Happy Father's Day

A few weeks ago, I took this pic of Pops and JoJo.  I think it's pretty fitting for Father's Day.

I am so thankful for all the wonderful dads in my life!

Happy 14th Anniversary, Babe

At the end of May, Graham and I celebrated 14 years of wedded bliss.

This was one of our engagement photos...

forever and ever. amen.

Five on Friday

Five on Friday, I've missed you.  Now is the perfect time to give 1,2,3,4,5 updates.

[ONE] 

For starters--THIS WEATHER!  Y'all Texas weather has been crazy lately.  We've had 70ish days since the middle of January.  I wouldn't say I'm complaining, but I miss getting to enjoy the winter.

[TWO]

We love First Monday Trade Days in Canton.  For us, it's a family affair...

Edy picked out this $10 wedding dress for her newly engaged aunt! 

What do you think, KK?

huntin' treasures

[THREE]
We use our foyer for homeschooling.  I've found practical ways to store our stuff without it screaming, "WE HOMESCHOOL IN HERE!"  Most of our stuff is stored in my office, but some things I keep in a cabinet in the foyer.

The other day the door to the cabinet was open and I clipped it with my leg and ripped it right off the hinges.  I was so frustrated.  It was beyond repair.  Graham and I purchased the little cabinet for 99 bucks just after marrying and I loved it.

AG and I went furniture shopping for hours and hours one afternoon.  The very last place we stopped, I found this beautiful cabinet...

I LOVE IT!

[FOUR]

Yesterday, Graham and I celebrated 15 years since our first date!  We've never celebrated this anniversary before, but we thought it would be fun to go out and reminisce.  We talked about our first date and how there was so much unknown to us at the time, but how it was the beginning of something wonderful!

I remember my greatest fear was that I'd slip up and accidentally call him Grant.

[FIVE]

I'll end with these cuties...

That's a wrap!  

Have a great weekend!

Trials

This life is riddled with trials.  They are inevitable.  They are hard.  They are painful.  They are uncertain.  But Scripture is clear that they can be used to grow us and glorify His name.  With God's help, His grace, and abundant love, they move us into a deeper communion with Him.  They strengthen our faith.  They make us more like Him.

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For us, this season has been tough and trial-filled.

This summer, I wrote about my parents desire to serve as missionaries to the Philippines. (Click HERE to read more)  They were set to leave in October; however, with several recent health issues, they still haven't departed.  It has been discouraging, but not hopeless.  These trials have kept us totally dependent on Him.  And that's how it should be, right?

my parents

For starters...

Back in August, doctors discovered that Dad had three blocked arteries in his heart.  Fortunately, he had triple bypass surgery right away.  For several months now, he has been recovering.  I am happy to report that he is doing really good. We are so thankful that these blockages were caught and treated immediately.

And...

About a month ago, just as my parents were about to head out, my mom was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma in her toe. Sound strange? Yep!  It's so rare that doctors told her she is literally one in a million.  We can all agree about that!  Long story short, she underwent surgery to remove her toe. PRAISE GOD the cancer was contained and all scans are clear.    

About two weeks ago, Mom's foot got severely infected.  Bad.  Like real bad.  She was hospitalized for four days.  Presently, the infection is on the mend, but the healing process could be quite lengthy.  

The future is not clear, but it looks like my parents won't be able to leave for the Philippines until after the first of the year.  Hopefully.

Through these storms, we continue to read His Word.  We pray.  We trust.  We obey.  Repeat.

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Recently, I've been through a trial or two of my own...

This summer, on our family vacation to Galveston, Graham and I got the very unexpected news that we were pregnant!  MIND BLOWN!  We were so shocked, but so elated.  What a very happy surprise!

This pic was taken right after we found out the big news!

Several weeks passed and things were going great...or so we thought.  However, at one of my doctor's appointments it was discovered that our little one wasn't growing properly.  Devastation and uncertainty filled our lives in a moment.  Words really don't express the magnitude of grief and even frustration that ensued. After about two weeks of living life "up in the air", I began to spot. And, after about two weeks of spotting, we lost the baby. 

Now what?  Heartbroken, I obey.  I trust.  I pray.  Repeat.  

I can tell you that this doesn't look perfect in my life.  I am broken.  I am flawed.  I am angry.  Even still, I desire to be more like Him.  I want to be a student of His Word and molded into His likeness.  I rest in the fact that He is good and nothing can separate us from His love--even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Romans 8

I have been thankful for the body of Christ who has covered me in love and prayers.  People have ministered to me in so many ways and, in turn, that has challenged me to minister better.  To serve better.  To love better.  To be more like Him!

I will continue to praise the Great Physician. Not only is He capable of healing our bodies of illness, but He, who is infinitely greater than us in every way, has the power to transform and heal our hearts! My lips will praise Him even in the storms of life for He is my ultimate joy! He is my portion--my everything. He has made me glad!

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" Psalm 115:1

I pray that through these trial I will be able to "count it all joy" and rest in the fact that the testing of my faith produces steadfastness.  James 1:2-4

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As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of all that He has done and will continue to do.  He holds the future and I am so, so thankful.

Our 13th

Graham and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary last Tuesday.  

East Texas folks, you must try out Jack Ryan's Steak and Chophouse.  It is wonderful fine dining and a beautiful atmosphere--perfect package.

We ran into several couples who were celebrating their anniversaries too!  We had a good time sharing stories, toasts, and laughs! (married 54 years, dating one year, 47 years and us)

All the food was picture worthy...

I'm a huge lover of steak and this one was top of the line!

Graham always gets chicken or fish.

I am beyond over the moon for my man and I love how God has grown us closer to Him so that we can love one another better each passing day.

five on friday

I love it when I have some time to jump on the Friday Five blog train!  

[ONE]

For starters, could this be true?

Don't toy with my emotions, Netflix?

[TWO]

straight-up momma-mode

[THREE]

nailed it.

[FOUR]

my person.

[FIVE]

stormy weather headed to East Texas

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I had some time this week to update the Home Tour Tab. Click HERE to check out the living room and Joy's bedroom pics.

the state of the garden

This time last year, Graham started a new hobby--gardening.  His first plant of choice:  PUMPKINS! He did pretty good and we had a few nice little pumpkins around Halloween.   Throughout the fall, winter, and spring, we've been composting to prepare for his spring and summer garden.   In the early spring, he got serious and planted bell pepper, kale, and tomatoes...

"Daddy, take a picture of me smelling the pepper!"

Late spring/early summer, he planted corn and watermelon.  

Our salads have been so fresh and yummy...

The garden has had an abundance of kale and peppers.  The tomatoes are starting to come like crazy now.

When he started gardening, I promised him I'd learn to can his produce.  I never doubted that he'd have a successful garden, I just didn't expect it to yield enough worth canning.  I was wrong.  

I've canned my first very small batch of diced tomatoes...

I was nervous, but these little half-pints weren't too hard and I think I'll be excited and prepared when he brings in the next load of tomatoes!

He is harvesting more and more peppers, tomatoes, and kale each day.  I'm sure I'll be canning more in the coming days! **July 4th is the day to plant those pumpkin seeds!  Lots of gourds and pumpkins headed our way in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving!

Happy Father's Day

There aren't enough good daddies in our world today. My heart breaks for all the kiddos without a dad in their life. Fatherless homes are becoming the norm and the "family" is vanishing before our eyes. 

Women and children, join me in celebrating all of the real men out there...the ones who haven't walked away and who have cared and are caring for their families. 

My girls don't know how good they've got it, but I sure do!!! Graham, you are our rock, our love! Thanks for being the man God has called you to be. Happy Father's Day!!!! 

Come Home, Daddy!

A few weeks ago, Graham made his annual trip to Nicaragua.  The goal of the trip is to teach and train the Nicaraguan pastors so that they are equipped to preach the gospel to the people in their community.  These pastors have little to no resources and so it is very beneficial for them to have good training and doctrinally sound resources.  I am so thankful for the work and time the missionaries, translators, and pastors have devoted to these ongoing trips--carrying out the Great Commission!

Meanwhile, us girls were ready for our man to return to the states...

He brought us gifts...

a beautiful bowl for me

dresses and jewelry for the girls

"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ..." Ephesians 4:12-13

12 YEARS

Graham and I celebrated our twelfth anniversary on Sunday.   Here's a little walk down memory lane...

I don't know why I kept our first date movie ticket stub.  I guess I knew it'd be my last first date and the first day of the rest of my life!

For my coffee lover, I gifted him a Chemex.  He's in love!

I got new shoes!

me and my man...12 years strong!

No.1 D-A-D

Graham,
 
I'm blessed to call you my husband and these three girls are blessed to call you their daddy.  Thank you for being here, spending quality time with us, teaching us about our Lord and Savior, and loving us unconditionally.  You are truly wonderful and we love you so much.

Love,

Your Four Girls

#tbt

THROWBACK THURSDAY...

On our honeymoon, we had a caricaturist (is that a word?) draw us.  When he turned the finished product around, we smiled, payed him, went on our way, and laughed our butts off.  It's really, really, bad, right?  That doesn't look anything like us...RIGHT?

*celebrating 10 years of wedded bliss at the end of the month!!!*

#tbt

THROWBACK THURSDAY...

Love you, Babe!

kale chips

I made kale chips for the first time and I'm pretty pleased!
I found a recipe on Pinterest that seemed easy enough.  You can check it out HERE.  I think my chips are a little overcooked even though I followed the recipe exactly (it could be the difference in our ovens).  The recipe called for a 425 degree oven with a cooking time of 45-60 minutes.  At about 25 minutes in, I realized that they needed to come out asap.  Next time, I will probably decrease my oven temp and lessen the cooking time.  Other than that, they are really pretty tasty and all the fam chomped down on them.

We've been pretty healthy eaters throughout our marriage and gradually we have made more and more healthy eating choices.  Although I ADORE me some fast food, (like, seriously!) I eat it sporadically.  I don't think that Arby's curly fries will kill ya every once in a while!  It's all about moderation!!   My kids eat really healthy, but I'm not opposed to letting them munch on some sugary goodness from time to time!  they.are.kids.  Basically, I was raised on Little Debbie's (ask my mom) and I turned out okay as far as I know!

Well......

I have to take a second to brag on my bff, my hubby!  

A few weeks ago, he buckled down and started a new work-out program, changed some of his eating habits (less snacking and smaller portion size), and to date he has lost 22 pounds.  Granted, it's not a good idea for husbands to diet while their wives are pregnant and putting on the pounds; I'm proud of him nonetheless!

life-n-pics

pics w/commentary comin' right up...

My wonderful parents just spent a few days in New Orleans for the Women's NCAA Final Four.  They sent me this pic and it put a smile on my face.  I love 'em!

Loving all of the free monogram downloads on Pinterest.  I made a new prayer journal last week using one of the monogram freebies.

Just a couple of gals hanging out, munchin' on some popsicles, and watching their daddy mow the lawn.  I love spring!

What a good daddy to watch BARBIE with his babe.  He never ceases to amaze me!

More spring beauty. The road to our house--we're just around the corner on the left behind all of that wonderful allergy-inducing goodness.

Joy Tatum's visitor treats are all ready to go.  It's one of those things that's completely unnecessary, but I enjoy doing it and did it for the other two.

Our rosebush got it's first bloom.  Take my word for it...this bloom smells wonderful!

That's all.