8th Anniversary Trip

This year it was Marcus' turn to plan our Anniversary. We had planned to just stay home for the evening and let my parents keep the kids for us. We only had from mid-day Saturday until Mid-day Sunday, so we thought it would be nice to just enjoy dinner and a movie out, and a morning to sleep in while the kids were away.

However, Marcus made other plans for us that turned out to be GREAT.

Through a connection at work, he got us an AMAZING place to stay in Charlotte for FREE. It was called The Residence at Southpark and is a luxury apartment building right at Southpark mall. Here are some pictures:

We tried to take our picture, too, but didn't have much luck:

We arrived, got settled into our room then had lunch at the Cowfish Grill (pictured above). This was directly below our apartment. They served delicious half pound burgers, sushi, and the best fried pickles you have ever had.

After that we walked around the mall for a bit, had some coffee, took a nap and rested. That evening we had dinner at a place called Rooster's. It was delicious and it was a nice experience, but I just don't think we are fancy enough to eat at places like that often. We stayed up late that evening enjoying our time together and then got to sleep through the night without any kids waking up asking for us, and even got to sleep in. We had a nice breakfast in the room and then headed home.

We had such a nice time and were grateful for the chance to get away. Life can be so stressful at times, and we can get so busy about the business of life that sometimes I think we forget what it's like to just be us as a couple instead of us as Mom and Dad. It was wonderful to reconnect, renew and refresh our commitment and joy in each other. Thank you to my parents for keeping both kids and the dog for us. We appreciate you so very much!

As much fun as we had, I was glad to come home to our family, friends, and house. It was nice being in the city for an evening, but I am definitely a small town girl at heart.

8 years

Today we celebrate 8 years of marriage. 

8 years. 

To some that may not seem like long at all and to others it may seem an unattainable number.

The past 8 years have been filled with the blessing of being married to my best friend
and also in being pushed to our limits by one another.
8 years of stretching and growing, learning to die to self and of learning to cherish what we have.
8 years spent trying not to take one another for granted,
8 years of learning to forgive each others shortcomings and celebrating each others strengths.

Can I be honest with you here?

Last year was a hard one on us. Selling a home, moving into a new home, increasing my work schedule to five days a week, Marcus' second year in graduate school, raising two strong-willed children, battling through some post-partum anxiety I still had, and learning to set priorities. There were days that were hard. Exhausting even. Days when we were too tired to have the hard discussions that probably needed to happen. Times when I chose to serve myself instead of him, to snap and lose my temper over insignificant items. Days that I went to sleep feeling like he didn't understand me or worse, that he didn't want to try. Days that he felt like he wasn't respected, wasn't valued, wasn't the leader we needed.

But can I tell you something else? And this is important, so please keep reading. There were way more good days than bad. Days when we laughed til we cried in the kitchen while watching the kids playing in the back yard. Days spent dreaming and planning of what life will be like when some of these hard seasons of life are behind us. Moments spent celebrating all that is good and right in the world and times that I felt as loved and accepted and appreciated as ever.

You see, we do NOT have this marriage thing all figured out. I doubt we ever will. But we have made a commitment to CHOOSE to love one another even when it's hard... Even when it may be the last thing we feel like doing. We have sat and had those tough conversations when they absolutely needed to happen and we have chosen to work things out when they are still little before they have the chance to become big things.

I've learned that life and love and marriage are nothing like they are portrayed in movies and in love songs. And that is okay. Through this institution called Marriage I have learned am learning how to stick things out even when they're hard, how to love when someone doesn't want to be loved (and how to let someone love me when I am unlovable). I'm learning how to submit when it's hard and also how to serve not out of obligation but out of the overflow of the heart. I'm working on learning to listen more and speak less, to spend time doing things that he enjoys. We have learned the importance of being on the same team and cheering one another on- even when we may be the only ones doing so. We know the power in spending time in prayer and calling out to God to change our hearts.

And I can tell you today with complete honesty that I love this man more than I did the day I married him. I love the man he was then, and I love even more the man God is growing him into being now. He is my best friend and the person that God has specifically designed for me. I am grateful for the lessons we are learning and how God is changing our hearts even after 8 years. He was worth waiting on. He was worth all the years wondering why I hadn't met 'the one' yet. And he is worth every single moment of hard work that may be required now.

Are you in a marriage that may seem like it's too much work? Too challenging? Too empty?

Hear me, friend, God wants to rescue and redeem your marriage. Turn it over to him.

If you're interested in learning more, can I point you to @LaraWilliams? This month, her book "To Walk or Stay" is coming out. I am not exaggerating this, y'all...this woman has a way with words that can only be a gift straight from God. Her book is powerful, full of truth and grace, and may be just the inspiration you need to give your marriage all that it needs. I believe the official release date is March 15th, and it will be available at amazon. You can find out more information at www.tooverflowing.com

Father's Day

A repeat of last year's father's day post...worth sharing again to remind these wonderful men how very much they are loved and appreciated.
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I sat down to write this post and became sidetracked looking through old photos. I laughed, I cried, I was reminded of how very, very blessed I have been by some amazing men in my life! My Daddy, my Popow, My Grandpaw, and Marcus as well as Marcus' Dad and Grandad.

My first love, the man that taught me how I should be treated, my hero and my first best friend was my Daddy. He is the most selfless person I've ever known. He has always been extremely busy with his work, but has always been there for me anytime I needed. When I was in high-school I was involved in a lot of sports and activities.  Even though Dad was working as a Principal at a High School with 1600 students as well as finishing his Doctoral degree, he never missed one event. Ever. Sometimes he'd come running in at the very end, but he was always there. He taught me how to change my oil, play the guitar, dig worms and bait my hook, lay a rock sidewalk, sing harmony, ride a bike, held me when I cried, and cheered me on when things went well. He has supported me even when he doesn't agree with the decisions and choices I make and he has always believed in me. He demonstrates for me over and over again the way that God must love his children through the way that He loves me. He is a man of integrity, faith,  hard work, and determination. He is everything that I hope to one day be and all that I want my kids to emulate. He taught me through his example how to love the Lord and how to serve. I could go on and on about my Daddy (maybe an idea for a future post?!). If you happen to read this, Dad, know that I am so grateful for the impact you have had on my life. Thank you for loving me, for believing in me, and for making me feel like I was accepted just as I am.

I am blessed by two amazing Grandfathers. One was called Popow and he was my Mom's Dad. He went to Heaven last year in June, so this will be our first Father's Day without him. The last time I was with him in his home was on Father's Day weekend last year. I took the kids by to see him and snapped this picture of him with Mack. He could hardly move at that point, yet insisted on making it to the fridge so that he could get out some Reeses cup treats for Karsyn and Kaydan. That evening after we left,  things started to take a turn for the worse, and within several days he was moved to Hospice.

My Popow was a GREAT Grandfather. He took us places, always bought us treats, would carry us around and do the "popow shuffle", made us beautiful things with his carpentry skills, made us laugh with his silly jokes or wiggling his ears, and loved us unconditionally. Popow was known as the 'chewing gum man' at our church and gave out a piece of gum to every child (and most adults) that came through the door of our church for many, many years. He knew our favorite kinds and would have them ready for us each time we saw him. He loved being a grandfather and a great grandfather. I have written about him before, and you can find that post here. Popow- I miss your hugs-they are still the best hugs I've ever had! I miss the way your house smelled. I miss your jokes and your smile.  I am so thankful for the example you set in how to be a Grandparent and to spend time investing in the lives of those you love, and for the example you set in loving our Lord. I am relieved to know that you are with Him now and that one day I will get to hug you again.

My other grandfather is called Grandpaw and he is doing well. Grandpaw is a man of few words, but when he speaks I know what he's going to share is very important and worth listening to! He is a hard worker and man of great strength. He pastored at the same church for 40 years and still keeps very busy preaching at a local retirement home, working in the garden, taking care of his cattle, chopping wood, and lots of other things. Even though he is often in a lot of pain physically, he never complains or quits. He just keeps working and doing his best. Growing up we lived right through the woods from Grandpaw and Granny so we were at their house a lot. He taught me how to play the fiddle, helped us with anything we needed, and one time even shot a snake for us that was in the pond where we wanted to fish. He is a man of great character and wisdom. I am so blessed by the example he has given us in how to lead your family and how to support them no matter what. He and my Granny have modeled for us that you trust in God no matter what. (future post coming on that as well). Grandpaw- I love you. Thank you for your sweet spirit and humble servant heart.

Which brings me to Marcus. When I married him, I had no idea that he would become such an amazing Daddy. Although I don't tell him nearly enough, he is a wonderful father to our kids. He works hard to provide for them and then when he gets home each evening he works even harder investing into their lives. He is teaching Karsyn how she should be treated by her future spouse, and teaching Mack how he should one day lead his family.

Marcus- you amaze me. Thank you for knowing the exact moment I'm about to lose it with the kids and jumping in to help. Thank you for cleaning up poo and puke at 3 a.m. when one of the kids are sick. Thanks for playing dress-up and for listening to Veggie Tales music in your truck when the kids are with you. Thank you for acting excited the 478th time Karsyn wants to show you her new trick and for playing peekaboo with Mack for as long as it takes to get him to stop crying. Thanks for learning to style K's hair in pigtails and for holding our colicky babies for month after month. Thanks for choosing us over ASU football games and for always coming back inside when Karsyn needs "one more kiss and hug". Thank you for the example you set with your faith and in the Biblical truths you are teaching our kids. I knew I was marrying a smart, good looking man, but I never could have imagined the father that God has formed you in to being. We love you, we appreciate you, we respect you and we support you. The time you are investing into our kid's lives will pay off one-hundred fold. I am so grateful for you and all you do for us.

As if these three men weren't amazing enough, God blessed me with two more when I married Marcus. Marcus' Dad, Mike, and his Granddad, Wade.

Although Wade has already gone on to Heaven, he left a lasting impact on Marcus and taught him many life lessons that will influence both him and our children. He was a hard worker and had a sweet smile. I didn't get to know him for very many years, but I am grateful for the time that I had with him. He loved his family and spending time together. Grandad O- we miss you and think of you often! Thanks for all that you did for your family and for us. We love you!

Our kids know Mike as "Granddad" as well. He is a hard-worker and a man of great conviction. He has taught, coached, and mentored hundreds of young people and their lives are better because of it. He passionately supports his family, his church, and his favorite sports teams (Go Apps!). Mike has a huge heart and loves animals and helping others. Our kids love their Granddad and miss him when they aren't around him often. He is great at getting Mack to stop crying, he can make funny faces and noises, and he even made Karsyn her own swing. We are blessed to have you in their lives, Granddad! Thank you for the time and influence you are investing with them. We love you!

This year on Father's Day as I reflect on these wonderful men, I am so grateful that God blessed us through their lives. I am blown away when I think about how differently my life could have turned out without each of them. Dads hold such a special place in our homes and families. Thank you to any of you who hold the role of Dad, Granddad, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, or Friend who are stepping up to the plate and investing in the lives of those around you.

Love to all of you!

SEVEN years ago... (a repost with a few updates!)

REPOST with a few updates!

This week marks six seven years since when Marcus proposed. I thought I'd retell the story here of that wonderful day...

At that time, I was teaching Business and Marketing at NCHS and coaching the Varsity Cheerleading squad. Marcus was working as the Athletic Trainer for NCHS and covered all sports practices and games. We had been dating about 6 months and things were going great. We had talked about marriage, but never anything definite. (To be quite honest, I knew he was the man I would marry from the beginning. I would have said yes if he would have asked me after only a few weeks!)

We had our first pep rally of the year that Friday afternoon. I had started losing my voice and so I asked Marcus if he would M.C. the pep rally for me. He said he would and the pep rally went well. We played games with the students and teachers, cheered on the team and got everyone ready for the game that night. It was about 97 degrees in the gym and so I was sweaty and covered with whipped cream from one of the games we played with the students. As soon as the students were dismissed, Marcus called over all the cheerleaders and football players. One of the students (Cody) took the microphone and started talking to the cheerleaders and thanking them for all they did for the team. Marcus kept asking me to come stand in the circle with all the players, but I was hot and tired so I was sitting on the bleachers. I went over and then one of the football players gave the microphone to Marcus. Marcus thanked the team and told them how much he'd enjoyed working with them. Then he said that if it wasn't for working with them, he never would "have gotten to meet Ms. Redmond and I wouldn't get to do this"...and then he got down on one knee, pulled the ring out of his medical bag and proposed. It was the most beautiful, exciting moment! My cheerleaders all were screaming and crying (as was I) and then the football team broke into a chorus of the song "My girl". For Marcus and me, it was absolutely the perfect proposal.

We were married six months after that and we've been very happy since then. EDITED: We are still extremely happy and he is still my best friend. But we're learning that marriage isn't just about being 'happy' or 'having a good time'. Marriage is making the choice to love even when it's hard...and difficult...and the last thing you may want to do. Our goal is to out-serve one another and to reflect the love that we have been so freely given through Christ.  I'm thrilled to say that I love him more today than I did six  seven years ago and I still get excited when I hear his truck pull into the driveway each evening. He's the first person I want to see and talk to when I wake up and the one I'm most eager to call when I've had a hard day. He is my best friend and my joy. I am so grateful that God blessed me with him!

(What I wrote above really was true...the first time I saw Marcus I told the Principal that I was working for "that's the man I'm going to marry". It took us months before we began talking with each other and months after that before we started dating...but it was worth the wait and all that it took to get us to that point!)

Here's a picture from the girls and me at the game that evening, and a picture of Marcus and I.

Celebrating 32!

Last week, we celebrated Marcus turning 32. It's hard for us to believe how quickly each year is passing. It seems like we were just throwing his 25th birthday party, and yet here we are seven years later!

He wanted to go to his parents house for the weekend, so we packed up and headed up to Todd, NC. The kids were quite restless during the ride and Mack decided to practice using his vocal chords to scream most of the ride up the mountain. Fun. Times.

We had a great time celebrating with his parents and their two dogs, and ate a lot of great food Marcus' mom made for us. The kids didn't sleep too well, so we were exhausted, but so glad to have gotten the opportunity to go visit. As those of you with young kids well know, traveling with them can be tough, so we don't do it very often. We are still trying to figure out how to make them sleep better when away from home. Hopefully we'll figured it out before we go to the beach this summer!

Mack was teething while we were there, so he spent a good deal of the time looking like this

Granddad was happy to hold Mack for us, so that worked out well. Although I believe Mack was quite spoiled after we returned home! :)

Mike and Dorothy gave Marcus a home defense shotgun for his birthday. I don't know a lot about guns and things, but apparently this is a really nice one to have around.

After that, Mike took me and Marcus to the gun range. To say that I was a little nervous would be an understatement, but we had a really good time. And it turns out, I'm a pretty good shot! We started with a .22 pistol, then worked our way up through a 9mm, .45 acp, and a 380.

Dorothy made a delicious chocolate cake, and even though we didn't get to eat it until 10 p.m. Friday night (when the kids finally went to sleep for a few minutes), it was SO GOOD!

We spent time playing out in the yard with the dog and grilling steaks.

Karsyn spent most of her time riding this horse, which she named Pinto (as she does all horses).

We traveled home Saturday afternoon, and that evening (thanks to Ms. Rachel keeping our kids!) we went out to dinner and did some shopping. This birthday may not have been his most relaxing or restful, but we certainly had a great time and we are blessed beyond measure!

Thanks Nana and Granddad for a great time!