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?

Winter Slump?

It's January. It comes every year. We know it's coming. It comes after the hoopla of Christmas. It comes just before Spring. And we know this. We go all November and December asking for snow. Then, snow comes. And, this year, it kept coming! In fact, it may be coming again! Yes, it might! We asked for it. We've asked for it for a long time. And it's here. So what will you do about these cold temperatures and this white stuff? My vote? Enjoy it! While browsing Facebook today, I couldn't help but notice all the "I hate cold!" and "Augh! Snow again?!" statuses. I completely understand the inconvenience and chill bumps. At school this week, our integrity word is "Optimism." I think we all could use a little practice. It can be difficult sometimes.

You should know that thanks to the Christian guidance of a good friend (and sister-in-law) I have become acutely aware of too much complaining. And, to be honest, chronic Facebook complaining bothers me a bit. No offense. Everyone has their quirks, and that's mine. I've worked hard in the last year or so to watch what I put out there...which leads to me watching my attitude toward circumstances. I continue to catch myself feeling overly stressed or aggrivated or tired. But, I can choose how I react. And, I can certainly choose how I react publicly. I can also slip up from time to time. Which makes me a bit nervous posting this because I'm afraid I might be called out for any non-optimistic comment I make. But, that's okay. Accountability, right? Ha! So, I thought I'd give myself and others a little pep talk.

So, in hopes of encouraging all those in the "winter slump," I've researched all the positive things about this time of year. After all, there are SO many more reasons to be thankful! God has given us so much! So, here we go...

1. We get to wear all of our cute boots, scarves, sweaters, tights, and great coats! And all that winter clothing covers and disguises fat rolls (for the most part). That's what I'm talking about!

2. We have a great excuse to curl up in a blanket, drink hot chocolate, and watch a movie! Some even get to sit by a great fire in the fireplace! Love it!

3. You don't have to mow or rake the yard! And, when it snows, you don't even see your yard at all!

4. No pesky bugs like mosquitos, bees, wasps! No pollen either.

5. Sales! Everything is on sale. Like...90% off in some places!

6. Soups! I love a good soup in the crock pot during cold weather.

7. No need to rush to get groceries out of the car. It serves as a refrigerator!

8. You can have a dirty car. Everyone will understand because it's too cold to wash it.

9. All the dog poo in the yard freezes, which makes it easier to scoop. If you don't scoop...it's frozen so it won't stick to your shoes.

10. Doctors claim that cold weather boosts your metabolism in your body's effort to stay warm. So people tend to lose more weight in the winter. Interesting fact! That probably only works if you don't eat extra like I do during the winter. But, just think what we would look like if we ate this much without our boosted metabolism! Ha!

There you go! A few reasons to enjoy these last several weeks of cold weather. I'm sure there are more. Can you think of more? Feel free to leave them in the comments. Enjoy your winter night! I'm gone to play Bunco!

Happy Birthday, Pop!

This weekend, Russ and I joined the rest of the Johnson family to celebrate his dad's (also known as "Pop" to the grandkids) birthday. It's always fun for all the family to gather as the kids run everywhere and the "grown-ups" catch up on life. We did miss Roan this time. She ran a half-marathon in Starkville Saturday and wasn't back in time. We made this birthday simple by ordering out. We placed our orders for Mexican food and ate while we visited. Soon after, it was time for Pop to blow out his candle and for us to eat cake! Then came the gifts...

Russ's dad with his gifts

Pop received nice gifts ranging from a handmade toboggan from Julie to shirts and flashlights. Will even wrapped his gift in a Hannah Montana gift bag complete with music! Very fun! We laughed and talked over each gift as he opened them. Sam took guesses on what they might be based on the size. For example, Russ's mom bought Pop a nice new bible. Sam picked it up grunting and said, "Oh, Pop! Open this one. I think it's a weight. It's heavy!" So cute!

Me, Olivia, and Julie

After supper and gifts, we all spread out throughout the house to enjoy our time together before we all headed home for the night. The adults talked, rested, and played with iPhones and computers....

Russ and Jenny, his sister

Russ and Jeff

Jimmy and Russ's dad relaxing

...while the kids made paper airplanes and paper darts to shoot at each other. I think Farley even made them into dog toys by the end of the night! Ha!

Sam making his airplane

Will

Russ's mom wasn't feeling well, but we made sure to grab a quick shot of her, so we would know she was there. She wasn't very happy about this, but she was a good sport.

Russ and his mom

We are very blessed to have Russ's dad in our lives. I appreciate his example of hard work and his Christian values as he raised the love of my life. Thank you so much, "Pop"! Happy birthday to YOU!

Fruit Chillers

After two months or so of living in our cozy little apartment, I finally went for real grocery shopping. Like, I bought things that can actually make meals, drinks, and snacks all at one time! I'm pretty excited about it. I know what you're thinking..."What in the world have you been doing?!" Well, I won't make excuses. But, I still work out of town three days a week. When I'm in town Russ and I have been putting up Christmas, taking down Christmas, going to storage to get boxes, going to storage to put up boxes, and quite frankly eating out! Yes, it's true. We're guilty. In fact, we have always been guilty of eating out a good bit. Plus, Russ has been working a few nights and I don't just cook for myself. But, I made a plan. If only for two meals this week while I'm in town and Russ isn't working nights. I made the plan.

While I was shopping, I picked up something a little different to try. You remember when I had the stomach bug? Well, I asked my parents to come stay with me for a day while Russ worked. I really wanted a Popsicle. So, they brought them! And chicken noodle soup! Who says you ever get too old for your parents to still come baby you when you're sick? Anyway, I've gotten into eating these popsicles now. Russ and I had a big discussion about eating healthier, and well...I still wanted popsicles. But, I found something that I thought might be okay to bring into the house.

Fruit Chillers! These are found in the canned fruit section. For those of you on Weight Watchers, it's ZERO points! So, I brought them home and put them in the freezer. Russ and I ate one for dessert today. And can I please tell you that they are OH SO GOOD! I'm loving it! And they are so much better for you than regular popsicles. They also taste better!

So, that's the moral of my story. Del Monte Fruit Chillers are awesome! The End.

Fun Friday

On this FUN FRIDAY, I thought I'd leave you with some final images from our cruise. You know, just for FUN! Oh, and if it's "too fun" for you, you may be too old! Ha!

Señor Frog's

Party of Two

Ummmm....

No words...

And, last but certainly not least, I will show you a shot of our own personal entertainment one night. We had quite the crowd surrounding our photo shoot by the time it was over. Regardless of the husband switch, Kristin being asked to "please get off the floor" while crawling under everyone, and all the laughter, we were able to get quite the family photo to share!

One FUN family vacay!

Happy Friday to YOU!

Guess What!

It's snowing...again! Yay! Isn't it so fun to watch all the ways God chooses to decorate our world?

What a wildly wonderful world, GOD! You made it all, with wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations. - Psalm 104:24 (The Message)

Snow Day 2011

So....unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past week, there was a major winter blast that came through last weekend. What that meant for us...SNOW! And COLD! For those of you who don't understand the rarity, we hardly EVER get snow! But, this snow was marvelous! Fluffy! White! Perfect! Exciting! Freezing! And it came in huge amounts!

Me and Farley

I was beside myself with excitement and INSISTED that Russ and I take Farley on a walk to get the mail. He hesitantly obliged, and off we went! The snow had just begun, and I was in love! Farley loved it too! I put my snow gear on top of my pajamas, and we headed out with a camera of course.

Russ and Farley

You can see how much it snowed between the time we left the apartment and the time we got back. Just look at the ground and compare! We snuggled back into our cozy apartment for a while peeking out the window every once in a while and giggling with excitement. We decided we needed to take Farley out just one more time, and this is what we saw...

Russ braving blizzard conditions....ha!

Yay! It was a winter wonderland! Russ was freezing and in a hurry. But, I just had to take a minute to build a mini snowman before we went back in! I could NOT miss this!

My mini snowman

When we brought Farley in, he was shivering from the cold and had chunks of ice hanging in his fur. Bless his little spoiled heart! He was not meant for the outdoors! Ha!

Brrrrr!

He was in desperate need of some snuggle time to warm up. But Russ and I were much too excited to go to sleep. So, we stayed up watching the news, peeking out the window, and talking about how pretty the snow was.

Snuggle time!

It's still snowing!

The next morning, I jumped out of bed when Russ got up for work. Unfortunately, hospitals don't close for inclement weather. And I couldn't wait to see what it looked like outside! We had about 5 inches of snow covering the ground!

Dr. Russ

Oh, how I wish he could stay home and play!

Bye bye!

Instead, Farley and I spent the morning looking out the window as all the children ran around building snowmen and throwing snowballs. I felt a little goofy going out there alone and building a snowman. But, Russ promised to build one with me when he got home from work. So we waited by the window...

Unfortunately, that night I came down with an awful stomach virus and didn't get to build my snowman. I was sad, but really didn't care at the time due to the hugging the toilet part. Yuck! I did make a trip to Corinth for work later last week, and I enjoyed some of their 8-10 inches of snow! Did you hear that!? It was insane! There were snowmen in almost every yard bigger than me! In fact, the snow really didn't melt much at all until Friday. Craziness! I've not seen that much snow since the 80's!

We had a ball! Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!