We did it!!

On November 20th I married my dearest friend and the man I love more than I ever imagined I could. We had a very simple ceremonly with just the two of us and the minister. There was also someone there to take picutes, but we don't have a lot of great ones. I'll postone we took before the service in our backyard. We took it ourselves so of course it's not too great. But it's us and we are happy!! I'll post more when I have more time and I'm not heading to bed. We are babysitting for a friend of mine that had surgery today. Her five year old daughter is staying with us for a couple of days. She has kept us busy tonight, but we have loved every minute of it!!
I am so thankful that God brought Barry into my life. I look forward to soooo many happy years with him. Life is so good!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Thought I'd start with something funny!

I have so many things to be thankful for this year!

• I have the most amazing man in my life. He is kind, loving and supportive of my dreams. He has a sense of humor that makes me laugh out loud so very often. He has a faith in God and in our love that doesn't waver. For all of those things and so many more I am thankful that God put him in my life.



• I have the most supportive family a girl could ask for. My mom has always been there to encourage me when things were good and especially when things were not so good. She has been a role model for me and a true inspiration. My sister has been through a lot in her life, but has always kept a sense of humor. Julie will tell it like it is and though it may be hard to hear at times, it's usually what I need to hear. She is the most wonderful mother to the most beautiful baby boy! Our family has so much to be thankful for with the arrival of Cooper this year. It was a tough pregnancy for her and we were often worried, but God knew that we needed this little boy in our lives. I thank Him everyday for keeping Julie and Cooper safe.



• Friends....wow! I have some good ones! I've got the truest, bluest friends! My friends have also been there for me when times were tough! They have supported me in my worst times, cried with me when I needed that and laughed with me at all sorts of funny things. I truly do have the best friends. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my friends back in Michigan. Lucky for me, I have lots of minutes on my cell phone and what would I do without the internet?? I have also made some dear friends here in Texas. I am so thankful for all of you that are in my life.



• Barry's family has been so wonderful since the day I met them. They have welcomed me into their family and made me feel a part of it right since the beginning. His parents are the kindest, caring, helpful and thoughtful parents. I am lucky to be part of their family. I am thankful that they have encouraged and helped Barry to become the man he is. Barry's brother, sister-in-law and their children have also been terrific. They have made me feel so comfortable from day one. Their children are lots of fun and I love spending time with them. I am just thankful for Barry's entire family.



• I have so many other things I am thankful for, but those are the main ones. I have a very blessed life right now. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember to take time to tell the people you love how much you appreciate them.

Choose Love

24 years ago yesterday my dad passed away. He was 48 years old and had a heart attack at work. His best friend was there and said it was quick and he was gone before he hit the floor. He tried CPR and said there was just nothing he could do. Given the choice between a quick death or a long and painful death, I think we'd all choose quick. My dad left behind two daugters, one 12 and the other 10, as well as a wife who loved him deeply. He was truly the love of her life and she his. How do I know this? Not just by their actions, but also because my mom still says that. After all these years, my mom has never remarried or even dated. It makes me sad at times that she is alone, but it also makes me happy. To know that my parents were so in love that my mom doesn't feel she could ever find anyone who would even compare to my dad is pretty amazing. We live in an age now where some people marry and divorce as often as some women buy new bras. It really is a testament to the type of love and committment my parents shared. That type of love requires a deep committment and dedication to one another. I know that there must have been times that weren't always easy for them. They had to have went through some struggles, but they made a choice. They chose to love one another each day, even when they were mad at one another or when times were tough. They chose to remain committed to one another and to take their vows seriously. They chose to honor God with their marriage and to raise a family where God was the center. I know this because in those 12 years I had with my mom AND dad, I had the most wonderful childhood. I felt secure in the love my parents had for us as well as for eachother. I never doubted my parents love for one another or for my sister or me. My childhood was happy and full of joy. So today, I honor not only my father, but more importantly my mother. You see, even after my dad died, she continued to raise us in a way that would have made my dad so very proud of her. She has truly been an inspiration to me. I know that my marriage to Barry will not always be easy, but I will love him just like my mom and dad loved one another.