Happy Thursday to You

Of My Heart

I haven't written this post until now because I didn't have the heart to. I'm writing now, though, because this is a blog about my life and Grandmother was a big part of it. Last weekend she passed away. Her health had been declining but ultimately this came earlier than we anticipated. Because I live in Knoxville, I haven't been able to see her in the past few years as much as I would have liked to and that hurts a little bit. Both of my grandparents were a huge part of my life and so many memories that I have of growing up includes them.

 My grandparents at a Cubs game a few years ago

I'm trying to think of the best way to describe my Grandmother. I wouldn't call her sweet. That's not really the word. I would call her fun-loving, life-living, and giving-always giving. Nobody would ever have to wonder what she was thinking-she would tell you.:) She would never miss an opportunity to tell you that she loved you either. 

I can't imagine having to have lived the first 30 years of my life without her. She is so much of who I am. I miss you, Grandmother.

p.s. Please know that I don't write this to gain sympathy, but rather to honor her memory.

For Chris, Brad, Jenna, Jerrod, and Shannon

It just felt like an Acapella kind of night:

Just thought I would share a little with you guys. Who, besides Jerrod, doesn't love a little Acapella every now and then? :)

who, being loved, is poor?

Happy Friday to you! This happens to be the end of a pretty decent week. Highlights of the week:

• Does Sunday count as this week? We had a pretty awesome "Super Bowl" party with our small group on Sunday that didn't consist of much game watching.
• Watched a beautiful friend's baptism on Wednesday.
• Finished my 1st out of 3 rotations this semester. One down!
• Got out of class early today. Unheard of with this teacher.
• I have a Valentine's date with my cute husband tonight. Carrabbas? Olive Garden? It's my choice. What would you choose?
• I do have to work tomorrow (I know, there are worse things) but I do get to baby-sit some pretty cute kids tomorrow night.

I'm looking forward to a good weekend and waiting on some warm weather to come. Hope yours is happy!

To my Valentine:

Never Let Go

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear.

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't let go because you are near.

I will fear no evil for my God is with me.

And if my God is with me, whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, you never let go through the calm and through the storm. 

Oh no, you never let go, in every high and every low.

Oh no, you never let go. Lord you never let go of me.

Who can sing this song and not feel like shouting? I can't. This is one of my favorites and a song that is particularly speaking to me right now. I know this period in my life, a time when things aren't easy and often burdening, is for a purpose. I look forward to the time when I can say, "I waited patiently for the Lord, and he listened to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay and set my feet on a rock."

My challenge today, Day 4-A picture that can always make you smile. This pic may not look that funny but I have to laugh because I know what was going on...

This was at my cousin Kitzie's wedding. We were all there and had a blast! Dad started being goofy and dancing toward the end and Brian was so embarrassed that he was practically out the door! Good times.:)

Day 3

Someone I could not imagine my life without.

Man we've been through a lot together. I have so much fun with this guy and would not even want to imagine my life without him.

Travel Wish List

Day #2 of my challenge:  A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel. How about somewheres? I'm glad this is my own challenge where I make the rules.;) I feel that I've traveled pretty well in the US. I've even been out of the country twice. However there are about a zillion places where I would still love to travel. Some are realistic, some maybe not. Who knows?

 Sequoia National Forest

 Prince Edward Island, Canada

Trevi Fountain-basically anywhere in Rome, Italy

I know it's cliche, but I've gotta see the Eiffel Tower!

Blue Hole, Belize

Crete, Greece

Egypt-not right now, but maybe when they figure things out over there.;)

Pompeii, Italy

I could go on and on. I've decided that Chris and I need to win the lottery, retire, and become world travelers. I'm allowed to dream, right? Tell me-if you could choose one place in the world to travel to, where would it be?