The Niners

Some of us have them. You know. Those people who listen to us talk about stupid stuff, but act like it's a big deal. They open their door when your kids need to run into their house and potty. They give you advice about the flu and meds. They supply you with endless hours of fun with shared toys and clothes. They clean up parties they are invited to. They build outside play equipment for you free of charge. They laugh with you, they pray with you, and they never let you forget they are there for you.

I have this family. The wild Niners. (Snyders, but Brady renamed them, and I kinda like it) There are days in my life when I think about Melissa Snyder. I run constantly trying to keep things together. My house is never in order. That is not joke or sarcasm, I work endlessly only to sit down and realize I have no clean socks, somebody's shoes are out in the rain, and the remote is missing. Melissa raises 5 children with her possum killing husband, Darian. I'm not sure just how they do it, but her hair always looks nice, and everything is perfectly organized, her kids are well loved, AND she has the most polite children I have ever been around. I can dream I guess...

Within a few weeks, the Niners will be a team of 8. My sister and I had a small hooplah to celebrate. I loved being in a room with such wonderful women and mothers. This world is full of some pretty crummy characters, but I was reminded that there are great people still left. We talked about labor, laughed about swallowed items, and enjoyed the moment. I love this family, and not a day goes by that I am not thankful I have them in my life. They don't know it, but when this baby is born I am invading their lives. I mean, someone needs to wreck that unnatural organization right? :) Until then I will highly anticipate the arrival of this sweet, little #6.

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Worth Celebrating

In tradition with EVERY. SINGLE. FOURTH OF JULY. EVER. this year my favorite holiday was threatened to be dampened by some stressful event. I am determined to never ever let that happen, so this year I battled rain, floods, storms, grouchy boys, and liberals to spend the day celebrating my freedoms and the birthday of America.

Tiff and I always hit the Banner Elk parade and festival with Mom, but this year Mom wasn't able to come because she was away, Tiff's driveway flooded, and I wasn't about to drive across county in the downpours. Instead, Jamie and I loaded up two very handsomely dressed boys with cool handmade hats, (although I have no good pictures because that was a feat I wasn't able to make) and hauled ourselves to downtown Boone. Hated the parade. I was immediately reminded of why I never go. I managed to avoid the liberal plagues as they passed our way. The boys saw the firetrucks and horses, and that made it worth it. As we drove home, Jamie and I quickly revamped our gameplan.... this rain was rediculous, so we treked down the mountain toward the sunshine, and into Wilkesboro's downtown movie theatre. We ate tremendous amounts of popcorn, and almost suffered death by Sprite, but we loved the new Despicable Me movie. Jamie and I had as much fun as the little guys. We blared our annual Patriotic CD, compliments of my sister :) And headed home. We decided to try to catch the Tweetsie fireworks because those were the only ones we found online to be on for sure in the storms. We swung by and grabbed a pizza and some juice boxes. Under a huge golf umbrella in a crowded parking lot, we ate together, laughed, and memories were made. As the lightening started, Jamie thought quickly and stuffed the boys and the blankets through his back glass, and we all snuggled into the truck and caught a few small fireworks through the rain. The boys fell asleep as we pulled out, but Jamie and I stopped to see Boone's display on our way through. It was so nice. The whole day. Nobody's going to rain on my parade. Literally. With a trooper of a husband and two boys with no choice, we made the day wonderful, and were able to appreciate the freedoms that were fought so hard for.

God has Blessed America.

and

God has Blessed Me.

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Loving

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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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