One year...

A year ago today was one of the most terrifying days of my life.

My Daddy went in to have surgery on his neck to fix a couple of bones that were in need of repair. From everything the doctor doing the surgery said it was pretty routine and he did thousands of these surgeries a year. He did say there was risk of heart attack but that he had never had a patient suffer from one so he wasn't concerned but he did have to let us know it was a risk with the surgery. Daddy went back and they performed the surgery. I was 6 months pregnant and refused to leave until I saw with my own eyes that he was okay. So reluctantly they let me back to see him in recovery. I fed him ice chips and found him some water finally. I felt comfortable with what I saw and went home. That was in the middle of the afternoon.

Later that evening at around 7:30 my Mom called and said that Dad was having some chest pains and they were doing some tests. Seth was on his way home from work. He had been working all day. I called him hysterical. My Daddy was having a heart attack and I was 30 miles away. Mom told me to come as soon as I could but to wait for Seth and not to drive because I tend to speed in times like that. Seth got home and we left. On the way there Mom called again and said they were taking Daddy back for emergency surgery. I made it to Lawton right after they took him back. I was a wreck. But in true "Denisa" fashion I kept it together until my Uncle Peaches called me. I was strong for my Mom, my grandparents, and my brother who was in Illinois. It felt like a nightmare.

Seth stayed until we saw the doctor and I knew my Daddy was okay. Then I sent him home. I stayed until I got to see my Daddy. I got to see them wheel him out of the operating room and to the ICU department. I waited til they said I could go back and see him. Once I knew he was okay I let my Uncle Joe take me home. I went to the hospital every single day he was there. I was so thankful to Dr. Mark Duncan for leaving his family to come and be with mine. And I was so grateful to Dr. Saliba and Dr. Pariq (not sure I spelled that right) for getting through the blockage and making sure my Daddy lived. Because of these men I still have my Daddy. Talent has his Poppy and my life is so blessed. I font know if these men know how much they mean to my family....or to me. But in my eyes they are heroes. They saved the life of the first man I ever loved.

So today I just wanted to say I'm thankful to have had the last year I've had with my Daddy. I know it could have been a lot worse. And I'm so thankful it wasn't.

Day 30

Well it's day 30. And today I'm posting about one of the people that means the most to me. My Uncle Joe.

My Uncle Joe is probably the person in my life I am closest to outside of my immediate family. I can vividly remember when I was tiny, sitting in his lap and him teaching me how to color. He and I have always had a very close relationship. He taught me about art and even though he's stubborn and won't paint or draw anymore, he still would take the time to show me things. He always took an interest in my artwork and kept anything and everything I drew or painted and gave to him. He has always been there to teach me all sorts of things. Any time a boy told me I couldn't do something because I was a girl, my Uncle Joe taught me how to do whatever it was they said I couldn't do. I remember when some of Seth's friends said I couldn't shoot a bow because I was a girl. I called my Uncle Joe and on his next days off we shot bows. He teaches me lots of cool stuff. He takes me shooting guns. He went and took me to get my concealed carry license. He's just such a great man. His children are all idiots. They don't see what they are missing out on. But I do. I see the wonderful guy he is and I have a great relationship with him and I'm so thankful for it. I am thankful that my child will know him and loves him already.

So to end my 30 days of thankfulness I'm so very thankful to have someone as wonderful as my Uncle Joe in my life. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Uncle. He is my favorite and I don't really care who knows it. I'm pretty transparent when it comes to that anyway. I love him and I'm glad I have him. I hope he knows just how much he means to me and just how glad I am to have him. He's always been someone I've looked up to. Always someone I've been proud to call mine. I love you, Uncle Joe. Thank you for just being you. Thank you for being the best Uncle a girl could ever wish for.

Day 29

<p>I'm so thankful for my ability to hear. I say that and I know it sounds terrible. Let me explain. I have friends that are hearing impaired. And while their language fascinates me, the thought of not being able to hear music or my childs voice pains me.

You see I love being able to hear. It is a luxury that I'm sure most of us take for granted every single day of our lives. But I've thought about this and I've thought about it often. I don't know what my life would be like if I couldn't hear. I love being able to listen to my music. It is the one thing that can always make me feel normal. And to hear my son screaming his little boy babble....there is no sweeter sound in the world. I just can't imagine not hearing. So I'm very thankful today for the ability to hear.

Day 28

Today I'm so thankful for the roof over my head. My husband and I have put a new roof on our house. It's a beautiful metal roof. But we've done all the work. Seth used to do metal roofing as a job....so we decided we could save money doing it ourselves. Today we got it all the way down to the last two pieces and had to stop. Frustrating....but it will get done.

I'm thankful we have a roof over our heads. A place to call "home" and a place to raise our family. I know a lot of people aren't as fortunate and that is so sad to me. I'm thankful that we are able to have a place to call our own. So today that is my "thankful"....

Day 27

Today I'm thankful for my sweet puppies. I know, most people think that is a stupid thing to be thankful for. I however do not. I have two of the sweetest dogs on the planet.

My Riley is almost 8 and he is the most perfect dog. He is always there to be my companion when I need one and he's always there to give me "hugs" when I'm upset. He loves my kid and is sweet to most everyone he meets. He's a cuddler and just the sweetest thing. I'm not sure what I will do if something ever happens to him. He's like my first "baby" and I love him so much. I'm thankful I found him when I did.

And Redick....oh that dog tries my patience. But he is a sweet dog. When I was pregnant he would sit in the bathroom with me every single time I got such and wouldn't leave until he knew I was okay. He would (and still does) let me push off of his back to get up off the floor. He's just a good dog. He's my protector when my husband is working nights or not home for some reason. And though we have had our UPS and downs the last month or so, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have this enormous dog to sleep by my side of the bed at night.

These dogs are an extension to my family. Most people don't get that and that's okay. But to me they aren't just dogs....they are my family and I love them. Our house wouldn't be the same without them. I'm thankful to have such loving animals. Such tender and sweet puppies who have taken such a shine to our son....they let him chase them around and pet them. They are good with Talent and I love that he loves them too.

Day 26

Today I'm thankful for the people in my life that are so very giving. You know who you are. There are times in life when we all need a little help and I have some wonderful people that like to do things to help me from time to time without being asked just because they know I need it. So today I'd like to say I'm thankful that God places these people where I need them, when I need them. I love you guys....thanks for being so giving and so sweet. There's a special place in Heaven for people like you.

Day 25

Christmas music.....most people love it. I however was forced to listen to it for the last 4 years for 8 hours + a day for at least a month....sometimes longer. My former boss loved Christmas music. And while that's fine, being forced to listen to it every single day for a month is not okay. So today I'm am so thankful that I don't HAVE to listen to it unless I want to. I get to decided if I want to listen to Christmas music and what kind this year. The last few years I've been forced to listen to everything from Meatloaf's Christmas album to a little country Christmas....

So today as I start hearing all the Christmas music start to really get played, I'm thankful to not have to dread it this year. I can actually enjoy it again.

Day 24

Today I'm thankful for the time I had with mine & Seth's families. We enjoyed being with my family for lunch and his family for dinner. It was nice to get to be together and I was glad that Talent was able to spend his first Thanksgiving with both sides of the family. So today I'm thankful for family time. I hope everyone else had a great time with loved ones also!

Day 23

Today I would like to take a minute to say that I'm thankful for time. I know, that sounds so lame. Today has been a difficult one for me. Every year this day comes around I think about the people I have loved and lost. So let's start with my Pawpaw Bazil....

The last holiday we spent with him was Thanksgiving. I can remember that it was also the last Thanksgiving that I lived at home. Seth & I had just gotten engaged and so I knew it was going to be the last time I got up early to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in my parent's home. I got up, put in my contacts, got me something to eat and drink, and settled in to watch the parade in the living room, like I had for so many years.....I saw my parents excitement as they saw me emerge from my room. Now you have to know, my Pawpaw was a talker. He could talk for hours and never skip a beat. Well apparently he had been talking since his eyes opened sometime around 6 or 7 that morning. Mom and Dad were glad to have someone else to sit and listen to him. So I sat and listened to him talk about people I didn't know and people that were long gone. I remember how happy he was that Thanksgiving. He loved being with us. He loved my Mammaw & Pawpaw and really enjoyed being invited to have Thanksgiving with them. He just enjoyed being with us at the holidays. That was the last Thanksgiving we had with him. I'm so thankful to have had that time. When I sit down tomorrow to watch the parade with Talent, I will hear my Pawpaw's voice.....that is something I won't ever forget. I have a special something reserved for myself tomorrow in his honor. His favorite treat was cordial cherries. Mom & I always buy a box to have in his memory. We've done this since he passed away. This year is no different. I bought a box this week. I will eat them tomorrow and think of him. I will be thankful for the time I had and be greatful to God for allowing me to have so many great memories of him.

Thanksgiving is also a hard day for me because I lost my Uncle Paul on Thanksgiving Day 2 years ago. My Uncle Paul and I were very close. The year he passed away was a very hard year for me. I still struggle with it and that's why I do this "30 days of Thankfulness" during the month of November. My Uncle Paul was the sweetest, most generous, most loving man you could ever possibly meet. He'd give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was my Pawpaw's (the one I still have with me) brother. I can remember when we would go over Mammaw & Pawpaw's house and my Uncle Paul & Aunt Betty would be there....oh the stories you would hear. My Uncle Paul LOVED to tell stories. The thing about his stories is they all took an hour to tell because he talked so slow. He had this deep southern voice and he could drag a story out for an hour or longer....I loved hearing him talk though. I miss him so much. I have some things in my house that he gave me when I got married. I was redecorating my living room today because we got a new entertainment center. I was trying to figure out what things to keep and what things to get rid of. You know how you do....well, he gave me an oil lamp made out of a Kerr jar, needless to say, it stayed. My Uncle Paul always gave me neat things. I blogged a few weeks ago about a ring he gave me. I treasure that ring. Geez I miss him so much. I'm thankful I had the time I did with him. I am glad I got to go on vacations with him and spend time getting to know him as well as I did. It made me a better person to know him.

I guess as I gear up for one of the hardest days of the year for me, I just want all of you who read this to stop and look at the things & people you have in your life. Don't take time for granted. Enjoy every second you have with the people you love because you never know when that time will be up. Love fully and live your life with no regrets. Be thankful for the things you have and know that God provides exactly what we need when we need it. I'm thankful for the time I have had with the friends and family in my life. Even those friends that I no longer communicate with....they were here for a reason at some point and I'm glad for the time I had with them.

Day 22

Today I would like to say just how thankful I am for my in laws. They are such sweet people. It has taken me a long time to build the relationship I wanted with them but this week I realized I have it. After almost 9 years of being with Seth and 7 years of marriage....I have got the relationship I have always wanted with his family.

See when I was growing up my Dad's mom was not the nicest person. She was always mean to my Dad and even more horrible to my Mom. She didn't like me because one day my last name would change and I would no longer be a "Wright". She actually said this to me once. She tortured my mother for years....just did terrible mean things to her. I remember a lot of it. Her tone with Mom was always hateful. And Mom tried so hard to be sweet but there's only so much a person can do. Anyway I vowed to work so hard with my spouses family...whoever I married....I wanted to start off working hard on that relationship. I wanted a different one than what my Mom had with my lovely grandma. So when I met Seth's Mom and I knew he was "the one" I set out on a mission....to make these people love me. And I have.

I went over there Sunday after my nephew was born and stayed for a little while. We played with Talent and talked. My father in law made me nachos for dinner. It was just us. Seth was working and I was just enjoying some time with them and my sweet kid.

My mother in law informed me that she started her medicine to stop smoking and hasn't had a cigarette in four days. This may not seem like anything to anyone else but to me it means the world. I love her and want her to be around to tell my kid all her fun stories about singing in a rock band and being a private detective and then being a teacher.....I want her to be around. And I've been begging her to stop smoking since I found out I was pregnant. She finally took the steps and I'm so proud.

I'm glad I have a good relationship with them. I'm glad they have accepted me and love me. They are great people and have raised a son who is an amazing father and husband. So I'm very thankful for them. I know that sometimes we may not see eye to eye but that comes with every relationship. I'm just glad that the relationship I have with them isn't like the one my grandma put my sweet Momma through.

Day 21

Today I am thankful for the place (or person) that is my safe place. I know I've already written about my husband but one "thank you" just isn't enough. That man is amazing. He is the person that I go to when I need to be weak. See, I'm the "strong" person in my world. I have to be the fixer, the one that takes care of so many people. The one that makes sure that the people that I love are okay and if they aren't, well, I have to fix whatever is wrong. I am the one that ends up carrying so many of everyone elses burdens on my shoulders. It's okay, I have big shoulders and I can tough it out. I'm a pretty tough chick....most of the time. But when I've had all I can take and those burdens get heavy and I need someplace to land and someone to be the one to carry my heavy heart, my sweet husband is always there. He's the one person I never have to worry about being weak with. See, I'm the type of person that doesn't like to show weakness. I never let people see me cry or get upset. I don't want people to know when they get to me. I don't ever want anyone to think they have any power over me. So I hold my head high and don't let people see that I have that weak side. There are VERY few people that know I have it. Even fewer that have ever witnessed it. Seth is probably the only person in the world that I can be completely at ease with. I'm thankful that I have that. That one person that I can fall apart with and not worry about being judged. Not have to worry about him thinking I'm weak. Just know that he loves me and will fix whatever it is that needs to be fixed. Just to have one person to do what I try and do for the ones I love....for me. And he would go to the moon and back to make my world right again. And I love him so much for that. He would never let anyone know he's this way with me but he's just amazing. And I'm so thankful for it. I'm glad to have that safe place of my own. That place that I can just be and feel completely okay. Without him I don't know what I would do some days. On days when I need to fall apart, I just know I have to keep it together until I see him. And all he has to do is be there....he doesn't even have to say anything. Just a hug and an "I love you" can make everything alright again. Just knowing he's there and will fix anything he can, and that it's alright for me to just be upset for a minute, it's all I need and I can be okay again and get back to my tough act again. So today I'm just so much more than greatful that I have this wonderful man in my life. For without him, I would be a wreck.

Day 20

I'm thankful to have my first nephew here! Flynn Bazil arrived today at 5:31 pm. I haven't been told how much he weighs or how long he is.....they hadn't done that yet when we were there to see him. But he is here and healthy. So that is my thankful thought for today! Happy birthday my sweet nephew! Your Nisa loves you!

Congrats Bubba & Rhyan! Parenthood is a life changing experience. It will rock your world. Welcome to the club!

Day 19

19 days in and I have so many things to be thankful for. Tonight I'm thankful to have people in my life that want to help me when I need it. The last few days have been long ones. Talent is teething and has been up and down at night and I've been exhausted. I'm thankful that I have people that don't mind coming here to let me have a little time to myself to take a hot bath or just letting me clean my house or eat a hot meal. I'm thankful to not always have to load him up and take him to someone. It's like moving having to take him places. So when people come here I appreciate it so much. So today that is what I'm thankful for.

Day 18

Today I'm thankful for our vet. They always take such great care of our animals. This week we had our youngest (and biggest) baby fixed. He weighs over 125 lbs and hits me at about my hip. He's a little overwhelming at times and most people are scared of him. He's a good dog though. The vet praised him and said he was just such a sweet dog and so good natured. She went on and on about how well his surgery went and how well behaved he was. It is just nice to hear. And it is so nice to know that I can trust our vet to make sure that my babies are well taken care of when they are away from us overnight for procedures. So today that is what I'm most thankful for.....a vet that cares for my animals as much as I do. So thank you to the doctors at Minson's Vet Hospital. You guys are great.

Day 17

Today my "thanks" may come across a bit strange. I say that because the person I'm thankful for today is someone I've never even met in real life. That person is Mary Morrow. She is a photographer up in Moore and is absolutely amazing. Now let me back up and explain.

I "met" Miss Mary through myspace many years ago when I stumbled across her myspace page and found her beautiful photography. I fell in love instantly with her photos. She has this amazing talent that I can't even begin to describe. I remember one photo in particular that I loved and still do....it was of a couple sitting cross legged in front of eachother...they weren't even looking at the camera and they were laughing as if they were part of the funniest joke in the world. I loved that picture. Mary has taken many pictures since then that I've fallen in love with. She's just so talented. Anyway, after I found her on myspace and we became "friends" on there, we started talking every once in a while. She deleted her myspace and joined facebook....I followed. She would post things about a marriage prayer group and I decided I wanted to be a part of that. She added me to the group and I'm still a part of it today. Mary has passed that torch on to another very special lady, Larissa, who I'm also thankful for and I still get SO much out of those emails.

The reason I'm so thankful for this "perfect stranger" is because she always posts these uplifting messages on her blog and facebook. She's honest about how she isn't perfect and how she has trouble just like everyone else. She doesn't judge you when you talk to her about things that are going on in your own life. She prays for you. She prays with you. And she has no idea just how talented she is or how beautiful she is. She is one of the most humble people I have ever met and she has reason to be pretty proud of herself. It just says alot to me that she doesn't see her talent the way I do. Her pictures are absolutely breathtaking.

Mary inspires me to try....to really try and listen when God speaks. She encourages me without even knowing it somedays.

Someday she will photograph my family. I want a "Mary Original" to hang in my home. So if you have time and want to see something beautiful....take a look at her website. Look at all the pictures that she has taken. I know you will be just as amazed at her work as I am. Tomorrows Memories Photography

Miss Mary, I know when you read this you will think I'm crazy. You will probably blush and say none of it is true....that you aren't as talented or inspiring as I think you are. But I am thankful that God brought you into my life to share the positive energy that you have. You are an amazing young lady and so very talented. Thank you for sharing all of your positive words and always just being so sweet.

Day 16

Today I would like to say I'm thankful for the time I've had to spend with my little family this week. When Seth is off on his 7 day break I soak up every bit of family time I can get. To be able to spend time with him & Talent is the highlight of my life. I love being able to have the time to just hang at home with the two of them and play or snuggle and watch tv together. It is something that I know I will treasure even more with each passing year. As Talent grows we get to see all his firsts and all the changes in him. It's such a blessing to be his parent. And getting to spend time together as a family unit just makes me so happy.

Day 15

Today I'm thankful for my Aunt Leaoma. She is actually my mom's cousin but I've always called her my aunt. She and I have a really close relationship that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I love her like a second mom. I know is there's ever anything wrong and I need someone to talk to or just go to for help....I always have her. She and I have a lot in common....we have a hard time keeping our big mouths shut sometimes, we love kitchen gadgets, cooking & baking, and we both have a very sweet side that we only show to those we love most. I'm so glad I have her in my life. She's one of the few people I can be completely honest with and she doesn't get bent out of shape over my lack of tact. She loves me unconditionally. I think she's one of the most beautiful ladies in this world....and she thinks I'm crazy. So today, Aunt Leaoma....I'm thankful for you. I love you.

Day 13

Today I am thankful for home made "krispy kreme" donuts (yes I four a recipe on pinterest & made them!) and Eric Church playing in my cd player before we head to church.

I found the donut recipe on pinterest and it came from a site I'm sure to visit more times in the future because she has amazine recipes! WWW.justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com
Give her a visit....you're sure to find something tummy to make!

And I bought the new Eric Church cd yesterday....yes I still buy cds.....I'm old school like that. Anyway, his new cd "Chief" is just as amazing as all his other cds (which I own).....I love it!

So today that's what I'm thankful for!

Day 14

Today I'm thankful for the miracle of life. Sometime shortly before I had Talent my best friend, Shawna, found out she was pregnant. She was surprised because they weren't "trying" and didn't really want any more kids. They already have two of the sweetest boys ever. Well she found out and told me....I think it was right around April 1st because I remember thinking it was an April Fools joke. Anyway, today she had her c-section to bring sweet Miss Kaitlyn Elizabeth into the world. I can't be there to see her and it just kills me....but I got a picture of her earlier today and she's just beautiful. So today, I'm thankful for the miracles that life presents us. I'm thankful that both Shawna and Kaitlyn are doing well and are healthy. I know it has been an exciting day up there for them.....a family of four turned to a family of five. And what was once a house full of stinky boys welcomes in a beautiful, frilly, pink bundle of girly joy to their family with open arms. So good luck Kaitlyn.....you show those boys who is really the boss! Can't wait to meet you, I love you already.

Day 12

Today my baby boy is 7 months old. I would like to say just how very thankful I am for my doctor, Stacie Elfrink. Without her I'm not sure I would have been able to go through my pregnancy journey and be as open minded and calm as I was.

See 30 years ago (yes, I said 30) there was a young doctor that had started delivering babies here in our home town....that was my doctors dad.....Dr. Chris Herndon. He delivered me & my brother. I have gone to him my whole life and when it came time to find a doctor for my "female" needs....Dr. Herndon suggested his daughter because she was going to be joining his practice the following year. So off to see Stacie up in the city where she was still working. I fell in love with how comfortable she made me feel. She seemed like someone I could be honest with and could trust. I was glad to finally find a doctor I liked for my girly stuff.

So Stacie moved here and started her practice. I took 3 at home pregnancy tests last summer that didn't "flip me off" and I decided to go see Stacie. And the journey began. Stacie was there to help me to know what to expect along the way and help me to make decisions as far as a "birth plan" went. She was honest with me when I asked about the disease I had when I was little and if I could give it to my child. She even worked me in about this time last year to do an early ultrasound to see what we were having. I had told her about my brother moving and how I wanted to be able to share the news with him while he was home.....she is a big sister and understood that desire. She is the sweetest.

During my labor she came in and checked on me often and was honest with me when it came time to decide on whether or not to go ahead with the c-section. She stayed and performed the surgery and came in the next morning to check on me. She came to see me each day I was there. She was a great doctor and so very supportive.

She still checks in with me via Facebook and she always wants to see my sweet baby boy when we are in the office. Now a days you see doctors rushing patients in and out and not taking any personal interest in them. That's not my doctor. She cares about me....she honestly does. I'm thankful to have a doctor like her. Someone who makes me comfortable and I know truly cares. So thanks Stacie for getting my baby here safely and for taking the time to get to know your patients.

Day 11

Today I am thankful for one of my very best friends, Jennifer. We have been friends for close to 10 years and in those ten years have been through so much together. Divorces, surprise weddings ( love you Jenny & Marv!), lots of boyfriends, and babies. Last year when my Daddy had his heart attack and I needed somewhere to go and just be hugged and loved and told everything was okay, I went to Jenny's work. She did hug and love me and tell me it would all be okay. She's such a wonderful friend and always has been.

Jennifer and I have a wonderful friendship. We don't talk as often as we would like but when we do it's like we never missed anything and we just pick up right where we left off.

My Jenny made my baby shower cake when I was pregnant with Talent. She came to the hospital to see us. And she came to the house and brought me dinner and let me eat it while it was still hot! She is the greatest and I'm so glad to have her in my life. I was so blessed to meet her at UFL all those years ago.

I love her and her family like they were my own. She has and always will have a special place in my heart. I love you Jenn! Thanks for always being honest with me and for being a true friend to me over the years. You mean the world to me doll!

Day 10

Today I would like to say how very thankful I am for my sweet friend, Liz. Elizabeth and I have been friends since I was in high school. She worked at my Mom's office and I remember borrowing dresses from her for formals I attended. We grew pretty close after I graduated. She got me started on yoga, taught me some life lessons, and most importanly....always gave me a place to land.

Over the last 2 years Elizabeth and I have grown so much closer. She's more like a sister to me and I don't know what I would have done without her this last year espeically. She was there to help me through all of my pregnancy, she did yoga with me to keep me limber and keep my hips open so I would have an easy delivery. She was there in the hospital for the entire delivery. She came and brought groceries while I couldn't get out because of the c-section. She still comes out and sees my kid on days when I'm exhausted beyond all belief. There have been days recently when he's been sick and she's come out to do things for me because I'm so tired and worn out from being up with a sick baby that I can't or don't have the energy to do them for myself. She talks me through things that bother me or upset me and helps me see things from a different perspective. She helps me to be a better person and she prays with me and for me daily.

She is the most giving and unselfish person I've ever met. To say she's a good friend is an understatement. She's one of the best friends a person could ever have. She is the type of friend that when she's your friend, she's in 1000% and she gives all of herself to that relationship. She's amazing and I'm so thankful for the friendship we have. I'm thankful that when I call she answers and always has encouraging words for me. So today, that is what I'm most thankful for.

So Elizabeth....I love you, Sister. Thank you for just being you and for always being there. I hope you know just how appreciated you are and how much you mean to me. I'm so glad that we have the relationship that we have.

Day 9

Today I'm thankful for friends that pray with me & for me. You guys know who you are. I hope you know just how much you mean to me. I know when I have trouble I can always count on you. And I also know that you are always praying for me when I don't "need" it as much too. So thank you guys. I appreciate you. And I'm so thankful to have you as my friends.....

Day 8

I'm thankful for laughter. Last night with all the storms rolling through we were up and down a lot. Talent didn't like all of the noise of the thunder or the rain beating down. He didn't sleep well. I finally just grabbed him and brought him to bed with us and he slept better.

I figured this morning he would be so cranky but we've spent most of the morning laughing and playing. I love the sound of his laughter. Since he came along there has been so much more laughter in our home. I'm so thankful to have it. It makes me so happy. Laughing is such a great thing. Such great medicine for the soul. I love that everything I do and Seth does is so funny to Talent. So today I'm so very thankful for laughter.

Day 7

Today I'm thankful that I live in America. I was driving to the store today with Talent and we were listening to a little Eric Church. He has so many great songs but there was one that had a line in it today that made me think of how lucky I am to be able to live the life I want. You know, in so many other countries women are treated so poorly. And people in general don't have the right to live how they want. I am so fortunate to get to live the way I want. I don't have to cover my entire body with a robe & drapes over my face....I can have opinions of my own and not worry about being hurt or going to jail. And I can believe whatever religion I want to believe in. I can read my Bible anytime I want and I can say and do as I please. I think being an American is pretty amazing. I'm thankful that I was born here.

Day 6

Today I am thankful that I live in Oklahoma and not California. We had an earthquake here last night and it was the weirdest and scariest thing I think I have ever experienced. We heard a noise first and then the house started shaking and so did everything in it. Being from Oklahoma I'm used to storm season and tornado season....I can live with that. We get some what of a warning before those. With the earthquake....it was here and gone before we could even realize we should be taking some kind of cover in a doorway or something. So today I'm glad to live in Oklahoma where this type of thing doesn't happen often and the quakes aren't as big as in California.

Day 5

Last night was a very long night. Talent didn't sleep much and I only got maybe 2 or 3 hours of sleep. So today I'm thankful for a HOT bubble bath and the scent of Vanilla Bean Noel bubbles & lotion. I needed some "me time" after the long night I had and I was granted some of that today. So after a 2 and a half hour nap and a hot bubble bath....I think I'm ready to go again tonight. Hopefully he won't be so bad tonight. I think his schedule just got thrown off yesterday and made him upset. He doesn't deal well with change. He's spent the day shopping with me & Mom today so hopefully he will be tired tonight and will sleep much better. If he doesn't I may have to drive myself to the looney bin.....fingers crossed he sleeps better tonight. We all need the rest.

Thanks Bath & Body for the calming bubbles.....to me it's my "Calgon" moment and I needed it badly today.

Day 4

There is so much in my life to be thankful for. Today I would like to say how thankful I am for my parents. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today. They have helped me so much. They've taught me how to be an adult and make grown up decisions. They've taught me how to make real relationships with people. And most importantly....they have shown me how to be a parent.

They come out here and help me with Talent a lot. They are the reason my house hasn't completely fallen apart. When I first had Talent my mom would come out and cook and clean....she still comes and helps me clean on days when I'm so overwhelmed that I can't get it all done. And Dad comes and fixes the little things that Seth doesn't have the time to fix because he's working so much on so many things...the roof, the fence, his job....

I am truly blessed to have these two for my parents. I got lucky and I know it. I'm glad I have them and don't know where I would be without them in my life. They are the biggest part of my support system and my world would crash without them.

Day 3

Well I would like to say I'm thankful for my wonderful grandparents. I know I am so fortunate to still have them in my life. They are such an important part of my life and I love them so much. They are a big part of my life and I'm so thankful to still have them. They do a lot for me. They have taught me how to be the person I am today....and I'm still learning today. They are always there whenever I need anything. They are so good to my little family. They love my sweet baby and spoil him every chance they get.  I'm just so lucky to have grandparents as good as them.

You know I have tons of cousins who don't get to spend as much time with them as I do. I wish they knew what they were missing out on. I know someday they will look back and have regrets but I won't. I will have spent as much time possible with them. I have had the opportunity to learn some of my Mammaw's cooking secrets and I've learned some of my Pawpaw's silly songs. I will forever hold these things near to my heart. I am glad to have this time with them. And I'm so glad that my child is getting to spend the time with them too.

Day 2

Today I am thankful for my sweet baby boy. Being a mommy has been the most wonderful blessing I've ever experienced. I never in a million years would have expected to feel this much love for one person. Especially one so little! But I do. Talent is such an amazing joy to my life and I'm so glad I have him. Ache day he grows and changes so much. He is learning more and more every single day and I just love every minute of it. Even on days I'm feeling a little down, one of his toothless grins can pick me up instantly!

You know when I look at him I see so much of the people I love in him.....

He has these facial expressions that remind me of my baby brother sometimes and they crack me up. And his overall look and attitude is so much like his Daddy....oh the fun we are going to have as he gets older! He's just a beautiful kid and he makes my heart happy. So today....Talent Espn.....you are what I am most thankful for. I'm glad you came into my life and that I get to be your Mommy. It is the greatest gift God ever blessed me with....aside from your Daddy.

Day one....

So it's November....a month to be thankful. I did this type blog post before where I did 30 days of thankfulness. I chose November because the year before I lost so many people (and a pet) that I loved so very much. It helped me make it through the month and I decided to do it again. It gives me a chance to stop and take a minute and really look at my life and all the wonderful thongs that I take for granted everyday.

So today I would like to kick off the month by saying I'm so thankful for the man I call my husband. He let me sleep in this morning and he got up with Talent. He has to sleep today because he starts nights tonight. So getting up with Talent this morning was kinda a big deal. I appreciate all of the nice things he does for me and I sometimes get caught up in the daily living and forget to say "thank you".

Seth works so hard for us. He gets up and goes to a job and works 12 hour shifts and it's hard work. There are days he comes home and his body hurts and he is walking like he's 80 because he's so sore. But he gets up and goes back the next day so that he can provide for us and so that I can stay home with Talent. I'm so lucky. I don't have to put my sweet baby in daycare and I get to be with him all the time. I get to see all of his firsts and I get to spend everyday with him. If my husband didn't work so hard I wouldn't get to do this. I'm so thankful for him.

Seth is also my absolute best friend. Anytime there is something wrong or something hurting me. He's always there. I don't ever have to worry about him not picking up the phone when I call or not being there when I need him. He always has my back and he helps me through the toughest decisions. He helps me with everything. He let's me talk out what is going on and then tells me it will all be okay. He's there to pick up the pieces when those other relationships don't quite turn out the way I had planned. He helps me to see when things aren't exactly what they seem. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have him in my life. He's a pretty amazing man.

So today that's what I'm most thankful for....my husband of 6 years. He is the greatest man, friend, love of my life, and daddy to our child. I could not have picked another as wonderful as him.

Things change and still they remain the same....

Well things here have been crazy & hectic lately. We were all sick a few weeks back. Seth has been working hard to put on our new metal roof. And we've been trying to get the house ready for a baby who is wanting to walk & crawl....in that order. The last 6 months have been crazy and stressful for me. I've been trying to adjust to so many changes in my life.

For 15 years I've had a job and now I stay at home every day and take care of this sweet boy. That in itself is a big adjustment for me. I've had to work since I was 15 and now to not have to is weird. I love being home with Talent, don't get me wrong. It's just an adjustment.

Also I've been trying to readjust to doing things alone. I've always been the type of person to never depend on others because let's face it, they end up letting you down. And for the last several years I've had people I have depended on to be there day in and day out just for daily interactions. Well they are too busy with their own lives anymore. It feels like I'm going back to the days of depending on myself again. People say they'll call but they never do. They email occasionally and that's great when I have time to sit & read. But I miss the grown up interactions. Playing with a baby is great but baby talk gets old sometimes and I really miss adult conversation.

Lastly I have decided to start doing some things for myself. Since Talent was born I've just concentrated on him. Dressing him cute and making sure he has all the things he needs. I've let myself go some and I want to change that. Most days I spend with my hair up in a ponytail and comfy clothes on. I want to start dressing cute again and spending a little more time on my hair so that I feel a little better about myself. I'm not saying Talent won't always look as adorable as he does....because he will....it's more important to me for him to be cute. But I think I can dress a little cuter and let myself feel a little better about myself in the process.

Anyway....that's what is going on here lately. Everything is the same as it always is....with a few changes.....

?

So I am getting my house ready for a baby who is ready to start trying to crawl. I've been trying to clean around here and move chemicals to higher shelves and cabinets. I was cleaning in the kitchen and stumbled across an old makeup bag that I had placed in a cabinet for some strange reason. It had stuff in it I hadn't seen in years. In it was a ring that I have had since I was probably 14 or 15. My Uncle Paul used to wear it. It's a big square with a black stone and a silver question mark on it. I remember asking about it one day and he just took it off and gave it to me. I loved my Uncle Paul. It's getting really close to the time of year that he passed away. Finding this ring really brings back some memories for me.

This summer we had some of our extended family here to visit and meet my sweet baby. My Pawpaw's brother & sister came up and met him and it was so sweet seeing them with him. It was hard for me at times though. I couldn't help but think of how much my Uncle Paul would have loved my baby boy. I know that he's up in heaven watching him though.

I had a pretty rough year the year my Uncle Paul passed away. I lost a lot of people that year. Talent didn't get to meet a lot of people that I held very near and dear to my heart. But I have no doubts that they are watching over him from Heaven.

Life....

Well it's been a little bit since I last posted to this blog. I've been so busy trying to keep up with the baby blog and updating my friends and family on my growing little boy that I often forget to post my own things on this one. Today there isn't really much going on. The last week or so has been so busy. I helped put together a baby shower for my sister in law this past weekend. It was a great shower and I got to see two really good friends that I haven't seen in a very long time. It was nice to have time with the girls.

Then Seth has been home with us this week. I have enjoyed that. It is always nice when he is home with me. I love that man so much. He is such a great guy....always just what I need after a long day. He loves me...whether he would own up to it in public or not. We had family pictures yesterday. A friend of mine was supposed to take them but she hurt herself pretty bad and couldn't come out to do the pictures. So she sent her husband out to take them. Well I told Seth he was coming and told him we would do the family pics and then he could go fishing or whatever....his response was "I'm not leaving you here with a guy I don't know".....now I know that my friends husband is the sweetest guy in the world and is absolutely harmless. But Seth was being protective and I don't get to see that side of him often.....I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy that just a little bit. It was sweet of him. He'd die if he knew I blogged about that. And Ash, if you are reading this...please don't be offended.....he liked J once he met him! It was just cute that he was all protective before hand.

I better get off of here....there's a little boy that is supposed to be napping with his Daddy....and he's not. I am probably going to have to rescue him very soon. I love sitting here and watching them snuggle though....the cutest thing in the world aside from him petting his Daddy's beard......

Until next time.....

God Gave Me You

I know it's been a while since I posted to this blog. Most of my time has been consumed by the new little guy in my life. But today I wanted to take a minute and blog about the big guy in my life. My husband, Seth. I have heard this song by Blake Shelton twice now and both times it has made me cry and it has made me think of this incredible man that I'm married to. I have blogged about Seth many times before and about how much I love him. I just think sometimes it's important to let the world know....to remind ourselves how wonderful that person is. It's important to me to blog about how wonderful I think he is from time to time. This song is called "God Gave Me You" and it says, "God gave me you for the ups and downs. God gave me you for the days of doubt. And for when I think I've lost my way there are no words here left to say, it's true.....God gave me you." This could not be more true in my relationship with my husband. Whenever I'm down or feeling low....Seth is there. He's always there to make me laugh, to pick me up when I need it. To love me when I'm at my most unlovable. And to just be the best friend I need.....always. I am so thankful that God gave him to me. I couldn't have asked for a better spouse. He's everything I will ever need......I love him with my whole heart and always will. And if you haven't heard this song, it's truly one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Here's the link.....go take a listen. God Gave Me You

52 week challenge

So just in case you didn't notice.....

I have now missed 2 weeks on this challenge. Things here have been so hectic with a new baby in the house. Plus we've had company and life just has been kinda moving along. SO that being said, I am going to have to take a short break from the challenge. I will finish it, but I need to take the next few weeks away from it to get a few things done that need to be taken care of on my end. My time online is pretty limited these days. So, I will finish the challenge, but it's most likely to be a bunch of pictures at one time to play catch up. I'm sorry for those of you that read this often enough to follow the challenge! Life with a new baby is difficult and takes up SO much more time than you ever could realize.....those of you with kinds know what I mean! So I will play catch up at a later date! Thanks for understanding!

15/52

This week our post is supposed to be of flowers. I am going to post a picture that I took a few summers ago. It's one that I LOVE and since we don't have anything blooming this year, it will have to do.

Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers. I can remember when we were on our way home from West Texas one summer we stumbled across a field of HUGE sunflowers. My mom insisted that I get out and take a picture in them. There was a man on a tractor waving at us and Mom thought he was just being friendly. No, he was trying to let us know that they had just irrigated right were we had decided to take pictures. Let's just say, I lost a show that day. It was one of my favorite shoes.....I hope it has helped the sunflowers grow big and beautiful. Everytime I see sunflowers, big or small, I think of that summer and getting stuck in the mud in that sunflower field.

Going Dutch

Well, I thought I would post a few pictures of the things I've been cooking the last few days.

Seth bought me a cast iron Dutch Oven for my birthday. I've been wanting one for a very long time and finally convinced him that I needed it to be able to cook some yummy new things for dinner. This week I was able to cook two new recipes using it! So Here are a few pictures of the things I made....

The Pioneer Woman's "Perfect Pot Roast"

This was the most delicious roast I've ever made!

I also made hot wings.....I didn't get to take a picture of the final product because well, we ate them. QUICKLY! They were delicious as well. All I know is, I may never use my crock pot again. This Dutch Oven is AMAZING! I am in love with this kitchen gadget!!

Frying the wingettes! 

Making the sauce!



14/52

Well, this week the challenge is to post something from nature. I could post my favorite picture from the past that I've taken, but today I decided to venture out of my house and take a picture of some of my favorite things around my house. So today, you are going to get to enjoy some of the "nature" around my house....

 This is one of my favorite trees. Seth & I bought it a few years ago and I love it. The next picture is why.

 Seth hates this part of it, but I love it. The peely bark is so neat. I love how weathered it makes this tree look. I think this is a River Birch. I love it. It's just pretty.

And this is a shrub that I love. I picked it out a year or so after we got married. I have since bought a second one. I love how it is bright and cheery. Most of the shrubs I have found are all monotoned and green. This one just grabbed be with it's yellow & green. It's pretty.

Since Oklahoma hasn't seen rain in so long, none of our flowers or anything are growing so this is as "nature" as it gets around here right now. I wish that my roses & hydrangea were blooming but they aren't. Heck, my grass isn't even really growing right now. I guess that means less mowing! Sadly it also means no fireworks this year for the 4th of July.....my favorite holiday and I don't even get to see my favorite part of it. Oh well, maybe we'll get some rain and they will do them later in the year for us. I know they already spent the money on them.

Anyway, until next week.....

13/52

Well, as usual I'm a few days late. It was my birtday weekend so I have a better excuse than usual. I have had the best birthday weekend ever. Actually the whole last week has bee pretty awesome. I have spent some time with some of my amazing friends, received some very thoughtful cards and gifts, and have been taken on some very sweet dinner dates (by my husband of course). It's been a great week. And the birthday celebration is spilling over into this week too! I am having lunch with one of my very closest friends today. I'm looking forward to it. So to post this weeks theme picture of something round, I am going with the swirl on the top of my "birthday" cake from Cheesecake Factory yesterday.

Seth took me to OKC for my birthday. We went to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch and then went shopping to buy me a few things I wanted for my birthday. We had a good time just being together and I got a few things I had really been wanting.....a dutch oven being one of those things! So here's the picture of the top of my "Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple" cheesecake. The swirl was made out of some kind of peanut butter mixture and was delicious. This cheesecake had reeses & butterfinger on top of it and OMG it was so good. My kind of birthday cake......

29 was one of the most amazing times in my life. I was pregnant for most of it and became a first time mom. Turning 30 seems to be magical. I think it holds some pretty amazing journeys for me. If it's half as good as 29 was, I can't even begin to think of all of the wonderful things that are ahead of me. I know, I'm one of those weirdos that loves their birthday. I don't fear getting older, I don't think of it as something awful like most people my age. I think it's such a blessing to get to be alive and have something to live for. My 20's were a blast, I found the man of my dreams, got married, started my life, became a mom. My 30's are going to be even more exciting and I'm looking forward to all of the wonderful things that I'm sure are coming my direction!

Lessons...

So you all know how I work. I live through music. Today, this is how I feel. It's just the song that is playing through my heart at the moment.

Daughtry---Learn My Lesson

Weeks 10-12 of 52....I have crappy internet service here in the sticks....

Okay so I'm going to make this posting for the 2 weeks I missed because of my terrible internet connection out here in the sticks. And I'm going to go ahead and post this weeks picture too!

The week 10 challenge was feet. So here is a picture of feet.

This is a picture of Talent's little baby feet. They aren't so tiny anymore. This picture was taken about a month ago and his little feet are growing and getting so big....so is the rest of him. I can't believe how much he is growing and how fast! He's two months old already and there are some important people that he still hasn't gotten to meet yet! He's a little heart throb already and I never knew or expected to love something so very much.

Week 11 was a picture of hands....

Talent & Seth's hands. This is a very special picture to me. I love my husbands hands. He has these rugged "working man's" hands. They are big, strong, and safe. To me, they have always made me feel safe and secure. As you can see, they make Talent feel safe too. This picture is one that my friend Ashley took when Talent was only about 3 weeks old. It's one I know I will always treasure. I can't believe how much he has changed.

Now for this weeks picture....

Something BLUE!

I am posting a picture that I'm sure I've posted before. This is from the last time I saw Alex & Logan. It was in February or March of this year. Not long before Talent came along. I miss these boys with my whole entire heart and can't wait until I get to see their sweet faces and get big hugs. I miss their Momma with my whole heart and today this is the picture I came across with something blue in it that spoke to me the most. So to my BFF, Shawna, I miss you. Let's pick a date, make it happen, and see each other and our beautiful boys. Miss you, love you so much and hope that things are good. You guys are my "blue" today because not seeing you guys for so long, well, it makes me blue.

9/52

So I'm late on the challenge again this week....being a new mom is kicking my ass. I have so much to doo and not near enough time to do it. I am told this will get better. The theme for this week is "shoes"....since I'm a new mom I've come to realize that I'm no longer that cool. All of my time, energy, and money goes towards this little guy. I don't get to buy the cool clothes, shoes, or fun stuff that I once enjoyed. So today I decided to post a picture of a pair of shoes that I've had my eye on since around Christmas. They are not at all practical but they are the most gorgeous pair of shoes I think I've ever seen. Something I would have saved for when I was younger. They remind me of something I would see my favorite singer, Pink, wearing on stage.

8/52.....

So this weeks challenge is sports. I am posting a picture of Coach K Court at Cameron Stadium. Now for those of you who have no clue where this is or why I would post anything about it, let me fill you in.

Coach K Court & Cameron Stadium are where the Duke Blue Devils play basketball. When my husband & I started dating, I HATED basketball with every ounce of my being. He played basketball, watched basketball, and loved the sport SO much. Needless to say, he converted me to a basketball lover. His favorite basketball team to watch is Duke University. Most people either love or hate Duke, there's usually no in between. For us, we LOVE Duke University. Watching them play each year has become one of our favorite things to do together. So that's why I'm posting the picture of their court. And what's even better is that this is from a game where they played the NC Tarheels.....who are thier rivals! So if you aren't a basketball fan, I'm sorry, I know this was boring for you. Just thought I would share something that Seth & I love. It's something we enjoy watching together. There's nothing better than when basketball season starts and I get to spend more time with my husband!

7/52

So I kinda missed the challenge last week. It is just a tad stressful in my house since we have a new baby to care for. So I'm taking the time to post a picture for the challenge. This weeks challenge was "food". I have decided to post a picture of one of my favorite foods.

This is the Toblerone cheesecake I made a while back. I LOVE to bake & cook. Cheesecake is something I'm currently trying to master. This has been my favorite that I've made so far. Cheesecake has a way of making a bad day better. So that's my food picture for week 7! Sorry it was a day late!!

Week 6/52

Well I almost missed this challenge this week! I'm so busy and just plain exhausted with a newborn in the house. This week's challenge is "numbers".....

So numbers could mean I post a pic of my favorite number or the number that means something to me...whatever I want. So I decided that since today is a very significant day to me, I'd post a number 6. That is how many years that I have been married to the wonderful man that I call my husband. Today is our anniversary and I have never been more in love with this man. We recently had a baby and it amazes me how much more in love I've fallen. Seth has been so supportive and helpful during all of the recovery. He's helped with Talent, dinner, and anything else I've needed. I'm truly grateful that I have had him here. He's just the most amazing man. I have never felt a love like this one. I don't know what I did to deserve it but I'm so thankful for it every single day.

Week 5/52

This weeks challenge is to post a picture of "cars".....so I decided that instead of posting a picture of the car I currently own, I'd post a picture of a few cars I'd LOVE to own.

 Something about this beautiful green Camaro always draws me in. I love it. And I would love to own one!

This is an old Model A. I have always wanted to have an old classic car to restore. This would be my dream car to own. I like working out in the garage with Seth and would LOVE to have an old car to restore with him. It's a small dream I've had for a long while.

Week 4/52

This week's challenge is to post a picture of "animals".....everyone knows that I have 3 furry babies that I love very much. They are considered my children, even now that I have a real human baby. So today I'm going to post a few of my favorite pictures of my furbabies. Starting with the oldest, Riley.

Riley will be 7 years old in May of this year. I got him while Seth & I were dating and I am completely in love with this dog. He's more than perfect in my eyes. He has the sweetest spirit in the world. He likes everyone and is just such a great dog. I love him so very much. He's always there when I need someone to just let me hug them. He's truly the greatest dog ever.

George is our cat. He's probably around 6 years old. We got him initially to be a "mouse catcher" out here. Living in the country kinda makes that a necessity. Georgie has an attitude that is all his own. He thinks he's the boss of the dogs and he beats the crap out of them on a daily basis. He loves Riley and you can usually find them somewhere in the yard cuddled up together.

Redick is our newest addition. He's going to be a year old on the 30th of this month. He's the biggest sweetheart. He doesn't realize that he's as big as he is. He thinks he's still little and well, at over 115 lbs, that can sometimes be overwhelming. He likes to lay on your feet when you are sitting in the living room. And when you go to bed, he likes to lay on you there too. He's a doll and I love him. He thinks that the new baby belongs to him and when he can't find him, he gets really antsy.

Week 3/52

Well, today's challenge is to post a picture of "kids"....this challenge is a very fun one for me. See, I have two babies that are dogs, but this week, I had my first real baby. So I am going to post a few pictures of all of my babies....we don't have one of all 3 of them together yet, but when we do, it will be posted. So here are all of my sweet babies.

Mommy, Talent, & Daddy

Mommy, Riley, & Redick

Week 2/52

This weeks challenge really was a challenge. I haven't felt real great this week and I've put off taking the picture for this weeks challenge. I thought really hard about what I wanted to post a picture of. Today's theme is "red" so I could post anything in the world that I could find that was red. I played around with several options and finally settled on this one.

This may seem like an odd thing for me to have in my home. Let me explain why I decided to take a picture of this though. My Pawpaw Bazil was the first paid fire fighter in Mineral Wells, Tx. He used to take my Daddy out to to put these flags on the graves of the fire fighters that had passed away when he was a kid. Dad said it was something that they did together. Well, when Pawpaw Bazil passed away in 2005, Dad went to visit his grave. He came home with this flag. They replace them when they are ragged and worn. The firemen really take care of those that they served with. Anyway, Daddy brought this home and gave it to me. See, my aunt got the flag from the military, someone else got his fireman's badge. We had wonderful memories with him though. This flag is just something that I have in my house to remember him by. I see it every single day. It reminds me of when we would go see him at the fire house. We'd get to sit in the upstairs coffee room and play "pool"....we really just rolled the balls all over the table. Having something like this makes me remember all the wonderful memories I have of him.

Week 1/52

So this is the beginning of our weekly photo challenge. Today we are supposed to post a self portrait. I took this picture today and thought it turned out pretty good. Well, at least as good as it can at 37 weeks pregnant. Everything is swollen and puffy....and tired. So here's to the beginning of a new fun challenge between me & my very best friend, Shawna. And again, you can check out her blog here Wonder Woman's Castle

11 Months Old Already???

So tomorrow, Redick will be 11 months old. I thought since I hadn't had a chance to upload any new pictures of him lately I would post a few of my favorites from the last month or so.

Red is really a great dog. He's a little bit ornery at times and that can be overwhelming. I love him though. He has discovered he can bark and some days I wish he hadn't discovered that, but, what can you do?
He hits me at about my hip at this point and I know he weighs well over 100 lbs. Last time we took him to the vet he weighed 115 lbs. He's a beautiful dog. I am really glad to have him. Even though he's sometimes overwhelming, he's a been a great addition to our family.

Red Red, yawning....

Me & Red this last week.

Seth insists Red is the same size he was when we got him in July.

He may be a little off his rocker.

Red, Riley, & Momma

He sure has a sweet face!

Hate....

So I read today that the "Westboro Baptist Church" is planning on picketing Elizabeth Taylor's funeral. I just want to say that these people make me absolutely sick. I am a Christian. I believe in God, but what these freaks are "preaching" is false. God doesn't hate. That's not what he's about. I have friends that don't believe in God and well, it's because of people like these nuts at Westboro. They make the world think that Christians are these judgemental & very horrible people. I just want to say, we aren't. We are loving and kind and accepting. We aren't all like these nuts. I believe in my heart that they will have to answer some day for all the funeral picketing they have done. You don't do the things that they do and have no consequences.

 Makes me sick to think that this is what the world views as Christians. So to my friends that read my blog and don't believe.....please know that we aren't all this way. These people are NOT the same kind of Christians I am. I may not agree with your lifestyle, but, I don't hate you for it. I don't treat you any different than the people that go to my church. I pray for you every single day and I think about you when you are having hard times and I pray even harder for you then. So please don't look at these freaks and think that we are all like them. We aren't. If you are a friend of mine and know me at all, you know I'm not this kind of person and I'm ashamed that these people are out there claiming to be Christians. Truly ashamed of what they are doing.



Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:15

52 Week Project

So I haven't blogged in a little while. I've taken a little time away from the blog and tried to get some things done around this house. I've packed a hospital bag & a baby bag. I've cleaned and done a maternity shoot....it's been busy. I thought I would write today and announce the new "challenge" that my bff, Shawna, and I are going to be doing.

We have decided to do a weekly challenge together. We will be posting at least one blog a week, for 52 weeks....all off of a list I came up with. It is a lot of different subjects and we will be blogging a picture at least once a week starting Monday. I'm not sure what day we will post on so just check back. Some days it may be a Monday and others it may be on Saturday.....you just have to check our blogs to see the pictures we come up with. I think this will be a fun challenge for us. It will allow us to be creative with our pictures. I like that! My BFF is one of the most creative people I know. She's going to have some great pictures and I can't wait to see them! I hope you enjoy the next challenge. I think it will be so much fun!

If you'd like to follow Shawna's blog so that you can see how different our ideas of each subject are...... Click HERE!!!!

Key Lime Cheesecake!

So this is the 3rd cheesecake I've baked since I started my cheesecake challenge. For those of you that don't have a clue what I'm talking about, I gave myself a challenge on New Years. Instead of making a New Year resolution, I decided to give myself a challenge. I decided that I really want to master the cheesecake this year. I've been trying to learn cheesecakes for a while. This challenge is to make one new cheesecake a month. So far I've made a Toblerone Cheesecake and a Nutella Cheesecake. This month I decided to make a Key Lime Cheesecake. It's St Patty's day and limes are green so it made sense to me. It was a very time consuming cheesecake but I had fun making it. I am going to post pictures of the cheesecake like I do every time I make one. So here goes.....

Some of the ingredients.

Key Limes! They are TINY and hard to juice!

Yummy graham cracker crust!

Fresh squeezed Key Limes!

Add the lime juice and mix well!

Ready to bake!

Let me tell you, this was DELICIOUS!

Finished! Even though it cracked, I'm positive it's going to be good!