Personal questions about me!

How do you hope you’ll change as a person in the future? I am always hoping to grow and change as a Christian, as a wife and mother, and in my career. I hope to be better than I was the day before. I also plan to be a little thinner after this baby! LOL!

What keeps you up at night? Currently, pregnancy insomnia. Otherwise, if something is going on that is really weighing on my mind, at times I can't sleep.

What’s the most surprising self-realization you’ve had? I need to push myself out of mu comfort zone in order to make the progress I want to see in life. I can't just sit back and let opportunities go by without at least making an effort to advance and be better.

What’s the most illegal thing you’ve done? Ha! I will never tell. No, seriously- I am too chicken for illegal stuff.

What lie do you tell most often? I would say I tell my son "in a minute" a lot and sometimes it's way longer or never. #momlife

What do you regret not doing? No regrets here! Life happens and you just have to enjoy the ride!

What gives your life meaning? Church. My family.

What do you most often look down on people for? What do you think other people look down on you for? I try not to judge. It's not my place. If I do, it's usually because someone is exercising NO COMMON SENSE!

What bridges do you not regret burning? Toxic friendships!

What are you most insecure about? My weight currently... I hate carrying the extra weight, but I know it's worth it!

How do you get in the way of your own success? I doubt my own ability at times. 

What’s one thing you did that you really wish you could go back and undo? Nothing! No regrets, remember? :) 

What are you afraid people see when they look at you? Like I said, some people think I am mean or intimidating. I really am not!

Semi personal questions about me!

What question can you ask to find out the most about a person? What are your thoughts on life? See which direction they go. A lot can be learned about a person and how they view life. 

When was the last time you changed your opinion / belief about something major?

In this day, I am always developing new opinions and beliefs as our world is constantly changing and getting away from the way that I prefer it to be. 

What was the best compliment you’ve received? Anytime someone tells me that they notice I am good at being a wife or a mom, that is the best. 

As the only human left on Earth, what would you do? Probably freak out- I don't see myself being resourceful and doing well in that situation.

Who inspires you to be better? My husband constantly challenges me to think outside of what I would normally think. I would say it makes me a better person. 

What do you want your epitaph to be? I would hope that people remember me as a Christian, as a good person, as a friend

What did you think you would grow out of but haven’t? I really thought I wouldn't have time for fitness once I became a mom. Although I have had to make some adjustments, I still have time so I am happy to have not grown out of that. 

In what situation or place would you feel the most out of place in? I try not to put myself into awkward situations, but I would say big parties, places that are toooooo fancy, a comicon convention lol....those seem strange to me. 

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve done that actually turned out pretty well? I am not a big risk taker, but I would say most people viewed my decision to marry my husband so quickly as dumb and it has turned out more than pretty well. 

They say that everyone has a book in them. What would your book be about? Changing your life. How you can't let the past define who you are today. I didn't always make the best decisions, but I am a happy, successful person today and I truly think I had to go through all of that to get here. 

What is something you will NEVER do again? scuba dive or snorkel. I do not like it! I feel claustrophobic under the water. It's just not for me. 

What do you spend the most time thinking about? I try to focus on the positive side of things.... church, my family, the future and all the exciting things I am looking forward to doing. 

What are some of the events in your life that made you who you are? Working at a young age, heartbreak, my grandpa's passing....just to name a few. 

What do you wish your brain was better at doing? Remembering stuff! 

There are two types of people in this world. What are the two types? Old school and Politically Correct

What is the strangest thing you have come across? I can't remember something super strange. 

What is something you are certain you’ll never experience? Sky diving...no way...never ever

What dumb accomplishment are you most proud of? 

If you could make one rule that everyone had to follow, what rule would you make?

What are you addicted to? Peanut Butter (seriously- every day) 

What stereotype do you completely live up to? Basic white girl- I am a little gaudy, totally normal, love starbucks, dress the part...all of it. 

What is something you can never seem to finish? Books! It takes me a while when I am working to be able to stay up late and finish reading a book. 

As you get older, what are you becoming more and more afraid of? Something happening to me or someone I love suddenly and leaving my kids without family members.

What is one of your favorite smells? Pumpkin Spice- fav time of year

What would be the scariest monster you could imagine? Monsters, whatever! lol

What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking? I don't hide what I like- mostly country, Christian music and some oldies.

What would you do if you knew you were going to die in one hour? Be with my family!

What book impacted you the most? I would say reading the Bible all the way through several times has made an impact on my life. I try to use stories from the Bible and apply it to my everyday life. 

If you had to change your name, what would you change it to? I am happy with Melissa

If life is a game, like some people say, what are some of the rules? Have common sense would be my number 1! 

Who is / was your most interesting friend? I have had many friends over the years, for different reasons and seasons of life. I have met a lot of really interesting people. I don't think one in particular stands out to me. 

Have you ever given to any charities? Yes, my husband and I try to donate frequently to charities, especially those that are local and associated with our church.

What is something that your friends would consider “so you”? Anything fleur de lis or Boston terrier-ish :) 

What risks are worth taking? LOVE- definitely worth it!

What can you not get right, no matter how many times you try? Can't think of anything.

If you could convince everyone in the world to do one thing at one point in time, what would that thing be? Many times I would convince people to let it go! Sometimes people stress and worry over things that they have no control over and that will not matter at the end of this life. 

What do you take for granted? I try to be conscious of this and not take things for granted. Being grateful and thankful daily, even in the midst of things you feel aren't worth being grateful for is key to not letting this crazy life eat you up! 

What would be some of the most annoying things about having yourself as a roommate? I am overly picky about being clean and organized. I was so much better living alone than living with roommates! 

What’s something you are self-conscious about? My weight- always! It's a struggle. 

What personality trait do you value most and which do you dislike the most? someone who can enjoy life and laugh- someone who is funny! Don't take life too serious! Dislike- someone who is full of themselves. Can't stand it!

What small gesture from a stranger made a big impact on you? Most recently someone paid for part of my family's meal at a restaurant. It's the little things. 

What gets you fired up? Working out, being productive, Ever

What challenging thing are you working through these days? Just learning my new job! It has been so different this year, but I love it!

What irrational fear do you have? Roaches- so silly but I hate them! UGH!

What’s the best and worst piece of advice you’ve ever received? Lots of things related to mom life. Sleep training and so much more. Every kid and family is different. I would say do not stress over things and do not google stuff! Do not compare yourself or your child to others!

If you had a clock that would countdown to any one event of your choosing, what event would you want it to countdown to? Right now- Lydia's arrival- when will she come? 

What makes a good life? Faith, having people to love

What do you strongly suspect but have no proof of? The NFL is rigged! My Saints were robbed! LOL!

What’s the last adventure you went on? We haven't been anywhere in a while, but last summer we went on a fun vacation to the hill country. 

When do you feel truly “alive”? When I am in good shape, feeling healthy and strong!

What was the most memorable gift you’ve received? Again, I am not into material things.... don't have one in particular.

What chapters would you separate your autobiography into? Kid life, teenage life, single life, married life?

What do you like most about your family? We all get along and have fun when we are together. No drama! 

What do you hope your last words will be? Don't want to think about this

What stat for your life would you most like to see? Weight loss and gain- it's all over the place! 

What are three of the most significant numbers in your life? 3-16-15 my anniversary date... the day this whole new life began for me and it's been the BEST! 

What could you do with two million dollars to impact the most amount of people? I would have to think on this one- that's a lot of money!

If you were put into solitary confinement for six months, what would you do to stay sane? Read, write

What’s something horrible that everyone should try at least once? I would say there are some foods that are pretty horrible to some people, but I would say don't knock it until you try it! 

What fact are your resigned to? This country is going crazy

Have you ever saved someone’s life? No

What were some of the turning points in your life? Getting a teaching job, getting married, being baptized again as an adult.

What would a mirror opposite of yourself be like? Impatient, non-believer just to name a few things

What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it? Not embarrassed to be good at anything!

What are three interesting facts about you?  I am horrible at these kinda questions- there's one! LOL!

Which of your scars has the best story behind it? I have been very fortunate not to hurt myself and have many scars so there is no interesting, jumping over something, super cool story to tell. 

What’s the title of the current chapter of your life? Wife/Mom Life

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned? You can't live this life without God. Period.

What mistake do you keep making again and again? Can't think of one! I try to learn from my mistakes the first time. 

What do people think is weird about you? Not sure- maybe someone will tell me?

When people look at you, what do you think they see / think? I have often been told I look like I am mean. LOL but I really am not!

What have you created that you are most proud of? 2 babies!

If you could make a 20 second phone call to yourself at any point in your life present or future, when would you call and what would you say? I would call my single self and say- stop worrying, the guy will come. ENJOY life! 

What annoys you most about the in-groups you are a part of? in-groups? ummmmmm no

What do you have doubts about? Where my family and I will live in the future? Where will we work? We always keep our options open and are ready to go where God leads us. 

What do you want to be remembered for? Being ME :) 

What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break? I try to commit only to things I will do. I rarely ever don't do something I said I would do.

What do you regret not doing or starting when you were younger? Being into health and fitness. Being more active.

If you could have a never-ending candle that smelled like anything you wanted, what fragrance would you want it to be? Pumpkin spice! duh!

What’s the best thing about you? I am reliable- you can count on me. 

What bends your mind every time you think about it? Some of the current issues in our country- I won't make it political, but some things make me crazy. 

What’s the best thing you got from your parents?

I would say my personality- I am am mix of my mom and dad. Hard working and stubborn like dad. Organized and a natural homemaker like my mom.

What’s one responsibility you really wish you didn’t have? Some of the stuff at work isn't too fun.

What is the “holy grail” of your life? Can't think of something

If your childhood had a smell, what would it be? Outdoors! We spent a lot of time playing outside.

What are the top three things you want to accomplish before you die? How close are you to accomplishing them? Travel. ( Do this as often as we can) Be financially secure and debt free (we are getting there quickly) Be in the best shape of my life (after this baby).

What do you wish you could tell yourself 10 years ago? What do you think you’ll want to tell your current self 10 years from now? 10 years ago- Don't worry, God has a plan! 10 years from now- Enjoy every moment with your kids- good and bad, one day you will miss it!

In your group of friends, what role do you play? The one who always tell you like it is, no matter what. 

Among your friends or family, what are you famous for? nada

What is the biggest lesson you never learned? Life does go on, no matter what happens.

What’s the most immature thing that you do? Watch reality TV- kinda dumb, but a guilty pleasure! 

If your life was a book, what would its title be? Can't think of a good one

What’s the best and worst thing about getting older? Living another day....worst thing: gray hairs! 

What’s something that happened or something that someone said that changed how you view the world? I think the way I found my husband, the way things worked out was a pivitol moment in my life. It really solidified for me that God has a plan. I view the world much more differently now.

What are you most likely very wrong about? Me? Wrong? Never! HA! JK! I am wrong in fights with the hubby SOMETIMES.

If you had a personal flag, what would be on it? Fleur de lis, of course! 

What lifestyle change have you been meaning to make for a while now? Using beachbody on demand for workouts- LOVE it! 

What would be your spirit animal? Tiger----- like LSU

What incredibly strong opinion or belief do you have that is completely unimportant in the grand scheme of things? My opinions about what a mom and wife should and should not do are probably unimportant to most- I view things very differently that most people, but to each their own!

What chance encounter changed your life forever? Meeting the hubby!

If you could have a video of any one event in your life, what event would you choose? Wedding day- to show my kids :) 

If you were forced to relive one 10-minute block of your life again and again for all eternity, what 10 minutes of your life would you choose? A quiet morning at home with my family, coffee and a fire going

Casual questions to get to know me!

My hope for this blog is to develop a following, like I had before and connect with people that lead a similar life. I love sharing things about faith, marriage, mom life, traveling, fitness, etc. I figured it would be fun to do a series of blog posts with questions so that my readers can get to know me a little better! 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? No sleep? What?! I love my sleep...but if I didn't have to- I would read, workout, spend time with my family. Just more of the ordinary stuff.

What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own / owned? I try not to get attached to material things like that. I am all about that mom life-comfy t-shirts, jeans, flip flops or bobs....casual!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? I absolutely love crafting, but just don't have much time for it anymore. Money isn't the issue, but finding time to paint or create something is hard working and taking care of littles.

What would your perfect room look like? Probably something that Chip & Joanna decorated- I love that style.

How often do you play sports? Never. Other than throwing a ball around with my 2 year old, I don't have the opportunity to play sports.

What fictional place would you most like to go? Can't think of one.

What job would you be terrible at? Anything that I would have to dress up in a suit and heels, stuffy office, in the city. UGH.

When was the last time you climbed a tree? Probably as a kid....LONG time ago!

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for? mommin- is that an activity? that is the one I do most and I feel I am pretty dang good at it! 

What is the most annoying habit that other people have? Smoking... gross! 

What job do you think you’d be really good at? I love what I do in education. I think I would also be good at motivating other through coaching. I love that kind of thing!

What skill would you like to master? I wish I could speak Spanish fluently.

What would be the most amazing adventure to go on? I would love to rent an RV and just set out to see the US, no plan...just go where we want, stay as long as we want, check out all the places I have never been.

If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you would live in for the rest of your life, what would the finished house be like? I love the house we are in now. I would like to upgrade/fix some things in it. Again, I would probably hire Chip & Joanna and just let them go for it. The houses they work on always look so amazing! 

What’s your favorite drink? water! I drink a ton. Other than that, I enjoy an occasional glass of tea or Sparkling Ice.

What state or country do you never want to go back to? I would say Nevada...Vegas was not my fav. I didn't understand what all the hype was about.

What songs have you completely memorized? too many to name.... there are many songs that come on the radio that I know all the words to- rap to country.

What game or movie universe would you most like to live in? Again, I am really not into that kinda thing. I am perfectly happy right here in the real world. 

What do you consider to be your best find? My house! We looked and looked and looked....we wanted other houses, but in the end- it was the best fit for us and is honestly PERFECT for our family.

Are you usually early or late? Early!

What pets did you have while you were growing up? I had cats and dogs growing up. My brother had asthma, so after he was about 2 we didn't have animals anymore. I have my sweet Boston Terrier, Nola Rae, now. 

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with? Work stuff..... what to do, when to do it, when is it due....

What takes up too much of your time? Paperwork at work.... at home- cleaning-laundry

What do you wish you knew more about? I wish I had some of my husband's memory for useless information like people, places, movies, etc. I never remember that kinda stuff!

What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years? Is my family here or did I get frozen alone?

What are some small things that make your day better? My husband, my son, my dog... just having time to be with them...quiet relaxing time at home.

Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to? I usually just put it on XM radio channel 63- The Message

What shows are you into? This is Us, Married at First Sight, Grey's Anatomy, True Detective, Ozark

What TV channel doesn’t exist but really should? Mom channel!

Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished? I would say my parents. Both of them have worked really hard their whole lives. Neither went to college and have built a beautiful life with adventures, a nice home, and a family that never wanted or needed for anything.

What age do you wish you could permanently be? 30s are pretty good- I'd like to stay right here.

What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch? Parks and recreation- my husband loves it- I think it is SO DUMB! Anything too scary that involves lots of blood and guts, I'm out also!

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend? Relaxing, maybe a beach trip, some good food, with family. Simple things in life.

What is something that is considered a luxury, but you don’t think you could live without? My Ever Skincare. It's not cheap, but I love it.

What’s your claim to fame? Famous in a small town! HAHA! I know everyone near about.

What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way? Cook. I don't like culinary type meals. I like simple stuff. 

What’s your favorite genre of book or movie? Lately, it's been suspense. 

How often do you people watch? Anytime I get a chance. It is often some of the best entertainment. LOL! 

What have you only recently formed an opinion about? I would say I have recently decided that the world will never go back to the "good old days". Politically correct life is here to stay. Sad world we live in.

What’s the best single day on the calendar? Every day is a good day! 

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? I can't think of anything really.

How do you relax after a hard day of work? Workout, cook dinner, couch time with the kid and hubby.

What was the best book or series that you’ve ever read? I don't really get into series much, but I did read the Fifty Shades books twice. No, not for the reason everyone thinks. The story behind the main character and his life of issues got me. 

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home? Caribbean, Mexico, South America- all on vacation

What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen? watching my husband or family with Landry. He is so amazing and I love the love they all have.

What is the most annoying question that people ask you? I would say anything that they have already been told. 

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? My job

If you were dictator of a small island nation, what crazy dictator stuff would you do? Make everyone exercise!

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Be spontaneous- go somewhere spur of the moment- travel!

Would you rather go hang gliding or whitewater rafting? Neither!

What’s your dream car? Again, I am not much into material things. I am happy with a normal SUV like I have.

What’s worth spending more on to get the best? Skincare and makeup (obviously!) Certain things in life- shoes, clothes, cookware, some foods, etc. You get what you pay for and some things you can't skimp on.

What is something that a ton of people are obsessed with but you just don’t get the point of? Celebrities- they are just people.

What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years? Raising my kids. Going on vacations as a family and also alone with the husband.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been? I loved Isla Mujeres- small little island in Mexico. Small town, but lots of cool stuff, very relaxing.

What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it? Hmmmm, can't think of anything.

What’s the best thing that happened to you last week? I felt really good! This pregnancy has been a little rough, so any week I can workout, eat normally and feel energized is a good week!

What piece of entertainment do you wish you could erase from your mind so that you could experience for the first time again? Maybe riding rides... I used to get sick all the time from stuff like that, so in my mind- I never want to do it again. Maybe if I tried it now, it would be different.

If all jobs had the same pay and hours, what job would you like to have? I would love to coach full time or sell Ever full time.

What amazing thing did you do that no one was around to see? I do amazing things all the time. LOL! I would say we do a lot of donations that no one sees that we do. 

How different was your life one year ago? I was not pregnant. I was teaching in the classroom and not in admin. 

What’s the best way to start the day? NO alarm.

What quirks do you have? I am very routine. I plan out things a lot. 

What would you rate 10 / 10? Nothing is perfect!

What fad or trend do you hope comes back? I don't care about fads or trends honestly.

What’s the most interesting piece of art you’ve seen? I can't say anything sticks out in my mind.

What kind of art do you enjoy most? I like to go see a good play 

What do you hope never changes? Freedom

What city would you most like to live in? I am happy here, but I would be ok anywhere in Texas or Louisiana honestly.

What movie title best describes your life? I don't know! Silly question

Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now? It kinda fell into my lap. I am very blessed to have the job I have now.

What’s the best way a person can spend their time? Being productive in some way.

If you suddenly became a master at woodworking, what would you make? Right now- an addition to my bed so we can all co sleep more comfortably. 

Where is the most relaxing place you’ve ever been? Our first anniversary trip to a little cabin in the woods. No one around, quiet, didn't even leave the cabin to do anything. 

What is the luckiest thing that has happened to you? Lucky or blessed? Finding my hubby!

Where would you rather be from? Louisiana- I have always felt I should have been born there.

What are some things you’ve had to unlearn? I have had to learn to step back and let people do things the way they think they need to be done instead of constantly directing them

What are you looking forward to in the coming months? Rodeo date with hubby for anniversary, Lydia's arrival

What website do you visit most often? Blogger, Jane, First 5

What one thing do you really want but can’t afford? I can't think of anything right now. We don't spend lavishly, but for the most part we have the things we want in life.

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? Travel, visit family

Where would you spend all your time if you could? Home :) 

What is special about the place you grew up? It's a small town, everyone knows everyone...everyone helps everyone. 

What age do you want to live to? As old as God will allow me with sound body and mind!

What are you most likely to become famous for? Blogging maybe? haha! maybe one day!

What are you absolutely determined to do? Be a good Christian mom and wife every single day or at least try.

What is the most impressive thing you know how to do? Organize. Thrifty spending.

What do you wish you knew more about? History- I wish I could remember facts about things that have happened in the past.

What question would you most like to know the answer to? Don't have one

Pregnancy

Today's post is all about that bump!

 

That pretty much sums up this pregnancy for me. This is my second time around and the two pregnancies couldn't be more different. 

Pregnancy #1- Landry, my son

With my son, my husband and I tried for close to a year to get pregnant. We had actually just started seeing a fertility specialist to ensure everything was ok when I ended up getting pregnant naturally. I truly believe God led me to that doctor though, because I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism early in my pregnancy. I also had low levels of progesterone. Who knows if I would have sustained that pregnancy had I not been under the careful care and supervision of Dr. Schnell at the Center of Reproductive Medicine. She was amazing. My time there was amazing. I can't imagine life without Landry, so I am forever grateful to them for taking such good care of me.

With Landry, I never felt an ounce of sickness. I never threw up. I never felt nauseated. Nothing. I felt totally normal. Cravings with him were egg rolls and corn dogs, a tall glass of milk every night and sweets! I could eat a cobbler anytime. My thyroid was an issue though and the weight would jump on me so fast. It took quite some time for them to get my levels under control. However, I did workout all the time when I was pregnant with him. I stopped working out at 38 weeks and had him a week later. The weight I gained was all over- in my face, legs, booty, everywhere! I gained about 36 pounds with him. I only swelled when I was on my feet too long teaching. My blood pressure was amazing. My doctor was a little worried I was going to have a big baby because I was measuring 2 weeks ahead at some point. She had me convinced that I was going to have a 9 lb baby! WHAT?! I was terrified. Luckily, that was not true. Exactly a week before my due date, I delivered a healthy and normal sized 7 lb 6 oz baby. My water broke at home the night before and I went in. I was in labor for 23 hours- took me forever to dilate fully. About an hour and a half of pushing and he was here. I did have to be induced and I had an epidural. Not sure if any of that played into the length of my labor, but I was so close to having a c-section. I am glad I didn't have to go that route! Whew! Landry turned 2 in December and is the most amazing little boy. All was worth it!

Pregnant with Landry

Pregnancy #2 Lydia, my daughter

I am currently pregnant with my second baby. I am nearly 32 weeks along. This one was completely different. My husband and I wanted to try and time this one. Landry was born in December, right in the middle of the school year. I wanted to try and have this baby closer to the end of the year so that my time off would roll into summer. We literally got pregnant our first month trying. I was shocked, given it had taken us so long to get pregnant with Landry, I wasn't expecting that. I took all the necessary precautions to get on progesterone again to ensure things were ok. I have a new doctor this time and I love her. BUT, this pregnancy is different. For the first trimester I felt sick nearly every day. I had to suck on preggie pops, take unisom and vitamin B, I threw up (once but still!), nothing sounded good to eat. I mean NOTHING. My energy lagged severely. Every day tasks were hard. Overall, it was better than a lot of people I have known, but for me it was the opposite of the first time. This time, I have gained almost all my weight in my belly- it's huge! I haven't had any really big cravings this go around. Mexican food and soup and salad are some of the things I have preferred to eat. I find I don't eat as much and I have gained as much yet, but I am on track to gain about the same amount as I did with Landry, maybe a little less. Again, my blood pressure is great, no swelling, and I still workout 4-6 times a week. I found that being active helps me feel better, sleep better, and get back to pre-pregnancy weight faster. Lydia is due in April and I can't wait to meet her. 

Were your pregnancies different? How? I would love to hear some other pregnancy stories! :) 

Christ Centered Marriage

I had a plan for today's blog and this what not it. We didn't go to church yesterday. We had a busy weekend, I was exhausted, Tyler was exhausted... we have a very busy week ahead. These are not excuses. It just didn't work out. Sometimes you have to listen to your body and soul and know when you need a day to rest. Even when we don't go to church, I listen to a sermon online. My go to online services are Life Church with Craig Groeschel or Passion City with Louie Giglio. Both are incredible. I decided to listen in with Life Church this week because they have a series right now called Relationship Goals. Since I spent some time on the blog last week talking about marriage and love and investing in your marriage, I thought it was a fitting way to end the week. I didn't plan on sharing it here, but after listening and reflecting I couldn't NOT share it.

Craig and his wife Amy have been married close to 27 years. Now, I don't know about you, but in this day and time- when people have been married that long- I tend to listen to see how they have navigated life and marriage. Chances are, they are going to have some good advice to tell you, or at least some good stories! 

The sermon I listened to today was the first in this series- entitled "Christ Centered". There are four messages in the series. I think I will most likely go back and listen to the others as well. Craig started off talking about how man and woman were created, how man is not to be alone, and how man and woman become 1. (Genesis). The whole relationship of man and woman was created by God. 

He then went on to discuss how we look at people's pictures and stories and lives on social media and in the world. We think "relationship goals"... we want that. What we don't see is the work that is put into those relationships. Anyone can post a pretty picture on social media, but behind that there are fights and miscommunication and misunderstandings, and challenges. It is good to want something other than what has become the norm today- anger, distrust, divorce.... all things that happen when two people are together but doing their own thing and not having a similar vision in life. 

The number one thing that people mistake is thinking that you have to find the "one" to truly be happy in life. What we don't realize is that we already have the ONE, if we chose to have Him. God should be #1. He should top the list of priorities in all things we do. He should come before your spouse. Without him you wouldn't even be here to have a spouse. It is when we put other things before him that we start to see things unravel and our world tends to be scattered, a hot mess, unfulfilled. The key to that list is that your spouse should be #2! Not your house or job or money or material things or kids. Your spouse. 

When you put God as #1, you have a truly Christ centered life. It is about more than going to church or reading your bible. It is about putting him at the top of all things. When you do that it makes an impact on your values and beliefs. Then, that impacts the actions and decisions that you make. With that, it changes the impact and influence that you have on the world around you. See how that has an effect? BUT none of that is possible if you don't have God as #1. 
One thing that Craig truly believes helps couples to lead a more Christ centered life is praying together daily. I am not going to lie- I kinda cringed when he said this. While my husband and are Christ followers, we have never really prayed together. He does his thing and I do my own. We view it more privately. Well, as Craig said there are lots of things you do in front of your spouse that are private (like going to the bathroom- lol- did I mention he always makes me laugh in his sermons as well?). True, true Craig! If you can do those things, you can pray together. He gave three tips- Keep it short, keep it consistent, and if you miss a day, don't miss two. He said you can start simple and build up. It doesn't have to be 30 minutes of prayer. It doesn't have to be complicated. He just suggested you give it a try. The only thing it can do is build your relationship up and make it stronger! The devil is always on attack, especially to those who are true believers and have the faith. It is constant warfare. Wouldn't you rather have that prayer be something else to use in that battle? I know I would. I think we will give it a go. 

My challenge to you this week: Pray with your spouse. See how it changes your week. 

I have linked the sermon below. If you are ever in need of some faith, some Jesus....Craig is great. 


https://www.life.church/media/relationship-goals/christ-centered/

Investing in your marriage

So, as we wrap up this Valentine's Day week, I thought I would talk about a subject that is very near and dear to my heart! Something that I have struggled with before. When you become a parent it is very hard not to allow the kids to take over your life and become your #1 priority. Babies and kids are needy. They rely on you for everything for a long time. You feed them, clothe them, teach them, play with them, change them, put them to sleep and so much more. It is hard not to let it overwhelm other areas in your life. 

What I have learned is this: your marriage needs to come first. One day your kids will be grown and gone. You and your spouse will be left with each other. The key is: did you spend time investing in each other to grow that relationship and prepare for that time?

I love my son and soon-to-be daughter. I love being a mom. Nothing makes me happier than waking up to my son daily and spending time with him. BUT, I also enjoy time with my husband. ALONE. We don't get it as often as we would like. We are busy working, tending to the house, going to church, and just having down time. There are many weekends we just stay home and don't do anything. We do, however, make an effort to get away and have dates as often as we can. 

There is something about having dinner without a toddler asking for things. There is something about driving in the car without hearing Mickey Mouse playing on the dvd in the back. There is something about going to a movie in peace and quiet. It allows us to connect, sometimes reconnect, if it's been a while. 

I am not saying your kids should not be a priority. They absolutely should be and are for me. What I am saying is there needs to be times when your spouse IS the priority. When you take time for each other without kids. Often we forget that we are the models for what our kids will expect in the world. How we grow up and what we see is often how we think it should be. How our parents are, how they interact, experiences we have as kids...all of it molds us and we often try to mimic or do the same in our relationships. So, what we show our kids is what they expect to be the "norm". I want to show my kids a loving relationship. A happy relationship. I want them to see us invest in each other and know that is important. 

What do you do to strive to make your spouse a priority? Date nights, vacations, alone time? 

Our love story

I was that girl. The single girl. The 30something and single girl. The one everyone asked "when are you going to settle down? Get married?"........ it felt like I was single FOREVER. My friends were all getting married and having kids and there I was- STILL single. I had honestly started to lose hope that there was someone out there for me. I had settled into single life and accepted it. I traveled, spent time with family and friends, put time into fitness, and just tried to keep busy with things so I didn't think about being SINGLE. Society has a way of making you feel like you are on a timeline and you have to be married by a certain age. Well, I wasn't and my story still has a happy ending.

I met Tyler when I was 31. I was starting another year of teaching in my hometown at the school I love. Everyone had joked with me for years that I needed to get out, explore, go places...because surely Prince Charming wasn't going to walk into Port Bolivar, TX and steal my heart. Boy, were they wrong. The circumstances that brought Tyler to this town are a little crazy, but something we truly believe had to happen in order for him to be brought here to me. Anyways, after the craziness of that situation died down, Tyler nervously asked me on a date. This was after many little match makers on our school campus helped boost his confidence to do so. I said yes- all the while thinking- he is too young for me (6 years younger) and oh, well- it'll be a free dinner if nothing else. LOL! I had no idea what was about to hit me.


We went on our first date in September of 2014. We both like football so we went to a local restaurant that had great outdoor seating and lots of TVs to watch the games. Casual. Prior to this, we had talked and text some, but that night we talked a lot about life and family and all things. I remember we both didn't want the night to end. Something happened. It was like it just "clicked" as cliche as that sounds. From that moment on, we went on many more dates and spent a lot of time together. We weren't traditional by any means. By Christmas 2014, we were engaged and married in March of 2015.

Since then, we have bought a home in this little town we met in. We have acquired a spoiled Boston Terrier named Nola, a little boy who is 2 named Landry, and baby girl Lydia to complete our family who is on the way in April. We have made a pretty beautiful life. We work together at the school where he first asked me out. We are God lovers, sports watchers, travelers, fitness junkies, and most importantly spouses and parents. I can't imagine spending life with anyone else.

So, for those of you who are single ladies and out there thinking it will never happen. Don't give up hope. I truly believe God has a plan. His timing is perfect. Trust in him with your whole heart. 

Happy Valentine's Day! May you all have LOVE!