Thursday, October 17, 2013
Busy Girl
It's really fun being able to get to almost all of Erin's extra curricular activities! Sheridan and I just pack up and we're there! Last week we got to watch the homecoming parade...a small town event (down one road by the school) but it was fun to be out and about. The following Tuesday we spent the day in Russellville watching her compete in the district tennis tournament. She and her partner won a match! It's great to live in a small town, it's great to be free to go and do, and it's great to watch my girl have fun being a teen!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
TWENTY ONE YEARS
Today is 10/10. Twenty one years ago it was a beautiful fall Saturday! We had our wedding rehearsal with all our friends in the morning, the guys and girls split up during the early afternoon hours. Guys played golf, girls when to a luncheon. Then we met up at our house to watch the Hogs play Tennessee. The game ran late and we all hustled over to the church for pictures and a beautiful wedding at 6pm.
In light of how long the wedding lasted, maybe a 20 min ceremony and a 2 hour reception, it was just a blip on the screen of our life.
We're very blessed to have a great marriage. We don't take a lick of credit for it either. God saved us from some horrible decisions and a life of regret. He gave us mentors, materials and just enough common sense to use them. He has taken our strengths and weaknesses and made us better because we are now one instead of two. Not every day has been great, but we certainly recognize that it's our choice whether to come out of the bad days better, or worse.
My tips to having a happy marriage:
1. Do stuff together. Anything. Working in the yard, watching movies, planning meals, cooking, taking a walk, etc. I like my time alone, but I love my time spent as a couple.
2. Laugh at yourself. This is hardest for me, I hate being wrong and I hate doing dumb stuff. The older I get, the more I do of both! If I'm uptight, can't accept my weaknesses, and make him walk around on egg shells around me, it's going to be tough for everyone. This doesn't mean I give up on things I need to work on, but it does mean, I can take a joke and I can admit when I'm wrong. (full disclosure...this is what I know to do, not always what I do at first)
3. Don't hold a grudge. Not worth it. I've never experienced a good outcome from holding a grudge, and I've tried it many times. If it needs to be talked about, worked on...deal with it. If it doesn't, then let it go.
4. NEVER say anything negative about your spouse in public. There's no need. There's no benefit. You're supposed to be his partner and his best friend. Do not sow seeds of discontent or ill placed humor. It digs and it's ugly.
5. Respect your spouse. I think I respect Richard, but when he changed jobs, I lost track of all he was doing, I didn't understand it, and I stopped asking him how things were going. Men's jobs are a critical part of who they are, how they identify themselves. Even though he was happy and productive, when I basically ignored this part of his life, I was demonstrating my lack of respect for what he was doing 8 hours a day or more. Build up your man. It's for everyone and you'll be the benefactor.
6. Raise your kids together. Talk it out, plan it out, parent together. Kids are gifts from God that He picked for you to raise. He gave them to you both and they will pick up positives and negatives from you both. They are a reflection of you both. Work together. There are times they need dad, there are times they need mom, but they ALWAYS need to know you are a TEAM. This is the number one part of their self worth, self value and security...no matter what anyone else says.
7. Don't leave out Jesus. Seriously, you cannot do life without Him. He is peace, comfort, wisdom and love. Do not strike out on your own. Stay in church, keep your kids in church. Even if your church is not doing it like you think they should. If the Bible is open and being taught then tough it out and stay involved. You are the primary spiritual leaders for your kids. Give them some hope, lead them to LIFE.
8. Eat at the table. And if possible, make your table big enough for everyone and guests too. There's a million reasons for this...but if you do it, you will NEVER regret one dirty dish that makes it happen.
9. Give when you don't feel like it. This is choosing to love. No matter what they need or when they need it. If it's not breaking a law or breaking you, give. The offerings we give of ourselves when we don't feel like it, are the ones that really count. It's not easy...that's why it's called sacrifice.
10. Play games. This may involve turning off the tv. Learn to win, lose, encourage, and laugh together. You need it, your kids need it and you'll be better for it. I don't know exactly why on this one, but it works. When we first got married we played monopoly. We lived in the littlest apartment in the smallest town in the Delta, we had an infant, and we were poor. One time Richard beat me in a game of Monopoly in 15 minutes. You have to know this is a record in anyone's books. How humiliating. I didn't play another game with him for a year. Stupid pride. I missed out on one on one time with him. The next year we had moved, had another baby, and he had a 60 hour a week job. It would be some time before board games and one on one time was available again.
In light of how long the wedding lasted, maybe a 20 min ceremony and a 2 hour reception, it was just a blip on the screen of our life.
We're very blessed to have a great marriage. We don't take a lick of credit for it either. God saved us from some horrible decisions and a life of regret. He gave us mentors, materials and just enough common sense to use them. He has taken our strengths and weaknesses and made us better because we are now one instead of two. Not every day has been great, but we certainly recognize that it's our choice whether to come out of the bad days better, or worse.
My tips to having a happy marriage:
1. Do stuff together. Anything. Working in the yard, watching movies, planning meals, cooking, taking a walk, etc. I like my time alone, but I love my time spent as a couple.
2. Laugh at yourself. This is hardest for me, I hate being wrong and I hate doing dumb stuff. The older I get, the more I do of both! If I'm uptight, can't accept my weaknesses, and make him walk around on egg shells around me, it's going to be tough for everyone. This doesn't mean I give up on things I need to work on, but it does mean, I can take a joke and I can admit when I'm wrong. (full disclosure...this is what I know to do, not always what I do at first)
3. Don't hold a grudge. Not worth it. I've never experienced a good outcome from holding a grudge, and I've tried it many times. If it needs to be talked about, worked on...deal with it. If it doesn't, then let it go.
4. NEVER say anything negative about your spouse in public. There's no need. There's no benefit. You're supposed to be his partner and his best friend. Do not sow seeds of discontent or ill placed humor. It digs and it's ugly.
5. Respect your spouse. I think I respect Richard, but when he changed jobs, I lost track of all he was doing, I didn't understand it, and I stopped asking him how things were going. Men's jobs are a critical part of who they are, how they identify themselves. Even though he was happy and productive, when I basically ignored this part of his life, I was demonstrating my lack of respect for what he was doing 8 hours a day or more. Build up your man. It's for everyone and you'll be the benefactor.
6. Raise your kids together. Talk it out, plan it out, parent together. Kids are gifts from God that He picked for you to raise. He gave them to you both and they will pick up positives and negatives from you both. They are a reflection of you both. Work together. There are times they need dad, there are times they need mom, but they ALWAYS need to know you are a TEAM. This is the number one part of their self worth, self value and security...no matter what anyone else says.
7. Don't leave out Jesus. Seriously, you cannot do life without Him. He is peace, comfort, wisdom and love. Do not strike out on your own. Stay in church, keep your kids in church. Even if your church is not doing it like you think they should. If the Bible is open and being taught then tough it out and stay involved. You are the primary spiritual leaders for your kids. Give them some hope, lead them to LIFE.
8. Eat at the table. And if possible, make your table big enough for everyone and guests too. There's a million reasons for this...but if you do it, you will NEVER regret one dirty dish that makes it happen.
9. Give when you don't feel like it. This is choosing to love. No matter what they need or when they need it. If it's not breaking a law or breaking you, give. The offerings we give of ourselves when we don't feel like it, are the ones that really count. It's not easy...that's why it's called sacrifice.
10. Play games. This may involve turning off the tv. Learn to win, lose, encourage, and laugh together. You need it, your kids need it and you'll be better for it. I don't know exactly why on this one, but it works. When we first got married we played monopoly. We lived in the littlest apartment in the smallest town in the Delta, we had an infant, and we were poor. One time Richard beat me in a game of Monopoly in 15 minutes. You have to know this is a record in anyone's books. How humiliating. I didn't play another game with him for a year. Stupid pride. I missed out on one on one time with him. The next year we had moved, had another baby, and he had a 60 hour a week job. It would be some time before board games and one on one time was available again.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Girls Night
Sweet time on Saturday night: It was Lauren's first weekend home, Erin had no plans (she had been at all-region try outs ALL day), and Sheridan and I were itching for their company. We pulled out the couch (fun time meter) watched Princess Diaries (for the millionth time), watched the second half of the HOGS game, and made s'mores over candles).
Friday, October 4, 2013
School Days
I love our days together. Quiet and peaceful, full of laughter and lessons, the days never drag and we get a lot done in a short amount of time. I am noticing and appreciate the little things about this girl and am enjoying watching her be challenged. I don't think everyone should homeschool, I'm certainly not an activist, but I am thankful and confident we made the right decision.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Relevant School Work
Sheridan's History and Geography course is covering the ancient Middle East and Asia right now. It's a good discussion about where the cradle of civilization is and what kind of activity is happening there now. She's doing great with the map work and even with all the crazy pronunciations. But as much culture as she's getting there, I realized she needed to learn a little bit closer to home.
So here we have a little Arkansas geography and an art project to boot. 
Razorback = Fayetteville
Heart = Home
Christmas Tree = Grandma and Grandpa
Fish = Mimi and Gramps
Star = Little Rock
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
OCTOBER 2, 2013
Today was a very normal day...I've been home with Sheridan, Richard flew in from TN, I had dental work done, and we had choir at church tonight.
However, it's what happened around us that is a reason to record the day:
1. Mom went to the doctor today for a report on her surgery Monday...AND they believe they got ALL THE CANCER. PRAISE THE LORD! This is amazing and a REAL reason to get regular tests. (I'll admit, I need an appointment) It was wear pink day at school for Erin...for breast cancer awareness.
2. Tonight I got this text:
OPEN! OPEN! As in, our home is approved and open to adopt children. I'm actually going to an adoption fair this weekend. Adoption Fair: A party of sorts where foster families bring their foster children and prospective families visit with them. The fair is in Conway.
God is on His throne. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. NOTHING can separate us from His love. He is a shelter for those who take refuge in Him. JESUS is the sweetest name I know.
However, it's what happened around us that is a reason to record the day:
1. Mom went to the doctor today for a report on her surgery Monday...AND they believe they got ALL THE CANCER. PRAISE THE LORD! This is amazing and a REAL reason to get regular tests. (I'll admit, I need an appointment) It was wear pink day at school for Erin...for breast cancer awareness.
2. Tonight I got this text:
OPEN! OPEN! As in, our home is approved and open to adopt children. I'm actually going to an adoption fair this weekend. Adoption Fair: A party of sorts where foster families bring their foster children and prospective families visit with them. The fair is in Conway.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Closer than you think
-this blog post is from our Rhea Lana blog. It was easier to write about this for our business blog, than for my own. I'm so thankful for the ending of the story, that is, that God has us all in His hands and that we believe in His sovereignty in all situations.
Reality Check: It Could Happen to You
Last week my mom and dad sat in a doctor’s office (the kind with a desk and chairs) and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a mammogram, they called her for a second look, and the doctor saw a dark spot that he wanted to see closer. After a needle biopsy he used the c-word and said they needed to do an MRI to see how much there was and how far it had gone. Our lives shifted on this day.
We know that breast cancer is a possibility with us both, as my aunt is a 15 year survivor, and my cousin is a 2 year breast cancer survivor. Although I’ve prayed for my family and for other families over the years, it never was quite so personal. My mom is my best friend. She’s loved me the longest of anyone on the planet.
If you ever wondered why October is breast cancer awareness month here it is: Breast cancer is a possibility with all of us: whether your family has a history or not, no matter your age or the size of your breasts. Breast Cancer does not distinguish among races or education or wealth. And the reason we seem to celebrate it in October, with pink EVERYTHING, is so you will take notice and make sure you’re doing your part to get regular check ups and pay attention. No one can make you have a mammogram, so they’re trying to get your attention so you’ll do it yourself.
My mom did this and so far we have a happy ending for our story. They caught her cancer very early. The MRI showed one other spot and they took this offending knot out yesterday. The doctor thinks that he may have gotten all of it. We are even unsure if she will have radiation as a preventative measure! Due to her being diligent, and her willingness to be uncomfortable (I mean, mammograms aren’t fun), she may have saved her life. We won’t know for a few days what her prognosis is, but we are thankful for doctors and nurses who are out there and know about how to detect what we cannot see.
Do this for yourself and for your family. Contact your insurance agent to see if there are funds to help you pay for a mammogram.
This month, I’ll be wearing pink and giving thanks for my mom who made her appointment and found out early. ~ Jennifer, owner Rhea Lana’s of Russellville
And if you’re worried about the pain…here’s a funny video from ABC about all the things we ladies do that are MUCH more painful than a mammogram including getting tattoos, wearing high heels, and lip waxing…
We know that breast cancer is a possibility with us both, as my aunt is a 15 year survivor, and my cousin is a 2 year breast cancer survivor. Although I’ve prayed for my family and for other families over the years, it never was quite so personal. My mom is my best friend. She’s loved me the longest of anyone on the planet.
If you ever wondered why October is breast cancer awareness month here it is: Breast cancer is a possibility with all of us: whether your family has a history or not, no matter your age or the size of your breasts. Breast Cancer does not distinguish among races or education or wealth. And the reason we seem to celebrate it in October, with pink EVERYTHING, is so you will take notice and make sure you’re doing your part to get regular check ups and pay attention. No one can make you have a mammogram, so they’re trying to get your attention so you’ll do it yourself.
My mom did this and so far we have a happy ending for our story. They caught her cancer very early. The MRI showed one other spot and they took this offending knot out yesterday. The doctor thinks that he may have gotten all of it. We are even unsure if she will have radiation as a preventative measure! Due to her being diligent, and her willingness to be uncomfortable (I mean, mammograms aren’t fun), she may have saved her life. We won’t know for a few days what her prognosis is, but we are thankful for doctors and nurses who are out there and know about how to detect what we cannot see.
Do this for yourself and for your family. Contact your insurance agent to see if there are funds to help you pay for a mammogram.
This month, I’ll be wearing pink and giving thanks for my mom who made her appointment and found out early. ~ Jennifer, owner Rhea Lana’s of Russellville
And if you’re worried about the pain…here’s a funny video from ABC about all the things we ladies do that are MUCH more painful than a mammogram including getting tattoos, wearing high heels, and lip waxing…
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