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Friday, September 30, 2011

Catch-Up... Almost...

I know, I got behind again. I really had good intentions.. same story, different song, I know. I have a lot I want to write about, but so little time. However, I thought I would give you a quick update on what's to come.

*Last weekend, we had a great time in Birmingham spending time with our great friends Kara and CT, and my grandparents. Many highlights to talk about.

*Tuesday, marked the day 7 years ago that Patrick and I started dating. It's hard to believe it's been 7 years!!! We don't really celebrate, but it's just a day to remember.. I'll never forget it. Although, I did get flowers and cookies. That was sweet huh!?

*Also, my dear, sweet friend Emily lost her grandmother this past week. Ma, was such a special lady. I remember visiting her house growing up. We had lots of fun there fishing in the pond, making butter, and riding in the woods. She will be greatly missed, but she is in a place with no more suffering. We know she is made new, and is rejoicing with our Father. It was great to see her, Dave, and Sarah. I wish it had not been under those circumstances, but a joy in my heart to see their faces. Praying for the Howell family as they rejoice and mourn the loss of sweet Ma.

*It is a beautiful day here in Mississippi. Hoping for a beautiful weekend. It will be a full weekend. Patrick's family will be here, our friends CT and Kara, my grandparents form Birmingham (this is a treat), and Adam, Amy, Cameron, and Albe.. and there is a BIG football game. We will be on the go, but it will be filled with so much joy and laughter. I can hardly wait.

I promise to catch up soon. Have a great weekend!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Happy Birthday Samantha!!!

Happy Birthday to our Sweet Friend Samantha!!!

We hope you have the best day!!!!

Not often do you find a friend like Samantha. It was truly God who brought us together as roommates in college... Samantha is a forever friend, and Patrick and I both are so thankful for her. She would do anything for you, and encourages and prayers for you daily. She truly is a wonderful friend.

Happy Birthday Samantha!
We hope you have a wonderful day!!!
Here's to many more birthday celebrations!
Hope all your wishes come true!!!

We love you!!!


Samantha even braved the USM game with us in the torrential down pour. That is a true friend!



Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Weekend Recap

Yes, I know it is Wednesday, and the weekend was over a few days ago, but I can't seem to stay on top of things. I have been meaning to write this blog since Sunday night. You see how well this has worked.

Anyways, this is what has been going on in bullet format. Hope you enjoy!
* Friday night Patrick's parents, brother, and our friends  Kara and CT came to town. We all went to Crescent City, it was very delicious!
* Saturday morning the boys played golf, while the girls did a little shopping. We all went to Letha's for lunch.
* After lunch, it was time to get ready for the USM football game. We were hoping for a big win. We went to Eagle Walk to pump up the Eagles, then went to the book store to kill some time. However, not too much time because soon it was time to get to the stadium.
* The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed a GREAT game. The Eagles scored over 50 points. We are hoping we do as well against West Virginia, Virginia (thank you Lori for pointing this out, I debated a long time about if it was West Virginia or just Virginia.. I chose wrong!) this weekend.
* We had Winged-It after the game... always a good late night choice.
* Sunday morning Patrick's parents headed out, and we got to spend some time with Kara and CT. We were all a little tired.
* We went to Movie Star for lunch because Patrick's grandparents were passing through and wanted to try it. It did not disappoint it. It was very good.
* It sounds like all we did this weekend was eat... well maybe so :-).
* Early that afternoon CT and Kara left.. we were sad to see them go. The weekend was not long enough and we do not get to hangout with them as much as we would like. But, never fear we are headed to Birmingham for a long weekend to spend time with them and with my grandparents, yeah!
* I got a little nap Sunday afternoon and got the house picked up. Then we went over to my parent's house to see them and spend time with Lori. Always nice to be able to do that.
* Monday came too soon... It's been a crazy week. I have worked late every night, and tonight is no different. However, I am excited about celebrating Samantha's birthday with friends tonight.
* I guess that sums it up. Headed to Birmingham for the long weekend. Looking forward to a break.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

PS: I'll post some pictures of the weekend soon.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

A Day of Remembrence



9/11 holds many memories for people all over the country. I remember coming out of First Priority my 10th grade year and learning of the attacks. I'm not sure I truly understood what it meant or what was happening. What do you mean our country is under attack? Why would someone want to attack us and kill so many innocent people? I am not sure I even understand to this day, but I guess who does? I know that my heart ached as we saw more and more images of all the devastation and loss of the lives on that day 10 years ago.

My heart still aches for all those who lost loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering they felt. I can only hope they find peace in our Savior and know they are not alone. I pray for all the children who have to grow up without a mom, dad, brother, sister, grand-parent, aunt, uncle, or friend. Tears still pour down my cheeks as I see images and hear stories. My human nature still wants to question sometimes, how could this happen? I can only hope life lessons have been learned from that tragic day, and that our nation stands together.

I was able to visit ground zero a few weeks years ago on a trip to New York. The site tells the story itself. It was moving to see it for myself. I hope Patrick and I have the opportunity to visit the memorial and museum one day.

This truly is a day of Remembrance. A day I will never forget, and one I'm sure my children will be reading about in the history books. As our hearts are filled with many emotions, I think it is also necessary to reflect on all the heroes of that day. There were many... and I hope they will never be forgotten.

Praying for our country, and all the families directly and indirectly impacted by the events of 9/11.

"One Nation Under God"




Saturday, September 10, 2011

Date Night

It is a very rare treat that Patrick and I have an actual date night. Sometimes I wonder why we do not have one more often, but many weekends are consumed with sporting events, family in town, or us out of town. We do not find ourselves with a free night too often (and we wouldn't have it any other way.) However, this Friday night we decided it would be a great night to go to dinner and a movie. I was so very excited. I love spending quality time with my husband, and after a crazy week it was just what we needed. It feels like there have been a lot of sad things happening in our life lately (not to us personally, but to family and friends), so it was good to unwind from the week.

On the way to the movie

We enjoyed dinner, then went to see Contagion. It was a good movie, with a great story line. I would have loved for some of the plot to develop more, but we both enjoyed it. And it really makes you think about all the germs out there. 

We thought about coffee or ice cream after the movie, but we decided we were too full to eat anything else. However, we did enjoy cherry sprite zero from sonic. It was a great night, and I am thankful for the time we got to spend together.

Today was a pretty low key day too... We watched a lot of football, including watching the Eagles LOSE. It was a disappointing lose, but life goes on right!?! Hopefully, they can get it together by next week!

Wet, Wild, Weekend

Last weekend, Patrick and I had our first "party" at our new home. This "party" was in conjunction with the first football game for USM. We were so excited to see all of our friends and watch the Eagles play. We decided to have the party at our house instead of a traditional on-campus tailgate because we thought it was going to be miserably hot!!!! Well, it was not so hot, but it was WET.... Tropical storm Lee brought us a lot of rain over the weekend, and Saturday was no exception. It worked out well for tailgating because it was cool enough for people to sit outside in the garage. That was a relief because I was worried about where everyone was going to sit inside. And I'll my worrying was pretty much for nothing.. It turned out to be a great tailgating party, not too wild..., and I think everyone had a great time. It was a lot of fun to catch up with friends that we had not seen in awhile, and make a few new ones. We were thankful and happy to share our home with friends and family. We had plenty of good food and fellowship.

The house is tailgate ready!

We bleed black and gold!

Waiting for everyone to come!

Wonderful cheese ball!

Ready for lunch!

Samantha and I ready for some football! Or, maybe just some food!



Have I mentioned that the game did not start until 9:00PM! Yes, you read that right. The original plan was to go to Eagle Walk at 7, but because of all the rain it was cancelled. Therefore, a little before 8 it was time to suit up and go to the game. We all got our rain gear out, and were set. It was a little wet, but thanks to my rain jacket and poncho, the only thing that got really wet was my bottom. The rain let up a few times, and it was nice to take a breather. We were so excited to see the Eagles play, however, the game was as pretty as the weather.. ha! But, in the end the Eagles pulled it off. I was so glad! I was going to be seriously upset if I sat in the rain to watch us lose. This weekend we are gearing up to watch the Eagles play Marshall on TV. Hope we can pull off a win, we are hoping for a big season from the Eagles. First conference game is important! ***It's not looking good for the Eagles against Marshall... so disappointing..


***And a funny side note to share: Right before we got out of the car at the stadium, I handed the tickets to Patrick for easy access. He looked at them, and said, "where is the rest of the ticket?" I looked at him, like what are you talking about, this is the ticket. Then he compared them to his parents' tickets and I realized I had torn them where they are suppose to be torn at the gate... uh oh.. I was a little panicked.. I wasn't sure what we were going to go. Patrick said we would play it cool, so we got to the gate (I was holding my breath), Patrick handed the lady the tickets and said the guy up there tore them, and she said okay. No harm done! Thank goodness... Now, my brother comes to the stadium a little later, and told my dad and I, "I wasn't sure if they were going to let me in." So, of course I ask why, and he proceeds to tell us that he did not have all of his ticket... hahahahaha!!! He did the same thing I did... Too funny.. I guess we really are related. And don't worry, Patrick will tear the tickets from now on!!

Trying to stay dry, but still smiling!
Hope you all have a great weekend. We hope to rest some too because next weekend will be wild again with USM playing at home, and our good friends CT and Kara are coming to stay with us for the game!