Trying something new...

Hello friends and readers!

Well my first year of marriage is flying by!  I have been married just over ten months and I must say that I love it! And I love my husband! And I love and Thank the Good Lord Above for bringing my Sweet Cowboy and I together.

In April my hubby and I were privileged to attend a Marriage Conference presented by Family Life.  It was such an amazing experience. A wonderful weekend that taught us many things and opened our eyes.

We have lots that we are doing right and things that we need to work on - we are and will always be a work in progress, but with God, we can do this.  We love each other and the Lord and that is what matters most!

For the last twelve weeks or so I have been participating in a Wellness program through my job.  And I have started losing weight and getting more fit.

In an effort to boost my willpower, determination and motivation, I have joined "MyFitnessPal."

If I can ever figure out how, I hope to put the ticker you see below on my Blog Page.  I am hoping this will help be an encouragement for me.

Before my sweet hubby and I decide to have children, I would like to be at a healthier weight, so that I will be better (read healthier) mommy to our children!

Thoughts, suggestions and prayers are always welcome as I continue on this arduous journey.

I will be trying to walk four times a week and I will be trying to continue with my healthier eating habits.

I would love to get my hubby walking with me, but work may not allow that right now.  It's okay - we will figure it out!

Smiles,

~ Athena ~ :-)

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Thirty days of Wedded Bliss… - LATE and The END

Thirty days of Wedded Bliss…

Okay, so I didn’t meet my goal on this Blog… My apologies… Please forgive me.

It is not that I didn’t want to write about the Love of my Life and how wonderful it is being married to my sweet cowboy. I did!

However, time has seemed to not be on my side in this endeavor.

Since I did not write daily (as planned and hoped) I will now write a summary…

Our first two months of marriage have been incredibly busy with our Honeymoon, a funeral (I miss you Grandma), a dear friend’s wedding (Congratulations and I/we love you Kris Kris {And Eric Stewart}!), an awesome linen shower (Thank You Adopted “Grandma” Claudean and 8&40 Partners for this special event held during your great meeting), getting back into the swing of things at work, Church, Bible Studies, meeting great new people and making new friends and various projects around our home.

We were invited to the weddings of two very special couples, but unfortunately had conflicting obligations and were unable to attend their happy nuptial days – but we know they are now happily hitched, just as Eric and I are happily married! =) We wish all three newly married couples a lifetime of Love, Happiness and Marriages Centered on the Lord!

Eric and I have been married for almost 11 weeks now. It has been such an amazing time. It is fun to continue to learn new things about each other and grow together in our marriage as we each grow as individuals and in our relationships with our Great Lord Above who brought us together.

Everyday we are thankful to the Lord for bringing us together and we are thankful to the earthly angels that the Lord worked through to make that happen. We are blessed!

I will have to ask Eric for confirmation, but I think some of our most enjoyable time spent together is when we are preparing supper. We usually try to prepare supper together most evenings (if we are both home from work at a reasonable hour). It is fun trying new recipes and modifying our “usual” dishes to find different and tasty new flavors.

Things are not always cupcakes and roses. This is life we are talking about after all – it has its ups and downs, but I have heard it said that “it’s not the hits that matter, but rather how you take them” or some variation thereof - that could just be my interpretation of the actual quote.

Eric and I are so thankful to have each other and our family and friends that when we are faced with problems we take them to the Lord and we talk them out. Often times we will ask others to help us in prayer (Thank You My Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors!) because we know that “where two or more are gathered…” and it brings a sense of comfort to know that our “peeps” have our backs!

Over Labor Day weekend I was privileged for my sweet hubby to take me on my first official Lake Camping Trip! I have never been camping at the lake – it was AWESOME! I am very much looking forward to our next trip – it was so peaceful and so nice to just get away. I am definitely to do some more “getting away” with my hubby! Okay – minds out of the gutter people – I simply meant that it is nice to be away from the majority of civilization and just be with my hubby… (And the occasional friends we stop and see).

Anyway, I may have veered off track in this “week’s episode,” but I have a slight headache and I started this entry nearly a month ago and still haven’t posted it… I am SO BAD!

Sorry y’all!

Simply said, I love the Lord, I love My Sweet Cowboy Husband, and I love my Family and Friends!

Thank You Lord for my Blessings!

PS – What do you think about the idea of a “Weight Loss Blog?” I need to re-jump-start my weight loss efforts again…

Our First Thirty Days of Wedded Bliss

Wednesday July 20, 2011


Greetings All!

Since it has been quite some time since my last Blog, let me re-introduce myself, I am Athena M. Baxley. Yes, that’s right – I have a new last name! I am now a married woman! =)


I apologize for my Blog being so behind. A very good friend recently pointed out to me, that I very much needed to get back into Blogging gear and get some serious writing done. She also expressed surprise that I did not do a Pre-Wedding Blog, similar to that which I did for my birthday. Frankly, I didn’t think about it, but I also wouldn’t have had the time. Planning a wedding keeps one quite busy – but in a VERY GOOD WAY! =) So, her suggestion (which I very much liked) was to write a Blog about my first thirty days of marriage. It follows…


I will have to back up some to pull this off, so please bear with me. I am going to combine the first several days into this first Blog and will then Blog daily regarding what I am going to call “Our First Thirty Days of Wedded Bliss…”


On Sunday, July 3, 2011, I had the ultimate pleasure and distinct honor of marrying my best friend, the love of my life, my sweet cowboy, Mr. William ‘Eric’ Baxley. Eric and I met on July 3, 2010 thanks to some wonderful mutual friends who set us up on a blind date. We are both eternally grateful to these friends! I truly believe, as does Eric, that God has led us to be together. We are meant to be, guided by the Good Lord above to each other in His good timing.


Eric and I have both been through a lot in our lives and as we have talked about our histories we have found that there have been several opportunities in our lives that our paths could have crossed because we were in the same places at the same times, but it wasn’t time yet. We just weren’t ready yet.


Now that God has deemed us ready to begin our lives together, I feel honored that He chose such an amazing man for me.


Ok, ok, I know – enough drifting – back to the point… Right?!


On July 3, 2011, my sweet cowboy and I Tied the Knot! Our day was special and wonderful and just what we wanted thanks to some very special in our lives! Thank you to those family and friends who stood beside us and with us and helped make our wedding day about us and what we wanted! We are forever grateful and love you all so much!


After a ceremony that included a Memorial Tribute to our family members who watched from above, me being walked down the aisle by my Uncle, my mom giving me away, the braiding of a Cord of Three Strands, Vows, Rings, the lighting of a Unity Candle and prayers, we were married!


We took some photos, then proceeded to our reception where the fun continued with the introduction of the Groom and his Bride, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Baxley, and the introduction of the wedding party. Introductions were followed by a very special “father”/daughter dance. My father passed away six years ago, so all the men who have had an impact on my life were invited to share in a special dance with me that was representative of a “father”/daughter dance. Then my sweet husband and I shared our first dance as a married couple, to Colin Raye’s “One Boy One Girl.” Then there was the mother/son dance.


There was food, dancing, visiting, photos, toasts, the cutting of the cakes (absolutely beautiful and delicious cakes), the tossing of the bouquet and garter and more dancing (our DJ played some awesome music!). Such a wonderful time!


After we left the reception in the truck which had been very artfully decorated in cake icing, we headed to destinations unknown! =) Well, we knew where we were going, but no one else did!


July 4th, 2011 was our first full day of Wedded Bliss. We checked out of the motel we were in, and headed out again. Leaving one state, to travel through two others, just to end up in a different section of the state we left. It was such a beautiful trip. We loved seeing different parts of the country than we had seen before. We both love to travel, so this was a great way to start our honeymoon!


We got checked into another motel – this one we planned to stay at for a few days. There was some sight-seeing to do here!


On July 5th we had a great day out and about and seeing Ruby Falls – a magnificent and beautiful place. Then we had a lovely dinner on a riverboat cruise. The evening ended with a call from my mom telling me that my grandmother (who had not been well for the last year or so) had gone on to be with our Lord in Heaven. We told her we would be home right away – but she wouldn’t hear of it – she told us to continue our honeymoon and have a good time; because that is what my grandmother would have wanted for us.


On July 6th we were again out and about with more sight-seeing, this time we were at the amazing Lookout Mountain and Rocky City. Followed by a ride on the Incline Railroad… Has anyone figured out where we were yet? We were in Chattanooga, TN and oh my, it is absolutely beautiful there! The day was rounded out by a quiet dinner at the Cracker Barrell… =)


On July 7th we checked out of our motel and headed out again to make our way to Missouri. We went through TN this time, instead of dropping down into Mississippi and Alabama like we did on the way to Chattanooga and skirted the outside of Nashville – such a lovely city! Waved to it as we passed and said a silent hello to my sis and her hubby! We got into Kentucky and stopped at a Visitor’s Center and picked up brochures to see what there was to do… Found some things close to the area we were going to be near, but then as we pulled into the area we had been talking about staying in, we saw it – the sign we had been looking for – CASINO! We drove a few more miles into Metropolis, Illinois (and went to the Visitor Center there for brochures and directions) and then found our way to Harrah’s Casino! =) We were so happy, because we had originally wanted to stay in a Casino on our wedding night, but they were all booked… Anyway, being new to the Casino, Eric got comp tickets for dinner and there was a promo going on for a drawing… When he drew he won five bucks in free play – it was his lucky night! We played for a couple hours and didn’t lose all our money! Then, we had a lovely dinner at no charge to us, except for the tip, of course. Then, we drove into the downtown part of Metropolis, Illinois (home of Superman) and found the giant statue of Superman! Oh yeah! Color me happy! It was AWESOME! I totally took pictures! =)


After that, we went back into Kentucky, Padukah, that is, where we found a room for the night.


On July 8th, we checked out and headed out again, finally getting into Missouri. Growing up I was a huge fan of Designing Women, so I was particularly excited to see Poplar Bluff, Missouri where “Charlene” always talked about being from on the show. We stopped in Branson for the night and took in the Hollywood Wax Museum – more great photos from there!



Saturday July 9th – Happy Birthday to me! Eric and I had a wonderful breakfast and followed it with a round of miniature golf on the strip in Branson. Mom met us in Branson, where she gave me my birthday gift. Then we did some shopping at the Factory Outlet Mall there. Eric got mom to help him distract me, so that he could get me a birthday present and card (there wasn’t much time before the wedding to shop for my b-day) and surprised me with them before we left the mall! I have the sweetest hubby ever! And I have a great mommy! From Branson, it was on to Springfield, where we checked into a room, changed clothes and headed to visitation for my grandmother’s funeral.




Sunday July 10th – After the complimentary hotel breakfast, making a trip to the local Walgreens to print some pictures, and a quick swim, we got ready for my grandmother’s funeral. It was a beautiful service both in the funeral home and at graveside. A local church that one of my aunt’s attends held a dinner for the family after the funeral which was very nice and we enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship with each other.



Monday July 11th – We checked out of the hotel and headed home. After about a five and a half hour trip we were safely back in Little Rock! Then the task at hand was to unload the vehicles and get back into routine.



Tuesday July 12th – Wednesday July 20th – We have been back to work and “back in the swing of things” for just over a week now. Sunday the 17th of July made two weeks since we said “I Do” and we are so happy!



Wednesday July 20, 2011 – 17 days ago today I married the man of my prayers and dreams! *Sigh* I Love My Sweet Cowboy Hubby!



Now, in reviewing what I have written – it appears as though I have written a small novel, not just a Blog entry, so I am going to end this one now and will try to write a much shorter version tomorrow! =)


Have a blessed day all! =)

The Holidays...

1-12-11

So this was my first "The Holidays" with my hubby-to-be...

We had a great time!

For Thanksgiving we went to Houston where I got to meet quite a bit of his family - LOVE them! =)

Then we got to go to Galveston (my first time)...  Such a beautiful place - but it was cold, so no water play this time! :-)  Eric's sweet Aunt Gail, took lots of pictures for us.  They are great!  Some are posted on FB...

On the way home we stopped by Athens to see my Uncle Kenny!  That was awesome!  I loved getting to go to church with him and meet his wife, my sweet Aunt Clarice and see one of their grandsons...  It was so wonderful!

For Christmas, we did Christmas Eve lunch with my sis and her hubby to be! =)  Awesome!

Then Christmas Eve dinner with Eric's parents, aunts, and grandpa.  A very nice evening.

Christmas Day Eric and I spent some time together vegging out and being together then had Christmas supper with my mom!  It was wonderful! =)

For New Year's Eric and I went out and had an absolute BLAST ringing in the new year!

The third of Jan was our six (6) month anniversary!  It feels like I have known him forever... A feeling I cherish.  I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this wonderful man! =)

Eric's birthday is next week and we plan to celebrate! =)  Hopefully there will be no winter weather precipitation to spoil our plans!

I enjoy so much our time together and planning our wedding and future with him.  He is so special and wonderful.  I have truly been blessed!

I am Engaged...

I Am Engaged!!

Yippee! Whoopee! Hot Dang! =)

Yes, I am a very happy lady! :-)

On October 31, 2010 my sweet cowboy, Eric took me out onto the front porch of my house and got down on one knee in front of me. He hugged me and as he did he was playing with something behind my back. When he pulled away he was looking all around us. After a long moment I finally started looking around too and then noticed the diamond ring lying on his knee. He took me by the hands and said “Will you marry me?” I said “Yes, Oh Yes!” and he slipped the ring on my finger, then pulled me into another hug and kiss!

We took a few moments to indulge sharing our joy just the two of us...

Then, we immediately started making phone calls and sending out texts.

Everyone is so happy for us! We appreciate all the love and support!

We are super excited and so much in love.

I feel so blessed that God brought this amazing man into my life and me into his.

No plans have been set in stone yet, though we have many ideas. =)

As our plans come together, I will send out Save-The-Dates, Invitations and whatever else it takes to get the word out to interested parties! ;-)

Blessings, etc...

Greetings,

I have wanted to sit down and write again for a while now, but haven’t known where to start. I still don’t know exactly where to start, but this is a better beginning than letting the thoughts continue to roll around in my head.

I want to talk about blessings, a book that I just finished listening to, my sweet love, my daddy, my mom, coming closer to the Lord and seeing what he has done for me, my friends and my family… Now how do I work all that into an entry that’s going to flow and make some sense?

Let’s start by introducing or possibly re-introducing my sweet love, Eric… I think I have probably introduced him before around the time I met him or shortly thereafter at my 30th Birthday Party.

Eric is one of the blessings I mentioned earlier. Years ago, I wrote a list and placed it in my Bible of the characteristics that my “Mr. Right” would possess. Over the years I have modified that list as I have grown up and realized more of what matters and what doesn’t and have continued to pray about finding the man who would fit that bill. A couple of weeks after meeting Eric, I pulled the most recent version of that list out of my Bible and reviewed it. Much to my delight, but not surprise Eric met EVERY SINGLE characteristic on that list. He is truly wonderful and heaven sent.  Thank You Lord for this Wonderful Man You Have Brought Into My Life!

With Eric came the blessings of his family, friends and Church Family. I have met so many wonderful people through Eric. It’s funny he introduces me and later says “he/she is a really good person…” They are all really good people! His family, friends and Church Family are all wonderful people and blessings to know!

Of course my Church Family is also a blessing. Bless their hearts some of them have known me since I was a child. My Pastor baptized me when I was only nine years old.

My mom and daddy have always been and will continue to be the most amazing blessings every bestowed upon me. My parents are amazing. I miss my Daddy more than words can express. It is a physical pain some of the time. My mom is amazing – she is strong and beautiful, so smart and has a wonderful, generous, giving heart and nature. As much as I miss my daddy, I am grateful to still have my wonderful mother. I love her and my daddy bunches!

Much like Eric’s friends, my friends are all also really good people and blessings to know! I love them all dearly and am very grateful to have each of them in my life!

I have been attending church regularly again for a little over a year now, but not until recently have I begun to see the Lord’s work in my life. I have always known he is there, but it just seems like lately I can see his work more than ever before. Talk about a blessing!? That’s definitely a blessing to me! I feel that I have been becoming closer to the Lord.
Eric has a very strong relationship with the Lord which encourages me to work on my relationship with the Lord. As my relationship with the Lord grows I can see more of his work in my life and I love that way that feels. As Eric and I grow closer together, we also want our relationships with the Lord to grow as well.  We have begun working on a Bible Study for Dating Couples and are enjoying the time spent together in quiet reflection on the Lord, the Lord's Word and His amazing Love.

The book I just finished listening to is “The Shack” by William Young. This was an amazing novel, one that touched my heart and mind. It made me laugh, cry and it made me think. I plan to listen to this book again and most likely read the hard copy of the book as well. It is such an amazing and engaging story. I loved listening to it. I have asked Eric to listen to it with me as well. My mom gave me the audio book after she read the hard copy. I think the book was an inspiration for my mom and will be to my sweet love also.

I started this entry nearly a month ago now.  I had to stop writing because other things came up and I didn't post it because I didn't have a conclusion.
 
In that time I have experienced another amazing blessing.  For the first time I was able to truly share with a good friend my relationship with the Lord.  My friend believes in God, but hasn't accepted him into her heart and it is my prayer that she will.  She has been going through alot lately and not knowing what else I can do I have given her hugs and prayers and told her that I would be there for her.  After speaking to Eric's pastor about the situation he provided me with a "beginner's" Bible and material for my friend which she gratefully accepted.  I am so excited to see the Lord moving in my life and hers in this way.  It is phenomenal to know that I may have helped a beautiful young woman take her first steps to dedicating her life to the Lord.  I am grateful to God for this amazing blessing.
 
I have been in prayer for many of my other family and friends who have been struggling with health and other issues and I lift them all up to God for his healing grace and love to touch them. 
 
My sister is getting married in April and I am super excited for her!  I get to help plan her wedding and be a Bridesmaid! Yay!  It makes me cry... I am so happy for her!  And sad that my daddy won't be here to see it, but I know he will be watching from above!
 
One of my dear friends is getting married in March and I am looking forward to that wedding as well!
 
Three of my favorite ladies (and great friends) are pregnant and I can't wait to be a part of their baby showers!
 
Life is GOOD!  GOD IS GREAT!  REAL LOVE IS AMAZING!  My heart is full and happy, except for missing my daddy and so many others - I love you all and wish you were still here to share in all these joys with me.

7-9-10 ~ ~ ~ ~ Happy Birthday To Me!!! =)

Friday July 9, 2010

Aloha! ~ Happy 30th Birthday Athena! ~ Aloha!

Birthday Babe!! ;-)

Today is the BIG day! I turn thirty (30) today and it is the end of my “Thirty days to the Big 30” Blog writing project.

This has turned out to be a really good project for me. I feel like I have accomplished something pretty cool, even though I didn’t do it exactly like I wanted (writing every day)… I still feel pretty good about the outcome.



I only worked half a day today because I had so much to do before my party this evening.


When I got to work, it had been decorated by my coworkers and friends, CJ, Pam and MaryJo with Palm Trees, Balloons that read “30 …the party continues,” streamers with a big “30” hanging from them, a luau girl with a lei on my door, a pineapple cup, purple shades, purple lei and a big “30” sign for everyone to sign. I loved it and that made my morning! =) Thank y’all!!! =-)

After work, I had to go decorate the Idlewild Party House for my Luau. Mom and I worked together decorating and had fun with that. The Idlewild Party House is a really neat place right off JFK in North Little Rock. It can be rented from the NLR Parks & Rec. office. I really liked that location!




Then I had to run home change clothes and get some more stuff for the party. My sweet sister Ashley and her boyfriend Brian were kind enough to pick up my boyfriend for me, since they were all in the Benton area. My sis is so good to me! She even picked up some last minute items and helped so much when she got there. Come to think of it, Sister Pam also helped with the party! =)




After the Luau, where I had lots of good friends, yummy food and a great time, we cleaned up and those of us who wanted a drink, drove on over to Smokey’s Pub.


At Smokey's Pub, CJ had a table set aside and ready for us.  I drank two absolutely yummy shots of cinnamon liquor!!! I haven’t had that in FOREVER! It was soo good! Eric was with me the whole time and it was wonderful.

Eric surprised me with a kiss as CJ was about to take our picture... I love this! =)

Cheers!! CJ and Marky Mark (hand only pictured) shooting Fireball, while I enjoy HotDamn!

Having Ashley, my mom, Eric and all of my other friends and family there to celebrate with me made my birthday absolutely perfect. Thank you all so much for being a special part of my birthday! Your love and friendship means the world to me. I know some of you couldn’t make it to my party, but still sent your love and best wishes and that means the world to me also. You were missed.




I had a slide show playing during the party of “My Life in Review” with pictures of me growing up. That was fun and my blog from the 8th has a mini version of that slide show. Mom had set up a couple of guessing games, where you had to guess the number of jelly beans in one jar and the number of purple M&M’s in another jar. Our guests had a good time with those games. The winners were both people who have known me since I was a very young girl. One since I was about five (5) the other since I was about eight (8) or nine (9)… Awww…

Me, Pam, Jim, and Ms. Pat. *Jim was one of the game winners.

Me, Pastor Charles and his wife Sister MaryLou. *Sister MaryLous was the other game winner.

I also had a memorial set up for my Daddy and the other family and friends that I have lost over the last several years. I displayed something I had written with a picture of Daddy and a mini Buddha statue, because Daddy’s nickname was “Lil Buddha” and a lit candle that my dear cousin Laura provided me with. That was on the end of the table with the games. At the other end of that table was a beautiful birthday letter that mom had written to me. I thought it was so special and beautiful that it had to be displayed.

Memorial

Memorial, Games, Poster to Sign, and Letter from Mom

I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I enjoyed having them at my party!

I have been blessed with amazing parents, a loving family, and the best friends ever! I received numerous (approximately 75) wishes for a Happy Birthday on my Facebook… II am truly grateful for all of those wishes and tried to respond to each one individually!

Best Birthday EVER!

Best Family EVER!

Best Friends EVER!

Best Boyfriend EVER!!!

I am so blessed! God is So Good All of the Time! All of the Time God Is Good!

My Awesome Mom and Me!

Me & My Sister Ashley

Me & My Sweetie Eric

Me & Lil Sis Candace (CandyKid)

Me & Sista Kim

Me & David

Me & CJ

I'm bummed that I don't have a pic of me and Pam to go right here... She was doing most of the picture taking for me and then she left without me snagging her for a photo op... =(

I also missed getting a pic in front of the "aloha" sign with CJ cause she had to jett out to get to Smokey's and get our table ready.

I also missed getting a pic with the Varty Clan...  I'm glad they were there and bummed that there is no photo of all us together! =) / =(

Me, Ashley, Brian, Gretchen, and Daddy Larry.

Me and My Sweetie filling up the punch bowl.

I am dancing the Hula...

Me & Jr... He was being silly!

A picture of Pam talking to Eric, with Brian and Me in the background... At least I have proof Pam was there! =)

Jamie & Jade...  Sadly this photo is missing Maigan, Doug and Payden, but I'm glad I've got part of the Varty Clan! =)

I made a wish blowing out the candles on my beautiful cake!  Thanks mom! =)

Wonder Gal!

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was the song of choice!  My boyfriend is so sweet - he said I didn't suck! 
I know I can't sing!!  It's okay!!  We had FUN!! =)

Aloha and Mahalo.  Thank you so much to everyone once again for making my birthday so special and memorable!  I think I am going to LOVE my thirties!! It's not so bad afterall!!  And things are already off to a WONDERFUL start!!

Thirty Year Review...

Thursday July 8, 2010




Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad…


Today would be their Wedding Anniversary. I know mom misses Daddy as much as I do if not more. Let me just go ahead and say, THAT’S A LOT OF MISSING!!!



Today was another a busy day for me. Lot’s to do to prepare for tomorrow. The best part of today was getting to have dinner with friends though. Jamie, Doug and the kids had Eric and me over for dinner tonight. Yay! I am so glad that it worked out that Eric and I didn’t have to wait from Monday to Friday to see each other. I like that we got to see each other on Wed, tonite and then we’ll see each other tomorrow! =)

This entry is going to be a brief “Thirty Year Review.”

I was born in 1980 with coal black hair during one of the hottest summers on record here in Arkansas.

I grew up with two very loving parents who made sure I had everything I needed and many of the things I wanted, without letting me become a spoiled brat!

I lost my coal black hair, and was briefly a blond, followed at last my dark brown hair…

Great friends have become family and family has remained steadfast!

Some loves started early and have continued well into my adulthood…

I am excited for tomorrow!  It will be a great day!

My Sweetheart loves the Lord! =)

Wednesday July 7, 2010


I am writing this late of course… The week of my birthday was more hectic than I anticipated, especially with the wonderful addition of my new sweetheart and sadly, my Blog writing got pushed even farther to the back… Therefore my memory of this week has begun to fade to the point, where this will probably be another very short entry and just hit the memorable highlights…

Work was okay today.

Eric and I talked this morning. He misses me as much as I miss him. He wanted to go to a concert, but I told him I had Bible Study to attend and asked him to accompany me. He seemed interested, but was unsure of the time schedule. He texted me later to ask if he could go with me… I told him of course!!! =)

He met me at my house and drove us to Bible Study and we had dinner with the group then we had Bible Study. We have started a new study, so it was perfect timing. He said he enjoyed Bible Study with us. I know I enjoyed it. I love that I have found someone who enjoys not only spending time with me, but also enjoys spending time learning about the Lord and studying the Word of God! I am so excited!

Today ended up being a great day! I am excited for the rest of the week and my birthday! It’s gonna be great!

Back to work...

Tuesday July 6, 2010


Happy Tuesday!

Only four more days left…

My how time has flown!? It just seems to go by quicker and quicker.

Eric and I text and talk regularly now and he is so sweet. He makes me happy.

I have been so busy that I haven’t had time to go work out. =(
I have had too many other things going on.  I have been working, preparing for my party (nailing down a location, food, etc…) and talking to Eric. =)

I miss Eric. I have to wait ‘till Friday to see him again and that just seems too far away. Funny huh, to miss someone that I just met… But I want to spend more time with him and get to know him better.

Met the Parents...

Monday July 5, 2010


Happy Observed Fourth of July! Yay for Observed Holidays! My office was closed today!! =)

I was able to hang around the house and be lazy and comfortable and wash & dry a load of laundry! Wahoo!

I was supposed to take Jadelyn to the movies, but she cancelled so that she could wait on her little brother… Can I get an “aww?” I thought it was really sweet and adult of her to wait for her brother to come home. He wants to see the same movie and would be upset that we went without him, so she made the decision to wait. I am so proud of her.

But, that left me all dressed and nowhere to do, so guess what? Eric saved the day, he called and asked if I would like to have dinner with him and his parents. I said he yes… His response?? “Okay, I will come pick you up!” What?! Yep, that’s right, he came and picked me up, opened the door of the truck and everything. When he picked me up, he met mom at the house and she seemed to like him. She really like that he was picking me up for a date and that he opened the truck door for me.

At dinner, I met his parents and an aunt. His family is great, almost as great as he is. ;-) We enjoyed a great dinner cooked by his mom and aunt. It was all very tasty! They are so sweet; they even sent pound cake home to my mom! =) We also enjoyed nice conversation.

We held hands in the truck all the way to and from dinner. It was so sweet. After we got to my house, we just sat in his truck for awhile listening to music and talking. Then he gave me a very sweet and innocent goodnight kiss before I walked in the door. This was another fantastic evening.

He is such an amazing guy!

Happy Independence Day!!

Sunday July 4, 2010

Hi ya’ll!!! Happy Fourth of July!!

I went to church this morning after being woken up by a super sweet text from Eric! =)

Eric asked me to go with him to see the Fireworks in Benton and I agreed. I look forward to it.

After church, mom and I had lunch and rested for a while.

My car wouldn’t start when I left church or when I got ready to leave the house to meet Eric. I had to have my battery jump started. Being the sweetheart he is, when I told Eric about it he offered to change my battery out for me. So, we went to Autozone, I bought the battery and he put it in for me. My car is starting just fine now! =) See, I told you he was sweet!

We went to his friend Cayce’s house and had dinner with him and his girlfriend Alicia. They are an adorable couple and great people! I had a blast hanging out with them and of course with Eric! They also cooked some YUMMY food. Fried fish, fried taters, hush puppies, and grillin beans!! Yummy!

After the yummy dinner we went across the street and set up our chairs and watched the Fireworks. They were so beautiful. And (laugh if you must) but I got “tinglies” when Eric reached over and took my hand during the Fireworks.

After the Fireworks we went inside, where Eric and I curled up on the couch for the last half of “The Proposal.” I love that movie!

Again, we texted each other all the way home and I liked it! ;-)

Once again, Happy Fourth of July!!!  I hope you each had a fun and safe Holiday!  Mine was Simply Sparkling!  ;-)