A Decade Ago

I'd like to say I have the memory of an elephant, of which I've heard are some smart cookies, but I don't. Ask me where my black flipflops are. Don't know. How much did I use the debit card for 15 minutes ago? No. Where's my wallet? Nada. HOWEVER, I am proud to say that I can recall 10 years ago clearly.

Dating :)


So many things I loved about my wedding day. Borrowing random, but important garmets from bridesmaids, my sister catching my mascara filled tears before they hit my dress, my Daddy's tears, my Mama's support when hateful people tried to ruin my reception with crazy facillity rules, but most of all I felt relief. It was the day. We started the ground work for a life I knew would be one of greatness. I won't go into the details, but I have so many. The day was rainy, but I'll never forget my Nana saying, "Well, hunny, everybody knows that rain on your wedding day means it will last forever." 


Although young, I wasn't naive enough to think our road would be without bumps, but I was naive enough to not realize just what a strong man I was marrying. 10 years has seen changes in us both. Each day has made us a stronger team. I love him more than I tell him. Not on purpose of course, but just because our lives are filled with constant action :) I don't ever take him for granted. I know what I was given on June 28th, 2003. "Omnia vincit amor" Latin, "Love Conquers All." I learned this is a British Lit class. I thought it crap back then. 10 years has taught me just how sweetly true it is. If you have it, if you both REALLY have it, it's a treasure that leaves you richer than gold. He's my Valentine, everyday.



In a previous post, I feel like I said it best,
    " I don't throw the word "love" at everyone I know. It's something earned, and not to be said lightly. That being said, I am thankful for "My Love." I am not someone who believes in fate. I believe in a divine plan. I am lucky that I found a best friend, and then made him marry me. Jamie and I didn't start out as most couples do. No one set us up. We never had an awkward first date. I never waited by the phone wondering if he would call. We were passed that before we even knew what was happening. We never had to learn the things we loved most about one another, or even the things that drove us crazy. We were friends-friends that fell in love. Looking back I can't believe how simple our love was. I can't help but think about the lines, "Some hearts they just get all the right breaks, some hearts have the stars on their side. Some hearts they just have it so easy, some hearts just get lucky sometimes" That was me. That was us. Did I deserve his friendship? Not really. Did I deserve his smile? Maybe not. Do I deserve the honorable man from a world full of spoiled and selfish boys? No. Do I deserve the tender heart that cuddles my babies and the serious look when they need to be taught right from wrong? Defiantly not. Do I deserve this man who carries his sons into a church and sits beside me in prayer? Well, I can say I am sure thankful I have him."

Here's to 10 years of mad, unorganized, crazy, hysterical, true, strong, wonderful, and blessed love.

Happy Anniversary, Jamie. I love you. I really love you.

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Heart of Compassion

I am praying today. A lot today, that God help me to gain a humble burden for the pain of others. I don't ever want to get so bogged down with my small, insignificant troubles that I forget those around me suffering in body and heart. I pray that the world never let the downtrodden slip by without notice. I've been blessed, and I know many people who have much less than I do, and yet, are much more thankful.  I have failed here. My prayer for me is for a heart full of compassion. My prayer is for a world more filled with care.


"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." 1 Peter 3:8

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I'm a sentimental mess that believes true love never dies, perhaps drifts apart for certain people, but never, ever dies.

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5 year old pilot

Charlie: "Mama, am I 16?"

Me: "No, buddy. You are 4, but 16 is awesome. It's when you get to drive a car!"

Charlie: "Is 16 next?"

Me: "No, remember 3...4...5. 5 is next."

Charlie: "Mama, know what? 5 is awesome. You get to drive a plane."


:)

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Bubbles in his throat :)

Lyrics:

"I had a little Hootie, his name was Brady Ward
I put him in the bathtub to see if he could swim.
He drank up all the water, and ate up all the soap,
then little Hootie Ward had bubbles in his throat."


(click here if you can't see the video that goes with the song)

I love him :)


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Daisys

"Hey Buddy, whatcha got?"

Brady: "I sank dem Daisys for ooow."

Sweetest. sentence. EVER.


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Wordless Wednesday (kinda early): Our Paw Jimmy


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My Boys

I was reading away last night in between my boys when I realized they were both fast asleep. I snuck out. When I went back to check on them this is what I found. I love my life. Very, very blessed.

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Being a Father

Being a Daddy isn't something you are handed. It is something you live. Each and every day. A real Daddy loves not when they first hold their baby, not when they feel it move, not when they hear it's heart beat, but a real Daddy is born when a man finds out a baby is on its way. I am one blessed lady. I am so blessed to have very wonderful men in my life. I was raised by a strong man with a sincere heart. Now, the Lord has allowed me to raise my precious children with a strong man with a sincere heart. I can't be thankful enough. Nothing is better than seeing my man smile and hold my babies with a love that is pure. I am thankful today and everyday. No day passes that I don't realize just what I have. I love you, Jamie. I love you, Daddy. 

Happy Father's Day!


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Bubba

Most people gripe and complain about younger brothers. They fight and bicker, and can't wait to be apart. Well, I'll have to admit, my brother and I are nothing like that. The paths that brought us together aren't the common ones most siblings have. I have been so blessed to have a younger brother who spoils me rotten. He is a wonderful young man that has grown into a great role model for my boys. They love him as much as I do. I was very lucky to be able to sit in the crowd as he walked across the stage and received his diploma. I pushed through the people after the ceremony, and shocked myself when I teared up as I saw him. He hugged me tight like always, and I couldn't help but thank the Lord for such a special day with such a special man. That night was filled with nothing short of HOOPLAH! Dakota is far far from the hooplah type, but there wasn't much he could do about it. Our crazy family pitched in and by the end of the night we had all eaten massive amounts of food and played possibly the greatest kickball game ever played on the nicely mowed field marked with perfectly constructed lines and bases....with foul poles and everything. (Gracias Matt) It was so much fun to laugh till I cried and to see those I love so much hurling balls at one another and risking life and limb just to win. It was a precious ending to a memorable day.

I know the future will bring so many opportunities for Dakota, and I know he is well prepared for whatever comes his way. I love him, and I am so thankful for his hard work and achievements.

Congratulations Bubba!






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Cherokee Camping 2013

  Just like last year, Jamie and I decided to to load up the boys and take a long weekend camping trip to Cherokee. We stayed at the Happy Holidays Campground. It was just as special as last year. We tent camped, for it is impossible to truly get the entire camping experience any other way. The boys romped and played around all weekend. We played in the pool, fished, and played at the Cherokee Fun Park, ultimately called, "Chuck E Cheese Fun Park" by Hootie. He screamed it all weekend, and has continued to scream it since then. Charlie told me today that we should have never let him go there because he talks about it all of the time. The heartbreaking quote of the trip came when Charlie jumped into the pool and realized this year that he could touch the bottom, "Look Daddy, I don't need you anymore!" Ug....broken heart. :( Glad he's growing and maturing, still hurts.  Brady fed the ducks everything that he could throw their way. The boys played putt putt and LOVED it. Although I am not ready to publish my "Mother's Guide to Camping While Maintaining Order," I would not have changed a thing about the weekend. On the day we left Jamie and I packed up a smelly tent, sticky boys, and my head full of about 1,000 bobby pins, along with four very, very happy Wards. I looked like a scary mountain woman, but honestly, I couldn't have cared less. We were able to spend an entire trip together. No real plans. We just went minute to minute and did whatever we decided. I love my 3 boys, and I love that we can enjoy each other just because we are together. I can't wait until next year. Here's a small glimpse of the fun....be sure to see our photo site for all of our trip pictures. http://withthewards.shutterfly.com/pictures/1846










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