The Williams Family Adventure

August and Everything After (and a Birthday Girl)...

2011-12-12T21:21:00.002-06:00

The title of this post just about sums up my last semester of Nx school. (And happens to be the title of a great album :)

Everything from the first week of August until my long awaited graduation on December 9th, 2011 is pretty much a crazy blur. But now, the fog has lifted! Amen.

I still occasionally catch myself thinking I should be doing something. Writing something. Reading something. Studying SOMETHING! And then I remember. I. Am. Done!! And then I catch myself day-dreaming about what I have the freedom to do - anything I want!! And today that was cake pops.

Mysterious little nuggets of goodness. Pinked out to the max for a certain young lady who turned the big 1-0 today! You read it right. Gracie, my first born baby, turned ten today. How did this happen? Someone "lovingly" brought to my attention the fact that I have now been a parent for a decade. Excuse me?!

Well, as far as I can tell, I have the most amazing ten year old on the planet. She is kind, compassionate, intelligent, merciful and simply beautiful on the inside and out.

Mike and I ran across a home video a few days ago. Perfect timing for a little nostalgia. Watching her (she was four at the time) was like entering a time warp and ending up as a fly on a wall. Man, how quickly it passes. It truly doesn't seem like we entered the realm of parenthood ten whole years ago. We have learned so much. And have so much to learn.

God was so gracious to give us Gracie as a first child. We were so young and knew so little. She was so sweet from the very beginning. She smiled all the time. Still does. She slept through the night at two weeks old. Always wanted to sleep in her own bed and started talking at 4 months! She is a special girl. I am so excited to see what the Lord has planned for her. I would very much like to take our time though! Time is passing so quickly and I feel like I just want to slow down and sop up all the sweetness that this age and stage brings. I notice how she's not only growing tall, but that her mind is growing too. She talks different. She listens harder. She understands more. She questions more. I see the wonder in her eyes and wonder at her willingness to be selfless. She is a special girl.

I am thankful that the Lord has brought us to this day without the heartache of sickness or any other scary and terrible thing that so many families face. I am thankful that we have had 10 years to get to know our sweet girl and I pray for 10 x 10 more. I pray that I am blessed to see her grow into a godly, lovely young woman, wife & mother. I pray to stand beside her when she welcomes her grandchildren. If the Lord so chooses, I'll celebrate with her on those days. In as much awe of her as I am now. But tonight I'll just watch her sleep and drink in the moment like a cold coke on a hot summer day. She's a blessing. And I am so blessed to be her Momma.

Happy Birthday Gracelynn Michelle. I love you.

Summer Was Fun! Summer Is Gone...

2011-08-13T17:08:00.001-05:00

We have done many fun & relaxing & non-school related things since our last post about visiting NYC! And we've had so much fun doing them that I haven't spent much time on this ol' computer talking about them :)

So I'll give you a quick update and recap, and just ask you to forgive me for not being more intentional with the blog...

Since we visited NYC in May, we have spent many lazy days at home being silly and finding fun ways to remember summer. I have so many simple things etched permanently in my mind. The unexpected (and highly sought after) eruptions of laughter from my two sweet girls. Vacation. A clubhouse constructed of blankets and string. Playing in the hose. Popsicles. The smell of hot dogs on the grill. Getting excited when Mike's truck pulls into the driveway. Grinning uncontrollably when I see him coming up the front porch steps. Sunsets. Swinging. Coloring. Visiting with great friends. Tag. Reading bedtime stories way past bedtime. Sleeping in. Getting up early. Going for walks. Spontaneous visits with Grandma & Grandpa. And a million other things that I will forever ponder in my heart.

God is so good. When He gives rest. It's restful indeed :)

And now, the season of hard work begins again. But I've come to realize that if we never had the opportunity to work hard...we'd never really enjoy the rest. And I'm ready.

Thus begins the last semester (Lord willing) of this journey called nursing school. Come quickly December. And be gentle!

Vacation Pictures & Misc Summer Nonsense

2011-07-13T17:13:00.001-05:00

NYC in Pictures!

2011-06-12T17:49:00.000-05:00

Got Our Travelin' Pants On...

2011-05-23T21:11:00.000-05:00

We leave in less than 2 days for NYC!!! I can not wait! :)

We have been praying for the city and friends there for almost 3 years and now we have the privilege of seeing it in person. I'm beyond excited. Not to mention getting to spend a few days with some of the greatest people in the world!! :)

I'm sure we'll have a ton of pictures when we get back! Did I mention I'm excited?!!!!!

Vacation!

2011-05-13T19:59:00.000-05:00

Our vacation to Gatlinburg was wonderful!! We were blessed by a very sweet, generous couple in the church with a free week in their condo! It was so great to get away from everything and just be together. Here are some snapshots of our fun!

Almost There...

2011-04-25T21:31:00.001-05:00

* UPDATE: I passed!! Summer break and on to my LAST semester of Nx school! Praise the Lord! *

One more exam + One more clinical + Two finals = A BREAK!!!!!!!!

Almost there...

3/4 of the way through Nursing school.

Amen.

Mugsy's!

2011-02-20T21:35:00.000-06:00

Mike got invited to play at Mugsy's coffee shop Saturday night. I had never been there, but was very impressed! Ken, the owner, is one of the nicest, most welcoming people you could imagine! He walked me through the process of roasting coffee and I learned so much! It was really interesting. Mike's best friend, David Lannom (who is also our neighbor) played bass alongside him, and it was a lot of fun! They played from 6-10 PM. A full night of music for sure! They did a great job :)

Little Momma, Sisters & myself! Always Mike's biggest fans :)

Great friends! Thanks for coming out! I laugh so hard with these guys :)

It was good to hear Mike play his originals again! Overall great night :)

A Few Of My Favorite Things...

2011-02-18T18:17:00.000-06:00

Winter Wonderland...

2011-02-09T19:22:00.000-06:00

Pretty Isn't Always Best...

2011-02-07T20:45:00.000-06:00

I just need to say that I

l-o-v-e-d. LOVED.

the pretty little handwritten-looking font I had for my post text. It looked like I had written the post in my journal and copied it here.

But even I got a headache after a while trying to read it. So bye-bye beautiful font. I'll find another use for you :)

I Don't Like Driving In Snow...

2011-02-07T20:35:00.001-06:00

Our day was somewhat adventurous!
*This is kind of long. I got lost in re-living it I guess!*

The girls have been sick (as I said.) Gracie is finally feeling better and has been without a temp for over 24 hours, which is the magic number for going back to school. Autumn, however, is still pretty puny. She just can't seem to shake her cold. She's terribly congested and continues to run a low-grade fever. It's always worse at night, so we haven't been sleeping very well. For the past several nights we all go to bed like normal, and then sometime around midnight, Gracie comes and gets me or I hear Autumn crying. So I send Gracie to bed with Daddy and I spend the night with Autumn in her bed. (The girls share a room, so it's impossible for Gracie to sleep in there when Autumn's not feeling well - which I want to add is very RARE.) We go about 25-30 minutes sleeping and then Autumn wakes up super congested, half asleep and pitiful! So it takes about 10 minutes for me to get her calmed down and settled. We repeat this process until morning and are, by then, both equally exhausted!

Mike took several sick days last week to take care of the girls on the days that I had class. We give it our best team effort, so this morning when I realized that I had to leave at 0715 to get to class by 0900, and he was left getting Gracie, himself and Autumn all ready by 0800. Then dropping Gracie off at school and taking Autumn with him to work. I decided that school would have to come second. Normally my Monday is lecture from 0900-1200 & Lab from 1300-1700. With a 1 & 1/2 hour commute BOTH ways, it makes for a long day. Anyway, I (by the grace of God) only had lecture today giving me a half day of school. So I sent a message to my carpool group and my instructor that I was needed at home and would be arriving a little late to lecture. We got ready and I dropped Gracie off at school at 0825.

It was raining pretty hard the entire time, but no big deal. I headed on to Hopkinsville and at about Exit 89 (just over the KY line) the heavy rain turned to heavy snow. I didn't know we had snow coming because we don't have TV and I didn't check online before I left. So I figured it was a KY thing and trudged on to class. By the time I got to HCC, the snow was starting to cover the ground, but nothing on the roads. We finished class 1 & 1/2 hours early (by the grace of God) so I was headed home! When I stepped outside, I immediately realized what a blessing it was to be leaving early. The parking lot was completely covered and the roads were just about there as well. I don't like driving in the snow! It makes me nervous. And, as much as I love my little car, it's pretty much a wimp in the snow! So with 2 strikes against me, I called Mike and let him know I was headed back to Clarksville...SLOWLY!

I made it back just fine and the roads in Clarksville weren't nearly as dangerous so things were good. I picked Autumn up at Mike's office, stopped at the bank & grocery store and headed to pick Gracie up at school. I had received a phone call that schools would be dismissing 2 hours early. If/when we have bad weather, I always pick up the girls instead of letting them ride the bus. I'm nervous like that! And today, it paid off!! In the less-than one hour between picking up Autumn (when the roads were fine) and Gracie, the roads were completely covered! It was very scary. I didn't like it when I was by myself, but even less when I had my girls with me. We buckled up and prayed the whole way home! After slipping and sliding a few times, we pulled into our driveway. It is 4 miles from our house to the school. It usually takes us around 7 minutes to get there. Today it took us almost 45 minutes to get home from the school!

Around 3:30, 2 hours after school was dismissed, I received a call from the school letting me know that the bus the girls would have been riding had to go back to the school because of terrible road conditions. Praise the Lord for giving me the sense to pick them up! I love their bus driver and I know he does the best he can, but those roads were extremely dangerous for a vehicle with 4-wheel drive, let alone a big school bus! I'm just so glad we made it home safe and sound!

I'll post some pictures of our snow tomorrow! So far, 5 inches!!! And (by the grace of God) I have no school tomorrow! Normally I would be back in class...

I'm glad to be sitting home with my family. Safe and warm. So warm and cozy in fact that this is the scene here at 6:30 PM...

Maybe snow days aren't so bad :)

Father/Daughter Purity Ball 2011

2011-02-05T10:06:00.000-06:00

I am so thankful that I am married to a man who loves his girls and invests in their hearts and lives! Both of the girls have been sick all week, but we've been praying and hoping that they would be well enough to go to the ball. Autumn has been waiting patiently to go for the past 3 years! I think it would have crushed her little heart if they would have had to miss it! So we made the decision after seeing Dr. Prine early Friday morning that they should be ok to go! :) We spent the afternoon getting ready for the ball. Gracie wanted me to do her hair and make-up (I don't let her wear any make-up in public, but made an exception for such a special occasion!) Autumn, on the other hand, didn't want ANY help! She picked out her own clothes, put on her own make-up, and fixed her own hair! She had everything all planned out...and she wasn't needing anything from me to make her evening perfect :) I decided that it wasn't a battle worth fighting and let her have fun!

They headed out around 4:15 and met some long-time friends, Chris Beck and his two sweet girls at O'Charley's for dinner. Then they headed on over to the ball! Gracie & Autumn were very excited about the punch & candy bar! Gracie told me they had a bar full of all kinds of candy! What a dream come true for little girls (and their Dads for that matter!)...

Pretty girls almost ready to go!

What a beautiful family I'm blessed with! They've got their dancin' shoes on!

At the dance!

The night's complete with great friends, Chris & Taylor :)

What's There To Do?

2011-02-01T23:14:00.000-06:00

Fun things to pass the time! It's cold outside. And two little girls who don't feel so good need a distraction.

After Mike taking 2 & 1/2 sick days, I'm finally able to stay home the rest of the week with my sickly girls. No strep, no flu. Just some nasty little bug that gives the gift of high fevers (103.5) & headaches. Go away little bug, and take your gifts with you!

Snow Where To Go...

2011-02-01T22:58:00.000-06:00

We have had a lot of snow so far this winter! It makes for fun days when we have nothing to do! The girls enjoyed our last snow (about 4 inches). Honestly, I am ready for Spring!

Beautiful! Messy when it melts though.

A girl and her trusty dog!

2 Down, 2 To Go...

2011-01-09T17:20:00.003-06:00

A year ago, almost to the day, I started a journey toward my degree in Nursing. And now, in what seems like a day, I'm getting ready to enter my third semester (of 4)! I am trusting the Lord for all things this year (and always). I'm proud to be part of a family that truly operates like a team. This journey is one that we each decided to take in our own ways. Lord willing (please Lord be willing), I will finally graduate in 2011! I'm excited to spend the next year watching God meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19) and strengthen my inner being through the power of His Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16).

We would greatly appreciate all your prayers if ever our family enters your thoughts. I'm giving Him praise now and trusting Him to see me through to completion.

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Heb 13:20-21

Stress Relief?

2010-12-31T11:23:00.003-06:00

Me: "Can we do something about that dresser on the front porch? You might be a redneck if...."
Mike: "Sure. I'll take care of it."
Me: "Thanks, babe."

10 minutes later I go outside and find this....

Not exactly what I had in mind...

Are you signaling for help?

I greatly regret not getting a picture of the mile-high flames rising from our front yard. We were a little busy making sure the roaring fire didn't overtake our very dead grass. Was this the best idea?

Ummm....ok. He looked at me with sincerity in his eyes and said..."this is one of the greatest days of my life." Nice.

Christmas Morning 2010

2010-12-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

We had such a fun Christmas morning! I'm thankful to live in a safe home and enjoy the freedom to celebrate Christ with my family...

Loved having my Sisters & Mother-in-love with us!!

My cup runs over...

9 Years Old

2010-12-12T16:26:00.004-06:00

My first born baby turns 9 years old today! At exactly 7:11 PM she will officially be in her last year of single digits...it's so hard to believe!

Gracie,

You are a beautiful, smart, kind young lady and Daddy & I could not be more proud of you! We knew you were a special treasure the day we found out you were going to be the 3rd member of this little family.

As you grow, I'm praying that you will always keep your tender heart and your compassionate spirit. You are such a blessing and we love you very much! Daddy & I are the most blessed of parents to call you our daughter.

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Eph 1:16-19

We started the celebration by meeting Gracie for lunch at school on Friday to pass out cookies to her classmates & teacher for her birthday! After passing out the cookies, she wanted to go out to the visiting area and eat lunch with just her Dad & I!

Then we checked the girls out after lunch and made way to the movie theatre. The new Narnia movie, Voyage of the Dawntreader was out and we thought it might be good to see it in the early afternoon before all the Friday night crowd moved in! We were SO glad we did. We only had to pay matinee prices (and we had a gift card!) and there were only 2 other people in the theatre with us! It was great!

Then we took the girls over to The Sweetest Batch Cupcakery. It was very girlie and pretty pink. The cupcakes were huge and delicious! The girls LOVED it :)

Then we got Jersey Mike's and headed home to just hang out! It was really nice. Gracie said she had a great time and that's what we wanted!

Saturday we deep cleaned the house. Amen.
That evening 3 of our favorite families came over to eat with us. The Abrahams, The Phillips & The Dickisons. And to top it off our good friend (and neighbor) David came by. We were planning to have a bonfire, but the torrential rains did away with that idea so we all settled into the house for a good night of food and fun. I'm so thankful for the friendships the Lord has blessed us with :)

We woke up this morning to SNOW! Gracie found her present on the table and enjoyed ice cream (a tradition we started when Gracie turned 3!) & her leftover cupcakery cupcake for breakfast! A pretty "great" birthday weekend according to Gracie. And that's what it's all about!

A picture of the snow this afternoon. Mike & the girls were out playing in it and at last count we have over 3 inches!!

"Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel"

2010-12-10T18:10:00.003-06:00

Here's a video I've put together as an intro to the classic Christmas tune, "Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel". Hope you like!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2010-11-27T11:06:00.000-06:00

Outside lights...

Inside festivities! It usually involves the first christmas music of the year, hot chocolate and cookies! Lots of laughing and the tricky procedure of tree-top decorating...

Lookin' good team Williams :)

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T10:24:00.000-05:00

Daddy's the artist around here...and Grandma is the seamstress...

Introducing: Autumn the fierce leopard!

And: Gracie the jolly pumpkin!

At the FBC trunk or treat with friends!

Quite the crew...you can see I copped out and wore my uniform ha! And there really are no words for my husband...it's like a nightmare...just sayin'

Homemade Pumpkin Pie - Just Plain Good

2010-10-30T12:09:00.001-05:00

Mike is quite the man in the kitchen! He set his mind to making homemade pumpkin pie this year...as in "from scratch". No canned goods allowed. So he gathered supplies & tools and got busy.

In typical Autumn fashion, she went all out and managed to wrangle quite possibly the BIGGEST pumpkin in the patch. You should have seen the look on her bus driver's face as he handed down the orange monster to her daddy :) We asked her if the other kids picked one as big and she simply replied, "Nah. They were scared to ask Mrs. Martin. I'm not scared." Well, looks like it paid off for us...there's a lot of pumpkin pie material in there!

Here's the pie makin' team ready to go...

A little hard work....a big mess...and a lot of fun!

Gotta cut that giant into bakeable pieces...is that a word?

My pride and joy...THE double oven. Full of pumpkin.

Show it who's boss...

Pumpkin mush....

Mix it together with all kinds of delicious...add homemade whipped cream and...

Voila!

We made just the one, but there's enough pumpkin pie puree to feed an army. In the freezer it goes...I feel very Ma Ingalls right now. And that's pretty much my goal in life!

Wish you could sit here and enjoy this masterpiece with us :)

This Man...

2010-09-17T23:01:00.002-05:00

This man leaves for Montana in the wee hours of Saturday morning...

Pray for this man as he leads out in worship...

Yes, this man...

This man's about his Father's business...

I'm proud this man is going but I can't wait to kiss his face...

Yummy!

2010-09-17T16:25:00.002-05:00

If this doesn't make you thankful you have tastebuds...I don't know what will.....

Mom...look what I can do!!

2010-08-29T22:42:00.003-05:00

Autumn showing off her mad reading skillz....and big sister Gracie always there to lend a hand! I'm very proud of both of them!!

EthNYCity

2010-08-24T21:47:00.004-05:00

Loving the book we got in the mail from the Wyatt's! Mike has incorporated it into our bedtime/prayer time with the girls. They are so amazed to learn about the many different peoples represented in NYC.

Praying for missionaries in Harlem. And Long Island City!

Because every person and represented people group are loved by Him.

Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.

1 Chronicles 16:24

5 Years Old

2010-08-10T11:43:00.000-05:00

My baby turns 5 today! She started Kindergarten on the 6th...and now Mike & I have officially graduated from parents of pre-schoolers. Honestly, where has the time gone?!?!

Autumn,

You are a beautiful, hilarious little girl. You make us laugh about one hundred times each day! You are fiesty and I'm pretty sure Sass runs through your veins. You are with deep conviction and not afraid to stand up to anyone regarding them. You're quick to forgive and fiercely protective of your sister, daddy & I. You are learning new things each and every day. You love the Lord and are very direct in your prayers. I admire that. Daddy & I could not be more proud of you. You are a special little girl and we are excited to see what plans God has in store for your life.

Dear Baby Girl. Daddy and I continually pray...

That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. Colossians 1:10

We love you very much! Happy Birthday!

First Day!

2010-08-06T12:34:00.004-05:00

Today was the first day of school. We have officially set voyage into a brand new season. Not only is Gracie in school. 3rd grade to be exact! Autumn starts KINDERGARTEN! Wha? Yes, it is so. She has been very excited all summer. She's ready to be where her big sister is. I am no longer a M.O.P. (Mother of preschooler for those not versed in southern baptisty jargon - ha). It is hard to believe that both of our children are in school! We're all excited to see what this new adventure holds. Here are some pictures from the big event:

Ready to go!

On the way!

Be still my heart.

Beauty #1

Beauty #2

Almost time to line up!

Picking her up to go home.

What did you think Autumn?

Homemade Face Painting Fun

2010-07-23T13:25:00.000-05:00

I gave them water paints, brushes and paper on a blanket in the shade so they could explore their artistic sides. I turned my back for a minute and here's the finished product! Well, I meant paint on the paper, but apparently my girls think outside the paper :)

Vacation 2010

2010-06-11T18:39:00.006-05:00

Here's my best effort at letting you in on our time away...

This vacation was not planned.

This vacation was the BEST one we've EVER taken. EVER.

We did not intend to go anywhere, but the Lord provided and I truly believe it was pleasing to Him to watch our family relax, reconnect and bask in His unexpected and good gift.

The Graduate!

2010-05-21T13:35:00.000-05:00

After two years in the Parent's Day Out program at our church, Autumn graduates! She will start Kindergarten in the fall. She was very proud. And so are we! Tootie's growing up...

Autumn walking across the stage to accept her Bible from Ms. Sherie!

Autumn with her teachers Ms. Sherie & Ms. Michelle. We will MISS them!

Autumn and her best friend Savannah. They've been together from the start! This picture melts my heart...I LOVE having girls!

We're proud of you Autumn-bottom!

Neighbor Labor

2010-05-15T19:34:00.000-05:00

Sometimes your neighbors ask you to pick up their mail. Or walk their dog. And sometimes they ask you to dig a giant hole for their new fish pond. :) "Like a good neighbor"...

*I'll have to post a picture of the completed project!

Vacation Blues...

2010-05-12T08:39:00.004-05:00

*Update* On our way back from this very spot! About 84 miles from Atlanta. Thanks to technology I'm posting at approximately 70 miles per hour... :)

It would be nice to stand here sometime in the near future. Just sayin.

What Are You Waiting For?

2010-05-08T21:04:00.003-05:00

I went for a long walk this morning. About an hour and a half. It was refreshing in every way. I was not constantly thinking about the homework I should be doing. Mike was home, so I did not feel bad to be away from the girls for a bit. Thus no shame. No guilt to hover over me like a rain cloud waiting to steal my sunshine. The sky was clear blue and it was a little cool. Thus no bugs! A perfect day for a walk with the Lord. My soul was weary and thirsty for a few quiet moments to enter in. I had my music going and every song brought me closer to the throne. Singing loudly (sorry for the neighbors), praying fervently. Raising my hands and offering my heart.

Can you even imagine what it must have been like to walk with the Lord fully PRESENT through the garden? I was reminded today, as I let everything else fall away, how truly and totally satisfying the Lord is.

This summer break is in many ways my Sabbath. A time of rest and refreshment. God in His infinite wisdom knows how crucial it is for us to have periods of rest. (Exodus 20:11) I'm not trying to be legalistic about the idea. I don't think you need to make a list of rules to follow or cast down judgement if someone carries it out a little differently than you. I do believe, however, that it is important to find what and where revives your soul and allow the Lord to minister to you there.

Satan is indeed prowling around, searching for whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Fighting a battle - especially when we remember it is against the darkness of this world and spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12) - is hard. But nearly impossible when we are exhausted.

I just want to encourage you to find some time to rest. I know many of us are about as busy as we could possibly be. I don't think that's much of an excuse. One that's sure to burn up on the day we face our Merciful Savior. Tomorrow is Sunday and Mother's Day. Let's take a few moments at least to curl up in the Father's arms, breath deep and rest.

Really any day is a perfect day to walk with the Lord :)

Blessings! Rest well...

Sometimes joy comes in the mourning...

2010-05-03T21:43:00.004-05:00

These are just a few of the pictures you can find of our city in the Leaf Chronicle. It's sad. It's heart wrenching for those who are facing the loss of businesses. Homes. And for some, tragically, family or friends. I do not - in any way - want to disrespect or make light of those who find themselves forever impacted by this flood.

I do want, however, to stand in awe of our Powerful God. Scripture tells us that "the voice of the Lord is over the waters" (Psalm 29:3). Psalm 104:7 tells us that the waters flee at His rebuke. And Psalm 93:4 reminds us that He is mightier than the waters.

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. Psalm 29:10

There are some things in this life I simply do not understand. The pain and loss that many in our city and all over our state are experiencing tonight breaks my heart. I do know that the Lord is good. And merciful. And that He is still on His throne. And we'll praise Him in this storm.

And...

2010-05-03T21:35:00.002-05:00

Another one bites the dust!

3 more semesters to go...but I'll think about that in August :)

Look out summer. Here we come!

Dan vs Batman

2010-04-26T23:25:00.002-05:00

Catrina: Hey, Babe. You wanna watch that movie with me. (Dan in Real Life)
Mike: Hmmm. I was kinda thinkin Batman.

vs

Yes. Well.

What Does Your Breath Smell Like???

2010-04-13T14:10:00.004-05:00

This morning, as we were running over the checklist before we headed out the door, I asked Autumn if she had brushed her hair...."Yes!!" Then I asked her if she had her backpack..."Dadddddy, yes!! (complete with annoyed tone)"...and finally I asked if she had brushed her teeth. She had to pause for a second and think about that one! Now, you have to understand that brushing her teeth is not exactly her favorite thing to do (I'm sure she's not the only 4 year old who feels this way!). So finally she gave me a sheepish "Yes...", and then an "I can't remember". So I told her to cup her hand over her face and blow out, and then tell me what it smelled like (Catrina would probably tell me not to teach my girls man-tricks like this). So Gracie, being the first-born leader that she is, decided to smell her own breath first, and said her breath smelled like mint. And then Autumn, trying to copy her sister, tried it, looked up and smiled, and proudly and confidenly told me that her breath smelled like meat. MEAT. I could not quit laughing! There's nothing like some good ol' meat breath before rushing to meet the day!

The countdown begins...

2010-04-12T14:10:00.001-05:00

6 exams down + 2 to go = ALMOST THERE!!!

Praise you, Lord!

SNOW DAY!

2010-02-25T21:47:00.003-06:00

It's been a couple of weeks since we've had snow. I began to expect it every Friday or Saturday night! :)

Here's a few pictures of the fun. I wish I had some pictures of our late night snowball fights with our neighbors (and very good friends)...but it was spontaneous and the camera didn't make it out with me...

P.S. disregard the camera date stamp...I always forget to put the right date into the camera...

Snow, you were fun. Now go away and let Spring come!! :)

How great it is to be loved by you...

2010-02-13T22:27:00.003-06:00

Words can't express how much I love these people! And how thankful I am to have their love...

Happy Valentine's Day to the craziest bunch I know!

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Williams Family Update....

2010-02-01T13:19:00.004-06:00

Wow, it has been a while since we've posted anything! Trina is in the midst of her first semester of nursing school, and free time is NOT something she has a lot of right now, so I guess it will be up to me to handle the updates. So buckle your pew belt, we've got some ground to cover :)

First things first. We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Waiting for our house to be ready to move into, we were still living with Trina's parents at Christmas time, so we had the privilige of spending Christmas with Don and Cathy. It was nice to be out in the country and to take it easy that day. We've come up with a rule for our family that we don't visit with everyone on Christmas day. There's so many people to see, that it becomes hectic and unenjoyable trying to run around all day. So we break it up over several days. It kind of falls in line with this new idea of trying to live a simple life we've heard about :)

At the end of Dec., we finally got the go ahead to close on the house and move in! So exciting! This is the first house that we have ever built (or had built for us...although I did put some sweat equity in!), and it is such a blessing. The LORD has been so good to our family, and continues to amaze us all the time.

And then there's Trina and nursing school. The girl works hard, and I'm super proud of her. It's not easy being mom, wife, and student. Anyone who knows the job descriptions of any of those titles knows that to combine all three and to still have sanity, peace, and strength at the end of the day is no easy feat. We appreciate your prayers during this time, as it is difficult for us at times to connect as a family like we're used to. But we know the Lord has opened the door for her, and we will be obedient to follow through :) It's only a season, right?

Hey, did I mention our goal is to lead a simple life?? One of these days.... :)

Opps...I forgot!

2009-12-04T12:13:00.002-06:00

A few pictures from Halloween...

Superwoman & Pink Princess with their Great Grandmother...

Getting the goodies...

Look out world here they come...

To Be Thankful...

2009-11-22T17:09:00.003-06:00

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it's easy to be in a thankful state of mind. For most, this time of year lends itself to gratitude and joy. I know I have a lot to be thankful for this season. The health, safety and love of my family. My husband's job and constant provision from the Lord. Spiritual life....just to name a few.

But what about the rest of the year? What about when my children are sick? What about when the bills are more than the paycheck? What about the times depression or heartache rule?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

As the holidays approach and quickly depart, let us be mindful of these verses. Let us remember that Jesus is all we need. Our joy and peace are found in Him alone. All the other things we are grateful for this year are good gifts from our Father, above and beyond what we need to obey the urgent command in 1 Thessalonians.

Blessings to you this Thanksgiving!

Life in High Speed...but not internet

2009-11-20T10:22:00.002-06:00

The title sums it up.

For the past 6 weeks we have been staying with my parents while we wait for our new home to be ready. It has been wonderful! I'm so thankful for my parents! Dial-up Internet, not so much! :)

Things are moving at warp speed it seems. I only have 3 weeks of class left at APSU. I was officially accepted into the nursing program at Hopkinsville CC, so I will be transferring there in January to finish up my degree! Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas soon to follow.

Our little family is BLESSED! I'm sorry blogging has been sparse. I look forward to beginning again when we are settled in the new house. Until then...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Looking Back...

2009-10-10T12:06:00.004-05:00

Well, here we are again, on the eve of yet another "move". It seems our family can NEVER stay parked in one place very long! But we have been in the house here on Powell rd for a year and a half, and what a blessed time it's been.

Last night as I was finishing up painting (in order to get our deposit back!), I was listening to an old recording of the Doxa band when we played at a camp down in Florida, and hearing it brought back so many memories... it got me to thinking about how over the last few years the LORD has had His hand on our family. Listening to Steve Moore sing made me think about when I first came to First Baptist Church, and how the LORD led our family to completely uproot from somewhere else and move there... about how He was completely faithful to help us with the transition, as it was extremely hard to leave friends and comforts we'd had. And not only that, but He also was even gracious enough to us to partially reveal His plan for our move, in that He orchestrated me to start leading worship in Doxa, and then to even bring me on as a full time staffer at FBC. Folks, I'm here to tell you that I was scrubbing toilets and taking out trash for a living... not that there's anything wrong with that (hey, I even really liked that job!), but God decided to answer my prayer for me to work for Him and to allow me to be a full time musician, with no theological or musical degree. Don't tell me my God can't work miracles!!

It was a good night. It reminded me that it is good to take the time to look back and remember what the LORD has done for us. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in looking to the future, we forget to enjoy what we have right now. It was good to remember all the good memories my family made in our little house, and I thank God for the blessing of it. I hope the next family will be just as blessed. Thank you God, for your ever present provision and love over us! We would be lost without You!

Congratulations, Boyd Family!!

2009-10-08T09:34:00.003-05:00

I had the great privilege of meeting Elias yesterday!

Corey, Leann, Ezra & Elias...we love you :)

The Sun Was Shining At Lunch...

2009-10-04T16:18:00.003-05:00

We were so excited to have lunch with some great people we are blessed to call friends! These small windows of time with people we love make the tough days easier :)

Corey & Leann, thanks for giving us some of your time while you are here. We know it's fleeting...

Bryan & Jennifer, SO glad you joined us! We have loved getting to know you guys! Your time to go is coming too quickly as well!! We're holding out for Montana :)

It was raining outside...but my heart was so happy to be there with you all :)

Cozy Good...

2009-09-25T20:23:00.002-05:00

This is why building a tiny house with only two bedrooms will work for us. This is what I call cozy good...

Autumn's Version

2009-09-23T11:15:00.002-05:00

Here is Autumn's recent version of the "I'm rubber, You're glue..." chant Mike taught them :)

"Momma, you're glue, I'm the man and whose ever the man has to be sticky."

She was seriously proud of herself for being able to say it just like Daddy did! I LOVE my girls and all their silliness. They make me laugh hard everyday! :)

Housin' Around...

2009-08-23T21:43:00.002-05:00

I am SO excited to let y'all know that a few weeks ago the Lord handed us one of the coolest blessings! We are BUILDING A HOUSE!!

What?

I know!!

ELVIS LIVES...well sort a...

2009-08-20T21:12:00.003-05:00

Not only are we big Elvis fans, but so is the whole Williams crew! So we piled in and drove to the Williamson Co fair to see the King. Well, his fun tribute artist look-a-like, Shawn Klush...

As the music swelled along with our anticipation, out burst "Elvis"! Autumn turned and looked at her Daddy with the biggest, most excited expression and declared, "Ha! And I thought he was dead!" Fun times!

Shawn Klush (AKA Elvis)

Waiting for the King :)

TCB, Baby...

Other than the fact that he wasn't immediately ushered out of the building by 48 body guards directly after the show...one kinda forgets it wasn't really EAP...

Me and my Hunka Burnin' Love posing with Shawn...uh I mean Elvis...

The Fancy Surprise

2009-08-16T19:21:00.003-05:00

If your sweet siblings-in-law decide to throw you a surprise birthday party, and the girls cook some awesome mexican goodness and leave the decorating to the boys, here's what you might find:

Have you ever thought of starting your own interior decorating business boys? No? You might be missing your life's calling. Just sayin'...

I love you all, you crazy Williams'! It made my heart happy that you took the time to love on me! I never saw it coming! :)

We had a fight, the can and I....and I'm not sure I won...

2009-08-16T19:07:00.001-05:00

So....

Anybody have a can opener I can borrow?

Dern.

2009-08-06T23:05:00.006-05:00

What feels like a few short moments ago, we bid farewell to 1st grade and a happy "HELLO" to summer!

Much too soon, we are on the door step of 2nd grade. I'm trusting the Lord for a safe and healthy year...

Darling Girl,Starting second grade couldn't come soon enough for you! A new school. A new teacher. So many exciting days ahead. Daddy and I love you so much and are so proud of you! We are so thankful God saw fit to let us be your Momma & Daddy! Keep dancing doll baby. Jesus is watching. And He is so in love with you.

All my heart,
Momma

GPS (God's Plan of Salvation) Music Camp Production

2009-08-01T18:14:00.000-05:00

Gracie went to Music Camp last week and just LOVED it! If you know Gracie very well at all you know she loves to sing and dance...

By the time her camp was over both Autumn and I knew all the words too! I'm thankful for our church and all the people who put in so much time and energy to make it a great week for all the kiddos.

Here's a video of Gracie singing her favorite song. And dancing with much intensity! Sorry the camera bounces around quite a bit. I got so tickled at her passionate expressions in this song I could hardly keep the camera still.

I'm very proud of her! She gets all that talent honestly. And not from me.

Williams Family Vacation 2009

2009-07-31T05:48:00.000-05:00

Slime Time

2009-07-28T13:14:00.004-05:00

Thanks to our new friends we have had non-stop fun with homemade slime! This morning the girls invited two of their neighborhood friends over and they each made their own slime.

*To hear the video, scroll to the bottom of this page and mute the song player first.*

Yes, you heard correctly. No, it's not proper. But it sure is fun!

Thanks Kerri, Sunny and Ella. We had a great time getting to know you all :)

In case you want to have some slimy fun, here's the recipe.

Per Person:

1 1/2 cups water, separated
1 (4oz) bottle white liquid glue (like Elmer's or RoseArt)
1 tsp Borax
food coloring
wax paper or garbage bag (to dry mixture on)

In a bowl mix together entire bottle of glue and 1/2 cup water. Add food coloring to get desired color. Set aside. In another bowl mix together 1 cup water and 1 tsp borax. Slowly pour glue mixture into the bowl with the water and borax, stirring continuously. A gel will begin to form. Pick up the slimy mixture and gently squeeze out excess water. Lay the glob on a piece of wax paper or garbage bag to dry. Let dry approx 2 minutes. Flip mixture and dry other side for same amount of time. After about 5 minutes you should have a nice hunk of slime to play with! Enjoy! :)

PS. When you're done playing simply place glob in a Ziploc bag and place in the fridge until next time. Or throw it away and make it fresh next time. Cause making it is half the fun!

Should it go....or should it stay?

2009-07-18T20:53:00.003-05:00

*Update* Thanks for your comments. And for understanding my posts might be far and few between! :)

Blogging is fun. But I'm busy.

As much as I enjoy it, I fell a lot of anxiety over it sometimes. It's just another thing to keep up with. In August I enter my last pre-nursing semester (Lord willing) and I'm not sure I can afford the time it takes to keep it rolling...

So the question is:

Should it go? Or should it stay?

You will decide. The comments (if there are any) for or against it will be my decision...

Blessings!

Vacation!!!

2009-07-02T09:09:00.002-05:00

Ok. Shame on me for leaving that last post up so long! Poor Hubsy. See what he has to put up with?!

Anyway, we are leaving at 2 am Friday morning for FLORIDA! A woo hoo!!! We are going with Mike's parents, brother B and his precious wifey, sister K and her friend... we have never done a "family" vacation like this before. It's usually just the 4 of us. We are really excited and looking forward to a week of fun! Just gotta say we are gonna miss brother T and his super awesome Mrs. and the little man, but Lord willing we can make this a yearly trip and next year we'll all be there!

So, until we get back and I blast you with endless pictures....this is Mrs. Williams signing off!

Oh, and HAPPY 4th!! :)

You should probably have that checked....

2009-06-15T22:13:00.005-05:00

Either he's REALLY allergic to sushi...

Or we are easily amused by a giant strawberry masquerading as a super gross tongue.

Either way.

You probably want to back away slowly.....

Our Underwater Ally...

2009-06-15T22:01:00.002-05:00

So, we spotted Nessie. You can't prove it's not.

Napoleon would be proud.

From one Mom of girls to another...

2009-06-14T16:28:00.002-05:00

As the Momma of two precious girls, I'd like to say...FINALLY!

Finally someone is taking a stand to promote purity through modesty. I'm a firm believer that you can be beautiful, stylish & modest all at the same time.

If this means something to you, consider signing the petition and adding your voice to the chorus.

Hillsong Concert...

2009-06-11T12:50:00.001-05:00

Mike was able to go just for attending the Wonder Conference at WCA. They were sold out, so there really was no hope of my being able to go with him. I told him he could NOT miss the opportunity and to tell me all about it when he got home.

So sad.

We went to eat dinner and on the way back to the church we decided it was at least worth it for me to park and walk up with him. Maybe someone had an extra ticket...

Mike started praying that there would be a way for me to go with him. Lo and behold, at the exact moment we walked in the door Mike saw a gentleman hand an extra ticket to one of the door attendants. He walked over and she smiled and said, "Here you go"!

I just about had a moment right there in the middle of the lobby...actually I did do a praise filled fist pump because come on...give praise where praise is due!

God is so good. Even in the small things!

The picture above is from the concert. They had it up on one of the ginormous screens. I cut it down because this sweet woman's hair was floating in the side of the picture! This is the only picture I took during the whole concert. It was awesome and I couldn't bring myself to do anything but worship. It was beyond icing on the cake of this blessed trip.

Sometimes God speaks in whispers...and sometimes He shouts! Last night He was SHOUTING and I was in AWE!

Consider these lyrics:

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled
To be emptied again
The seed I've received
I will sow

Hillsong - Desert Song (There is no sound until about 21 seconds in so hang with it! You'll be so glad you did!)

Pictures...

2009-06-10T10:32:00.006-05:00

*Read the post below this one to hear some details from our trip so far*

Here we are at my Momma & Daddy's (AKA "Camp Grandma & Grandpa") saying good bye for a few days...

Think we might be excited?!

A huge bridge we crossed in Veedersburg, Indiana. I thought it was neat.

I'm obviously no photographer, but even so, these pictures just can't do the scene justice. These things were EVERYWHERE and they were so cool. The next best thing to harnessing my children's energy would be this...

Lunch time. Cracker Barrel. Because that's how we roll...

A Veteran's Memorial in Hammond, Indiana. Absolutely stunning.

A lousy attempt at catching the scope of the Lake as we drove down the Chicago Skyline. It was much like seeing the ocean. Water as far as you could see...

I just couldn't capture the Skyline at warp speed. It was impressive to say the least. And Windy City is right...we left home with temps around 85. We arrived in Chicago with 54. Burr...

Chicago Bound...

2009-06-10T10:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning we left our sweet girls at "Camp Grandma & Grandpa" and headed north. Mike mapped out a path along back roads so we could enjoy the landscapes instead of blaze past everything. The mileage was almost exactly the same it just took a little longer because the speed limit was lower. So anyway, I wasn't as quick with the camera as I wish I could have been. Some of the things we saw were beautiful - miles and miles of farm land, rivers and bridges, old farm houses restored. Some were unusual - a giant porcelain pig, hundreds of enormous wind mills that looked like something from Star Wars. Some were down right hilarious! Things like:

The Funk Farm
Abnor Horrell's Wholesale & Retail Melons
Gobbler Knob Country Market
Chuckles Gas (my personal favorite)

Our trip was going along smoothly. We found our way onto the Chicago Skyline route. We drove along the gorgeous Lake Michigan. Saw the Navy Pier. Watched countless people bike, jog, and walk along the Lake Shore park. The buildings were beautiful. Old. Classy. The traffic wasn't bad so we could gawk a little.

Then it happened.

Mike saw a sign for US-41 (the road we'd been following all the way from Clarksville) and whipped off at the exit. After I put my head back on, I said, "Um. Where we going?". He said, "We're supposed to be following the US-41 so I got off here." And according to the directions, we were. So to make an hour delay a short story. We were LOST! But I must say, Chicago is for the most part an incredibly beautiful city. Or maybe the Lord just allowed us to get lost in the beautiful part. And if that's true....PRAISE GOD! It was getting dark and quite frankly it was as terrifying as it was thrilling! So we wandered around for a while until Mike's awesome navigational skills got us back on track and we made way to our hotel. We got settled and since it was 10:30 PM we decided to hit Steak and Shake. One double steak burger/chicken salad and two shakes later we hit the hay.

I'm setting here now in our 7th floor Hilton hotel room while Mike is at the Wonder Conference at Willow Creek Community Church. I'll meet him for lunch and then he'll head on back for more insight and inspiration.

I'll try to post some pictures in a post soon of a few of the things I did catch on the trip up.

Also, I'm obviously away from home and my pictures to post my memories from our 10 years of marriage. So basically, you win some...you lose some! I hope you enjoyed remembering with me some of the moments in our past. We'll have to leave it there for now. I'm too busy enjoying the present!

Love from Northern Chicago!

Life is a day at the Park...

2009-06-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

"Daddy, go hide. I'm gonna count 1-2-3-10-18-9, ready or not here I come."

Daddy & his girls. These 3 are my everything. As it's been said, "All this and Jesus too?!"

June 5th: 7 days until our 10 year anniversary!

2009-06-06T09:10:00.004-05:00

(For June 5th) Our third year of marriage, 2001

We got house fever near the end of 2000. I don't know if it was an early "nesting" symptom or what. We found this beautiful little cabin on 6 acres. The owner and his family had it built as a vacation home and then decided shortly after having it finished that they didn't need it. So a brand new home on 6 beautiful acres for $46,000. Um, yes we'd like to buy it NOW! So we did. It was very exciting and we couldn't wait to make it home. We closed the last week in February.

You can see the creek that ran directly behind it. It was breath taking!

This is the view from up on the hill country behind the cabin. We were looking down on it. It was akin to something straight out of a Gatlinburg brochure!

As I mentioned earlier, the need to find a home may have been foreshadowing what was to come. Exactly 2 weeks after closing on the house, I woke up one morning and thought to myself...I don't feel right. We were NOT trying to expand our family and when that faint second line appeared on the trusty EPT, I immediately started crying! Mike and I took turns looking at it saying, "That can't be right." But very soon fear faded into a cozy shade of delight and I distinctly remember the moment I looked at my husband and thought, "I'm having your baby. How could I be so blessed." The next day I received the most dazzling bouquet of yellow roses (my favorite) with tiny purple flowers and baby's breath. And a card that could have made Hitler cry! I'll never forget how special I felt at that moment.

Here we are in our country cabin. Mike is building a new laundry room for me. I am VERY pregnant. Call me crazy, but I miss that. I would have had many, many more babies with you, Sir!

On December 12, 2001 at 7:11pm we met for the first time our precious baby girl, Gracelynn Michelle Williams. I never got overly emotional during my pregnancy. In fact, I never shed a tear. Until I heard her cry about 2 seconds after her delivery. It was suddenly very real and I was immediately madly in love with her. And so was her Daddy. And darling girl, we still are.

Gracie is less than 2 hours old here. Her Daddy had just changed her very first diaper. A few kisses to top it off.

These posts could never capture the emotion and deep love each of these memories hold. I miss those moments with our squishy, soft newborns, but I cherish each new memory we make with them as they grow into fine young ladies!

My sweet husband, you were in 2001, and you are now the most amazing father! Our girls are blessed. I am blessed. I love you!

June 4th: 8 days until our 10 year anniversary!

2009-06-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

(For June 4th): These are two memories from our second year of marriage, 2000.

This was our first plane ride. It was crazy fun. I made the poor lady sitting next to us take our picture! When the plane took off and landed I really wanted to put my hands in the air and squeal like a roller coaster rider. But I didn't. Your welcome Honey. One day we'll do it again!

The second was not fun at the time, but we can laugh now. Or I can laugh now anyway... a quick back story... Mike & I left our jobs in February 2000 to work together. We took a contract with a guy running an installation company. We traveled around uninstalling and reinstalling dishwashers that had been recalled in apartment buildings. I know. This particular time we had to travel to Atlanta. We were meeting a guy there to help us get a complex completed under a time crunch. His name was Dave Matthews. I'm not making that up! So we headed on down. Found our guy. Finished our first day and headed back toward our hotel. We got off the interstate and on the turn, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF OUR DISHWASHERS flew off the trailer into 3 lanes of heavy downtown Atlanta traffic! Sweet mercy. Mike instantly became the Incredible Hulk (I'm pretty sure he was actually green) and threw them all back onto the trailer while dodging speeding cars. I was in total shock...I wanted to quit that day.

Here's Mike in our Atlanta hotel totally faking a conversation with Dave Matthews. He was pretending it was THE Dave Matthews :)

June 3rd: 9 days until our 10 year anniversary

2009-06-04T10:22:00.006-05:00

So on with business here! I have so many amazing memories. In part this blog was meant to capture some of them as life blazes by year after year....but for the next few days it will simply be for remembering some.

These memories don't necessarily represent my "greatest" memories or the biggest moments in our life together. I promised myself when I decided to do this that I wouldn't over think it. I'd just share what came to mind. Moments and memories from everyday life with my Man...

I've made up my mind to share a memory from every year of our marriage.

(For June 3rd) To make up for Monday & Tuesday, I'll be sharing three of my memories from our first year of marriage. That's basically like trying to pick up only three grains of sand! Many say the first year is the hardest. That wasn't my experience AT ALL! From the moment Mike asked me to consider dating him I knew he was in my life forever. I couldn't wait to be his wife. (And I still get butterflies in my stomach when I know he's on his way home!)

I'll start with the very first memory I have after the "I do's" and the kiss that sealed the deal! I took his arm - his big muscly arm - and turned around to face a gathering of our closest friends and family and heard the words "Mr. & Mrs. Michael Scott Williams". Everything in me wanted to shout and happy dance, but I managed to save face and just grin ear to ear! I love being called Mrs. Williams. It practically still makes me giggle. I said it to myself for over a year. I wrote it in my journal and on notebooks over and over and over. And then, in a moment, it was real...

Here we are practicing that moment!

Here we are trying our best to remove all the icing we gingerly shoved up each others noses!

*FYI: I just had a stare down with a lizard that took cover under our TV stand after the rain. Gross! These are the memories I could live without.*

So anyway, memory #2. Mike surprised me with a first class stay at Opryland Hotel for our wedding night. It was beautiful and I definitely felt like Cinderella. The next morning after our "free" $50 breakfast (Babe, do you remember how I - totally not on purpose - finagled us a top notch breakfast when we were supposed to get toast and fruit?!). Anywho, we were ready to head south down the coast so we had the valet service bring our rental around. We jumped in and drove a few hours before stopping. In honor of our visit to the new Star Wars exhibit at MGM we decided to stop at a Kmart somewhere in Georgia to buy the new 3D Star Wars board game. Back at the car Mike noticed something missing. Our conversation went something like this:

Mike: "Hey Babe. Where's our license plate?"

Me (thinking): On the back of the car stud. I know last night was awesome, but pull yourself together. "Um. On the back of the car?"

Mike: "No. Seriously, we don't have a license plate."

Me: "Well, it's a rental. Maybe it doesn't need a license plate."

Mike (thinking): EVERY car needs a license plate doll. I know last night was awesome, but pull yourself together. "Not likely. Maybe we should call the rental company."

Me: "Nah. Let's hit the road!"

And as dumb as that was, we made the entire 2 week trip and never got pulled over! Can someone say "Goobers"?! Well, at least we were extremely happy newlyweds on vacation for 2 week Goobers!

Here's Mike at one of the restaurants we ate at in Englewood. It was called Mad Sam's and that's where we learned what Calamari is!

This is in our condo on the beach. Sorry about the picture quality. I don't have my scanner hooked up right now and so I had to take pictures of the pictures to post!

This is a picture I took shortly after our "turkey" incident. In an attempt to save money, I packed turkey sandwiches and drinks for the trip home. Undoubtedly I bought the cheapest white bread I could find and because of that....Mike got a huge hunk of it stuck in the roof of his mouth and as these two sweet older people drove by he started to tell me about it and the turkey flapped and the people were horrified and we laughed until we cried. I understand this makes no sense to anyone but us. Aren't those some of the best memories!

Memory #3...I know y'all are on the edge of your seats...or you've officially decided we are the dullest couple alive. Either way, I'm enjoying myself...

Our first Christmas married. What fun! It was the first time in 19 years that I hadn't raced with my brother down the hall to my parent's room (after making the coffee of course because that was the deal) to startle them awake! Mike and I woke up early and plowed through the mini pile of gifts we'd picked out for each other. I squealed a lot and pinched myself a lot. It really did feel like a dream. Then after we celebrated at our parent's houses we decided we wanted to see snow! There was no snow in our neck of the woods. So in typical pre-children fashion we threw a few days worth of clothes in the suitcase and took off for the Smokies. We drove into Pigeon Forge and checked into a log cabin style hotel. The front desk clerk wooed us with promises of a hot tub and fireplace. We unloaded the truck and headed on up. As it turned out, our "hot tub" was a bathtub with two jets. One was broken. The fireplace was a kerosene heater with at plywood "mantel" around it. But, it might as well have been the Biltmore. We drove up the mountain the next day and got our eyes full of snow. Mike, in an attempt for me to get the perfect shot, took a little "swim" in the pure, icy mountain stream! In his new coat and boots. Once I stopped laughing, I tried to help him out. I'd wanted to take his "after" picture, but by the look on his face I thought better of it...

So instead, here's a picture of us somewhere in Gatlinburg.

And here's the snow.

I know this is the longest post in history and you truly deserve a medal if you made it to the end. If you can stomach it, I'll be posting more later! :)

Thanks for sharing these memories with me, Mr. Williams. You are what makes each one special to me!

Disclaimer

2009-06-02T20:58:00.003-05:00

I just can not keep up with my self on this blog! I will post my first 3 memory recalls tomorrow! And why not tonight you ask. Well, tonight I'm making new memories with the Hubsy in the form of a couch date and mucho 24.

Thank you Netflix.

Season 7.

NO COMMERCIALS.

The end.

Check back tomorrow for things such as the honeymoon road trip and turkey lunch meat.

Jack Bauer is calling. I'm out!

A Count Down...

2009-05-31T15:54:00.007-05:00

In just under two weeks, June 12th to be exact, Mike & I will celebrate 10 YEARS of marriage! What's that? No we didn't get married when we were middle-schoolers. Ahem. Anyway, as I was saying...

10 years!

Years ago I remember wondering where we'd be in 10 years. And for the life of me, I could never have imagined what a journey we'd take to get here! The good times, the hard times, the tears, the laughter. Two beautiful daughters. And we still hold hands in the rain.

Because I'm sentimental and because my man deserves to know how much I love him, I plan to post one great memory each day between now and our anniversary. So come along and enjoy some of the moments that got us here.

And if you are married, go gather up your Love and give 'em a big kiss! I'm convinced a heartfelt smooch covers a multitude of sins! :)

Jesus, You're Beautiful

2009-05-14T13:41:00.003-05:00

In the midst of the busyness of life...let the next 4:08 minutes settle your soul and sear God's promises deep in your heart. There is indeed coming a day "when death is just a memory and tears are no more"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DEL0R32eU8

He is BEAUTIFUL!

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
Revelation 19:11-13

Autumn-isms

2009-05-02T18:31:00.005-05:00

Shame, shame. I haven't posted in a million years. You know around the time when the dinosaurs disappeared or evolved into monkeys or something. And much like the evolution timeline - what happened in between then and now is a mystery. I have hope to one day find the missing link. I think it's in the toy box.

I might be in a weird mood. So unless you are ok with reading nonsense, just stop reading here. :)
Anyway---here are a few things Autumn has said to me over the past few days. Don't judge her, she is her mother's child. And she's 3 years old.

* Autumn- "Momma. I can never wear those black pants."
Me- "Baby girl. Why not?"
Autumn-"Black is too boring for me."

* Autumn (praying)- "Lord, please help me do the things I should. And please help me not do the things I do do." (I think her and Paul would have been tight. Read Romans 7:19)

* Autumn- "Momma, the bible say, "Parents obeys your children."

Well, sweetheart, nice try. I'm sure kids everywhere would back you up on that one! She also told her Daddy that she read in the bible that Jesus loves cookies. Maybe that's what they had for dessert after He fed the 5000. Just sayin'...

I hope everyone of you enjoy a big laugh today! Love & hugs! Peace out....

His First Day

2009-04-06T11:26:00.002-05:00

This morning went something like this:

Mike: Ok, hun. I'm headed out. Love you.

Me: giggling-Have a nice day at the OFFICE! kiss-I love you!

God is so GOOD! Hope your day is blessed :)

New Toys

2009-03-25T22:25:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the ol' two year contract upgrade. We are playing with these tonight...

The Eagle Has Landed (or) It's Official!

2009-03-18T21:48:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, Mike has had the privilege of being the part-time worship leader for First Baptist Church in the DOXA service since Jan 1, 2008. With great excitement and humility, we want to share how the Lord has now opened the door for him to serve in this capacity full-time. With the Lord's blessing and favor, Mike will continue this God-directed journey as the newest staff member of FBC beginning in April 2009! Read what Mike had to say concerning our coming to FBC in September 2007 and what his heart holds for the people of DOXA:

At age 17, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior followed by a call to music ministry. The next several years consisted of many opportunities to reach out with the Gospel through music - in mostly youth oriented settings. God chose these opportunities to shape and refine not only my calling, but my life. In 2004, while leading a monthly youth service at Gum Springs Baptist Church, I met Chris Beck and realized a call to co-lead worship at First Baptist Church St. Bethlehem. It was during my three years there that I met Steve Moore and began to play several youth camps and retreats along side him. In the Fall of 2007, my wife and I began to sense a leading to join FBC. This move was a difficult decision for us in that I felt the Lord was successfully using me in the worship ministry at FBCSB. My family and I loved and respected Pastor Jeff Burris (and still do) and had deeply invested in the people there. However, after much prayer and godly counsel we decided to heed the urgent call to FBC and stepped out in faith. Soon after this, Steve Moore accepted a call to FBC Paducah and recommended me as Interim Worship Leader, the position in which I am now serving. I strongly believe this was the beginning of a faith building journey ordained by God partnering myself and FBC, specifically DOXA to reach the city of Clarksville for Christ.

Given this incredible opportunity, below is the vision Mike has committed to uphold for the DOXA service.

The people of DOXA, a unique expression of FBC, has a passion to reach our city for Christ. It would be my goal in DOXA to engage the congregation in authentic worship, bringing glory to God through the music. As a leader in DOXA, it is my desire to do what it takes to create an environment conducive to DOXA’s unique gathering of people. I will prayerfully seek out new and creative ways to reach out to our city, drawing the people of Clarksville to DOXA and ultimately to CHRIST.

I could not be more proud of my husband. He was made for this. God has brought us to this place and in it our prayer remains Isaiah 26:8… Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

Thank you, every one of you, who went before the throne on our behalf. Your prayers and words of encouragement throughout this process have kept us on the victorious side of the fine line between perseverance and insanity! :)

I've said it before and I will say it again...God is SO good. We could never have imagined where He would bring us when we took that first shaky step toward this journey. FBC has truly become our home over the past year and we are humbled to be counted among those, whose privilege it is, to serve the people of DOXA and Christ!

Weekend Update

2009-03-10T15:07:00.002-05:00

We had a pretty great weekend! Nothing crazy. Just time together...

Friday-
We had planned to hang out with BW, Lauren, and Krystle, but I got a McNasty cold and decided that it would be better (for them) to hang out where the germs weren't. So the four of us just ate chicken pot pies and curly fries - thanks to Hubs, who graciously cooked so I could lounge with my hankies and blanket. We watched Durango Kids followed by a friendly father/daughter wrestle-fest! After the girls pooped out, Mike & I watched Amazing Grace. It was a pretty good movie! I took some nyquil and immediately got all tingly and sleepy!

Saturday-
I slept until 11!!!! Thanks to the nyquil I didn't even move until then. The extra sleep got me feeling somewhat better. We decided the beautiful day was perfect for our "here comes spring" to-do list! Mike serviced the lawn mower and we managed to rake and clean the entire yard. I didn't get to fix my flower beds, but all-in-all, not a bad day's work! We made a quick trip to Lowe's and Kroger and finished off the day with a yummy burger off the grill.

Sunday-
Although it was his week off, Mike got to lead in DOXA. He filled in for Pat who was very sick. (Pat, praying you feel MUCH better very soon!) We headed home to grill again, this time with BW, Lauren, Krystle and Little Momma! It was a nice afternoon. Just hanging out with family, catching up and playing some games. After everyone left, Mike, the girls & I took off for a walk around the neighborhood. We barely beat the rain, but it felt good to walk again. We decided to head to Golden Corral for dinner. I had a really good coupon that was ready to expire and not cooking sounded just FINE with me! While there, Mike got the official word that the Deacons had voted to call Mike to the Worship Associate position full time! I watched Mike get a smile he couldn't have hidden if he wanted to and he just looked at me. It was a really great moment. One I'm not soon to forget! I'm so blessed that the Lord has allowed me to be the woman sitting across from him for over 12 years. After months of watching him beg God for direction and discernment in the process, God has answered. And we are humbled.

It was a good weekend! And now on to Spring Break! :)

We Put Some Bananas In It

2009-02-24T09:47:00.005-06:00

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family...

Proverbs 31:15

I'm not claiming to be a true proverbs 31 woman...just trying to get there! And I have a lot of help as you can see!

You honestly can not mess up this recipe! And it's delicious! It was one of many recipes I received as a wedding gift from the ladies (and a few men) in the office I worked in just before getting married.

Banana Bread

2 cups self-rising flour

1/4 cup cooking oil

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

3 bananas (very ripe)

3 eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350. Dump all ingredients into large bowl. Blend with electric mixer until there are no large lumps of bananas. Pour batter into 2 loaf pans or 1 bundt pan. Cook approximately 30 minutes or until knife tests clean. Enjoy!

Purity Ball 09

2009-02-07T15:00:00.003-06:00

Cuttin' a rug...

What a beauty...

They've got the moves...

Little lady...

Daddy and daughter...

25 Random Things About Me...

2009-01-29T15:49:00.002-06:00

A little about me...

1. My middle name is Joye - like Joy - but with an "e". I've never met anyone else with that name. I've also never met anyone else who spells Catrina with a "c".

2. I can barely function without a list or calendar.

3. I've only been on an airplane once - to Orlando - and I made the woman next to me take my picture. I was 20!

4. I started dating my first (and only ever) boyfriend at 16. I married that man, my amazing husband when I was 18 years old - he was 21 - and I wouldn't change that for anything. I still get butterflies when he smiles at me.

5. I grew up with the most amazing parents and brother on 8 acres of imagination. Other than my husband, there is no one on this planet that I respect and look up to more than my Daddy.

6. I had a 4.0 in high school and a full 4 year scholarship to Texas A&M. I planned to become a Marine Biologist.

7. I take being a wife and mom VERY seriously. And feel like I'm the worst at those things.

8. Hearing my two girls laugh really hard makes my heart happy.

9. I can't decide if I want to live in the country or the city. It keeps me awake at night.

10. I don't wear my beautiful engagement ring because I knocked the diamond out of it a few years ago - in the washing machine. I found it but haven't been able to have it fixed yet.

11. I LOVE to pray and believe that to be one of the most precious gifts our Lord could have given us.

12. I love to cook. Especially organic and whole foods. But I find it frustrating & difficult to maintain such high, healthy standards on a budget. I also believe that if we ate according to the Jewish dietary laws, we'd be oober-healthy.

13. I don't like to dream, but I always remember them.

14. I've been saved by Grace from a wicked amount of sin and rebellion. I am scandalously blessed by our Great God.

15. I feel awkward all the time.

16. I have drawn hundreds of house plans. I remain certain I'll never be "home" until Heaven.

17. My best friend - Melanie B. - is the most godly woman I know. I aspire to be like her. I'm not worthy to be her friend.

18. I've learned more about my Father, God from being a mother than I could have ever imagined.

19. If I ever meet Beth Moore, I'll pee my pants. Her daughter left a comment on my blog and I almost did.

20. My favorite thing is having people in my home and knowing what will make them feel special and loved when they are.

21. I love disecting things in lab.

22. I really dislike the word "moist", puppets, clowns and small children singing nursery rhymes.

23. I wish I could have another baby. Really bad.

24. I've lost my temper less than 4 times in my life.

25. I can't wait to be a nurse. I feel blessed the Lord has called me to this special ministry.

Tell me a little about you?!

Date Night!!

2009-01-24T10:14:00.006-06:00

Thanks to our sweet, sweet Uncle B & Aunt Lauren, who rangled the kiddos last night and this morning, we enjoyed a great date night!

Friday night:

*Uncle B picked up the girls and they were so EXCITED. They promptly buckled themselves in and politely asked for hugs and kisses and for me to please go back inside so they could leave! I'd be hurt, but I know how much they LOVE their Uncle B & Aunt Lauren and how much their Uncle B & Aunt Lauren love them! I'm glad they have so many people who want to spend time lovin' on them!

*Mike came home from work and we headed out to eat. We decided to stay in town and try a new place. Since we were planning to see a movie we chose Ciao Bella. It was great! Good food, friendly service and right across the hallway from the movie theatre.

*Walked right up to the window and bought 2 tickets for Paul Blart: Mall Cop. We still had an hour before the movie started so we just wandered around the mall. We NEVER do this...I mean it has literally been like a year since we just walked around the mall. Being Friday night I really thought it would be worse, but it was only about 6:30 pm and I'm guessing that's why it wasn't. Anyway, we went into Borders and saw the most hilarious display of "music love" by this man who obviously DID NOT care that the store was full of other people who could see his not-so-awesome dance moves! We laughed really hard. He just looked SO happy! Then we headed to Kirkland's, my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE store (well, right behind Lifeway)! We didn't buy anything in either store, but it was fun to look! Then Mike spied a PS2 baseball game for $3.99. We got it for his Papaw to play when he comes to hang out with us!

*We headed back to see the movie and noticed the line was incredibly LONG! We were SO glad we bought our tickets ahead of time. Got great seats for the movie and laughed our faces off! It was clean (except for a few potty words) and funny...a good combination in my opinion!

*Headed out into the COLD for some Starbucks (sorry Krystle, Lasaters closes too early!!) and a stroll through Kohls. Again we didn't buy anything, but it was fun to look without trying to keep two very uninterested children contained!

*Pooped out and headed home to watch Ocean's Twelve.

Saturday Morning:

*Got up early to try Silke's Old World Bread & Cafe. If you haven't already, I would HIGHLY recommend it! I had a ham & cheese stuffed croissant and cinnamon roll. Mike had an apple & oatmeal coffee cake. Then we bought a loaf of Walnut, Raisin Sourdough bread and Whole Wheat Farmer's Bread to take home. Delicious!!

We had a great time, and to hear tell, so did the girls! Thanks Uncle B & Aunt Lauren! You are Rockstars!

If you would...

2009-01-15T16:02:00.007-06:00

...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16

Please pray for this man. (For obvious reasons...haha)

**But specifically for his interview this Saturday morning at 8am**

Father. God of the heavens and the earth. You know the plans we have made in our hearts and all the same we know that You determine our steps and Your purpose prevails (Prov 16:9; Prov 19:21). You alone, Lord, have brought us here. Be glorified. In Your name, Amen.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Faith of a child...

2009-01-12T14:45:00.002-06:00

The other day I overheard Gracie & Autumn playing in the playroom. I sensed they might be playing a little rough. Maybe it was Mother's intuition...maybe it was that the house was practically bouncing up and down on the foundation. Either way, what I heard next caused great laughter followed by a thankful heart!

Autumn: Dear God. PLEASE help me with Gracie. She's too tall for me to win! Thanks, Lord. Amen.

Gracie: Autumn! No fair!

I think she meant. No fair going over my head like that! Oh, to have such faith in practical matters!

Car Help by means of a "Roll Call"

2009-01-08T11:14:00.005-06:00

We are starting to think about having to replace the car that was totalled back in November. We are looking for something with great gas mileage (I'll be driving back and forth to Hopkinsville several days a week for clinicals come August) and a high level of safety for the family. I DO NOT care about names or what's highest in the social circles. We do however, need it to be reliable. We waited a long time to buy our other car so that we could take on as little debt as possible and would love to do the same this time. If you have any recommendations or suggestions, please...PLEASE share! We don't plan to buy until sometime in March, Lord willing. We are just trying to get as educated about what's available as possible. This whole process honestly makes me wish we all still rode around in horse and buggies....

I'm also making this a "Roll Call" because I think everyone has something informative they could contribute! So if you read this blog, leave a comment and let me know you're out there...although I'm pretty convinced that I might be the only one who reads this thing!

Thank you so much! You may be the one to help us choose our next car! Promise we won't send YOU the bill...

A Tour of Christmas...

2009-01-07T20:45:00.010-06:00

Ok. It's not the holidays anymore. I know. But here's the thing. I don't have professional and totally amazing daily blog skills like some people I know. So if you want to re-live our Christmas events with me then read on! *Also, these pictures are in no specific order, I didn't feel like fighting with blogger to get them chronological.* Anyway, these first few are from our annual trip to Opryland to see the lights. We had our favorite Nanny with us this year. She is the most wonderful Mother-In-Law on earth and I could not be more happy to call her mine! For anyone who likes to go to Opryland to see the lights - Note to self: DO NOT GO ON A SATURDAY NIGHT! (Atleast not with small children. There WILL be wailing and nashing of teeth and it will not be from the children.) But all in all it was a lot of fun - just VERY crowded which is scary to an obsessive Mom who is afraid her children will be lost forever in a sea of Christmas decorations and people - and we continued our ice cream tradition as well. Good times! Really!

Our family with my Gramma Dunn (my Mom's Mom) and my Uncle Eddie (my Mom's brother) & Aunt Karen who flew in from San Diego to hang out with us for Christmas! We had so much fun and the girls LOVED them. This was the first time for them to meet Autumn in person. Gracie was a little Tot when they were here last. Guys we miss you already! Love you! Please come back soon. Or make us a spot on the couch. Because I hear CA is warm...really warm....

Here are a few pictures from Christmas at my Momma & Daddy's house. We always go out there after our fun at home on Christmas morning. Growing up, Christmas was truly a magical time for my brother (pictured in the gangsta hat below!) and I. Somehow my parents still make it feel that way for us all!

Another huge blessing this year was having my cousin Billy and his beautiful wife Leah here to celebrate with us. They have 3 cutie-patootie boys with a 4th on the way (due in Feb...we're praying for a pink baby this time!) I really love it when we get to hang out with them. Our kids have the best time and act like they get to play together everyday. If I didn't totally understand why they live in Michigan with their families, I'd seriously pout about them not living here! Come back soon! I want to pinch new baby cheeks!

We celebrated New Year's Eve with family at our house. It was relaxed and fun. We stayed up way too late with B-dub & Lauren playing RockBand. You guys, I'm old. And I have kids who wake up at 7am. Where were you the next morning when I needed to sleep in?? (I'd totally lose sleep to hang out with you guys...I'm just saying...) We'll work on that next year!

Thanks for hanging in with the long recap. We had an incredibly blessed holiday season! We are looking forward to a truly wonderful 2009. Praying the same for each of you! All our love!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T20:17:00.002-06:00

My goodness. It's hard to believe we are into another year! 2008 was full of love and blessings for the Williams family! We are looking forward to a beautiful year and pray that each of you have one too! I'll have pictures from our Christmas festivities up soon. I've just been enjoying time with Mike and the girls and haven't spent much time fooling with the computer! Love to each of you!

"We must have been really good, Momma. Santa came early just to see US!"

2008-12-21T13:46:00.006-06:00

That is what Gracie said to us! Mike and I were SO shocked yesterday evening when we heard a loud and jolly "Ho! Ho! Ho!" outside our door (actually it took us a few minutes to realize it wasn't on a holiday cartoon Autumn was watching!). I'm ashamed to say I was STILL in my PAJAMAS - dern ya'll - but Santa didn't seem to care! He had to be the REAL thing! His eyes really twinkled people! My girls mouths fell open as he handed them gorgeous red bags with their names embroidered on the front. Santa's sack was overflowing with beautiful, quite generous gifts that the girls just squealed over! Now folks, I must say I tried to hold it together...at first I was so shocked I couldn't do anything but nod when Santa asked the girls if their names were Gracie and Autumn....then I began to realize that someone or someones had heart strings stirred by our Gracious Father to bless our family in a way that Mike and I never could have this Christmas. The tears started falling and poor Santa witnessed the "ugly cry" no doubt! Again he didn't seem to care. Then Santa pulled a present (literally) out of his sleeve for Mike and I...I can't even begin to express how generously stuffed this card was! The Lord's provision right before our very eyes! Now, anyone who knows me at all knows how unlikely it is for ME to be SPEECHLESS...but dad-blab-it....I COULD NOT MAKE MY MOUTH FORM WORDS! Oh, my heart was sending up groans only the Holy Spirit could understand....but words had left me! Poor Santa, I wanted to hug his neck so bad...but I just couldn't possibly move! I was afraid if I started hugging Santa I wouldn't stop or I might just bowl him over into the front yard and God Bless Him...as I said he already had to endure the "ugly cry" the "hug of death" might have been too much! If I could do it over however, I would at least muster more than a wimpy "thank you" with my eyes all bugged out!

It was a real live Christmas miracle and this family is not likely to forget it in a million years! I struggled so much with not being able to say thank you in a way that seemed comparable with the enormous blessing Santa and all his helpers brought for us last night, but God knows my heart and it is so full of love and thanks I'm about to explode! So beware. If you run into me I'm liable to hug YOUR neck off! The need to hug has to be used somewhere people!

So without further adu...here are some pictures from last nights surprise visit from Santa!

Here's Gracie playing the new VIDEO GAME SYSTEM Santa brought...WOW!

Here she is swooning over a necklace/bracelet making kit....MY GOODNESS!

Here's Autumn with her eyes all bugged out at her new ART SET! SWEET MERCY!

Here she is getting all dolled up with her new LIP GLOSS!

It took Gracie all of 10 seconds to get her first necklace made! It said Gracie Williams!

Sorry about the little panty-waist here...she had just come out of the potty and there was no time for getting dressed! And she was way to interested in the beautiful presents to care anyway...here she's getting fancy with her new PRINCESS brush and mirror set!

Each of the girls had beautiful, scrumptously soft Christmas blankets in there sacks! BOTH girls fell asleep under them last night. They were totally exhausted from all the fun with new toys!

Here are the GORGEOUS sacks the girls toys were in! Simply GORGEOUS!

Last night was a memory that I'll store in my heart and treasure for the rest of my life! And one day, I'll get to watch the "playback" in Heaven with all the generous people responsible for it! I don't know exactly who to thank. So for now I'll pour out my thanks to the Lord from whom all good gifts come and ask Him to bless times a thousand those who gave from their hearts and chose to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus during this season when the greatest miracle and gift was given to us all - Jesus Christ the Lord! So celebrate with me, a Babe born in a manger, the Savior, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Hosannah in the Highest, Emmanuel! Our Lord so big and mighty, yet so personal, He leaned down from on high and whispered a song of love to someone who sang it back to us last night! God Bless you! Merry Christmas!

Baby Girl

2008-12-15T22:11:00.003-06:00

Gracie,

Daddy and I wanted to say "Happy Birthday" to you, our sweet baby girl. Our first born baby - you came blazing into this world on a cold December night 7 years ago and we have treasured every moment with you since! We could never have dreamed of a more amazing child to break us in to parenthood. You make being parents easy and lovely! You bring us so much joy. You make us laugh everyday with your funny poems and pranks. You are so kind and loving. You have a heart for the Lord and a tenderness toward people that is such a blessing to watch. You are absolutely brilliant and beautiful.

Some of your current likes:

-CLOTHES!!!
-SHOES!!!
-music & dancing
-wrestling with Daddy
-jump roping
-homework & reading
-riding the bus
-Sunday school
-Family Night
-board games

Some of your dislikes:

-onions
-for Mommy to tell you what to wear
(and that's pretty much it because you are always so positive and easy going)

Some of your funny sayings (words):

-owbrays (eyebrows)
-bump (forehead)
-"In the Gherto" (this is what you sing when you sing the Elvis song)
-crawlapillers

We are so thankful that the Lord allowed us to be your Momma and Daddy! You are sunshine in our lives! You are the sweetest and most amazing little girl. We are so proud of you and we love you with all our hearts!

Happy Birthday, Booger!

Can you guess "Who's Who"?

2008-12-11T11:38:00.006-06:00

Well, it's the day before my first born's 7th birthday...so I'm digging through baby pictures and re-living every chubby leg and cheek! Here are some pre-birthday pictures...I plan to do a birth to 7 year slide show for Gracie tomorrow! I thought perhaps some of you had never seen Gracie & Autumn's newborn pictures. They look identical! Can you guess which one is Gracie? Autumn? Me? :)

From top to bottom:

Picture #1 Autumn Joye (6 weeks) / Gracelynn Michelle (6 weeks)

Picture #2 Autumn (6 weeks) 2005

Picture #3 Gracie (6 weeks) 2002

Picture #4 Autumn (3 years) 2008

Picture #5 Catrina Joye (4 years) 1984

If you got all the right answers, well...good for you! Look for the slide show tomorrow! :)

Rain, Rain....

2008-12-09T11:40:00.003-06:00

Who doesn't love a good book on rainy days like these?!

Man Of Steel

2008-12-04T21:11:00.002-06:00

Ooh la, la... who is this man who wears the underwear outside of his pants and is STILL super cool??? How could such a man that wears the underwear outside of his pants have a face that is sooo serious, with such a chin of stone?? It takes a special man to do this. Let's face it, it's a serious world out there. Looks like a job for Superman. Yes.
Create your own FACEinHOLE

Follow That Dream...

2008-12-04T19:22:00.003-06:00

Anyone who knows me KNOWS what this is all about! Follow that dream, baby, follow that dream... Thankyouverymuch!!!
Create your own FACEinHOLE

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-03T19:00:00.005-06:00

Post-Thanksgiving greetings friends!

I hope each of you enjoyed a truly blessed Thanksgiving holiday. We most definitely did!

Since our first Thanksgiving married it has been our tradition to celebrate Thursday with the Williams clan and the Saturday following with my brood! This works well for us and ensures a very relaxed time with all family :)

I just wanted to post a few pictures of all the fun. All the pictures from dinner at my Mom's are on her camera...I'll try to wrangle those soon and add them here!

Thanks be unto the Lord. He is Good.

Here's Little Man drummin' along with the rest of the Rockbanders!

Sisters! And other sister in picture above! Jayme...next time we need YOU in here!

My little book-worm...like mother like daughter!

Helping Aunt Krystle!

We are Rock Stars! (AKA - I have no idea what I'm doing)

Not that cool...

2008-11-26T15:56:00.003-06:00

It's Thanksgiving!

If I were cool enough to pull it off, I'd give each of y'all a fist bump...

Happy Turkey Day people!

Stomachs...do we need them....because I'm willing to give mine away right now...

2008-11-20T20:37:00.001-06:00

We are under attack by the worst stomach bug EVER!! We have officially all been afflicted now. Ughhh....

Autumn's Prayer

2008-11-13T21:22:00.003-06:00

The time: 9:15... 45 minutes past bedtime, at least... we finally got the girls to bed. And this was Autumn's prayer...

"Jesus, where we go...when we go...safely...and softly...Amen"

It was all I could do to not bust out laughing... I could barely say my prayer with them afterwards! Awww, fun times!!

"Be Strong and Courageous..."

2008-11-07T13:19:00.003-06:00

Let me start out with this...

" Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go"
Joshua 1:9

As I was listening to Freddy T. via podcast yesterday, (wish I could have been in NYC in person to hear it!) I heard Freddy read this powerful verse of scripture. It also just so happened that last night, I was interviewed for a position as worship leader for the Doxa service at FBC Clarksville. Needless to say, there was some fear going on in my head. For those of you who don't know me, and even for some of you who do, I do not have any sort of formal education pertaining to theology or music. Plenty of experience playing in bands. Plenty of experience in messing up in life, and God always gently restoring me, teaching me, and I'd like to think building my character! But after I heard Freddy's message, I went and read the verse myself, and God gave me such a peace about everything. He reminded me of the work He's been doing in my life, and where He has brought me to, of how He is the One who is opening the doors, and that, most assuringly to me, that He is the one that is in control of EVERYTHING! Not enough wine at the bridal party for the guests?? Go fetch some water... a giant coming and taunting God's chosen people, causing them to fear and tremble? Bring me the shepherd boy, and 5 smooth stones... the list could go on and on.
So did I get the position? As of yet, I don't know... but trust me, I will be telling everyone I know as soon as I find out! As I look back at the building blocks of what God has been doing, I can't help but feel that this is what He has in store for me... praise be to God for His undying faithfulness, His unyielding love, His unending grace. I hope that these words are as much of an encouragement to you as they have been for me..."Be strong and very courageous".

Amen. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus

2008-11-05T11:08:00.004-06:00

It's time to put aside our differences, dear Church, the battle lines have providentially been drawn. It is time we fight together. It's that simple.

Jesus prayed in John 17:22-23: "I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one. I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me."

Below is the message I found displayed on the Living Proof Ministry blog (Beth Moore) this morning. It is too good not to re-post here...

A United House
To my beloved Sisters who I esteem so highly and consistently find to be part of the solution to our problems in the Church rather than the cause,Please join me in praying for our President-elect Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and his precious daughters, Sasha and Malia. Go with me before the Throne of our sovereign God and ask Him to grant wisdom from above to President-elect Obama and the indwelling presence and power of Jesus Christ.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..."

Please also join me in the active and deliberate pursuit of unity and purity in the Body of Christ at this historical time in our country. I implore you in Jesus Name to have zero tolerance for prejudice whether it is regarding party-affiliation, color (whether you are Black, White, or Brown), economics or the like. Disagreement is not sin. Prejudice is. Satan has plotted events and planted attitudes that, should he be successful, will result in havoc. We must not stand for his schemes or cooperate in a single way. We would severely displease God and invite untold chastisement upon Christ's Church in our nation. Speak clearly to your children and graciously but emphatically draw a line in your work places and social circles regarding your stand against prejudice of any kind.

"Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.'" (Matthew 12:25)

A united house stands. A divided house falls. The devil has much to gain. But he also has much to lose.We are the Body of Jesus Christ and we have an opportunity to show His character. This is our watch. We stand for what is right not from our feet but from our knees.I humble myself before you and make these pleas under such bold direction of God that I could not resist it nor disobey it. He made it a fire in my bones.I love and esteem you so much. Shoulder to shoulder, Dear Siestas. Let's leave not one inch for the enemy to come between us.

"Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder." Zephaniah 3:9