Our Anniversary

Last night Coby and I celebrated our anniversary by going to Temple to try out an Italian restaurant we heard about, Pignetti's. It was super good, and we had a very relaxing evening. Although our waiter was new, I think. He seemed really nervous.

Mom and Ray wanted Skyler to come stay the night, so I'm blogging at 8:30 in the morning in my PJ's. AWESOME!!! Skyler's cutting four molars, so she's been up at night a lot the past few weeks. Last night I slept through the night--sooooo wonderful!! I hope Mom wasn't up much! :) It's amazing how much you appreciate the little things once you have kids, but I already miss my little Sky, so I'll probably go get her soon.

I digress. All in all, a great night. And how awesome that I've been married eight years. It just seems like yesterday I was walking down the aisle, doesn't it!! Mom and Ray, celebrating newly married bliss, blessed us with an anniversary present and sweet card. I couldn't help but reflect on how different our lives are now compared to how they were seven years ago. I love that we have a God of second chances. It is great to see my mom so happy and content, and watch her and Ray grow more in love with each other. I think we all know that it took me some time to get used to the idea, but I always wanted Mom to know love again. I think our lives are meant to love. Whether we're married 25 years or 70-something like my great-grandparents, it is a treasure to be married. Ray is a blessing to our family, and I'm thankful for their love.

Coby and I are doing a little marriage enrichment summer dating series at church, and it's been so neat to see how much we KNOW each other. Our date was more evidence of this. Last night, we were finishing each other's sentences and thinking the same thoughts. I'm tearful even now thinking of the blessing he is to my life. I can't imagine walking through life without him. Thank you, God, for eight years to love him, and many, many more to come!!!

Prayer Time

Today was a busy summer day with Read Smart kids, and after I got finished working, Skyler and I went to look for bridesmaid dresses with Raschael. I wouldn't say it was fun. Not because I wasn't glad to spend time with my sisters and other bridesmaids, but because Skyler did NOT want to be there, and of course a disgruntled child in the store at any time isn't pleasant for anyone. Not to mention that every bridesmaid dress out there now shows cleavage down to your belly button!! Hello!! I have a child!! I can't DO dresses like that anymore!!!

So when we got home, had dinner, and watched our traditional "Dora the Explorer" for the night, Skyler and I went on to her room. We practiced our letter sounds as we read the colors, then put the book down to thank Jesus for our day.

I told her we needed to close our eyes, and Skyler said, "Mommy, I wanna talk."

"Ok. What do you want to talk about?"

"Daddy in da udder room?"

"Yes, Honey."

"And Beeboo? Beeboo funny! He lay on da ground, and then he go ha - ha - ha."

"Silly Beeboo!"

"Silly Beeboo!"

"OK, Sky. Let's pray. Close your eyes and fold your hands."

With this she folds her little hands around her "bank" and squints her eyes. I think she's checking to make sure I'm closing my eyes.

"Dear Jesus..."

"Dear Jesus..."

"Thank you for my..."

"Food!"

"Yes, Honey! That's good! Thank you, God, for giving us food to eat..."

"Iye keem (ice cream)"

"Mmmm... Yummy! What else?"

"And gah-gog (hot dog), and cheese, and bananas, and chicken, and fe fies (french fries)..."

"Good! And, God..."

"God..."

"Thank you for Mommy..."

"Mommy, and Daddy, and Beeboo, and Milly"

"Thank you for school..."

"And my friends..."

"Yes! And Jesus..."

"Jesus..."

"Keep me safe..."

"Safe..."

"And put angels in my room..."

"Angels in my room..."

"And help me have a good day tomorrow. In Jesus Name I Pray..."

"Aaaaamen!!!!"

I tell you, that prayer made all my frustrations of the afternoon melt away. And she kept her eyes closed the whole time!!!! What an awesome little girl! I am so blessed to have her. Sometimes it seems so hard, but I'm learning more and more that if I will take the time to "talk," or sit still, or play, or do anything else other than keep up with the busyness of the day, my relationship with her gets all the more special, all the more solid. I know I'll never learn it all, but I'm thankful for little moments like this to soften my heart and help me realize my treasures.

Bunko

Tonight I went to my Bunko group and had a blast. The host had an amazing house and an even more amazing menu. Kudos to Julie. I have to admit, though, that I'm a little nervous about hosting next month. I LOVE my house, decor, etc. but it is always hard for me not to compare myself with the Jones', you know what I mean? These gals get together to visit with one another and have fun--we all could care less about each other's houses, but I still find myself thinking/comparing/ wanting more. I realized, though, that the conversations and bonds I have with these friends is all that really matters. THAT is what is precious, not how much my house costs or if I'll have enough room for all 12 of us. Anyhoo, I'm just thankful I am surrounded by such great people and have a house at all. How blessed I am!!! So I take my 1600 square foot mansion and two outdoor living areas, side-walk chalked carport, and loyal dog Bogey and call it my little piece of HEAVEN! :)

Precious Skyler

Some of the most precious times of my life are little moments with my Sky. Today she was exceptionally loving and made it a point to tell me how much she wanted to hold me, including asking me to sit with her to watch Dora and play with her babies. Yesterday we wrestled on the couch and danced around the living room as we watched Happy Feet. It is so amazing being a mom. And these precious moments are so fleeting. I spent some time with my friend Jenny today registering for baby things and thought fondly of the times I did that. Amazing. Skyler is already TWO!!!! Time goes by quickly, and before we know it, it's gone.

So as I journey with her, I choose to hold on to those precious things...like coming in the door and watching her face light up, or hearing her say, "Bye, mom! I see you when you done working!!!" or "I go potty now!!!" YES!!!!! Even her two-year-old outbursts of frustration are funny. Last night I started praying at the dinner table and she said, "Stop it Jesus!!!" I don't know if she just wanted to pray or if she wanted me to stop praying so she could eat, but either way it was HILARIOUS!!! Coby and I tried not to laugh.

What a joy!!! Thank you, God, for the privilege of children!!!

What a novel idea!!!

So, I've had a million and four students say this whole blogging thing is sooooo cool. Being the "sophisticated, mature" adult that I am, however, I was always a little leery. But, if my nearest and dearest have one, why don't I? I do believe a blog, of which I am now introduced, can be a huge asset to my world.

What a great idea to share your life, all on one page, and let those who will take a gander. A novel idea!!!! This is awesome to catch up, share, inspire, be totally real, and keep in touch.

To my family... here's me. You know me the very best anyway, and this is a great way to share the little day-to-day details that might get left out in the hustle and bustle of our lives. SISTERS OF 'O', YOU ARE AMONG MY FAMILY. This is a great way for me to be a part of your world, too. So are you in?? :) More specific O-Side blogging to come!!!!

To my friends...thank you for visiting! We'll see how this goes!