Each day continues

It has been 6 days since my last update. During that time, there have been a massive level of emotions.

First, I want to thank all that either here on my blog, or on my facebook, or via email, text msg, or phone call have loved us. I also want to thank those who I have been able to see personally - at church, or wherever, that have given a hug, smiled the uncomfortable smile, and said "I don't know what to say, but I am praying for you." Those words mean more to us than you can ever imagine. The outpouring of care has been overwhelming - and appreciated more than I can ever express to you. Thank you. Looking back to a couple months ago when I questioned friendship - - I do not anymore. So many people have shown that they really, REALLY care.

Now, to discuss our state. The emotional challenges shift daily. For you see, I still have NO signs of a miscarriage physically. This waiting, wondering, fearing, etc... takes an emotional toll. My pregnancy symptoms have faded thankfully. (Please take that statement with the heart of what I really mean... I am NOT glad that I no longer have a growing child.... however, losing the child, and still being nauseaus, exhausted and having heartburn daily just is not fair.)

We have continued this week with life as usual. I still volunteer at the church, still teach my college course, we worked the youth event Friday night and had a great day with several groups of friends on Saturday. We went to church Sunday - and are so thankful for the love we are shown there - and went for a walk Sunday afternoon. Yes, we have times of struggle, and yes the grieving process is still going on. We are not avoiding it... but to be honest, I think we may be delaying part of it until the miscarriage actually happens. I have also found that it helps me to keep my perspective, and keep my eyes open to the world around me, if I do more than sit at home and simply wait. There is a world of hurting people out there - - and yes, I am hurting too - but it helps to be able to help others instead of having my own pity party right now.

This week will be filled with emotions.

Tomorrow is our 2nd wedding anniversary. To be honest, I am praying that if the miscarriage does not happen today, that is waits until tomorrow is finished. I really want to keep the anniversary of the happiest day of my life, from being marred by one of the saddest.

Sometime this week also, my little brother, leaves for his second adventure in the "sandbox." As a family, this is one of the hardest, and most challenging things we have lived through.... and yet, it carries with it a pride that we cannot match.

This weekend, we will get to see some of our dearest friends. We are each traveling about half the distance between where we live in order to spend some much needed time together.

So much should be said, so many things that are still floating in my head, but they just don't come out right in a blog.

The Bible says "In everything give Thanks." This verse has echoed in my heart these last 6 days. Everything? yes. even this. Is it wrong and heartless to give thanks for the situation we are currently in? It cannot be, for if it were, then a loving, righteous God would never instruct us to "give thanks" in Everthing. So, I am working on my "thanksgiving." For even this.

Pregnancy Week 7

I am starting this blog for the third time today. Yesterday, I had so much that I wanted to fit into a blog... but today, not only do I not remember it all. When I start to type, it just sounds dorky. Yesterday, in my head, it was ROCKIN'! 

Today - I am a total geek. 

So, I will try again. And this time, someone may actually be able to read it when I am finished. 

My kid is growing. Has fingers, toes, elbow, can swim and has eyelids... but is only the size of a lima bean! We get to see "elmo" (what Samantha, Ashley and the girls in Calera have named my child until we find out if it is a boy or a girl!) tomorrow for the first time via ultrasound. I can hardly wait. 

As a first-time mom, I am nervous about EVERYTHING. It's actually quite ridiculous how many times I have googled phrases like "7 weeks pregnant mild back pain" or "7 weeks pregnant and no nausea" to be followed about 30 minutes later by "7 weeks pregnant and nausea." 

I am a dork. I know it. Plus, I don't have much to occupy my time right now. Which is good in that I can rest when I feel that my body needs rest... but I also have too much time to think and pay attention to every thing I feel in this pregnancy! 

On the other hand. When it comes to getting ready for this kid. I am completely overwhelmed. For those that know me... You know that this means that I have shut down. I don't work well when I don't have a plan and feel overwhelmed.... So, cribs, (some with the drop down sides, some that convert with the growth of the kid, and some that are just static beds), bassinet, pack n' plays,(with music and vibration... without)  changing tables, changing table/dresser combos, travel systems, carseats, slings/backpacks, 500 bottle choices, Bpa-free, liners, pumps - - double/single/mechanical.... And all that can be chosen before I even know if it is a boy or a girl! I don't even WANT to think about pink vs blue, zoo animals vs baseball, princess vs Disney.... 

I don't know where to start! I don't even know what size of diapers to start stocking. 1? 2? Pampers? Huggies? both? neither? And every day, I am one day closer to the arrival - - and I still have two small snap shirts laying on the bed in the guest room... that at least the kid would have some clothes to wear - - - or at least two shirts... I didn't even buy those for the kid, but for the t-shirt that we used to tell my family that the kid was on they way! 

It is times like this that I really wish my mom lived closer. It is hard to try to figure all this out for the first time using the internet and a couple of books. 

Especially for someone like me... that over-thinks EVERYTHING!

I do have to say though, that my husband has been absolutely amazing!! My morning sickness has been rather minimal, but he has been wonderful! I have had a cold the last few days that knocked me down though and in that he has cooked every meal for the last 5 days... taken care of laundry.,.. run the dishwasher... kept the house running. He is amazing! 

He makes sure I get my water, and fruit, and veggie, and dairy requirements each day - -and is basically spoiling me beyond all recognition. I really don't know what I would be doing if he weren't here taking care of me. 

Ok, I think it is nap time. 

27 years ago

27 years ago - 1982

Michael Jackson releases Thriller.
AT&T divides into 22 separate companies.
Chariots of Fire wins best picture.
The Weather channel is on Cable for the first time!
Ronald Reagan was in his second year of his first term.
Epcot center opens at Disney World for the first time.
The first Double Stuff Oreo is sold.
Sony launches the first Compact Disc player.
The Dow surges 43.41 points - (4.25%) to close at 1,065.49 - its first all- time high in more than 9 years. The points gain is the biggest ever to this point.
The Veterans Memorial is dedicated in D.C.
Time Magazine's "man of the year" is given for the first time to a non-human. A computer.
The Toyota Camry is introduced for the first time.
Median Household Income - $20,000.
Top movies - - E.T. – the Extra-Terrestrial, Tootsie, Gandhi, The Verdict.

A bit less noticed - in southside, VA. A young man was born - this young man would grow to be a godly young man that although most people did not notice the birth... he would change my life forever. My husband started his journey on earth.

The journey for him so far has been one filled with achievement, excellence, honor, and goals attained. For many 27 year olds, that simply cannot be said. I am excited to be the one that God chose to put along side him through the challenges and thrills of life. I have said it many times before - and never will quit saying it. No one but God could have chosen a man for me that fits so perfectly into every aspect of life. No, life ain't perfect, it never is. But to have such an amazing man - - and to be able to call him mine... and be called his - is so much more than I ever expected, and DEFINATELY worth the wait!

Vacation Day 2

So, on Sunday morning - Ronnie and I slept in as much as we could - got up, ate the free breakfast in the hotel and got on the road.

In an effort to avoid at least a COUPLE of the toll roads surrounding NY, we chose to skip the NJTurnPike and took Hwy 1. We got to see more scenery this way, and also, it took us right to the heart of Philadelphia.

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We stopped there because I had never seen this before:

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One more step in actually seeing the historical pieces of our country. History is so much cooler when you see the memorials and stuff in person!

But more importantly, while in Philly, we stopped and had these!

REAL PHILLY CHEESESTEAK... with cheezewhiz and everything!

Then we were back on the road again.... it was just a short stop.

Until we arrived in Baltimore - when Ronnie took us to the harbor to see some boats, and a submarine.

`

a lighthouse,

some old warehouses that they are using as new places now,

and we ate crab cakes. I don't have pics of that because we had both had our hats on while walking outside, but inside we took them off... so the bad hair that resulted did not need to be rememered forever. That is why I tell stories on a blog! So here are random other pics taken at the Harbor.

Crab Cakes are some of my favorite things to eat.... having them in Baltimore... WOW...

Ronnie says he travels by food - - where there is good food to eat, we will stop for it.

The weekend was amazing and DEFINATELY something we needed after the political season that pushed us all to the end!

Thank you to my wonderful man for taking care of me... and having such a wonderful time together!

To Infinity and Beyond!

First – please go to my mom’s blog and look at her Christmas Decorations… she is SO creative!

Second – I am finishing my political work on this campaign this week! YEA!

Third – This past weekend my husband showed that he is the MOST amazing man ever. And no – I don’t think he has even read the blog previous… I haven’t told him about it. :)

Friday we went to his office party in Fairfax VA. (In the D.C. area for those of you outside of VA.) It ended fairly early. I was under the impression that we were just gonna stay in Fairfax that night, maybe go see some of D.C. on Saturday, and have a good weekend… I was PUMPED about the notion.

Late in the week (at packing time.) He said that he had a surprise for me, and that he needed to tell me about it so that I would pack appropriately.

We were going to leave the party in Fairfax and travel the next 4 hours to New York City! We were also going to go ice skating in Rockefeller center. For those that do not know me very well, I have a list of 33 things I want to accomplish before I die. Ice skating with a date in Rockefeller center is one of those things! We had not accomplished one in a while.

So…. Here I am – on skates –

On the ice rink

Under THE Christmas tree

In Rockefeller center.

Ronnie skated too….

He had never ice skated before.

Neither of us fell down.

Even with all these people watching!

We also made it for part of the Today show.

Went to see the Empire State building – I didn’t want to wait in the line to go to the top… maybe next time :)

And yes - - those skies ARE blue in NYC...

Saw Times Square

and THIS made me laugh out loud... as well as the LONG lines waiting outside!

Went to Macys at Herald Square…. Recession??? I think not. Haha

Then after the insanity of that area of town, we relaxed in Central Park for a while.

At first I thought I wanted to take a horse and carriage ride – but they were really stinky – I changed my mind.

Later, we were able to eat at Serendipity - you know, the restaurant from this movie...

There was a 3 hour wait. We put our name on the list and then went to see Grand Central Station... Where we just happened to walk in as they were doing a light/sound show on the walls.


We sat here.....

and watched the show.

We thought about shopping here -

but decided it was probably just due to the recession that the store existed.

We then went back to Serendipity... It was so cool!!!

AND the Frrrrozen Hot chocolate...

yeah - it was as good as the advertised... wow.

We ended by going back through the insane crowds to see this.

Sunday morning Ronnie drove through Manhattan in order to avoid some of the tolls.

We were glad to see this sign - Maybe now we can get some of the stree resolved!

I will do another post maybe tomorrow to discuss the Philadelphia stop as well as Baltimore.

WHAT A WEEKEND!

Gotta be Grateful

Lately, I have been very “me” focused on my blog… so, today – I thought I would share what little thoughts go through my head on my way home from work every day.

Just so you know, I am currently working about 40 miles from our house… the middle 20 miles are through a group of mountains in which I receive no radio signal and no cell phone coverage… During that time, I have made it a habit in the mornings to pray… about whatever there is to pray about…. In the evenings – I think of reasons to be excited to be going home to my husband.

The reason for this should be self-explanatory - - but just to elaborate. Early in this campaign – on a particularly stressed out day – I spent the time driving home mulling over the events of the day, mean calls, mean people, punk reporters, whatever – and in the middle of that, I came up with random reasons to be mad at life in general…. Ronnie specifically.

Of course, when I got home – my mood was even WORSE than if I had just gotten off of work. And honestly, it was ALL my fault. I was creating reasons to be mad at the world…. And my husband.

After that evening, during which I think he asked me 8,714 times “what is wrong?” And every time my response was “nothing.” Which was, in fact, true. He had done NOTHING wrong. I had. I decided that my drive time, where it is just me and God in the car – needs to be spent building things up… not tearing them down.

Have I been perfect at this? No. Have I given it a valiant effort? You betcha! ;)

The result has been that I have been happier to see my wonderful husband every night when I got home! Even in stressful days – where I think this job may just go on forever – by the time I get home, I am THRILLED to see his smiling face!

So – here they are - - a few of the reasons I remind myself of everyday – to be thankful for such a wonderful husband.

Reasons I am thankful for My Husband

-He was not only a godly man when I married him, but he is constantly growing in Christ.
-He is open to discuss with me what he is learning.
-He works so hard to provide for me – even when sometimes it isn’t exactly what he would prefer to be doing.
-He pushes me to be better at everything I do.
-He is open to discussion when we disagree on things.
-He gets up with me in the mornings that I have to be up earlier than him to be sure we have breakfast together.
-He makes my coffee for me on those mornings as well
-He washes the dishes all the time
-He helps me keep the house clean while I am working.
-He fixes things around the house.
-He changes the oil in my car.
-He rubs my feet before I go to sleep at night
-He rubs my feet before I get out of bed in the morning
-Even though I don’t rub his feet…. I know, I know.. moving on.
-He brings me whatever I want to drink when we are watching TV – even if he was not already getting up to get it.
-He cares about helping me reach my dreams-goals.

Now – these are not all of the reasons that I am thankful for Ronnie…. Some are of course just between us – and some I will save for another day. These are the ones that I am thinking about today.

Please also realize that I know that I am spoiled… and proud of it.

A moment from the movies

Every now and then in my life, I have these moments. They don't happen often - I am afraid I would take them for granted if they did... But moments that make me feel like I am in a movie. You know what I mean right? Those things that happen when you just think "this is NOT really happening to me.... things like this don't happen to normal people."

A couple of examples include the moment I lived my dream and stepped off the plane to live in Germany for a year.... a couple moments from when I traveled with Wings... One moment is as I was laying on the beach in Phuket, Thailand - 6 months after the Tsunami of 2004... You know what I mean...

Only a handful of times in my life do these things happen.

Last night was one of them.

I have started my new job on the campaign of my Congressman here in southern VA. The whole week has been quite an experience. I have learned a TON, worked a LOT, and really had some good time getting to know him, his wife, and his sister - all of who work closely together in the office.

Last night, we were attending a fundraiser. There were different "levels" of entrance, but due to the fact that I am on staff now, Ronnie and I were able to attend all three levels... the first level required donations of $2,000 per person to enter... it went down hill from there - but even the lowest level was still a nice donation.

The location was a "farm" out in our county. But this was no typical farm - it is owned by a man that owns the gas company that heats our house in the winter. The house was absolutely GORGEOUS. The fields were landscaped perfectly, the "barn" was a wonderful building that held about 250 people for this event.

The attendees included our State Senator, State Delegate, other political leaders, as well as Attorneys, distributors, etc. etc.

The point at which I realized this was one of "those" moments was when my Congressman got up to speak - he of course introduced his wife first - - then his sister - - thanked the man who owned the home... and then introduced me and Ronnie to this crowd of people as "the newest member of the campaign staff." I waved to the crowd of people, then turned and looked out the door over the fields, past the American and Virginian flag flying in the breeze, realized that my Congressman not only knows me, but I was just introduced to a ton of people by him... It was one of those moments for me. One of those moments that feels it shouldn't happen to me... those things don't happen to normal people!

Later in the evening, our State Senator was talking with us, and said "You guys make such a great team!" That was so exciting to me - I am enjoying this political world that I am in now. I wouldn't be here except for my husband though who has all these contacts set up.... I don't know where all this road will take us - but I do know that as long as we are doing things like this, I want people to see us together - as a team... its nice to be part of a team... So often I think couples do so much stuff separate from each other, that they aren't a part of each other's worlds...

I like being on Ronnie's team.... I like joining his world... I like our team of two - its nice here.

Bragging on my man

Saturday, Ronnie and I were doing some "house-hunting" in an area where we might be interested in living. He got the new job in May - and well, life has been crazy since then, so, since he has the option of tele-commuting normally, we just haven't gotten serious about house-hunting.

Now, the search is ON!

So, we were just past this small town that is halfway between two cities that are acceptable in size - and looking at a nice little rental house. The rental house didn't seem to be what we were looking for, so, disappointed, we started driving back home.

As we were getting into town, we passed an older couple out trying to cut the grass. At first, it was cute, the little old man was pushing the lawn mower, and the little lady was standingback giving directions! Typical right?

Anyway, as we got closer, we realized he was down in the ditch next to the road... pushing the lawn mower with his left hand and supporting his weight on a cane with his right hand! As soon as we saw this, Ronnie told me to turn around.

I pulled up to the next turn place and we went back to see if we could help. I will be honest, I half expected them to either be offended, or at least be embarrassed that we would offer help. But Ronnie was committed. We got out of the car in their driveway, and of course they looked at us quite confused.

Ronnie just ran to the little man and asked him if he could help. The little man and woman came back to my car and talked to me while Ronnie cut their grass for them. Yep - that's my husband! With a huge heart towards helping people! In his polos and khacki shorts - - and his GOOD tennis shoes! Mowing the lawn... the thing he hates worse than anything in the world... just to help out an elderly couple we had never met before. Whoa! I love my husband! - for things like THAT!

We talked to them for a while. They loved to talk. She is 69, he is 74 and they have no kids. So, they have to take care of things themselves. They were hoping we would decide to get a house in the area so we can come back to visit them sometime. I don't think that house would have worked out - - but I do think we may stop by again sometime. Sometimes people just need to be shown a little love ya know?

As I was standing there, and the three of us were watching Ronnie mow their lawn - she looked at me and said "Ya know, you can just tell Christian love when you see it." I had not said anything about being a Christian up to that point. Of course, I looked at her and confirmed that we were, in fact, Christians.

Then, due to being in some serious conversations with a friend of mine of the last week. I have really been thinking about it. Although the church in general can be a tough place - - and people are never perfect - - and even the fact that Christianity as a religion can look like a whole lot of different things. When we are truly following Christ - and responding to people as HE would have us to do... yes, you CAN tell Christian love when you see it. It is unmistakable.

I just had to take a minute to brag on my man.

Anniversary!

I am not good at writing these days. Life has kinda exploded on me.... However, I do want to mark one day... today - Ronnie and I have been married a YEAR! What a year it has been. In some ways, it has flown, and in others it has poked right along.... It has been a year of learning - (like how to live with a BOY in the house... sharing my stuff... etc. etc. ) a year of growing - (like growing up and being adults and all that boring stuff) a year of excitement (new job for him... multiple random jobs for me... politics, college professor, church musician, etc. etc.) a year of families... (from my brother and his year in Iraq, to his great grandmother who passed away back around Christmas)....

I have to say though, after the first year is past tense - God out did Himself in picking a man for me... that fits me better than I ever expected... that is more attractive than I ever could have desired... that takes better care of me than I ever knew was possible... that is more wonderful than I ever dreamed... no - life ain't perfect - it never is - but life is better with Ronnie than it ever was before - and the tough times are still tough, the sad times are still sad... but for this last year I have learned to lean on God more, by watching Ronnie lean on God more - and we have learned to trust - together...

The best part is that when we laugh, we laugh LOUD - we laugh LOTS - and we laugh often... its much more fun to laugh together!

Happy Anniversary to my best friend... my love.... my husband. I love you!

Home again

Here I am, back in VA. What? You didn't even know I was gone? Well, that's because I am a tricky little girl.

This will be short - last week Ronnie was gone for a while to a training thing in SC. Yep, I stayed home all by myself, which is quite an accomplishment for this little city girl... to be home alone for like 4 nights IN THE COUNTRY! Then, Thursday morning, I flew my little self to Alabama for a few days with the fam. I got to go out to eat with all my grandparents Thursday for lunch - there is nothing in the WORLD like Cracker Barrel when ya haven't had it for a while. Ronnie got down there on Friday evening and we got to have my bday dinner with my family. SO MUCH FUN to be with mom dad, jen, aubrey, andy and brantley having my bday dinner. It would have only been better had Jon been able to be home. BUT, we did find out, that as long as nothing changes (it IS the Army ya know) - he has done his last mission and should be home no later than Memorial Day. WOW! I am so excited. I also got to talk to him on webcam for the first time since like October Saturday evening - it was wonderful...

Sunday morning we went to church, and then made the trek back to VA. So here, I am - home again. Ronnie was sickly yesterday so we spent a majority of the afternoon in the doc office - but the meds worked fast and he is headed to work this morning.

I am off to try my new exercise (getting in shape for the cruise ya know) - roller blading! I haven't really done this since middle school, so it could be interesting - but I have all protective pads and stuff. I am going to the park down town, so maybe not many people will be able to see me make a fool of myself! (its kinda hidden in the trees and by the river and stuff). Then of course today is church work day and "pretend to know what you're doing as a college prof" day.

Have a good one.

update to the weight loss

WHAT IN THE WORLD!

4 weeks of bike riding, I am up to 11 miles at least every other day. with rides of 5-6 miles on the days between and i have GAINED weight!!! for about three days I was happy to be down a pound, but yesterday - i jumped up again... KILLIN ME! so, since i had gained weight yesterday, I ate really bad - which sabatoged me today as well.

Well, since I guess you didn't come by just to find out about my weight loss, since I am quite sure you don't really care.... Let me think about anything else going on.

Hmmmm... not much - we did order some in-ear monitors for our band at church which I can hardly wait to use! those things are SO awesome! I have used them once or twice and am SO excited about having them on stage in a couple weeks!

I got some flowers from my man last night (and some chocolate) I am married to an amazing man...

Hardly anyone was at church - spring break - ya know how it is.

OH YEAH! my first Tupperware order came in! I am excited about getting that started... hopefully I will get enough this weekend to qualify as a real consultant... if not, well, its been a fun ride - but whatever. My first real party is tomorrow night at a friends house - i cant wait. I am kinda nervous, but its all people I know, so it shouldn't be too bad... I dont have trouble talking about stuff ya know, but I just hope I know all the answers I am supposed to know. Usually people like me (rookies) get to do a party or two with a trainer before they are thrown to the wolves themselves.... but not me - I get to go it alone - my first flight is solo... :) we shall see:)

go order something... www.my.tupperware.com/juliamayhew

The cabin

Ronnie and I went to a cabin in the Blue Ridge mtns this weekend (really just Sunday night and all day Monday since he was off for President's day - but I like to pretend it was the whole weekend!) and had a BLAST! I have to tell ya the story though, and will provide pictures as time allows this week - I have a lot of teaching and stuff this week... so I might be slow - but I promise they will come eventually, they are too good not to share!

The cabin was so cute - it was a one bedroom little cottage - mostly brown as cabins should be. The decorations were very.. umm.. "cabinesque" (is that a word??? it is now). the kitchen was perfect! (It even had an OVEN!!!!! AHHHH!!!!) The view was nice out the windows and one of my favorite things was the swing on the front porch! I think it was possibly the first time Ronnie and I have ever been on a swing together (yeah, we are new at all this married stuff.) The back porch had great places to sit and stuff (we didn't spend much time on the back porch, but I am sharing the experience with you guys). There was a fire pit out in the driveway and looked like it would be a lot of fun to sit around and have a campfire - - but to us, it seemed like too much work for this weekend!!! Basically, the whole cabin was adorable!! I couldn't have asked for a better place for us to relax! However, I have to tell ya the scary part for me. As I walked into the living room, in the floor was a HUGE bear skin rug. I am talking about one with the head and claws still attached. OH MY GOSH! I don't think I have ever seen one in person before! So, in order to avoid the view of this, I looked up on top of the TV and there was a "bobcattish" thing. Not the whole animal, it was the head, attached to a board of some sort. The mouth was formed as if it were coming OUT of the board! It looked so mean. There was a stuffed owl sitting next to the bobcat, a duck, skunk skin, raccoon skin and two deer heads on the wall. (one of those deer was in the bedroom.... I STRUGGLED to sleep when I first laid down!! but then the bed was QUITE comfy - and it was raining on the tin roof... so the struggling was very short lived as you can imagine). It was kinda funny I was so jumpy the first 30 minutes we were there because I just kept wondering where the next animal was going to be hanging around!!! On the back porch, there was an Elk... AN ELK!!!! Other random skins were laying around as decoration on the tables etc. etc. Once I got over the shock... I realized that this is what you put in cabins... It was just that I had never really been in a REAL cabin. The ones I usually stayed in were the type that we had at Kids Kamp or Youth camp or something.. basically a wooden building with rows of bunk beds... I was welcomed into the world of cabins with a few animals... :)

Now, I love animals - outside. I particularly love dogs (esp. my poop-recruiting-Ziba... but that is another story). I think bears are cute from a LONG distance. I like to watch birds fly over head and here in VA I always notice when the skunks have gone on to the stinky place in the sky and give ample respect! HOWEVER, there were a lot of animals!

Anyway, I will finish this by saying that once I got over the initial surprise... I really LOVED the weekend with my man! The owners of the cabin let us ride their 4-wheelers, and other than the one time I got stuck and Ronnie had to save me (my hero!!) it was all so much fun I had no desire whatsoever to leave that mountain home with the animals. I have to admit that I never got around to actually stepping on the bear-skin rug. I bumped the edges a few times but promptly moved away from it. But other than that.... I really got used to the animals faster than I thought I would. Maybe it was more that I was finally away with my husband. No cell phones. No internet. Lots of movies. Antenna TV. the first day was cloudy (REALLY FOGGY) - and a wonderful time of necessary cuddling and cooking together while watching movies. The second day was as clear as could be with perfect weather to layer up and go ride the 4 wheelers. It was a little muddy but not so much that we were getting stuck every few minutes or anything.

I really LOVED the weekend! I really can't wait for another time to get away like that. It was a perfect get-away for us and the perfect time!

Snowy Valentines

Well, in southern VA we woke up this morning to a white Valentines day! The only other time in mylife I experienced this was in Germany in 2004. I remember going for a long snowy walk in the woods with my German family that day, and have some great memories even from that one walk! As well as some fun pictures:) I do sometimes miss my "other home" a.k.a. Deutschland. While it was oen of the hardest years of my life, it was also one of the ones with the best memories. Isn't that how life usually is? the really hard things, when you look back at them, are the ones where we learned the most, and in turn enjoyed at least some aspect of it?

So, today, I went for a walk in the woods. My brother said he wanted to see some snow, so I took some pictures. I had Germany flashbacks while Ziba and I explored the white wonderland that is behind my house. I did some thinking while walking, and while I don't want to put you all through the depths of my brain (I don't even know that I understand what all goes on in there sometimes!) I did think a bit on, well, being someone's Valentine. Last year, Ronnie and I were just getting this adventure started - however he sent me a HUGE box to the church I was singing at in Missouri. It was the day that my director realized I wasn't going to be on the road much longer, it was the first time in my life that Valentines day was really something that I thought might not be complete torture (the rest of my life it had pretty much always been Single Awareness Day) -

This morning, I woke up to two little boxes from our local jeweler. Once again, small shiny objects amaze me and make my man stand out in the crowd. I got a necklace and earrings with pearls :) YEA! I realize we are newlyweds and all - but I have to give my man props for that:)

I got him, well, a card, M&Ms and heart shaped pancakes... hmm.. I think I was outdone - luckily, I think we were both ok with that:)

Back to the point, to be his Valentine - to love him more than any other woman on earth, in a way that no other woman could ever love him - to make him feel special every day, not just 2/14 - To be sure that he knows he is my hero and I choose him over everyone else on the planet! - whew - being a valentine has a lot of responsibility - - 365 (366 this year) days a year!... I am not sure how good I do all the time.. but I am trying to learn to be a good Valentine. all the time. because I KNOW I sure am married to a romantic man. :)

So, Happy Valentines to all my "coupled" friends. And Happy Single Awareness to all my "Single" friends - please know that you too are loved!!!

Most of all - Happy Valentine's Day to my Valentine :) I love you sweetie.

** edited** As I arrived to pick up my Valentine for our very romantic meeting with the CPA for our taxes today, My man got in the car with some red tulips, a sweet card, and a bar of Toblerone (possibly the BEST chocolate in the world!) What a man What a man What a might fine man!!!

$24

Shopping for my man never ceases to amaze me. I heard abotu JC Penny's great sales this week, so I thought I would go by and see what was going on. I found some great deals.

Now, if I were to go shopping for deals, and they were all picked over (because I am always the last to know about good deals). I wouldn't find ANYTHING for me. The leftovers just dont fit my body.... ever.

However, for my man - shopping was no problem - three XL shirts. one 5.97, one 6.97 and one 9.99. $24 (regularly $102 for the group combined). And I was out of there! 20 minutes!!!!

He hasn't tried any of them on, he only looked at them because I got them out of the bag and made him look. It must be so awesome for clothes to be that simple. See something, buy it - wear it - no worries about it being to big in the waist, to short, to low-cut, to high. Just see an XL - buy it - wear it. sigh....

Birthday memories

So Saturday, my wonderful husband turned 26. (Yes I am older than he is). We started the day with just some time together. We didn't have a particular time that we needed to do anything in the morning. I made him pancakes and bacon - we sat around and did a lot of nothing for the morning. We just had a relaxing Saturday morning in February!

For lunch, we went to the Japanese restaurant here in town and had a fun little date - we didn't even have to share our table with anyone! It was just me and my man (and the Japanese chef).

We then went to his parents house and shot guns for the afternoon (it was a BOY birthday for sure:)) however I enjoyed shooting the pistols and rifles too. (Watch out when ya come around the Mayhew house:) hehehehe).

On another topic - we did not win the grand prize for the k-love contest - however, I am sure the couple that did win are very qualified to be winning. So I am not jealous. At. All. I mean, after all, how romantic IS a love song written completely about your love story? hehehe..

I am teaching the next two weeks on prayer at WCA. I feel so under qualified for this - however - I also feel that God has placed me in a position to learn as well at teach. So, here I go. Teaching high school students how to pray, why we pray, who prayed in the Bible and what did that accomplish. Hmm....... I was suppsoed to start today, but with the wind and all, school was delayed 2 hours. (For those in the midwest - I am sure you guys don't get to cancel or delay school for wind advisory huh? Well. Sorry)

I have heard lately about the "women of faith" conferences that are going on these days. I really want to go to one of those. I guess I am going to have to google the conference myself to see when they are coming close to VA. or anywhere else I can get a cheap flight to.

Gotta go clean my house - sorry this post was so, well, random - my brain is running in circles with lots of stuff to do:)

Veterans day and beyond

Isn't it wonderful to have a day to relax? First of all, I have to brag on my man... (you know how it goes). He knew we had been so crazy busy that the house had gotten a bit out of control.... So, Sunday afternoon, when I had a bridal shower and other party to attend, he started the cleaning! He had the bathroom, living room and our bedroom done by the time I got back... we went to church, but afterwards I wasn't feeling too well. He finished up what he had started before he went to bed even "swiffering" everything befor he slept! How blessed I am!!! So, yesterday morning, when I had planned to spend the whole day cleaning... He and I worked to finish dishes, and got the clothes cycles started - then we had time to do other stuff! We went on a Bike ride that ended up being longer than either of us expected. We just kept taking some extra routes along the way, and it ended up leading to QUITE a few fun hills to climb... We needed the exercise though:) (trust me!) We also went and took some pics that I may use on a Christmas card, or, on second thought, maybe I will just post them here and say Merry Christmas when the time is right - who knows:) But with the beautiful colors on the trees here in Southern Va, the pics are WONDERFUL. At least they look that way on my camera, I haven't had the chance to load them to my pc yet - maybe I will add them to this blog later.

We then went to use a gift card left over from the wedding, to buy some Christmas decorations. I have never had to decorate a house for Christmas before - so, needless to say - my decoration options are limited. I am so excited about decorating my own house this year though! Hmmm... where do I start?? That is a blog for another day I am sure.

The end result - a wonderful day honoring and rembering our veterans spending time with my husband...

I want to note as well that my family has been blessed with people that have served our country in the military. Both of my grandfathers fought in the Korean conflict. My uncle served in the Coast Guard and passed away while on the Presidential honor guard in Washington D.C. and of course you all know that my brother is currently serving in the middle east today. Thank God for an "all volunteer" army that has stood for over 250 years protecting our freedoms... because as we all have heard many times... our freedom is not free - it comes with a GREAT pricetag of blood being shed....