Farewell to Grace, but oh how amazing is God's Grace.

This is Grace, she's been my car for a little over 8 years. She's the first car that I've ever owned. I was 21 and in desparate need for a car and had very little to work with financially. I received a small loan from my bank and off I went looking for a car. After a couple weeks of looking around and doing some research, Aaron and I (we were dating at the time) decided to take a trip down to Jacksonville, Fl and see what we could find there. This car was the last on our list to check out and it turned out to be the one that was for me. She was beautiful, in excellent condition inside and out and drove like a dream! I was ecstatic. God in his timing had provided a car that was just right for me! I know you're not supposed to get attached to things and I completely understand that. But I think since this was my first real car I did get a little attached to her, maybe it's not so much the car itself but the memories and history of my life that took place in her. The many trips to the beach, the multiple hours that Aaron and I spent talking in the car, dates, going down to Pensacola, Fl and picking up my best friend from college for the weekend and blaring Bon Jovi as we left the school campus. Visiting Aaron while he was in different training sessions, Road trips here and there and everywhere, Countless hours of praying and thinking while driving, Riding home from our wedding night, Driving to Savannah, Ga for our honeymoon, Multiple moves across country, Bringing Morgan home from the hospital, Picking up friends and family from the airport, Driving to and from the airport when we flew home, Picking Aaron up from TDY's, Taking Morgan to school on the first day, and the list can go on and on. Memories are an incredible part of our lives, and there were obviously a lot that took place in my car. Well three weeks ago... I was driving to pick up Morgan from school, it was pouring rain and I was taking my typical route on the dirt/gravel road. Now I have driven on dirt roads since I started driving so they're not anything new to me. I was going under the speed limit when I hit a huge mud slick and before I could gain complete control I skidded into gravel, completely lost control of the car, hit a ditch and flipped the car upside down. Sooo, I find my self upside down (thank goodness for seatbelts and guardian angels) and I'm thinking this is so not happening, I've got to pick up Morgan from school!!! And of course Aaron is deployed at the time. Unbelievably I walked away from the wreck without a scratch. God provided a complete stranger to take me to pick up Morgan from school and bring me back home and my friend Amy helped me with taking care of all the tedious things that go with an accident. (Thank-you so much Amy) Obviously I was stunned at the situation and it wasn't until seeing my car Grace at the impound that I really began to realize how seriously injured I could have been. And I am so thankful that Morgan was not with me. God's grace and protection are marvelous beyond words. I'm so grateful to Him for still being alive and in one piece. I will miss my little grey car, but I have the memories, and most of all God's wonderful grace!

My little stinker

So this year Morgan decided not to be a princess, or a fairy, or a cat, or anything frilly, but a Skunk. Once she made her decision she stuck with it and nothing would do but a skunk costume. I think she made quite a cute one at that, and of course I love the saying on the backside-so true!

I love fall...and so does Morgan

Thanks to a friends advice...I have finally found a place here that works beautifully for pictures. We had a lot of fun being outside this afternoon. These are just a few shots from the afternoon.

They're here!

My sister in-law had her twins this morning....And I woke up to Aaron calling me saying we're finally an aunt and an uncle! They were born a little earlier than planned, but both of them and the mom are doing good. So welcome, little Evelyn Grace and little Brianne Nicole to our world. We're so glad you're here and we can't wait to meet you and hold you. Congratulations, Krista and Eric we are soo happy for you!
p.s. we can't wait to help spoil them!

This Week...

has been a week of many "issues". So yesterday I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Sometimes all it takes is a different perspective to make things seem a little better. Soo...I decided to look at things individually through the lense of my camera and it definitely helped!

I couldn't help but laugh while Morgan played with a neighbor friend and of course my pets are always doing something funny. So I thought I'd share some of the pics that I took. It made me realize that my life is Still GOOD!

Morgan is still amazing and I love her so much!




This is Mischief aka Missy- we've been together a really long time!

Then of course there's Buddy, who jumps in my kitchen hutch everytime the doors are open. Crazy Cat!

Ok, so meet Oliver aka Ollie. I had a huge moment of insanity this past Monday at the pet store with Morgan...yep we came home with Ollie "(like I need anything else to take care of right now, but we have enjoyed watching him.)

Sooo...Ollie meets Buddy....so far there hasn't been the remains of a blue appetizer on my counter top... yet. I honestly think Buddy's not that interested...It would be too much work to catch him!

Morgan always enjoys playing outside!

This is me watching the kids play...mmm

And this is me trying to find some humor left in the day! hahaha ( you know what they say...if you smile/laugh, your spirits will have to rise at some point too! ok so it was worth the try!)

A glass of pomegranite green tea from the Tea Smith in attempt to gain some focus, and my notepad waiting for the never-ending list of to do's.

Girls Night....

Today was an extremely busy day, but it was a good one. I actually got quite a few things done and had girls night at my house. For all of you that were able to come-thank-you. It was very nice to have you here and as always your company was great. Looking forward to next month!

It's the little things in life that are so wonderful

I had the priviledge and pleasure of rocking Morgan to sleep tonight. Rocking her used to be a nightly routine, but now that she's getting bigger she doesn't always want to be rocked. But tonight she snuggled down with me in the rocking chair and eventually went to sleep. I looked at her and wondered how in the world did she grow up to be 4 so quick?! And this afternoon she just wrapped her little arms around me, gave me a huge hug and kiss and said "I love you mommy," and then bounced off to play. It's those moments that make being a mom even more worth it! It's amazing, she's starts pre-school tomorrow. I know, I know, it's only pre-school but...it IS still school! So as a mom I get to have a sentimental moment. At open house this week, she was so excited to go, but then when we got there, there was some hesitation on her part to join in. She eventually warmed up and had fun with the other children. Sooo we'll see how tomorrow goes. She keeps asking me if I can come and play with her at school too. She's so sweet ( at least most of the time)! The Lord is definitely starting to open some doors, even if they are just small cracks at the moment. It's a little scary, a little intimidating, but really exciting. I keep telling myself that it's all in His good time. I have so much to be thankful for. I'll post pics of Morgan's 1st day of school tomorrow night!