Friends of the NRA Banquet

Saturday night was the Friends of the NRA banquet for the Lake Wales Ridge Area. Through a strange string of events I was asked to join the planning committee and since Jimmy and I are gun owners and participants in shooting sports, I figured this was a good cause for my volunteer time. (Let me just say that I feel completely blessed to be in a position to give some of my time to worthy causes). It was exciting to be a part of something so big and semi-political. If I didn't believe that our second amendment rights needed to be defended before, I sure do now! Here are some pics from the event...

Me and Jimmy, Mike and Kelly after a yummy Texas Cattle Co. steak dinner!

Our "winnings" from the live auction. I was so excited to be the highest bidder on this crazy buffalo painting. First of all, this was my first time actively participating in a live auction (which is super fun!). And most importantly, we got a killer deal on the item. (I guess there weren't too many buffalo fans in the house). When the charasmatic auctioneer yelled, "sold, for $150 to the lady in the center," I could have just screamed! That was me! I kept saying "oh my gosh, I've never won anything in my life!" And Jimmy didn't hesitate to remind me that I didn't win anything. I'd be paying good money for that picture. I don't know...There is something about an auction that makes you feel like a winner. :)

This picture doesn't do it justice; it really is a great work of art. Come by the house y'all and see it for yourselves!

Michelle's Bachelorette Party- Saturday, March 21st

Thankful Thursday

Tonight I'm thankful for something I've never really been thankful for before... the sound of a baby's heartbeat. "swoosh, swoosh, swoosh" Ah!

I haven't shared this with everyone yet, but I am 10 weeks and 3 days preggo today! Went for my first visit to the midwife and everything looks good! I'm eager for week 12 to get here, but hearing the heartbeat today brought me more joy and peace than I ever could have imagined. I have a feeling this will be 6 1/2 more months of "more than I ever could have imagined".

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
-Psalm 139:13

Thankful whatever (man, I was doing so good).

In our Bible study last week, Missy and I talked about revolutionizing the way we think in regards to who we are in Christ and how we view the world. We were encouraged to memorize scriptures that were affirmative of our standing with God. So, I'm thankful for truth.

• I am God's child. John 1:12
• I am Christ's friend. John 15:15
• I have been justified. Romans 5:1
• I am united with the Lord and one with him in spirit. I Corinthians 6:17
• I have been bought a a price; I belong to God. I Corinthians 6:20
• I am a member of Christ's body. I Corinthians 12:27
• I am a saint. Ephesians 1:1 (Hey, I didn't say it, God did).
• I have been adopted as God's child. Ephesians 1:5
• I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. Colossians 1:14
• I am complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10

Life

I enjoy blogging my thoughts and all the things I'm thankful for, but I most enjoy sharing everyday moments in life. Surely we've all looked at someone else and thought, "wow, they have the best life ever...always active and having fun." We all have adventure and excitement in our lives that we don't recognize or acknowledge enough. I don't want to forget how incredibly blessed I am or just how much fun we really have!

Me, Jimmy, Mike, Melissa, and Trey at the Blue Crab in Sebring. All You Can Eat Crablegs, baby! We ate for over an hour, but surprisingly weren't that stuffed. Guess we worked off some calories with all the crackin' and pickin'!

Jimmy, being silly. These look like really bad bubba teeth.

I love taking pictures of little ones! Trey was such a good sport at dinner. My camera captured him enjoying his extensive menu which included lemons and cheesecake! Yum!

Kayaking with Mom

Last weekend, my mom and I went kayaking across Lake Reedy. We were just shy of the south shore (say that 5x's fast) before turning around and heading back home. Glad to be enjoying this Florida weather!

Thankful Thursday

• abundant life
• certified mental health counselors (...no, really)
• bubble baths and toenail polish
• my family (excluding no one, no matter how screwed up they are ;)
• healthy babies and good deliveries (welcome Rylann Rae, born to Amanda and Ryan TODAY....very, very early this morning)

"Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men..."-Psalm 107:8

Thankful Thursday

I'm especially thankful tonight for my wonderful hubby! I'm thankful that he is adventurous, creative, fun, and young at heart (as seen in the following mechanical bull riding pictures). He has many strengths that I do not, such as spontaneity, which is particularly helpful in this balancing act called marriage. (See bull; ride bull). I'm thankful that he can really hold on when the going gets tough (testified by his determined facial expression in the first bull riding picture). He's a fighter; usually gets right back up when he gets knocked down. (Well, except in this case. At $5 a pop, one ride will have to do). I'm also very thankful that my husband is brilliant! He really is a smart cookie and will do whatever it takes to provide for his family. (By the looks of his 15 second ride, bull riding may even be an option!)