Sunday, March 28, 2010

Grandma's 85!!

Today is my Grandma's 85th birthday!! Happy Birthday Grandma!! We were so excited to be at your birthday brunch yesterday and so glad we could spend the day with you. Here are some of my favorite Grandma pictures over the years...Let me tell you a little bit about this amazing woman...
As a child, she made numerous costumes, dresses, and outfits for me, and over the past year, she has taught me her sewing skills. She came to countless basketball, soccer, and softball games to cheer me on, although at the time, she did not love sports. She puts others first and is always brightening the days of others with her smile, cards, phone calls, visits, and goodies. She is the best cook but rarely follows a recipe. She loves her family and takes pride in sharing our accomplishments with anyone who will listen. She loves the Lord and trusts Him even when times are difficult. She has taught me how to love and how to serve by her example.

Words could never truly describe my Grandma. She has a heart of gold. She would do anything for anyone. I admire her love and devotion to her family and to our Lord. When I think about her and all she has done, I am reminded of the Virtuous Woman described in Proverbs 31...

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Grandma, you are to be praised for your love and your faithful spirit. You are a blessing in my life, and I am so thankful to call you Grandma. I love you so much!!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Adam's Wedding Weekend

Friday morning we woke at 4 a.m., so we could catch our taxi at 4:45 for the airport. Destination: Virginia for my oldest brother, Adam's wedding. We flew on some REALLY tiny airplanes, which made me a little nervous. My dad picked us up at the airport, and we drove to Harrisonburg. I was taken to the nail salon immediately for manicures and pedicures with the Bridal party. I was so excited to see everyone!! We rushed to pick up lunch and meet at the hotel before going to Adam's apartment for a surprise birthday party. We had not celebrated the big 3-0 with Adam, so we had a little party. Then, it was time for the rehearsal and the dinner.
Saturday morning was spent getting ready for the wedding. We arrived at Cross Keys Vineyard a little before noon. The rest of the day was spent taking pictures, hanging out with the family, and enjoying a beautiful wedding. The weather was perfect!! I am blessed with an amazing family!! Thanks to my wonderful parents for teaching us how to love. Congrats to Adam and Cathy!!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Big Day is Here...

This blog was started several months ago to highlight the BIG events of Craig's 4th and final year of Medical School. Today, is the day we have been anticipating. Match Day. The event was held at The Pink Palace, and we enjoyed spending time with all our friends. Around noon, Craig and I went to get the envelope with the BIG news. Craig and several of his friends gathered together to open their letters. Drum Roll Please....

We are going to Jackson!!

We are so excited, especially since Craig received his first choice. Jackson has a wonderful Family Medicine Program, and we are thrilled for this next chapter in our lives. We will miss all our wonderful friends but are happy for all of them as well. Thanks for all the prayers and the support over the past four years. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we move, as I look for a job, as we adjust, and as we seek God's will for us in Jackson.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Remember When...

Tucker Bear is now 6 months old, and I have been a bad parent. I have not updated about how big he is. I wanted to start with a couple of pictures of when he was just a few weeks old. Then, you will realize how much he has grown!! He's a great puppy, and we are having so much fun with him!! He weighs 40 lbs and loves to play with his best friends Trek and Bailey.I can't believe he was this small!! The next pictures were taken in the past weeks. Be prepared...This picture was taken after his first hair cut. He looked much better 2 days later.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Good Times

Once I make one blog post, it is usually followed by several more in a short time. That will probably be the case this week. Like I said, we have been very busy lately, but this week is my Spring Break!! YEA! So, hopefully, I will catch up on a lot things.

Last weekend was a lot of fun!! Friday night we went to dinner with Brandon, Meaghan, Jason, and Brittney. We went to Blue Coast after learning the Happy Mexican had an hour wait. I love Blue Coast, so I was very happy! We enjoyed our dinner and talked until the restaurant closed. The Bootons had to go home, but the rest of us went to our favorite place. Can you guess where?? Yes, you are right...Muddy's Bake Shop!! I don't know what I will do without this place. If you are ever in Memphis, you must visit this bakery. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.

Saturday morning I met some friends from Side By Side at Cracker Barrel. Sarah, a former SBS member, was in town, so several of us met for some good food and great fellowship. After breakfast, I met Craig, so we could do a little furniture shopping. We will be moving and will need some new pieces for our house. We found a beautiful dining room table, and I'm so excited!!

Saturday afternoon we had some more special visitors. My best friend, since Kindergarten, and her husband came to Memphis for a Grizzlies game and stayed the night with us. I was so excited to have Melissa and Eric visit. We went to Gus's for dinner and enjoyed some of the best fried chicken. They went to the Grizzlies game, while Craig and I watched a movie. After the game, we took them to Muddy's. Yes, we went two days in a row, but it's that good!! Sunday, we went to church and then to Central BBQ for lunch. We had so much fun hanging out and showing them around Memphis. I have been so blessed to have Melissa as a friend, and I was so thrilled to visit with her over the weekend.

Yesterday, we received some good news...CRAIG MATCHED!! I was not worried. Now, we just wait until Thursday to find out where we will be moving. Another post is in the near future. Until the next post...

Monday, March 15, 2010

Girls=Winners

Well, once again, I have fallen behind on my posts. We have been busy and have enjoyed some special guests in Memphis the past two weekends. I will start with a recap from the first weekend in March...

This weekend was spent with some of our dearest friends in Memphis. The weekend was designed to be a repeat of our trip to Knoxville over Labor Day. However, a lot of things were different. We did not play Nertz, not even one game. That was a shocker and a little disappointing. Instead, we played Rock Band. On Friday night, Brandon, Meaghan, James, Elizabeth, Craig and I went to dinner, to a thrift store, to Muddy's (of course), and to the Lokeys for games. James and Jennifer met us at the Lokeys, where we played Buzzword until Russ arrived from Knoxville. Now, for the record, the girls are TERRIBLE at Buzzword. Actually, for almost 2 years, the girls never won any game we played on Game nights. However, we did not get frustrated or give up. Friday night we dominated, which was very sweet. We were excited when Russ arrived but very sad that Heather was not able to make the trip. Russ brought Rock Band, which quickly became a hit. On Saturday, Elizabeth and I went to a 30th Birthday Party for our friend Katie. It was an 80s themed party, which is why we are dressed so cute! The boys had "Maximum Bro" time and then met the girls at Jerry's Snow Cones. It was my first visit and a wonderful treat on a beautiful day. Saturday night we went over to the Parnells for dinner and more games. Once again, the girls won at Buzzword, and we all enjoyed more Rock Band. We had a great weekend!! We are going to miss these special friends very much when we move. :(