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.