Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

(A picture from Kentucky on Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home)

As we were driving home yesterday, Jeff's cell phone rang. It was work calling saying they needed him to come in early tonight. As Jeff hung up the phone, I patted his back and said, "Welcome Home!"

It's hard coming back to the real world especially after having such a great time.

I found myself trying hard not to cry last night as Jeff headed to work and I went back to sleeping single in a double bed. Give me a week and I will be back on track but for now I am fighting the "my husband works an opposite schedule than me blues."

As you can tell, we really, really had a great time.

I plan to finish out the pictures from my trip on the Road Trip Blog but it will be in a few days.

There are more important things to take care of than blogging, I am afraid.

Work is one, Trick or Treating with my nieces and nephew is another and grocery shopping is next.

So I planned a few fun things to start up once I got back but the truth is, I don't really have the time right now. Blogging will have to wait.

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are home, we are safe and we are slowly trying to get back into some sort of routine.

Tah-tah for now.

"On the Road Again!"

You never know where the road will take us.

We have been known to make some crazy detours along the way, to keep up with us the next couple of days go here.

Otherwise tune in November 1st for a new addition to the blog world

and

the 1st ever

BLESSED ASSURANCES giveaway.

Get Ready, Get Set, Let's GO!

First off, thank you for your comments on the last post. I shared my story to encourage others who have felt fat at one point in their life. I hope if you are that person that you too will remember that you are a beautiful work of art made by God, no matter what you weigh!

Now, I can't be serious anymore because I am going on a ROAD TRIP.

Have you ever noticed that when you are gearing up to go somewhere that the to-do list becomes a mile long? It's been a little nuts around here. The plan is to work, work, work tonight so I can start goofing off tomorrow.

the to-do list goes something like this:

}finish up the 15th work reports

}file all the junk from my desk

}put the finishing touches on the women's ministry newsletter (1st edition)

}scrub the kitchen so it will be clean when I come home

}pedicure & manicure

}coffee with a few friends tomorrow night after bible study

}check out travel books and audio books at the library

}go to the grocery store for the travel necessities and snacks

}go by the storage unit and pick up suitcase and camping equipment

(Jeff and I are camping out one night in Kentucky)

}make the ROAD TRIP music CD because the IPOD does not work in rental car

}charge the camera battery

}check the weather and then pack up the fun fall clothes that I have yet to wear in Texas

}get the addresses together for our postcards

}Set Amazon account to "Vacation" mode

}Mail the EBAY stuff I sold this week to pay for scrapbook weekend

}pick up postcard stamps at post office so we don't have to hunt for stamps on vacation

}call the Mom & Dad before I leave and call my grandparents too

}quit making a to-do list I keep adding stuff to do before we go

}post the link to the ROAD TRIP blog so you all can keep up with us next week, you know you want to

Okay friends, as you can see I have some work to do. I will post the link when we are heading out of town so you can come check in with us there.

A Weighty Issue

When I was growing up, I never struggled with my weight.

In fact, I can remember my grandmother telling me I need to eat more because I was "skinny as a rail." She worried that I was too thin.

In college, I didn't gain the "freshman ten". In fact, I didn't really know what the girls on my floor were really talking about. I could eat whatever, whenever I wanted and never gain a pound.

Two years after Jeff and I were married all of that started to change.

I didn't realize I was gaining weight until someone said to me, "Oh I can see you are a happily married woman."

I asked this person, "What do you mean by that?"

She tried to backtrack her statement rather quickly after she realized she may have crossed a line and said, "Nothing-I was just making a joke because you had put on a little weight, in a good way though."

I tried to ignore this person's comment and pretend like it really didn't bother me that I had gained a few pounds to where someone would notice. But the truth is, those words did hurt.

A year later, I started to take hormone shots to help with my endometriosis. One of the side of effects, that I did not know going into this was I would gain weight. I gained 40 pounds while taking these shots. Yes, 40 pounds in just a few weeks!

I was miserable. I stopped taking my picture after I saw my double chin, flabby arms and the rolls around my stomach. I became the photographer instead of the model. I started to starve myself in order to lose weight. This may come as a surprise to some of you but it's true. In fact, this is probably the first time I admitted it to anyone other than God that I was starving myself.

A little over a year ago, the weight was not coming off. It seemed like nothing was working even something as drastic as starving myself.

I believe that God often meets you where you are to help in time of need. He helped me by bringing friends into my life to walk alongside me as I began a healthy approach to loosing weight. I started eating 6 small meals a day, instead of one yogurt and then gorging myself at dinner. Each meal was well rounded and not huge portions. I started to walk more and just move more in general. By doing all of this I lost 13 pounds. And then I hit the wall. If you have been loosing weight you will understand what I mean. The technical term is I hit a plateau. I knew I needed help if I wanted to continue my healthy approach to loosing weight.

6 weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers. I joined at the same time a few of my friends at church started WW too. We have all been a support system to each other as we continue to loose weight together. I thank God for these people who are walking alongside me.

I won't lie, I still struggle with how I look when I look in the mirror, I struggle with the number and I hate that I don't look like all those girls you see on television. I have realized in the 6 weeks doing weight watchers that I am too focused on the things listed above. I am really trying to retrain my thoughts about my weight. It is something that I have been praying about and I have asked the Lord to give me guidance in this new thought pattern. But it hasn't been easy.

Today before my WW meeting I was already feeling defeated. I just felt fat and truthfully I felt like skipping the weigh in all together because I knew I would feel horrible afterwards. I wake up to the radio in the morning, so the radio was still playing as I was getting dressed. The song "Fingerprints of God" by Steven Curtis Chapman started to play on the radio. I sat and listened to the words as the song played out. Click here to read them for yourself. As I was sitting down, I looked in the mirror and had a little heart to heart with God.

Let's just say that this song is my new theme song for this phase of my life.

Since my journey is still be played out, let me close with my favorite part of this song.

"Never has there been and never again Will there be another you

Fashioned by God's hand

And perfectly planned To be just who you are

And what He's been creating Since the first beat of your heart Is a living breathing priceless work of art..."


I pray that you too will remember the next time you look in the mirror that you are a priceless work of art in God's eyes.



God Bless Your Journey!


(thank you AJ for encouraging me to write this post today)

The Plan...Sort Of

Jeff and I don't normally plan out what we do, we only plan the stops.

the original plan was to go to Disney world.

but neither one of wanted to drive all that much since we are tethered to Galveston Island for the family reunion that takes place at the end of our vacation.

so NO MORE GUESSING, here is the plan.

1st stop-Memphis, TN where we will see these and of course no visit to Memphis would be complete without going here

2ND stop-St. Louis where we will go here and make a pit stop to here

3rd stop-Kentucky for a bit of this and that and for Jeff a lot of this

We have more stops on the way but those aren't yet fully planned.

But our final stop will be in Galveston Island for a little family reunion, where Jeff will serve as a bouncer in case a family brawl breaks out.

Should be a fun time had by all.

But on another note, does anyone have any suggestions for books to listen to while on the road?

We were talking about it today and came up with a few but I figured I would poll blog land to see if anyone had any ideas.

So please tell.

Road Trip 2007: Clue #1

The states in red show where Jeff and I have already been to on previous Road Trips.

Where we are going this time does not include one of these states and close enough for us to be in Galveston, TX for a reunion at the end of our trip.

And remember, it's not Disney World!

Any Guesses?

Edited to Add: I changed the map b/c it wasn't accurate. I had to pull out the handy atlas that actually shows where all we have been on the map. Let's just say I sometimes get a little stir crazy on these jaunts! You know since I took the time to put a check mark after we cross a different state line in the new state. :)



create your own visited states map

"...a few of my favorite things!"

Do you have anything in your home that you just love?

You know that thing that brings you warm fuzzies each time you see it?

I consider myself pretty lucky since I have many things that make me happy throughout my house.

But in an effort to keep it simple, I will show you my newest favorite thing.

Say hello to Anthroplogie's Voluspa "Baltic Amber" candle.


The other day, when I was shopping with my mom. We walked by the store and they had this candle burning. I walked right in and fell in love. Every time I walked closer to where the candle was burning I declared how great it smelt. Finally I broke down and bought it. The best thing I have splurged on in a long time.

Each night, I grab my favorite book series that I am reading for the 100Th time-light a candle and read late into the night.

I tell you life is good.

Life is good.

If you have a favorite thing you like feel free to tell us about it.

Happy Birthday Hayley Bayley!

Hayley is 10!

Uncle Jeff is walking around scratching his head wondering where did the time go? I am just so happy because she is now into double digits. Back in my day this was a BIG DAY!




I met Hayley when she was 3, just barely 3 actually. We bonded from our first big adventure around the ice skating rink when I knocked her down and she said, "Are you okay? I tank I hurt you!" Actually it was the other way around, I tank I hurt you! Just shows you what a sweet spirit she has, our little Hayley Bayley!

By the way, I knew Jeff was the one for me when he started to tell me about his niece Hayley. Feel in love, weak in the knees, I did. He loves Hayley to pieces and so do I. Maybe she is the real matchmaker between Jeff and I. :)

Hayley keeps me on my toes. I have long since stopped playing the "Animal Game" with her because to me, a bear is a bear and a turtle is a turtle. But to a girl who watches Animal Planet 24-7, a bear is a bunch of different types from different regions and words too big for Aunt Sue-Sue to contain in my small little head.

Hayley, God has blessed you with a great brain that can retain all types of information, don't ever stop learning and gaining more knowledge. Even if you do stump the adults!

"Merebear" and Hayley playing the animal game. Meredith is stumped in the picture too! LOL! (Called you out Meredith!)



Dancing to her song: "California Girls" by the Beach Boys

"I wish they all could be California Girls!"

And of course, one last picture of sweet Hayley at CDR this summer. Did I tell you that she got best camper? OH I did! Well I thought I would throw it in one more time. I am just so proud.


Hayley,

Uncle Jeff and I love you dearly and can't wait to take you to IHOP and shopping for your big day. You are a precious little girl inside and out and we know that God has great plans for you! Continue to seek Him and He will take you far.

We love you!

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Susan

Happy Birthday F.I.L!

Yes bloggers that's right another one today.

Today is F.I.L's day!

Funny side story for you all:

For a few years the in-laws and Jeff and I all went to the same church. Before MIL and FIL moved and decided to find something closer to home. I have called my in-laws, MIL and FIL for quite sometime. I am big on nicknames and usually if I find one that sticks I run with it. Well, I called FIL, FIL because you know, that's my name for him, many times at church. One guy came up to him and said "Hey PHIL how's it going?" And Jon (aka FIL) answered him like nothing was wrong. Oh I laughed and laughed. Later when I was alone with the guy that called him PHIL, I explained that his name is actually Jon not PHIL. And I call him F.I.L because he is my father in law.

Happy Birthday F.I.L!

May your day be all that you want, need or desire.

We love you bunches!

The kids gave their parents a night away-their faces are priceless. This is one couple that truly loves each other.



Jeff snapped this picture of FIL. The boys have a standing tradition of smoking cigars at big events. This was in honor of 40 years of marriage. I think he deserves a cigar, don't you?



Up until the 40 years together party, I did not know FIL could dance. And let me tell you, he should be on Dancing With The Stars!

And finally, he loves his granddaughter Hayley and the feeling is mutual. Hayley is a big fan of her Poppy! They are sweet, sweet friends. And I love to see them together. Poppy's face lights up when her name is mentioned.

Tomorrow is Hayley's day so the birthday posts will continue for one more day.

Happy {Almost Belated} Birthday Missy!

I slept most of the day today, I think my body is trying to play catch from the last two weeks, which have been non-stop go!

Anyway, I woke up at 6 tonight and realized I had not called my siter in law. So Missy forgive me for being horrible today and not calling. but will a blog do? You are a regular reader after all.

Happy Birthday Sweet Sister!

You are such a blessing to us all!

I love you to pieces and am holding you close to my heart this week as you are going it alone while G is out of town.

{Call me so we can go to the pumpkin patch that I went to this weekend. It's close and super cute!}

Pumpkin Patch Photos

Last night I photographed these cute little pumpkins.

To the mom's of these 3 cuties,

I am working on putting these pictures in Kodak Easy Share for you these week and will email it soon.

Enjoyed the girl time, can't wait to see you all again!

Road Trip 2007

Jeff and I are in the planning stages of the 2007 Road Trip.

Tonight we pulled out the Atlas and pulled up Mapquest on the computer so we could plan the next big adventure.

We mentioned earlier on the blog (if you are a regular reader) that we were going to Disney World. Those plans have now been changed. Why? Well if you know us,you know that we NEVER stick to the original plan-we are always tweaking and flying by the seat of our pants.

This time, I am the one who throw the wrench in the plans.

Today, while shopping with my stylist (aka Mom) I mentioned how I was tired of the hot weather. (Avg temp 92 degrees this week) Mom mentioned something about it being the same in Florida only more humid. So this started my wheels a turning. I don't want hot weather on my vacation. I want something cooler. I want to go somewhere so I can wear my cute Fall Fashions that I was in the process of buying today. I don't want Florida or sand shores after all. I want something new and exciting.

Jeff said, "Okay let's plan somewhere else."


So... we leave in two weeks for our big adventure. Am I going to tell you where we are going? Uh no! You will have to tune in to the blog to see where the Garmin takes us.

But I will be throwing out clues the next few weeks and while we are on our trip I will post a picture of the big landmarks to see if you can guess "Where in the world are Jeff and Susan?"

I know you are thinking I am going to tell you before we leave. I'm not!

I know my friends and family are shaking their heads saying, "Oh she will tell us! She can't keep secrets."

Nope. Sorry, not going to do it.

Let's just call this training for other secrets we may or may not be sharing these days.

And again, I am not going to tell you.

Stay Tuned.

And I am serious when I say, "We are not telling a soul."

You will just have to watch and find out.

Silence is Golden

The summer Jeff and I visited our nation's capital we went to Arlington National Cemetery to see John F Kennedy's grave site. This sign grabbed me. I liked the fact that everyone who came to visit the site was silent as they passed by. Children who usually were running and laughing stood in silence as they watched the flame flicker on top of the tomb. I wonder why we aren't silent more. Why do we feel like we have to constantly have noise around us?

Last night, my friend lost her sweet Granddaddy. Jeff and I said a prayer last night for her and her family when we heard the news. Our hearts are still a bit raw from the loss of my great-grandmother last spring. So although we rejoice that she is in Heaven we still miss her sweet presence here on earth. I praise God for Grandaddy Leon's legacy he left behind too. I pray for her family who now mourns their loss.

This weekend was also amazing for me. I was able to attend a "Revive Our Hearts Conference" with some sweet friends from church. If you do not know about Nancy Leigh Demoss or normally don't listen to her radio show then you are missing out on some good, solid biblical truth. (Click on the Revive Our Hearts button to the left for her website)

My life is forever changed.

At the beginning of the conference she encouraged us to take a media break until the conference is finished. I continue to feel God is calling me to continue my "fast" from media. Especially this blog which has become too much a part of my life. I need to find my balance, friends. I am distracted by this and will read blogs before I read the Bible. I realize balance is a work in progress. And it will be something that everyday will be a struggle. But I don't want to miss out on the Lord speaking to me. And if the blog is keeping me from hearing His voice than I need to lay low a few days.

So with that, I start my blog fast.

I will be lurking but may not be commenting.

My goal for myself is to keep in touch with my real life friends and family beyond the blog. I want to be intentional about spending time with them in the real world and not just via the blog. But I will be back to blogland too.

I just need to take a moment to sit at the feet of Jesus. My first love.