SURPRISE!

Last week I still hadn't started and I called the doctor's office on Monday. They told me that I was supposed to take my medicine every month, but I didn't hear that. She said I needed to test on December 1st before taking the medicine so I kept that in mind. I took a test on that Monday, but it appeared to be negative. There was a faint line, but I still wasn't sure. The next day I was still a little uncertain so I went and picked up a different test, with the idea of testing Wednesday morning. Wednesday morning came and I had set my alarm to get up fairly early. Went in the bathroom, did my thing. I went and got back into bed, laid the test on my nightstand and set my alarm to go off after 3 minutes. I had no lights on in the room, and so when the alarm went off I had to use my phone to read it. I pushed the button on my phone and leaned over to look at the test and said, "Wait a minute!" I turned on my light and it was indeed what I thought it was. POSITIVE! The whole time I was waiting for the test to process I kept thinking "No way, it's not gonna happen." "I've taken too many before and they were all negative." These were all completely different thoughts than before, and it was just pure shock and JOY! I grabbed the test up, and headed down the hall. I said, "Babe." I turned on the living room lights and he said, "What are you pregnant?" I just handed him the test and it took a minute or two for a smile to come across his face, but he was definitely happy! He just stared and stared at the test. It was really sweet. I took the test back into our room and just stared at it some more. I was trying to take a picture of it, and thought that I had it on camera but it was on video. (You can hear my heavy breathing in the video... haha) I had to take another test, don't know why but you know how that goes. It too was positive! I was soooo excited.

I called the doctors office as soon as they opened at 8 am to tell them the results. They got me set up with an appointment on December 15 at 9 am. I wanted an ultrasound so it was a little difficult scheduling. Had to discuss insurance a couple of time, but we are all set! I am so excited for my appointment I can't wait!

Payton and I said we weren't going to tell anyone until we went to the appointment. I could hardly stand not to tell my mom. We went to Perry and Brenda's for Thanksgiving lunch. It was so weird being around Justine and them, because I was trying to keep a secret! haha. That afternoon we headed off for Marianna. We had Thanksgiving dinner with my family. I informed Payton on the way down that I wouldn't be able to wait until our appointment to tell my mom. After a little argument, he told me I could tell her. So that Friday morning, I couldn't wait for my sister to leave so I could tell Momma. We were sitting on the couch and I said, "Mom, I wanna show you this video of Charlie doing the cha cha slide." I handed her my phone of the picture of the pregnancy test and she looked at it and said, "This isn't Charlie doing the cha cha." I said, "I know mother!" She took the phone back and then said, "Are you trying to tell me something?" I just laughed and nodded my head. Then I got a big yay! She was so tired she couldn't hardly express herself. haha. I had to wait a while to tell Dad. When I did it was the same set up just a different reaction. He too kept looking at the phone funny. But then said," I see two lines there." I responded, "Yes you do!" He gave a big happy laugh and said, "Sarah!" like he always does. It was a cute moment.

It was really fun telling them, and I've dreamed up all the ways I want to tell everyone else. I absolutely can't wait.

Dear Baby,
I've dreamed about you for as long as I can remember. I already love you more than you can imagine. I am thankful that the Lord has given me such a wonderful gift, and I hope I can be the best Mommy to you. I can't wait to see you on the screen at our doctors appointment, and watch you grow over the next 9 months. I will always be so grateful for you and can't wait to see your face.

I love you so much!
Mommy

(Post was written a few days after finding out we were pregnant!)

Life is changing!

I look back at the day of my last post and just think WOW! Sooo much has happened since then, and I'm really horrible at remembering to post. My sister got married July 23, 2011. It was a very hot day, but overall the wedding was really wonderful. Definitely brought back lots of great memories from when we were married. We were missing an important guest, but I know she was looking down on us. My sister was gorgeous and Aubrey was precious in her little dress. I lost my phone that weekend, and that was just awful. I had so many pictures on there that meant so much to me and couldn't stand the thought of just losing them. The night before we all left, we were playing in the floor with Aubrey. Mom said, "What's that?" it was my phone! It somehow got underneath the bed in their hotel room and we looked everywhere for it!!! It was seriously a God moment.

School started back in August and it has seriously been a rough semester. I'm looking forward to May already!! I can't wait to graduate. :) I've enjoyed my placements and have learned so much about what I want to do or what I definitely DON'T want to do!! The rest of my life has seemed to be flying by. I can't believe it is already November! We will celebrate our 2 year anniversary on Monday. I told Payton I'm really excited about it and don't know why because it's not like it's my birthday or anything. haha! I guess it's just the thought of getting to go out and celebrate and eat at one of our favorite restaurants. I just wish I had some wedding cake :) Payton and I are excited about some changes we've made in our lives and can't wait to see what the future holds.

I'm gonna get off of here and get some stuff finished up for my lesson tomorrow!
Sarah

Life lately..

I finished up school for a little bit and have a break until August 22nd. It's really been nice and was much needed. I know this fall won't be the least bit easy, so it's good to have time to rest. Can't believe I only have 2 semesters of school left! :) Not much has been going on at all... Just been busy tending to family, the house, and my pups. It's definitely been way too hot to get out and do much. I stare at my neglected yard from inside my 74 degree house just about every day. Really hoping we can get something done this fall, and maybe it will be cooler. I definitely want something done before I graduate so we can have a big ole party... Uh yeah, already been thinking about it! haha!

Well I'm gonna get off of here and get some things together and straightened up!

Sarah

can i get a break?

Between school, our house, and just the regular everyday stuff--- I can honestly say I could use a break! Sunday, Payton went out to wash my vehicle--it hasn't been washed since I got it. I decided I would vacuum since a friend was coming over that day so I could help her study for a test she had. I no more than vacuumed the hallway and I saw water leaking from underneath the carpet. I thought SERIOUSLY?! AGAIN!? Because we just finished with water issues this Spring. I literally RAN outside to tell Payton to shut the water off. He ran into the house trying to figure out what was going on. I'm sure somewhere in the mix I explained it, but we were hurrying trying to get the furniture out so we could get the carpet back. I'm pretty sure we used every towel in the house to get the pad dried as much as we could, Monday we started asking people for fans. We now have 2 turbulent noisy fans in both bedrooms. The plumber came over Monday as well and fixed the issue in less than a hour and WERE on time which you rarely get! I was soo happy with them, I even allowed the dude to put their little sticker on my water heater if I should ever need them again (BOY I HOPE NOT ANYTIME SOON!) The carpet will get put back down sometime tomorrow afternoon, and just maybe the house can get back in order.

I also messed up the kitchen sink Monday... but we wont go there ok?! The problem is fixed and that's all that matters.. (just make a note somewhere in your kitchen that stuffing a 5 pound bag of potato peelings down your kitchen garbage disposal is NOT a clever idea and WILL result in you spending 20 some odd dollars buying a "snake" - not the yucky kind- and WILL result in your husband getting drenched in nasty potato juices if he wishes not to change clothes after coming home from work) That's all on that subject.

After all of the Monday night drama, we did have a nice Valentine's Day. Payton and I chose to make our own cards. He even got one from the pups. how sweet. In my card was tickets to the rodeo this weekend, and an ornament kit I have been wanting FOREVER!

So far the week is ok, I literally try to take it a day, hour, and minute at a time. I still miss my Grandmother soo soo much and anything I can do to occupy my time seems to help. I'm so glad to have this ornament kit, because she had/has something similar on her tree at Christmas too. My Dad and his siblings made them and they are the 12 Days of Christmas - which is what I got. It will be a great way to keep me busy, but make her proud because it is a "sewing" activity, and since I have cooking down pat I need to work on this! haha!

These had nothing to do with Valentine's Day, but I made them today and surprised my hubby! He's eaten 50 10 of them already! :)

Too much time has passed...

I'm not really certain what to say at this point. So much has been going on and happening it would almost take way too long to catch up on everything. These last few months have been extremely hard for me and many months I don't think it is going to get any easier. I've experienced both life and death these last few months and I have to say life is so much more exciting and a lot easier to deal with. A couple of holidays have passed and those definitely were not easy or fun. We also celebrated our 1 year anniversary. If I would've known what all was going to happen in our first year of marriage on November 14, 2009... I promise you I would've taken a lot more time in our first year of marriage with one lady in particular. My precious Grandmother passed away September 28. My heart is still on the mend and I still struggle with it every single day. She was definitely a best friend and we were so close. I feel like a huge part of me is gone, and I'm still working through it. Our last phone call was the day I called to tell her my niece Chloe was born. She was so very excited, and I think about that phone call every single day. My cousin John was born November 2, 2010 and that was also hard because it was her 7th grandchild. Then came my niece Aubrey who is Grandma's first great-grandchild. So much emotion, but also soooooo much JOY. How can sadness, hurt, and pain exist with JOY too? It doesn't make sense sometimes, but they just do. It's so amazing how God works, and I promise you if it wasn't for these 3 sweet faces, getting through the passing of my Grandmother would be more painful than it already is. Through all of this it makes you so thankful for time spent. I told Payton tonight, that if there's one thing you can never get back it is time. We all have no idea when our last day on Earth is. Trust me. When you have someone taken from you so suddenly.. you gain a whole new perspective on your personal time... This means how you spend it, who you spend it with, and exactly how much of it is used getting closer to God and getting to know Him.
It's been hard to write lately, even this post is so hard to write. Hopefully we can get back in the groove of things and stay regular at blogging. I've got a lot of new recipes to try, a new oven to try them on, and one lady in Heaven I know watches and is so proud of whatever is cooked in my kitchen! :)

That's all for tonight. Hopefully back soon with some pictures and everything of what's been going on.
Sarah

Time flies...

Today was a very special day to me and Payton. Others are just like... "Yeah ok" "Congrats" . We have been married for 10 months today. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I can still vividly remember our wedding day and all the special things that happened. I can still remember up to a few days before the wedding. Pretty much a month before the wedding all I ate was puppy chow (you know that chocolatey peanut butter coated rice cereal covered in powdered sugar?). I just had a nervous stomach so that was one thing I could snack on. :) I was still in school too, so add that into the time getting closer of all that hard work we put into this wedding ... and you just wanted the day to be perfect. It was very much ... just that... perfect.

My Aunt came up Thursday before the wedding and we all went to eat at Outback. I believe we all had to get a yummy drink. Margaritas of course -Payton... he add to have a beer! I ordered a steak. This usually isn't a problem, but I have to watch what kind of red meat I buy and also how "done" it is. This steak wasn't quite "done" enough. We get home and start working on getting the lanterns together and the last few minute things before the big day... and well it hit me... another allergic reaction! I immediately took some Benadryl and usually this helps, but I always have a back up plan (epi pen). Luckily it didn't come to that.

I will never forget all of the running around on Friday the 13th. We had to get the Rehearsal Dinner location situated, check the reception layout and make sure everything was up to par. It was crazy. I was so glad to have Mom, Aunt Sherry, David and Becca and all the help we had.

For the rest of my life though I will never forget that night. My sweet husband was baptized before our Rehearsal. I can't explain to you how much that night changed me or sticks with me every single day. It was the most perfect/intimate setting for a baptism... and how much more perfect could it be ? I was sitting in church Sunday, and my eyes just wandered over to where all of that took place. I get chills just thinking about it, but I can still close my eyes and picture exactly what I saw when I was watching. Payton of course didn't want it videotaped or anything like that, but I always wish I would've had our photographer Sarah come a little early so she could've taken pictures. I just hope that for the rest of my life the memory I have of it will stick with me.

Today, 10 months ago was the most perfect time. It's always so fun when I look at the hour and remember what we were doing. At 10:08 pm last year on this day we were walking out of our reception under sparklers, and saying goodbye to our wonderful family and friends before we headed off to Memphis and then that next morning the Bahamas.

I love you so much Payton. I can't wait to celebrate our 1 year anniversary with you!


Photo: Sarah Bussey Photography

Let it shine...

Life has been happening. Some good and some bad, but you just work through it right? School started back August 23rd. I have been working so hard to just feel ahead. At times I feel like the kid in the swimming pool who is struggling to tread the water and make it to the other side. I underestimated the amount of work that would come with the classes this fall. :) Silly me, I was just trying to keep the load light so I can enjoy all the exciting things that will be happening the rest of the year.

We gave Justine her first baby shower a few weeks ago. She got a lot of nice things and I was glad to have my Mom and MIL there to help me with everything. I can't believe I will get to meet Chloe in less than 2 weeks. It seems like yesterday Justine and Brent were telling us they were expecting and hours ago they were confirming our thoughts that they were having a girl! I will never forget the day Charlie was born. I was dying to get off of work so I could get to the hospital to hold my precious (future at the time) nephew. It didn't take to long for a tear to fall and my heart was melted instantly. Charlie has brought so much joy into Pay Pay and Say Say's life, I don't think the boy will ever understand. We were so tickled with him last night... we decided to watch America's Funniest Home Videos (anything was better than what iCarly was doing!) He would laugh so hard he was struggling for a breath. So precious, I can't even explain it! Of course when commercial break would come on we would hear "More AH OHS!" "More AH OHS!" I know Chloe will bring even more joy into our lives and there's no way that we can run out of love to give to the both of them and their parents.

There's been a lot I've figured out lately. Some things are surprising, some of it is stuff I should've already known or expected, and some of it is just hurtful. My mom has told me time and time again (and I'm just now listening for real), "Sarah, you have to live your life to please God first, then your husband, children. (and I always like to add family in there)." I have spent many a days worrying about if someone likes me for me, what I could do to have them want to be in my life, or just whatever thought meets the situation. I've completely exhausted myself in the process. I know who the people are who love me for me. I know God loves me so very much, and well my husband does too. Sometimes I ask him if he does because it makes me feel good to hear it. I know there are people out there who don't and that's OK. This past weekend I went home for Labor Day, you can't help but feel the love when you walk through the doors whether it be at Mom and Dad's or my precious grandparents. I'm so glad to have to family I have, the husband I have and the Lord that I have... because it sure makes life a lot sweeter. It's time to move on, start fresh, and live life the right way ...especially so I know when my time comes to leave this Earth ( because it is sooo very short).... I lived my life letting my light shine for Jesus Christ reaching others that need Him too.

So many more things are in the works ... I promise to do better in "blogging"! :)

God Bless,
Sarah

Busy Summer..

Well. I finished up my summer class last week. An A for the class, and one of many down. It was such a relief to walk out of that classroom last Thursday! This week Payton is on vacation. I thought we were going to get to do some trim painting, but so far that hasn't happened. We have something going on pretty much every day. Yesterday we spent a whole day in his hometown... How that happened I'll never know. But we stayed busy and had fun. We had a credit at a store there, we ended up spending more than that... but hey, it happens right? I did get some things I really needed for the kitchen... measuring cups and spoons! :) I told Payton he really has it easy.. his wife is ALWAYS perfectly happy with kitchen gadgets and things. LOVE IT!

Today was pretty crazy too. Kenzie was due for her yearly check- up. We decided to take Allie along too so they could both get nail trims. Well.... $173.50 later..... we were done with that.
( I sent Payton to the car with the dogs while I checked out. Good thing I did because he was flipping out in the car. Needless to say he calmed down and still kept his promise to the girls that they could have a corn dog from Sonic after we were done! ;))

I didn't get a picture of Kenzie because she was gone most of the time. Allie, however, was very happy that she had a hiding spot. She hid under these chairs most of the time. After they left she came out and sniffed around a little but as soon as the door opened she was back under the chairs. Silly pup.

Tomorrow is another busy day.. But looking forward to eating lunch with my Grandparents. Also looking forward to fun plans this weekend!

Approaching relief...

Everything is going well. I'm almost done with this summer class! I couldn't be happier that I have about 6 days of class left! It is complete torture to have to wake up in the morning and go. This summer has certainly flown by. Everyone I talk to seems to be bummed out about it, but I'm really excited because there are so many exciting things going on this fall. Payton and I have just been hanging out around the house. I've been cleaning out closets and different things. It definitely feels great to throw things away!

There are a few exciting things coming up in the next couple of weeks, so I will try to keep you updated!

Pears...

Payton and I had a pretty good weekend. He got in from work late Friday night, so Saturday we slept in. That afternoon we decided to go see a movie. My brother and sister in law had been telling us how good Grown Ups is, so we went to see that. It was really good and funny just like they said! Sunday we went to church. Our church has an amazing service every Sunday, but it is really awesome on the 4th of July. We thoroughly enjoyed it! After church, we headed down South for the day. Grandma wanted to have BBQ for the 4th. Anything that comes out of her kitchen is always fantastic! Payton and I beat them there so we went on in and started to help get things ready. It's always so fun to see who comes in the door next. I love when my little cousins walk in the door with bright faces and excitement of being at Grandmas for the day. They are growing so fast.. and they are just so presh! My Grandmother, Aunt and Cousin just got back from a trip out West. So they had pictures to show us all. After we were done with our visit, Payton and I headed back home. We got together with our friends for the fireworks show. It's always huge and never disappointing.

Payton had to head back to work yesterday. He did get off a little early, so I guess that makes up for it. Payton's Aunt and Uncle are visiting, so we plan to all get together tonight for dinner. I'm looking forward to it since I haven't seen them since March. My first day of summer class was today. I sort of feel as though all we did the whole time was talk about a pear. I know there was meaning behind it, but it is one of those things ---when someone asks how your first day was...all you can really say is... "Well, we talked about a pear!" He was using a pear as an example for us to find descriptive words for the 5 senses. It's an Advanced Composition course. Lots of writing, but not something that bothers me very much. I hope this class goes by really fast. If I spent 2 hrs today discussing a pear, I'm really afraid of what the other 18 days (36 hours) will be like.

I hope everyone has an amazing and blessed week.
Sarah

Life is good...

Things have been pretty great lately. My dear friend had her baby last week and it's just so awesome when new babies are born. He is super sweet and so far a really good baby. I know they will be awesome parents to him.

I start a class next Tuesday. I am trying to keep my load as light as it can be, and wasn't too pleased with a course offered in the fall, so in a way I am avoiding it by taking this class in the summer.

Mom, Dad and Becca all came up Saturday. We went to Choir Tour in Paragould and we also ate at Brick Oven.... it was SO good! They went to church with Payton and me on Sunday. Payton and I were pretty exhausted this weekend. We got to keep our nephew Friday night, and enjoyed him so much! He woke up bright and early (6:30 am) Saturday morning. We watched Alvin and the Chipmunks twice, and Toy Story 2 during his stay with us! Needless to say, I'll be ok if Alvin and the Chipmunks take a LONG forever nap! LOL

This week is pretty low key. I'm taking supper to my friends tomorrow to try and help them out with their new baby. Have a special day planned Friday with my Mom and sister, and looking forward as we celebrate the 4th of July!

Father's Day weekend we went to Paula Deen's to eat. I just love the place and was so excited that my Daddy wanted to go for Father's Day. We took a few pictures that night, so I'll close out with those!

Prayer

I was very hurt by an anonymous person's comments on my last post. I am praying for these girls, and I am praying for direction in how I can help them. I KNOW about the power of many praying for change among people. I know how a community can work together, or even a small family... and the change in one's life that can be provided. Do not tell me that prayer alone will NOT help someone. I pray to a God that answers prayers. He hears our personal petitions. Answers or problems solved may not come immediately, but His will- WILL be done. God will provide me with a way to help them even if I am 2 hours away.

"REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS. I WILL SAY IT AGAIN: REJOICE! LET YOUR GENTLENESS BE EVIDENT TO ALL. THE LORD IS NEAR. DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS." PHILIPPIANS 4: 4-7

I trust in the God I know! I know HE will guide me to help them, right now I can pray for direction in how HE wants me to help them. In the meantime, prayers among any will be MOST helpful to these sweet girls. They asked us all for forgiveness for the commotion. They asked US for prayers and LOVE to help them get through their pasts and to be there for them and show them the love of Christ.

Our work is not done...

I am not certain who all reads our blog. I am sure that there are a few family members, some friends, and quite possibly people I have never met. I am feeling compelled to write about what is weighing heavy on my heart. I only pray that there are people out there that will have heavy hearts like mine and take action...Our work here on Earth is not done.

Payton and I went home this weekend for Father's Day. I will blog more on the festivities and laughs we all shared later. We went to church this morning with my father as any child would love to do and share in such a wonderful time. It is always so wonderful seeing all of the church family who "helped with your raising" as I would call it. My hometown church is full of love and wonderful people. Although it is very small, I have great respect for the people in it and the work that they do. There is a Methodist founded girls home in my hometown. They come from troubled backgrounds and are in great need of lots of love, prayers, and well.. a home. The girls are supposed to go to different Methodist churches in the area. Well, this Sunday they came to ours. I will leave out most of the details, but there was an outburst with one of the young girls during the offetory...cursing was exchanged among a couple of them, and well needless to say our work is not done here.

In my observations in the schools, just in the different communities, and well in our own church visitors, there are so many people who still don't know Jesus. They don't know the friend that I do. I have never in my lifetime seen a young girl have so much pain in her. She obviously had a very bad family life before and had been through quite a bit. Most of the time we don't take the time to get to know people. We aren't out there in the "nitty gritty" or "thick of things". We go about our daily lives living in our own worlds and do not pay attention or help all of these people that are hurting far worse than we have ever known. Many times we go through rough patches and think our world's are crushing down on us.... seriously? Most of us have homes to go to, we have food, we have 2 parents or sometimes more..like Payton, we have grandparents, and most of us still have our greats, and many of us have siblings. We are blessed beyond belief. We are sooo BLESSED. God has *blessed* US abundantly. How can we show these people how blessed they are by the God that we all know? How can we help to show them how much He loves us all? How do we fix this problem that became so apparent to me and my husband today? Payton and I are choosing to pray and pray hard for these sweet girls. We don't have any idea what they've been through. We know that we can pray to our Lord, that He open their hearts and minds...so that they can know Him, the way that we do.

Can you join us in praying for these girls, and those that are hurting?

How it all got started

I thought I might write about how Payton and I got to where we are now!

I was working at a salon here in town. I friend of mine suggested this guy to me and that we should all go out together. I wasn't sure if I was ready for a big relationship yet, but didn't mind getting to know him. Payton and I started exchanging messages on myspace at the time just chatting back and forth. Later on we decided to meet, but we didn't want it to appear as a blind date. So our mutual friend and another friend went and tagged along with Payton and me so it wouldn't be too awkward. We had a good time talking although Payton will not hesitate to tell you I was mean! :) Well .. anyways, after that night we were pretty much inseparable! July 17, 2007 is the "marker date".

We started discussing marriage sometime in 2008. We just wanted to relax and take it easy. Around August or so we started looking at rings. The first time we went and looked we didn't find anything, so the 2nd time we went back and were a little more prepared for what we wanted. We picked out the ring that very day. I was not expecting anything until sometime the next year. On November 5, 2008, Payton went to Little Rock with his Dad and Grandmother after he got off of work at 12 to pick up my ring! I was working 12-9 that day and came home in a horrible mood. I just wanted to relax, get a drink and chill out. Payton had told me that he was painting his Grandmothers bathroom that day so I figured he would of wanted to do the same. Well he had another agenda. He kept asking me to sit down beside him and I didn't really want to. He was on the little couch and little did I know he had a ring box stuffed down in the couch to the side of him. I turned the other way to get something and when I went back to look at him he had the box. I was like "What are you doing?" "Payton!" and just kept asking "What are you doing???" He continued on with his speech and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so unbelievably shocked! I couldn't believe he had that ring. After we were done talking and hugging he said "Now call your Mom!" LOL We called all of our close family and friends. It was a little late to call my Dad's parents but I did it anyway....The phone call was rather interesting... :)

All the wedding planning then began. I have to say our engagement was not stressful at all. We really enjoyed everything, and the wedding couldn't have been more perfect. I know everyone says that about their own wedding, but I would relive that day everyday. My parents went above and beyond to make that day absolutely special for us!

Summer fun...

This past weekend was pretty fun!
Friday night, Payton and I decided that we would go and have date night! We wanted to go and eat at Godsey's Grill, but they were having the biker classic downtown and weren't taking reservations. We decided to go to Outback instead. Our steaks were so yummy and we always get mashed potatoes and the green beans! Afterwards we went and looked around town at stuff to kill time until our 9:30 movie, Killers. It was a really good movie, and it was so fun to get to go to the movies for a change!

Saturday, my friend Lynlee came over and we went to the pool about 10:30 in the morning. We were out there till at least 4 and I have the beautiful sunburn to prove it! :) I thought that I put the sunscreen on evenly, but I certainly did not. That night we went and ate at a local pizza place, then went back to the house to hang out. Later on, our mutual friends Will and Jessie came over and we had a lot of fun laughing and hanging out!





Sunday, we got up and went to church. We always love Sunday mornings, and especially the service. There are 2 elderly ladies that sit behind us and it's so fun to see them each week, and listen to them chatting throughout the service about random things. I don't think they realize we can hear what they are saying! Sunday afternoon, Payton's mom and half-sister came over with baby Phoebe. They attempted to get Phoebe in the pool, but she wasn't a happy baby!


Overall, it was a wonderful relaxing weekend and I wouldn't have it any other way. Yesterday it was back to work getting the house clean and clothes washed. I am also working on a minor repair above our fireplace. We had a small leak in that area and it sort of damaged the paint job. So I'm working on getting all of that looking good as new! It's so nice to be able to do stuff around the house and actually get it finished! Next week I plan to start painting the trim, doors and windows throughout the house! I've also got to work in the yard some, but figured I would let this sunburn heal before I did that!

staying busy

As soon as school got out, I immediately had to get busy doing something. I have had several things on my list of things to do..
1. Clean up the guest bedroom
2. Get the wedding stuff organized
3. Work on our wedding book
4. Work in the yard (This included trimming back the crepe myrtles that I absolutely hate, weed out the flower beds, till up a corner of the yard and connect the flower beds, and plant new plants)
5. Clean out the garage
6. Paint the garage
7. Completely redo the backyard

1-5 are complete. The last two things are to be completed before I start back school, or the heaviest of it be complete. I've been super proud of all the work I have completed.



Last Friday, I noticed a sound going on in the house. It just sounded like water running constantly. After a few phone calls to my rather smart father, we figured out what the issue was. He told me to keep water off that runs into the hot water heater, that there must be a leak in our hot water line. We called the plumber Monday, and they confirmed it was a hot water line leak. We didn't know when they left how serious the matter could turn out to be. They needed another guy to come in and listen for the leak. He showed up the next day and determined the leak was somewhere in the hallway. This mean the floors needed to come up there so they could bust the concrete and locate the leak and make repairs. After much waiting, frustration, 2 concrete busts in the hallway and in the bedroom, and what seemed to be to me a tiny hole it is all finally repaired and things are back to normal. We hope... at least for awhile.







Last Thursday my grandmother had back surgery. They did what they could to help her, and she is still struggling with the pain of the surgery. We hope that that surgery will help her a lot. She has always been such a fun and spunky grandmother and I always hate to see her down. I went and spent some time with her Tuesday afternoon and a little bit Wednesday. Please pray for her, she could really use some extra healing prayers! :)



I also enjoyed lunch at the Country Club with my Mom. It was nice to visit with her. Dad also took us to El Roacho Tuesday night. We had a good time, and all enjoyed the visit home talking about what they should be doing with the oil spill and how they should go about plugging it. We had some great ideas, one of which I can't share! Tuesday morning was also pretty stressful...I had to screen into the teaching program and got in, it was just nerveracking because you dont really know what to expect. But it wasn't too bad!

So far it has been a great summer.

McKenzie is doing lots better! She seems like her hurt, pain or whatever was getting my sweet girl down as gone away! Thank goodness!


This is Allie's favorite ball, but we have to limit the amount of time she gets to play with it. We basically just roll it and act like we are going to take it from her and she growls. She did pick it up off of the ground the other day. I was shocked because she is just 25 pounds and this ball weighs 5.


Also, this past week, we said goodbye to our sweet Jack. He was my grandparents dog. He and his sister Maggie came into our family in 1996. We had to put Maggie to sleep 2 years ago, and Jack died in his sleep sometime Monday night, early Tuesday. This past Easter, we got him on the four wheeler, I'm so glad that we did that now, because that was his very last ride. He was so funny that day and didn't want to get off of it at all! I also got a great shot of him on the back of the four wheeler, and I'm most thankful for that. It is really hard to lose a pet. It is something my parents have had to do twice, and really all of us, but I know it hurts them so much more. I pray that my grandparents will be ok, this was the best dog that they've ever had, and I know they will miss him greatly! Rest in peace Jack, you are now with your Cadillac chewing buddy... pain free and happy!

Lately...

Well, the semester is now over! YAY! I have a little bit of time until I start my summer class. I plan to paint the trim and work in my abandoned yard! There's always something going on! I have been taking it easy lately, my husband's sister had a baby a few weeks ago so we have been enjoying her and helping out! We also found out last Thursday that our sister in law is having a GIRL! We couldn't be more excited! Charlie will definitely be an amazing brother and Miss Chloe couldn't have a better family to love and care for her! :)

We went home for Mother's Day. It is always so great to come home and be with my family. Saturday we went and ate fish at the farm, it was so good! Then my mom wanted to go to the nursery and get some flowers to plant in her yard... She bought a lot! So we went home and helped her plant them. It was so fun to help her with it, but I did get some bites that I have been scratching! I know it isn't good, but I just can't help it! lol

Sunday, we went back to the farm for Mother's Day lunch. It is always wonderful to be with my amazing family. The children are so much fun, and always want to be busy playing with something. Payton had bought a bat and ball to take out into the front yard to show little man how to play ball. I love that he has taken with them so well, and he loves being with them!

McKenzie hasn't been doing well. I don't know if she pulled something or has the starts of arthritis. I've been giving her some joint medicine so hopefully she will get better! She will be 7 in August, and it is so hard for me to believe that! Just seems like yesterday I brought that tiny pup home! She was bought at the Blues Festival for $20. I couldn't stand to see her licking beer on the side of the street that people had poured and also the owner didn't seem to be giving her the best of care! She moved up here with me to my new home a few years ago and we've been inseparable ever since.

Allie came from the humane society not long after Payton and I met. I guess you could say we both were wanting another pup. I visited the humane society one day looking around and just didn't see any pups that just melted your heart right away. I asked if there were anymore there, and the girl said actually, yes. So she took me into another room and there was baby Allie. Man, that dog yanked my heart strings instantly. I loved on her for awhile and tried to find out some information, but they didn't know much. I took a few pictures and showed them to Payton that night and we agreed that was OUR dog. I went back the next day, checkbook in hand and was ready to take baby Allie home. A man was there who knew more about her, and he told me her real name was Brooke. It just didn't seem to fit her at all so we informed him it would have to be changed! :) He told me she had only been there for a couple of weeks and the family who had her before received her as a gift for their small children. Apparently, they didn't like the way she chewed on their childrens fingers and it just seemed to me they didn't want to work with her. McKenzie and Allie are now the best of friends (I can't say they were in the beginning). :) hehe.


Sarah

We're Still Here...

Man Oh Man! It has been a crazy busy last few weeks! I can't believe the end of the semester is almost here! I have been working so hard to finish up assignments, take tests, etc! I have 2 more finals coming up and I am done until July. I decided to take 1 summer class to lighten my load this fall (just a little)! I will be so happy when I am done Monday, and I am looking forward to starting a few projects around my house to stay busy!

Cardinal baseball has started so you know exactly what Payton does most every night! He is so funny and cute (sorry for using that word honey) before a game...He will get out a few cards, favorite baseballs, and he always chooses what jersey to wear during the game. Talk about a true die hard Cardinal fan! He is always yelling or hollering at the TV during the game, I always get confused and think he is saying something to me. I guess I better get adjusted, because baseball will be going on for awhile!

There are some exciting events coming up in the next few weeks... I am looking forward to writing about them, but until then...Take care!

Life, Love and Family

We just went through one of my favorite holidays of the year (my other is Christmas). There is nothing more special to me than getting together with family, catching up on the time inbetween the last visit, and enjoying the precious children God has so graciously blessed our family with. Each of them are so different in many ways, so special, and completely innocent to this world and its ways. We went down to my hometown Friday night after Payton got in from work. Mom had made this fabulous dip and we munched and munched on it. My Dad worked late that night so we spent the evening talking with Mom and my sister about the day, and the days ahead. I couldn't stay up any later to wait on my Dad to get home, but prayed he would return home safely after working a 17+ hour day. Saturday Mom and I went to Little Rock, I had to tour the Clinton Library for one of my classes, and then we went to our photographers home to pick up our wedding albums and a gallery wrap I had ordered. The day was completely perfect, Mom and I shared some very special time talking and dreaming about the future. Something that I cherish every moment I get to spend with her. That night Dad cooked hamburgers on his green egg. They were very good for three reasons: 1. Payton and I patted them out 2. I seasoned them 3. Dad cooked them. I love dinner with my family, there is always something so funny that happens, or something funny that is said. After dinner was all done, I suggested some home videos. I wanted to do something different for Easter Sunday.

Every year we eat, clean up, hide eggs, and visit. This year I wanted to share home videos with the other family members. So the night before Easter we watched a few of them and got some great laughs from them. Then...we found the one we were looking for! In 1986, I had my first Christmas. That Christmas of home video brought lots of good memories for several different people. Me and my sister for one, we got to see how our great grandfather was, we dont have any memory of him at all except for these videos, our great grandmother who passed in 07 and who we miss greatly, and our beloved "Queen" Great Aunts, one who we took care of in the nursing home every day after school. For other family members like my grandparents, my parents, and my dad's siblings, they got to see their parents, grandfather and grandmothers who they spent so much time with. Just an extremely special time! And for Payton he was able to put a face with the stories he's heard many many times. The other great moment of this particular video is a funny act that my Uncle did and had forgot about, so a good reminder was indeed necessary!

Easter Sunday was extra special this year, for one we are excited that there is soon to be a new baby in the family, we were thrilled that the weather cooperated and for once in a long long time the Easter egg hunt was outside. That morning Bro. Monty gave the benediction at church, he brought everything back to reality. "The sun that is shining today, is the same exact sun that was shining when they rolled the stone away" How amazing is that. I'm in love with every member of my family, I LOVE the Lord who gave them to me. They are all very special and I hold them in a special place in my heart. I pray for them daily, for their safety, for strength in the troubles that I may not know about. I not only pray for my blood relatives, but now for my extended family through Payton.

My family helps get me through the rough times, they are strong and loving, and supportive. Their faith in God shines through and helps make me a better person, although many times like everyone I fail. I love each of you!

Here's a few pictures from Easter weekend!

Trying to stay 'in check"...

Seems like so much is changing lately. I often feel like my mind is going 50 million directions. So much to do with school, and getting ready to start the program. There's also so much going on these last few weeks with making plans and getting things situated before we leave for Spring Break. Sometimes I just want to push the stop button or turn things over to someone else to handle. In reality it probably isn't that much to handle, but for me it seems like soo much!
I took the Reading part to the Praxis today. The whole time I struggled just to concentrate on the task at hand. There was a girl sitting close by me that was just typing away. Do you know how those old Dell computer keyboards sound? Or maybe they aren't old but you can hear every single button pushed? I have a Gateway laptop and I can hear the buttons pushed but its not that loud pecking sound. Anyways, back to the point... That is the sound I heard 80% of the time I was taking the exam. On top of the number of people clicking the mouse just like I was having to do. I've always struggled with concentration and also with Reading comprehension. It's not easy sometimes. Well...unfortunately, I didn't pass that part of the test. It doesn't make sense to me. Math I struggle with constantly, the writing part of the test I didn't even study for because I got things all confused, the Reading part, I studied for the most out of everything. I know there's a reason for everything. I also know God was with me when I was taking the test, but I just couldn't handle the situation.
I came into a similar thing Sunday at church. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE seeing children in church. I know that some children do better in church than others, but this Sunday we just happened to sit in front of some who don't do well in church. Bro. John had a very good message on "evil" and I just wish I could've caught the whole thing. :(

I'm also ready for the month of April. Ready for my birthday, ready for a new month. This one seems to be dragging by so slowly. We have been going to small group at church. Payton and I just love it, we had a great time last night it was just us, another couple and our leaders. We had a great time chatting with them and watching the Zooma video. The video was on want and need. Why do we always want stuff? It's always so awesome how the video somehow relates to Bro. John's message. He was talking about instant gratifications yesterday. People who win the lottery, millions of dollars, and they don't have a clue what to do with it. They go nuts, spending, make the wrong friends, etc...

I'm going to wrap this up with a couple of pictures.
Hope everyone has a great week!


"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to purpose." Romans 8:28


Charlie and his Uncle Payton


One of my favorites of me and Payton