Feel the Sparks...

John Pierce says...

2011-11-06T09:39:00.000-06:00

My mommy and I are in Knoxville for a month and decided to take a blogcation while here but...I broke her rules to tell you our big family secret...

I'M GOING TO BE A BIG BROTHER!!!

And I'm so excited!!!!!!! Yeeeeey!

I'm so GQ!

My mommy is due May 19, 2012.

She tells me I will be a little over 14 months old when my "little brother"comes. She is 12 weeks and my "brother" is the size of a plum...thats pretty big ya know!

No, my mommy and daddy aren't crazy, yes, they planned my "brother"..."he" just came a few months sooner than they expected!

So, first there were 2, I made 3 and now there are 4!

Best weekend in San Antonio...Sunday!

2011-10-05T16:21:00.000-05:00

When Jenn and I planned our Saturday date night which was "Billy's Birthday Celebration" we thought Billy didn't have to go into work until 1400 on Sunday but that wasn't true...he had to be in at 0545...boo.

So, after John Pierce and I went to church we decided to take daddy some protein bars, Gatorade and monsters!

We got to watch his flight do emergency evacuation drills out of the dorm onto the drill pad...

The little specs by the "outhouse" looking building is Billy and his trainer

This is Billy's flight and he is weaving in and out of their rows, yelling I suppose.

Billy and his trainer walking to us.

Please excuse their feet not in sync...they are babies?

I love these two boys!

This makes my heart melt.

We really love going to daddy's work. I'm so fascinated with what he does and the trainees and everything the TI's have to do. I really wish I could put on a uniform and play trainee for a day just to see what they do! We also love it because we get to see daddy for a few minutes and it fills Billy and my "love tanks" since he's so tired when he comes home, it's supper then fall asleep on the couch pretty much every day so we try to stop by his squadron every time we are on base...and sometimes we make special trips to base just in hopes of seeing daddy!

Sunday was a perfect end to our great weekend because I got filled with the word at church, we got to see Billy for a few minutes, John Pierce got to love on daddy and we got to see him in action, sort of!

This weekend Billy's best friend from Moody is coming to visit and we are so excited! Hopefully Billy will get off at decent times this weekend so they can spend time together! Charlie is such an amazing guy, I'm so glad to have him come visit and spend time with us...he is definitely someone we want in John Pierce's life long term! I promise to be a better blogger and take pictures!

Happy Wednesday friends,

Xoxo

Best Weekend in San Antonio...Saturday!

2011-10-04T15:47:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about this post! I really don't know why except this past weekend was so much fun and I'm so excited about everyday from now until the end of the year!

I think I told you that on Saturday I was going to have a spouses brunch at our house...well we had 4 spouses show up and it was perfect. A small group of ladies, chatting, eating yummy food and getting to know each other better, what could be better? I'm an awful blogger because I forgot to take a picture of us. Grr.

Then Saturday night the Becks and the Sparks went out for date night...the second since I had John Pierce! I'm not much for leaving him, I don't like ~~pawning him off on~~ leaving him with others...unless your CeCe!

Big thanks to Nay for keeping him for us! This night was so much needed!

We went to Sushi Zushi, downtown and it was delicious! Jenn and I were talking about how being there made us feel like we were in the young and hip crowd, again, ha. We were surrounded by college or fresh out of college "kids", eating, drinking, laughing and having a great time...It was such a great energy to be around!
Then we tried a wine bar, we lasted long enough for me to go powder my nose...this bar had a french feel to it and was very quiet...not our scene! So we ventured a few more blocks to SWIG. They had a fabulous cover band...when we walked in she was covering Adele, and doing it fabulously. Then she did an Amy Winehouse, I was hooked. We ventured outside which was the river walk! This was the place I've been raving to go to since we moved here and I had no idea! We sat outside, had a few martini's, people watched and occasionally heard the band...really we just people watched!
It was so great to get out without the baby, feel like an adult and not a just a mom, have delicious food, wonderful conversations with great friends, laugh and people watch. Walk around enjoying the cool breeze that Saturday night had to offer...a rarety. And most importantly reconnect with my love after two and a half weeks of barely seeing each other!

My handsome other half!

Can we please draw attention to his triceps?

Our date for the night!

We love this couple. I've mentioned them before but here you go mom...meet Chris and Jenn...names to faces. It's a rare day in our house where Jenn and I don't get together and play with John Pierce and Jack. They are 6 months apart and as John Pierce learns to play more him and Jack have more fun, it really is great to see them play together!

Tomorrow, I'll blog about Sunday, it needs it's own day!

Happy Tuesday Friends,

Xoxo

Swingin'

2011-09-30T15:16:00.001-05:00

There is a play ground right across the street from my house...one of the selling points for me!

I can get kinda stir crazy in the house so yesterday my friend Jen, her sons Owen and Jack came over and we went to the park.

I decided that John Pierce was big enough to try the baby swings. I was terrified for him but he LOVED it, he laughed and squealed!

He seriously is the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Notice his Buddha belly over his diaper!

We will certainly be going back soon!

Happy Friday Friends,

Xoxo

1st week, BMT

2011-09-29T10:27:00.000-05:00

From what I understand this week is pretty boring...

They are in lots of classes, which is good for John Pierce and I because we have a chance to see Billy during the day!

1st week explanation

Pretty boring, I know but somehow Billy is still exhausted!

On other news, John Pierce has 2 teeth that you can see and that are almost all the way out...poor guy has been miserable and eating everything...

but he's so stinkin cute with them! I'll post a picture of him soon, he tried to eat the phone when I get it out to take a picture!

He had chicken for the first time the other night...

He doesn't look like he liked it in the picture but he did...he ate 3 oz. FAT KID!

I'm hosting a spouses recipe swap/lunch at our house on Saturday, hopefully we will have a better turn out than we have had at other ones before. I think I'm making red beans and rice, yummy southern, fall food. I'm excited to see what other dishes are brought and expand my recipes!

Happy Thursday Friends,

Xoxo

Flight 726 Zero week!

2011-09-24T16:11:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday Billy started his first solo flight, meaning HIS first flight! This is a HUGE deal for us. Billy is eating it up, he is working miserable hours, making green mistakes but has kept such a great attitude through it all!

On Wednesday morning he woke up at 2:30 to be at work by 3:30, he likes to be there over 15 minutes early.

He came home at 9:00 that night.

On Thursday he woke up at 3:00 to be there at 4:00.

Came home at 9:00 again.

He woke up at 3:00 on Friday.

Came home at 12:30 am.

He woke up this morning at 4:15 to be at work by 5:00. In his zombie like he forgot his uniform so John Pierce and I loaded up and took it to him. Base was so eery that early in the morning.

The Trainees arrive at Lackland anywhere from 6:00 on Tuesday until 3:00or 4:00 am on Wednesday. They go through inprocessing at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing) then they have to be put to bed within an hour of arrival to their squadron. Then they are sleep deprived! Here are some videos from youtube that I found of what Billy's doing this week! (Please excuse the lame guy, his videos were the best I could find.)

These are pretty long, warning!

I can't find a video of what it's like when they first arrive to BMT b

Arrive at Squadron

I love this one! One of the stories Billy has always told me about BMT (Basic Military Training) is when he first arrived to his dorm and they made him stand in front of his locker and scream his number...it's shown in this video!

Zero Week Lunch

Fun Fact 1...this is taken in Billy's squadron!
Fun fact 2...the female TI ( Tsgt. V.) in this video was Billy's MTIS Instructor, she is pretty bad. She was awarded the MTI Blue Rope of the year...she really took Billy under her wing, she saw his potential and started his molding. She has contacted Billy's NCO's to check on him...can you tell I love this woman?

The second TI ( Tsgt. F.) you see yelling is now Billy's boss...can you tell he's in good hands?

The tall, bald TI takes a boy to talk to the Tsgt. V. in the "snake pit" this is where the TI's sit during chow and harass the trainees...I'm DYING to sit through a chow! In this instance the scared boy is holding the position as chow runner. This trainee reports the flight. Poor trainee looks terrified.

Clipper Cuts and Initial Issue

Please ignore the annoying guy.

Other things that happen during zero week are, initial shots, the start of their military records, they learn basic drill movements that they will use to survive and they get yelled at and yelled at and yelled at some more.

So, that's what billy has been up to since Wednesday, I'll post about week 1 next week!

Have a great weekend friends,

Xoxo

SO GRATEFUL!

2011-09-22T18:27:00.001-05:00

I can not express how thankful I am for all the prayers, love and sweet words I have received over my "Real Talk" post. I feel like my honesty and out cry for the Lord was heard by him and those that love me and him. He has used you to speak to me many different times, telling me to be patient and keep trusting in him.

I know most of you who reached out to me felt like in some way or another so I wanted to share some of the things that y'all have said to me or shown me...they have helped me so hopefully they will help you!

Jesus Walked On Water...So Can You.

I LOVE this Blog, it is written by Pastor Stuart...that's all I know except this man is Raw. I've been following him for a while but am not a daily checker which I should be. Anyway, this post is amazing, I HIGHLY suggest you read it but here are some of the point that really hit me in the face.

"Remember, no matter what you've been through or what you're going through now, God has been good to you." Well hello gratefulness, it's nice to see you again.
"When you find yourself distant from God and you can't see him in the near distance, know that HE IS WALKING TOWARDS YOU AND IS WILLING TO WALK ON WATER TO FIND YOU." "Open ya eyes Shelby, open ya eyes"
"When you are I are willing to get out of our boats (our comfort zones) and follow Jesus, He will enable us to walk on water (the impossible) too!" How refreshing!

Another thing said to me was, in relating to me feeling in a rut with my faith, "just walk Becca...keep on walking because if we wait for the feeling to come before we get the strength to push through it won't happen...it all starts with the WILL which will give you strength which will fill you back up.

We all know how much I love music and relate everything in my life to it. Here are 3 songs that I have listened to over and over this past week and it has soothed me drastically.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

This song just makes my heart smile and gives me so much hope.

How Great Thou Art

This title says everything I need to say

It Is Well With My Soul

This song makes me weep...this version is not my favorite but it's the best I can find, I don't think anyone can do it as well as my home church.

I'll leave you with this quote again!

"What if instead of seeing aggravations as inconveniences, I saw them as reminders to draw near to God?"

- lysa terkuerst

Happy Thursday friends...I hope it has been wonderful!

Xoxo

I Love you, because...

2011-09-19T16:54:00.001-05:00

33 years ago today God brought an Angel into the world...30 years ago he brought my sister...26 years ago he brought my husband...25 years ago he brought me and 3 years ago he brought Billy and I back together.

God gave the world Amanda Arms (Yo) 33 years ago today...she is my sister Amanda's (Mannie) best friend...see where I was going?

Mannie invited me to Yo's birthday party so of course being the little sister I tagged along. 2 days before the party I got a late night email from an old boyfriend of mine saying he "wanted to catch up in the most non creepy way possible." Thinking it would get awkward I invited him to the party since his brother was going and if we didn't mesh he could hang with his brother. Genius plan I thought!

Well, we did hit it off, I knew when he kissed me goodnight (I drove him to his parents house where he was staying while in town on leave and we sat in my car and talked for hours, always a favorite past time) that I would marry him.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY YO!!! I will always be grateful for you and your birth!

Now, back to my love!

The first picture we took together...on this day, 3 years ago!

I was just looking back through the blog and found this...

One year ago...

Since I've already done a "what you've taught me" today I will do a

"I Love you, because..."

1. HE is MY husband

2. He is a great provider! He works hard so I can stay at home and love on our lamb.

3. He loves Tallil more than I do, silly, I know but he make her a better dog which makes me a better doggy mommy which makes our world better.

4. He keeps me in check, respectfully and lovingly because he knows I want to be better.

5. He loves my family as much as I do, he lets us be loud, crazy and take over his space every time we are together, he goes with me to all the family things we do together and he honestly loves every minute.

6. He surprises me with gifts because he loves me

7. I ALWAYS feel safe and secure when I'm with him

8. I love his laugh, I mean his belly laugh, I call it his elmo laugh. It makes my heart smile and my nose tingle every time I hear it.

9. He watches my shows with me...and likes some of them and doesn't complain when I refuse to watch his awful, manly, vulgar, barbaric shows.

10. He eats whatever I cook and enjoys it...even when I'm unhappy with my creation he always smiles and tells me it's good.

11. He randomly sends me texts in the morning saying, "I Love You." or "I'm thankful for you" just to start my day off right!

12. He tolerates and allows my incessive spending on my monogram obsession. He lets me monogram whatever I want and smiles with delight when I excitedlyy show him what I had done!

13. He is a rock. When I'm anxious he gives me the time and attention I need to get it out then lovingly, gently and reassuringly puts me back into a reality where God is in control.

14. He loves our son and wants to be with him all the time.

15. He is proactive in John Pierce's development and learning.

16. He loves the Lord and strives to further his walk daily.

17. He listens to me talk...and talk...and talk!

18. He makes me feel beautiful when I feel like an ugly toad.

19. He is making his dream come true and enjoying that challenge daily.

20. He lets me pick what we eat or where we eat because I love food so much.

21. He comes back and says goodbye to me every morning with a gentle kiss and a long hug. (this is one of my favorite moments of my day)

22. He looks at me and I see his soul and all the love he has for me, our son and our Lord.

23. He lets me be me, loud, embarrassing, caring, sensitive, God fearing and anxious.

24. He tries his hardest to help me not miss my family and make me feel like home here with him.

25. He loves our country and is proud do to what he does for it daily.

26. He makes sure I know how much he loves me daily.

27. He is him. He is a strong, determined, hard working, loving, caring, romantic, and an amazing husband and father. He makes me want to be better every day.

I love you Billy, thank you so much for loving me like you do. Cheers to forever, my love.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite pictures of us, I think it describes us perfectly!

Happy Monday Friends,

XOXO

"Real Talk".

2011-09-12T17:27:00.000-05:00

I made up a session called "Real Talk" with my small group seniors in Valdosta. It was a time where we would sit in a room and confess what we are struggling with, going through, problems with each other which we called "hard truths" or whatever may be on our heart. We all write everything everyone says down, vow to pray diligently and wait on and watch God move. I think it is extremely important for Christians to sit and wait on God and have the ability to see him move, if my seniors learned nothing else from me, I wanted them to learn the power of prayer.

Having that said I'm going to have some "real talk" today. I am struggling. I'm struggling with my body, I'm struggling with my attitude, I'm struggling with my marriage, I'm struggling with family, I'm struggling with my walk, I'm struggling with my purpose...I'm just struggling.

So, the purpose of this blog is to ask you to pair with me as prayer warriors and watch God move in me...

My struggle with my body, I gained 40 pounds but lost 6 right before I gave birth. I gave birth to a 9 pound 5 ounce 21.5 inch beautiful baby boy. I left the hospital 20 pounds lighter than when I walked in. My sisters tell me I will always have "a pouch". That's not me, I'm very ok with my "love marks" but I am not ok with giving up the thought of having my fit body back. Exercise and clean eating is extremely important to me but I'm struggling with consistency. I know that I'm being silly with my screwed up view of myself but it's hard. I want to be better, for myself, for my son and for my husband.

My attitude, well, it sucks...my fuse is so short...

My marriage. I can't put a finger on it but because my attitude has sucked I've not been the nicest wife which of course has made us fight. We always struggle when things change, it takes us a good minute to find our groove and rock it. This change has been probably the hardest groove to find because every time we start to find it his schedule changes. Our biggest challenge so far starts next Wednesday, his first flight...A HUGE deal, and extremely exciting yet scary for Billy (this would be something to pray about as well)! For the first 2 in a half weeks of a push billy will be pretty scarce then he will try to integrate back into John Pierce and my schedule. This will happen usually every 8 in a half weeks..can you see the difficulty in finding a groove?

Family, I really don't want to go into this much, even though this is suppose to be a "safe zone" like with my girls but lets be real, it's not. If you are close to me you know what I'm struggling with and you know my heart. I pray so hard that this will change because I want more for my husband and for my child. They deserve so much, I'm heartbroken.

My walk, it's suffering, I can feel Satan in so many ways lately. I feel like he is all over my facebook...from status updates to pictures to the time I consume on there allowing myself to put it over my quiet time with my Lord. I read my bible and I find myself reading it over and over because I can't comprehend what I'm reading...this is new for me. Billy even bought me a new bible in hopes of an easier translation for me. Nope, it confused me worse. It is Satan, it is SO FRUSTRATING! My prayer life is consumed with my struggles and not my praises...something I never used to allow. I will be better my Lord, I vow to you.

My purpose...I don't have one except to take care of my beautiful son. I thoroughly enjoy spending every minute of my day with his smiling face but I still feel empty. I know God brought us here for a reason, Billys is obvious, mine is not so much! Maybe I'm in a season to learn patience? Grr, I wish he'd hurry! :) I need something to keep me busy. I just got appointed to be on the board of directors for our neighborhood association...when on earth did I become old enough to be on this??? I'm thinking about getting my personal trainers license and my zumba certification, something I've wanted to do for some time now but I'm scared that I will fail because I'm not the brightest bulb in the ~~box~~ pack!

Well, there you go, my struggles. Now, don't leave me hanging, let me be a prayer warrior for you. Send me an email, message me on facebook, call me, text me, comment here...how can I pray for you?

I saw this on a friends facebook today and she was being a vessel...her status said,

"What if instead of seeing aggravations as inconveniences, I saw them as reminders to draw near to God?"

- lysa terkuerst

Wow, Ok God, thanks...I got it, without you I will not be the person I want to be to the important people in my life. My prayer life will not get better without being in the word more, I will not understand it until I truly try and ask for guidance. Our family issues will not go away or get better without you, my marriage will not survive without you. I will not find my true purpose without you. My body is perfectly made by your hands.

Oh, how I love you.

On a COMPLETE side note...how cute is this face?

Happy Monday Friends,
Xoxo

5 months...

2011-09-11T15:08:00.000-05:00

Today, my baby turns 6 months so I decided I'd post his 5 month pictures! We had so much fun playing with daddy and taking these pictures! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

He always laughs at Billy.

He is SUCH a big boy!

Billy thought of this and I thought it would be super cheesy but I love his facial expression!

I love these two more that I could ever try to express.

Oh my goodness, look at that excitement!

Big laughs!

He LOVES his sister.

He had so much fun playing with daddy.

I had to throw one of "sister" in...she has become so patient with her brother...jealous but patient! I can't help but think she is the most precious little hound I've ever seen!

Happy Sunday Friends,

Xoxo

Heaven...

2011-09-10T16:33:00.000-05:00

I will admit, I really hadn't given the anniversary of 911 to much thought until I turned the radio on and was mindlessly flipping through the stations and I stopped because I heard this precious little girls voice...it was a 10 year tribute to 911...she was talking to her daddy, she talks to him over the 10 years and tells him about her life and how much she misses him.

I was hysterical driving my son home from his daddys work. How am I so blessed to have my family?

Thank you, God, I got your point LOUD AND CLEAR!

My heart is humbled and heavy for these children.

Here is the amazing song:

Heaven 9-11 Remix Tribute.

I'm embarrassed that it took me hearing this to remember. It shows me how caught up in our lives I have become and how just because my husband has dedicated his life to protecting our country doesn't mean that I should over look those lost on that day 10 years ago. I am going to put a note on my prayer board, (that I will make, thanks to pinterest) reminding myself to pray daily for these families.

On a lighter note, the UT game is on in SA today...it is a good day!

Happy Football Day Friends,

Xoxo

"Keep Austin Weird"

2011-09-07T13:23:00.000-05:00

John Pierce and I traveled to Austin for lunch and shopping with my cousin, Heather, and had so much fun! She lives in Ft. Worth and had to be in Austin for a week for work so we took advantage of having family close and spent some great quality time with her.

We went here for lunch...

and it was AMAZING!

And we ate every bit of this...

I really can't explain how delicious it was!

Our lunch date!

After lunch we decided to drive a few blocks, it was 106 that day, don't judge, we weren't being lazy, and walk the streets and see all the amazing boutiques that we couldn't afford! Seriously, if money grew on trees or if the military got paid more I would be in clothes heaven in those boutiques! Anyway, we learned the slogan for Austin is...

and they do a really good job of this with huge chia pet cows...no joke and tooth brush holders with crystals and metal!

told ya!

We ended our visit with a shake from a place that serves blue bell ice cream shakes...we were in heaven!

It was so great to see a familiar face, especially family.

We love you Heather, come play soon!

Happy Tuesday Friends,

Xoxo

FOOTBAL TIME IN TENNESSEE...

2011-09-03T16:22:00.000-05:00

When Billy and I decided to follow the Lord's call for our life I honestly thought this would be so easy. I'm an independent woman who is already used to being away from her family and East Tennessee...Texas is no different than Georgia, right? WRONG! Today I am so emotional why? Because IT'S FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!! A tradition that I have always been apart of, when I say always, I mean always...since I can remember my Falls have been spent tailgating with family friends by some tennis courts that we weren't allowed to play in, walking around to find friends, watching the VOL walk, driving my dad crazy asking if it was time yet, walking up to our seats in QQ, listening to the Pride of the Southland marching band, screaming my face off as my idolized team ran through the "T", standing until kickoff to show I was a true VOL, eating a stadium hot dog, getting chilly bumps when the crowd would go wild, high-fiving everyone around when we made a touchdown, interception, recovered a fumble, gained 10 yards when we needed it, made a field goal or made a good sack. I remember walking to the car with my head either held high because my boys dominated or hanging a little low because another team showed up and we didn't. I remember loving listening to the after game radio show spurring talks with my daddy about how out boys played, what we thought of the other team, and how we couldn't wait until next week!

AH, I have tears in my eyes reminiscing of such tradition and a way of life that I was born into.

Who you are...

My Tradition, Rocky Top, for always!

This is an advertisement but oh how true it is! Orange and White

I read this blog, Innerjoy, written by a girl I went to high school with and she posted a poem, I wanted to share some of it...

I am Tennessee . . . . .

I am Tennessee. I am the 30 year old couple coming back to campus for the first time with both little ones in tow. One wears her orange and white cheerleader outfit; the other wears #16 even though he's too young to understand why.

I am the 50 year old man who hoped no one saw tears in his eyes when the T was formed by the band. I was too choked even to sing "Rocky Top". For a moment I felt foolish and then I didn't care. God, I love this place.

I am the 60 year old woman meeting her freshman grand-daughter who is now the 3rd generation of UT students in our family. Despite my age, I'd strap it on Saturday and hit someone if it weren't for my gender and this blasted arthritis.

I am Tennessee and I have always believed I was different. You can see it when you look up into the stands. My orange is not the same as Florida's or Auburn's . But the differences go much deeper than my colors.

Read my creed. What other school has one? I genuinely believe in these things. To be a real Tennessee man or woman speaks of character, not of geography.

All are welcome to walk though my gates, not just the wealthy or the elite.

Georgia and Alabama may have their nations, but we have always been family. Make no mistake, we loathe defeat, but even in defeat, we would rather be a Tennessee Vol than anything else.

We are family and you are the sons of Heisman, the sons of Majors and Neyland. You come from a long line of brothers who names include White, Gault, Wilson, Manning, Shuler, Nash and Mahelona. It is a great heritage.

So this Saturday, when the warm ups are over and the prayers and amen spoken, when you hear my thunder growing in the stands above you, when you stand in the tunnel and the smoke begins to form, listen for my voice when you run onto my field. Behind the frenzy of the shakers and deafening roar, I will tell you something in a whisper you may miss. I will be telling you that you are my sons and I am proud of you for the way you wear the orange and white. I am telling you that you are my sons and I love you.

Tennessee is so much more than a state or a school or a team or a degree. It is something that, once you have experienced it, will live inside of you forever and become a part of what makes up who you are.

It is driving into town on a game day. You may have come from hundreds of miles away and as you get closer and closer to the city limits, you feel it rising inside of you. Other cars on the highway proudly display their Orange and White flags or magnets or car tags, and you honk and wave at them, because, for that one day, you are all on the same team.

It is the smell in the air and the ritualistic act of tailgating...catching up with old friends, making new ones, and invitations from perfect strangers to try their ribs or watch their satellite TV showing all of the day's important match-ups...of course, all being secondary to the one that will occur in the great cathedral of Neyland Stadium later that day.

It is the Vol Walk...where you might just see 300 pound men overcome with emotion and weeping with pride, because you have come there to cheer them on. As they walk by, you might exchange a glance with one or two of them, and you can see it in their eyes...it is going to be their day.

It is the students...dressed in their best, because going to a Tennessee game is like going to church for Tennessee people....you show the same respect as you would if you were in God's house. Those students remind you of the days when you were walking in their shoes and Tennessee was your home...but then you realize, in many ways, it is still and always will be HOME.

It is that lump that rises in your throat when the band plays Rocky Top as the "T" is formed.

It is walking around on a "foreign" and sometimes hostile campus. You are easily identified (Tennessee people always are) and the enemy jeers and shouts things at you to mask their feelings of intimidation. But just then you happen upon a friend you have never met before. You know they are your friend by the colors they wear or the shaker in their hand. You exchange a "Go Vols" and a confident grin, because he/she knows what you know.

It is when your heart leaps with every touchdown, field goal, sack, and interception...because those are our boys. And win or lose, they will always have our un-dying support. After all, it is those boys that you are really there for and not a coach or a logo or a trustee or a president.

It is the complete and utter exhilaration of walking away victorious over a worthy opponent...that feeling of pride and accomplishment as if it were your own feet that had crossed the goal line scoring the last points yourself...that feeling of wanting to scream "Go Big Orange" at the top of your lungs and hug complete strangers...and then there is the ultimate high of defeating your most hated foes from across the state.

No words can describe what this feels like, but you know because you have experienced it.

It is the sheer agony of defeat as the last minutes tick off of the clock and you realize that all hope of a victory is gone. You feel like crying and maybe you do...then you hear the faint sounds of a cheer that grows louder and louder...."Its Great To Be A Tennessee Vol."

It is knowing that year after year, no matter how things change in our hectic lives, you can always come back to "the Loveliest Place on the River"...the place where you came from...your home. It will probably look a little different and there will be new names on the backs of the jerseys, but deep down, no matter what, it is still the same. You still love it as much as you always have, because Tennessee is as much a part of you as your arms and your legs and the orange blood that runs through your veins.

And, finally, it is the feeling you have right now as you read these lines....the anticipation inside of you, because you know its almost time....Its about to start all over again...but then it really never goes away, does it?

GO BIG ORANGE

Happy Game day Friends,

Xoxo

14 things you should never say to a Military Wife!

2011-08-26T13:37:00.000-05:00

I found this today and LOVE it! People don't understand a lot of what a military wife goes through and this is a funny way of explaining it! Even though Billy is on a special duty assignment and not deploying for 4 years I still feel very attached to this because some times it will feel like he is deployed...numbers 2-6, 11-14 apply very much to our daily lives right now so it's refreshing to see someone put a light spin on it! I hope you find this informative and as hilarious as I did!

14 things you should NEVER say to a military wife!

Unless of course you are willing to take that chance on catching one of us on a REALLY bad day and we end up kicking your ass........remember our husbands are trained to stay alive....do you want to bet that they didn't bring their "work" home when they knew we were going to have to live and take care of ourselves for a year at a time because you can bet your ass my husband did!!!!

1. "Aren't you afraid that he'll be killed?"
(This one ranks in at number one on the "duh" list. Of course we're afraid. We're terrified. The thought always lingers at the backs of our minds —but thanks brilliant, you just brought it back to the front.
Maybe next you can go ask someone with cancer if they're scared of dying.)

2. "I don't know how you manage. I don't think I could do it."
(This is intended to be a compliment. Though, its just a little annoying. Here's why: it's not like all of us military wives have been dreaming since childhood of the day we'd get to be anxious single moms who carry cell phones with us to the bathroom and in the shower. We're not made of some mysterious matter that makes us more capable, we just got asked to take on a challenging job. So we rose to the challenge and found the strength to make sacrifices.)

3. "At least he's not in Iraq."
(This is the number one most annoying comment for those whose husbands are in Afghanistan. What do they think is happening in Afghanistan? An international game of golf? Specially since the action recently has heated up in Afghanistan and now starting to warm back up in Iraq. Really does it make it easier if he's in either one! Oh ignorance)

4. "Do you think he'll get to come home for Christmas/anniversary/birthday/birth of a child/wedding/family reunion, etc?"
(Don't you watch the news? No! They don't get to come home for any of these things. Please don't ask again.)

5. "What are you going to do to keep yourself busy while he's gone?"
(Short answer: Try to keep my sanity. Maybe there's a military wife out there who gets bored when her husband leaves. For the rest of us, those with and without children, we find ourselves having to be two people. That keeps us plenty busy. We do get lonely, but we don't get bored, and drinking massive amounts of wine always helps keep me busy.)

6. "How much longer does he have until he can get out?"
(This one is annoying to many of us whether our husbands are deployed or not. Many of our husbands aren't counting down the days until they "can" get out. Many of them keep signing back up again and again because they actually love what they do or they VOLUNTEER AGAIN and AGAIN to go back to Iraq/Afghanistan b/c there is work that needs to be done.)

7. "This deployment shouldn't be so bad, now that you're used to it."
(We do learn coping skills. We figure out ways to make life go smoother while the guys are gone. But it never gets "easy" and the bullets and bombs don't skip over our guys just because they've been there before.
The worry never goes away. And all of us military wives who have had more than one deployment know that they get harder the more you have to do)

8. "My husband had to go to Europe for business once for three weeks. I totally know what you're going through."
(This one is similar to number two. Do not equate your husband's three week trip to London/Omaha/Tokyo/etc. with a 6-15 month or more deployment to a war zone. Aside from the obvious time difference, nobody shot at your husband or tried to blow him up with an I.E.D., your husband could call home pretty much any time he wanted to, and he flew comfortably on a commercial plane. We do not feel bonded to you in the slightest because of this comment and, if anything, we probably resent you a bit for it. Comparing a 12 month combat deployment to a few weeks business trip is like comparing a crappy Hyundai Excel with a Mercedes convertible.)

9. "Wow you must miss him?"
(This one also gets another big "duh". Of course we miss our men. There are some wives who do not and they're now divorced.)

10. "Where is he exactly? Where is that?"
(I don't expect non-military folks to be able to find Anbar Province on a map, but they should know by now that it's in Iraq. Likewise, know that Kabul and Kandahar are in Afghanistan. Know that Muqtada al Sadr
is the insurgent leader of the Mahdi Army in Iraq and that Sadr City is his home area. Know that Iran is a major threat to our country and that it is located between Afghanistan and Iraq. These basic facts are not secrets, they're on the news every night and in the papers every day —and on maps everywhere.)

11. "Well, he signed up for it, so it's his own fault whatever happens over there.
(Yes, ignorant, he did sign up. Each and every day he protects your right to make stupid comments like that. He didn't sign up and ask to be hit by anything, he signed up to protect his country. Oh, and by the way, he asked me to tell you that "You're welcome." He's still fighting for your freedom.)

12. "Don't you miss sex! I couldn't do it!"
(hmmm, no i don't miss sex. I'm a robot. seriously…military spouses learn quickly that our relationships must be founded on something greater than sex. We learn to appreciate the important things, like simply hearing their voices, seeing their faces, being able to have dinner together every night. And the hard truth is, most relationships probably couldn't withstand 12 months of sex deprivation. But us military wives.. were a special breed and were kick ass!! June Cleaver doesn't have crap on us!)

13. "Well in my opinion….."
(Stop right there. Yo, I didn't ask for you your personal political opinions. Hey, I love a heated political debate, but not in the grocery store, not in Starbucks, not at Nordstrom, not in a bar when I'm out with my girls trying to forget the war, and CERTAINLY NOT AT WORK. We tell co-workers about deployments so when we have to spend lunch hours running our asses off doing errands and taking care of the house, dog,
and kids, they have an understanding. We do not tell co-workers and colleagues because we are giving an invitation to ramble about politics or because we so eagerly want to hear how much they hate the President,
esp. while we're trying to heat up our lean cuisines in the crappy office microwaves.)

Last, but not least….

14. "OH, that's horrible…I'm so sorry!"
(He's doing his job and he's a badass. Don't be sorry. Be appreciative and please take a moment out of your comfortable American lives to realize that our marines/soldiers/airmen/coasties/sailors fight the wars abroad so those wars stay abroad.)

If you want to say anything, say thank you. After all, we are sexually deprived for your freedom!

Happy Friday Friends!

Xoxo

Sibling love!

2011-08-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

Lilli really isn't sure of John Pierce but she loves him! When he cries, she whines, when he wakes up she run to his crib...but when he is close to her, on her level she wants nothing to do with him! He on the other hand LOVES his sister! He talks, screeches and laughs whenever she is near!

So I was totally surprised when I walked in and saw this...Lilli, completely relaxed and sharing her hump bear with John Pierce!

Sweet boy!

Still loving on Lilli's nasty hump hear!

He really loves her...and everything that is hers!

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Xoxo.

Family Portraits.

2011-08-19T11:31:00.000-05:00

I'm trying so hard to be an avid, active blogger so John Pierce will have a place to come back to and see the things we did and so my family can keep in our loop but during my trying I always get left out of pictures! I have a fear that I wont have any pictures of my family when Lambie was little to show him when he is older so I took full advantage of Cece being here for Billy's accomplishments to indulge in some family pictures!

I only posted this because it was our first MTI family picture!

Billy has lost a total of 25 pounds since we arrived in San Antonio...my albino Ethiopian, the TI!

Please excuse my shiny face! It was 1,000 degrees in that room!

Cece flew in the day this was taken so she could celebrate with Billy! Look how fresh she looks? Um, I'm pretty jealous, she doesn't sweat, sorry mom! I think she was as excited as I was to be able to experience Billy's festivities and accomplishment with us! I love this picture for so many reasons...1. look how proud she is of my husband? It makes my heart so warm to see someone besides myself delight in his victories, especially my momma! 2. Look at Billy's eyes sparkling, he loves his Cece something special. He couldn't believe she flew out here just for him! 3. My child is looking right at the camera and looking so scrumptiously precious!

Thank you Momma, for coming and loving Billy like he is your own. Your love means the world to him, he is overwhelmed by it and the lengths you go to show it to him! I pray that John Pierce marries a girl who's momma will love him like you love his daddy. Your graciousness and servant heart for your children and their spouses is something I admire most about you and I pray diligently that God will give me a heart like yours.

I love this picture and I have no idea why! I can sit and pick it apart and usually that would make me hate it but for some reason I still love this picture! Maybe it's the rank or the flags? Or the handsome man beside me? I do know it isn't for the fact that my arms are showing my daily insanity workout because THEY ARE NOT!

My favorite favorite picture of the weekend!

Look how scary my albino Ethiopian looks with his jaw bones piercing out under that hat!

My sweet little lamb sleeping so peacefully and sporting his love for VOL country on such a big day! He did so well through Billys graduation and the BMT graduation...he didn't make a peep and easily feel asleep on me...that NEVER happens, ask anyone at our church!

I was blessed with 2 extremely handsome boys to love!

I'm taking away from this weekend a sense of honor for my husband that I hope I can hold on to during the next 4 years of suppers for 1, empty bed, long hours, early mornings, late nights.

Happy Friday Friends!

Xoxo

Hat Ceremony

2011-08-16T18:31:00.000-05:00

On Friday Billy had his Hat Presentation Ceremony! It happens during Basic Military Training graduation which is one of the coolest things I have been too. I've never been more fired up for my country or the service men and women that protect us than I was on Friday (which says something because we all know I'm seriously patriotic!), watching my sweet husband receive his hat and being witness to 400-500 men and women pledge their lives to the service of our country. My nose is tingling as I write this.

Here is MTIS class 110624 anxiously awaiting their hats...wearing their soft hats for the last time!

Billy giving up his soft hat!

(I think this is the first time in the graduation I started to cry.)

"The Training Instructor hat that I wear is a symbol of honor, integrity and excellence in military deportment. My job is one of the most important in the Air Force and I will spare no effort to properly prepare young men and women for military duty. I am dedicated to the principles of fairness, firmness and honesty in my dealings with those entrusted to my charge. I am pledging to strive for perfection and to reject mediocrity both in my personal behavior and in the performance of those for whom I am responsible. I am an American MILITARY TRAINING INSTRUCTOR."

Shaking a Senior Master Sergeants hand.

I can't believe he did it!!! Ok, that's a lie...I knew he could and would be the best because he is so driven and diligent but HE DID IT!!! He worked so hard. He was always ahead of the class in lessons and homework. He would go to his squadron when class was dismissed to watch a class or practice with someone what he was going to teach the next day. He screams his commands anytime, anyplace to find his voice and master it. He would get up on Saturdays to go PT and practice parade with his squadron to make sure he knew what he was doing and get ahead.

Sorry ladies, he's taken! :)

Look at that perfect arm swing! (6 inches to the front 3 inches to the back)

Sra. Dudley, Ssgt. Bailey, Ssgt. Sparks!

Billy is now a part of the 331 Training Squadron...

"May the Lord have mercy on the Wolf packs prey"

Congratulations class 110624. May the Lord guide you and your trainees always!

Get em!

Happy Tuesday Friends,

Xoxo

I'm a TI baby

2011-08-15T14:42:00.000-05:00

On Thursday Billy graduated Military Training Instructor School. I am so proud of him, I can't even describe to you. There were 3 awards given on Thursday, my amazing husband received 2!

Billy receiving the Excellence in Instruction award

Billy receiving the Distinguished Graduate Award!

Getting his graduation certificate

About to sing the Air Force song

His class!

When Billy and I were in Valdosta he became fed up with his job so he started praying for God to direct him into a life of purpose, to up root him out of what he felt had become unchallenging and mediocrity. God graciously answered his prayers like he promises and set the ball into motion for Billy to start a life of challenge, integrity, honor and high service. He gave him a servant heart for those starting their military career. He fulfilled the desires of his heart and opened the door to Billy's dream.

"No other figure in Military lore exemplifies leadership more than that of a Drill Instructor. The Drill Instructor preaches the gospel of duty, honor, service to country and the importance of team above self. In the Air Force they are called Military Training Instructors and their professionalism is matched only by their dedication to duty." Tim. E. Johnson

MTIS

2011-08-12T15:08:00.000-05:00

Otherwise known at Military Training Instructor School. That's what we've been up to since we've been in Texas. It has ruled our life!

Daddy studying!

Billy after a long day of schooling, showing me his taps!

(Taps are a tradition for MTI's. They put them on the side and bottom of their dress shoes and on the side of their boots. they click them when they are marching or doing motions. It's a teaching tool but mostly a scare tactic!)

Showing me "about face" with his taps!

"About Face" is a drill movement where they turn 180 degree. (you see it in movies all the time)

Yesterday Billy graduated from MTIS! I'll blog on that tomorrow! Today he was presented with his "smokey bear" hat...such a cool experience...I'll blog on that later!

Happy Fridays Friends!

Xoxo

Man of my Dreams!

2011-08-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

"The Lord God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'...The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman', for she was taken out of man'. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, they will become one flesh."

Genesis 2:18-24

This time two years ago I was on my way to the KMA to marry my best friend!

Here are some high lights of our journey together...

Our first picture taken together...even though this was the beginning of the 3rd time around for us! :)

A proposal on the flight line to end our first deployment!

A fairy tale wedding...

Another deployment...

A pregnancy

A weekend full of love with best friends and Billy's baptism.

Had the most precious baby boy.

and made amazing friends a long the way...

Putting their hands in Billy's hole!

more great friends made.

I really can't believe that we have been married for 2 years...and it has been so jammed pack. We've gone to the beach with my dad twice and with my mom and sisters families, gone on anniversary trips while I was in my first trimester and feeling terrible. Fell in love over and over with each other and our gracious Lord. We've made the most amazing friends we could ask for and we've chased our dreams.

What a blessed life we've been given. I'm so excited to see what is in store for us in the future!

I love you William, thank you for loving me better than anyone ever could.

Happy Monday friends,

Xoxo

Old man.

2011-08-07T18:38:00.000-05:00

A new love of ours in SA is enjoying some evenings outside enjoying the breeze and view! We back up to a lot then a semi busy street and John Pierce loves to watch the cars go by. On this particular day I was cutting billy's hair and little lamb was enjoying the view!

I think he looks like such an old man!

A closer view of the old man!

Happy Sunday friends,

Xoxo

B.A.N.A.N.A.S

2011-08-05T10:47:00.000-05:00

John Pierce's little world is so busy lately, changing every day...it's so bittersweet as his mama but exciting for him. As most of you know our Pediatrician told us to start solids 3 times a day...her exact words I will never forget, "When you're sitting down to eat, he sits down to eat. Your food will get cold but that's the life of a mommy." I think she has fallen off her rocker as far as 3 solid meals a day! The AAP doesn't suggest giving solids until 6 months, let alone 3 times a day! We decided to start him on cereal once a day a few days before we went in for our 4 month check up so we have continued to do so at night after his last feeding. So a few days ago before his cereal we decided to try bananas.

He liked them in

Munchkin Fresh Food Feeders because he mashed them himself and couldn't feel the texture of then banana!

But HATED them mashed into "liquid", I think he has a texture issue with them!

First bite!

This is the beginning of his "what is this nasty stuff?" face!

Confused, trying to figure out where his cereal is!

He's telling us that he doesn't like them and I'm trying to sneak another bite in! :)

When he is done or doesn't like something he leans to one side, shivers his body, spits the food out and half smiles...this is the half smile.

We like them now, thankfully!

I have such mixed feelings about what is right for him in regards to food because he's giving me the signs that he's ready for food and barely spits it out when given to him but the AAP and people on kellymom STRONGLY feel you shouldn't until at least 6 months. Grr. Where is that handbook again?

Happy Friday friends! I hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

Xoxo

Water Babies!

2011-08-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

It is SO Hot in SA right now, like seriously, you walk outside and can barely breathe not because of humidity but because the air is dry and it is so hot...it stings. So, John Pierce and I went to a friends neighborhood pool one day for fun, sun and adult conversation with new friends! :)

John and Jaiden

LOVING the water!

Danielle and sweet little Avery

Kelly swimming with Lambie...he loves her!

And I love this little face!

Thanks for sharing your pool with us Kelly!

Happy Thursday friends,

Xoxo

Sweet lovin'

2011-08-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

Billy and I came across this picture a few days ago and I can't stop thinking about it!

Brodie has grown into one of the sweetest, thoughtful, kind hearted, loving little boys I have ever met.

He adores his Uncle Billy and is always wanting to give huggies.

I'm so glad the photographer caught this 'sweet lovin', I will cherish it forever.

Happy Tuesday friends,

Xoxo

4 months!

2011-08-01T21:15:00.000-05:00

I'm behind in blogging this as usual...but that's because I always take them a few weeks into his month! ha.

So, here is my big 4 month old baby boy!

Please excuse the glare on his stickers...when I turn my flash off it shows his movements so, I picked my battle!

I LOVE his face so much!

We have found our feet!

Stupid glare. grr.

almost sitting on his own!

See!

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." Elizabeth Stone

LOOOOOK!

"When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world."

John 16:21

Xoxo

Johnny Jumper

2011-07-31T14:55:00.000-05:00

Yo gave John Pierce a "Johnny Jumper" and we tried it out a few days ago...he was a little skeptical at first...not having the strength to keep it from turning in circles but quickly figured it out and loved it!

These two are a pair. John Pierce spends "hours" staring at daddy!

How precius is that little face???

Playing so mommy can enjoy her coffee and quiet time!

Thank you Yo!!!

I really can't believe how big my baby is. Time has gone by so quickly! I feel like I haven't had time to truly encompass his presence and developments because of our crazy move but I'm thankful we moved so early in his life that I can really live and revel in all of his developments and sweet accomplishments that are coming! What a blessing it is to be his mommy.

Happy Sunday friends!

Xoxo

Cereal...

2011-07-25T13:10:00.000-05:00

We LOVE cereal in this house. Mommy, daddy and now Lambie. I started him 3 day before he turned 4 months and he has loved it from the get go!

He is growing so fast. My heart couldn't be more full.

XoXo

"Hard Truth"

2011-07-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

I just found this and it spoke volumes to me. I hope it speaks to you!

It's called Hard Truth.

Happy Monday friends.

XOXO

I want to win...

2011-07-11T18:10:00.000-05:00

I'm posting this to better my chances of winning this DVD...after having John Pierce it's taken me longer than I would like to lose my "baby weight". I started running and working out for about an hour and a half a day and dropping weight but my milk supply also started dropping so I let off and we all know that if I don't do something full force...I usually don't do it...so, I stopped...lame, I know! Anyway, at Lackland you have to pay to take classes at the gym and they don't have a nursery...not that I'd leave my baby with them anyway so working out there is out and running first thing in the morning or at night is out because at 9am...after nursing and cereal then my breakfast 9 is usually our kick start time...it is at least 90 outside and it doesn't usually get below 90 until sun down which is I don't know what time...we went to bed last night at 10 and the sun was just setting...ridiculous...how am I EVER going to get little lamb to go to bed when he's 3?

Anyway, I "like" this girl on facebook...she's a coupon guru and posts all sorts of fun deals...so, go like her on facebook... go stalk her blog, enter yourself in the contest! Contest ends Friday at 11:59 central time...so Knoxvillians...12:59...go!
http://www.coupongeek.net/2011/07/giveaway-jillian-michaels-ripped-in-30-dvd-2-winners.html/comment-page-4#comment-271168

XoXo

3 months, already!

2011-07-06T16:50:00.000-05:00

My baby is almost 4 months...I'm a bit behind! Anyway, here are some pictures of him from 3 months! Beware...there is a lot!

We really love our Sophie Giraffe...she goes everywhere with us!
Our new trick...grabbing, holding and putting everything in our mouth!

Look at his facial expression...apparently "Nana" did something he wasn't fond of! :)

"Oh, Nana!"

Could he be ANY cuter?

My little Model...showing you his keys!

Handsome boy with his best friend!

Our first exersaucer experience!

And we love it too!

He really is so special!

He just talks away and reaches for who he wants to hold him or what he wants to play with. He's starting to vocalize his opinions and stand firm on them...sigh, I wonder who he got that from? He laughs when he is tickled too! He's in 6-9 month Carter's clothes and size 3 diapers. He weighs 16 pounds and is 25 inches long! He sleeps from 8pm-4am then again until 8. He is very routine oriented and gets really frustrated when I mess with it. We've started teething and drool and chew constantly.

I'm starting him on whole wheat rice cereal in a few days and I really can't believe it.

It really does go by so fast!

Mother's Day

2011-07-05T16:19:00.000-05:00

I have to tell you...my husband is ah-mazing! He made my first Mother's Day so special!

He woke up, took the baby, made me breakfast in bed, got the baby ready for church. Came home from church and cooked lunch, cleaned up lunch. We took a nap as a family then he made supper...and cleaned up. Not to mention the amazing present he gave me!

My sweet lamb and I sitting outside while daddy grilled brats and veggies for lunch!

Showing me his "billy's" or muscles.

My perfect Mother's Day gift! (not pictured...2 huge dove milk chocolate bars!)

A perfect first Mother's Day for me!

1st swim!

2011-06-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

I have SUCH a big boy! Two week ago we met up with our friend Nikki and her twin boys, Kyler and Kasen, and headed to the pool. I was EXTREMELY nervous to take him and let him be in the sun AND to put him in the pool...but I let go and did it! No, he didn't get sunburnt, yes, I used sunscreen...contrary to popular belief you CAN put sunscreen on an infant younger than 6 months. The reason they tell you not to is because they don't want you to solely rely on the sunscreen to protect their silky, new skin!

I had Nikki's husband, Ryan, video this "first" because Billy was working and I didn't want him to miss this...and I wanted to be able to relive it a million times when he is grown! I also knew that my mom and sisters would kill me if I didn't video or take pictures! So without further adu...here is my boys first swim!!!

2 months

2011-05-30T10:57:00.001-05:00

May 11th was a big day for us...

Our lamb turned 2 months and we left Valdosta one last time! We had been talking about that day for a long time and it always seemed so far away. It has come and gone and was so bittersweet...I'll leave that for another post!

Here are some pictures we took the following day!

I love this picture even though he looks crazy!
Our sweet little buddy

He makes you work hard for those smiles.

Billys favorite smile...he says it looks like me, I think he's nuts!

Our huge 2 month old!

Easter

2011-05-06T21:31:00.001-05:00

I love how John Pierce is looking at Mason.

My sweet little family! Somebody was tired!
All of the women on Billys side plus the 2 new additions!

2 sets of 3 generations!

My little red gorilla at the church festival!

Happy Easter!

Oh em geee...look at that sweet face! I could kiss it for days!

My bestfriends!

All of the little ones!

Our first Holiday as a little family! And it was a whirlwind...Billy drove John Pierce and I to Atlanta to meet my mom so she could take us to Knoxville for the week before Easter then Billy and Tallil came up on Wednesday night after work. We played with my family and his. We had a photoshoot and played at the baseball park on "the hill", we stuffed our faces more than once. We shared lots of snuggles and smiles. We sat on a patio in Market Square and ate delicious cuisine. We loved on friends babies and shared conversations like we were grown. And cherished time as a family with our families.

Newborn Pictures

2011-05-03T12:44:00.001-05:00

There is this sweet, sweet girl that used to be in my small group on Wednesday nights and she is beyond talented. She came over one night when John Pierce was a little over a week old to take some pictures for us...here they are!

My amazing little family!

I love how she showed the monogram and how peaceful he looks.

My sweet boy!
I love this!
My little Airmen

I love him so

The stork brought him!

We love him!

If you are in Valdosta and looking for a photographer...Contact me and I will hook you up with Lakin, she's amazing!

Full of love...

2011-04-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

This little guy has filled our house with visitors and love! Here is how the first few weeks went...Cece, Juju and Mannie were here for the birth then Mimi and Poppy came the weekend after...

Then Pops and Mawga came that Thursday!

Then the Dentons the next day!

Miles loved John Pierce

Mason really loved him!

and Anna just liked him.

We were over joyed with so much love in our house and had so much fun laughing, cooking, taking an impromptu trip to Tallahassee, playing on base, going to Michael's Deli for delicious fried pickles, mushrooms and zucchini and shrimp poboys, going on walks and loving on our sweet lamb. But, shew, we are loving being a sweet little family in our quiet little house!

We can't wait for Easter so we can see everyone again.

Today is your day...

2011-03-17T18:51:00.001-05:00

John Pierce Sparks

Friday, March 11, 2011 at 6:58 pm.

9 pounds 5 ounces

21 inches

The most amazing experience of my life. Billy got to actually deliver our son...My recollection of this moment doesn't do the moment justice...you must ask Billy. I didn't really understand that he was actually delivering our son until I looked down to see the babys head and saw Billys hands holding him...turning his shoulders and pulling some more. I looked up at Billy as clearly as I could through my weeping and saw him weeping with joy, amazement and love.

Truly a Godly experience, we will never forget.

This picture is one of my favorite pictures I have ever seen...my mom and sisters (the hens as I refer to them as) had snuck into the delivery room and hidden behind the curtain to see the baby and take pictures, I was not happy about this but God has a way of changing things and making everything ok. Jaja (Jessica) took this picture and I am so grateful.

I felt like I was in a cloud, I was hemorrhaging and couldn't see my son from the nurses doing their thing and Billy watching, so God gave me the distraction of worrying about my family seeing my "good girl" instead of concentrating on what was happening and my now realization that I was so weak from blood loss that I would have missed out on part of the amazement in what we were experiencing as a family, big and small.

I look at this picture and I get teary eyed...I see the love that my husband has for me and it takes my breath away. God has truly blessed me with him.

His sweet sweet little feet
The perfection that God has given us...an angel we call John Pierce.
I know this is so cliche but it is so true, you do not know love until you have a child. I love my husband more, the Lord more, and my son in a way I have never felt. Life is so different, I see things differently, I react differently and it's all because of this little guy who I feel magically appeared one beautiful Friday evening.
I'm trying not to be a crazy lady and let others change him or hold him or be paranoid about something happening when he is sleeping...but it is so hard...I'm now expected to share him after he and I have been in a private relationship for 10 months, it almost breaks my heart, lies...it does break my heart...then I look at my sweet husband with our son and it suddenly makes everything easy and ok...kind of!

"KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!"

My favorite room of ALL TIME!

2011-02-23T14:16:00.001-06:00

Our Sweet little Lambs Nursery!

The chalkboard is probably my favorite thing besides our bedding in the room! I happened to look down and see it at Hobby Lobby and Billy found this translation of 1 Sam. 1:27,

"I asked the Lord to give me this boy and he has granted my request"
We thought it was absolutely perfect!

The glider! The most comfortable place to sit in my house. I'm in love with it!
Now for the bedding! We were fortunate enough to receive our bedding as a Christmas gift from my sisters and it came in last night! I'm SO in love with it!

Here is his sweet monogram!
A full view of the bedding!

A friend of ours made this for us! His Hospital sign! When he finally comes we will add his measurements to the bottom half of the cross! When we get home it will hang on his door!

I sit here in amazement, that this is where my life has ended up!
Married to my very best friend...whom I NEVER saw myself with while dating in High School or after for that matter...a man of God who leads me daily, who picks me up when I'm unbearable. Who makes me laugh all the time especially when I DO NOT want to! And I'm about to have his child, a son, whom we have prayed for for such a long time. I am completely bewildered at my age, that I am old enough to be married and starting a family of my own. But mostly I feel blessed beyond measure to be given such a gift that we call our little lamb. I cry when I think about how life has turned out...how God is allowing us to live our dreams. Mine being one that I think every little girl dreams of...marrying her best friend, who loves the Lord more than her and her more than himself; to bear his children and to stay at home and raise them. Billy's (I think) being another one a lot of little boys dream about, being a Drill Sergeant and bossing young men around and training them to defend something so dear to our hearts, to have a wife that loves him and will follow him anywhere, and a son who will undoubtably idolize him for a long time to come.

As I cry the only thing that seems to come out of my mouth is:

God is so good.

33 weeks 5 days

2011-01-31T20:28:00.001-06:00

Ok, so we have a little while to go but my little Moose is weighing in 2 lbs over what he should...so Moose is no exageration! 2 weeks ago he was measuring 5 lbs 15 ounces...so 6 lbs. He was suppose to weigh right at 4 pounds! He should gain a half a pound a week so he should be 7 pounds on Wednesday! Yes, I still want to go naturally!

My face is starting to gain weight, joy!

We're so ready to meet our little guy...in due time!

A little nesting...

2011-01-09T14:20:00.001-06:00

Billy and I are blessed beyond measure. My family has given John Pierce and us more than we could ever expect or understand. We are so extremely grateful for the amazing Christmas we just had. My parents have us our nursery furniture...our crib, chest of drawers and dresser.

Here is the chest of drawers that we are going to use as a changing table!

I am so in love with the Glory Haus canvas hanging above it.

It says, "You are a child of God, you are wonderfully made, dearly loved and precious in his sight. Before God made you, He knew you...there is no one like you!"

The dresser!

The silhouette picture is of me at 17 weeks. My mom had silhouettes made of my nieces and nephews for my sisters and decided to have one made of my pregnancy...and I love it! What a neat way to capture such a beautiful time!
The blue picture frame has the nursery rhyme "What are little boys made of"on it...I think it foreshadows the excitement that we are going to experience with this little boy of ours...if he's anything like his daddy!

I'm SO in love with this crib! I think it matches our style perfectly!

And for the cradle...I'm so excited about this...My brother-in-law Tom slept in this as a baby...all of my sister Jessica's babies slept in it...now, my little lamb will sleep in it too! I love the history that we will get to teach John Pierce one day, and hopefully siblings of his as well!

We are FAR from finished with the nursery or even the cradle but I'm feeling a sense of "on top of things" so far...and it's a good feeling! Our crib bedding should be here in 3 weeks... having that will be a big step in the completion of his nursery for sure!

I never really understood the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child" until this Christmas, my family is as tight as a village for sure. I also never fully understood Mary's sacrifice until this year. What an amazing woman she was.

It is hard for me to imagine loving my little lamb more than I already do but I know somehow I will...and I'm so excited to smell his sweet little head, kiss his little hands and feet and soothe his fussiness.

Belly Bump

2010-12-01T21:59:00.000-06:00

Here is my sweet little guy at 25 weeks!

I'm not gonna lie, I look at this picture and see a moose has taken over my face and it is only going to get bigger...But, if having a healthy little guy means a moose eats my face then a whale eats the moose then I'm completely ok with it!

I really can't wait to hold this sweet little lamb of ours! God truly is so good!

Another "It's a Boy" post!

2010-11-21T13:31:00.001-06:00

My mom brought some cake pops, delicious cake pops, down so I could tell my friends what we were having so, the day we found out what we were having I had a girls night..."Gender revealing party" if you will!

Shannon, Sarah, Jen, Jenny and Jeanna

Curry!

Some of my sweet Senior girls finding out! Lakin and Danielle. Lakin swore he was a girl!

Danielle loving on John Pierce and I!

“I have held thee in the palm of my hand” Isaiah 51:16

2010-11-16T17:40:00.000-06:00

God has truly blessed us with an amazing couple, Shawn and Jenny Harris, that we are blessed to call our best friends! Jenny's parents live on a farm in Cuthbert, Georgia and we LOVE it there! It is so peaceful and calm. A few months ago Billy and I took our youth praise team to Jenny's parents house to lead worship at the 2, yes 2 churches that Mr. David, Jenny's dad, preaches at every Sunday. While Mr. David was preaching at the first church, New Bethel Baptist Church, the Lord spoke to my sweet God fearing husband. We had been talking and praying about baptism for a while because Billy had been sprinkled and saved when we was 10 at a Methodist Church but had never been dunked, which, being Baptist, is something we both believe is something that is important as a public profession of faith and death to oneself. God used Mr. David as a vessel to reach Billy and give him his answer. Baptism was something he was called and wanted to do. After being moved by the Spirit Billy asked Mr. David to baptize him. So, 2 weekends ago we finally got a free weekend and went back to Cuthbert for a very relaxing weekend and a baptism!

My sweet husband and Mr. David in the baptistry at Enterprise Baptist Church

Billy is wearing his ABU shirt (Airman Battle Uniform, what he wears to work everyday, it's the under shirt to his jacket). He told Mr. David that he chose to wear it because for him the battle is at work and he wanted it as a reminder this every time he put on his shirt. At home we are an old married couple. We cook, clean, watch TV, snuggle and go to bed. For Billy, work is maintenance, rough neck, greasy, foul language, full of lost souls. Our prayer is that God will use Billy as a vessel at work to save lives of his airmen not just those his helicopter picks up!

At the end of the service. His smile is hard to see, but it's there!

Me with my freshly dunked hunk!

During this very short ride I decided that when you become a parent or a soon-to-be-parent somethings become not so fun anymore. Riding 4-wheelers is one of them.!

My Jenny, John Pierce and I at 21 weeks on a beautiful Sunday afternoon!

What a glorious day it was for our little family! My heart is so full of love for Billy and our little lamb, John Pierce. God had blessed us beyond measure and we are truly grateful for it all. I'm so proud of Billy and his decision to follow the will of God and be baptized after being saved for more than 10 years. It wasn't something he took lightly or faintly. He see's it as the way to lead John Pierce and me. With the history that we both have before we truly gave our lives to Christ it is refreshing to know that we found victory and we will be able to tell John Pierce about the stupid things we did and how God never left us and always brought us back. There is so much comfort.

I have held on to this post for 2 days trying to upload the videos from the baptism but they aren't uploading so, I will try again in another post.

Not my child buuuuut...

2010-10-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

Miles hit his first homerun...over the fence, no kidding, homerun!!! WAY TO GO MILES!!!

Faces I miss...

2010-10-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

My sweet babies, my sweet, sweet babies!

So, I almost got in my car this morning, after looking at pictures of them and crying like a baby, to surprise these precious little faces...but then I realized I have a job. yuck. My heart aches when I think about what I am missing in their lives and what they will miss out of our little lambs life. I love you Miles, Mason, Anna Katherine, Kilah and Brodie!

Daddy's Girl!

2010-10-14T11:07:00.001-05:00

My sweet, scaredy cat of a hound has finally come out of her shell and let go of her mama to really love her daddy!

I woke up this morning with ZERO room in my bed to this. I couldn't even be mad. If you look closely you'll see they are sleeping the exact same way, how precious is that? I just love her paw behind her head!

And, if you are wondering, yes...she sleeps with us every night, and has since she was born! I, however, am starting to get grumpy about it due to my growing status!

I was ready for bed last night and started my nightly routine. (Usually Lil is right with me, as ready as I am to beat daddy to the bed to take his spot.) But, last night This is what I found! Princess curled up in her daddys lap, completely taken in by whatever he was sweetly saying to her!
I'm not going to lie, I'm starting to get a little jealous of their newfound relationship...but I love it and am so thankful that she has bonded with him again! But, I, afterall get the prize...a mama's boy! I wonder how our little princess is going to adjust to her new brother? I'm praying she takes as his protector and not just germ giver!

It's a...

2010-10-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

BOY!!!!!!!!!

Little John Pierce Sparks!

Let me tell you how much I can not believe I am having a child! Or, how excited I am!
I absolutely can not wait to meet his sweet little self. He is so very active right now and I must tell you that I just love feeling him. Billy looked at me the other day, in a moment of realization, and said, "He is perfect. Right now he can do no wrong, he hasn't disappointed anyone or made anyone mad. He is just perfect." LOVE my sweet husband.

16 weeks and 3 days!

2010-09-30T12:40:00.001-05:00

One of the girls in my High School small group is an AMAZING photographer! She came up with the precious idea of taking a few pictures of me every 5 weeks through out my pregnancy and putting it into a week sequence ending with our little lamb curled up on my chest! Here is a more covered picture of little Lamb and me! We took it last night so I was 16 weeks and 3 days!

I feel like the belly looks like a cone...but nonetheless he/she is growing like kudzu! In fact, it is 5 inches and 3 pounds this week...HOLY CRAP!!!

Still behind...still a bad blogger!

2010-09-25T14:05:00.001-05:00

Every other Summer my sisters, their families, my mom and now our little family go to Hilton Head. We usually go in late May but Billy was still deployed so we waited and went the end of July...let me tell you, it was HOT but it was so fun!

Here is our beautiful family!

All 5 of the little ones. I love how Kilah and Mason look mischevious!
These babies are the sweetest set of twins I have ever known! You tell them you want to take a picture of them and this is what they do. No instruction, simply love. It's precious!

Bestfriends, with matching hair styles, American Girls babies and chatting always.

Tom is great with ideas and getting the kids out of the house. The girls are in a "carrier" because we were riding to get ice cream! It was so fun!

This is the FUNNIEST kid I have ever met! Next time you see him, ask him to do his Elvis dance!

Brodie LOVES his Uncle Biwwy.

Brodie had to do everything Mason but especially Miles did, including, "gooby goarding"! Look at his sweet little face!

I just can't help it, they are too beautiful!

Miles "gooby goarding"

It was almost miserable on the beach it was so hot. Whoever brought the unbrella, the babies and I thank you! Look at Mason's face! Always a joker!

He HATED his Ice Cream, can you tell?

We learned that July in Hilton Head is the beginning of Jelly Fish season...Miles was the first to get stung...he was so big about it. This was as much of a grimace as he let out!

I had to post this. I love it. Billy is so great.

He hung in with my family like he had been there for years! Shows me even more that God had my family and me in mind when he was making him!

First comes love...check.

2010-09-14T17:15:00.000-05:00

Then comes marriage...check.

Then comes baby...check

In a baby carriage...

YES!!! It has happened! God has given us a baby...well, in my belly! Today, I am 14 weeks and feel fabulous! My first trimester was ROUGH, but that's such a blessing because that means the baby is healthy! Now, I feel like I have narcolepsy, another good sign! I swear I could fall asleep at a red light and sleep for hours! We are so stinking excited about this little Lamb we have been given! We find out on October 4th what we are having but I think it is a GIRL! Ah, she would come out with bows on...big ones! And if it's a boy...he will come out in a bubble suit with a white button down collar underneath and a monogram on the front! PRECIOUS!!! I know I shouldn't say this but March can't get here soon enough! I really just can't wait to meet this precious Lamb!

At 9 weeks with our, "Future Volunteer"

At 11 weeks!

Been forever...so we'll start anew!

2010-08-16T12:42:00.000-05:00

I'm SUCH a blog slacker! I have my excuses of a broken computer and Billy having his so I had went without but...I could have made it work! Anyway, I was having a hard time trying to figure out where to start back. Jess said, "Start with today!" Way to much has happened since the last blog to just start today. So here are some pictures of what has happened since forever ago!

My sweet Husband deployed to Iraq in January and faithfully returned in June! Here we are, saying goodbye at 5 am. If I look swollen it's because I was, crying will do that to a girl!

And his promised return to me! I cry looking at this. It was such a blessed day!

July 4th! It was a great picture so I had to share.

On his leave we went home to Knoxville for about 2 weeks and here are some pictures of our adventures!

Billy's family lived in Cades Cove so we went to Sparks Lane and saw the grave site of a lot of our history. I thought it was really neat!
Us with Mike, Billy's dad at Sparks Lane!

At River Rapids in Townsend.

Mason and Uncle Billy getting some quality time together. Billy obviously enjoying himself...Mason, not so much!

I will update again tomorrow...once I figure out how to get a picture on my computer that I want to share! It's a good one, promise!

For the Military Wives.

2009-10-15T00:06:00.000-05:00

I saw this today and it brought me to tears. It may not mean much to most of you who will read this, but maybe you will see a little into the life of a military wife!

For the Military Wives.

This is for the sad military wives, the angry military wives, and the strong military wives.

This is for the young women that are waking up at 6 a.m. every morning, laying out clothes and packing three lunches for those small precious children that they have been left alone to care for. This is for the pregnant military wife wondering if her husband will make it home in time to watch their miracle happen.

This is for the childless military wife, living in a town or on a base alone where she is a complete stranger to her surroundings.

This is for the women that feel like a third leg when they go out with their friends and their husbands.

This is for the military wife that canceled all her plans to wait by the phone, and even though the phone broke up and cut off every time you spoke to him you waited anyway.

This is a pledge to the women that cry themselves to sleep in an empty bed.

This is to recognize the woman that felt like she was dying inside when he said he had to go, but smiled for him anyway.

This is for those of you that are faithfully waiting in that long line at the post office once a month, handling 2 large boxes like a pro.

This is for that woman that decided to remodel the house to pass the time, and then realized that she had no idea what she was doing and sighed, wished she had a little help.

This is for all the lonely nights, all the one-person dinners, and all of the wondering thoughts because you haven't heard from him in days.

A toast to you for falling apart, and putting yourselves back together.

Because a pay check isn't enough, a body pillow in your bed is no consolation, and a web cam can never compare.

This is for all of you no matter how easy or hard this is for you. Our marines/soldiers/ airmen/sailors/coasties are brave, they are heroes, but so are we.

So the next time someone tells you that they would never marry a military guy, don't bother explaining to them that you can't control who you fall in love with.

Just think of this and nod your head, know that you are the stronger woman.

Hold your heads up high, hang that flag in your front yard, stick 100 magnets on your car, and then give yourself a pat on the back.

I found this so comforting. As it is 1:30 a.m. and I am alone, my husband working, like he has every week night since we were married. Working "mids" 11 pm-7 am or sometimes 6pm-4 am. Knowing the obstacles that lie ahead of us with shift changes, last minute duties, TDYs, deployments...expected and unexpected to Iraq and Afghanistan, briefings, exercises, and never knowing much for certain, we can't help but smile. The pride I have for my husband goes beyond words. I am PROUD of my husband and the position he holds and of the country he fights for every day. I am proud of what we, him and I stand for as a couple. For this is our life! And there are women out there that feel just like me. God bless each of you!

With much love,

An Airmans Wife.

Chilly bumps!

2009-09-28T11:44:00.001-05:00

I ran across this the other day and it gave me the chillies all over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKCVS57j284

How amazing were they?
The oldest is 7...yes 7.

I can't get over their harmonies.

South Cakalac

2009-09-26T15:58:00.001-05:00

Formally known as South Carolina.

My pops invited Billy and I to join him, my grandparents, my aunt and Mawga (Marga) to spend a long weekend with them outside Isle of Palms. We had such a great time eating tons of seafood, lounging on hammocks, playing golf (the card game), domino's, going to a an old rice plantation turned into captivating gardens with amazing statues and tons of tree tunnels but most importantly tons of great fellowship!

Our heavenly abode.

Billy rolled up like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Marga was determined to freeze us out the first day! Fact: it was so cold my dad couldn't sleep.

My favorite tree tunnel...wouldn't it be the most amazing place for a wedding?
My Crabs!

Watching my amusing husband.

My ADHD husband couldn't just sit and relax and enjoy the sunshine. No, he had to try to gubyboard.

And try to fly a kite!

A curse known as the...Hiccups

2009-09-24T23:42:00.000-05:00

It's 12:43 am to be exact on a Friday morning and I am sitting in the garage as my husband tries to fix our 10 year old lawn mower...with the hiccups.

My sweet nephew Mason has taught me the ULTIMATE way of getting rid of hiccups and I swear on my life it works...you bite down on a straw then drink water from a cup...and VAHWLA you are rid of this horrible curse known as the hiccups.

I am sitting here, killing myself for not buying straws for this very reason, to right Mason, and get rid of this nasty curse.

I suppose I will go to sleep and hope that they will not interfere, though doubtfully, and have sweet dreams.

My dear Mason, I miss you so. I think of you daily and die inside a little with every thought. That I will not be there to see each growing, progressive moment you live. Mason, forgive me for the life I have chosen. For it isn't to exclude you, but to better mine and to grow an amazing life God has provided me. I love you my little monster, more than you will ever know, my April Fools baby. Thank you for teaching me how to rid myself of this horrible curse called hiccups!

I LOVE YOU,
Aunt Boo

One year ago.

2009-09-19T16:40:00.001-05:00

A year ago today God showed me the man of my dreams. We reunited after not really talking after a bad break up SEVEN years earlier. I could have never asked for a better husband or a better friend then the one I found at Yo's birthday party!

Here is us a year ago today.

Now, for more cheese...Billy has taught me what in the last year:

1. How to manage money better

2. It's not all about me

3. Loving someone means more than just saying or feeling it.

4. That I look my best without make up!

5. My caring for others is loveable.

6. He doesn't really like tomatoes

7. How to understand him

8. How to love from a distance and make it stronger.

9. That our little family is enough.

10. I am who I am, and he loves me for it, even when I'm loud and embarrassing!

11. Keeping a clean and tidy house makes for better communication.

12. Preparing for our future isn't just about going to school. It is about us.

13. We are our best defense

14. How to love in other languages, and love well.

15. That laughing is as attractive as a sexy outfit!

16. When I am happy, he is happy.

17. How to be a better person for him.

18. How to be a wife

19. How to be like the church

20. That loving him is all I need in the world to survive.

Billy, thank you for making me the happiest, most special girl in the world. I feel so blessed to have you as my husband. I love you more then I could imagine I would or could ever have the ability to. The past year has been the best of my life and I am so excited to spend our forever together!

HERE IT IS!!!

2009-09-18T11:34:00.001-05:00

http://www.watson-studios.com/beccabillywedding/

Just go.

Sneak Peek!

2009-09-16T23:41:00.000-05:00

I feel like its Christmas Day people...Watson-Studios has written our wedding blog and I am ECSTATIC!!! I mean seriously. Natalie was texting me as Dan was proof reading and it felt like he was taking foooooooorever (in my Chris Farley voice) but it really only took like 2 minutes. Anyway, enough with my stalling...I present to you the link of a preview of the most amazing wedding photography in Knoxville.

www.watson-studios.com

I am over joyed with how amazing of a job they did.

I hope you liked them!

Check back for more pictures soon!

Slacker.

2009-09-09T22:58:00.000-05:00

I know I've been awful with this whole blogging thing since the wedding but there isn't much going on! Yes, the newlyweds are old and boring! Here are some updates though:

#1: Billy is working "mids" which means 11pm to 7 am. He has been on these since we came home from our honeymoon. It is an obstacle for us because he gets home around 8, crawls into bed around 9 and sleeps until 4 or 5 then goes to work out at 8. We're working diligently on finding a routine to get used to these awful hours...like him whippin' my booty back into shape at the gym for quality time. I'm sooooo sore!

#2: I am STILL unemployed and going stir crazy! There are seriously no jobs here. I looked in the Valdosta Times last Sunday and they had maybe, MAYBE 10 jobs listed...none of them either interested me or were in my range of capabilities. Great. I will resort to serving if I must!

#3: Tallil is a new dog down here. If you remember, she was scared out of her mind of men when we moved. And scared of her shadow. We, my mom and I, were seriously worried that she may not adapt well in her new life! Well, little did we know, my little, big pup is a STRONG little lady! She loves her daddy so much! She whines for him when he leaves, whines for him to come in the door after he opens the garage door...and she talks to him...I mean TALKS! It is the sweetest thing I have ever seen. I love the way they love each other...though I'm afraid I will be jealous soon! She also hated the car...she's such a rider now! I no longer have to pick her 90 lbs up and put her in the car...she willingly jumps in and asks where we are going! It's so great!

#4: We, I think, have found a church. A Baptist church. The worship is a little, um quiet, but the preacher rocks! Our Sunday School class is for young families. We are doing a study, complete with a workbook, on making a marriage strong in God's eyes. I feel such a burden lifted and an answered prayer. Now, if only we stay up with the workbook!

#5: LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!! We went home with Courtney and Charlie, a newlywed couple that we hang out with and love dearly. Charlie works with Billy and Courtney and I met when the boys deployed last November. We went to Millen, GA and saw their little, tiny, spread out town. Everybody knows everybody, everybody knows every body's car, everybody knows every body's business...it was so amusing! It made me really appreciate small towns! We hung out with 2 of their friends Friday night and learned how to play my new favorite card game...GOLF! We woke up early on Saturday and went to the outskirts of Augusta to visit Charlie's diddy, (daddy). He and his wife graciously hosted us for the night! We went out on the lake on Saturday then grilled out and had a party! Some of their friends game over and we stayed up until 4 dancing, talking and laughing...it was so much fun! We woke up Sunday morning, hung out some more then headed home. We stopped back in Millen to take something to Charlies momma and decided that we would stay there.. We hung out with the same 2 friends again and I dominated them in Golf...ok, I didn't because 1 of them cheated! Tallil was graciously welcomed by everyone and all the little doggies we encountered. Charlies diddy and step mom have 3 little 5 lbs white fur balls and 2 cats! It was SUCH a fun weekend. Thank you Charlie and Courtney for showing us your home and giving us such a great weekend!

#6: I'M COMING HOME! Tomorrow morning I will leave my sweet husband and my baby for the first time. Billy really doesn't want me to go but is excited for the break, I'm sure! He was adamant about me not taking Tallil home with me. He does not want to be alone in the house! I am coming home to watch Jessica and Tom's sweet babies for their 10th Anniversary trip to NYC! I'm so excited to spend quality time with them! My goal is to spend some alone with with each of them... hopefully it will work out that way!

#7: If you're still with me...I HAVE ANTS IN MY KITCHEN! I have no clue where they came from or why they want to make my life frustrating! I don't have any food left out on my counter, I haven't left any food out. I have 2 "Ant B Gone"s and I suppose they are doing their jobs because there aren't anymore ants in that area...they just moved. COME ON! Help, I need help! I wipe my counter off at least 3 times a day and sanitize it with Clorox wipes twice a day. Ugh.

Aaaand there you have it!!! Our little life in a nutshell!

Bridal Portrait!

2009-08-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

Here it is!!! I can finally show you...My Bridal Portrait! The first 2 are my absolute very favorite pictures that have ever been taken of me! I hope you like them!

Sassy!

It monsooned that day!

Now, I want to go back and do it all over again...just like it was!

Honeymooners...how original?

2009-08-22T11:57:00.000-05:00

We went on a cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallerta! We had so much fun! It was so nice to get away and not have a phone or computer to play on and play with each other and eat our self stupid! We met some crazy, funny, different people that helped make our trip! Here our some of our favorite pictures!

Our first formal night!

The funniest night of my life! Note the look on my husbands face.

On the beach in Cabo, obviously our ship is behind us!

Us before we got in those jungle, war buggies behind us and went on a ride, up hill for like 3 miles...

Coming down the first line...

On the first line!

MY handsome HUSBAND! It's still weird!

At the Tequila Distillery in Mazatlan

Puerto Vallerta!

At our last port...but our favorite! Puerto Vallerta! We want to go back soon! The people were so friendly, the city was clean, the water was beautiful!

Our Heavenly Day!

2009-08-22T11:43:00.001-05:00

So, the day has come and gone and I have to tell you...I actually have the wedding blues! I want to do it all over again...can you believe it? I cant! The day was absolutely perfect...went off without a hitch and was, in my eyes, the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen...it really was our heavenly day; the day that I have dreamed of since I was little and it really was my dream! Here are some pictures that I've stolen off facebook that people have posted! As soon as I have the link from the photographers I will let you know! Enjoy!

Rehearsal! With the fun bouquet my Sweet sister Amanda made for me!

Putting my dress on...one of my very favorite pictures of the day so far!

My sassy, sexy red shoes!

My beautiful Maids!

Walking under the arch at the beginning of the aisle!

Seeing each other for the first time! His face was the sweetest sight.

Mr. and Mrs. William Sparks!

Cutting the cake with a Sabre...we had planned to be nice...and he was, until I slammed cake into his face. Somehow I ended up with more cake on my face then he did!

In honor of having a military wedding we decided that we would honor all of our grandfathers...who are the only deceased grandparents, by hanging a picture of them in uniform on a tree. I absolutely LOVE how it turned out!

Dancing with my sweet daddy!

Bachelorette PARTY!!!

2009-08-22T11:38:00.001-05:00

So, my bestfriend Emily threw me the best bachelorette party ever! We started at the downtown Hilton. We laid out at their roof top pool, then got ready, opened nasty presents, veiled me, then went to dinner at Cafe 4, Sapphire, and Hannah's in the old city. With a night cap at Divinci's pizza!

Amanda placing my veil on my head! It has penis mints, condoms and glow in the dark penis' on the band!

All of us outside Cafe 4

I knightd a gay man!
The end of the night! I'll leave you with the saying of the night...perfect penis placement!

Been a while!

2009-08-22T11:22:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry for neglecting you dear blog for life has been a bit crazy! Today marks Billy and my 2 week anniversary. We are celebrating by watching the Christian/Newsome trial live on WBIR.com, mowing the much needed, over grown yard, updating you...and yes, writing thank you notes. For dinner we are having steak kabobs and baked potatoes, and yes, promised to prepare Billy's for him like his momma does; and I can tell you he is ecstatic. Last night I introduced Billy to the world of McBride nachos, after he insisted I make his the way he likes...cheese only and barely melted, while mine are loaded with salsa and chips almost burned, he was eating off my pan and breaking the burnt edges off my chips...one day he will learn to trust my taste in food! I will close with a promise to upload some pictures from my bachelorette party, wedding and honeymoon...in second!

30 days...

2009-07-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

WOOHOO!!! 30 days from today, at this time...I will be taking pictures with my Bridesmaids, nervously awaiting 6 pm, when I will finally marry the man of my dreams! I could scream I'm so excited!

So, having said that I only have 30 days left, it comes to mind the "30 day Brides Diet"...I had NO IDEA about this. Seriously, how do you crash diet? How can I make my little pouch just a little bit smaller in 30 days? They tell me:

Exercise everyday, for at lease 30 minutes
No white carbs
No sweets
No eating past 8
No caffeine or carbonation
Eat smaller portions
For some meals, drink a protein shake and an apple or orange...

What did you do during your "30 days"???

I ONLY HAVE 30 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excitement!

2009-06-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

A lot has been happening on our wedding front this past week!

I had my final dress fitting and I have to tell you, Sally Harmon rocks the world of alterations...you must call her for your next occasion! I could not have asked for a better out come!
We made the final decision about my veil...for those of you who didn't know there was a decision to be made; I have said for years that I wanted to wear my moms! Well it wasn't exactly what I remembered it to be so we were debating adding new lace to it or using a new one all together! Well, when we were with Sally at my fitting we decided that my moms veil was PERFECT with my dress just the way it is and I have to tell you...it matched perfectly, I'm totally psyched to be wearing something my mom wore on her special day!
I had my Bridal Portraits done on Monday, and for those of you who don't remember Monday's weather, I'll remind you...MONSOONS on and off until probably 3:30...I'm driving to my hair appointment having a panic attack, both hands on the wheel, trying to breath (I can not stop and throw up in this torrential down pour) , and I could not see more than 15 feet in front of me.
Praying on my knees for the weather to clear up, or for insight on a new place to go...THE SKIES CLEAR!!! I'm serious, God knew these pictures were meant to be taken outside this day! I am trying to be so patient to get them back but we had so much fun taking them I seriously am DYING to get them back!
I have to give a "shout out" to my wonderful mother! My shoot would not have been very successful had she not been there! She was jumping around, dancing, rolling, doing whatever she could to make not "not fake smile" or "give me your big laugh". I heart you so much!
And Lastly, we addressed our invitations last night and THEY ARE OFF!!! HOLY COW, my wedding invitations are on their way to you!!! We are in crunch time! Katy (Billy's sister), Emily (my bff), Lisa (my moms friend), Jess, my mom and I sat diligently working until they were completed. Jess and I have AWFUL handwriting so we were the official stuffers, while the other 4 wrote. Thank you ladies so very much for helping me...I had to much fun with you all...though it was stressful!

Real Quick...

2009-06-11T15:14:00.000-05:00

I just thought I would take a minute and tell you how much I love my sweet Fiancee! We have had a hard past 2 weeks because I'm working 50 hour weeks and dealing with forgotten wedding tasks and he is in school from 7:30 to 5:30 Mon- Fri, so we are so exhausted by the time we get out of work and school we have little energy to put towards our distance.

I want to share a few things I love about my sweet Billy!
1. I love the way he smells

2. I love the way he is always so rational

3. I love the way me can make me feel like the only person in the world...even over the phone!

4. I love how he always makes me laugh when I'm being a grump!

5. I love how he always speaks with respect and love

6. I love that he encourages me in everything, always.

7. I love the way he is with my nieces and nephews...he is going to make the best daddy in the world!

8. I love how he motivates me to be better.

9. I love how he values my opinion and respects it

10. I love how his touch is electric!

11. I love his brutal honesty!

12. I love how he is always looking to make our future better

13. I love his eyes

14. I love his voice!

15. I love his wit and how I laugh the most when I'm with him!

16. I love him because he's him!

I even stopped on a multiple of 4 that's an even number for him!

(we are both OCD and that is one of his ticks that sets me into orbit...I must go now!)

With Love,

Becca

Engagement Party!

2009-06-07T21:49:00.001-05:00

Over Memorial Day weekend we were thrown an Engagement party! We are so blessed to have such amazing friends and family around to support and love us! A special thanks to the Jansen's for throwing it for us and opening your home! We will never forget your kindness and the special time we had at this shindig! We hope you enjoy the pictures!

I love this picture because it explains my feelings for Billy, completely without a doubt smitten with him!

My momma and sisters and I!

My dad toasting to us, and telling everyone he was happy to have Billy as a new son-in-law...i shed a few tears!

My in laws! Look at the way Sandra is looking at us...I absolutely love it!

Cutting the cake! Which was AMAZING!

We had so much fun!

The McBride ladies!

Us with our matchmaker!

With this man loving me for the rest of my life, my "love tank" will never be empty with his sweet gestures of affection all the time!

The party ended with me impersonating my dads dance moves and backing it up with my sister!

Memorial Day Weekend 2009!

2009-05-31T20:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend! We all had a blast! Here are some pictures from our boating adventures! We missed Blake but had a great time none the less! Enjoy!

Mason got to drive with pops!

My big Miles...even his profile is breathe taking!

Sweetest smile!

Our sweet best friends in GA came up for the weekend and our engagement party! We love them so and are so glad they came!

Brodie, who's your best buddy? "Uncle Biwy"!

Sweet Banana!

Widdle Billy was a widdle afraid?

There is nothing like spending precious time on the lake with people you love!!! I have to tell you...Kilah walked up to Billy and said, "thank you for serving our country uncle billlly" I could have cried at the sweetness of her heart. Even though she didn't really understand what she was thanking him for it was such a sweet moment between them. She was so sincere and loving at that moment!

Emotional...already?

2009-05-28T08:12:00.000-05:00

I have all the wedding planning done, praise the Lord! And now is the time to enjoy being a bride-to-be and all the things that come with it...and I'm doing so, I promise!
BUT...
I am extremely emotional about everything. It keeps setting in to me that I'm about to leave my family. My sweet, sweet babies that I adore and can't go a few days without seeing. One of my favorite things in my great life is being with them! My Miles being the sweet 6 year old who doesn't give affection, smiling at me to let me know he loves and watching him play baseball. My sweet Mason asking me why I dont come around more because he wants to spend time with me...because he knows that when Billy and I get married I am moving and we wont be able to spend time together. My little Princess Anna always giving me kisses with her precious little lips and telling me she loves me more! My Diva Kilah wanting me to put her to bed no matter who is there. Wanting to do my make-up and fix my hair. My little Brodie and his tender love moments of excitement that I'm there and wanting to just sit and hug my neck. Baaaah.

My mom, my sisters, my dad and step-mom, my brother-in-laws. Not having Sunday lunch with them every Sunday, not going over to their houses for dinner whenever I miss them, not being a drive down the street away. The relationships I have within my family have never been so strong or meaningful. Leaving this is going to be extremely hard.

My friends. I've moved away before but it has never been this hard. I guess I'm growing up.
The frienships I have are the most amazing I have ever had. They each serve a different purpose and feed me with that purpose and love. I really have the best group of girls in my life. My Pants, her parents, My Rachel, January, My sisters. They are all a girls needs in the friend department.

God is faithful, God is good, God has a plan of greatness...Billy and I are God's plan for eachother and we will be fruitful. God will heal my wounds and build new relationships. He will strengthen those that need to be strengthened with our new distance. And I will finally get to be with my love...how joyous is that...though I am emotional about my new change...I am over joyed!

With Love,
Becca

You out of towners!

2009-05-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have set up a group of Block rooms at the Holiday Inn Downtown for you! It is within walking distance of the Museum where everything is gonna be held!
You will need to reserve your room BEFORE JULY 17, OR YOU WILL NOT GET THE SPECIAL RATE!
You also need the code of: MSW
The number for the hotel is 865-522-2800.
We're so glad you decided to share in our Heavenly Day!

The Dress!!!

2009-05-19T08:56:00.000-05:00

Hello All!
I thought I would give you an update...MY FREAKING WEDDING DRESS CAME IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not excited at all...can you tell? Just kidding mom!
I have to tell you that its tight, which is a good thing because I only have to have the straps taken up a bit...that's it...well ok and boobs added! Pronovias is AMAZING!
It was really surreal for me to put on MY wedding dress! Like, for real this is happening. I have been so stressed out and frustrated with all that comes with planning a wedding that I'm so excited and rather emotional at this point. I get to enjoy all of it and I've said that a big wedding isn't worth the stress but after yesterday and putting my dress on...it is all so worth it! And I have to say that I wouldn't want this any other way! I can not wait to walk down the aisle and see him, and to say our vows in front of everyone. To have our first dance and my dance with my sweet pops! I really can't wait to eat the food that we have selected...my mom rocks in that department as you all know, so I let her take reign and she couldn't have done a better job! Thanks Momma, for all of your effort and patience!

The hard part is done...I'm about to be Mrs. William Sparks! And I have the most perfect dress to go with our perfect day!

Links

2009-05-10T16:04:00.000-05:00

Due by popular demand: Links to our Registry's!
You can go to any of these links, click on bridal registry or something of that sort, fill out the questions they ask (the answers are below the link).

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/default.asp?order_num=-1
Give a Gift:
Becca McBride

http://www.belk.com/
Bride:
Becca McBride
August 2009

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/registry/findregistry.cfm
Becca McBride
Tennessee
August 2009

http://www.potterybarn.com/registry/findregistry.cfm
Becca McBride
August 2009
Tennessee

We are also registered at Target but not online.
I am asking if you buy us something from Target that you include the gift receipt with the gift. Target wont let us exchange or return things without it and a lot of our items are on each store!

So there you go Aunt Bev! I'm so excited you are coming to the wedding! I can't wait to see you...and for you to meet the most amazing man! Love you!

Nashville, GA

2009-05-02T20:23:00.000-05:00

So Billy and I have decided that we are going to live in Nashville, Ga...where he lives right now until his lease is up in the beginning of January or if he gets selected for the November deployment again (the exact same deployment he was on last time...i will be nothing less then pissed off, but this is another convo). If he is on the deployment in Nov. we will get out of the lease when he gets his orders so I don't have to live 30 minutes away from everyone I know or move myself will little help!
We both really love this house so I'm glad that we are staying in it, but the location of it really blows. Our house is 30 minutes from Valdosta, Ga...one way...the closest town, where all of our friends live, that people around here call "the city"...IT IS NOT A CITY! But it is sweet and we love it!

I have to say that I am honestly about over this whole wedding planning and being away from Billy stuff. I am so ready to be with him all the time, to be a family, to be a couple. I am a completely different person when I am with him...in a good way. I'm happy, funny, care free. We are care free and laughing all the time. The stress of a wedding, though I LOVE the excitement of the ideas and I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end. I JUST WANT TO BE WITH HIM! I just want to be Mrs. Sparks. I'm in Ga right now and I have tears in my eyes because I have to drive home tomorrow. God is preparing us for great strength with his deployments with us being apart and I truly believe that.

I started thinking about what I want to say in my vows (my sweet fiance has already started writing his) and I'm stuck. I don't know that there is something inside of me that I feel for him that I have not expressed. That I have not acknowledged. I feel so blessed that I can express these feelings to him but then hindered because I am so open with him. Any Ideas?

Today we spent the day with 3 other couples and had so much fun! Our life together is going to be blessed and full.

Ok, so this is the most random entry to date. Sorry!

Stupid Swine Flu

2009-05-02T20:17:00.000-05:00

Well...we found out yesterday that our great honeymoon cruise has been rerouted to Northern Cali and Canada, until further notice, due to the swine flu...WTF? Ok, I'm sorry but there has been 1 death in the US and they aren't even sure that the poor child died due to the flu because of previous and reoccurring health problems. Why are we all freaking out so much?
Needless to say, we are not very pleased. But I keep telling my worried fiancee that the flu will be gone by August and that we shouldn't worry about it! So...we may not be going on a cruise after all...maybe a honeymoon in wine country? I would love either for sure!

We thought the Swine Flu sounded fun?

2009-04-28T15:04:00.001-05:00

Today we booked out Honeymoon and we are SO EXCITED! Ok, Billy is not as excited as I am for the fact that he is shelling out money and he doesn't like to do that AT ALL! So...we are going on a cruise to MEXICO! Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas is our ship! And our Port is in LA! This is where we are going!

This is our ship! They say its the second to largest ship traveling the seas and I'm nto sure how I feel about that...and all the teen rooms and children activities...hopefully that means we wont hear crying the whole time?

We originally thought we were going to be going to Antigua or St. Lucia but average cheesy rooms at the resorts we were looking at were significantly more expensive then the suite with a balcony we chose here so the choice was pretty obvious to us! Plus, I get to dress up 2 nights...as MRS. SPARKS!!!

Updates

2009-04-21T07:17:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've updated so I thought I would tell you all about what is going on!

BILLY IS NOT GOING BACK TO IRAQ IN AUGUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praise the Lord, my prayers have been answered! They also moved the second deployment back to March so there is a chance that he could go on that one...we are ecstatic to have a few months of normal married life before that chance could come!
The guest list is finished!
The invitations are ordered
The save the dates are ordered
The guest book is being ordered today and I AM ECSTATIC about it!
An engagement party is in the works...and I didn't think it would happen so that's exciting!
I'm almost caught up with The Knot's to do list that seems never ending and extremely stressful!
My sweet Fiancee is on weekend shift which means he works 12's on Fridays, Saturday and Sunday then an 8 on Monday and is off Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. He is currently loving it...though it is only his first week on it. He says it's more laid back and he can create the pace that he chooses and can be productive at.
I hate that he is on weekend shift because that means if I go see him on the weekends... hes at work the whole day, and if he comes here during the week I'm at work all day. Hopefully his willingness to do what others don't want to do will pay off...can we say no March deployment???
Billy recently gave me Inphantago...its a lovely staph infection...on my nose! My new nickname is Rudy or ewsy...man, I love my family!
We are DONE REGISTERING!!! Praise the Lord its over! We registered at: Bed, Bath & Beyond, William Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Belk, Target and he is registering at Lowes. I like choices so now you have plenty!
We got the CD of our engagement pictures yesterday...a post of our favorites will be up soon...I promise!
My mom bought her dress this weekend, and I LOVE IT! She is gonna be rockin' it out!
We picked out the flower girls "princess dresses" and they are PRECIOUS! I can not wait to see them in it! Anna is going back and forth whether or not she wants diamonds or pearls to wear...I scream pearls!
The tuxes have been picked out and are in the process of being ordered.
We are trying to figure out our new living situation...aka trying to get out of Billy's lease so we don't live 30 minutes away from everything. Though we love Nashville, Ga and the house that he has rented, I mean I REALLY love that house...I want to be closer to town...and my 3 friends I have there!

So, there you have it...

Engagement Photos!

2009-04-13T07:58:00.000-05:00

Billy came home last Tuesday night so we could get a chunk of our wedding stuff done and let me tell you...he is such a trooper! When we first started planning he told me that whatever I wanted was fine with him. He soon realized that his comment probably hurt my feelings and recanted. He then decided and promised to make an effort to have an input on the decisions and have a good attitude about it! After this weekend of engagement pictures, and tons of registering...I think he wishes he would have stayed with his first comment! But I have to brag for a minutes and tell you that he did in my opinion an amazing job with the engagement photos and he PICKED OUT our FINE CHINA! I'm so thankful for him! Here is the link to our engagement photos...hope you enjoy them!

http://www.watson-studios.com/beccabillyengagement/

Dan and Natalie Watson are our Photographers and I have to say that they were the perfect choice for us! Their personalities match our in so many ways and they made our shoot so fun and comfortable! I will use them in the future for sure...so I think you should too! :) Their company is called Watson-Studios...look them up!

Big News...

2009-04-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

Billy has been stuck on who to ask to be his best man for months, I mean, even before he purposed he was thinking about it. On Saturday night he made the tough decision that had been weighing so heavily! He asked Matthew Lougameno to be his best man! Here they are "choking their chicken"!

Lugi is so special to Billy and I have grown to love him so much! I will never forget when Lugi looked at me and said, "Becca, you're alright, your genuine"! Coming from Lugi that's a huge deal! Lugi is very protective and Billy and it was a huge deal for me to gain Lugi's trust and to get him on my side! Billy felt the need to prep me for meeting Lugi, like most do for their families. I can't explain how nervous I was to meet him! I couldn't shut up I as so nervous! But thankfully he saw past my chattiness! Lugi, I am so excited for you to be in such a special position in our wedding, I love you!

Registering

2009-04-03T10:59:00.001-05:00

So Billy and I are going to register next weekend and I have printed out a worksheet that tells me what and how much of I shoudl register for...but I want to know...What do you wish you had registered for? Let me know!

Decisions Made

2009-03-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

After resetting our date and realizing that I have less then 140 days until I become Mrs. Sparks and barely having anything figured out except for my dress, who's making my cake, who's going to marry us and our bridal party...I started freaking out! Within a week God has truly blessed me with easy decisions and making them happen. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders...I have booked the Knoxville Museum of Art for the ceremony and reception...and picked out bridesmaid dresses...

Here she is...I'm so in love with it that I want one for myself!

So our bridal party is going to be...

Martons of honor:

Jessica Denton and Amanda Miles

Bridesmaids:

Emily Hildreth

Emily Wagner

Rachel Morton

Katy Sparks

Groomsmen:

Kevin Sparks

Matthew Luogameno

Scott Brown

Tyler Fogerty

Travis Harris

James Wagner

Junior Bridesmaids:

Morri Garrett

Maya Zaouk

Marya Zaouk

Junior Groomsmen:

Mason Pierce

Miles Denton

Mason Denton

Flower girls:

Anna Katherine Denton

Kilah Miles

Ring Barriers:

Brodie Miles

Jackson Sparks

Shew...could there be any more people? I have to say though, I'm pretty excited to see my little ones in tuxes and princess dresses! We laugh because Brodie and Jack and going to take forever to walk dow the isle from talking and trying to throw their pillows and Kilah and Anna are going to be show stealers with all their sas and zeal...I wouldn't be surprised if they stopped at every aisle to talk to people!

So that is the latest on the wedding planning! If you have any ideas...let me know!

Set a new date already!

2009-03-27T08:31:00.000-05:00

As most of you know Billy and I had set our wedding date for September 12! Well, the Air Force had different ideas on when our nuptials should happen! Billy has been notified that he may have to deploy again either at the end of August or the end of November again! So planning for a September wedding is obviously out! We have decided that August 8, 2009 is the new date! We are ecstatic about it! Though he may have to leave shortly after, he may not and honestly I'm just excited to be his wife! God works in mysterious ways I must say! My youth minister growing up whom I am extremely close with was unable to marry us in September because his wife is expecting a baby towards the end of September, and it caused a great deal of strife for me that he wouldn't be able to be there...but with the new date he is going to marry us and I honestly couldn't be happier! All of our vendors have graciously worked with us to make this change happen...God knew this was the day and the September date wasn't!

So, there you have it...the Air Force now owns me...they like August 8th too!

The Merging

2009-03-23T18:02:00.000-05:00

"I fix ya haiah"

Please notice how Amanda is standing...and how Kilah is standing...

"Uncle Boo" and Jackson...

"I wear big girl panties"

On Sunday night my mom had my whole family over and Billy's family over and we "merged". We had so much fun! The kids all played so well as you could see...Anna only had 1 accident, which I thought was a success! We didn't have any come a parts! There was tons of laughter...I couldn't have asked for it to have gone any better! Jack calls Billy Uncle Boo...and Brodie calls him Aunt Billy...I think this is hilarious, by the way!

Sweet Memories...

2009-03-20T17:28:00.001-05:00

The night it all started!

On our hike in Cades Cove

After his surprise birthday party I threw him!

One of my favorites of us...in the car, on our way to Valdosta from his house.

Michael McKenry's wedding

The night he met my dads side of the family!

The night he left for Iraq.

"So is that a Yes or a No?"

2009-03-18T08:34:00.001-05:00

Welp, its official! He did it! After we had our welcome home excitement and as I was coming back to reality he got down on his knee and asked me to marry him!

I love this picture! This is where he was asking me...after he handed me the ring, I inspected it, then started putting it on my finger and realized that I should probably kiss him and check her out later..."so is that a yes or a no?" being the sass that I am I proceeded to shake my head no while kissing him!

WOOHOO!

Mrs. Sparkles! I could not be happier with his pickings! Good Job baby!

The day was truly magical for us! We couldn't be happier to be together again and to be home! After he purposed his roommate, and best man Lugi had a bottle of champagne ready for us! All the guys that he was deployed with knew what he was planning so he grabbed my hand, held it up and yelled, "SHE SAID YES"...big surprise right? He did such a great job making me feel special and in the moment! Mmm

He's Back!!!

2009-03-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

YEY!!! Billy came home on March 6th from what seemed to be the longest 110 days of my life! It was magical to say the least watching his plane land and all of the guys getting off the plane and onto the bus (they rode a bus literally 100 yards to the hanger where the families were waiting for them) then watching them file off the bus. It was like a "Where's Waldo" game trying to figure out which of the 3 buses your airman was on then finding him! We got lucky because I spotted one of his friends before they started filing off the bus so I knew which one he was on! I can't describe to you the emotion that this picture holds. It was so surreal to get to touch him again! I swear that first kiss was the best kiss of my life! It was a crazy thing for me because I was anxious and worried the whole time he was gone and the second we hugged it all went away. I felt like a "momma bear"! Thank you to all who prayed for him while he was gone! Your kindness and love means the world to both of us!

Feel It!

2009-03-17T16:53:00.000-05:00

Hello all! So this first post is a bit awkward for me...how do you start a blog? Is there etiquette? Whatever, Thanks for reading and supporting us! It means the world to us. I love the idea of everyone getting to know him or me through this since we are so spread out! Love you all!