Josh Turns 25

As I write this blog, I sit back and smile. After Josh's relentless teasing about me being older than him, I am counting down the days until September 8, 2008. Why? Because, that is the day that Josh will turn 25 years old. No longer on the down side of 20, but rather on the upside. I am hoping that this will stifle at least some of Josh's comments about me being old.

These pics are from Josh's 24th birthday.

With limited kitchen supplies, I managed to provide Josh with a birthday cake....as funny looking as it was. Then I settled for a big taper candle since I didn't have any small ones.

The dogs were eager to help devour the cake. I just had to get in on the action.

Looking back at those pics brings back good memories, but also reminds me of just how much has changed in one year. We have had many good times, and challenging times, but I am happy that I have gotten to share in a year of Josh's life so far.

When I think about where we were at this time last year, compared to where we are now, I am made aware of how hard Josh has worked to give us a better life. I am also reminded of how many times he has made me laugh in just one year of his life.

So, maybe he will spare me the teasing.... at least until October hits. Then it's birthday time for me. (Maybe without the sombrero this year :)

Getting older really isn't such a bad thing. Thanks for all the good times, Josh. There is no one I would rather grow older with than you.

Happy 25th!!!

Happy Things

I'm feeling a little emotional lately, because I'm missing family members, along with some other things, like my career in the gym back in Austin, my hometown.

It's amazing how volatile emotions are...how they can so easily make you overlook the fact that there is more good in your life than there is bad. One negative thing can distract you from enjoying all the things God put in front of you, and that is a sad thing. I am learning to be grateful for the way things are in the here and now, because the day may come when I realize how much I miss what I have now. I can't let myself become saddened to the point that I fail to be joyful for what I have.

Sometimes emotions cause us to forget logic. My mind has come to accept something as logic, and it is this: God has given me just the right amount of strength to make it through everything I've been through in the past. So, He will give me the strength and comfort to make it through these emotional moments.

And so this emotional moment beget inspiration. I have decided to write about things that make me happy.

1- My husband. He is goofy, pesky, and gassy, but altogether wonderful. He makes me laugh and smile a lot. He is the biggest blessing in my life, and has been a rock for me during my emotional "I'm falling apart" moments. He inspires me to be a better person, and he loves me faithfully. He is thoughtful even in the little things, and makes my life so much better than I had imagined it could be. He makes every day an adventure and is my best friend.

2- Family back in Texas- Sisters, Bro in laws, kids, Mom, Dad, fried okra made from the okra plants grown in the backyard. They always offer up what they have as community property, and man does Dad make the best fried okra. And then there is always Mamaw, with a nice bucket of iced tea and love. I am grateful that God has provided the funds for me to be able to hop on a plane and take the short flight back home. (note: I can't find the pic of the whole family to post)

3- My own personal zoo! - Yes, that would be my 6 animals. They sometimes they annoy me, but they give me more happy moments than bad moments. Featured above are 4 out of the 6 pets in our household.

4- Flowers- I really love flowers, especially the orchid plants growing in my back yard. Tropical flowers have always been a favorite. Getting married in a circle of flowers was a happy moment for me. How could it get any better than that?

5- Great in-laws that I really hope to get to know better and spend more time with in the future.

6- Mango Tangos for Breakfast- My best vacation memory was going on a cruise with my cousin Brandi. I was celebrating my 25th birthday by taking myself on a cruise. Brandi and I had a blast, thanks to Royal Caribbean Cruise liners. The memory of having a Mango Tango for breakfast, poolside every morning still makes me smile. I'm holding onto hopes of another Royal Caribbean cruise....and Brandi better be on that boat with me, because we know how to have fun together!

7-Tea- Beautiful tea. It makes me so happy to have a good cup of hot tea.

8- Starbuck's Coffee- A Venti Iced Americano with nonfat milk will always put me in a good mood.