Conversation

Every Wednesday night, I take the boys and we go to church. We have a gathering that night called 2:42. Members and visitors get together to have dinner and then proceed to a small group bible discussion afterward. Our boys go to what is called Cadets. It is basically cub scouts for Christ and our boys LOVE it. Instead of going to small groups, I go to praise practice. I am so blessed to be a part of this group that leads our congregation in worship that I just get lost in the moment and enjoy every single second of it.

However, the most exciting part of my night this past Wednesday was having such a wonderful conversation with someone. It was with my Pastor Chad. Now, first I must say that I know allot of people are thinking, "Wow, that must have been boring." Well, if you thought that, then you do not know him.

When I was growing up I went to a different church and the pastor that preached at the church was nice and approachable but not like Chad. Pastors like Chad are a gift from God and I believe Chad has something that a lot of pastors don't...he can connect to anyone, no matter who you are and what your situation is....he gets you, he accepts you for who you are and loves you through the good kind of love. The love of Christ.

I talked to Chad for a least a half an hour about the most random things and it was so FUN!!! You know, I think most people think that pastors are intimidating but I have never felt that way around him. He is just like every normal person. He likes to watch TV, he is probably the biggest Cubs fan I have ever come across,we talked about politics, he helped me with an upcoming Sunday school class my husband and I teach. We talked about our kids, Santa Claus, and music. It was so refreshing to talk to him. And it wasn't like I was having a meeting with him. We were just gabbing in the front area of the church where every likes to congregate.

I am telling you, God has blessed our church with the most wonderful pastor. I could not tell you the last time I heard someone tell me how their pastor spent 30 minutes of his or hers time to just chat. I know Chad is busy, and he could of been doing something else but he wasn't. I have so much respect for him and it just amazing the people that God has put in my life.

Name change

I went to the social security office and the license branch today. Why did I go? To officially change my last name!!! This was probably one of the most exciting days since my wedding. I was so excited to go and do all this today. I was warned by some girls I work with, who recently got married as well, that there is a very long wait at the social security office so I went prepared with a book. I got there, took my number, which was 82 and sat down. When I sat down, they called out number 78. I was only 4 people behind that number. I could not believe my luck!!! I was there maybe 15 minutes and I was done. She took all my information and the form I filled out, told me I would receive my new card in the mail in 5-7 days and sent me on my way. Before I left, I thanked the lady who had helped me and jokingly said, "Since that was so painless, do you think you can call the BMV and tell them how you all at this office get through people waiting so quick!!" She laughed and thanked me for the compliment.

So, later on the way to the BMV I am praying that I am not going to be in there for hours. This is the day they are open late so everyone goes in there it seems like. I get there, expect to see crowds of people and there are like ten people there. I check in, the lady takes my information and tells me to take a seat and that they will call my name when they are ready for me. Call my name? No number system? Wow, the BMV is getting pretty personal these days. I wait about 5 minutes (I don't even think it was that long) and they call my name. I give her all my paperwork, sign my forms, pay my ten dollars and proceed to get my picture taken. I get that taken and wait another few minutes and she hands me my new license with my new last name and I am done!!!!!!

I can't believe how blessed I have been today. God knows how impatient I am and I am so thankful he was watching over me today and my sanity :)

The dog incident

Our family got a dog last Friday. He is an adorable little beagle named Nickel.
So, Jerrod and the boys went to get the dog while I was at work. When I got home, the boys were out on a walk with him. About 15 minutes after I arrived home, our oldest son came home sobbing that they had lost Nickel, he had gotten loose. All the boys were freaking out so we went out on a search for him. Seeing as how he is a beagle, we did not panic so much because he has a good sniffer. Well, after about a half hour of searching, I start panicking that he was going to get hurt so I went and got in my car and went around the subdivision hunting that way instead of on foot. We live in a large subdivision so I knew it would not be easy to find him. I finally came to a county road that separates our subdivision and another subdivision. I heard him barking and spotted him in a yard next to the road I was on. I got out of my car and called him. He walked over to me slowly, I was about ready to grab him when he ran off down the middle of the road. I got back in my car to get him when I saw another car coming down the road. I was freaking out thinking he was going to get hit so I proceeded to put my car in park and get out to save him when I realized I did not put my car in park but but it in reverse. As I got out of my car, the door hit me and knocked me to the ground and the car ran over my leg. The whole time I was crying and screaming and did not realize the other car was Jerrod's. He had grabbed Nickel and was not paying too much attention to why I was screaming. He later told me he thought I was screaming to get the dog. So, the car is going around in circles and I realize it was headed towards me. I do not know how, but I got up and ran to stop my car and then was in so much pain I fell on the ground and was screaming help very loudly. Jerrod hears me and comes over to my car, the lady who's yard Nickel was in comes out and another car coming our way stops. She calls 911, Jerrod is freaking out and trying to hold the dog. The ambulance comes, I am in extreme pain. They put me in the ambulance, start me on pain medication and have to cut my pants off of me so they do not put me in any more pain. I get to the hospital, Jerrod is there waiting for me and they take ex rays and all that. After waiting, the doctor comes back, surprised that I didn't break anything and releases me. I have no broken bones, just severe bruising and crushed nerves in my foot. I returned home, the boys and the dog were happy to see me. The boys wanted the full story and I am now the household hero for saving Nickel. Nickel was and still is very protective of me. We think he witnessed the whole thing. As much as I was in pain then and still am, it is interesting to look back to see what happened. I was just worried about the dog and how the boys would feel had something happened to him. As a mother, you always put others needs first in your family. I am so happy the dog is safe and I am not in as bad of shape as I could have been. I am sure we will be telling this story to our grandchildren. The story about their grandmother, the dog hero :) :) :)

Black Friday

It is the biggest shopping day of the year and I am at work. Not complaining though, I am not a big shopper. Ask my in-laws. My mother in-law and sister in-law were up at the crack of dawn to go shopping. I just don't get what the big deal is about Black Friday. They were kind of horrified that their new daughter in-law despises shopping. I think it is amusing how much the two of them get geared up for this day. Makes me chuckle a bit because I would never subject myself to the hours of lines you have to wait in today. I do not want to go shopping with the whole city of Lafayette (who I am pretty sure I would have been shopping with had I chose to go shopping this morning). I would rather shop online or go shopping on a weekday where I am not fighting with some caffeine crazed mother over an Elmo doll :)

I am looking forward to Christmas this year and getting things for the family. I just may have to find alternate ways of getting their presents :) HO HO HO Merrrryyyyyyy Christmas!!!!!

It is official!!!!

Well everyone, it is official. Jerrod and I were married on Sunday, November 18th, 2007. It is amazing all the anticipation that lead up to it for it to be over so fast. It was definitely worth it. There were no big mishaps, unless you count our ring bearer throwing a fit down the aisle and swinging the pillow :) It was to be expected, it was his nap time!!!! The cake at the reception was absolutely gorgeous. Pastor Chad married us and I can't wait to get the DVD that was recorded to take a look at it. I don't remember everything because I was so overwhelmed. For all of you who went, I thank you for blessing us with attendance on a day when we became one under God. Thank you for supporting us and looking out for us as we start our life together.