December

Yet again, December proved to be the most busiest month of the year. The kick-off was actually in November, the day before Thanksgiving when I put up the Christmas tree and all other Christmas decorations. Thanksgiving was spent at each of our parents' house. The next day, Brandon "trooped up" and went shopping with me. Yes, that is right, the day after Thanksgiving, Brandon went shopping! Saturday, Nov. 28th, I went to see the Radio City Rockettes at the Fox Theatre. This was great fun, as I had never been to the Fox nor had I been to a Radio City Rockette Show. On the 30th, Brandon and I took McKenzie to Dollywood. It was a blast! McKenzie loved it and she took up a pretty tight bond with Brandon. My favorite part of the day was hearing the excitement in her voice and seeing the magic of Christmas in her eyes. What a special girl! This was a great way to end November, but then it was on to December!

The beginning of December was dedicated to school, in every way. My focus was on completing my internship, meeting the final project due dates and passing my semester finals. I took my very last final as an undergraduate of Western Carolina on December 15th, the same day I got the results from my Teaching Licensure Test, The Praxis (dun...dun...dunnn), which, I PASSED! *big sigh* However, also on the 15th, was Brandon's Nanny's funeral. The week before she passed away, we spent the majority of our time at the nursing home with her. Nanny was in many ways like a mother to Brandon and his brothers. She was a special lady and her legacy lives on.

The rest of the month was sprinkled with theatre shows of The Gift of Christmas, a few Christmas movies at the theatre, a graduation party, wrapping gifts, cleaning house, and baking. Not to mention all the Christmas festivities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The removal of Christmas decorations although we do not put "Christmas away" and preparing for a brand new year!

*As soon as I get copies of pictures from Sandy and Moma that they took, I will post them*

But for now, here are a few Christmas decorations.

Our Christmas Tree

The Fireplace

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care..."

Dining Room

Willowtree Nativity

(which now has a camel, donkey, and a Shepherd)

Dining Room Table

Legacy of Love

Last Monday, we were told that Brandon's Nanny was failing quickly. Thirteen years ago, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. It was not until 2 1/2 years ago that she was moved into a nursing home. Although this was a difficult decision for her children to make, they knew that the she would be receiving around the clock care, as her condition was getting worse.
Last week, her children spent the days and nights by her bedside. Throughout the week, stories were told, tears were shed, and laughter filled the room. Although this was a sad time and our hearts were broken, Brandon and I couldn't help but notice the feeling of anticipation and excitement we were feeling. We then realize the reason why we were feeling excited was because we knew something big was going to happen. Brandon's Nanny, the woman who played such a vital role in their boys' childhoods, was soon to be with Jesus!!
Early Saturday morning, Nanny saw Jesus face to face.
Brandon took part in the funeral service this morning. I would like to share part of his sermon.

(I am taking this from Brandon's notes and piecing it together)

...I have the honor today of representing this family as well as remembering and celebrating the life of this woman we all loved. I know of no other person who loved her family more or was more loved by her family than this one. Some of you could speak of her love as a sister. If Papaw were here, he could speak of her love as a wife. Some of you can speak of her love as a mother. Some of you could speak of her love as a friend. All of you can speak of her love to you in so many different ways. And those of us who God has blessed have the chance to speak of her love as a Nanny. And that's what I have the privilege of doing today.

Her legacy of love was born on June 2, 1929. Times were hard, standards were more difficult, and material things for her family were few. Hardships were a normal part of her early years. In spite of all of this, love led her to care for and help raise a number of brothers and sisters who were younger than she was.

Her legacy continued when on December 13th 1947, she married the only man she ever loved.

Love led her to leave home and go with with him to Michigan to find work during those difficult times. On January 19th, 1952, there, love for each other introduced into the world a brand new life when Gerald entered into the legacy of love. Two years later on April 4th, 1954, that same love brought Lee Ann into the world. And that same love held the family together when shortly after that the Lord took Lee Ann home to Heaven.

One year later on April 5th, 1955, love introduced Sandy into the world. They brought their family back to Franklin where on May 26th, 1958, love introduced Polly into the world. She showed great love for her family during those years. Laying herself aside, she at times went without so the ones she loved might have. She took what little they had and with love, turned it into a lot. And in love, her children grew up to carry on her legacy.
Beginning in 1974, that legacy brought into the world several grandchildren who became the focus of her affection. In 1984, love caused her heart to break when the Lord took the love of her life home to Heaven. But the love she had for her children and grandchildren kept her giving. In 1988, when a terrible accident threatened to take her life, her love for her children and grandchildren kept her living.
All the stories of love that we as grandchildren could tell are far too many to count. These are stories of eating a gallon of chocolate ice cream and then being asked if you needed to go to the store to get more. Stories of her fighting teachers and even other kids if they so much as looked at her boys wrong. Stories of a few whippings with switches because she loved us too much to let us jump from the roof of the carport. Stories of getting up early in the morning to make biscuits and gravy with sausage for the boys that would surely test her love to its limits before the long day was over. Stories of some of the best Christmas mornings in the world. Stories of some of the best food made with all the love in her heart.
Stories of love.
Then on Saturday morning with many of the ones she loved gathered around her, we prayed that the Lord would give her rest from her struggle. And in love the God of love reached down and lifted her out of suffering and into eternal Glory to be lavished in His love forever.
From beginning to end, her life was and is a legacy of love.
And we have the opportunity to carry on this same legacy.

Undoubtedly, Nanny left a legacy of love.
I was very proud of Brandon this morning as he stood to represent his family and his Nanny. I am thankful for all the ways he shows me he loves me...a part of living that legacy.

(I will try to get a picture of Brandon and his Nanny to post on here.)

New Posts

This last week has been super busy! Monday and Tuesday, I had to go to Cartoogechaye and to Western @ night. Wednesday, I kept my neice, McKenzie and took her to Dollywood. Thursday, Thanksgiving. Friday, after Thanksgiving Day shopping! (thank you Scott and Garrett) Saturday, Radio City Rockettes (again, a shout out to Scott)!

Anyhow, there are 3 new posts of our week of fun filled adventures.

Enjoy!

Dollywood

Brandon and I had such a special gift this week. On Wednesday, I kept McKenzie, my neice while her moma was at work. We decided that it was the perfect chance to take her to Dollywood. I am so glad we went. We were able to spend the whole day together and so many times throughout the day, I hoped that Jesus would let her Daddy watch her smile.

She fell asleep all the way over the Smokies and woke up just as we entered into Pigeon Forge, I was glad she had a good nap and was ready to ride rides. Brandon and I rode some things with her, until I was informed that she didn't need me to ride with her on the Bubble Bee, because "this little boy is going to ride with me". From there on, she called him "best friend". It was sweet.

The whole day was a special day and a true gift.

On the Trolly, going into the park. McK was so excited!

Babes in Toyland Show

Off to ride the Dumbos

The boy that would become "Best Friend"

Well, I tried to get a picture of the three of us. We smooshed Brandon.

We give the day "two thumbs up".

Before we got out of the park, we had a sleeping little girl.
I am so thankful for this special day and time to spend with McKenzie Faith. I love her "to the moon and back"!

Thanksgiving 2009

Brandon's dad, Terry, was researching the origin of Thanksgiving and found George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation. We decided that should not expect to find this published in the Asheville Citizen Times or in the Franklin Press, therefore, I have taken it upon myself to publish it in my blog. :)

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

G. Washington (his actual signature)

*************************************************************************************

Brandon and I have so much to be thankful for not only on Thanksgiving Day, but all year long.

• Christ's Redemption and Love



• Our Marriage



• Our Family



• Our Friends



• Our Employment

and the list can go on and on, just as I am certain that each of you have your lists. The prayer of my heart this Thanksgiving is that I will celebrate King Jesus for all He has done, is doing, and will do in our lives and that I will recognize His hand in all that surrounds us.

Happy Thanksgiving.

The Radio City Rockettes

For so long, I have wanted to see the Radio City Rockettes. I have only been to New York City once and that trip did not allow any extra time to go to a show. So when my friend, Brooke King asked me if I were interested, I jumped on the opportunity. However, this wasn't just a trip with Brooke, but we would be going on a tour bus trip (this was another new adventure for me).


We met at the Kmart parking lot and left on the bus at 9am. We were scheduled to eat at The Varsity for lunch, but when we arrived there, the parking lot was covered with tailgaters anticipating the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech game that afternoon. Therefore, we went to Plan B. We ate lunch in the food court of the CNN Building.


After lunch, we got back on the bus and headed to the Fox Theatre. At this point, I was extremely excited! Since I have been working at the Smoky Mountain Center of the Performing Arts, I have become increasingly interested in other theatres and shows. I have never been to the Fox Theatre, but have heard so much about it. I was thankful to have the opportunity to be in the theatre with such history and success.

When we arrived, we got in line (that went down along the building and went around the other corner) and waited to get in. I loved every minute of it.

Before the show began, I went to the balcony so that I could see the entire theatre. I stood in amazement as I looked around. The theatre was beautiful!!! So much architecture and detail. I was overwhelmed.

At the end of the Rockettes, the show continued into the story of Christ. There was a live nativity scene, complete with two REAL camels, donkey, and sheep. It was beautiful.

The show was wonderful and I am so thankful to have gone.

I could not let the night end without getting a picture with Brooke. I am thankful for this special woman. I keep thinking, "when I grow up, I want to be just like her". She is the wife, mother, and friend, that I want to become. Her friendship is a gift and I am thankful for who she is in my life.

2 New Posts

Fall Decorations
Leaves Are Still Going to Fall

Fall Decorations

The last couple of weeks have been very busy. The semester is finally coming to and end and with each passing day, December 18th seems to get closer and closer. As exciting as this is, the final assignments always seem to add an extra touch of stress. I am to this point in the semester. The larger assignments' due dates are getting closer, plus I have had to prepare for my Praxis 2 test. This past Saturday, November 14th, I went to WCU to take my test, so I am thankful to have that behind me. I won't have my scores until several weeks from now, but I am glad that it is over. I did my very best best and did all I could do. We'll see how it turns out.

I am really looking forward to Saturday. I am off from the theatre and I want to decorate for Christmas! But I thought before I did that, I needed to take pictures of our fall decorations. I love fall, it's definitely an enjoyable season. This year, it seems as though it has flown by. So I have posted a few pictures of our decor.
**Reminder: Our 800 square foot apartment can only handle so much decorating, there isn't a lot to decorate, but for what there is...we did our best to welcome fall.

Stay tuned for Christmas 2009!

"The Leaves Are Still Going To Change"

It seems like I miss my brother, David the most during the Fall season. I say that, but really, in Winter, when families are gathering and celebrating the Birth of Christ, his absence is overwhelming. In Spring, when I see new buds and life surrounding us, I remember the Easter pictures we would take as a family with the young blossomed Dogwood in the background. Although there have been more added to this family portrait, there always seems to be a vacant place where he would have stood. The Summer makes me think of the June nights that we would spend outside catching fireflies as kids and hanging out on the lake as "somewhat" adults. So in reality, I miss him all year long, but this week has definitely been one of those weeks when I miss him with all I am.


David used to say, "The leaves are still going to fall", meaning there is another season coming. Maybe it's because of this saying as to why I grieve for only having a childhood with him rather than a lifetime during the fall.


As I drove to work this morning, there were red and yellow leaves falling, floating in the wind. It was another reminder of not only David and how I miss him, but of Jesus and how I love Him. As I watch the leaves fall, I am not only reminded of the fact that yes, indeed, another season is just a few days away, but the fact that life is only but a season, itself.


There is a new season coming. A time when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. A time when we will all sing along with the Angels. A day when we will celebrate without ceasing. A day when we will lay our crowns at the foot of Jesus. Oh what a day!

Worship While I'm Waiting

One of the many reasons as to why I love to blog so much is because it forces me think of where Brandon and I have been, where we are going, and where we are right now. There are a lot of things I could write about in a post, but today, on this rainy, dreary day, I can't help but to think that I am just....waiting.

Where have Brandon and I been lately? Well, literally, we have been to Destin, FL where we enjoyed a time of rejuvenation and rest. However, figuratively speaking, we have been in an extremely busy season of our lives. For now, things have seemed to calm down, a very little, but somewhat noticeable.

Where are we going? Like everyone else, we will soon be preparing for the Holidays, however, at times it feels as though Brandon is always on the go during this time. I must admit though, I love this time of year. I enjoy the Christmas programs, the excitement on children's faces ( oh, who am I kidding? The excitement that wells up within me! ), the visits and celebrations with family and dear friends...all of it. I love the holidays.

Where are we now? I have been thinking about this question all day. Where are we? I'm not really sure. We are 7 weeks away from the end of this semester (yes, I do say "we". Brandon should walk across the stage with me so that "we" can get our degree in Elementary Education). Right now, it really seems as though we are waiting. We are waiting for me to begin student teaching in January so that I can graduate in May. We are certainly waiting on graduation so that I can get a job. We will then be waiting on a job. Although there will be a sense of "waiting' as it comes time for a full time job, I must note that I am thankful. Thankful that God has once again provided in a way that I could not. Regardless to whether or not I get a teaching position, I am thankful for the job I currently have. The worst part is the "wait" of knowing what my full time job will be. With all this said, I do feel as though it is safe to say that we are in a time of waiting.

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait in expectation.

~Psalm 5:3

Our Vacation, Destin, FL 2009

Brandon and I were fortunate enough to take a vacation this month. We have been counting down the days to go back since we returned from Destin last year. (Not really, but sorta really) We left on Tuesday morning, October 6th and came back on Monday, October 12th. We had a great time.

Really, we didn't do anything all that extravagant, we would get up, go out on the beach, take a walk, take a nap, read a book, swim, sit in the sun, go to the pool, come back and read, swim again, pack up, take a shower, go out to dinner, come back to the condo, and begin all over again the next day. IT WAS WONDERFUL!
I am thankful that through this time we were able to rejuvenate our hearts, minds, and bodies. Just as everyone else, we get caught up in all that is going on around us, that it is difficult to keep a positive attitude and perspective on current circumstances that surround us; whether it be our own or those around us. Therefore, this vacation truly enabled us to spend time together as husband and wife. It was a special week and we are oh so thankful to God for providing a way for us to go.

For now, it's back to the books, there is an end to the semester in sight....7 weeks to be exact!

Enjoy a few pictures.

Sandy took most of the pictures of Brandon and I together. Brandon is always a good sport in letting me have our White Shirt Beach Pictures.

Brandon and I got up one morning at 6:30am so that we (really, I mean "I") could get pictures as the sun came up. Brandon was super sweet by getting up with me so that he could go too. The rest of the pictures are ones I took that morning.

This picture just came out this way. I didn't do anything with my camera to make it black and white, it just turned out this way. I thought it was neat.

There was a lady out on the beach this morning and asked if she could take our picture. It was fun. She is a photography student in Alabama and she had us posing all kinds of pictures. I loved it. I especially love that in this picture, you can't see that I have my pink heart pajama bottoms on. The rest of the pictures are ones I took myself as the sun came up. It was a beautiful morning.

It is said sometimes, "When you are in the mountains, you can't help put realize God's amazing creation", but I have learned that regardless to where I am, I cannot escape the work of an Amazing God.

Watch this video and revel in God's creation and goodness. His creation really does reveal His Majesty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmTxZAl7ceU

Destin, Oh how I've Missed You.....

Vacation could not have come at a better time. I'm so excited to be at the beach. I pray that this will be a time that the Lord rejuvenates our hearts and rests our minds and bodies as we enjoy this break in life and enjoy the company...each other.

Happy Anniversary to US!

When I left my house this morning, off to Cartoogechaye Elementary School for a day of 2nd grade, I couldn't help but allow my heart to sing its praises to King Jesus for His Mercy, Goodness, and Grace.

You see, two years ago today, I drove down the same street as I did this morning, peered out at the sky as silent tears began to stream. The sky was a crisp, fall blue without the faintest hint of a cloud. The leaves were changing and the day was warm - it was a day that any bride would have prayed for - and for me, it was my wedding day.

Many times we have prayers that we pray without ceasing. We may pray that our loved ones come to know Christ as their Savior, that our family members will be healed, or that our burdens would be lifted. Although we pray these prayers, there is not a specific deadline for these prayers to be answered. We just pray and lift our requests and wait for the answers.

The wedding had been planned. The orders were in. The dress had been purchased. The day was set. The arrangements? An outside wedding and reception at the end of September. I, was ecstatic and could not wait. Others, shared their concern for rain. We certainly had a back up plan, but I sure didn't want to have to put it into action.

I knew that Jesus wanted me to share my heart with Him, regardless to what it is. But this was so trivial. This request of mine, this desire of my heart, was only for me, so selfish. Then I realized. This was something that I could not do. I could not promise a day of good weather. I could not ensure there would not be rain. Therefore, I simply shared my heart to the only One that could answer my prayer.

As the day that so much had gone into, quickly approached, I was overwhelmed to know that on September 29, 2007, my prayer would be answered in some way or another. This was the deadline for my prayer.

My wedding day arrived and in the midst of the hustle and bustle. I stepped out on my back porch and rejoiced in the Lord for who He was. It was He who had heard my prayer. He had heard the quiet request of my heart and though I was ashamed to ask of this weather, it was He who reminded me that He does long to hear every desire of our hearts.

This day was special because of those that stood beside us as we promised our love to one another. There were 12 people in our wedding party, all 12 holding a special place in our hearts. Six of those individuals were those that we have lived our lives with all our lives, our family. The other six were those that we met as we served the Lord together in some form of missions.

Since this special day, Brandon and I have watched God provide in ways that we could not provide for ourselves. We praise Him and the love that only He can give.

I find myself falling in love with Brandon more and more each day. I'm thankful for who he is and who I am when I am with him. It is Brandon who makes me feel as though I can reach my fullest potential. Oh how I love him. Each day of our lives is yet a new adventure.

Enjoy some wedding day memories.

This picture is all of our wedding party minus Matthew. We're not sure exactly where he was at this point.

Mr. & Mrs. Breedlove

Us again.

Cake.

The ceremony & JP singing "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Me, eyes fixed on the one that I love most.

Birthdays!

Tuesday, Septemeber 22nd, I celebrated my 25th birthday. As each birthday passes, I tend to evaluate myself and see how I am coming with my own "bucket list". I may not have reached many goals, I have experienced a lot that was never a part of my "things to do".

I am grateful for what God has enabled me to do for Him. I have been able to serve in Malaysia, Thailand, and Morocco. I am married to my very best friend, the love of my life, Brandon. We have a place we call "home" and make memories everyday. God has provided a way for me to finish my degree and I will be graduating in May 2010. There is so much to be thankful for.

We did not only celebrate my birthday on Tuesday, but we also celebrated my nephew's birthday as well. Lucas and I have become extremely close within his 4 years of life. He has changed my heart and gives me a new perspective on life each day. My prayer for this little man in my life is that he will grow up to be like David, and God will say of him, "this is a man after my own heart."

I have pictures from our little gathering this week.

Lucas getting ready to blow out his birthday candles.

McKenzie was excited about getting a piece of cake AND ice cream.

Brandon and I got Lucas a chain saw and goggles so that he can help Papa work outside.


Then McKenzie wanted a turn to try it out.

Lucas loving on Natasha.

He loves his tractors from McKenzie and Natasha.

This is us...minus Natasha who is taking the picture and Lucas...we couldn't pull him away from his cake to get in the picture with us. McKenzie is the one who wanted to take a picture with "evweebody". She even told us where to sit. You can see the excitement in her face....

We had a good time celebrating the birthdays and spending time with our families.