Thank God for unanswered prayers

My friend Jen and I used to sing that Garth Brook's song so much when we were younger.  We both did not marry until late 20's, and we were both so grateful that we did not marry any of our exes!  Ha!

I think only recently did I realized how true the words in this song are.  Eric and I have been married for 12 years this December.  Like any couple, our first couple of years were hard sometimes.  I got pregnant with Corbin three months after we got married.  Then two years later, we had Allie.  So needless to say, we were very busy the first 5 years of our marriage.

I feel so ashamed to admit that I used to give Eric such a hard time.  Bless his heart, it seemed like sometimes he couldn't do anything right.  I remember him saying, " Just tell me exactly how to make you happy."  Ha!  Eric is a down-to-earth country boy and could not understand how I wasn't happy.  We were and still are so blessed.  We have both had good jobs, several houses, and two precious kids.   We were alive and healthy.  What more could you ask?

And then I learned that happiness was a choice.  I did not have to act the way I did. I was making a choice.  Instead of being Negative Nancy, I should start thanking sweet Jesus for all that he has blessed me with.  There are always going to be people with more things, better jobs, and prettier.  If I always compare myself to others, then there is no way I will ever be happy. 

So I started leaning on Eric more instead of pulling away.  Which has made our relationship better.  He is a strong, secure man and wanted me to do that for years.  I eliminated friends that were full of "drama" and always talked badly about their husbands.  I became content with staying home and enjoying my family. 

I still have a long way to go.  I pray each day and thank the Lord for unanswered prayers.  I thank the Lord for saving me, for Eric, for my precious kids, etc.

Christmas Wish List- Corbin and Allie

Corbin's list:

1. Kindle Fire




2. Go- Cart



3. Video games


Allie's list:

1. Kindle fire




2. American girl doll loft bed




3. American doll bubble bath




I realize that each kid only has 3 things on their list. But they have very expensive tastes! Ha!

Soccer Saturday

Allie only has 2 more soccer games left this season.  She has played so hard, and we are very proud of her.  She is only 8, but played in the U10 league.  She has scored goals, and been a great defender when needed.  We love you, Allie.  I know you read my blog now.  We are so blessed to have you as our daughter.

 

Dollywood - again!

We always get Dollywood season passes every year.  It's close to home, and the kids seem to still enjoy going.  Who am I kidding?  Eric loves rollar coasters, so he enjoys going to Dollywood.  I used to love riding rollar coasters, but then I had kids.  Now I am not so keen on the idea of it - I am a big chicken!  Ha!

Since we are on Fall Break this week, I took the kids to Dollywood.  My brother and his wife met us there, and it was a beautiful day.  We saw many other kids/parents we knew from our county.  C and A rode rides with some of them.  So we stayed for a long time - which was ok.  I saw some of my 7th graders.  I am telling you that I have a fabulous group of students this year.  They are so nice and enjoyable.  No hoovers this year!  Ha!   Enjoy the pictures!

Sadly, I only got in one picture.  Can you see Corbin and his basketball photo bombing the picture?  Goofy boy!  Ha!  Gotta love 5th grade boys!

Very Weird Day . . . .

We are on Fall Break this week! So we slept late - except for poor Eric who had to get up and go to work.  I actually cooked breakfast instead of grabbing something on the way out.  The kids and I ran errands, walked, and got a lot done all before noon.  Then the doorbell rang.

I made the mistake of answering the door.  I always tell my kids NOT to answer unless it's family or friends.  Why did I not take my own advice?!?  I answered it, and it was the vacuum salesman.  You know the one I am talking about.  I tried to close the door nicely.  But they are well trained.  My second mistake was letting him inside my house.

Oh boy!  He got everything out and showed me how my own vacuum cleaner was not doing its job.  He was left - yes left - by his boss.  So he had no way to leave.  I felt so sorry for him.  He called his boss, and his boss still did not come and get him for another 30 minutes. 

I listened nicely, but told him I would have to talk it over with my husband.  He wanted me to call Eric.  I finally did, and Eric said exactly what I thought he would.  NO! 

That was still not the end of it.  When the boss came, he tried to convince me.  He would give me $200 off and no payment until January.  I texted Eric and said, "Help!"  Eric called and said, "Let me talk to him now."

Ha!  The manager got off the phone with Eric and said sarcastically that Eric was nice.  I replied,"Really?"  Ha!  The manager said NO and told his guy to pack it up,   

I am so glad that I got so much done this morning.  My whole afternoon was gone!  And I am so thankful for a husband who helps me out! 

Biz town with Corbin

Corbin's class participated in Biz town this past Thursday. I got to go as a chaperone. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. Biz town is a simulated town with different work places. Each student has a job, gets paid, and manages their check book.

Corbin was a CEO so he had to pay his employees and pay off the company loan. Ha!




Here is Corbin and his crew inspecting the bank.






Here he is giving a speech at the town square.




Here are my girls at the bank. Let me tell you the bank was so busy! These girls were stressed! Ha!

WIWW and a bunch of random stuff

It got kinda of cold this past weekend, so I pulled an oldie but favorite dressof mine to wear to church.  It is so comfortable.  Which was good because right after church, we went to my niece's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese.  I made Eric take a picture of me, and he made fun of me.  Ha!  Guys really don't understand the fashion thing or the blog thing!

 

 

Eric and Allie made me a cake for my birthday this past Saturday.  They were so happy with it!  Ha!

 

 

 

Sunday was Youth Sunday at church.  Allie got asked to play the piano during the offering.  She is 8 years old and we could not have been more proud of her.  She was composed and did a great job!  it was very hard to get a picture of her.  Here she is with Miss Jessica - her piano teacher.

 

 

 

 

Allie is on a great soccer team with wonderful coaches.  I got some great pictures of their coaches with all the girls!  They are really teaching them some good skills.

 

 

 

 

Out and about

We have had a good day today. We ate at the Chop House - yum. Allie and I got some new Toms. Allie had a bird hat at Gander Mountain.






Corbin got a new Northface jacket.



We saw the Mystery Machine.






Good times!

Perfect night for high school football

Tonight was just perfect for some high school football.


The ball boys having fun!



Hanging with the mascot! Ha! Allie had her hands full with these two boys. Ha!

So excited for . . . . .Life by Design

I love following Lisa Leonard Designs Blog, and the other day she announced they are working on a reality show.  I watched the trailer, and I just loved it.  I have always loved biographies and autobiographies that talk about someone's life. I know many people hate that type of genre, but I could always connect about the struggles and successes that people go through.   I guess that's why I love reading blogs. I love blogs and reality shows. 

 My favorite shows are reality TV shows.  Eric can't stand most of what I watch on TV.  It's a good thing we have LOTS of TVS in our house.  Duck Dynasty and Dancing with the Stars are my all time two favorites.   I can't stand Honey Boo Boo!   Is that show for real?! They do and say some CRAZY stuff.  Ha! 

Life by Design is suppose to be about her family.  I can't wait!  Visti her at her blog and link to the trailer.  I promise you will love it.

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to . .

Well, my birthday is this Saturday, and I guess I am handling it well.  I don't like the gray hairs and wrinkles I am getting, but I know I am blessed.  I have a great family, a good job, and a wonderful Savior.  I really can't complain about anything.  I am just "content" right now.  Which is strange, but amazing!

We are so busy this weekend.  We have 2 other birthday parties to attend and our Sunday School class is having a picnic.  My little girl is also playing the piano this Sunday for Youth Sunday.  I can't wait to hear her!  She has practice so hard for weeks now.

Next year's birthday will be the big 40, so I am already planning it.  I want Eric and I to go to New York for a long weekend.  It has been years since I have been, and I have been missing Lady Liberty lately.

 

I want to visit the Empire State Building and go to a New York show. Years ago, I saw "The Lion King" and Phantom of the Opera."  I want to go to Central Park and go on a carriage ride. 

 

 On one of my visits years ago, my cousin and I got to go to the rehearsal taping of Saturday Night Live.  Queen Latifah was the host, and it was so unbelievable to see.  I will never forget that experience. We were on the second row!  I want to walk down the busy streets of New York and people watch.  Ha!  I could sit at a restaurant and people watch all day. 

 

 

The big 40 is exciting and a year away, but I am going to start planning away.  I cannot wait.  I will not mourn it and hide in my house all week.  I am going to celebrate!