A Family that Needs Your Prayers - The Sullivans

About 3 months ago I came across a blog, randomly, through Facebook. It was the blog of Brady, Sara, and newborn baby girl Chloe Sullivan. That day, I read the current blog, then through tears went back and read (and re-read) it from the very beginning. I don't think I can even begin to retell the story of the past 10-11 months of their life. I will say that sadly, the day I found the blog was Monday, September 21st, 1 day before Sara passed on from this life to be with the Lord. I'm not sure that I've ever prayed so hard in such a short period of time, and I don't even personally know this family (although after 3 months of following, I feel like I do). Brady, and Chloe seem to have LOTS of support and prayers and I think Brady seems to be doing an AWESOME job as 'Mommy' and 'Daddy'. As he says, they're getting used to the 'new normal', but I know they will needs lots of prayers and encouragement especially through the Christmas season. So, if you don't mind, take the time and read their story and offer up some prayers for this family.

http://bandssullivan.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday, Chadd!!

Another year in the books for my sweet husband. Today is Chadd's 31st birthday. While he's a little sensitive about it and doesn't care much to be reminded that he can tack on another year, I want to celebrate that he gets to add that year! Might sound cliche, but I truely think he gets better every year. He really is such a good husband! I'm very, VERY blessed. I Love You, Chadd! Happy Birthday :)

Oh yeah, and I'm now SEVEN years younger than you :p ....for a week anyway.

Hey Auburn...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FPSB9N_Crs

On Black Friday, instead of shopping, my family got together for a yummy Thanksgiving meal and some ALABAMA Football! I wasn't crazy about the idea of the Iron Bowl being on Friday this year, but it worked out as the family was together and we are huge Crimson Tide fans; the important ones of us anyway ;). Mom & Jamie chose to watch in a different room. We told them to come on in and watch with us, but they were scared (ha). I have to say Auburn played a great game, as expected. Now, on to the SEC Championship this weekend!!

Also, after the game baby Chloe must have been excited, too, because I got to feel her kicking in Kriston's stomach for the first time!! That made my day as much as the family time and the game :). God is good.

I Am Thankful...

For a husband that is my best friend; that misses me as much when he's away as I miss him; a husband that likes my cooking, tells everyone so, and eats everything even when I do double salt the green beans and try creations like hamburger pie; a husband that has a gentle enough heart to never say a harsh word to me even on THAT day in the month when almost everything sends me into a complete furry or turns me into a complete basket case; a husband that will watch my shows with me (Although if I forget to turn on Desparate Housewives he reminds me its on...for my sake of course) without complaining and even watches mine first and records his for later; a husband that loves our families, our Ellie and our God with all his heart.

For parents that raised me to believe that nothing in this life matters more than a relationship with Christ and that all other aspects "will be worked for good" when He is at the center of my life; parents that are unconditionally loving and forgiving; that have made more sacrifices for their children than any other parents that I personally know; for parents that still snuggle on the couch together, take weekend trips away together, hold hands, and worship the Lord together; parents that have set an amazing model of marriage and parenthood for us; parents that are 2 of my best friends.

For 1 big brother and 2 little sisters that 'booby-trapped' my room, shaved my barbies heads, stole all my clothes, and annoyed me to no end so that we would have a million things to talk about now; siblings that make me laugh like none other; siblings (and a sis-in-law) that tell me they love me and that I know I could count on to have my back anywhere, anytime.

For the most precious nephews and niece in the world. Jessica and I always say we could just squeeze them til their eyes pop out. I can't imagine loving my own any more than I love them. Mom has always told me I will, but I can't grasp that....yet. I love those little boogers.

For in-laws that are not just in-laws, but a whole new set of parents; parents that go above and beyond like traveling over 500 miles to see me graduate from college; parents that take care of me when Chadd is away; parents that love Ellie like she is a grandchild; parents that love me like a daughter; parents that basically love and look after the 3 of us like its their job :)

For my grandparents and all the memories I have of all of them; grandmothers that have/had a rediculous sense of humor and fire about them. I'd like to think I got a little of that; Grandads that (had to :) )counterbalance that and are/were more of the quiet, but respected type...I'd like to think I have a little of that too.

For Ellie who is such a playful puppy; who is ecstatically happy to see me whether I've left her for 12 hours of work or 5 minutes to get a gallon of milk; who I can't help but love like crazy even when she finishes off the last shoe I own and decides to eat all the Christmas presents wrapped under the tree.

For a super-close extended family (Chadd's and mine) and cousins that I consider to be more like sisters.

For my bosses and friends that trust me with their sweet, sweet babies everyday and have adopted me into their family.

For 'forever friends' from both high school and college that I hope will always feel like brothers and sisters to me.

For health.

For the fact that I still get to sit and talk to my MawMaw and Grandaddy in their kitchen, or on their front or back porch.

For not 1, but TWO absolutely amazing church families; one that will always be 'home' and another that has become my new home.

For girls' nights with friends from church that apparently all of us needed.

For seasons. I love them all...well, Winter is more like a "like", than a love. :)

For the blessing of the ability to be able to give a little back.

For baby gates and nap times that help keep my sanity.

For a second job, teaching, that is teaching me patience...lots and lots of patience.

For a career path for Chadd that, inspite of being less than ideal, is one that he LOVES. Its means a lot if you can love your job. (What boy wouldn't love to be a pilot?!)

For my husband and all other military men and women that serve our country.

For other military wives and families that 'have been there'.

For everything Christmas: the spirit, the music, the smells...

Most of all, I am thankful for a God that loves me unconditionally in spite of my short falls and a God that has a plan and purpose for my life much greater than I can ever imagine.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2 Years Ago Today

God allowed me to marry the man of dreams. I'm so thankful for you, Chadd. I love "us".

Its not possible to blog without pictures so here are some memories:

Engagement

THE Dress...Check.

Marriage License...Check.

I Do! I Do!...Check.

Food...Check.

Mrs. & Mrs....Check.

I love you, husband!

My Love Has a New Love

That's right, Chadd finally got his bass boat. I say 'his' because we're getting 'mine' later :) Ok, probably not. Not until this one has run its course anyway. Chadd has always wanted a bass boat. Me, I wanted more of a ski/party barge boat to take out all of the friends that Chadd informed me "we don't have" since becoming an old married couple. ha! I have to admit, I do love this boat though. I think we'd both love any boat that'll get us out on the water.

We took Ellie out the day after we got it. She was scared at first, but she did pretty well...until the pelicans. We were running about 60 mph across Week's Bay and she spotted a few pelicans and seagulls sitting on some posts. Not good. As they flew off, she suddenly forgot where she was and tried to chase them like she does all the birds in our yard. Thankfully, we had her leash on. It took Chadd and I both grabbing it and yanking her back to keep her from comitting suicide, a few times. It was pretty funny, once she was safe of course.

We are excited about getting to enjoy it some and being able to take family and friends for rides...I mean, fishing trips. A few more weeks and you'll be able to start watching Chadd in the Bassmasters tournaments. Keep your eye out.

Philip and Mary-Claire are 1!

Happy Birthday, sweet babies!! :)

Cars...shmars

If you've talked to me lately, you know that I've not had great luck in the car department for the last ohh, 5-6 months. It started when Chadd was in Louisiana training for his new job over there. We joke that everything that happens, happens when he is gone...except its not as funny at the time!

I was heading up I-65 to Andalusia for the weekend...when my car stopped. No noise, no warning or lights--just stopped. This is the car that took me to on 100's of 9 hours road trips to Arkansas and back. It had been a GREAT car. About 5 hours and a tow truck later, I was back in Daphne. The engine had 'jumped time', 'slung a rod?'...all these things that = new engine. Sooo 7 weeks, a new engine, and a little stress later, I had my car back with the understanding that I would be driving it several more years b/c of the mulah that had to be spent on the engine.

Incident #2: I had the car back for about 6 weeks and was once again in Andalusia. I was on the road towards Evergreen and I hit a turkey buzzard! Scared me, but not a big deal. It just busted out some plastic on the front and put some long scratches on it. Just another thing.

Incident #3: 2 days after the buzzard I was at Chadd's parents. Mr. John and I were talking about how my car had obviously been hexed :). The door bell rang and Mrs. Debbie said it was for me. It was their neighbor and he pointed to my car....He then explained that his 2 boys were throwing the baseball and had shattered my windshield. I just laughed and told him not to worry, don't feel bad...it wasn't them. I've decided by now, its the car...but I still love that car.

Incident #4: Yes, there's more. Two weeks ago (one week after the windshield was fixed), Jessica and I were driving down Hwy 98 in Daphne. Ironically, we were on the way to Wal-Mart to have my oil changed. We stopped at a red light and I checked all my mirrors (habit); and I saw it...a girl coming up behind us, full speed, and looking over her shoulder. I couldn't speak, so I just grabbed Jessica and Wham! She rear-ended us. I'm very thankful I didn't in turn hit the car in front of me and VERY thankful that everyone was ok, as she had her 1 yr. old daughter with her who we are fairly sure wasn't in a car seat. Jessica took a good lick to her head...but you never know; that probably did her some good :).

So, the last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of insurance adjusters, mechanics, rental cars, and car salesmen because, yes, it was totalled and I don't get to drive it several more years after all.
I've tried not to be stressed. I know its just a thing; things happen; and in the big scheme of life, its not a big deal. It could have been far worse and it wasn't. I guess its just mentally exhausting. I mean, 5 months of this stuff!

I think maybe it wasn't the car, but God telling us that Chadd just needs to come home ;) Yeah, I'll go with that.

The Adventures of Philip and Mary-Claire

Philip and Mary-Claire are a set of twins that I get to keep everyday. I first started keeping them at 6 weeks old...they will be 11 months next week! They are growing so fast! They've both begun crawling now, usually in opposite directions, so I just about need nap time when they do. They are so much fun and getting to be so "curious". Here are a few pictures to enjoy:

Oh No He Didn't!

Mmm...We love sweet potatoes!

Sometimes...

Philip after a stroll. He's thinking, "Really? That's it? 3 miles is all you've got?"

The instigator

But she jumped right in





The Great Escape

Held

I posted the lyrics below because they are from a favorite song of mine that has recently come to mean so much more. A couple of weeks ago I attended the funeral of Eli Paher, the newborn son of David and Philena Paher in Andalusia. I can try to imagine but can't begin to understand what they are going through. I will never forget the image of that sweet little baby wearing a onesie that said "Worth the Wait". How fitting. I have thought about it a million times a day the last few weeks. We were never promised to live a trial free life, but that when those things do come, God is faithful and we will be "Held"...and how amazing it is when trials come..and we actually do SURVIVE them. So here is a song that was just a pretty song to sing along to, that now I can't listen to without tears screaming down my face. What an impact little Eli had on me in such a short time :)

I have this song on my playlist (bottom right)...If you want to listen to it while reading the lyrics...
____________________________________

Held by Natalie Grant

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling
Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
We're asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair

[Chorus]This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held

This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow

This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held

[Bridge]If hope is born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior

This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held

This is what it means to be held.....

Ok...its only been 13 months since I started this and haven't been back on since. I don't really have ANY idea what I'm doing...but I'm s-l-o-w-l-y figuring it out now. Heather and Amanda, I JUST saw that I had two comments on my first post! Sorry about that. Thanks though :) I was excited when i saw them, ha! I have always loved making pages and putting up pictures so maybe I can get into this.

So Chadd is settled into his new job. Its been a blessing in a several ways...one of which he is away from the hospital for the most part! yay! However, we aren't exactly loving the long-distance marriage thing. I mean, didn't we do that enough while dating?? geez. I keep waiting to have a "normal" life. There's perhaps an opportunity for a change coming up sooo we are praying, praying, praying for that to pan out. Any prayers would be appreciated :) (Sorry for the vagueness. I'm a still a little leary about posting every detail, haha. Feel free to ask and I'll tell!...privately)

As for me, I'm still keeping the Cordle babies everyday. They are growing SO much. I'll have to post a picture or 2...I only have a million :) Philip has just started crawling and Mary-Claire is going to get there soon. Let the fun begin! Chadd told me this morning that Ellie's harness would probably fit Philip...might should check into that.

We're spending this weekend at the beach and I CANNOT WAIT! We're going to have a lot of "apart" time this summer and this trip is much needed. Yay! I'm so so excited! Ellie is going to spend the weekend with Flash. I always miss her so much when we leave her (which is not often for me)! Oh well, I'll manage for a few days on the beach with my Chadd to myself! Have a wonderful day! Maybe it won't be 13 months before another post. :)