will be lit, including the larger one in the middle for Jesus' 1st birthday. "

What are the traditions you cherish? Or, what traditions have you started? I'd LOVE to hear them...

Baby love...

So, what happens when your BF has a child?.... and she's the first little youngin' of all your college buds?

You're stinkin' obsessed with her! Not that I am ready for kids of my own - but I wanna Love on her SO BAD I can hardly stand it. But since I can't - I 'll let her know what I'm thinking...


Addie Kate,


When I met your mom- she busted into my dorm room like she'd known me for years. And wanted to borrow a top for going out that night. Normally, I would've been appalled and frightened at that forwardness. In fact I probably would've had a meltdown. But I didn't. Because there is something about your mom that makes everyone around her comfortable - even to the point where random boy lab partners cry about thier lost loves in her room. Yeah, it was awkward, but she handled it with grace, as she does in so many situations. I hope you inherit that from her.

Now, I can't imagine not knowing your precious mommie. Unknowingly, she helped me move past my inability to make girlfriends with her "save the drama" attitude. She saw through my stone-wall facade and showed me what true friendship looks like, feels like, and is able to endure. You would be blessed to inherit this too.

But most of all, I pray that you will have the amazing heart for God that your mother and father share. And their ability to share that Love with others around them. Yes, little one - you were born to two amazing people. And even though I can't believe it really happened - My Best Friend is really a parent... in real life - I couldn't be happier that you are now a part of the story.

So, at Christmas we are going to obsess over you, and pass you around, and kiss your little cheeks. And you'll get frustrated with us, just like the first time we embarass you in front of your friends, or grill you about a boyfriend, or make you smile for way too many prom pictures. But you're the first one - you kinda set yourself up to inherit that one :)


Love,

Lauren D

On A Mission...

Pic to come soon!

I have a new goal in life - to make enough Neonatal Intensive Care bed covers to shower the world with quilted goodness! A friend of mine has twin boys taking up a stay in the NICU and she passed along the department's need for isolette covers. The ones that come from the company are ridiculously expensive... not to mention that covers will leave the NICU, never to be seen again. Sad, but true.

Sew (pun intended), we made two especially for our tiny little friends - but I can't stop there. I am headed back up to the NICU today to take exact measurements of the bed, get the nurses inputs of openings needed, and find out any functionality issues I need to take into account.

ATTENTION! Woman on a mission! COMING THROUGH!

Glory, Glory...

"Longing for those Glory Days,

like the ones when he cried -

'Run, Lindsey - Run!'

I was too young to be there

But I'm sure it was fun... "

-Corey Smith

Like most University of Georgia fans - we can't remember a fall Saturday without the commanding yet warm, scruffed voice of football announcer - Larry Munson. For 46 years, he was the "Voice of the Georgia Bulldogs!"

If you want to read more about Munson's history with the Dawgs - check it out here. Well done, Larry. I'm sure we'll mourn a little on this coincidentally timed "Blackout Saturday" at Sanford stadium. But we'll still be able to hear that old voice tellin' us to Hunker Down.

*photo courtesy Georgia Sports Communication.

'Tis the Season....

So, it seems football is just on my mind recently. Maybe its because I'm a southern woman, raised under Friday night lights and Saturday showdowns. But, this is the time in 10 years that a member of my family has not been participating in the high school football scene. I marched for 4 years. Sis marched for 1 and cheered for 2. Bro played football for 4 - while the big sisters assumed our role as #1 fans.

My alma mater's first game was tonight. I know a few of the boys playing and alot of the families sitting in the stands.... but I didn't make it out to watch. I'm not even sure how I feel about it yet... it makes me miss my brother and sister. AND they charge me $7 to get in the game now!

I'll be there with bells on next time though. It's date night down south! Go 'Stangs!

This time last year...

This time last year my football had changed from anticipating the Dawgs kick-off to hoping all my cheerleader would show up for the game. That's right - last season a friend and I coached a 10& under cheerleading squad for the Rec league. What an experience.... 

Believe it or not though - I miss it SO Much... well I don't really miss driving and extra 30 minutes three times a week and not having all my evenings to myself. But I really did grow a lot from working with younger girls. In all their pre-teen drama glory - they would come out every week to cheer (at this age they weren't really cheering on the team, just cheering in general). 

They made me laugh, at times they made me want to scream - but all in all it was an experience I wouldn't change for anything. 

Mary, Mary - quite contrary...

How does your garden grow? Grandma Mary (Super M, MaMary, Mama) sowed seeds of faith, love, and knowledge into all those who met her. And though she is in a much better place, what she left behind is the stuff of life that no one can take away from you. 

She loved the Lord and was at such a peace with life and death that it was strong testament to her faith. She believed in the power of education - not only her own, but in teaching others. Mary's great sense of humor makes me smile just at the thought of her laugh. She took with her an undying love for her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of us who were fortunate enough to have married into her expansive family. 

Mary, give Sammie kisses from all of us and know that your garden will continue to grow... 

Like the first day of school...

My hubby went back to work today - I dropped him off right at the front door. One proud wifey :)

We were both so excited to get the news that his skin graft took 100% and that life could start getting more normal again. Hallelujah! My husband is not one who can sit still for very long - he takes a lot of pride in being productive, building stuff, and tinkering on all of his (and his friends) vehicles. Being on strict orders to stay flat with his leg elevated was NOT going over well.

Hubby is such a go-getter - I knew he would be back to work as soon as the Doc said "all clear." Nonetheless, you feel a little protective. I mean, when he's at work I can't keep tabs on him - or prevent further harm to his leg... so yeah, I'm a little nervous. He keeps telling me he's a grown man and he's perfectly fine. I know, baby, I know... but I can't help myself...

I love you too much...

Have fun on your first day back to the daily grind!