Easter

Easter was a busy time for us this year.  Yet another sign Molly's growing up! 
We had a fun picnic with friends where the kids played, ate lunch, and heard the Resurrection story. Molly and Ellie both loved the swings!

Saturday we went to our church's egg hunt.  It's a huge production!  It was our first time going, and we were totally blown away.  Molly's age up through preschoolers hunted eggs on the softball field.  Molly was clueless at first, a little overwhelmed at times, but she hung in there with help from her Daddy and grabbed a few eggs!

Sunday morning we went to church, then we had my family over for lunch.  We were all decked out in our Sunday best!

After lunch, Molly napped while we watched the Masters, then we headed over to a wedding shower for a little while.  We made it home in time to watch the end of the Masters (Go, Bubba!!), and we tucked a tired little Molly into bed for the night.  It was really the perfect weekend! 

He is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!









Running with a Crew

There was just enough of a chill in the air to make my teeth chatter, had I not been running.  The wind was blowing pretty hard, too.  We were around mile 9 when I passed a couple of girls.  I heard one say to the other, "I could never run alone."  I'm not sure she was talking about me, but I did appear to be alone. 

"I'm not running alone, girl.  I've got a pack of folks running with me." 

See, while it may have appeared I was running 13.1 miles alone, that could not have been farther from the truth. 

• I had my friends at home who'd sent me texts and facebook messages and posts encouraging me, telling me they were praying for me and would be looking for me to text them when I crossed the finish line.
• My family had encouraged me all along, kept Molly when Tim and I ran our long runs together, kept Molly over the weekend while we ran this race.
• I had this star in my shoe that was a total God-send a few weeks before that reminded me my Daddy knows.

• I knew Tim was a mile or two ahead of me, and his words of encouragement and coaching all along the way echoed in my head over and over and over again. 
• I had my worship music blaring in my ears as I ran.  I'd prayed and prayed and prayed while I ran, and I knew my God was with me, too.  That was never more evident than when I crossed the finish line and the words, "oh no, you never let go" were singing in my ears. 

I crossed the finish line at 2:21, and I was pumped!  My goal was 2:30.  My pace was steady, and I felt great!  I was so esctatic!

Tim had crossed the finish line before me, with a time of 2:12.  Rockin' it!

I'm so very thankful for my family and friends who are my biggest cheerleaders and encouragers.  Y'all ran this half, too.  And I thank you!

I need you, too, 'cause this girl?  Is totally addicted!

Life Goes On

Seventeen years ago today, a hard truth about life hit me square in the face.

Life goes on.

We'd buried my Daddy the day before.  On a cool, fall morning, we celebrated his life, mourned his untimely death and held onto each other like never before.

I remember waking that Thursday morning knowing my friends were going to school like normal, watching the county school bus make its way past our house like it always did, yet looking around at my mom, my sister and myself and wondering, "how in the world?"

Goodness.  We didn't know what had hit us. But what I did know was life as I'd always known it was no longer. And as cruel as it seemed, life was going on all around us.

The hours seemed to pass as slowly as molasses.  Days later, we mustered up everything inside of ourselves to celebrate my sister's 12th birthday.  Weeks later, I turned 15.  I remember my best friends sitting in the living room with me the night of my birthday.  I think it was the first time I'd laughed since my Daddy died.  And I felt so guilty for laughing.  For smiling.  For enjoying life.

And I realized, life goes on.

Months passed and we moved.  I remember pulling out of the driveway of our home, the home we lived in with my Daddy, and sobbing.  Crying my eyes out, knowing this move was necessary for our family.  Things would be different, new, hopefully easier for all of us in a new home. 

Yes, life goes on.

Years went by, and as we learned to live a new normal again as a family of three, we found happiness and love even in the midst of the unbearable grief and heartache.  Jenn and I had proms, Homecomings, Sweet 16 Birthdays.  Life went on.

And, I know today, 17 years later, that life goes on. And, better than that?  It becomes beautiful again.  Yes, truly "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  That is what I've celebrated this week.  God's provision is remarkable.  His love is unconditional.  His attention to detail is unbelieavable.  And He does make ALL things beautiful.

I see it in this precious little girl's face....

And while I would give so much to have my Daddy here, for him to see his grandchildren, to meet his sons-in-law, to see my sister and I today, I am so very thankful for the lessons I've learned since my Daddy's death as life has gone on. 

Most of all, I'm praising my Heavenly Father now for making ALL things beautiful, in His time.



As a Jay Bird!

I've said it before, but my favorite time of the day is early evening.  I love that time we have as a family of three, and Molly absolutely eats up the attention she gets from her Daddy.

We recently battled a pretty bad diaper rash, so after bathtime, we let her run around with nothing on in hopes of airing out the rash. 

And she played her little heart out!

Precious memories we never want to forget!

Labor Day Road Race

There are a million and one things I love about Tim.  He's a hard worker.  He provides so well for our family.  He is a godly man.  He adores Molly.  I could go on and on.

I also love that he is the ultimate encourager when it comes to my running.  He always has been.  He's the one who got me running in the first place.  It's Tim who I always break down my runs with.  Tim's the one who tells me to lighten up when I get down about being s-l-o-w.

And I love that he ran with me yesterday for the Labor Day 10K.  God bless him.  When he could've run a lot faster and been done a lot sooner, he hung with me.  Slow-Joe-from-Kokomo.  And when my breathing got out of wack, it was him to got me back on track.  When I was struggling, he was the one who encouraged me.  When we finished running the hills, he high fived me.  Goodness knows I love that man!

This was at the half way mark.  I'm pretty sure he was giving me a pep talk!

And, thank the Good Lord, we made it to the finish line!  My goal was to finish in an hour, but by the midway point, I realized that was not going to happen.  So, my goal was 1:05.  I was a bit disappointed when the finish line came into view and I realized I missed that, too.  But not by much.

And that's a PR for me.  So I'll gladly take it!

Next up, continuing to train for the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Savannah in November!



Beachin' It

A week at the beach was just what our family needed!  We ate, played in the sand, enjoyed the sun and ocean, ate, rode bikes, shopped, toured Parris Island (the boys did anyway.  Brian went through boot camp there, so it was neat for him to go back, and Tim loved tagging along and asking a million questions, I'm sure!), ate, spent loads of time in the pool, made friends with a family from Connecticut, laughed, played, and ate some more.

And it was awesome.  Every single second of our trip was just perfect!  Since Molly is such a little princess, we were a little worried about how she'd feel about the beach. The sand, the noise, the breeze, the ocean.  .  .  we just were not sure how she'd do.  We quickly learned she LOVED it! 

We played in the sand. . .

We sang "Itsy Bitsy Spider" on the beach. . .

We sunbathed. . . 

And we snuggled on the beach. . .



We took the girls to the beach one evening for some pictures, and goodness gracious, did we get some great moments!  The girls are so fun together, and they love each other to pieces!

Ellie is always helping. . . 

Molly was content to watch Ellie . . . 



And Ellie was in constant motion, as usual. . .

Molly did a little walking. . .





And Tim got a few kisses and snuggles with his baby girl. . .

One night, the adults loved a night out (thanks, Lovie!). . .

These two girls light up our lives. . . 

And we had the best time with them! So very thankful for a fabulous vacation!

A Father's Day to Remember

We had a great Father's Day around here.  Church, noodle bake for lunch, ice cream for supper, and tons of playing with Molly. 

It just don't get no betta than that!

My heart is so full; I just don't know where to start.  Tim has been such an amazing father, and I get so excited when I daydream about our family's future! 

What a blessing it was to be able to honor our husbands (and daddies if they were there) in church on Sunday.  It's one of my all time favorite things our pastor makes a point to do on Father's Day and Mother's Day.  Tim and I had a special time of prayer where I was able to thank our Heavenly Father for the man Tim is, for the husband he is, and for the father he is.  What a precious gift!

Tim, you are an amazing father.  The way Molly lights up when you walk into the room is priceless.  She adores you and is sure you are the best thing EVER.  You work so very hard to provide for us, and I am so very thankful for that.  Your work ethic is truly second to none.

You love us in such a way that fills our hearts every single day.  And I am so very thankful for you.

Hope your Father's Day was perfect!

Easter

"The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”  ~ Matthew 28:5 - 7

What a special time Easter is.  I absolutely love celebrating our Risen Savior!  Church yesterday was flat out incredible.  Nothing like it!  We had a busy week last week celebrating Easter to the fullest!

I took tons of pictures of Molly and Ellie. . . 

Ellie and her basket from Aunt B, T and Molly

Our sweetest one

Sweet Ellie always helping Molly

We also went to an Egg Hunt at my dear friend's house.  It was just awesome!  Amy is a little Martha Stewart, really, so I knew the hunt would be amazing!  There were not only eggs everywhere, but the kids also heard the Resurrection Story through Resurrection Eggs.  The true meaning of Easter was impressed onto their precious hearts that day in the midst of fun egg hunting!

The Group ready to hunt!

Listening to the Resurrection Story

Wrapped tightly like Jesus' body was wrapped in the tomb

The kids broke out of their toilet paper and yelled, "He's alive!"  It was precious!

A woman after my own heart. . . Annalyn snuck away from her mom telling the Resurrection Story and broke into Harrison's eggs!

Sweet Ali was such a big help with the little girls.  Ali was a program attendant in mine and Tim's wedding!  I've watched her grow into a beautiful teenager, and I just love her precious heart and sweet spirit!

Even Molly listened to the Resurrection Story!

The girls had a complete ball at the hunt!  We had a picnic after the hunt and the kids played for a long while!  I had to beg Ellie to leave as it was nap time for both girls.  Ellie was having soooo much fun!  On the way home, Ellie asked for her window to be rolled down.  She loves to feel the wind blowing in her face!  We were about a quarter of a mile from her house when we stopped at a stop light.  Ellie started saying, "Shoe!  Shoe!"  I looked and she just had one sandal in her hand. I asked Ellie where her other sandal was and she just pointed to the window.  We got home and my fear was confirmed:  she only had one sandal.  I asked again where her sandal was, and she looked out her window like it would still be there.  I asked her if she threw it out the window, and she said, "Uh huh!"  so proudly!?!?!  Oh jeez!

I broke the news to her mommy who was so very sad.  They were the cutest sandals.  So. . .  after naptime, I loaded the girls up to go on the hunt for the wayward sandal.  

And I'm so happy to report I found it!

Sunday morning, we just took a few pictures of sweet Molly before we left for church.

Sweet girl with her basket of goodies

Molly Miller

I certainly hope y'all had a very happy Easter, too!  He is risen!  He is risen indeed! 





Lesson Learned

On St. Patricks Day, the Chick fil a in town offered free green ice cream to patrons wearing green.  We headed over after Bible Study for some chicken, time on the wee (what Ellie calls any playground), and fun with friends.

Now.  I'm a newbiew when it comes to things like this.  I just have one child, and she's 9 months old.  Yes, I keep Ellie a few days a week, and on those days we usually don't venture out for fear I'll lose my mind in the process.  I'm a chicken, I know.

So, taking both girls to Chick fil a after a morning at church is brave in itself.  Throw in the added excitement of free ice cream, and you've got yourself an interesting time to be had.

Maybe my first clue was Molly crying as we parked.  She was hungry, and I knew that.  I actually put the car in reverse, about to make my getaway as I saw my friend park.  I calmed down and pepped myself up for a fun time.

Heavens to betsy. . .  the trip involved a spilled drink that busted a cup and had sprite spewing all on the back of Molly, a CFA employee getting onto me for trying to clean up the sprite spill with napkins, Molly choking on a piece of carrot, Ellie going MIA in the playground for a minute or two (long enough to send this frazzled momma / aunt into a tailspin), my crawling under the chair and booth searching for Molly's bow and snacks.  And fun.  Loads of fun.

I would've never made it without my sweet friends who were there to help me and encourage me and promise me everything was going to be okay.  Even though I was sure we were tearing that poor restaurant apart.

We left full, fat and tired.  Or so I thought.  Both girls were WIRED.  It took a good 45 minutes to get Ellie calmed down enough to nap.  Molly?  She didn't nap for 2 more hours.

Which meant I never had both girls napping at the same time.

Whew!

Just when I think I might lose my mind, I'm greeted with this precious grin....

And this sassy little face....

And I am reminded that I have the best job in all of the world.  What a blast!

P.S. ~ Note to self:  Don't go ordering a salad when eating with both girls in a crazy busy place like CFA.  It's not even feasible to think you'll be able to use utensils and eat like a normal adult. 

HaPpY NeW YeaR!!!

Dear 2010,

You?  You rocked!

You truly made me Happy as Can B!

Here's to 2011!!

Catch Up

So, you know that feeling of being so far behind you just don't know where to start? 

Yeah, that's me.  With this blog.

Obviously.

Whew, life's full these days!  And we are loving every minute of it!

We spent a few days in Amelia Island with Tim's family in August.  We had lots of fun, ate tons of good food, enjoyed being with lots of family, and shared sweet Molly with tons of folks!

I mean, really? How can you NOT enjoy a vacation when this is your view from your patio?

Molly got lots of lovin' from her Big Daddy and CiCi!

We celebrated Tim's 31st Birthday!

We all oohed, ahhed and gazed at Molly Miller.

It was a great time for sure! 

In other news, it's official.  I am not returning to work full time!  This is something we've prayed about, talked through, agonized over (well, I did, at least), and prayed about some more.  I will be able to work from home some for the bank, and for that I am thankful.  Super thankful!  And I'll be keeping Ellie Grace on the days her mother works, so I'm going to be a busy lady!  And I'm so very excited! 

I'm so very thankful that my husband works as hard as he does and provides for us in such a way that I am able to be home with Molly.  I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that God heard our prayers and has provided for us a situation that honestly was better than I ever imagined. 

It's gonna be good, y'all!  Really good!