Pearl River, Louisiana

In my last post, I informed you all that we were moving to Slidell, Louisiana. Well, we made it but our address is actually in Pearl River, LA.

I barely slept at all the week of the move because I was so busy packing boxes and trying to get everything ready. I am a huge procrastinator so it wouldn't have been so bad, if I had started sooner! On Friday, March 26, we finished loading our rented Budget truck and pulled out for the first leg of our journey around 1:15 pm. It was a bittersweet moment, leaving the place we had called home for the last four years and the only home Abigail had ever known. We arrived in Graceville, Florida where my parents live, that evening.

We started the last leg of our journey on Saturday morning. My mom was able to come with us, which was a huge help! We arrived at our rental house in Pearl River, around 2 pm. After looking around a few moments, we began the task of unloading and putting all the big items in place. Then came the unloading of all the boxes and then the unpacking! My least favorite part! We had accomplished a lot by early evening so we set out to Walmart for some items that we needed and in search of some supper. When we arrived back at our house, my mom, Abigail, and I came inside to start setting out our supper, while Ryan unloaded the car. He left the storm door propped open to bring in the groceries. My mom had set Abigail's supper out on her tv tray and I was opening to-go boxes to see who's was who's, when I heard my mom scream. I in turn screamed because I didn't know what she was screaming about, which set Abigail off in a fit of hysterics. The source of the scream...a cat! My mom hates cats, as do I, but this cat had come in through the propped open storm door and was making a beeline to Abigail's supper! After I shoo'd the cat out, and my mom tried to get Abigail calmed down enough to eat, I couldn't help but laugh! And at this point, I was so tired that anything funny became hysterical! After supper, the unpacking continued. My mom and Ryan were rockstars! lol! Abigail wouldn't let me out of her sight and wanted to be held, so I didn't accomplish much until I got her to sleep. People who know me, know that I do not deal with stress very well. So by the end of the night, my mom ordered me to take a shower and go to bed! It was the best option, trust me! We all made it to bed around 1 am or so on Sunday morning. Thankfully, they let me sleep in the next morning and I was in much better shape. By Sunday afternoon, we were pretty much finished unpacking and then my dad arrived. I think he timed it out like that on purpose! :) He did hang all of our pictures and wall hangings for us though! I still have a few odd and end things to do but they'll get done in time.

So far we are enjoying our new home and new town. Slidell is a really neat town and has a lot to offer. While my parents were still here, we went in to New Orleans one afternoon and walked around the French Quarter.

We found out that since Ryan is still in training, he has to work on Easter Sunday and since we still only have one vehicle until he gets his truck from Fernandina, we wouldn't be able to attend church. My mom and I decided to go ahead and dress Abigail in her Easter outfit and get some pics.

My parent's left on Thursday morning and Abigail and I spent the day with Ryan. We went to Lowe's and picked up some area rugs since the floors are linolium throughout the whole house. After lunch at Olive Garden we made our way back home. On Friday morning, Abigail and I dyed Easter eggs. She had such a great time.

Saturday, I made our Easter lunch since Ryan will be working on Sunday. Our friend Josh, came and ate with us since his wife and kids are out of town for a few more days. I made roast with carrots and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean bundles, homemade mac and cheese, and we had oreo cheesecake for dessert. It was very yummy. We had planned to hide the Easter eggs and let Abigail hunt them after lunch but it was raining all afternoon. We had a lazy afternoon and Abigail and I both enjoyed a nap.

Today is Easter. The cross is bare; the tomb is empty; the throne is occupied! Halleluah! Abigail and I woke up before Ryan had to leave for work. She received an Easter basket from us. Since, she had gotten one earlier from Nana and Papa that was filled to the max, we decided on just a few things; some chocolate marshmallow eggs, some candy, and the animated version of Alice in Wonderland. Abigail and I are watching it now while I blog. The weather is a little overcast today. I'm hoping it clears up a bit so Abigail can hunt some eggs.

I'm going to try and take some pics of the house this week. Be on the lookout for a new blog coming soon.

Wherever He Leads, We Will Go

WE'RE MOVING!!!

It feels good to finally be able to share with everyone. Here is our story:

Over the past several years, Ryan has been praying about and wanting to go to seminary to get his Master's degree. Each time the doors have been shut but he knew that God wanted him to go back to school. It is my sincere belief that the doors had not been open before for several reasons with the main two being that Ryan would have attended the wrong school for the wrong degree and we would have been miserable.

In the past few months God began working things out as only He could. Ryan currently works at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island as a bellman. With this job we have great insurance and one our our concerns about going to seminary was being able to keep this insurance. Those of you with kids definitely know why. So he began to look at places that had a Ritz Carlton near a seminary. There is a Ritz in New Orleans and of course, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is there. Let me tell you that this was the last seminary that Ryan wanted to attend but he began to research job opportunities there. When he checked the job opportunities at the Ritz in New Orleans there was a job opening for a bellman. God? Is this a sign? A bellman opening is a very rare situation so he immediately sent over his application and request for transfer and we really begin to pray trying to discern if this is where God wanted us. A month or so went by and we heard nothing.

Without going into detail, some other things began to transpire, and we were curious about what the Lord was up to. I had gone to visit my parents in Graceville and go to my nieces first birthday party. Ryan was unable to come get me the following weekend because of his work schedule and I had to stay in Graceville and additional two weeks. One afternoon Ryan called me and when I answered he sounded groggy. He works the overnight shift and I knew it was too early for him to be up. He told me that he had received a phone call from the Ritz in New Orleans and they wanted to know if he was still interested in the job. They told him they would call back and set up a time for a phone interview. Again, on another day, he called me groggy saying they had called him back and set up his interview for the day of Marlee's birthday party. I prayed hard for him all day that day and he called during the party to tell me that the interview went great but they had to interview one other person before making a decision. Not once did I ever worry that he wouldn't get the position. I was at peace and it felt right. A few more days later he called and said that he had gotten the job.

The awesome part about this is that we had already scheduled a trip to New Orleans the following week. Ryan was coming to Graceville to ride with my dad and some other guys to a church conference and once they returned we were going to visit some friends and check out the seminary. Ryan was informed that he would have to start his job the end of March. Wow, it was almost the end of February at this point. It all happened in a whirwind fashion. So, one of our main priorities while we were gone was to find a place to live. This is where I began to get nervous. Would we be able to find a place we could afford? In a good neighborhood? Our friends live in Slidell, Lousiana about 30 minutes from New Orleans.The husband commutes to New Orleans everyday for his job so we decided to look around Slidell to see if there was anything there. And guess what! God provided! He is faithful. Oh and after visiting the seminary, we both were at peace, and knew we were headed in the right direction.

Now I must tell you that upon seeing the house I was not overly excited. The opposite actually! The house was in a great location, plenty of room but the interior was very 1970's and old lady. But talking with the landlords made me feel at ease and I was reminded of the apostle Paul. He was content in any and every situation. God had provided us a place to live, the landlords had come down on rent, and here I was unhappy about His provision for me. So I'm taking lessons from Paul. I am truly thankful that the Lord provided for us, each and every step of the way. We will make the house our home.

Ryan has to be at work on March 30. He read his letter of resignation at church yesterday. It was a bittersweet moment. We are sad to be leaving behind some great people but are excited about the journey that we are on with the Lord. Wherever He leads us, we will go. So, starts the task of organizing, packing, and all the other stuff that comes a long with moving. It feels overwhelming at times, thinking about it all but like the old saying goes, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." We are clinging to Proverbs 3:5-6 during this time in our lives. We appreciate your prayers and if you live in our area, feel free to stop by and pack some boxes! :)

Stranded...in the SNOW!

I've started and stopped several posts over the last few weeks. I've saved them all and might post them at a later date but I never could seem to get all my thoughts together enough to finish up. So, here I am starting a new post and maybe, just maybe, I'll finish this one.

It's been a crazy few weeks. Ryan drove Abigail and I halfway to meet my dad the last weekend in January. We were supposed to stay in Graceville for the week and then celebrate Marlee's first birthday the following weekend. Ryan was supposed to come pick us up after Marlee's party but he wound up having to work and thus, we are still "stranded" in Graceville. We have greatly enjoyed our time with my family but we miss Ryan so much. He is coming on Wednesday night but leaving Thursday morning to go to the True Church Conference in Mussle Shoals, Alabama with my dad and some of his church members. We will only get to see him for a bit before he's gone again. But I know he will have a great time and be encouraged and grow in the Lord while he is gone. Then on Sunday afternoon we will be together again...FINALLY! :)

Marlee had a princess themed first birthday party. She was so cute in her tutu! Everything was decked out in pink and white and the cake was oh so yummy! A lot of our family from Georgia made the trip for her birthday so we all went out to eat at Mikata, a Japanese steakhouse in Dothan, Alabama, afterwards. It was so yummy! Haha, maybe I should stop eating and start blogging at my other site on trying to lose weight! Anyway, we all had a great time.

Everyone has to work during the week except me and dad. Haha! I brought my wii so I have been kicking dad's butt in Mario Kart and Dr. Mario. Our Mario Kart races can get pretty intense! Abigail and I have enjoyed getting to spend a lot of time with him over these past couple of weeks.

On Friday, we got a huge surprise...SNOW! The weather kept forcasting it, but I had my doubts. It started coming down, mixed with rain, around 9:30 AM on Friday morning and then went back to just rain. But around 2:30 PM it really started snowing! I mean come on...THIS IS FLORIDA FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! I hate cold weather but the snow was nice and it was Abigail's first time seeing it. She had just gone down for a nap when it really started coming down so we woke her up and took her out to play. We wound up playing in it for about two hours, throwing snowballs and making a snowman! I took tons of pictures. Her daddy was jealous when we called to tell him. I hate it that he missed it. While I hate cold weather, I have to admit, everything looked beautiful covered in snow.

Today, well yesterday since I am up way too late and it's actually tomorrow, which is today. Haha! That is too confusing! YESTERDAY, was Valentine's Day and dad's birthday. It was also Homecoming at Devco. After church they had a fellowship meal and then we came home and Justin and I made homemade pizza for dad's birthday. We also gave him a griddle. He loves kitchen supplies and appliances! Abigail and Marlee got to open their Valentine's from Nana and Papa. Abigail got three Fancy Nancy books, an outfit, candy, and a Strawberry Shortcake dvd. Those girls are so spoiled! :) Abigail just loves Fancy Nancy! She got the original Fancy Nancy book for Christmas from Nana and Papa.

This is our last week in Graceville. I am very thankful for the time we have had with my family. I hate living so far away so these visits that last more than just a few days are so refreshing and fun. We'll make the most of this last week and probably take more pictures than necessary!

Just Some Thoughts...

Wow! I can't believe that January is almost over! I haven't blogged nearly as much as I planned but it's a good start. In my last post, I told you all about the "monster" in Abigail's room. The problem has not been completely resolved but it's getting better. The only way to get her to stay in her room at night was to put a lamp in there so that the whole room was pretty much illuminated. Some nights are harder than others to get her to stay in bed and go to sleep but the lamp has been the best solution so far. I've talked to her a number of times about talking to Jesus when she's scared or afraid. Even though we pray together every night before she goes to bed, I'm not sure she understands that concept. I have also told her that we don't allow "monsters" in our house. She will still often wake in the middle of the night and come crying that there is "something in her room," but I think it has more to do with making excuses for wanting to sleep with me. If any of you moms out there have any other solutions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Every day I am amazed at how much she has changed. She is such a little lady now. She talks non-stop and has a pretty big vocabulary. She loves to laugh and has a pretty big one like her mama. :) She still loves to dance and sing. She knows all the words to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and most of the words to other songs like, "Jesus Loves Me," "Deep and Wide," "I'm A Little Teapot," "London Bridge is Falling Down," "Jingle Bells," and "Happy Birthday." She can count to eight in english and ten in spanish. She can sing majority of her ABC's. She loves to point out things and say what they are. The most recent being the names of all the characters on the tv shows that she watches. I am so amazed at how smart she is. She soaks everything up! I think I have a little genius on my hands! Mama is so proud!

We are getting read to head to Graceville on Friday to visit Nana, Papa, Uncle Justin, Aunt Hannah, and Marlee. Abigail and I are so excited. It was about this time last year that I started blogging. Abigial and I were in Graceville for three weeks waiting on the arrival of our niece and cousin Marlee Brooke. I can't believe she's about to turn one! Time flew by so fast. I hate that we live so far apart. I got to see her a bunch this year but it doesn't change the fact that I missed so much. Abigail has been going around saying, "Marlee's birthday is in two weeks." Ever since her birthday she has become obssessed. She is so ready to sing Happy Birthday and give Marlee her birthday present and so am I! I just loved what we picked out and I think Marlee will too. We love you Marlee.

Well this week will be busy with cleaning, laundry, and packing. Abigail has been running a fever since Sunday. It got up to 103 yesterday so I took her to the doctor. She only has a virus and hopefully will be better by tomorrow. I am praying that Ryan and I don't get it. Here are a few pictures of Abigail over the last few weeks. Hope you enjoy!

Tantrums From a Two Year Old

Wow! Is it only Tuesday? It's amazing how the actions of others, albeit big or small, seem to make your week drag on. I believe that we have finally hit the "terrible two's". Abigail has only been two for a little over a month and we've been making "terrible two's" jokes for a while. Any time she would act up we'd say, "here comes the terrible two's." But this is the real deal.

It all started Monday night when I told her to pick up her puzzle pieces when we got home from the church. She had made a huge mess of them on the floor before we left to go to a meeting and because we were running late, we just left it. So, when we got home, she was supposed to start picking up her pieces and putting them in the little bag they had come out of. For some reason, she decided that she didn't want to and immediately laid down on the ground and started whining. Her other new thing is saying, "Ow, I've got a boo-boo," and start crying. This is totally fake. It's just her way of trying to get out of whatever she doesn't want to do. They sure do learn fast! To make a long story short she was sent to bed early. This however, backfired. She wouldn't stay in her bed. We tried everything. She finally told me, "there's something in my room." To which I replied, "What is in your room?" I was completely shocked when she said, "A MONSTER!" How does she know about monsters? I haven't told her about them! So I asked her to show me where and apparently it resides in the tiny bit of wall space between her window and ceiling. I had to hold her hand until she fell asleep.

This brings us to today. After dragging her toys all over the place this morning, she was getting hungry for lunch. So I asked her to start picking up her toys while I fixed her lunch. Now, I am aware that she is only two, for those of you out there saying that. But this child is smart and I know that she knows how to pick up her toys because she usually does it all the time. She's just being stubborn and testing her boundaries. I'm thinking that today will be different because of what happened last night. NOT! She did the same exact thing as the night before. Crying, boo-boo's and other hysterics. She finally went down for a nap and I DID NOT pick up her toys. I left them there until she got up. This time she helped me pick them up. PTL!

Later tonight, when it was time to start settling down, we came to the toy battle again. This time, she picked most of them up without me having to threaten or discipline, until we came to the last three toys. I don't know what it was about those last three but she started to pull out the same stunts from earlier. However, she decided to pick them up and go about her business.

Lastly, I took her to her room to change her diaper after she had finished picking up the toys, to which the protest began. She kept trying to get up off the bed while I'm changing her diaper and was staring at the spot on the wall. I have no idea where the idea of monsters came from or why it's on that part of the wall but she was already freaking out. I was too tired to deal tonight so she's asleep on the love seat, safe and sound, away from the "scary monster" as she called it tonight.

The Skinny Within

Hey friends!

I just wanted to let you all know that I have a second blog. As most of you know, I've struggled with my weight for a while now. It's been an ongoing battle, a lot of starts and stops. Well, I'm starting again and trying to blog again about the journey. Check it out for updates on my progress. Hope you enjoy! http://theskinnywithin.blogspot.com/

Staring at the Blank Page Before Me...

Happy 2010!!!

To me, a new year represents a new start, a blank page to write on. Every new year countless numbers of people make resolutions, including myself. These resolutions are usually things we want to do or change about ourselves that we rarely ever accomplish. For the last several years, losing weight has been on the top of mine. And every year, I start and stop a new diet. Several times within the year, in fact. I may lose some weight but no lifestyle change really takes place. Somewhere along the way, I lose the will power and resolve. Another resolution from a few years back was to learn to drive a stick. And if you know me, you know that I still can't!

So this year, I didn't openly declare any resolutions. But there are a few things that I have yet to accomplish and I'm hoping 2010 is the year. Still number one on my list is to lose the weight I have gained over the past 7 years. Sometimes I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself. Other days, I really don't care. But I need to work on myself. For the sake of me and my family. I am hoping to start the Couch to 5K training tomorrow. It's a training program for beginner runners to get up off the couch and be able to run a 5k at the end of three months. I just hope my sciatic nerve will let me. It's been bothering me for days now. But not just running, I hope to train my body to want healthy foods not the fatty stuff I'm used to eating. I'm looking forward to not just losing weight but feeling better too.

There are a few other things on my list but I don't want to bore you! So as I embark on a new year, I also like to reflect back on the year past. To look back at the good, evaluate the bad, and learn from the mistakes along the way. Here a few highlights from 2009:

*Became a SAHM (stay-at-home mom) in January. I lost my job end of December 08 and couldn't find another due to the terrible economy.

*Was in Graceville for three weeks waiting on the arrival of my niece.

*Marlee Brooke Strickland was FINALLY born on February 2, 2009! :)

*In February my husband was voted in as Music Minister/Assoc. Pastor of Five Points Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach, thus solidifying my SAHM status!

*March and April were pretty run of the mill. My parents visited the end of March/first of April.

*In May, Abigail was dedicated to the Lord on Mother's day.

*In June, Ryan went to a music conference in Tennessee and Abigail and I visited with my parents in Graceville again for about a week.

*Around the end of June, I began working as the interim youth minister for Five Points.

*We had our annual 4th of July cookout but it was the first year in several that we didn't host extended family and friends for the week.

*The end of July through the first of August my cousin Courtney came and stayed. She ended up staying almost a month. My grandmother came too for the first two weeks.

*In September, Ryan took his vacation and we dropped Abigail off with my parents and drove to Greensboro, GA and stayed at The Ritz Carlton Lodge for a few days.

*Ryan's brother Jonathan got married on September 25th to Mellissa Christian. Abigail was a flower girl and Ryan was a groomsman. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to. Beautiful beach wedding.

*Abigail dressed up like Dora from the episode Dora saves the Mermaid Princess for Halloween and we took her to the Bethlehem Marketplace at Springhill Baptist Church.

*In November our church had our Family Fest where I won third place in the chili cook off, beating out Ryan! :)

*Abigail celebrated her 2nd birthday on November 21, 2009. She had a Dora and Friends birthday party.

*We celebrated Thanksgiving in Claxton with family and friends.

*December was super busy due to Christmas. Our family ended up with a nasty stomach bug the first week in December thus causing us to cancel the youth Christmas party. The second weekend was the church party. The third weekend we had a scrimmage softball game.

*Ryan and I hosted a Christmas Eve get together for the second year. Mostly his family came for finger foods and fellowship.

*Ryan had to work Christmas Eve night and Christmas night so Christmas day was spent in a haze of sleepiness with naps in between presents and lunch. We read the Christmas story and opened presents with Abigail first thing. Then we went to his parents house for a pancake breakfast and more presents. My parents got into town after this. We went to his Mimi and Granddaddy's house for lunch. He napped for a while then exchanged presents with my parents. We had an awesome Christmas!

*My parents stayed until the following Wednesday. Abigail had lots of fun with her Nana and Papa and was really upset when they left.

*New Years Eve was spent with the youth at church playing all sorts of games followed by some praise and worship and a challenge for the new year.