Overflowing Hope.

2012-01-03T20:30:00.007-05:00

Within the last couple months, the verse that has been speaking to my heart in so many ways has been Roman 15:13.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. "

In Paul's prayer, he prays for a group of Belivers, this time praying that God who gives hope will also keep them happy and full of peace as they anticipate what God has in store for them. Then, the believers can overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that God accomplishes his care for his people—giving them endurance, encouragement, unity (15:5), hope, joy, and peace. Hope comes as a by-product of the Holy Spirit’s work. It does not come from our own senses or experiences.

Brandon & I hope enjoy keeping this blog. It's purpose it to document our lives as well as reord what God is doing in our lives, so that years from now, we will be able to look back and see God's hand leading our lives.

Many times the posts that fill this blog are those of frustration, self-pity, and insecurities. I let so many things around me distract me from what my focus should really be on. This year, the year of 2012, our ferverent prayer will be that we will allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with joy and peace, overflowing our hearts with hope.

Overflowing Hope.

Whew!

2011-12-31T23:18:00.004-05:00

Okay, since the last time I posted, I have been telling myself that I really needed to get busy with updating the blog and with 37 minutes left of the year 2011, I figured now was a great time to at least make notes of all that has taken place in the last 6-ish or more months.
I am sad that with all that has taken place, I have don't have it documented as I would have liked. Thankfully, I have loads of pictures on my phone and camera that will help me catch up on the blog.
For you bloggers out there that are moms to one, two, three, and four or more children and still keep up with documenting life's moments, you are amazing. :)

All that has happened in 2011 that I did not blog about at all:
-I coached a girl's T-ball team in the spring
-My sister, Deidre got engaged! (& I wasn't among the first to be notified)
-Julie, my friend that introduced on the blog, and her family, welcomed their new bundle of joy, Elias on June 15th.
-Planned and organized a faculty/staff retreat
-Lucas played his first season of baseball - I loved it. He didn't.
-World Changers in Franklin 2011
-I found out that I was getting a permanent teaching position at Mountain View Intermediate School. I later found out I would be teaching 6th grade, Language Arts/Social Studies! Amazing!
- Worked on school stuff for most of the summer
-Lucan & McKenzie BOTH started Kindergarten!
-First day of my job!
-Second day of my job!
-Third day of my job! - you get the hint. I love it. The months of August, September, October - my learning curve was vertical. Overwhelmed was an understatement (this could be the reason I didn't blog)
-Matt & Deidre said "I Do" on 9.10.11 - a beautiful day - ceremony - & couple!
-Brandon bought me a guitar for my birthday! Lessons begin soon...
-October Beach Trip to Destin, FL
-Approached my Principal about taking 6th graders to Washington, DC. I gained his support, along with the support of the Board. Therefore, as of today, I have 121 students/parents registered for this trip. We go in March 2012.
-Thanksgiving Festivities - we have much to be thankful for.
-Natasha & Brian & McKenzie welcomed their new bundle of joy, Lexi on December 5th.
-Christmas Festivities

...and much more has happened that I haven't listed simply because either I don't have the words to explain them or because we are still unsure as to where all these "small" things are leading our hearts and lives. Although it hasn't been written down very well, these things have been written on our hearts. There have been prayers prayed and prayers answered. All that has happend and all that has not, has set our hearts on a journey that will not end, although this year will in just a few short minutes. Instead, we will being the new year, 2012, in prayer, continuing the journey of our hearts.
I hope to document much better as well as catch up on the last year.

We finish the year 2011 with a prayer and begin 2012 with the same one:

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are thankful for 2011 and hopeful for 2012.

Happy New Year!

What are we chasing?

2011-06-19T23:18:00.003-04:00

I am interrupting my "catching up on the blog" series to simply post something that is super current in our lives. For a few weeks now, I have wanted to share these thoughts - at least get them on the blog for our personal documentation purposes, so I guess tonight's the night. I mean, what else would I do at 11:22pm on a Sunday night and it is summer? Blog, right?

Currently, Brandon & I find ourselves in a place where are fervently praying that we will not chase the American Dream - the dream created by our culture, but that we will chase the dream that we were created to chase - the dream created by our Father.

It seems as though everywhere we look, our culture encourages us to buy bigger, climb the ladder, and get more. But today and everyday we are clinging to Matthew 6:19 -21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Our hope is to chase the dream that our Father has created us to chase - a dream that will give us "a hope and a future".

Natasha's Award

2011-06-17T16:35:00.006-04:00

My Sister-in-Law, Natasha, began attending SCC for Cosmotology in January 2010. You can read about how this journey began here. She has now graduated, however, I wanted to post pictures of her award night, before I posted pictures of the graduation.

Grady Montgomery Holland

2011-05-23T16:58:00.007-04:00

March 1, 2011, my Papaw, Grady Holland, the Patriarch of our family, went to live with Jesus. Just so I can have it recorded, I have included his obituary on the blog. Blogger would not let me copy and paste, therefore, I typed the whole thing out myself.

As I typed it out, line by line, I couldn't help but think of what injustice these words are. Though these words are all true, as any obituary, these words do not even begin to tell the story of this man's life.

I am thankful however, that my family is the family that has the privileged to tell the story of this Sweet Man's life as we live our own. Throughout our lives - the choices we make, the values we cling to, and by serving those around us, we will be telling the story of Papaw, loud and clear.

I have blogged about Papaw before. You can read about the 64th Wedding Anniversary that he and Mamaw shared, his 95th Birthday that we celebrated last summer, and about Papaw receiving his medals from WWII on Veteran's Day, 2010.

Grady Holland, 95, of Franklin, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

Born in Macon Co., he was the son of the late Jerry Marr Holland and Hettie Jane Dills Holland. In addition to his parents, he is proceeded in death by a son, Jesse Grady Holland; grandson, David Wayne Holland; four brothers, Charlie Holland, Jack Holland, Dewey Holland, and Watsel Holland and a sister, Gertrude Hughes. Grady was an US Army Veteran and served during WWII under General George Patton. He loved to farm and was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Margaret Stuman Holland; two sons, Gary Holland and wife Edith, and Randy Holland and wife Christine both of Franklin; daughter, Marianna Solesbee of Hiawasee, GA; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several step grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00am Friday, March 4, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Wiley Gibson, Rev. Brandon Breedlove, Rev. John Rogers will officiate. Burial will be at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with full military rites conducted by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00pm Thursday, March 3, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Barry and Lane Cabe, Cameron and Michael Holland, and Michael and William Hamlin.

Memorial donations can be made to Pine Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 7454 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC 28734

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Baseball

2011-05-22T21:53:00.003-04:00

This Spring Season, we have enjoyed watching Lucas play baseball. He seems to enjoy it, but there are still those moments of playing in the dirt on the field, watching an airplane fly over, and an occasional water break, by running off the field while the rest of the team is out on it. :)

I took these pictures at his very first baseball game. As you tell by the people in the background, it was a very cold day, but a great time was had by all!

Go Cardinals!

Sooo Cold.

Up to bat!

Go Lucas! Ready to score.
Pep talk from the Coach.

"Good Game...Good Game..."

And the reason why he is playing baseball....SNACKS!

A Weekend with Rachel

2011-05-22T21:19:00.003-04:00

Towards the end of March, I got to visit my friend Rachel for the weekend. Rachel and I met in 2004 as we served on the same World Changers Summer Staff Team. On each SS team, typically there are 2 girls and 2 boys. The four of us ride together to the states that we are assigned to. Basically, for the entire summer, we are a family. It is crucial to be able to connect with all your teammates, but it was especially important to connect with your same gender teammate, for obvious reasons.
The day Rachel and I met, we became great friends. Not only did we serve together in 2004 in Illinois, Indiana, & Missouri, but we also got to serve together in 2005 in the state of Texas. I do not have a single memory of those two summers that Rachel is not a part of.

Rachel lives in Lawrenceville, GA - about 2 hours away, but entirely too close for me not have seen her for a year and a half!

The weekend was just what I needed at that exact time. Conversation was about World Changers, Teaching, Life, and started over again. Thank you Rachel for a weekend that was good for the soul in so many ways.

This is the only picture I took of us together. It is hard to see, but oh well.

This is the apartment complex that Rachel lives in. It was my home for the weekend.

Unbelievably Behind on Blogging...

2011-05-22T20:28:00.005-04:00

We have had a great Sunday afternoon. After church this morning we had Chloe's Gymnastics Exhibition. She did a great job. We don't get to watch her do gymnastics all that often so when we do see her, we can really tell how much she is growing as an athlete. I loved getting to watch her today.

We then went to Brandon's parent's house, where everyone jumped in to help me make my students' End-Of-Grade Test encouragements. 125 of them in all. Testing begins tomorrow.

Then for the rest of the day, Brandon and I have just hung out at home. I sat down to blog, I went through my pictures and oh my! I am crazy behind on posting about anything in our lives. I am actually pretty embarrassed to admit it, however, by the time I am caught up, I will have to go back to March 1st! Oh. My. Goodness!

Anyhow, let the catching up begin....

Chloe's Gymnastic Exhibition

EOG Eagle Encouragements

"You are one smart cookie!

Do your best. I believe in you!

Mrs. Breedlove"

Inside the baggie, there is an Oreo. It is in the corner of the picture.

Sunday, May 1, 2011 - Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-02T20:00:00.003-04:00

For records sake, I feel as though I need to take some time to reflect and document what exactly this day means in the life of our nation.

September 11, 2001, I was a high school senior. The cap and gown had been ordered, the prom dress search had officially began, and all was well in the lives of the seventeen year olds that filled the Algebra 2 class we were in. I had not been feeling well that morning and was running late getting to school. Mom & I were in the living room and before I left for school, we saw the breaking news that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers in New York City. It had appeared to be an accident. I left for school, which was less than half a mile away.

As I got onto campus, I headed for Algebra 2. Walking down the hall of the Main Building, I knew something had occurred. It wasn't the news on the television that told me, nor was it the discussions that poured from the teacher lounges and other classrooms that told me, but it was something else. There was something else on the inside of my normally chatty Algebra 2 classroom: silence & fear.

The students in my classroom along with every other classroom in the school, were glued to the televisions. Another plane had hit the second tower and as more news came across the airways, one thing was certain. This was not an accident, but instead, it was a carefully calculated plot with a man by the name of Osama Bin Laden as the mastermind behind it all.

Along with the rest of the world, we watched. The hearts of America were broken and scared.

Security increased for a little while and although the we were all aware of "The War on Terrorism" eventually, the lives of most Americans found their way to normalcy - most American civilians that is, as the lives of American soldiers and their families were increasingly anything other than normal. This has been the case for the last 10 years as soldiers have spent their days and nights fighting for protection and freedoms for our nation and searching Osama Bin Laden.

*10 Years Later*

Monday, May 2, 2011, I woke up to the news that a group of Navy Seals had killed Osama Bin Laden the day before. As I got on to work, I again found myself walking through the hallways of a school, hearing this same name coming from classrooms and teacher lounges that I had heard 10 years ago. I even heard students talking to one another about the death of this man that they had led in the 2001 terrorist attacks, the year they were born.

Throughout the day, I checked the news. I have read about the celebrations taking place across the nation as this man has been brought to death. Yes, there were emotions in my heart throughout the day like relief and thankfulness, however, I can not say that "rejoicing" was one of them.

I have struggled with how to word my thoughts, but when I came across J.D. Greear's blog, I felt as though he sums up my heart today. Please click the link to go to his blog, which is much more powerful and shorter than this one.

Needmore

2011-04-14T18:38:00.006-04:00

Brandon's Papaw lives on Needmore, which means that it takes a long time to get to his house. :) It also means that in order for us to get to his house, we must go on a curvy, gravel, one-car wide road that follows the river with zero guardrails. It's scary in the summer time, much less in the winter when snow and ice are a relevant concern. Therefore, this winter, we didn't go down very often at all for a visit. So when the weather cleared up we all loaded up and went for a visit. Somehow, I didn't get any pictures of his papaw... weird.

Gazebo Date

2011-04-14T18:17:00.003-04:00

A Spring Date with Brandon & Lucas was in store at the Gazebo one Saturday afternoon. It was among the first really nice Saturdays of Spring and we were all three ready to get out and enjoy the sunshine. So the Gazebo was the place to go!

While we were waiting on our food, Lucas & I entertained ourselves by taking pictures with my phone.

This is the sweetest picture

The boy that was too cool to have fun taking pictures. :)

Spring Time - The Season of Baseball

2011-04-14T17:58:00.004-04:00

This year, Lucas is playing tball. This is his first year and I'm not sure who is more excited him or me.... (just to give rest to curious minds.... I AM.... by far) I do however think he really enjoys playing although it may be difficult to see his excitiement when he is playing in the dirt or picking clover out on the field, but what's that matter? Here are a couple pictures of us practicing in the yard. Which "practicing" to Lucas means you pitching the ball so he can hit it and NEVER having to catch or throw himself.

Accidental Hiatus

2011-04-06T21:23:00.002-04:00

2 words for you: accidental hiatus. I have so much to share and to blog about. I sat down about two weeks ago to try to catch up, but ran into a little snag. I was looking for my card reader and my camera card so I could post pictures, when Brandon brought it to me. The reason why I couldn't find either of these things was because they were in the pocket of my jeans, which were in the WASHING MACHINE! Thankfully, the camera card still read perfectly in my camera, which was my main concern. Unfortunately, I can not say the same about the card reader. :( Still I have not gotten another card reader, but it is most definitely on my to-do list. Until then, we are doing well, busy as always, and way behind on blogging. In case we actually have regular readers, this is just a friendly notification that the hiatus will soon be over. :) Happy Wednesday!

Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant

2011-03-21T21:19:00.003-04:00

February 18th, Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant were in concert at the Smoky Mtn. Center of the Performing Arts.

Most definitely there was a hype buzzing all around the theatre, however, there was a personal excitement too. I was working the ticket part of the show, but I was also going to get to watch the show by joining a group of friends.

We had a great time. The concert was amazing! I enjoyed every single minute.

Again, my camera was, I don't know where and I only had my phone, however, it worked.

Not pictured: Brooke. I'm not really sure where she was when I took these.

Catch Up & Sunshine

2011-03-21T20:51:00.002-04:00

The last several weeks have absolutely flown by! It seems as though February and March have completely passed by without being noticed. I am doing my best to get caught up on all that has happened within the last couple of months. Thankfully, I take pictures with my phone, reminding me of all that I need to blog about.

So this post is an attempt to get back on track.

Towards the end of February, Sunday afternoon was spent at Brandon's parents' house along with his siblings and their families. The weather was great and we all took advantage of it and spent as much time as we could out in the sunshine.

Sandy had to fix her pond and Brandon and Chloe got the privilege of returning the fish back to their happy home. The great weather urged me to take pictures of our excitement in the sun.

Bedroom Makeover

2011-03-11T16:59:00.002-05:00

Over a month ago, Brandon and I decided to paint our bedroom. We had been talking about doing this since we moved into our apartment 3 1/2 years ago but never had. So on the one Saturday that we had no plans at all, we decided it was the perfect day to paint? Why do we do this to ourselves? We long for a day with NO PLANS and we decide to paint? Whatever. Anyhow, I was so pleased with the results.

Chloe Goes for Gold!

2011-02-28T21:30:00.000-05:00

This year Chloe participated on a Competition Gymnastics Team. She has loved every minute of it! Unfortunately, most if not all of her competitions were out of town and on a Sunday. It's really difficult for Brandon and I to get away on Sundays with our roles at church. We were unable to attend any of the competitions this time, but hopefully, next time we will be able to make it to at least one.

February 6th was Chloe's last competion of the season. She went to Clemson, South Carolina and returned home with all kinds of medals and awards.

There were lots of teams from all over South East participating in this competition. Chloe was awarded 3rd in the overall competition!! Way to go, Chloe!!!

Her other awards included 1st place in the Floor Excercise!
Her scores were:
Bars 8.650
Bean 8.80
Vault 9.35
Floor 9.2

We are super excited Chloe ranked 3rd overall, but to us, she is our #1!

Happy Birthday, Breedlove Boys!

2011-02-26T10:55:00.013-05:00

28 years ago, Terry and Sandy heard the cries of their three newborn baby boys. However the excitement and joy were quickly stirred when doctors told them that although they had three babies in their arms, they would be leaving with only two. There was one of those sweet babies that was struggling too much to breathe on his own and would not live long enough to go home with his brothers and his new family. However, regardless to the grim outlook, the baby's lungs began to regain strength and eventually, over time, Brandon and his brothers left the hospital altogether, with their parents, as a family.

Fast forward 18 years. Brandon and I met in January 2002, one month before he and his brothers celebrated their 19th birthday. Since then, we have celebrated 10 Breedlove Boy birthdays together.

So today, even though Brandon's birthday has past, I am thankful for King Jesus breathing the Breath of Life into the lungs of that sweet baby. I celebrate the Healer and the Mender of the Broken. I rejoice in His forever-established plan - the one that included that sweet baby boy as a grown man promising to love and lead me for the rest of his life. The baby girl that would not be born until a year and half later.

Happy Birthday not only to Brandon, but also to the ones that have literally lived every single day of their lives along with him. Happy Birthday, Breedlove Boys!

February 7th, the boys celebrated their 28th birthday! For the last 27 years, Sandy has always had a birthday cake for each boy and this year was no different. Everyone enjoyed getting to hang out and party!

Nathaniel - Brandon - Matthew

Matthew - Brandon - Nathaniel

Super Bowl - Our Way

2011-02-06T18:51:00.004-05:00

Our plans for the Super Bowl changed a bit right before the game.

Since we were not planning on watching the game at our house, I wasn't prepared to make any snacks for it. We came home to watch the game and I would not be satisfied until I tried something, anything to get snacks for Brandon. I raided the pantry and searched the cabinets for something he would like to snack on. Mind you, I did this in a home where we don't really have "snacky" things. Also, I remind you that Brandon is very careful with what he eats. Therefore, my improvising was the following:

On his snack platter you could find: Honey Bunches of Oats, Goldfish, and mixed nuts. :)

Hey, it's what I had to work with. He was thankful, even if he wasn't he certainly acted like it, and for that, I am thankful.

So as I type this, the game is on. Brandon is watching, oblivious to anything else around him. One team is in the lead. The Packers, I think. Yes, that's it, I just made sure.

Happy Super Bowl, friends.

Basketball

2011-01-28T22:19:00.004-05:00

Our nephews, Kelton & Alex are both playing basketball this year. Thankfully, for us, they are on the same team. We have enjoyed going to their games so much. Neither of the boys have played before and they are on the developmental league, where they are learning the rules of the sport. Both boys really enjoy playing and are so very cute when they play.

They are already making quite the team. Alex gets the ball and passes it to Kelton. Kel takes it down the court.

Alex (33) Kelton (00)

Once I got all my camera out to take pictures of the boys on the court, the other kids in the stands wanted a picture of them.

(Cadee, Evan, Chloe, Angel, Josie)

Happy Birthday, Cadee

2011-01-28T21:55:00.004-05:00

Cadee turned 2 on January 13th. We partied with her that night at Terry and Sandy's since the snow would not allow us to make it to Nathaniel and Amy's house.

The theme of the birthday party was "Down on the Farm". Amy made the sweetest birthday cake for the party. Since everything was farm-ish, she made a cake that was "chicken feed" it was cute & yummy.

Cadee had a great time and we loved getting to celebrate her birthday with her. We are thankful for her life and the joy she brings to us as her Uncle and Aunt.

Cadee isn't much on smiling for the camera, but I did get some pictures of her.

Happy Birthday, Cadee!

Snow Day

2011-01-28T21:33:00.004-05:00

School started on January 3rd, that week, we got out of school one day for snow. The next week, however, we were out three days because of snow.
No school, 7 inches of snow, what is there to do? S-L-E-D!

Brandon and I bundled up and met Matthew, Brooke, and the boys at Terry and Sandy's house for some sledding. Zachary stayed out for a little bit, but then me and him went back inside. We watched the others from the window and when the others came in, we made snow cream.

We had a great time getting to be with Matthew and his family for a day of sledding.

Me & my Love

Alex
Zachary

Brandon & Matthew

Alex, Matthew, Zachary, Brooke

Mtn. View Intermediate School

2011-01-28T18:30:00.008-05:00

Here it is, January 28th and my last post on the blog was January 2! I have so much to update on!
January 3rd, a new journey began for the Breedloves. I began a new job, at Mountain View Intermediate School.

I took a 5th grade Math Remediation position and began on January 3rd. To say the least, I was extremely overwhelmed and it has taken a good three weeks for me to feel as though I am finally getting into a routine and settling into the swing of things.

I have to admit, I was not prepared for all that this position would bring. For starters, I would have NEVER chosen to put myself in a math position of any kind. I did not realize until I had began this job that the reason why I would have never put myself in math was because without knowing it, I was intimidated by math.
In the position I am in, I go to three different math classes. In each class, I work with students, help them begin on their homework, and help the math teachers by providing different math resources like videos, Activboard flip charts, and worksheets.

Although I was taken back, overwhelmed, and in a complete whirl-wind upon starting this position, the last four weeks have been and will continue to be extremely beneficial to my teacher career. Basically, my job is to serve the teachers so that they can better serve the students they teach. I truely feel as though my job is to serve Christ by serving the people around me and at this point in time, the people that I serve are educators. It's exciting!

By taking this position, I see three different math teachers using the math strategies that work for them and their students. I am taking notes of the classroom management and classroom organization methods that each of the teachers use. On a daily basis, I watch the makings of a classroom and watching students find success.

I am so incredibly thankful for the chance to get my foot in the door within the School System. Although the budget doesn't look good for Education across the State, I am hopeful that this interim position will lead to a permanent position that allows me to invest into the lives of children in Macon County.

I have most definitely missed being at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, missed the people I worked with there, and the job I did. The atmosphere at the theatre is just a fun place to be and I enjoyed being a part of something that our community valued and appreciated. I have not completely left the theatre as I am still planning on being there on show nights, so I will still get to see the people and the community.

So there you have it. The last few weeks have been full of adjustments in many ways - making new schedules, falling into new routines, and and settling into new roles.

Regardless, we asked the Lord to lead me into a job and we trust that this position was His answer to our prayer for me to have a place to serve.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-02T22:08:00.003-05:00

Brandon and I rang in the New Year quietly in our living room. He, wrapped in a snuggie, not just any snuggie, a Carolina Tarheel snuggie :) I, sipping on hot chocolate in my new, snowflake mug. It was pretty amazing!

I will write more later of all my hopes that 2011 will bring, but for now, Happy New Year, friends!

Sledding

2011-01-02T21:49:00.004-05:00

Since school was still out for Christmas and since the snow was definitely going to stay around for a while, Chloe and I went out to Lowes for some sledding. Yes, I said that correctly, we went to Lowes. There is a BIG hill at Lowes and it is perfect for sledding. When Chloe and I got there, there were so many kids and adults out there sledding away.

We had a great time! At first Chloe would only go up half way up the hill and then would sled down, but by the time we left (2 hours later) she had gathered her courage and had sled down from the top of the hill five times!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-02T20:51:00.009-05:00

Brandon and I have certainly enjoyed the last few weeks. Although December proves to be the busiest month of the year, we have truly enjoyed all that surrounds Christmas.

Christmas Eve, we spent our time at the Christmas Eve Service at Holly Springs, Brandon's Mamaw's house and at my Mamaw's house. Though there were several places for us to be, we were able to make it to each place, with enough time to sit and enjoy the family that was in each place we visited.

Christmas Day, we got up and started getting ready for the day. Knowing that snow was in the forecast, I looked outside expecting to see at least a "dusting" of snow on the ground. Instead, there was nothing outside and I dismissed the possibility of snow on Christmas.

By the time we were ready and leaving the house, the snow had began to fall. This was big flakes...sticking flakes. :) It snowed all day long. It was definitely a Christmas to remember as this was truly a White Christmas.

Yes, as I said, we enjoyed the time we were able to spend with our families and everything else that is part of Christmas, however, most of all, we were thankful to be able to celebrate a birth - not just any birth - but the birth of a King. The birth of Jesus.

I didn't take a lot of pictures on Christmas, although I would have liked too, I felt like I would enjoy not having to keep up with my camera and visiting with our families a whole lot more.

Pictures of Lucas were the day after Christmas, but still...

Brandon & I usually wait until we get back home on Christmas night to open our gifts from one another, but he didn't want the coat he got me to be sitting at home while it was snowing, so he let me open it before we left. So I felt like it was only right to let him open one as well. His was a hat.

Lucas was ready to play in the snow!

He really wanted to show me his Gingerbread House that

he & Deidre had worked really hard on.

The M&Ms spell out LUCAS in the yard.

Merry Christmas!

Painting Pottery

2010-12-29T22:24:00.000-05:00

A couple months ago, Deidre introduced me to Claymates - just over the mountain in Dillsboro. It's a fun paint-your-own-pottery place. You go in, choose a piece from their shelves, choose your paint colors, and paint! The first time I went, I went with Deidre, Alisha, and Lucas. The reason why I love Claymates is because the owners there really go out of their way to ensure a super kid friendly place and with a somewhat rambunctious nephew, I appreciate their effort.

I have been back a couple more times since then as it is a great place to take a friend, take a niece or nephew, or two... :) It's also fun just to have something new to do!

Since the time Deidre took me to Claymates, Colorful Creations has opened in Franklin. It is located in the new strip below Macon Bank Corporate Center. I have been to this location a couple times as well. The concept is still the same and the painting is just as fun! :)

I collected all my pictures from the times I have been from my cell phone, camera, or on my flip camera and put them all on this post.

I highly recommend trying out these places. They even do birthday parties!

The first time I went, I painted a plate &

Lucas painted Papa & Mamaw a Christmas present.

McKenzie & Lucas got to paint together

as they worked on Christmas Ornaments.

Maggie - doesn't fit in the niece category,

but she is definitely a friend.

Painting with Chloe, one of our 3 nieces.

Photo Shoot with Dphotography

2010-12-29T20:09:00.006-05:00

Really? Is it December 29th and I am going all the way back to October for this post. However, I wanted it in before the end of the year.

For a while now, I have wanted Brandon and I to have our pictures made professionally. So in the fall, our favorite season of the year, we made an appointment with Dphotography.

Derrah is the photographer and does an amazing job! She is extremely creative and is super easy to work with. She encourages you to bring items that represents your style, life, etc. and allows the client to be a part of the preparation process as in suggesting your favorite location as a place for your shoot. And for the super boring people, like me and Brandon, she has options of her favorite locations, that turn out great and we were not disappointed!

Be sure to click on the link above to check out Derrah's blog and see some of her other work. Also, find her on Facebook under the name of Dphotography Derrah. You can register for a FREE session by sending her a private message with your info. The drawing will be January 5th so don't miss out!

I can't wait for us to do this again!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T22:21:00.000-05:00

One Handsome Shepherd

2010-12-20T10:03:00.005-05:00

Last night, Brandon & I went to Windy Gap to watch the Children's Christmas Program. All the kids did a great job, however, I must admit, there was one special shepherd up on stage. :) I was super proud of Lucas as he did his part perfectly. Granted, he didn't have a speaking part and all he had to do was come out, stand in front of the angel, and then sit down (on stage), but believe me, that was enough and we were proud of him for doing just as he was suppose to.

Just some background on how last year's Children's Christmas Program went: Lucas was a shepherd then too, except there was one other shepherd as well. He got very distracted by the rope that served as a belt on the other Shepherd and well, it sort of turned into a tug-of-war with the rope on stage - as it was tied around the kid's waist!

Anyhow, we are very proud of our little shepherd!

My pictures didn't turn out all that well. I think it was because I didn't have the flash on, but I didn't want to be annoying to the people around me as I frantically took lots of pictures. So, I stayed in my seat the whole time and took what I could. The blurry outcome proves to me why I should just get up and take whatever pictures I want :)

Our Handsome Shepherd, complete with staff and sheep.

These camels were the cutest thing!

Mary, Joseph & Jesus

Doing his best to sit still

Getting a little bored.

Sunday School Christmas Party

2010-12-17T09:56:00.007-05:00

Last night our sunday school class from church came over for a White Elephant Christmas party. We had a great time and there were some pretty amazing gifts given :) It was great just getting to know each other a little better and having fun while doing it!

Maggie & Ryan
Taylor - Mr. Potato Head & Toy Story Floor Puzzle

Charissa - Hot Cocoa Mix

Matt -Set of Candles

Ryan - His & Her Body Power (complete with a satin puff)

The best gift winner!

Brett - Robot Grabber

Brandon - Beef Jerky

Aaron - Toy Pin Thing

Matt - Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Maggie - Noel Candle
Nancy - Reindeer Slippers

Charissa with her Christmas Card she made me :)

The whole gang!

McKenzie's Christmas Program

2010-12-11T17:10:00.005-05:00

Thursday night, the whole family gathered on the front row at Trimont Christian Academy to watch McKenzie in her very first school Christmas Program. She, of course, did a great job as she sang her songs and smiled so big. It was exciting getting to watch her and be a part of such a fun time.

We were all so proud of her and enjoyed celebrating Christmas with her little class.

McKenzie & Reed Raby

Tis the Season to Be Jolly... Fa La La La La La La La La

2010-12-03T16:20:00.006-05:00

(This blog was written a week ago, however, I am just now getting pictures up.)
Since Brandon & I went to our first Christmas Party of the season last night, I felt as though it was only appropriate to kick off the Christmas Season on the blog as well.

The day before Thanksgiving, we put up our Christmas tree. I did however feel like we owed it to Thanksgiving to its decorations out so we did. So for Thanksgiving Day, we had a Christmas tree up and shining in the midst of Thanksgiving decorations. It was great just the same. Friday night, Thanksgiving was packed away and Christmas decorations came out from hiding. It was a fun time.

Our Christmas Tree

My new-found love, Wood Wick Candle

Dining Table

The Nativity Scene that I love so much

Week of Thankfulness - Friday

2010-11-27T22:47:00.003-05:00

Knowing that today is the last day of my Week of Thankfulness, I have struggled with committing to one specific thing, leaving everything else important to us out. Therefore, today I am thankful for blessings.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Each new day brings blessings that only Christ alone can give. For all of those that are incredibly obvious as well as those that go unnoticed, we are thankful. May we return praise to the Giver of all things.

Oh, how we are thankful.

Week of Thankfulness - Thursday - Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-26T22:25:00.003-05:00

Today, I am thankful for family.

As families all across the nation are gathering to celebrate and commemorate all they are thankful for, ours is doing just the same.
A gift that Brandon and I may take for granted is that both of our families live in Franklin. We are able to visit and spend time with our families on a regular basis, however, that does not mean that Thanksgiving and the time we spend with our family is any less special to us.
Both of our families have loved us sacrificially and have invested love, discipline, and values into our lives so that one day we may be the parents they chose to be for us. Currently, we are watching both of our families change and evolve - something that happens to everything over time. However, we are thankful for the people God placed in our lives and blessed us to call family.

Also today, we are thankful and praying for those that are serving our country. The men and women that cannot be with their families to celebrate are ensuring that my time with my family is safe and protected. They too are practicing sacrificial love, not only to their family, but their nation. We are thankful for these men and women and we praying for their safety as they serve our country.

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!

Week of Thankfulness - Wednesday

2010-11-24T10:39:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for my job.

Being able to work in an exciting place like the theatre is truly a gift. I enjoy the people I work with and the community that we serve. Even still, after hosting a year of performances, there is still an excitement and thrill that fills the building on the night of a show and it's exciting to be a small part in that.

Within the last couple of years we have watched as availability in jobs have decreased, company lay offs have increased, and the search for work has intensified, leaving the entire nation on edge. I do not want to take my job for granted in any way, there are so many lives effected by someone not have one of their own.

So today, Week of Thankfulness - Wednesday, I am thankful for having the chance to work at a place that brings excitement to the faces of our community.

Week of Thankfulness - Tuesday

2010-11-23T11:30:00.011-05:00

Tuesday - I am thankful for Brandon.

I married my best friend 3 years ago. I knew I loved him then, but my love for him now runs so much more deeper than it did then.

Within the last three years of our lives, we have spent most of that time figuring out how to manage a home and how to be more dependent on Jesus than we are on ourselves. Brandon was patient with me while I figured out my role in our marriage. He didn't say a word when we ate Hamburger Helper for entirely too many meals. He didn't get upset with me when I put Ajax in the dishwasher and flooded it and even though he appreciates his clothes, he appreciates me more and didn't even bring it to my attention when I ruined a load of laundry. Although it took me a while to settle into my role as wife, Brandon immediately valued his role as a husband. Since our married journey began, Brandon has always loved me and has always put me first.

As a part of our vows, we promised one another to do our best to encourage and support the other so that they would reach their fullest potential. Although I try to do that for Brandon, I feel as though he does that so much more for me. We were married for 4 months when he encouraged me to quite my full time job at a bank so that I could go to school full time and finish my Elementary Ed. degree. If I had to make that decision on my own, I would still be at the bank out of fear of having to make the decision on my own. However it was his encouragement and his dedication to help me reach my fullest potential that enabled me to make the decision to go for it.

Brandon is a part of every aspect of my life. Three years ago our two separate lives became one and because of that, I will never be the same. He plays so many roles in our life together. He is the spiritual leader of our home, a husband, an encourager, a supporter, a prayer warrior, a best friend, a quiet rock. For everything Brandon is in the life we share together, I am thankful.

The last three years of our lives have been a "journey" to say the least a journey that we are still on. I'm just thankful that we get to travel it together.

Week of Thankfulness - Monday

2010-11-22T09:58:00.003-05:00

This week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Therefore, today I will be kicking off a Week of Thankfulness blog. Each day this week, Monday through Friday, I will post blogs, each about something different that I am thankful for and why. I know we are all truly thankful throughout the year, but a lot of times our thankfulness just goes unsaid. So take the Week of Thankfulness Challenge! If you have a blog, maybe this is a way you can share of what you are thankful for and if you don't share with your spouse or a friend as to what you are thankful for and why.

Monday:
I am thankful for Jesus. I am thankful that He longs to have a relationship with me, just as He does with everyone. I am thankful that He alone is the Provider, Sustainer, and Redeemer of our lives. He is the provider when we cannot provide for ourselves. He is the sustainer of life when we encounter life's hardships and feel as though we cannot go on. It is He that is the Redeemer of sin, changing lives, mending families, and fills our souls with a Redemption that only He can give. More than anything, I am thankful that King Jesus is faithful. He is faithful even when I am not. Just today, I was reminded of the chorus of Great is Thy Faithfulness:

"Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! "

Oh how He is faithful and I am thankful.

I am thankful that He has "placed the stars in the sky and He knows them by name" because it reminds me that if He knows the names of the stars, then He certainly knows not only MY name but He knows the breaks of my heart, the disappointment that overwhelms me, and my fear of the unknown and He longs for me to run to Him and let Him take them from me so that I can live with His joy - for His glory.

The last few weeks have been tough for several different reasons, running much deeper than simply not having a teaching position. Although I am the one writing this post, I am still encouraged, simply by reminding myself of exactly who Jesus is and my dependence on Him and the power of His Truth.

The Season of Waiting is beginning to effect every part of me

2010-11-20T21:34:00.005-05:00

For a couple weeks, I have wanted to blog about all that is taking place in our lives right now. The reason why I haven't is simply because I don't really know what to say and when I figure that out, I may not know how to say it. I want this blog to be a record of the lives that Brandon and I share - a place to document our life together and a place to record how Jesus is working in our lives. We want to be able to use this blog to return praise to Him for all He is doing. Our hope is to document as much as we can or as necessary so that in years from now, we will have clear evidence of God's faithfulness and His mercy.
I do feel as though it is important to document the prayers of our hearts as much as possible so that God's answer is all the more evident.

So this post will stay short & sweet. In a lot of ways, this specific post is a starting place as I attempt to meet Jesus where He is as He works through this chaos that seems to surrounding our lives right now. I'm not sure if I am prepared for what may come of this, so for now, I will at least admit the state of my heart.

For the last month, Brandon has wiped my tears, calmed me down, and comforted my heart just so he could do it all again the next day.

Much is going on in my heart and my head. Overwhelmed. Stressed. Confused. Lately my days have been filled with confusion, frustration, cynicism & tears. Can't explain, I wouldn't really even know how to begin.

So for now, I am just admitting that my heart is heavy & I am ready for it to change. Unsure as to what is ahead leaves me nervous and reaffirms that I may not be prepared for it.

I keep thinking I just need to go on a good walk for clarity of mind, but I'm afraid I would walk for days.

Veteran's Day 2010

2010-11-11T11:18:00.011-05:00

To all Veterans: Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice of holidays, comfort, & safety. You are the heroes of this country and for that, I am thankful.

Today is a special Veteran's Day for my Papaw, Grady Holland. Since he has come home from the service, he has celebrated 64 Veteran's Days, yet, today's Veteran's Day was different. Daddy brought Papaw & Mamaw to town for the Veteran's Parade & Ceremony, which is special all in its own as it is difficult for Papaw to go anywhere. This year, Papaw was taking part in a special portion of the ceremony.

Lucas & I stood on the sidewalk of Main Street and watched the parade of Veterans pass by. We clapped & waved as the men & women proudly walked toward the gathering place of the ceremony. Once everyone had assembled, the ceremony began.
There, Town Alderman, Bob Scott, presented Papaw with something he had waited for a long time to have. He was presented with the medals he had earned in service.

After WW2, Papaw had the option of staying longer to receive his medals or to go home. As many others, he opted to go home, see his family and live a civilian life. Today, 64 years later and at the age of 95, he was presented with the 5 medals. Boyce Deitz presented the flag that had flown over the State Capitol on behalf of the North Carolina State Congressman, Heath Shuler.

Several of our family were able to make it and watch on as Papaw accepted his medals and flag. It was a proud moment to be able to watch the man who has invested into all of us in so many ways receive something that is to be valued, appreciated, and respected.

As a family, we are so proud of Papaw, regardless to what he is to each of us: Husband, Daddy, Papaw.

Fire Ants have Momas & Daddys too

2010-11-08T10:21:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Lucas was playing in a sand pile. He squatted down and saw a fire ant. With the attitude of how dare a fire ant be in MY sand pile, he announced to Mamaw, "I'm going to kill it!" Right before he stomped it or rolled his biggest Tonka machinery over it, he stopped. He looked at Mamaw and said, "No, I'm not going to kill it. It's probably on its way to see his Mama & Daddy and they would be so sad."

The Tallent Family

2010-10-30T21:51:00.001-04:00

I am in the process of making my first blog book (if I can figure it out). Looking back, there was a couple things I wanted to add before my blog is "slurped".

I have blogged a lot about my Sister-in-Law, Natasha and my neice, McKenzie. I have also blogged about David, my brother, who was married to Natasha and McKenzie's Daddy. He passed away in September of 2006.

In October 2010, Natasha & McKenzie began a new chapter in their lives. Natasha married a man who promised to be her loving husband and a sweet Daddy to McKenzie, Brian. Really, I guess we have all entered into a new chapter in our lives as we celebrate and return thanks to the God of Provision as it is He who has provided a husband and dad to fill these roles in their lives.

Congratulations, Tallent Family!

Vacation - October 2010

2010-10-27T14:45:00.013-04:00

Last Thursday, October 21st, Brandon & I had our bags packed, the cooler stocked, and flip flops in tow as we headed for vacation. We were more than excited about spending the next 6 days in Destin, FL, the place we have come to love so much.

I must be completely honest in saying that the excitement about this trip came and went a couple times before we actually left. For the past four, maybe five years, Brandon & I have always gone to Destin with his parents in October. This time, we couldn't be a part of that trip, leaving us to decide if we were even going to go at all this October.

At the last minute, well within two weeks of us leaving, which is pretty much last minute for us, we decided to go. We had mixed emotions as this would not be a family trip but it would be just the two of us. We had not been on a vacation with just the two of us since our Honeymoon, so this trip (without us knowing it) ended up being much needed.

We had such a great time. We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to go again this year. We went in May and really didn't expect to get to go back in October, as we BOTH completely expected that I would have a teaching position once October rolled around. We all know how that has went and for now, I don't have a classroom position.

When we were in Destin this time, we did venture to say that this was probably the last time we would get to go to Destin in October, however, we don't really know that to be true. We do love going in the fall, however, Brandon and I both know that we will have to give that vacation time up once I do get a teaching position.

Brandon and I wanted to make the very most of our trip this time, not knowing what the future holds for us (in lots of areas of our lives) and we did just that!

We got into Destin and into our condo at 2pm by 2:20, we were sitting on the beach with the Kindle in hand. **I must note that the Kindle that Brandon got me for my birthday was the best thing ever as I sat on the beach!**

Each day we were there consisted of the same events. Breakfast, sit on the beach until supper time and then go eat supper and when tomorrow came, do it all over again. It was great!

We did get some pictures. This time, we tried to get out on the beach before sunrise a few more times that we usually do and we also stayed out on the beach until sunset a few of those nights too.

I am so thankful that we had this time to really spend together, seek the Lord, listen to Him (more on this part later), and have Him rejuvenate our spirits all at the same time.

The Condo we stayed in was super nice!

Sunrise.

Since May, the City had pumped sand from out in the ocean onto the shore. This time, the beach was covered in seashells.

Sunset.

Two Sand Dollars I found one morning.

We were oh-so thankful to get to go on this vacation. We don't know when we will get to go again, but when that time comes, we will gladly take it.

Fun @ the Park

2010-10-27T12:48:00.008-04:00

Before we left for vacation, Brandon & I had plans to take Lucas & McKenzie to the Corn Maze. Unfortunately, after I have pumped both of them up about the Corn Maze and the hay ride, we get there and they had closed for the "Haunted Corn Maze". Great.
I hesitated to tell them that it was closed because I just knew they would be upset, but when I told them and quickly provided an alternate of going to get a Happy Meal and going to the park, they were all smiles and sqeals!

So that is exactly what we did! We got our Happy Meals and headed to the park. All THREE kids had a great time! :)

Sisters

2010-10-27T10:40:00.002-04:00

About a month ago, Deidre, Alisha, and I had a Sister + Brandon Date :). The plan was to take some pictures of the three of us...go out to eat... and watch a movie. Thanks to our awesome photographer, Brandon, we were able to get lots of fun pictures and then we headed to the Boiler Room for dinner & dessert! I bailed on the movie since we didn't get home until 10pm and I knew I would not make it through a whole movie.

Regardless to what we did, we had a good time and it was fun being all together!

Vacation...coming soon.

2010-10-20T09:22:00.002-04:00

We have had a lot to celebrate the last couple of weeks: Julie's big news, moving forward with Imagination Library, and we are one day away from vacation... so much to celebrate and to return praise to Jesus for. One thing is for certain... we are blessed & we are thankful.

We are most definitely looking forward to our vacation. This vacation will be a little different than any of our others. We usually go with Brandon's parents to Destin, however, this time, it didn't work out. They returned from Destin last week and we will be going this week.

We were in Destin in May of this year. That vacation was so much more than just a vacation. we really felt as though God spoke to our hearts and gave us a direction to serve. Even now, 5 months later, we are still seeing the effects of that time take root in our hearts. Brandon and I both believe with all our hearts that the vacation we had in May was the very beginning of so much to come. Although we may not be able to pin point all that will happen, we believe our hearts were stirred and challenged in several ways, making the look of our family, home, ministry, friendships, and stewardship change.

Of course I am not saying that a trip to the beach brought enlightenment and wisdom to our lives, but I am saying that it was that time that God chose to speak to our hearts and for that, we are thankful. Like I said, we are still being effected by that time and I am sure that in the future we will have the opportunity to share some that has taken place.

For now, we are oh so excited about going back to the sand and waves. Stay tuned... there will be plenty of pictures when we get back!

A New Addition to the Breedlove Family...

2010-10-18T09:50:00.006-04:00

(I bet that title perked some interest...ha.ha.)

For a while now Brandon and I have been talking and praying with one another about a very specific topic. For over a year now, I have been learning about Compassion International. This organization is very dear and near to the heart of my boss, Scott and his wife Sarah. Since I have worked at the theatre, since July of 2009, I have been learning more and more about Compassion and their ministry all around the world.
In May of this year, Brandon and I began praying about whether or not we had a role to play in this ministry. We felt God leading us towards sponsoring a child.
Last week, the theatre hosted an Evening with Compassion with Charlie Hall & Shaun Groves. It was a great night to worship! I came to the theatre that afternoon and walked into the lobby. Scott had just finished setting out all the packets of children that were needing to be sponsored by someone. I stood there and looked at every single one! As I stood there looking at each packet, I was overwhelmed as I knew that each child was in need of a sponsor and I couldn't only commit to sponsor one (for now). How in the world would I choose? I kept looking and fighting back tears all the while. I made mention to Scott that some of the children had such a blank look on their face - no smile, not even a frown really, but a blank look. I will never forget what he said in response: "That is the look of hopelessness." Since I heard those words, even though it has only been a week, I don't think I will ever look at the blank looks of children ever the same. Regardless to where I see those "blank looks" - in a classroom in the U.S. or in another country, I will always identify those looks with the words Scott passed along to me, "the look of hopelessness".
When I looked down to the middle of the table, covered in packets of children waiting to be sponsored, I saw the Diana. I looked at her information on the side of her envelope.

It said: Diana - birthdate: Sept. 29, 2007
Her birthday is September 29, 2007. The day she was born was the day that Brandon and I got married! So I chose Diana or maybe, Diana chose me. :)

Diana is 3 years old and lives in Ecuador. In our sponsoring Diana, she will be able to go to school, get health care, and have her basic needs met. Brandon and I will write to her and we will get responding letters though it may be from Compassion Worker updating us on Diana and as she learns to read and write herself, we will get letters from her!
I am extremely excited about having the opportunity to be a part of something that is much larger than ourselves - having a part of releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. And there is something even more exciting - you have the same opportunity to be a part of this. All you have to do is go to http://www.compassion.com/ and you can find lots of information on the ministry of Compassion International, but be ready, you never know when a child may choose you!

So glad you could meet Diana Breedlove. :)

A Good Day for Golf

2010-10-13T10:13:00.008-04:00

Brandon loves to golf. When he was younger, he fell in love with the sport. He began working at Parker Meadow's Golf Course, instead of being paid in cash, free golf was his payment. Then when he reached the "working age", he began getting for real paid.

When Brandon started school at North Greenville College, he had little time to play and ultimately stopped playing altogether.

In the last little bit, Brandon has been trying to get back to playing some, even if it's only for therapy. So, a couple Saturdays ago, we went to play a round at the Franklin Golf Course. It was a gorgeous day and it was great getting to spend that time together. I didn't play, but I did do an outstanding job being the cart driver. :)

McKinleigh is a Big Sister!

2010-10-13T09:32:00.005-04:00

Last week I introduced you to my best friend, Julie. In that post I explained how Julie and her husband, Jamie had turned to a Fertility Specialist when they had their daughter, McKinleigh, and they had turned to him again in hopes of adding another bundle of joy to their family.

I said in the post that she would find out within a couple weeks if it worked. Well... I didn't really lie, but it wasn't the whole truth. I knew she would find out the following Monday, which was why she had been on my heart so much.

Anyhow, Monday came and....... She's Pregnant!

This time, she & Jamie were so excited about having the opportunity to surprise each of their parents. So... Julie came up with a plan. She got McKinleigh a "I'm the Big Sister" shirt and Nancy went into overtime to come up with a Grandparents Bowl for Julie's parents. It was a bowl with "Nana & Pap's Babies". It had all the grandchildren, plus one! It was fun to get to be a part of the surprise!

Jamie, Julie, and McKinleigh came by to pick up the bowl and as they were leaving, I frantically tried to find my camera card (which I had put in my car). I couldn't find it so I had to settle with the camera on my phone. The pictures didn't come out great, but regardless to what camera was used, you can't hide the smiles of this expecting family!

The purpose in updating on Julie is not only so that you know the outcome of our prayers, but it is so that we can return praise to the King Jesus. I want to ask you to continue to pray for a healthy pregnancy for Julie and the baby.

Imagination Library

2010-10-08T17:37:00.005-04:00

I want to introduce you to Imagination Library. If you are a parent of a child from the ages 0-4, or if you know someone who is, this program is for you!

Imagination Library is a program of the Dollywood Foundation and was designed to improve the educational opportunities for children in communities all around the United States. This program allows pre-school age children (0-4 years) to receive a brand new book every month until they turn 5 years old. The book comes in the name of the child, which leaves the child excited and full of anticipation for the next book to arrive. Each book is hardback and age appropriate. The best thing about the program is that it is no charge for the registered children!

The purpose in Imagination Library is to generate a love for reading before the child even begins school.

Dolly Parton began this program when she saw to it that the pre-school children in Sevier County, TN received a book every month that came in their name in the mail. She then extended the program to Myrtle Beach, SC as well as Branson, MO, where she has businesses.

Thankfully, she has now opened the program up to all communities. Imagination Library is now a part of over 600 communities in the U.S. and in over 1,000 including the United Kingdom and Canada.

I felt as though this was something that I wanted to look into and learn more about. I have been in contact with a few communities that provide this program that are closer to Macon County as well as been in contact with the Regional Director for Imagination Library. She is sending me an Information Packet so that I can have more direction in getting this program started in Macon County!

My next step is to meet with local businesses, organizations, and individuals to share about Imagination Library and the importance it can have to improve the educational opportunities in Macon County - for the children of Macon County. This is the part that makes me the most nervous. Although this program is provided for preschool children and it does not require any form of payment from those that are registered, funding of some kind is necessary. My hope is that the places I go and the people I visit in Macon County will see the need to generate a love of reading before children begin school and will sponsor the Imagination Library so that children will have the opportunity to dream like never before.

I will keep you posted as Imagination Library moves forward, hopefully towards a home in Macon County.

Good Advice

2010-10-06T12:36:00.002-04:00

Sandy sent this to me today in an email. Lately I have been trying to educate myself on public education. Yes, I have just spent two years at Western earning my Elementary Education degree, however, I am on a new journey trying to learn more about American Education and the system it has created for all children across the nation.

Anyhow, I thought this advice from Bill Gates is right on the money with his advice to high school graduates. Enjoy!

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

Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the REAL world.

1. Life is not fair – get used to it.

2. The world doesn’t care about your self esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

3. You will NOT make $60,000.00 a year right out of high school. You won’t be a vice president with a car phone until you earn both.

4. If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

5. Flipping hamburgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping called OPPORTUNITY.

6. If you mess up, it’s not your parents’ fault, so don’t whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

7. Before you were born, your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent’s generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

8. Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they’ll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn’t bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING IN REAL LIFE.

9. Life is not divided into semesters. You don’t get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

10. Television is NOT real life…. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

11. Be nice to nerds, Chances are you’ll end up working for one

Meet Julie

2010-10-05T12:01:00.007-04:00

Julie & her daughter McKinleigh

Jamie & McKinleigh

Julie has been my best friend since high school. We met our freshman year. In the 12 years we have been friends, our lives have taken different routes.

Lots of "life happenings" have occurred within the lifespan of our friendship: driver license, proms, stupid boyfriends, broken hearts, high school graduation, "real" boyfriends as in the-one-I'm-going-to-marry-boyfriends, engagements, weddings, deaths in the families, and for Julie there has been one other major life happening, motherhood.

Julie and her husband, Jamie wanted to start a family. After a series of dr. visits, questions, and answers, they turned to a Fertility Specialist. It worked! In 2006, McKinleigh Paige was born.

Since Mckinleigh's birth, Jamie and Julie have loved every minute of being parents. The giggles, the loves, the mischievious-ness, the celebrations, the bedtime stories, the bedtime prayers, the stories, the smiles, every aspect of parenting McKinleigh has led the heart of this family to long for another baby.

Once again, they have turned to the Specialist. Julie will find out in a couple weeks if it worked and if she is pregnant! Although this is exciting, the process is frustrating, there is a lot of waiting that is involved.

For weeks now, Julie has been on my heart as I do my very best to walk this journey with her. I asked her if I could share all of this with you so that the readers of this blog will lift Julie and her family in your prayers. Here are few specific ways we can pray for her:

> That God will remind Jamie & Julie that He hears the cries of their hearts.

> That they will be able to take each day as it comes and they will continue to Worship while they wait.

> Julie will be able to overcome the mountain of frustration & defeat that come along with infertility, but will find freedom in resting in Who King Jesus promises He is.

I will keep you updated so that in the end, we can all celebrate and return praise to King Jesus.

New Hobby-ish

2010-10-03T21:22:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago, I got a sudden interest in painting canvases to make my plate rack a little more "fall-ish". So, I got four small square canvases and the paints I needed. For the first time around, I think they turned out pretty well.

I have also been working on something else lately. A friend of mine got a popcorn bowl last year for Christmas for their family. I loved the idea and it was so cute, I wanted to try it. So, I made one for myself & Brandon first, to see how it turned out. Well, I really liked it & now I am making more of them for Christmas.

Lucas' 5th Birthday Party

2010-10-03T21:02:00.004-04:00

We had Lucas' birthday party on the Saturday before his actual birthday, which was Wednesday, Sept. 22nd.
I am just now getting the chance to post the pictures. We had a great time! Lucas is excited about being "this many" with all five fingers showing on one hand.

As I mentioned before, we had a "fall festival" kind of party for him. We were out in the field with hay bales, blankets, a fire, marshmallows, etc. The weather was great for the party and the fire actually felt kind of nice.

Deidre made Lucas his own cake with who else but Spiderman.

Blowing out the candles.
Opening presents.
Baseball, Bat, and Atlanta Braves hat from Brandon & I.

Still digging...

The Toy Story Book

On Lucas' actual birthday, we had a party at Daddy & Moma's house for both Lucas and me. There was one more present for Lucas that he had not gotten yet. He had to sit in Papa's lap and close his eyes......

Then Mamaw came through the house riding Lucas' birthday present.
McKenzie came and was so excited to give Lucas his gift.

Everyone had a great time. We celebrated, ate cake and ice cream, and laughed a lot. Before I can close out this post, I wanted to share a picture of Brandon & McKenzie. They are both such hams.

Bridal Party

2010-09-30T10:36:00.003-04:00

Since I posted about our wedding, I wanted to share about each of the people in our wedding. Each person that stood beside us on our Special Day are all people that in one way or another are continuing to live our lives with us. I just wanted to share who each one of our special friends are.

From Left to Right:

Rachel (Atlanta, Ga)- met on World Changer Staff. We were on the same team two years in a row.

Julie (Franklin, NC)- met in High School. Our families went on mission trips together. Best Friend.

Brooke (Franklin, NC) - Brandon's youth pastor's wife and I want to be just like her "when I grow up" :)

Natasha & McKenzie (Franklin, NC) - is my sister-in-law & neice. 2 strong girls and thankful they are both a part of our lives. McK, I met 4 years ago, when she was born and that sweet girl changed all of us.

Chloe (Flower Girl) - Our neice. Brandon's brother, Nathaniel's little girl

Alisha (Franklin, NC)- my little sister

- two girls that have shaped my life in lots of ways

Deidre (Franklin, NC)- my big sister

Jeff (Franklin, NC) - Brandon's youth pastor as he grew up. Then, Jeff became a mentor and friend to the two of us in a lot of ways. We are thankful for his investment in our lives.

Brandon

Terry (Franklin, NC) - Brandon wouldn't have anyone else stand beside him, but his dad.

Matthew (Franklin, NC) - Brandon's brother

- two boys that have shaped Brandon's life in lots of ways. :)

Nathaniel (Franklin, NC) - Brandon's brother

Doc (Gafney, SC) - Brandon's roommate from college

Tracy (Jug Factory Rd. somewhere in SC, Brandon was adamant that he lives on Jug Factory Rd....?) - Brandon's Campus Minister and SO SO SO SO much more.

Jim (Griffin, GA) - Brandon met Jim in Mexico on International World Changers. I love getting to hear "Me & Jim stories" from Brandon.

Lucas (Ring Bearer) - who slept through the entire ceremony.... well.... we met 5 years ago, when he was born and my life hasn't been the same

So there you have it, the whole crew, the people that mean the world to us and helped make Sept. 29 an amazing day to celebrate!

3rd Anniversary 9.29.10

2010-09-30T08:47:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, September 29th, Brandon & I celebrated our 3rd anniversary! It is hard to believe that we have been married for three years already. The earlier part of the day's weather yesterday reminded me of our wedding day, the deep blue sky and the crisp morning air. Oh, it was a special day indeed.
It was a day of promise & of celebration as we vowed our hearts and lives to one another, a day I will never forget.
Since that day, we have loved, laughed, cried, and celebrated with one another as each day has passed by allowing our hearts to be one, just as we promised they would be. My heart celebrates the love that we have found & rests in the dreams that have evolved since then.
Our constant prayer is to be God-Honoring in all that we do: in the way we live our lives, in the dreams we dream, we long to be more like Him.

Our parents.

JP & Jessie Pruett

JP singing "Lost in This Moment With You"

The Whole Gang!

Happy Birthday to Us!

2010-09-24T10:22:00.002-04:00

This last Wednesday, we celebrated two birthdays. We celebrated my 26th birthday and Lucas' 5th birthday.

The Saturday before, we had Lucas' party with a "Fall Festival" Theme. We had it out in the field with hot dogs, hamburgers, hay bales, blankets, games, and a fire. Everyone had a great time, but I must admit, making smores was the most fun! :)

Brandon went out of his way to make my birthday a special day. He sang to me, took me to lunch, and even helped in planning a party for me and Lucas at my parent's house after church. He also got me a KINDLE! I have been wanting of these for a while and I can't wait to put it to good use on my back porch or as I listen to the waves and dig my toes in the sand (hint, hint, Brandon) :)

I had a special day and I'm thankful to share my birthday with Lucas. I am thankful for all the people that helped make the day so sweet including all the Bass Girls that called me and said "Happy Birthday, Nancy!!"

It was a great day!

I will blog later about my Birthday Date that Brandon is taking me on. We are going tonight (Friday) to Asheville :)

Where We Are

2010-09-13T13:54:00.003-04:00

Last week, I blogged about the Season of Waiting Brandon & I have found ourselves in for the last few months. Since this last blog, a few substantial events have taken place. I mentioned then that I was waiting to hear from the School System about my application I had pulled for an open position. A few days later, I received a phone call from them requesting an interview. The next day, I met the panel and had my interview. It went well. However, a week later, after an additional week of waiting, we learned that I was not chosen for the position. I cannot say that I took the loss peacefully and with understanding, because I certainly did not. Don't get me wrong, I didn't pitch a fit at Central Office or anything, but I did shed a tear or two... or.... :)

Through this the Lord is reminding me that He has a plan AND a time to reveal that plan to me. I may not have received a teaching job within the time I would have wanted, but again, this is a reminder that God's timing is not my timing.

As I wait (but not as diligently as I have been), I am incredibly thankful for the job that I do have. I don't ever want to come across as though I am not. I feel as though the fact that I have a job, even without getting a teaching position, is yet, just another way God prooves His provision.

So for now, you will find me in the window of the theatre prepared to serve you for all your ticketing needs. :)

"Eat Less & Exercise More"

2010-09-06T20:43:00.005-04:00

Brandon has been working very hard to lose weight. In April, he began really watching what he ate and began exercising. I want to show off his work! I took the first picture from a blog I posted in September 2009. The second picture, I took over the weekend, just so I could put them side by side. I took the second picture with my phone, so it didn't turn out as well as I hoped, however, you can definitely see the difference.

When people ask Brandon how he lost the weight, his answer is, "Eat less & exercises more" and it is so the truth. I am proud of all his hard work and determination.

Brandon has lost around 40 pounds and I am oh-so proud of him!

Happy Birthday Kelton!

2010-09-01T10:42:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, August 31st, Kelton celebrated his 7th birthday. His party was at the Franklin Golf Course Pool. We had pizza, cake, ice cream... all the birthday necessities. His friends came and loved playing in the pool. I didn't take a lot of pictures, mostly because I was getting to sit and talk another 2nd grade teacher from the school I did my student teaching at. I've missed her over the summer, so I was thankful to get to catch up.

Happy Birthday Kelton!

The Birthday Boy

Chloe & Kelton

Alex-man

Group Photo Take 1

Group Photo Take 2 --- Much Better

*P-R-E-S-E-N-T-S*

Brandon & I got him a camping tent and sleeping bag.

Last but not least, the little sister of the Birthday Boy, Cadee.

Be Anxious For Nothing...

2010-08-27T11:33:00.008-04:00

...but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -Philippians 4:6

**This blog has potential to be ridiculously long, but it will be necessary**
I wanted to blog about this so that when Brandon & I look back into the pages of our lives, the faithfulness of Jesus will never be debated.

Honestly, I don't really know where to begin as I sit here trying to blog about all that has taken or has not taken place within the last few months. Brandon and I entered into a specific season of our lives a few months ago, a season that required patience, perseverance, & trust, a season that would stick around long enough to challenge all we had to offer - The Season of Waiting.

More and more I realize that I am no where near the patient person as I would like to think I am. In fact, I possess very little patience at all. This fact is extremely frustrating to me as my dad is probably the most patient & laid back person on earth. All through my childhood I watched him demonstrate his patience with all four of us kids. He taught us how to ride a bicycle, catch a softball (with the glove up :)), any math homework, drive a car, etc. The man is patient, but I lack the gene. However, I am learning that possessing patience really isn't a matter of genetics, but instead patience is learned and oh, how I am trying to learn it.

In March of this year, I posted Decisions, Decisions. Brandon & I could easily look ahead and see that decisions would have to be made in a few areas of our lives. One specific decision, the most identifiable, was what job would I have when the summer was over. At the time of this specific post, my graduation from WCU was two months away. I would have my degree in Elementary Education and my North Carolina Teaching License. I would have everything I needed to teach in North Carolina Public Schools. The decision was this, would I go out of my way to get a teaching position or would I stay at the theatre and continue working there for a while. A lot of people would never understand the way my heart was truly torn between the two places. Yes, I loved being in a classroom, but I also loved being at the theatre. By no means do I hope to down-play all that went into this decision I knew I would have to make. This decision consumed my thoughts and it wasn't until months later that I truly came to the conclusion and answer I needed. I was going to teach.

In April of this year, I posted Change Is Coming. During this time, Brandon came along side of me and together, we sought how the Lord was calling us to serve Him. Together we sought, together we prayed, together we listened, together we waited. This is when we entered the new season of our lives.

In May, I graduated from WCU and a week later, I had an interview for one of five teaching positions that was available for the next school year. I had my interview on May 7 and on May 8th, we headed for the beach. Even as we were on vacation, we had one choice: to wait. At this point although we had fun and exciting plans for the summer, we had also stepped into the new season of our lives.

Ends up, I didn't get one of the positions that were available earlier in the summer. I think one other position opened between that time in May and the middle of August. All summer long, we waited. Last Tuesday, August 24th, the day before school started, I checked the Macon County Schools Website and low and behold, an Elementary Education position had been posted! I applied for the position and have waited and I still wait to hear from the Schools. I know that something must be done pretty quickly as school is in its second week and there is not a teacher for the class, however, for me, every morning I wake up with a hope that "today will be the day" that I hear something, but until then, we wait.

Although my teaching position has most definitely required us to wait, there are other areas of our lives that we seem to be just waiting on as well. We are watching a few aspects of our lives change and we are waiting to see the affects and our response to them.

Regardless to all that our hearts are waiting on, I am confident that when I melt with the overwhelming of the unknown, the exhaustion from waiting, the frustration, impatience, questions, plans of my own, and the brokenness, I know that Jesus is whispering "Be still and know that I am God".

So for now, Brandon & I are doing our best to be still...and wait...so that when we walk out of this specific season of our lives, we do so just as we walked in, hand in hand as we follow Christ.

New Neighbors

2010-08-20T22:27:00.003-04:00

Today, our great friends, Aaron & Tiffany Garrett closed on their new house. The best part about is, the house is right across the street from us! This is going to be fun!!!!!!

Tool Box & Spray Paint

2010-08-20T22:16:00.004-04:00

This week, Lucas has been out of pre-school, as it will start back next week when "big school" (public school) starts. Throughout the week, he has been doing different things with Moma & Daddy.

Today, Moma went to work and Daddy had Lucas. They built a toolbox together and decided they would paint it. At some point, Daddy left Lucas' side and when he returned, Lucas had spray painted his hair black!

Daddy was able to get most of the paint out of his hair but his scalp is still black. When Daddy asked him why he did that, he said, "Girls do it all the time, Papa."

I was coming through town and when I stopped at the red light, Papa & Lucas were beside me. We pulled over so I could see his new painted toolbox and scalp.

Lucas & his tool box

Papa & Lucas

Lucas & his "Fire Department Boots"

Steven Curtis Chapman

2010-08-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

Last night, the Steven Curtis Chapman was in concert at the Theatre, where I work. Brandon and I were able to watch the concert, which was AMAZING! The opening band was CALEB, which is Steven Curtis' son, Caleb, as lead singer and drummer for both CALEB & Steven Curtis, was the other son, Will. The entire night was great.
Throughout the night, Caleb as well as his dad shared about Maria Sue, an adopted sister for Caleb and daughter for Steven Curtis, that passed away in 2008, due to a tragic accident at their home. Steven Curtis allowed all of us in the audience to step into their lives and share their grief and heartbreak along with them through the songs and stories that were shared. I felt as though I could relate to the songs he had written after losing Maria, as his heartbreak was reflected. Although I, along with 800 other people, laughed & cried together as Steven Curtis shared so transparently and raw, we were able to celebrate at the end of the concert right along with one another: celebrating the life of Maria & celebrating "How Great our God" really is.

Although I don't have any pictures to prove it, I was able to see my best friend, Julie and her mom, Debbie. It was precious to sit and talk with them (even if it were only through intermission). I definitely miss the times we used to have together, but I am thankful that we have special times like last night that leave me thankful for the people that God has put in my life, even if we only share "moments" together, they are Special Moments all the same.

Steven Curtis Chapman singing "I Will Be Here", the song that we played at our wedding.

I was excited to get my picture made with one hot man and Steven Curtis Chapman. :)

Happy 4th Birthday, McKenzie Faith!

2010-08-20T21:39:00.002-04:00

McKenzie celebrated her 4th birthday on Monday, August 16th. We celebrated along with her on Saturday before her actual birthday at The Factory. We had a great time. She hugged everyone there over and over. We had pizza, she opened presents, and then we all ate cake. I was able to get a few pictures as the batteries in my camera were going dead. My favorite picture is the second the last one that I posted. She is SUCH a DIVA. If McKenzie sees a camera, she is ready with a smile and pose.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Dollywood Pictures Continued...

2010-08-10T22:29:00.004-04:00

Raise your hand if you are excited!!!!

Ready to drive the cars.

Lucas is ready to go....Brandon is not so sure.

Speed-demon, McKenzie

I love her smile.

I love his freckles.

All of us.

Dollywood

2010-08-05T11:36:00.017-04:00

Earlier last week, I realized that there was not a show at the theatre on Saturday and that we didn't have plans for the day. Brandon and I called to see if Lucas & McKenzie could go with us to Dollywood. McKenzie had been with us already and remembered enough about it to know that she wanted to go again. Lucas on the other hand, had never been to Dollywood, although he wanted to go, he didn't understand why I was so excited about it.

Saturday morning, Lucas came to my house ready to go - pack back and all. We loaded him in the car and went to pick up McKenzie. We got to her house and she met me on her porch with her bag in one hand and chocolate milk in the other, ready for a day at Dollywood.

We started the day off with the two having Rice Crispy Treats and Chocolate Milk for breakfast. It's the Breakfast of Champions, I know. As we entered the Parkway, we saw a few Elk, which in my vehicle, was something extremely exciting. We had to pull over, look at them, ooo and aaahhh, then we got back on the road. Lucas & McK talked all the way there...it was humorous to listen to their conversations.

We got inside the park, found the bathrooms and then got on a simulation ride, which was fun. When we came out though, it was raining. Ugh. We rode the cars in the rain. I was hoping the whole time that the rain would stop, however, even when we finished riding the cars, it had actually started raining even harder. :( We ate lunch at Red's Diner. After we ate, Brandon and I thought it would be best if we wait out the rain. So we put Lucas & McK on the hood of an old truck that was under shelter and we stood beside them and just waited. It was definitely getting hard to keep them occupied so I was glad to see the acapella group come under the shelter, where a crowd had already assembled. They stood right in front of where we were standing, so once they began singing, they had the attention of Lucas and McKenzie. I was thankful.

The group really interacted with the audience. One of the songs they sang to McKenzie, the next, to Lucas. I have tried to post videos of each. McK was great. She performed right along with the singers, however when he finished singing, she realized there were A LOT of people looking at her and she had a mini-meltdown as she busted out into tears. :(

A girl sang to Lucas and when she did, he grinned the biggest freckled face grin he could possibly offer. He was definitely proud.

Thankfully, the rain stopped and the sun came out. We were able to ride rides, eat junk, and have a good time. By the time we were back on the parkway headed home, both, Lucas & McKenzie were sound to sleep.

Here are a few pictures:

On the first "ride" the tram, from the parking lot to the entrance of the park.

Brandon, the trooper

Lucas
McKenzie
Rain, please go away.

Waiting....

VeggieTale Rollercoaster

In front of the big log.

On the carousel

Seeing who could fall asleep first, I think it was a tie.

World Changers

2010-08-03T16:22:00.008-04:00

July 19-24, World Changers came to Franklin. With those of you unfamiliar with World Changers and what it is, allow me to explain. WC is a program of the North American Mission Board. It allows youth groups to select from a list the location they would like to do a project. Nationwide, there are 80 different locations. The groups travel to the project on the specific week, sleep on the floor of a school or church, are divided up with people they do not know to create "crews", sweat during the day, and to beat all, they pay to do it!

I have been a part of WC since 1998. From '98 to 2002, I was a participant of WC. 2003, I went to Penang, Malaysia for International World Changers. In '04 & '05, I worked for WC Summer Staff, meaning I traveled for the entire summer with a team of three other people and did 4 to 5 projects each summer. In '06, I went back to Malaysia. I didn't do anything in 2007 as we were planning a wedding for the fall, in retrospect, I totally could have done something. In 2008, I traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand with IWC. In 2009 and 2010, I served as a Project Coordinator for the Franklin, NC project.

July 19-24 of this summer was the week that WC came into town. The summer staff came in a few days earlier than the project starting so that we could do set up and have everything ready to go as the groups arrived on Monday.

The project went really well. We had groups from Texas, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Total, we had 240 participants, 26 crews, and 19 homes worked on. We were thankful and praised Jesus for having very few injuries and nothing serious. For sure, it was a great week and I am thankful to have been a part of it.

Groups arrive on Monday, work Tuesday - Friday, and go home on Saturday. Each night, we had worship. It was great and definitely the highlight of each evening for me. It was also a major help that the speaker was super good looking.... his name was Brandon.

Brandon Breedlove. :) Really though, he did a great job, even though he was nervous speaking to students. I feel as though the week was an encouragement to the both of us and I am grateful that we had this experience together.

I want to point out that World Changers is not only to change the world of the homeowner, but it is to change the world of the participant. The hope is that the participants that travel to a project location will return home prepared to share the gospel and meet the needs of those in their own community.

Enjoy a few pictures from the week:

This is the Summer Staff: Rachel, Neal, Meredith, Cameron

A radio interview with Charlie at WPFJ, The Dove.

This is two participants and Rachel from Summer Staff.

This is Allie. She was my right arm, left arm, and brain throughout the week. She is a trooper and does ANYTHING that needs to be done.

A special girl and I am so glad she was with us for the week, it wouldn't have been the same without her.

July 2010

2010-07-29T12:07:00.007-04:00

It seems as though the month of July has come and gone. Today, being the 29th, there are only 2 more days of the month. Part of me feels like the month has flown by, another part of me feels like the month began such a long time ago. The month of June was certainly busy all on its own, however, when July 1st hit, the business got busier and the crazy got crazier.

Disney's Beauty & The Beast ran from June 24-27 at the theatre. VBS began at our church on June 27 and lasted through July 1. There was a movie at the theatre June 28 and a show on June 29, I Love a Piano. We had a break on June 30, which served as "the calm before the storm".

July 1st - July 4th, the theatre was hopping. The theatre hosted The Inspiration's Independence Weekend, which consisted of 6 events combining the concerts and chapel meetings.

July 3rd, the town did the 4th of July Celebration in the Park because the 4th landed on a Sunday. I was able to finish at the theatre to meet Brandon and watch the fireworks. Since I had come straight from work, I didn't have my camera or anything... :( We were able to find Mama, Daddy, & Lucas n the midst of the madness at the park and sit with them for the firework show. Lucas loved them.

July 7th - David Crowder Band

July 9 - Little River Band

July 13 - Lary Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers (2:30 & 7:30 show)

July 16 - Doc Watson & David Holt

July 12 - 16 - I would leave from work and go straight to Brandon's parent's house, where Terry was helping with create "crews" for World Changers. (That is a totally different post all in itself, more to come)

**Somewhere in all of this there were three movies, but I can't remember what or when they were**

July 17 - 24 - WORLD CHANGERS FRANKLIN

July 24 - Beatles Tribute

July 25 - Recuperate from World Changers

July 26 - 28 - Worked during the day, had a couple lunch dates, rested in the evenings

July 29 - TODAY - we have Folkmoot at the theatre

July 30 - Point of Grace & Laura Story

July 31 - DOLLYWOOD with Brandon, Lucas, & McKenzie!!!

As you can tell, this month has been nuts, as it has been for everyone else as well, I'm sure. Brandon and I have tagged team on all necessities of life - grocery store, laundry, getting the mail.... you know, things that have to be done, but get tossed to the wayside until you reach the vital point of no milk in the fridge, a packed mail box, and heaps of laundry. If it were not for Brandon and his unfailing willingness to "keep everything going" it would have been a disastrous 30 days. So here is a shout out to Brandon. Thank you for all you have done this month just to keep life going.

Happy Birthday 95th Birthday, Papaw!

2010-07-28T12:50:00.000-04:00

I am just now posting this, however, at the time, I didn't feel as though I had enough time to sit down and do this blog post justice with the time I had. I did not want to barely mention Papaw's birthday without the attempt to share his life with those that read. Therefore, I chose to wait until I could sit down and work on it. I didn't realize it would be one month later....

June 28th, we celebrated Papaw's 95th birthday. I left Brandon at VBS (he had to teach) and I went up to Mamaw & Papaw's house. When I got there, my parents and a few other members of our family were there visiting with the Birthday Boy (there is just something about calling someone who has been through all that he has, a 'boy' that does not settle well.)

As I sat in the living room with him, I tried to think of all (at least a lot) of the major events that Papaw has lived through - events that shaped our family and nation. Knowing that throughout his lifetime, he has seen 22 different men take the office of the President of the United States and 16 of them he was able to vote for, I am amazed at exactly how much he has been a part of and how he has watched the events in history change the nation.

He was born in Franklin in 1915 to Jerry & Hettie Holland, farmers and gardeners and "folks that took care of what they had". World War 1 had been well underway as it began in 1914, with three years left to go. Woodrow Wilson was President.

Growing up in Franklin, life was slow, but hard. In a world of farming, gardening, and manual labor, there was always something for he and his five other siblings to do around the house. In 1929, life got even harder. The stock market crashed which led the nation and eventually the world into what we know as The Great Depression. Papaw was 14. The nation emerges from the Depression in 1939, but its celebration didn't last long as Hitler invaded Poland, the beginnings of World War 2. Papaw was 24, one year younger than I am now.

In 1942, Papaw was drafted to serve in WW2. He trained in Fort Benning then he was able to come back to Franklin for a 30-day fur low. It was 1943. While he was home, he met a man who invited him over for supper and to "make music" at his house. Papaw went and met Betty Stewman, one of the daughters of the man. I prefer to call her, Mamaw. At the end of the month, Papaw went to New York where he and his fellow soldiers sailed to England, a sail of 21 days.

He was a sharp-shooter. His friend, "Cotton" was the driver of his tank. They were best friends while serving. I'm still trying to find the family of Edgar Cotton, but as of now, I have had little luck. I have heard many stories of their friendship, camaraderie, and mischief. "Cotton" is a familiar name in Papaw's house. Papaw served in Germany from 1942 to 1945, when the war ended.

Papaw & Mamaw got married after the war, moved around to here and there, and settled back into Franklin to begin and raise their family. They have four children: Daddy, Randy, Marianna, & Jesse and their family has only continued to grow. He & Mamaw have 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, all because two people fell in love. We are all thankful for the investment that these two have poured into the life of our family. To us, they are our Legecy.

Happy 95th Birthday, Papaw!!!!

A Mother's Gift - Herself

2010-07-15T12:30:00.002-04:00

So much to blog about.... Sarah, I read your blog the other day and I am in the same position. I have so much to blog about, update, etc, but I don't have the time to do it right now. However, I did come along this article.

My mom was a stay-at-home mom with four kids. There are many people that say, "I would never be able to stay at home with my kids, I have to get out"... However, when I think back to our childhood, growing up, with parents that served the Lord & family, I realize that my mom was giving me a gift - a gift I didn't recognize until 2005. I'm certain there were days when she "had to get away", but didn't because there was a greater cause - us. I came home from school every single day to a mom ready to hand out snacks. When I was in high school and was driving myself to school, I would sit at the breakfast bar every morning talking with her, over our chocolate chip cookies. :) Even as I began attending SCC for college, I still found myself sitting in the kitchen with moma. It wasn't until 2005, when she and my dad were called to serve in Gulfport, MS with the North Carolina Baptist Men with Disaster Relief that I recognized the gift that Moma had been giving me all my life. I was 21 years old. I came home from work to an empty house. Moma wasn't there to talk with, vent to, be excited with, nothing. This was the day I realized the gift that moma had invested her life in giving me. Herself.

Disney's Beauty & The Beast

2010-07-05T17:01:00.008-04:00

Disney's Beauty & The Beast began its run at the Theatre on June 24 - June 27th. This was also the weekend of Brooke & BJs wedding so I spent a lot of my time running back and forth between the two events, selling tickets in one place, preparing for and celebrating a wedding in the other.

On Sunday, the 27th, Brandon and I were able to watch the show and we invited McKenzie to come along! She was so excited and could not wait to dress like a princess herself, for the show. Brandon & McKenzie went on to their seats while I finished up at the ticket window, when I caught up with them right before the show, I found my dashing Prince and Princess, patiently waiting for the show to begin.

I continually find myself amazed at the time, effort, talent, and detail that goes into each production. The cast, props, lighting, & sound are all elements that make each show spectacular. Here are a few pictures from the show:

"Be our Guest, be our guest, put our service to the test..."
When Belle came out in her gown, McKenzie gasped.

We loved the show and were so thankful to have McKenzie to enjoy it with us.

Then, after the show, McKenzie got to meet Belle! She was so excited! She said, "I have never met a real Belle!" After waiting oh-so patiently in line, McKenzie crawled up in Belle's lap for a picture and she told the princess that she was beautiful.

Mr. & Mrs. BJ Keener 06.26.10

2010-06-26T23:16:00.003-04:00

I was honored to stand beside my friend, Brooke today as she married her best friend. I have known both, the bride and the groom for years and I was so incredibly honored to be asked to stand along side of them on this special day. Since I spent most of the day with Brooke, she is the only one I really have pictures of. While we waited for someone to come get us for the wedding to begin and realizing we still have 40 minutes to wait, Brooke was a great sport in letting me take whatever pictures I wanted....I have a lot more on my camera, but only worked on a few as I am too tired to keep working on them now, but I will post the ones I have:

Congratulations to BJ & Brooke Keener!

Pool Time

2010-06-22T15:35:00.006-04:00

Saturday, Brandon and I had the chance to take Lucas to the swimming pool. When we went to pick him, he was so excited to get to the pool. Once we got there, I am certain he knew almost every kid in there :).

Lucas cannot swim...yet, however, he borrowed his friends' swimming goggles and one he put them on, he thought he had some serious swimming powers. It was a blast watching him play in the water. After we swam, we went to McDonalds, ate at the Greenway, and before we got him home, he was sound to sleep.

It was a great day to play.

What A Week!

2010-06-17T08:15:00.004-04:00

This has been one busy week. Sunday morning, Brandon left our house with Jeff King and headed towards Orlando, FL for the Southern Baptist Convention. I wasn't too worried as to how I would spend the week, as I already had some plans in the works. In the four and half days that Brandon would be gone, I would have 3 lunch dates (which totally takes the place of the ones he usually has on a very regular basis :) ), talk about missions at VBS, go to Tiffany's house, get a facial, and begin our children's program at church. Although I had quite the list to occupy my time, there were moments of "down time" and it was during these times that I was extremely bored, simply because Brandon was not there. One of these times occurred Sunday afternoon, Brandon had been gone for only hours, I found myself doing laundry and watching "Wild Russia" on the Animal Planet, I was ready for him to come home!

However, I knew that Brandon was really looking forward to the Pastor's Conference and would have a great time and he has. I, too, have been able to use these last few days to do some extra things that I don't normally do.

Monday, I spent some "girl time" with Tiffany as we worked on our Summertime Children's Wednesday night program for church.

Tuesday, I had a lunch date with a special friend. An hour and half later, we left our table at Monte Albans, which reminded me that we need to do this much more often. As we left in our vehicles, we agreed that our husbands needed to come along next time so they can be in on the "catching up". That night, I had been invited to be a part of Windy Gap's VBS, to talk to the Middle and High School Students about missions. I was able to encourage them to look for ways to serve Christ this summer. It was a lot of fun, I'm thankful for the invitation.

I had really been looking forward to Wednesday. I was getting to meet a new friend, Renee for lunch. Renee has had some pretty substantial events in her life all at the same time as she has graduated from college (with a degree in Education) and two weeks later, got married and moved from Ohio to Franklin. Before meeting for lunch, I was concerned that we wouldn't have a lot to talk about, but that fear no longer existed when we got up from our table close to 2 hours later. :)
After lunch with Renee, I headed to Spa Siobhan for a facial. This was a graduation gift and definitely not something that I do very often, but it was fun and was more than relaxing! Unfortunately, as soon as I walked out of the building, the relaxation was over. I had to kick it into gear as we prepared and got ready for the summer program that began last night. The kids LOVED it and I look forward to how this goes as the summer progresses.

Today, I'm completing my week with a lunch with several friends Brooke, Allie, Maddie, Amber, Reed, & Ella and then....for the moment we have all been waiting for..... Brandon comes home!!! ( I realize this is really only the moment I have been waiting for, however, it fit).

Although I have certainly missed Brandon while he has been gone, I have also enjoyed the time I have been able to spend with old and new friends, taking the moments to be thankful for the people in our lives and sharing with one another what God is doing in and through our lives. It has been a true gift to get to spend time with the special ladies in my life. I have realized this week just another way God has blessed my life and for that, I am left with nothing but thankfulness.

Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord!

2010-06-16T11:41:00.004-04:00

This is kinda lengthy, but so sweet to hear, in it's entirety. If you don't have the time to read it all right now, I welcome you back anytime when you have the chance. These 3 chapters in Psalms overwhelm my heart and serve as a reminder of our purpose here on Earth: to Praise the Lord.

Psalm 148
Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens,

praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and maidens, old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted;

his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints,

of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the LORD.

Psalm 149
Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song,

his praise in the assembly of the saints.
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.
May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,
to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron,
to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints.

Praise the LORD.

Psalm 150
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD.

Mailbox Surprise

2010-06-15T09:32:00.000-04:00

Within the last week, I have received the two pieces of paper that has taken, well, a really long time to achieve. One day last week, I opened the mailbox to find an envelope containing my degree in Elementary Education from Western Carolina University. Yesterday, I opened the mailbox and found my license issued by the Department of Public Instruction for the State of North Carolina.

It looks like I have all I need to teach: the degree, the license...now I need a JOB/CLASSROOM.

Lindsay & Chris' Wedding 061210

2010-06-12T16:35:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, Brandon & I went to our friend, Lindsay Cavendar's wedding. It was held at the Southwestern Macon Campus, here in Franklin. The location was so extremely beautiful, I can definitely see why this was "the place" for the couple to share their vows. Sitting there, waiting for the ceremony to begin, I couldn't help but to think of the Creator that placed the mountains that surrounded us, exactly where they sat. Everything, was beautiful.
As Lindsay & her dad walked down to meet Chris, my heart said a prayer for the two that was now becoming, one. Through the actions and words of these two people, it is evident that their life if centered and solely focused on King Jesus. I am thankful for their commitment to each other, but so thankful for the commitment they share in Him.

Happy BIRTHday, Zachary Todd Breedlove!!!

2010-06-11T09:42:00.000-04:00

Matthew, Brandon's brother, and his wife, Brooke welcomed Zachary Todd Breedlove into the world this morning, Friday, June 11, 2010 at 7:49am. He weighs 7lbs 10oz and is 20in. long.
Here are some pictures that have been sent to my phone. When I get off at the theatre, we will be heading over to meet Baby Zach ourselves!

Congratulations Matt & Brooke...and Happy Birthday, Zach!

Sweet Baby Boy!

New Daddy & Baby Zach

A Reminder to be Thankful...

2010-06-05T21:35:00.000-04:00

On Monday, Memorial Day, Brandon and I were both home. I was working on the blog in the living room when Brandon came from our bedroom and told me his dad had just called and he was going to meet him at Lowes (to get the new water heater for our apartment).

While he was gone, I went into our bedroom and saw what Brandon had been doing before his dad called him.

There on the corner of our bed, sat Brandon's bible. As it laid open to the page he was reading, I stood there with thankfulness in my heart. I couldn't help but to thank Jesus Brandon and all that he is to me: best friend, husband, and spiritual leader of our home.

Happy 64th Anniversary, Papaw & Mamaw

2010-05-29T10:33:00.000-04:00

In April, my Papaw & Mamaw celebrated their 64th Anniversary! Moma had organized an all-day-get-together for them on April 25th. Papaw is 94 years old and it is hard on him to have everyone there all at the same time. So people came and went all day long so that Papaw wouldn't be so tired at the end of the day. They enjoyed the company as most everyone in the family had come by throughout the day. I wasn't able to be there because I was working at the theatre, however, I am glad Natasha gave me these pictures to put on the blog.

Papaw & Mamaw, Grady & Betty Holland are my daddy's parents. Papaw will be celebrating his 95th birthday on June 28th of this year. He served during WW2 and can share story after story of his time in the military, coming home, getting married, and starting a family. He has stories that very few people have ever experienced, much less be able to share. Mamaw, a spunky woman, always with a story to share and a dance in her step, the two are quite the pair.

I know that my life would not be the same without them and I appreciate the investment they have so willingly poured not only into myself, but into the life of our family. Papaw & Mamaw have 4 children, 12 grandchildren, & this month will their 18th great grandchild will be born!

When Brandon & I told Papaw & Mamaw that we were getting married, Papaw sat in his chair, looked up, and gave us his advice to a successful marriage - "Nancy, You have to take a little and give a whole lot more."

Happy Anniversary Papaw & Mamaw.

McKenzie digs into a piece of cake.

Notice on both pieces; the icing is gone FIRST

Buddies.

Deidre & Matt

Natasha.

Tasha & McKenzie

Them again... :)

Loving on Tasha.

Lucas

McKenzie & Bear

I love that sweet smile.

Papa checking out McK's shoes.

Just a swingin'...

Papa & McKenzie.

***********

Here are a few left over from soccer season:

Evelyn, McKenzie, & Tasha

Lucas & McKenzie

Sweet Kids.

McKenzie's Pre-School Graduation #1

2010-05-29T09:51:00.000-04:00

While we were gone on vacation, McKenzie's class had their Pre-School Graduation. As I shared before, McKenzie began attending pre-school at Trimont in January of this year. Since she was beginning in the middle of the year, although she is 3, they placed her in the 4 year old classroom. So all her classmates were graduating pre-school and they allowed McKenzie to participate. McK will have her real graduation next year, but it was super nice of Mrs. Carolyn to let McK celebrate with her friends. She will stay with Mrs. Carolyn next year for her final year of pre-school and will then celebrate along with her friends as they graduate and head off to "big school".

McKenzie was all dressed ready to go to her graduation when her Mamaw Joyce brought her a new outfit. It wasn't one for the graduation, just an outfit she had found and brought it to McK. When McKenzie saw it, the dress was off and the new outfit was on. Natasha tried to get her to wear her dress, but it wasn't happening.

You just have to know McKenzie, but these pictures portray her pretty well. She is a diva at heart and loves to perform.

Pre-School Graduation 2010

McKenzie, in the middle, waiting for the go-ahead to sing & dance.

"Purple Violets" was McKenzie's part

Walking in.

Maddie & McKenzie

Sweet girl.

Cheeese...
Girrrlfrind

Mrs. Carolyn & McKenzie

We are proud of McKenzie and we look forward to another graduation next year!

Destin, Fl May 2010

2010-05-26T10:28:00.001-04:00

As a way to celebrate my graduation, Brandon & I were able to go to Destin, Fl with Brandon's mom & dad, Sandy & Terry. We could not wait for May 14th to get here. Usually, when Brandon and I do go to the beach, I either had to attend class before we left or we had some other obligation that would allow us to get on the road until much later in the day, however, this time, we were able to leave early. We met Terry & Sandy and were on the road at 6:15.

We got to Destin a little after 1pm, leaving us time to get lunch at Chick-fil-a and get on the beach. We checked into our condo, but our swimsuits on, grabbed our chairs, and headed for the sand.

I'm not sure about everyone else when they go to the beach, however, when we go, we have a routine.

Our beach schedule:

*Wake Up

*Breakfast (cereal, pop tart, banana...)

*Beach

*Take a Walk

*Sit in the sun, under the umbrella, go to the pool, ocean...etc

*Pack up

*Shower

*Eat Out

*Shop

Usually, the only thing we see in the ocean are Jellyfish and sometimes, Dolphins, however, this time, we were able to add Manarays to our list. I was excited about seeing them, even if no one else was.

We definitely enjoyed our time there and even made some new friends. Now that we have been going and staying in the same condos, we are building relationships with the people that we tend to see year after year. Granted, most of them are retired and spend the entire months of May and October in Destin, however, we are beginning to get to know them and make new friendships.

Most of the time, when Brandon and I go to the beach, we go with excitement as we look forward to the relaxation that the sun & sand will bring. Don't get me wrong, we still left Franklin with that same excitement, but we feel as though God really used this time to not only rejuvenate our spirits, but to lead our hearts into a specific direction. We actually looked forward to coming home to share what we felt as though God had prepared our hearts for. A while back, I posted about how we felt as though Something is Stirring...and Change is Coming and we feel as though this trip to Destin is a part of that. Though we thought we were going to celebrate the accomplishment of graduation, it resulted in a renewed heart and a fresh direction we feel we are being led in.

We are so incredibly thankful to have been able to go to Destin. It was a great vacation!

For some reason, I didn't take a ridiculous amount of pictures, but I did take some, actually more than I really remember taking.

Terry's Buggy, our hands were free as Terry carries the umbrellas and as Brandon pushed the buggy.

Setting up camp in the sand.

All set up for the day.

Sand & Waves

My handsome husband.

Look really close, the darker spots in the water are the Manarays that passed through on a regular basis.

Sandy playing putt-putt.

Terry getting ready to make his hole-in-one.

Sandy & Terry

Brandon & me on the balcony.

The view from the other side of our condo.

The sun was setting.

One night we got back to the condo in time to just hang out before dark. This bird perched itself on top of the gazebo on the beach.

Brandon :)

Me.

The sun was coming up as we were leaving on Sunday.

Vacation...Big Sigh

2010-05-14T23:05:00.001-04:00

We are finally at the beach! We left this morning at 6:15 and headed to Destin, Florida! We even got here in time to go out on the beach for a few hours before going to eat supper.

I will blog about our fun in the sun when we get back, but for now, I have one thing on my mind..... RELAXING.

More Graduation Pictures from My Phone

2010-05-13T09:26:00.001-04:00

Here are a few pictures from my cell phone of graduation:

Tiffany & me, so thankful that we have traveled this journey together.

Brooke, Vanessa, me - my carpooling buddies, this experience would not have been the same without them.

I mentioned it earlier, but Brandon gave me a Pandora Bracelet on graduation day.
Here is a picture, even though it is not very clear.
When he gave it to me, it had three charms on it.
1, a graduation cap
2, "best friends"
3, a flip flop charm, as we were going to Destin, FL to celebrate graduation

at the party, Sandy gave me the two on each end and the Bible charm (2nd from the left)

I love my new bracelet and can't wait to get it filled up!

Graduation Day

2010-05-11T16:45:00.000-04:00

May 8, 2010, has been a day that seemed so far into the distance, it seemed as if it would never arrive. Now, it has not only arrived, but has passed, and leaves me with excitement & pride. Instead of going right into the events of the day, I feel as though it is only fair to share some of the journey that has brought me to this place.

The journey to May 08, 2010:

When Brandon & I got married, we began praying for the Lord to open a door for me to finish my degree in Elementary Education. 4 months later, in January 2008, we felt as though our prayers had been answered and a door had been opened in deed. Stepping completely out on faith, I put my 2-week notice in to my supervisor at the bank, and finished at the bank on January 12th (only to come home to a gift from Brandon, a backpack :)). I became a full-time student at Western Carolina University on January 15th, my 1st day back to school.

I began back at school, sometimes feeling out of place simply because I wasn't the college age, dorm living, girl that most of my peers were, however, the Lord continued to provide for us and I continued to take classes. There were definitely times when I felt as though I couldn't do it anymore, the full time student, part time waitress, full time pastor's wife, seemed to be overwhelming at times, but the Lord was faithful.

Slowly but surely, I was able to check off requirements for my degree and eventually, I had made it to my student teaching. For the last year, I have spent my days in a 2nd grade classroom, learning more than I learned at WCU, simply because of the experience. I feel as though Mrs. Pickens & Mrs. King have went out of their way to prepare me for my own classroom. I am thankful for their investment in me.

Although I am so unaware of what is to come, I do know that the Lord will continue to be faithful, just as He has proven to be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Graduation Day - May 08, 2010

I had to be at Western early, so my friend Tiffany met me at my house and excitedly, we headed to WCU. Before Tiffany got to my house, Brandon came to me and gave me a small box. He told me how proud of me he was and he wanted to get something special for me to celebrate my (our) graduation! He had started a Pandora Bracelet for me!! On the bracelet were 3 charms: a graduation cap, "best friends", and a flip flop. It was definitely a special gift and I am so thankful. Brandon has supported and encouraged me all along and I love him more each day.

I was on the front row of my graduating class, so it was easy for me to see all that came to support me. As I walked in with my class, I could hear a little voice, yelling my name, I looked up, who was it? LUCAS & McKENZIE! When I looked up to see who else was there, I found McKenzie & Chloe waving so big, just hoping I would see them. They were with my Mom & Dad, Deidre, Natasha, Terry, Sandy, Amy, Brooke, Brandon, and Cadee. It was great!

Lucas & McKenzie were ready for something to happen.

Coming in.

I am on the front row, on the center aisle.

The flag was released during the National Anthem.

Lucas, Me, McK

Then, there was a picture-worthy moment when they were still!

Terry, Cadee, Sandy, Chloe, Brandon, Me, Brooke, Amy

Natasha, Moma, Brandon, McK, Me, Lucas, Daddy, Deidre

Moma, Me, Daddy

Moma, Brandon, Me, Daddy

Natasha, Me, Deidre

After graduation, Brandon had planned a cook-out! I was super proud of him simply because he took care of all the arrangements all on his own! He did have our moms to help, but from what I understand, he told them what he needed them to do and they did it! I appreciate all of them for all their effort to make this day a special one.

I loved the cake!

Mother's Day Luncheon

2010-05-01T16:28:00.000-04:00

Sandy asked me a couple weeks ago if I would join her at a Mother's Day Luncheon, she had been invited to speak at. This luncheon was going to be a Mother/Daughter Luncheon put together by a local church's WMU group, to celebrate Mother's Day and the women in our lives. Honored to go, Brooke and I went along to support and cheer Sandy on.

The speakers at this luncheon were all mothers of triplets. Mrs. White, Sandy, and Ashley Roper were all there to share stories and experiences they have had in raising triplets.

Mrs. White, told of her experience of already having three girls and then learning that she was expecting triplet girls. As I sat listening to her, I wondered of all the stories that she could tell me that her time allotment would not allow. From the beginning of her story, she gave credit to two people: Jesus and her husband. She was adamant in praising Jesus for providing strength when she did not have any of her own and praising her husband for being her partner, her companion and the spiritual leader of their family.

Sandy, did a great job. She shared about learning that she was expecting triplets; two boys and one girl. Not until the day the triplets were born did she find out that there were three boys, no girls. She shared stories of the boys as they were growing up. In several ways, she and Mrs. White could share the same experiences, but there were so many more experiences that were different as Mrs. White raised girls, Sandy raised boys.

Ashley, a young mother of three boys, got up to speak. Her stories were different simply because she has 2 year old triplets, whereas Mrs. White's and Sandy's triplets were grown. In her voice, you could hear determination and perseverance. She was sweet in her words and thankful for the help that so many had invested. I am certain she is a great mommy to her boys and they will grow up to be wonderful young men because of the investment that she and her husband have provided.

The White Sisters. Theresa, Tammy, & Tamara

Sandy, Ashley, Mrs. White

Me & Brooke

Jeremy Camp!!

2010-04-26T16:29:00.000-04:00

At the end of last year, when the theatre was launching its shows for 2010, I was so excited to see Jeremy Camp on the schedule! I have been a huge Jeremy Camp fan since his first album came out in 2002 and was ecstatic to know he was coming to the theatre! When I looked at the seating available for the show, I was overwhelmed to see that all the seats were available as it had been launched only for a couple hours. Usually, when Brandon and I watch a show, we sit in the balcony. However, for Jeremy Camp, and knowing that seats would go fast, it would be even more of a treat to sit on the front row, thankfully, Brandon agreed and we got our tickets then.

April 25th finally arrived. I was working in the ticket office before the show. Scott, my boss, and his family were going to meet Jeremy before he went on stage. He had offered to come back to take over for me in the office so that I could go meet him too. Thanks Scott! (**I should insert here that Maggie, Scott and Sarah's daughter, did not want to meet Jeremy Camp or have her picture made with him because she wanted to hang out with me instead. As heartwarming as that was, Maggie will so thank her mom 10 years from now (or sooner) :)

Brandon had to go to Holly Springs for the evening service before he came to the show. He made it to the theatre just as I was on my way to the Green Room to meet Jeremy Camp. It was a bit rushed, as the show was about to begin, but I was so thankful to get to meet him!

It came time for the concert to begin. Adie, Jeremy Camp's wife, opened the show. This was the first time I heard her sing and I must say, it was amazing. She had such a sweet spirit that was evident in the way she spoke and sang. From the very beginning, she and Jeremy both, led us to worship. I do not feel as though this was a concert or a show, but instead it seemed to be a simple invitation to worship with them.

Surprise! "Happy Last Day Party"

2010-04-25T16:30:00.000-04:00

The last week of my student teaching, the kids were going in and out of the classroom at really random times. I had heard Mrs. Pickens & Mrs. King talking to one another about finishing the students' Star Test. The Star Test is an assessment that records reading comprehension and reading levels. Mrs. King would leave the class with a few students and then they would come back and another group would leave and so on. I really didn't think too much about.
Then, on my last day of student teaching, April 16th, I had been asked to go into another classroom to teach while that teacher went to take care of some things in the office. Once that teacher was finished with the office ordeal, she came to me and asked me to go with her up the hall. When we reached the hall with floor to ceiling windows, I saw bright colored umbrellas covering each picnic table and all my students eagerly waiting on my arrival....they had thrown me a surprise party!!!
I was so surprised!!!!! When I walked out to where they were, they all started singing, "Happy Last Day to you, Happy Last Day to you, Happy Last Day Mrs. Breedlove, Happy Last Day to you!" (Of course to the tune of Happy Birthday). Honestly, I cannot believe that all my students knew of this surprise party and had known for about two weeks and not one of them told me about it. I don't know what they were threatened with, but Mrs. Pickens and Mrs. King was able to keep 18 2nd graders quiet!!!
We had cupcakes, ice cream, and chips. They even had a gift for me! Come to find out, Mrs. King was not really doing the Star Test, she was taking students out, a group at a time, to make a book for me. Each student wrote about a memory they have of me teaching them throughout this school year, they drew me a picture, and on their page, was a picture of that student. Mrs. King put it together and made a book. It is precious. My favorite memory was from one student that said, "I am so glad you taught me how to do math, know I know everything." (Imagine this in 2nd grade handwriting and a few words misspelled...it is PRECIOUS!)
Also, the kids brought in money all week to buy me something too! They handed me a beautifully wrapped gift. It was the most awesome picture frame ever. The words around the picture are "These are a few of my favorite things." and it had a picture of me with my students.

The Surprise Happy Last Day Party was so special to me and to make it even more special than it already was, they had invited Brandon to join in on the fun. It was great!

I am so thankful for Mrs. Pickens and Mrs. King for their investment in me. I am also thankful for all eighteen of my children. I love each one!

P.S. The frame is from our very own Dalton's Christian Bookstore. The brand is Glory Haus, check out all the fun stuff they have at their website http://www.gloryhaus.com/Scripts/PublicSite/ and click on store.

Kelton's Soccer Game

2010-04-24T16:30:00.000-04:00

These days, we find ourselves on a soccer field on Sunday afternoons. Two of our nephews, Kelton and Lucas, both play and we do our best to go watch them. In a previous post, I posted pictures of Lucas' game as we were going in between fields as both boys were playing at the same time. When I did make it to Kelton's field, it was during their break, so I didn't get any action shots. Last week, the boys played at different times, therefore, I was able to get plenty of shots of Kelton going in for the goal!
Great job Kelton!

Something is Stirring. Change is Coming.

2010-04-23T22:45:00.001-04:00

This time last year, Brandon and I realized that there would be a lot of change occurring in our lives within the next 12 - 18 months. Within a year of that time, I would be graduating from college (which is now 2 weeks away), I would finally have the degree I had set out to achieve, for the first time in our married life, I would get a full time job, we would be making new goals as we would be able to look past a graduation date and look into a future that we have only dreamt about since September 29, 2007, our wedding day.
Since that time, we have been faced with very little change and I had began to think we wouldn't be faced with as much change as we had originally thought, until....
The last few weeks, even for a month now, there has been a restlessness in my heart. As to why, I am not sure. The best way I can describe this feeling is that there is a stirring, an unsettling sense that leaves me questioning what I am doing to serve Christ and am I really following Him as He longs for me to. To be completely honest, I have been hesitant in admitting that this unsettling feeling even occurs, knowing that once I do, I have the responsibility to following it to its end, and I can't help but question as to whether or not I am fully prepared to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
There has been so much on my heart for the past few months. In some ways, my heart is rejoicing, in other ways, it is torn. There are so many questions that have been flooding my heart and capturing my mind, leaving me to search for answers that I am beginning to wonder if they even exist. "What if...", "But then...", "Can we...", "What about...", "Where would...", "Who will...", "How can...", and "Why can't..." have been conversation starters between Brandon and I for a while now. The thing is, a year ago when we knew we could expect a significant amount of change occurring in our lives, it was all change that would be products of our own decision making. Now, I am understanding that the change that I feel is near, in one way or another, is only and completely the product of a plan that was set into motion long before now. I am convinced that King Jesus has invited us to be a part of something bigger than any of ourselves, requiring change to occur in our lives so that we will live more like Him so that others may know Him.
Although at this point, the answers we are seeking are not clear, we do know that we can pray expectantly that the God of the Universe will hear our prayers to take us from where we are and lead us to where He wants us to be.
Regardless to the emotion of my heart, I cannot deny the sense that Jesus is drawing me closer to Him, preparing me for something 'just beyond the bend'.

Let The Games Begin!

2010-04-15T18:08:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I'm not a mom, but I am an Aunt and these nieces and nephews of mine, pretty much ROCK! Lucas, McKenzie, Chloe, Kelton, Cadee, and Alex are all into something, and Brandon and I try our best to be a part of all that they have going on. For now, these 7, soon to be 8 kiddos(Baby Zachary is on his way. He will make his arrival in June) keeps us hopping.

On Sunday, Lucas, 4, played in his first soccer game. He was so excited that we were all there to watch him. (I think I was just as excited about being there as he was.) I was totally unaware of this, but the Industrial Park on a Sunday afternoon during soccer season is a super happening place. There are so many people there! But anyhow...

The league Lucas is in, is more like a fundamental league. The coaches stay on the field with them, literally coaching them in what to do next and how to do it. Sometimes, Lucas would get way excited and go off and do whatever he wanted to do. At one point in the game, all these kids were basically standing in a circle kicking the ball, bouncing it off of the other one's feet. Lucas runs into the middle of the circle, bends down, picks up the ball, takes it to the outside of the circle, carefully places it on the ground and then with everything he has, kicks it is hard as he can towards his team's goal. It was so funny!

Lucas played on Field 1 at 3pm. Kelton, another nephew was playing on Field 2 at 3pm. We went between the two fields, but when I took my camera to Kelton's side, it was during the break in the game. I'll get more pictures of his team next week.

Lucas, #7, is ready to play!

He wasn't really sure what to think about going up against "a girl".

He did NOT want this little girl sit by him on the cooler. I asked him why he didn't want her to sit by him, he said, "because she is a girl"

Time to cool down.

Nearing the end of the 50 minute game, he was tired.

This is one girl he doesn't mind being around.

Lucas & McK pose for me after the game.
Kelton and his team was taking a break when I got over to his field with my camera.

Saving his energy.

This is Lucas' first sporting event, I'm sure the first of many. This was Kelton's first game of the season. We are proud of our two soccer players, our softball player/gymnastics gal, our baseball player, and our ballerina.

SPR*ING

2010-04-07T16:15:00.000-04:00

After a winter full of school cancellations and delays, icy roads and freezing temperatures, it is official....SPRING IS HERE!
Regardless to the few days that haven't seemed a lot like the season of life, the Breedlove house is blooming, inside and out.

Although I am oh so excited about the warmer weather and walks on the greenway. There is so much more that I am thankful for and excited about.

I am thankful for all that spring brings - it fulfills the promise of brighter days, the promise of new life, and the promise of hope. The sun shines brighter, the trees & flowers bud while the sound of songbirds fill the air, and the hope of a new season is no long a hope, but a reality. In a lot of ways, I wonder if this is just a way that Our Father reminds us of the Promise we have in and through His Son, Jesus. In Him, we have the promise of brighter days, the promise of new life, and the promise of hope.

It's definitely a new season, which makes me nervous in ways, but excites me just the same. Within the this season of the year and in life, changes will occur in our lives, some expected, some will be surprising. Regardless, our prayer is that this will be a season that we commit more, walk closer, and simply worship daily, our King Jesus.

Happy Spring.

It's Friday, but Sunday is coming....

2010-04-05T07:33:00.001-04:00

It's Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter's denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It's Friday; but Sunday's a coming.

It's Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, "Father, forgive them." It's Friday; but Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, "My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?" What a horrible cry. But Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. And at the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday's coming.

It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that's because it's Friday, and they don't know it, but Sunday's a coming.......

Decisions, Decisions....

2010-03-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, it just isn't fun having to make "grown-up decisions".

The last time I had to face a decision like this, I was choosing between which sport I was going to participate in for the Spring. Was I going to play community league softball or was I going to run track for the Middle School. Daddy and Moma had told me I could participate in one sport, however, I could not do two at one time. To me, I thought my life was over. This was the most difficult decision I had EVER had to make in my entire life of 13 years! How on earth were my parents expecting me to make this choice?!?!
Of course, I was convinced that I was the only student at MMS that would ever have to make such a decision. My parents would talk to me about both sports, the pros and cons of each, all the things you do when you are making a decision.
In the end, I chose to run track for Macon Middle School. It was a new experience, a new sport, but it certainly wasn't softball, my true love. Also in the end, my parents were right. Yes, that's what I said, they were right. They had felt that it was not in my best interest to be on an Activity Bus two nights a week while I juggled softball practice, track practice, softball games, track meets, homework, church, and everything else that was going on in the life of our family of six. Now, looking back, and in so many other ways that just this one circumstance, I am ever so grateful for their insight, guidance, and their unconditional love.

Anyhow, since that time, just as I grew, the decisions I would be faced with did as well. I went from choosing which sport to play, to which college to attend, to what to major in, etc. Since that time, I have graduated high school, community college, I have gotten married and there are even still so many BIG decisions to make in the future. Which leads me to where I am now. Faced with yet, another decision.

At this point, I haven't come to a conclusion, however, I do admit this decision has been the center of my concentration. The reason why this is so incredibly difficult is because I know that regardless to what conclusion I come to, my heart will have reason to celebrate as well as have reason to break. (I feel as though could have been a quote from The Bachelor :))

A few things I am so thankful for, while I go through this process in my life are:
1) God. He reminds me not to stress, simply come to Him.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Phillipians 4:6
2) My ever sweet best friend and husband, Brandon.
He has encouraged me, let me cry and holds me when I do, vent my frustrations, and has been so incredibly patient with me as I work my way through this decision as it has became a part of our lives.

*Please join Brandon and I in prayer as we seek the Lord's guidance. In everything that we do, ultimately, we want to return praise to Him. We were created for the sole purpose of worshiping King Jesus and that is our aspiration, to worship the King.*

Overflowing Hope.

Overflowing Hope.

Whew!

What are we chasing?

Natasha's Award

Grady Montgomery Holland

Baseball

A Weekend with Rachel

Unbelievably Behind on Blogging...

Sunday, May 1, 2011 - Osama Bin Laden

Needmore

Gazebo Date

Spring Time - The Season of Baseball

Accidental Hiatus

Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant

Catch Up & Sunshine

Bedroom Makeover

Chloe Goes for Gold!

Happy Birthday, Breedlove Boys!

Super Bowl - Our Way

Basketball

Happy Birthday, Cadee

Snow Day

Mtn. View Intermediate School

Happy *2011*!

***Sledding***

*Christmas 2010*

Painting Pottery

Photo Shoot with Dphotography

Christmas 2010

One Handsome Shepherd

Sunday School Christmas Party

McKenzie's Christmas Program

Tis the Season to Be Jolly... Fa La La La La La La La La

Week of Thankfulness - Friday

Week of Thankfulness - Thursday - Thanksgiving Day

Week of Thankfulness - Wednesday

Week of Thankfulness - Tuesday

Week of Thankfulness - Monday

The Season of Waiting is beginning to effect every part of me

Veteran's Day 2010

Fire Ants have Momas & Daddys too

The Tallent Family

Vacation - October 2010

Fun @ the Park

Sisters

Vacation...coming soon.

A New Addition to the Breedlove Family...

A Good Day for Golf

McKinleigh is a Big Sister!

Imagination Library

Good Advice

Meet Julie

New Hobby-ish

Lucas' 5th Birthday Party

Bridal Party

3rd Anniversary 9.29.10

Happy Birthday to Us!

Where We Are

"Eat Less & Exercise More"

Happy Birthday Kelton!

Be Anxious For Nothing...

New Neighbors

Tool Box & Spray Paint

Steven Curtis Chapman

Happy 4th Birthday, McKenzie Faith!

Dollywood Pictures Continued...

Dollywood

World Changers

July 2010

Happy Birthday 95th Birthday, Papaw!

A Mother's Gift - Herself

Disney's Beauty & The Beast

Mr. & Mrs. BJ Keener 06.26.10

Pool Time

What A Week!

Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord!

*Mailbox Surprise*

Lindsay & Chris' Wedding *06*12*10*

Happy BIRTHday, Zachary Todd Breedlove!!!

Happy 2011!

Sledding

Christmas 2010

Mailbox Surprise

Lindsay & Chris' Wedding 061210

Destin, Fl May 2010

Vacation...Big Sigh

Graduation Day

SPR*ING