11 year anniversary?

Okay, so we've only been married for 7 years, but we've known each other for 11. Brian surprised me with a wonderful night out at a Tampa Bay Lightening hockey game with our good friends, the Allinders. It was 11 years ago that we first met and our first "date" was my sorority date function which was a Tampa Bay Lightening game. We had a wonderful time re-living our courtship and spending time with great friends (thanks so much for hooking us up with tix Jeff!!!!). I thank God for our incredible marriage, and the fact that my husband is truly my best friend.

Beach Babies

My good friend Rachel was nice enough to include us in their Spring Break vacation to Longboat Key this week. Her daughter, Lilly, and Payton have known each other since they were about 6 months old. Many people mistake them for siblings, and after spending 4 days together at the beach, I think I almost mistook them for brother and sister! They were so cute together playing for hours at the beach and the pool. We had a fabulous time. Thanks so much Rachel!!!

Life in perspective

Most of my posts are happy, sometimes funny (I hope) updates on our daily lives. But today I just wanted to take a few moments to remind everyone - myself included - how of precious life is and how often we take it for granted.

A church friend of ours has been lost at sea for 4 days now, and the thought of "not knowing" where he is or what has happened to him, is so painful. I cannot imagine what his wife and family are going through. I find myself picturing him in the ocean and I have to tell myself not to "go there" and focus on praying for him and his family instead.

This whole ordeal has just reminded me that life is so fleeting. You can go out one day for a nice afternoon of fishing and never return. My husband could leave for work one morning and that could be the last time I ever see him. What if that happened? What were my last words to him? Did I kiss him goodbye? Did I tell him I loved him? Why does it take losing something or someone to make us realize how much we truly do love them?

If anything comes out of this horrific situation, I pray that it will draw people closer to God, and closer to each other. Please hug your loved ones a little bit tighter tonight. Look them in the eyes and tell them that you love them. And please, please pray for the Cooper family that they would find healing and comfort from God during this unimaginable time.

Bowling Extravaganza!

We went bowling with Payton for the first time last weekend. Our church Worship Team that I serve on was having a little get together and invited the families to come along. I had no idea bowling with kids could be so enjoyable! Payton had an absolute ball (pun intended) watching the ball go down the lane... but I think he (and his little friends) had even more fun watching the ball come back up through the ball return. Amazing what interests kids sometimes. Anyhow, we all had a great time.

Daddy is so proud!

Brian's dream of having a little son who loves golf has finally come true! Payton got a set of golf clubs from his Uncle Craig and Aunt Sheri and he loves them! So much so, that every Thursday on "Guy's Night" Payton begs to go to the driving range. Who knows... maybe he'll actually get good at this some day???