A couple of weeks ago, my family headed south to pack up my grandparents home after two years of vacancy. It really is a monumental task. We try to explain it to people, but there's really no way to do that completely. You'd just have to see it for yourself. Just to give you a taste or to explain a little, I'll show you how my mom answered the door when I arrived to help pack...

You just never know!

My grandparents built that house when my mom was five I think. Mama said that anything that came into the house never left. And I believe her! We spent the weekend going through every item in the house. Remember, Nonnie has Alzheimer's and there were things stuck in places you'd never imagine. So, it was important for us to make sure nothing valuable was hidden in a random purse, pocket, or drawer. As we went through things, we laughed. We cried. We told stories. We listened to stories. We dressed up.

You just never know!

My main job was to go through my mom's old room. This was also the "toy room." Lots of memories here. The main one I remember is playing the Shirley Temple record on the record player every time we visited and singing and dancing to "Animal Crackers in My Soup." Ahhh! I'm singing it now just thinking about it. Each item brought back memories of childhood. The fun of playing with toys at Nonnie and Pops's. How neat to play with Mama's old toys or see her old books with her childhood writing! And it was all still there.

You just never know!

Kristin's favorite thing to do (and only she is small enough to do this) is to go through all the closets...dating back to the 50's...and taking clothes that have come back in style. In fact, she wore one of the outfits to work the next day.

It's all still there.

I moved on to a hallway closet that apparently became the catch all for all random items...plus the official storage area for greeting cards. Oh, the things you can find in that closet!

You never know!

Nope. You really don't ever know!

I mean really. Would you have expected to find these things?

I made my way to my uncle's old room, which also held a closet full of my grandmother's and great-grandmother's clothes and accessories. I took the liberty of putting together a wonderful ensemble of what appeared to be a pastiche and kimono.

You never know!

That room also served as Nonnie's office where she kept all files and important documents. She worked in the city clerk's offices for years and wrote EVERYTHING down! If we didn't know what something was, we would turn the item around and Nonnie had most likely written the explanation on the back. We found lots of hand-written treasures as we sifted through the paperwork.

All the grandkids' awards and accomplishments complete with the year

A priceless personal folder...

...filled with stories untold.

As we continued fiddling around the house packing and looking and laughing, we saw things we hadn't thought of in years!

Like a height record on the door facing of the kitchen

Saturday, Dustin arrived. His first stop? Pops's closet! He began frantically and excitedly pulling out outfits and shoes and hats that only he could pull off and look good in! Ha! He pulled out full pajama sets and velcro shoes. Good bid day outfits. Good party attire. Good everyday wear too, I'm sure! Hilarious!

You never know!

He began to make himself quite the pile of items to take home too.

His first selection was the striped jumpsuit. He's probably wearing it now! Ha!

Then, it was time for the men to load up furniture that was to go home for me, Kristin, Dustin, or Mama. When things got a little tense or light fixtures shattered, Dustin was our comic relief.

You never know!

The rest we sat around on the floor or on a random counter top. The estate people came by and told Mama and me that we were organizing and cleaning too much. So we stopped!

STUFF everywhere!

In the meantime, Dustin found more party attire...

Nonnie's old wind suit. From the 90's no doubt!

We got sentimental occasionally, which is what prompted this photo. Because this was probably the last time all the grandchildren would be at Nonnie and Pops's house at the same time. It was a sad moment if you thought about it too long. But, we kept laughing as we saw more things that we just never knew existed! Some that we wished we hadn't seen! Ha!

The grandchildren

Jack came by Sunday to help Clancy with a few things. His job was to first go through the hunting closet. A big task! But, that's nothing for this fireman!

You just never know!

When the last piece of furniture or memorabilia was piled into the "hillbilly" car, we headed out of the driveway taking with us the memories. The good memories. The crazy memories. And there were many! Both of my grandparents are still here on this earth. But, there is nothing that can take the place of a childhood with grandparents. How many of us take those moments for granted? When Nonnie began showing more signs of Alzheimer's, I remembered saying, "When she can't scratch my back anymore...that'll be a sad day." I remember the day I realized that she wouldn't be able to scratch my back again. I was sad. I've never seen anyone who can scratch a back for as long as she could. And in the most recent years, she would forget she'd been scratching your back so that would just add more time to her scratching. There's nothing like Nonnie's back scratches. Just moments. But taken for granted. And missed so much. I recently read a quote that said, "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." So true!

Sunday, Mama and I went to the nursing home to visit Nonnie on our way out of town. We had a great visit. She was more alert than we'd seen in a while. We still didn't hear our names, but if we got very close and looked directly into her eyes to ask a question or make a statement...she would answer. Sometimes in her own way. But an answer nonetheless. This meant she was acknowledging us. We spent a good couple hours in the room talking to her and Mama lotioned her up. I left to get a chair at one point, and when I returned I saw something that once was a "small thing" in life. Nonnie scratching Mama's back.

You just never know!

You just never know when the small things in life will turn into the big things.

Mama and Nonnie

A Day at the Zoo

What a fabulous weekend we had! A great beginning to Daylight Savings. Russ and I had planned to spend our Saturday at the Memphis Zoo. We used to take trips to the zoo when we were dating, but haven't been since we have been married. It was beautifully sunny and the temperature was in the lower 70's. Just heavenly!

Beautiful!

Feisty!

Breathtaking!

We got to the zoo around 11, and went straight to "Cat Country," which meant we were ready for lunch pretty soon after. We stopped at a little cafe and playground area for a bite to eat and to just sit in the sunshine and observe all the children and parents around us. Fun and funny! I'm sure Roan will not be surprised to hear that I got a slice of pizza! Ha! No matter where I go, that seems to be a safe staple. Russ opted for a healthier sandwich option...as usual!

Yummy pizza!

My cute hubby!

My favorite part of the zoo is always the African Veldt (I think that's what it was called.), which got us wanting to go back to Disney World. I guess the Animal Kingdom is what triggered that conversation. I just find these animals fascinating! It blows my mind how God created these animals so wonderfully.

I mean, look at these stripes! Perfectly placed. So unique!

Mama giraffe and her baby...obsessed with their eyelashes! It's a drastic contrast from the few I have.

Of course, gorillas crack me up and fascinate me as they seem to know exactly what's going on.

Russ took some amazing pictures, as I'm sure you've noticed. He wanted to rent a zoom lens for the occasion, but I talked him into thinking hard about that. So he didn't. However, I have a feeling we will make our next trip with one.

It was simply a great day outdoors in the amazing weather with my beloved. I love him even though the only picture I have with an animal is next to the hippos. Is that a hint? Hmmmm. Honestly, we were walking along and saw huge hippos right up against the fence. I was mesmerized studying every part of their faces and bodies.

Me and the hippopotamuses

We were like kids in the petting zoo. Oh yeah, this is also where Russ pointed out a prairie dog popping up through a clear glass bubble in the ground. I quickly informed him that it was not a prairie dog. It was, in fact, a cute little girl with pig tails. The mom, who was standing right beside us, got a good laugh at least! Ha!

Russ petting the horse

After spending hours in the zoo, we headed downtown and eventually ate an early supper at one of our favorite cuisines...Japanese hibachi! What a great day spent with the one I love!

How did you enjoy your Saturday?

What's for Supper?

Well, I spent many hours in the kitchen this afternoon preparing our meal for tonight. Whew! I'm so tired! NOT! But, what we did have was quite yummy if I do say so myself.


I've become obsessed with the delicious whole wheat Pepperidge Farm Deli Flats that we've been using for sandwiches lately. A healthy option for sandwich bread.

I'm also LOVING the broccoli steamer bag I tried tonight. The broccoli was so good and all I did was pop the bag in the microwave for three minutes and topped it with a little butter when finished. So yummy, fresh, and very tender!

I know you are all jealous of my culinary skills in the kitchen after my husband worked hard to pay the bills! Ha! I also know that you probably cooked and baked an incredible home cooked meal. Please don't rub it in. Just enjoy your meal as I enjoyed mine!

Happy Monday!

I [Heart] Him!

Once again, it's been a while since my last post! This is getting to be a habit, and I hope to end it today! Ha! There has been lots going on around this Party of Two, but there aren't pictures for everything. And you won't hear about all of it right now. I'll just fill you in on the highlights that I can share.

Since Russ and I are on a major spending halt right now, we had a homemade Valentine's Day! Those are the best kind anyway! After work, Russ came in and prepared a fabulous meal for his Valentine....ME! It was delish!

Chef Russ, M.D.

I stayed in our bedroom watching old episodes of One Tree Hill while he slaved away in the kitchen. I heard pots and pans and banging...I walked in to see him working away with his little towel thrown over his shoulder. Quite the chef. And next thing I knew....

Steak, grilled asparagus, and mashed potatoes...OH, and sparkling water! Ha!

Dinner was served! Oh, how I love my Valentine!

Farley was hoping for a little too!

Don't worry. I didn't forget my Valentine. I printed a cute sign out on the computer and had it taped to the bathroom mirror Valentine's Day morning. Big spender, I know! He loved it all the same!

How did you spend your Valentine's Day?

Praying for Anna Reese

Some of you may have noticed the adorable little face on my sidebar. Her name is Anna Reese. This amazing little life has been through more than I can imagine in my adult lifetime. Anna Reese's family are members of my hometown church, and they are so blessed with this sweet life. Anna Reese was born in September with a rare heart defect. She has left the hospital only a few short days during her six months of life. Among her multiple surgeries, IVs, and cords...Anna Reese most recently suffered a stroke and heart cath. Her family has been so strong, as she has, while she spends her days in Nashville....hours from home. I encourage you to follow this precious life story at her Caring Bridge site and paste this button that none other than the lovely Jennisa made for me!

Use it as a reminder to pray for Anna Reese and her parents along with her sweet big sisters.

Counting my blessings and thanking God for His healing power. Have you counted your blessings today?

Flexible Flyers

It snowed again! Yes, it did! And, while some of you wished it away...I was super excited. You see, I have not yet been able to play in the snow! I mean, it's snowed nearly once a week since Christmas and I keep missing it! Either I was sick...or at home when it snowed in Corinth...or in Corinth when it snowed at home. But, this time...I PLAYED! We pulled out the old sleds actually. My sister, brother, and I each have a Flexible Flyer sled that we've had since we were young. Doesn't everybody? So, we pulled them out!

To be honest, our night began with a simple supper during the fierce snow and cold temperatures. We drove around and called around until we finally found a restaurant that was brave enough to stay open during such conditions. On our way home, Daddy realized he had a sled in the back of his car. So he immediately stopped the car in Creekwood and tried to sled. After Teri and I pushed and pushed and grunted and grunted, we figured out the sled was bent underneath! Ha! Once we got that worked out, Daddy went sledding down the big hill. Teri and I couldn't stand it! We wanted to try it too! So, we stopped by the house to pick up the other sleds and headed back over to the hill.

Me, Teri, and Daddy

As usual, when this group gets together there are never any words to do justice as to how much fun and LAUGHS we had! It didn't take too long for this semi-slick hill to turn into pure ice! There were a few injuries, but nothing major! Fun far outweighed any pain! Now, I might also mention that we were all dressed to go out to eat! I didn't even bring a sweatshirt with me. I had on clogs with cutesie socks and Mama had on patten leather shoes! Hilarious! We didn't care! It's a snow day! I got the call that school was canceled, so we had reason to stay out LATE!

Daddy pushing me down the hill

Wheeeeee!

Me, Teri, and Daddy

At this point, Joe and Mama decided to sit in the car during this "little sledding stop." I think they soon figured out this was no "little stop." We were here for a while! Joe eventually decided he needed to give it a try! It was kinda like Pringles...Once you started, you just couldn't stop!

Joe and Teri

Then, I saw it! What's that? Why, it was my dear mother sporting the patten leather shoes! She decided it was worth the cold after all. And, there she was. Unable to stop. So, we turned the car off and kept going!

Go Mama! Pick your feet up! Ha!

One of the many great things about this adventure was the walk back UP the hill after we flew down the hill around the corner and down the next street! It was a fantastic way to work off our Mi Toro!

The crew walking up the hill (before Teri fell!)

...and down again!
Joe, Mama, me, and Teri

As you know, I had my camera out ready for any photo opportunity when I saw the cutest little red bench in the midst of snow! How cute! So, I made everyone stop for a photo op. I think they turned out quite cute. Christmas card quality!

Mama, me, Teri, and Joe

Daddy, Mama, Teri, and Joe

I'm not sure if it was all the screaming we did while flying down the icy hill or the fact that I put our activity on Facebook, but soon there were many friends and families who came out to join us. I know I didn't get pictures of everyone, but we had so much fun!

Daddy guiding Jude down on the the plastic sled

Daddy, Randy, and Hanna

Jake and Jude

Jennifer decided she trusted me to take her down the hill on my back!

So, I did! So much fun...even after the injury! Oops!

If you notice, I have on a HUGE pair of snowboots in that last picture. Well, remember how I was wearing clogs and cutesie designer socks? Well, after the first crash over the curb and into a beautiful yard, my socks were soaked! I'm pretty sure they turned to ice. Daddy had an extra pair of boots in his car. So there's the explanation.

After about three hours of sledding down the pure ice by the end of the night, we decided the only thing to do was take a midnight trip to Huddle House! Yep! That's right! And, I even wore those big ole boots!

My order? A nice hot cup of Huddle House hot chocolate! Ahhhhh, what a night! Grace gifts! How did you enjoy your snow day?

His Love

"Ask God to make you aware of the constant reminders of His presence in your life so that you can have His assurance no matter your circumstance."

This was the final discussion point of our bible study tonight as we are walking through the story of David. It stood out to me. You know, so often, we pray that God will be with us throughout the day. Or as Ms. Jo said, some pray that the Lord be with their children that day. The truth is...He already is with them. We are always in His presence as believers. But, the important thing is for us to know He's there. Recognize His presence throughout our everyday goings and comings.

I recently finished reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Pick it up ASAP! Everyone should read it. The message throughout the book is to embrace eucharisteo, a Greek word that encompasses thanksgiving, grace, and joy. Thinking about the gift God has given to all who believe, I am so grateful for His grace. We certainly have done nothing to deserve His love or this gift. A promise of spending eternity with Him if we simply admit we are sinful, believe, and confess our sins. The price for our everyday sins were paid when God sent His only Son to die an excrutiating death on that cross. The ultimate gift! It is by GRACE we have been saved. But, He didn't stop there. He still continues to send "grace gifts" to us. Small things. Think about it. If God created this world and everything in it, then everything is from Him. No matter how small or large. Our part is to recognize His gifts. His grace gifts that point to Him. And for that matter, we know that God is a good God. If He is good, only good things come from Him. And since everything is from God and only good things come from Him, all is good. All is a grace gift. Our job...to recognize these grace gifts. Speak thanks for these gifts. By recognizing these gifts and speaking thanks for them, we can allow ourselves to be filled with His grace. His "favor."

Our sinful nature goes back to Satan's deception of Adam and Eve in the garden. Adam and Eve were, just as we are at times, ungrateful for what God had given to them. They wanted more. Interesting how the fall of man was based around our not being satisfied with God and what He gives. Always wanting more or something different. In the beginning, man had perfect rose-colored sight. Since the deception in the Garden of Eden, because man wanted to see "more," we now see more. There was more to see than His goodness, and now we can see it. The loss, the sadness, the pain. We got what we wanted - more.

While reading, I obviously went back to the point that all is good. Certainly my life, as I'm sure yours too, has not turned out the way I planned or wanted. Yes, I have a wonderful life full of incredible blessings. But, I also thought I'd be a mother...possibly of multiple children by now. Of course His plan is different. But, I wanted more. I fought for more. I pitched fits for more. I cried for more. I pulled away to go my own way for more. I was frantic for more. I felt as if I was losing control! Well, duh! I was. Because I never had control in the first place. I was like a child having a temper tantrum because I couldn't get the strawberry Bubble Yum bubble gum at the grocery store. I was lying in the floor of my life kicking feet and refusing to put it up. I pitched a fit and wrestled with my Father until I finally gave up.

Ever remember doing this as a child? No, I'm sure you didn't. Everyone reading this was probably as well-behaved as I was as a youngster. But, I remember my sister doing it! Ha! Just kidding. Of course! We have all pitched a fit at one point or another! But eventually, when our parents did not give in because they knew their decision was what was best for us, we gave up. We were too exhausted to kick and scream anymore. We just wanted to rest. And how wonderful was that rest? Our rest is in God alone. Beth Moore made a statement that set so well with me...she was talking about that place - with God alone. "It is a painful place to get. But, it is a delightful place to stay!" How true! I look at what I have been through learning to trust in the One who holds my future and always has. I think back to all the pain, tears, tantrums. Man, that was painful! But, when I finally became too exhausted to kick, I came to Him to rest. And it is such a beautiful place to be.

You may have noticed that I rarely talk about our struggle with infertility these days. There is a reason for this. God. He is the only One that could have given me this peace. Allowed rest. After trying to pull me toward what He knew was best, I finally gave up. I was so tired. Just as a baby sometimes cries herself to sleep, we sometimes "cry our hearts to trust." We finally give up and let God take control. Isn't the rest nice?! I feel like a new person after coming to this season. I remember when it happened too. It was the last treatment I ever went through. It went wrong, and no one knew why. We weren't even able to complete the treatment after weeks of daily shots of hormones that were enough to scare even the bravest man out of the house! This was the second treatment of the most extensive we underwent. And, we had already decided we would take a break after this if nothing happened. I remember praying daily. First, I prayed at length each time I had a shot. Needles are among my great fears...FYI. But, most importantly I told God that He would have to take care of this if it failed. There was absolutely no way I would be able to make it on my own. I was emotional, hormonal, and simply just sad. I knew in my gut that this would tear me apart...unless He sent a peace that surpasses all understanding. So, when I got the bad news, I cried of course. But, never even took the doctor's offer to continue "just in case." I just said, "No. That's enough." Not that I was giving up on my dreams of becoming a mother. I was giving up my grip. My attempt at taking control. I was giving up and letting God take over. I told Him that He would have to. I was out. The funny part is that He had control the whole time. And now I let Him take over? Funny how we are. And, I'm sure He smirked with a "bless her heart" look. (And we all know that when someone in the South says that, they really mean..."You stupid idiot.") Ha! So He smirked, I'm sure, and continued with his plan. Just as He had been doing the whole time. And me? I rested. I trusted. After years and months of fits. That's a long tantrum! I was tired. And the peace I had was unbelievable.

In fact, His peace and my willingness to trust Him with this whole situation has led us to neglect treatments for the last year and a half. And I am completely good with that. My heart has been changed. My prayer during this time of simply enjoying life again and not trying to control and plan every part of it was that God's will be done. But, I also asked that He change my heart. I asked Him to change my desires to match His will. I mean it with all my heart. A sweet blogger friend, and real life acquaintance, once told me: "God will give you the desires of your heart. He just may change your desires." And you know what? That sounds pretty darn good. Because I know that His plan is to send His grace gifts to me...to fill us with glory again. (1 Cor. 2:7) His gifts of "favor."

My job is to simply look for them. Which brings me back to the book...

Ann's narrative is so inspiring. It will make you see life in a whole new way. A way of seeing the grace gifts from our God and recognizing them and giving thanks for them. This is the only way for true joy. Enjoy God! Enjoy His gifts! Her story tells of her journey through a dare. A dare to list one thousand gifts. One thousand graces. Over time and through practice and making the choice to look for them, her life was changed forever. She was no longer blind to His goodness. She could see! And she was filled with joy!

So, my dare to me and you is to make our own list. See if you can list one thousand grace gifts from God sent for our enjoyment. Because He loves us. Gifts we don't deserve. After all, He sent the ultimate gift already. But, there is more! Enjoy it!

I woke this morning to grace gifts, and I have changed my view of looking at the happenings throughout my day. I'm on the lookout. Just like Ann Voskamp, "I am a hunter of beauty."

Grace gifts today... tiny floating snowflakes this morning, smiling children trusting me to help them read, a flashback of Centrifuge '97 when I heard the theme song on the radio, a sweet text from a friend who braved the cold just to look up the sentence I wrote at the beginning of this post, a husband who called ahead so that all I had to do was pick up a car with new tires, the smell of a new book, precious waves and calls to "Mrs. Johnson" from students I don't know...

What are your grace gifts today?