Reflections

" If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person. "  Fred Rogers

I was going to write a typical post about another Christmas cookie recipe we tried tonight, but something was pulling me in a different direction. I have been thinking alot about the people I have met over the years, the last six in particular. I met some of my dearest friends during that time, and some of the strangest, most crazy people ever. Kind of ironic that I met them all in the same place. Some of them have changed me forever, in ways they will never know. It's funny how one moment, with one person can have such an impact on your life.

Do you ever wonder why God brings certain people into your life? I do, often. While in New Orleans this summer I met some incredible people. The kind who inspire you in your daily life. In a time when I needed it the most, they reminded me of all the good that still exists in the world.

This time of year also has me thinking about the people my family and I have lost through the years. My mother in law has been gone almost a year, that doesnt seem possible. I still think of her often. Her face still plain as day in my mind. Then there is Billie, she was possibly one of the greatest people I have ever met. God blessed me by bringing her into our lives. She was not just my babysitter, she was a grandmother to me. I think about her all the time and I miss her so much. She was the kindest soul. She will forever remain in my heart.

I am lucky enough to still be best friends with someone I met in Kindergarten. Isnt life funny? She and I are definitely kindred spirits. We have both experienced people coming and going into our lives, but we remain.

Then there is my husband, he and I grew up together. then married. I said I would marry him when I was 11 years old. He has always been a part of my life in some way or another. I dont really know life without him. I dont want to.

Here's to the people we meet, and to those who forever change us.

Our 8th Year + Day 26 of Thanks

On this day eight years ago I married my husband, my best friend. In honor of our anniversary my blog post is for my husband. Happy anniversary Allen!

Day 26

I am thankful for my husband. He and I grew up together, our families were good friends. I cannot remember a time in my life that he wasnt a part of it. I also cannot remember a time that I didnt love him. He was my first love and now he is my husband. I truly believe with all of my heart he is my soulmate. Marriage is hard, but he makes it easier most of the time. (Ha ha ha.) He has saved my life twice so I guess he is a bit like my knight in shining armor. If it werent for him I might not be alive today. He is the one who pushed me to go see the dermatologist earlier this year when I was diagnosed with Melanoma. I truly believe with him by side we can do anything. I am blessed to be married to my best friend.

I Do



My husband and I have been married for 7 years, and my only regret is not having a wedding. At the time, he was in the military , and I lived 350 miles away from where he was stationed, so we were married on November 26, 2004, the day after Thanksgiving at the court house.I didn't think it was that important, but as time has gone by I realized a  part of me has always been dissapointed that we didnt have a wedding, or at least a party to celebrate with our family and friends. So, with that being said, we are thinking about having a vow renewal ceremony. Allen and I have always said if we made it five years then we would renew our vows, well it has been seven so I think it is overdue. The best part of all of this is our children will get to be a part of it. The ceremony wont be anything elaborate, because I dont need that, I just want it to be simple and elegant. I want to wear a wedding gown, but I don't care what my husband wears, as long as he is the one standing at the end of the aisle waiting for me. We do not have an actual date set yet, but when we do I will have everything planned. Here are a few pictures of the ideas I have for our big day. Are you getting married soon?   



I am very petite, so I think this dress would suit my body type. I love it. She looks so graceful and elegant.



reception idea



ceremony idea



I love this cake, but I am thinking I will only need three tiers.

Possible Ceremony and Reception Songs (I have been thinking about this day for a long time)

Porcelain by Lucy Schwartz
To Make You Feel My Love by Adele
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
My Girl by the Temptations
Going to the Chapel
Thank You for Loving Me by Jon Bon Jovi
Chances by Five for Fighting