Hey there, Remember me

Its been a while. In fact, its been all summer.

I apologize. I LOVE to write from my heart & I LOVE to hear your feedback, but I've just had so much to sort through & deal with lately that I haven't had much to say.

Ha Ha, imagine that. I usually have a lot to say.

But anyway, I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten you & I hope you haven't forgotten me. I'll be seeing you soon!

Country Must Be Country Wide

Its no secret that I love music. Country music, gospel music, rock-n-roll, alternative, classical, hip hop, even bluegrass music. I just love music in general. It completely depends on my mood as to what I feel like listening to.

I have been to several concerts in my life as well. My very first one was New Kids on the Block when I was about 13. There is nothing like watching an artist that you love live & in person. The energy, the excitement, the adrenaline, there's nothing like it.

Now my kids have been to MerleFest (the local bluegrass festival - it's HUGE), but they have never been to any other concert.

Well, we changed that last Sunday.

We traveled down to the Greensboro Harley Davidson for an acoustic Brantley Gilbert concert & CD signing. It wasn't a regular full fledged BG concert with all of the bells & whistles, but we had an AWESOME time! Plus we got to meet Brantley, get his autograph, & shake his hand!

This concert was part of a week long trip dubbed #AthensToArlington to celebrate the release of Brantley's 3rd album Just As I Am. During this adventure, he stopped at numerous places starting at his hometown Jefferson, GA & ending at Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day where he placed a wreath on the unknown soldier's grave. At every single stop, BG would ride his Harley in, play an acoustic set, & sign autographs, while Folds of Honor would give scholarships to families of fallen soldiers.

The biggest part of the afternoon was spent enjoying small un-discovered bands, singing, dancing, & mingling with people from all over. We enjoyed the Carri Smithey Band, but we really loved Zach Burick with Hell or High Water. They are from Rural Hall & just released A Country Boy's Dream over the weekend. Check it out!

Oh did I mention that we got to meet Zach Burick too?? Yep, we did. The guitar player even let Makenzie wear his hat!

As the evening grew later, the excitement grew stronger. We were all anxiously awaiting Brantley to ride in on his Harley! I got to see all his tour buses roll in, but I missed the Harleys. :(

Folds of Honor recognized the family of Major Larry J Bauguess Jr (no relation). He was from Moravian Falls (not far at all from us - same county) & was killed in action May 14, 2007. His daughters were awarded full scholarships to college.

As far as "seats" go (we weren't sitting), this was the closest I have ever been at a concert. We were only about 15 people back so we could see pretty good. Of course, Makenzie took a turn on everyone's shoulders so she could see.

Brantley played 4 songs & took several questions from the crowd before heading over for autographs. He agreed to sign EVERY. SINGLE. CD. even though the first 300 were the only ones he was supposed to sign.

Even though his PR people said he was signing CDs only, my lovely 8 year old daughter smiled sweetly at him & asked him to sign her hat. He winked at her, reached for her hat, & said "this whole line is getting ready to go nuts"! She was on cloud 9! Oh course, so was I! ;)

You would think that my excitement would have calmed down just a little bit over the next couple of days, BUT imagine my shock, surprise, & elation when I discovered that MY PICTURES, both some that I had taken & some of my family were plastered all over Brantley Gilbert's website!


Oh yes! I am FAMOUS!!!

Now I have no clue how long they will be on there, so of course I took pictures of the pictures for proof!

I think I can safely say that my kids first concert will definitely be a memorable one!

100 Happy Days

Have you seen all of the pictures lately with #100happydays attached to them? 

Yeah, me too. I have been looking at this website for a few days now, thinking about it. 

71% of people that start this challenge do not complete it. Really? 71%? That seems like a lot. 

The main reason stated for giving up on something so simple... Not enough time.

Not enough time?

Have we become so busy that we forget to take the time to be happy? Or are we just too busy to tell people about it?

Wow! 

I know that many times I get so caught up in life that I forget to live! I focus on the  unimportant stuff & I let the junk weigh me down. 

Sometimes the "stuff" is all I can remember. Sometimes the fighting is all I can focus on. Sometimes the bad drowns out the good. Sometimes I forget WHY I'm living this life. 

So, here goes. I am going to make a conscious effort to capture not just one thing each day that makes me happy, but I'm going to try to point out lots of simple things that make me happy. I'm sure that some days I will flood your news feed, while others may not have nearly as many. 

Bare with me! I hope this will be an eye opener for me. I need to be reminded that at one point in time, I was a happier person. Somewhere in time, that person became far too serious. She needs to learn to laugh again.

Why don't you join me?! We all need to remember why this life really is worth living! 

Happy Mother's Day

If you know me, or if you follow my blog, you know that I try to keep it real. My life is not always sunshine & roses. Its not always happy & easy. A lot of times it becomes more than I can bear. BUT, you know that I feel BLESSED beyond measure even in the storms.









I have been struggling with motherhood lately. Let's face it, its not a job for the faint at heart.

Funny thing though, everywhere I turn, I am being reminded that I CAN DO THIS! The women's conference that I attended last weekend refreshed me like nothing I can explain. The book I am reading right now, Rhinestone Jesus, is reminding me how easy it is to get caught up in the day to day without really living. You will see me saying #yesinmymess a lot right now! It also seems that the posts on Facebook are all designed to encourage women, mothers, Christians, people in general, to keep on keeping on.

Makenzie was so excited when she got home from school yesterday. She wanted to give me my Mother's Day present early. It took more than one try to read her sweet little card because I was crying so hard. On a flower she wrote my mom is: kind, loving, funny, happy, joyful, & hopeful. Joyful & hopeful??? Have I been joyful or hopeful lately? It sure doesn't feel like it! Then she said she wanted to be just like me. BAM You couldn't have punched me in the stomach & had any less force that that simple statement. That spunky, tender-hearted little girl who I get so easily frustrated with wants to be just like me. I need to start living like I want her to live! With more laughter, less angry words, more fun, & less demands. Easier said than done, I'm afraid.

Austin walked over to us to read the masterpieces. After he read them, he simply ducked his head & hugged me. He smiled that wicked mischievous grin that he's so famous for & said Happy Mother's Day mom. That may not sound like much, but that was huge coming from a hormonal preteen. So he really surprised me last night when he designed his own card telling me that I was the best momma he could ask for. He even put our pictures on it!


I don't need flowers, chocolate, jewelry, or fancy gifts. Those cards designed from the hearts of my children meant more to me than anything that money could buy. Once again, I am reminded just how blessed I am!

Weary Mom, I Feel You

I don't have a whole lot of encouraging words today. I just want to say that whatever you are going through weary mom, you are NOT alone. I feel your pain & struggle.

I know what its like to spend an hour sweeping & mopping the floor only to have someone track dirt all through the house.

I know what its like to open the dryer expecting to find clean laundry only to realize that someone left a whole pack of gum in their pockets...again.

I know what its like to try to go out to eat as a family, but spend the majority of your time fussing at your kids to act like they have some sense. After all, you know you have taught them better than that!

I know what its like to stand in front of a closet full of clothes & not have anything suitable to wear.

I know what its like to repeatedly take the toddler to the potty only to have him poop in his pants 5 minutes later.

I know what its like to have a preteen master the art of eye rolling.

I know what its like to feel like a failure.

I know what its like to feel all alone.

I know what its like to feel like no one is listening.

I know what its like to try on that outfit your had picked out for today, only to realize that its too tight, make a vow to lose 20 pounds, turn right around & eat a handful (or more) of chocolate, then hate yourself even more.

I know what its like to feel like you are in competition with electronic devices.

I know what its like to wake up before everyone else in the house, make a desperate effort to ensure everything goes smoothly, have your husband wake up 30 minutes before time to leave, & you STILL be the last one out the door.

I know what its like to cry for no apparent reason.

I know what its like to plan a family event, only to wish that you had went alone.

I know what its like to have a cabinet full of groceries & have no clue what to fix for supper.

I know what its like to go through your daughters clean clothes only to find just as many dirty clothes too.

I know what its like to want someone to talk to, to REALLY talk to, without the fear of judgement or wonder who else they are telling your secrets to.

I know what its like to forget to eat or to only have time to eat everyone's leftovers while standing at the sink.

I know what its like to balance the checkbook and have to decide which bill is more important to pay right now. I also know what its like to realize that a miracle will have to occur in order for you to make it to payday...again.

I know what its like to wonder "What if?"

I know what its like to need to be in half a dozen different places at once.

I know what its like to have the children aggravate the daylights out of each other just because they can.

I know what its like to be busy & hear "Mom. Mooom. Mom?? MOM!!!"

I know what its like to cook a delicious meal, then hear, "I'm not hungry." "I don't like that." "Do I have to eat it?" Then 30 minutes later hear "I'm starving!"

I know what its like to wake up time after time after time with a little one while everyone else in the house snores away.

I know what its like to dislike my body.

I know what its like to be late...again.

I know what its like to want nothing more than a good book, a bubble bath, & a LARGE milkshake & to be able to enjoy it in peace & quiet.

Someone once told me that the days are long, but the years are short. My days are still long, but I can already see how fast the years are going by. I don't yet know what its like for my life to be clean, quiet, & unhurried. But I do know what its like to realize that NO ONE can fix things quit like mom can. And I do know what its like to be rewarded with smiles that light up your world, rib crushing hugs, & wet sloppy kisses. And for those, I know what its like to keep on keeping on.

To Know That I Know That I Know

I just love those spirit filled services. You know, the ones with singing, crying, testifying, & the Holy Spirit moving. I love to hear how the Lord is working in other people's lives. I love to tell people how God is working in my life. But, I usually claim up when it comes to my personal testimony.

I know that most people love to tell how God changed their life, how Jesus saved them. I know that a lot of people can take you back to a day, a time, a place where their life changed forever.

I can't do that & it bothers me!

I have a date that I cling to. I know that I was on the altar March 29, 1992 (the day before I turned 14). It was one of "those services". Fellman Cheek was especially long winded & it was pushing on towards 1pm.

But I also know that I made professions both before & after this time. The first was at a Bailey Smith Crusade on a Tuesday night when I was about 8. I can even see the shirt I was wearing! My mom made her way to the make shift altar the very next night.

Another significant date that stands out was the night before Halloween 1998. Justin & I went with some friends to visit The House of Judgement in Elkin & I just didn't know anymore.

Most of my life, I have questioned my salvation. Not too long ago, I called my pastor in tears. After a heart wrenching conversation, he told me that deep down, no matter the doubts, I knew the answer.

I have times where I "feel" alone. I "feel" confused. I don't read my Bible like I should. I don't pray like I should. I don't witness like I should. I don't "feel" like a very good Christian.

Then I have times where I "feel" joy. I "feel" peace. I enjoy reading my Bible. I look forward to church. I stay in a state of prayer. I "feel" like God is pleased with me.

There are times that I "feel" sad when others talking about knowing exactly when they gave their lives to Jesus. But then I realized that its ok that I don't know when. The devil wants me to doubt. He knows that when I doubt, I'm not feeling confident in my Christian life. And when I am not confident, then I don't work nearly as hard. He has me right where he wants me.

I have prayed for assurance. I have prayed for God to reveal the exact date for me so I wouldn't doubt anymore. Then God brought a thought by me. Paul talked about a thorn in his flesh. He begged God to remove it from him.

2 Corinthians 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Maybe, just maybe, this is my thorn. Maybe, just maybe, THIS is my testimony for a reason. Maybe, just maybe, I can help someone else on their journey through their doubts & mine.

I'm thankful that we aren't saved on "feelings". We are saved by faith through grace!

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Psalm 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Stand strong weary Christian. Don't give the devil this victory. Take comfort in KNOWING that God's promises are true! If He promised to save us, He will! 

The Newest Gateway Drug??

I had to think twice & even three times before publishing this one tonight. I hate to air dirty laundry, but if someone else can learn from an experience then I think it should be shared.

I was literally sitting with tears in my eyes this afternoon praying & thinking about the latest stupid decision my 16 year old niece had made, wondering how I was going to address it, & feeling burdened for our young people when the phone rang.

It hasn't been a grand & glorious few days at our house, and "that moment when.....the vice principle called the house....." didn't make it any better.

It seems that my almost, in less than a week, 12 year old & some of his "friends" thought it would be a smart decision to snort the sugar from a Pixie Styx up their noses similar to cocaine. WHY????

My first reaction, of course, was anger, followed by disappointment, concern, & finally confusion. I had plenty of time for my emotions to run the gambit & to rant in my head before he got home.

He denied taking part in this activity but there's just something about his story that doesn't sit well with me. I HATE not being able to trust him, but he has not been the most honest person lately.

This may seem trivial, & on the surface it seems to be just a silly stunt, but after a little research, I found out that snorting Pixie Styx & smoking Smarties is more common place than we realized.

I can't help but wonder if kids are doing this & pretending its the real thing in order to appear cool, similar to candy cigarettes for my generation. But by pretending now, does that open up that gateway for real drugs later on. And how easy would it be for a "friend" to exchange that somewhat harmless sugar for something much more sinister.

I guess I will never really know if he actually did this, but it did provide yet another opportunity to discuss the importance of honesty, choosing good friends, & making sound decisions.

Talk to your kids. Find out what crazy ideas their peers are having. Let them know that even something that seems harmless can hurt them. Keep the communication open so they feel comfortable actually opening up when something does happen. Most importantly, pray for them!