The Lewis family

Andy and I have been lucky enough, since we have lived in Tennessee, to have found "adopted" parents. Since our own parents all live far away, God knew we would need much looking after, so in walked the Lewis family. We joke around that they are another set of in-laws for me because Andy was already in a covenant group with them when we got married. By default, they had to accept me in too. Steve and I have an unspoken agreement: we can pick on each other mercilessly, and we both know that we love each other and will protect the other. He is also the first person I have ever met who talks more than me. Marjean is one of the sweetest spirits I know. She is soft spoken (though it may be forced since Steve never stops talking - hahaha), and has a true servant's heart. She is a living, breathing example of the Proverbs 31 woman. When I needed to be hugged, encouraged, or challenged, Marjean has been the one to do it, and she always knew what was needed when.

As our house was being built, the Lewis' were the ones who came by to check on it and make sure everything was going smoothly. Steve has extensive knowledge in this area, so we didn't even mind when he kicked out an insulation pad that had a crack in it to make sure the builders would fix it. They are also the ones who gave us tickets to fly home when my nephew died. They could have used them for a weekend vacation together, but chose to give them to us instead. Pretty cool how God fills needs like that.

They have even allowed us to know their children, both of whom we love. Luckily, the oldest is staying here, so I will have at least one Lewis family member to pick on. Their youngest is much like her mother, sweet and precious to her core. I think I will have to "kidnap" her at some point and bring her here on a vacation.

Above all else, they pray faithfully for us, and are truly concerned about us. It is nice to know someone, outside of your "real" family is concerned about your well being. I have cried many tears since finding out they were leaving. However, I know God is working all things for His good, not just mine. So, I am sure there will be someone whom they come across that needs to be loved, prayed for, and encouraged. And, I know Steve and Marjean will do just that.

So, praise the Lord for our friends who have loved us well, and who we will deeply miss. My only regret is that we didn't take full advantage of their presence when they were here.

My birthday party!

These fabulous pictures are from the party Andy threw for me on Monday. It was a great time! I don't even think I have everyone's picture who was there, but here are a few to enjoy.








Sheri and I...it was HARD to make her take this picture...very hard!





This is Toby, my "little brother." He's 6'7", but since I'm a year older, I get to be the big sister (see how smart I am!). Thanks to Toby, I made it through my first year at a new school without hurting myself or others. We walked through it together, in true sibling fashion: picking on each other and hitting each other at every turn. He's the best little brother that I've never had!



This is Emily, my buddy. I love this little girl.
Though I tease her parents, I really do not
plan on stealing her away...but I sure wouldn't
mind!

Trey, Sabrina, and Aiden, all fun, wonderful human beings who make my heart smile!

No, she isn't walking sideways, I just wasn't able to turn the picture...so much for being a genius.

Black and White pics

These are some pictures that I had blown up into 8x10s to hand on one of our living room walls...I am so impressed with myself. I am not however impressed with my computer skills. The one of the gate is, clearly, not facing the right way. So, tilt your head to the right and enjoy.

Scenery

These are a few shots I took the other day while walking around....

The broken wall and the statue of two children on the bench are at a prayer garden in honor of children who have died. It's so beautiful, but gut wrenching at the same time. I love that someone thought to do that though.

I fought the lawn....and the lawn (almost) won

It's a nice, hot, humid day in Tennessee (fancy that). I started my morning with a light two mile jog then decided to attempt to finish the lawn which I started yesterday. You see, some very sweet friends of ours gave us their old lawn mower, they took pity on us homeowner newbies. It's a blessing, it truly is. If not for them, our lawn would be a virtual swamp land. But anyway, the poor mower is headed toward retirement I think. It's tired, it's old, it doesn't like thick grass and big yards. Yesterday, I got one side and half of the back done before the mower decided it was nap time. (and yes, I checked to make sure there was gas in it, thank you very much). Today, I decided it had rested enough, gotten some food, and was time to work. So, off we went. All went smoothly, most of the time. Any areas that had thick grass, I could hear the lawn mower begin to sputter. I'd pull it back, speak nicely to it, and encourage it that it DID have what it takes to defeat this lawn (who knew teaching and coaching would come in handy while mowing the lawn?!?).

As Andy was leaving he said he would call some friends to get their mower to finish the lawn, I laughed, hard. Did he really think I would be defeated? Me, the stubborn second born of my mother's womb? QUIT?!?! I THINK NOT!

Truly, I feel like I have an intimate, personal relationship with the mower now, after having to smooth talk it into working for me. And so, my summer break has begun.....

Oh yea, pics of the birthday party Andy put together for me are coming soon, as well as a "tribute" to the Lewis family who God decided needed to move to Atlanta (I am still not dealing well with that one). So, off to shower and rest in the glory of my victory over the lawn mower.

31 Years Down

Happy birthday to me! Today, I turn 31. Funny, I still feel like a kid on most days. When did I even get past 25? I guess time does fly when you are having fun. Since most of my students thought I was only 25 or so, I guess I believed it too.

31 is so young, it really is. I still have so much to learn about life and people, that becomes clearer to me every single day.

So, what has one more year of life taught me? I am still crazy and very mischievous, though Andy would like to think his influence "calms" me a bit. I suppose he is right, to a point. I have just learned how to act up only when he's not around! HAHA!! I am realizing more about myself and my own abilities. There is a confidence that comes with each year that passes, and I am liking that. I am looking at changing careers and working as a personal trainer. Yes, at 31. There are women much older than myself doing it, so why not? I have run a full marathon, a half marathon, and am contemplating doing a triathalon. I would have never considered such things years ago. Life is full of adventure, and I enjoy taking part in them.

I am blessed to belong to the family I do and to have the friends I do. They are all a source of joy and love to me. I do not deserve them, not one person God has brought into my life, but I'm thankful for them. That is what I realize more than anything else with each year, it is the people that God brings in and out of our lives that make this world so beautiful. It is not the landscaping or scenery, but the people who decorate our lives who make it so amazing.

Off to enjoy another "mystery" planned for me today by my husband. Yep, happy birthday indeed.

Big Time Happy Dance

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, I passed my personal trainer certification test. Oh happy, happy, happy day!!!!!!!!! I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My fading hope in America

Chris was voted off of American Idol. Enough said, I no longer have faith in the American people.

Praying Men

Church was amazing this morning, absolutely amazing! Pastor Williamson spoke about prayer, and the importance of men who are willing to raise their hands to God in prayer. He spoke from Exodus 17:11-13, when Moses raises his hands to God, with the help of his friends Aaron and Hur, to help their armies defeat the Amalekites. At the close of service, he asked the men to go forward, extending their arms to God, knowing He would extend His arms to them. It was incredible to see the men of our church come together, seeking God.

There was a moment during this that struck deep within me. As Pastor was standing, he reached over and grabbed the hand of his junior high aged son to stand beside him. At that moment, and without a word, he told his son, "Not only are you my son, but you are a man, you are a man whom God delights in and needs. You are a man who needs God and a man whom God needs." In one act, Pastor Williamson validated his son as a man, and more importantly, as a man in need of a mighty God. My eyes filled with tears and I realized that I am in the right place, and am at the right church. This is a man whose leadership and authority I can trust and be safe in.

It is a good day.

End of the drama

What an interesting day. The head volleyball coach resigned yesterday. Today, I was offered the job, and today, I turned it down and told them I no longer wanted to coach. The job was offered to me "with reservations" however, and I didn't feel comfortable taking a job where I didn't have 100% support. As their little spill was complete, I simply stated, "you know, I can honestly say that after a lot of prayer and consideration, I do not want to coach any longer. I don't have a peace about it, and therefore, cannot commit to it. I know I do not fit the mold for what you are looking for, nor will I play the political game like you need. I am too honest and too open, not good for that position." With their mouths hanging open, that was that. I am finished, and that area of stress is gone. I love the girls, I love the game, but I want my freedom to do other things and, at some point, Andy and I would like to have a family. My sister is an amazing volleyball coach, in every aspect, and I am not, plain and simple. So, that chapter is closed, now on to the next......

Random oh so random

I may never understand

• why Andy isn't bothered by messiness and why I am
• why people are mean to other people, or the rationalization that "they are mean to me, so I am going to be mean too"
• how someone actually enjoys running and thinks it's fun
• why the "powers that be" have zapped the joy out of education
• why I can't walk on my hands anymore
• why just anyone can have a baby, but a license or certification is required for most everything else in life
• why some women in leadership roles have to tell everyone they are the boss, rather than just leading
• how people don't respect their leaders/authority
• how someone says there is no God
• why my niece is so fascinated by my freckles

I'm blue....

Yes, you are seeing right. This man is blue. He painted himself blue and ran an entire half marathon as a blue man....only during an event like this would you see a sight like this...and that is what makes them fun.