couldn't ask for more, wouldn't settle for less: November 2012

I have so so much to share, but time is just short these days. One day soon I will update you on all of the precious and hilarious things that the boys have done, but until then.....enjoy this sweetness---->

100 years

Big Ol' Fall

Charlie was faking a fight at the top of the hill. By the looks of the actual fall, I think he lost. I loved the sounds. I laughed, so I thought I would share it :) Please, no DSS calls.

Click here to see the video if you can't see it :)

Last 2012 rant...well...maybe

So I know most of you are awaiting my horribly emotional and sometimes semi-violent political endorsement. Well, this year, you aren't getting it. This one is serious. No joke.

With two very precious children in my life now, I know that those little decisions, those little issues become so much bigger. Although I know how largely important Tuesday is to their future, I also know God's work is much larger than mine or ours. I have been praying this week that I gain peace from the election. No matter my opinion, I hope the Lord's will is done. That might not be what is best for the country, but it will be in His plan.

That being said let me tell those of you who don't know me so well, I'm not eating from a silver spoon, but that means nothing to me right now. I am so TIRED of this talk about economic relief, healthcare, even education reform. Can anyone possibly believe that America deserves any of these liberties when it has become a country that has turned its back on the Bible in almost every aspect. It doesn't matter what political party you support, I'm not going to argue platforms. I argue the Bible. In it there is no room for debate. It is straight forward, and if you have a heart that believes God's word you can't possibly believe our country's social policies aren't seared by political correctness.

On 9/11 America suffered great loss. Over 3,000 innocent men and women were killed. Today we still hurt, we still mourn, but did you know that today over 3,000 innocent babies lost their lives? While scanning your stock reports and bank notices, did that ever cross your mind? This week 110 Americans died in the tragedy brought by Hurricane Sandy, but did you know that 41% of all pregnancies in New York City end in murder? Planned Parenthood, funded by the current administration, kills over 300,000 babies every year.

Can you sleep well tonight if you cast your vote for a "man" that is comfortable with this? Are these children not worth a little more than electing a leader because he is a smooth talking, well groomed debater? Do you really sit down and measure the economic plans of each candidate to decide who you cast your vote for?

No man or woman with sincere morals and a Christian heart will not make it to the White House. I know this. A man who speaks the truth, and a man who stands in defense of these innocent ones will be weeded out long before America ever hears his voice. Our system is polluted and corrupt, I know this. I also know that my choices aren't good vs bad, my choices are moral potential vs calloused evil.

I will vote Tuesday with my children by my side. Our country was once great. Our children once had leaders that they dreamed of becoming. They had leaders they knew bled red, white, and blue. One administration can't bring us back, but it can take the needed steps to walk us back that way. I'm not just voting for my children, I'm voting for those children who were never given the chance to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 4:12

Don't forget when you cast your ballot, it isn't simply a vote. You will be held accountable.

Here are our blessings, who were living, feeling, and growing blessings even before I held them.

EC

Around 5ish years ago I sat in a class at ASU filled with potential teachers all burned out from the idea of two last grueling semesters. Somehow our professor still led us all in a game of "Two Truths and a Lie." Everyone told 2 truths and a lie about themselves and the class had to decide which was the lie. One beautiful brunette had three very outstanding statements, one of which was "My brother just signed a recording contract in Nashville." Well, it was the truth. Kendra Church was a bubbling country girl from South Caldwell High. She was of course talking about her brother, Eric. I went through two semesters with Kendra. The entire class grew so close, and we followed every step of Eric's start. I remember driving into the driveway and hearing his song and turning it up for Jamie to hear, "How Bout You." Anyway.....

Jamie and I went with some friends to hear Eric and his band play on campus that year. We were right on top on the stage, and it was AWESOME. Eric was obviously overwhelmed as he talked about going to App and dreaming of playing there. We met him after the show and he signed a copied black and white flyer that I had stolen from campus. He was very humbled.

As the years went on Jamie and I became even larger fans, and we watch all those around us become fans too. We saw him play in Boone at Legends and the Convocation Center, Coyote Joes in Charlotte, some BBQ Fest in Morganton, and twice at Bobcats Arena. The most recent concert he headlined. He played with Brantley Gilbert. I stood there singing all the words to every song, and as the lights went dark and cell phones and lighters filled the arena, I was the one who was overwhelmed. Eric had gone from 150 people in a small Boone building to 20,000 screaming fans. His concert rocked as always, and last night Jamie and I watched the CMA's and saw his 5 nominations lead to an Album of the Year award. It was truly great to be able to say we watched him as he worked his way to fame.

He is an artist in every sense of the word. He writes all of his songs and, a country fan or not, he has talent. So I guess I am just looking back and loving the fact that I can say we are a few of the very foundation of his fan club. GO EC!