Listening to God, a journey through cake, photography and a wedding dress!

There have been times in my life that God has used a mega phone in my ear. Once when he led me to stop making cakes. I had been doing cakes out of my home for years. Almost 16 to be a fact. I could eat,sleep and breathe cakes. If I wasn't doing a cake I was looking at them online or in a magazine. Then one day when I was praying .I heard Him say give it up. I thought surely not. I must be crazy. I am finally getting a lot of business and making  good money. I was in my own mind doing good. I had even won some cake competitions,and was teaching others  how to do cakes also.. ok, I need to stay on mark here. God was telling me to quit. I did not listen at first.
 God started closing doors in my business. People would call and cancel their orders. Or "forget" to pay me. Or my mixer would break. It was always something. then He did something I never ,ever dreamed He would do. He took my desire. I was praying again and I told Him God if you want me to quit: take my want to . He did. That very day. I no longer wanted to look at a cake or a cake magazine. I didn't want to think of cake. It literally turned my stomach.
 I started to sale my equipment . I turned people down over and over. He was changing me. He was molding me. I was letting Him. I was so scared. But how could I be so scared when I knew without a doubt I was in His will .  Finally I was listening to Him. I was happy, nervous and excited to see where He was taking me.What  did He have in mind?
 I kept seeking his will , He kept blessing. He gave me another hobby, a new love started. Photography. For every Like I had on my cake page. God gave me extra on my photography page. For every cake I turned down He would send me a client to photograph. It was fun to see God open doors that I never thought would be attainable. His ways are not our ways. But I trust God!!! I trust Him I do. I have learned to listen. When He speaks.. I take notes. Like with this Blog. He told me who to talk to ,who to ask for help. He matched me up with DeAnna  a long time ago. Maybe even for this purpose right here. to help someone else, to trust Him. To walk by faith.  A few months ago God talked to me again. I was shopping in a store and I decided to go to the next shop and look around. That store happened to be a formal dress shop. I went in thinking I was looking for my daughter a pageant dress and ... well God had other ideas. as I scanned the dresses I got stopped dead in my tracks. God said buy it. Buy this dress right now. I remember looking at the price tag and the size. Staring at how perfect it was. But I knew, no one getting married. Nor did I need a wedding dress whose price started out at $1200. CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!! I have lost it. 100% yep I am nuts . I looked at the dress for at least a half an hour. Thinking and praying. Wondering who in the world would God want me to buy this dress for.
 I left the store. I walked out without listening.. I questioned God.. and I knew better. I had learned that its better just to listen and obey... there really isn't any other way. I got home and I felt horrible. I could not get that blasted dress out of my head. I told my daughter what happened in the store. She was questioning my judgement herself. I went to sleep that night. thinking about that gorgeous dress. I knew it was meant for someone I knew. It had to be a special dress.

Morning comes  , I get out of bed . the dress pops into my head. uuuggghhh. so I get into the shower. God screams at me with that mega phone.. Hello its for DeAnna. You should trust me! Oh my word!!I hop out of the shower. No towel ( do not visualize)I grab my phone and scroll through caller id.  With wet hands and all.I call DeAnna. I tell her she is going to think I am crazy but I need her to take a ride with me. A ride God has me take her on by faith. She never thought twice about going with me to Aiken. DeAnna and Donald were to be doing a vow renewal soon but De was going to wear a red dress. So we thought. Oh well we get to the store. I show her the dress. She tries it on,tears stream down both of our faces. God has done it again!!!! DeAnna felt like a bride. All her hard work with losing 220 lbs . God was giving her a gorgeous reward. It almost fit perfectly. A tiny bit of work with alterations and this dress would be PERFECT .  She was speechless. I was speechless. That in its self if you know either one of us is uncanny. we are blabber mouths. She was repeating O I look skinny. I feel so pretty. She was!! She was showing on the outside what God had done on the inside. Her beauty was everywhere. God had done it again. He had proved to me... girl trust ME. We bought the dress. And just the other night I got to photograph the most amazing woman I know. In that dress, the dress God gave her.  What a blessing to me to watch her. I am so proud of her. Listen to His voice. He will not steer you wrong. He will not misguide you. Walk with Him He will supply your needs... and give you some of your wants too!Trust HIM!    God is FAITHFUL!!

Merry Christmas Eve.

Daddy, Mama, Tina (sister), Charlie (brother) and Me Christmas 1980ish.

This year is my first Christmas without my daddy, ever. Yep, I was blessed enough to spend all 38 Christmases before, with him and most of my family. That is a blessing and the blessing is what I hope to stay focused on this year. I am also blessed that this is my first Christmas having my brother and his beautiful family here with us physically in many years. There are hard things in play right now also. My mom is having a hard time getting over the loss of my father and I am not sure how to be there for her. I am a fixer and just want to make it all better so we can get back to being happy....but guess what? I can't fix this. However I do know that God is at work in our lives and He wants to bring about beauty. He is our father and has been since we surrendered our lives to Him. He will not fail us!

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

This last verse is my life line when I am grieving. God gave me this verse when we lost our Libby Grace through adoption loss. It is the perfect reminder that peace only comes from our God and Our Savior. He is worthy of our trust and focus. While it is hard not seeing my dad and knowing that our earthly relationship has come to completion, it is a huge comfort to know that he is in heaven cheering us on in our days left. It is also comforting to know that I am surrounded by family and friends who love me, who pray for me and who want to see my life glorify the Lord. Grief and pain at a joyous time is not easy but wasn't that first Christmas tinged with sadness to come? Sadness that would redeem the world? I think now more than ever I truly will be worshipping Christ this Christmas. Celebrating a Savior rather than a season. Praying for you as you set out to glorify Him this Christmas!

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” John 16:16

This is our hope that we will see Christ in a little while, these times may seem endless but they will only endure for a little while, and then we will be with our Savior, our reward
. Merry CHRISTmas! The Pearson Family!

The Thankful Tree

I have got so much to thank God for.Where do I begin.. I know! I am going to pose my own challenge for next year.

   First let me say I love Christmas I really do , but its the hardest time for me also. I also found that I wish it was Christmas daily. Weird right.. :)
 All the month of November everyone puts up on Facebook how thankful they are daily. But December gets here and its such a busy month we do forget to still be thankful. Hence next year I am going to do things a little different at my house.  Everyday starting Christmas day this year I am going to cut  piece of paper ,write my blessing of the day.. something that brought me joy on that paper. I will then attach a string to it. Next year this time... or whenever I put up my tree I want to have a tree full of paper. So when I add lights to my tree and then the papers the lights will illuminate all the little things that have made me happy all year.  It will be my thankful tree. My Jesus hung apon a tree. So I can be thankful! So we can be thankful!  I challenge you to do the same. Make next year special... then lets all post pictures of our thankful trees. I bet I can't get 10 people to do it.. I bet .
  How do you think my family will feel when they go check out my tree and they see something written on that note that they have done for me.. They will have joy . They will know they were a blessing to me, to their family. 
  So here is the challenge: buy some card stock ,different colors.  cut the pieces into a shape or a square.. I think a star would be cool.. then every day write on your cut out.. I bet you even by the end of week one you will have a spark of Christmas joy.  At the end of the month do a recap.. READ your blessings. Repeat this every month..until its Christmas 2014. Then post your pictures . Right here. Back to this blog. Post them to me. So that everyone can see. Get creative , have fun . There is no right or wrong tree. Its your tree of thankfulness.
 Stay tuned I will keep you posted on how its going. Merry Christmas!!!!! The Sinclair's

The joys in infertility...

Last night a little after 8pm I received a call announcing the birth of my sweet sister in Christ's new baby boy. She called me from the delivery room! Man did I ever feel special. What a blessing! I have never had reason to be in a delivery room as the guest of honor. God chose to build our family through adoption. This journey and decision, that was completely out of my control didn't come without heartache and much pain. However it isn't without it's joys too. I know that may sound crazy to some, but seeing the silver lining is how I have survived my life with infertility.

When this friend was expecting I was kept up to date on all major milestones, I was asked to plan his baby shower and then came the call from the delivery room. This friend is not the only one to treat me so well. I have been first on a list of contacts after the birth of a sweet, sweet baby girl that is now in school was born. I was present in the delivery room when my niece came into this world almost 15 years ago. I was there hours after my 2nd God son made his appearance into this world and I was at the house when he came home from the hospital, my sister in law called and told me she was pregnant almost first, and called us as she was in labor to come to Florida and share in her happy time, and I still remember the first time I felt my brother's oldest kick in utero for the first time. Each of these mother's shared their pregnancies and babies with me, I was allowed to be part of their joy and experiences. Which at the time, we all hoped that God would open my womb and bless us biologically but they still wanted to bless me and allow me to be a part of their joy. I don't think they know the HUGE impact and blessings their choices have brought me. When things were bleak after losing our Libby Grace through adoption loss at 3 days old it was these memories and friendships that got me through. When we waited for our babies to arrive I was able to imagine the scenes that took place in their delivery rooms even though I wasn't there. And the most important blessing of all is I was treated normally. They didn't keep me at arms length because I was barren and they didn't know what to do. I wanted to take the time and say thank you to each of my dear sisters in Christ that have allowed me to share in your babies and pregnancies and I want you to know that in doing so each of you have touched my life in a mighty way and have brought me much joy!

JOY

Today I feel like crying.

 I don't feel like anyone likes me, loves me or appreciates me. 

I feel like if I had a hole to crawl in ,I would. I am defeated, deflated . 

  BUT, as I set here and type my heart starts to swell. 

I can hear that little voice inside my head say, you are LOVED, you are wanted by ME. 

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

So as I type with tears on my cheeks. I will say: Satan get away. 

You do not have any control over my mind. 

You will not steal my joy!!! I am not defeated !

God is on my side!!!! Praise His Holy Name!

  This time of year we all get so busy and we forget sometimes that we are so blessed. Granted, all November we talked about it daily all over Facebook. Oh what a difference a few days makes.
Here is a challenge... what if today we start something. We start a pay it forward.  If for Christmas you get a gift like a new shirt. Give a gift of an old shirt you have to Salvation Army. If your kids get a toy, tell them to give a toy to another child that may not have one. My kids keep wanting, this year I am going to make sure they give back and me too.  Make someone else's day. If you are at Starbucks getting a treat. Pay for the person behind you. Or buy the man at McDonalds a cup of coffee. Do something for someone else. Not because you have to, but because you can. Be a blessing. Instead of stocking stuffers go buy socks for the mission. Your heart will swell. It really will be like Christmas in your heart. Trust me. No time to be down in the dumps now! Remember J O Y. Jesus Others and You!

My Prayer

I humble myself before you Lord. 

Mold me , make me in your likeness. In your image. 

Shape me to be the woman you want me to be. 

The wife you'd have me to be. 

Restore my longing to be the keeper of the home. 

Help me to love others as you have loved me. 

Remove people that are not good for me.

 Guide my feet where I trod.

 Close my mouth before I stumble.

 Control my temper, grant me grace to accept things I can not change. 

I am nothing without you Lord. 

Every breathe I am given is from you.

 My heart longs to serve you. 

Forgive me where I have failed.

  I love you Lord. You are my dearest friend. You have loved me when no one else did. 

I need you Lord. O, how I need thee. 

Hear my heart, I pray thee. 

O God bless my family. Keep us safe. Save my family Lord. I give them to you.

 I don't want them to die without knowing you. 

I don't know what tomorrow holds, I know you hold it.

 Thank you , Thank you for everything . 

From great to small Lord, I thank you. 

I am so blessed. Your mercies are abundant.

 Oh I need thee. Lord, I beg for you to show up in situations. 

You know my heart. My pain. My thorn. I give it to you. 

I thank you for your strength to make it through. 

I give this all to you. I give myself to you. I praise you. 

My mighty King. You are my fortress through it all. 

Help guide me from this wilderness.  

Shine love into my face, please take the darkness from my mind. 

Let me focus.

 Let me be a light to the world. so I may show others your salvation.

I love you Lord. I Praise thee. Thank you Lord. In your HOLY , Precious name. I pray . Amen.

Expect Change...

I always chuckle to myself when I hear people say "My spouse has changed" as if they weren't expecting it. Really? When do we ever stay the same? The only thing constant in life is change and that applies to those we love. So if this is your attitude start praying for God to correct it. 

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ~ Phillipians 2:3

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ~Romans 12:2

When I look back at the time line of our marriage we have endured a lot of change. It never occurred to us to let that become a wedge in our marriage. I guess we just expected it, since change started early on. Our family size has changed, my weight, our financial status, and on and on it goes. Our newest change has been with Donald's health. I will admit that it completely surprised us, he has always been healthy and diabetes is the last thing we thought he would face. It threw him for a loop and he had a hard time coming to terms with it. During these days I did balk, I wanted my care-free husband back, but he couldn't give me that, and I had to dig deep and give him an understanding wife that even though I didn't understand what he was going through allowed him to explore this journey, and find his way. That is what marriage is, accepting change and allowing our spouses to grow and become the person God has created them to be, His will is far greater than any desire we may have in this area. The good news is God never changes, so if we seek His will then there is the consistency and stability we crave, in the proper perspective.

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. ~James 1:17

Finding the wife of his youth, again.

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Proverbs 5:18

This weekend I had the priviledge of spending time with a new teen couple and they were stinking sweet. I am convinced that we do not spend enough time with the younger generation. They could help us out a lot if we allowed it. They would remind us to enjoy the one we love, how to shut out all the background noise and just focus on The One we choose to walk this life with. And in turn we could help give them tools to create a strong spiritually centered relationship, after all we have been there, made the mistakes and bought the T-shirts. 

Okay so one thing that struck me as I was with them is how much fun they had together. There was no shortage of laughter and bantering back and forth. As life crowds in on us we get more and more serious and forget to joke and just be senselessly silly with the love of our life and in a lot of cases our fun loving spouses can annoy us and cause us to resent them if we are not careful and do not change our attitude. So in this spirit I started tweaking my date night list (yes there is a list, sad I know but I am a list person). I came across Seventeen Magazine's Romantic Date Lists and what struck me was how many of these date ideas had never been crossed off my list. Now how much fun is it going to be to just seize the day with the man of my dreams? I will get to enjoy all the folly of youthful dates, with the joy of marriage. I believe this is what God had in mind when he created Adam and Eve and marriage. Not the stress ridden institution we try to make it. When stress takes over it is time to stop and re-evaluate our priorities and try a different plan of action in many cases. There is freedom in a Godly marriage to explore and enjoy one another with God's blessing. I know this may sound silly to some of you, just promise me you will give it a try. You never know how much fun you might be missing. And I guarantee you that it will bring you closer to your love.

Fun date idea links:  http://www.essortment.com/55-creative-cheap-dating-ideas-teens-50053.html
            http://www.seventeen.com/love/date-ideas-for-teens#category1-1

Get to know you better activity: http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2013/01/spice-up-your-marriage-30-date-your.html

Through my Lens

DeAnna's moment in time, captured by yours truly.

Breaking news.... Newsflash.... WE ARE NOT ALL PICTURE PERFECT!   I stand behind the lens a lot, I notice clothing , crooked smiles, stray hairs, lip stick on teeth. Lord forbid... pimples. I see flaws... I see the person who stands in front of me.. Trying to be happy, knowing they are insecure.. knowing they are nervous... What will this crazy woman make me do. Ha Ha, stand on your head. Not! Only if you can of course.. :)  In my case I see double chins and a girly mustache. Some of us are fat some of us are skinny. But the thing I see first and foremost when I am behind the lens is a human being.
   You are a beautiful human being. Even with your crooked smile, stray hairs and lip sticked teeth and pimples. The pictures I capture are beautiful, each and every one.  I hope you can see into you. Your story.. your pages. What I want to give to you is a memory. I want you to see that for 1 hour maybe 2 you are important!  You are, you are to me. I consider you my new friends. I know that  life is not all grins and giggles. But I also know that we need to feel pretty, treasured. Yes, even the guys as macho as they are need to feel manly and like a protector, like a leader.

Ladies... be proud of the women you are.. God made you and you are unique and beautiful. You are  blessed!  Snap, Snap... tilt your head down. Chin up. With every click you warm up to me.. your inner beauty shines.. that's that beauty you don't even realize you possess . So what I see behind my glass is YOU! The real you. The beautiful, blossoming you! I see your smile . I see life . I see happy times . I see it in your eyes. There is hope for tomorrow's future, inside those telling eyes. Even if you're having a rough time.. I see it.. so the next time you book a session with your photographer... Remember I can fix any flaw in photo shop, but that isn't what I look at.  I see happiness in your attitude, your eyes. Your story is being told. I see on your page a life, you have a bright future, brimming with promise and possibilities. When you look back at your pictures you will remember a time, you will remember the place. They will transport you to a happier time when life overtakes you, when hope is lean. Pictures are our time capsules. Treasure each moment, it doesn't last very long.     Snap,Click!    Cheese!!

Break is over!

Andi and I are sorry for our little break. A lot of things happened when we started this blog. Our marriages got stronger as we became more aware of how we were treating our spouses and how Christ wanted us to treat/love our spouses. Then the enemy took notice and started testing us, so we took some time out to focus on what means the most, our families and marriages. After all this is what this blog is all about, to encourage you to nurture and find contentment in the marriage you have. For both of us our marriages are our most prized gift from God. It is the backbone that our families are built upon.

  Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD. ~Proverbs 19:14

 There are a lot of exciting things going on for both of us. Andi's photography business is growing and expanding. She is really coming into her own as a photographer and artist. Then,  Donald and I are planning our 10th wedding anniversary, time sure has flown. We decided to celebrate with a vow renewal, at times I wonder what I was thinking but I know it will be worth it. I will share more with you as the time draws near. We have missed sharing what God is teaching us and hearing from you all and we are happy to be back with you!

Celebrate!

I believe that we don't celebrate the small things enough. Most of the time we wait for something big. How much better would life be if we took the time to enjoy the smaller, insignificant things?

 In our home we celebrate Fridays with movie and junk food. We celebrate birthdays twice...on the day just us and on the weekend with family and sometimes friends. This causes us to take our eyes off our obstacles and for a few moments focus on our blessings. These celebrations don't have to be extravagant, expensive endeavors. We enjoy simple much more. And with us in the middle of a spending freeze until further notice there is plenty of motivation to get creative and enjoy what God has already blessed us with.

 My favorite celebration happens nightly. Donald and I find time to either talk on the phone if he is working nights and just flirt and connect, time seems to slow down and things seem better when I have this time to talk to my love. If he is home, we have dinner together after the kids are in bed and enjoy either a movie or one of our favorite shows. This is my favorite time of the day and it gives us both something to look forward to when the days get busy and chaotic. It also shows our children that you must intentionally nurture your marriage DAILY. Of course they tease us and say how gross we are, but I know that this act isn't lost on them.
How will you and your spouse celebrate your marriage today?

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8-9

The Snake.

Yesterday I was out running around,so I called my grandma to ask her get my youngest child ,who is 11 ,off the bus. Her house is right next door to ours. He usually drops his book bag on the porch and runs over there until I get home. Well today his bike was on the porch.. it had rained all night and he didn't want his bright electric orange paint to fade or get messed up by the rain.. He says rust and orange clash. Anyways, he drops his bag on the porch grabs his handle bars and starts to push the bike off backwards. All of sudden he looks down only to see a big black snake with yellow on him sitting by his tires.
 Matt screams and probably scares the snake to death. Off he runs to grandmas for help, to get a rake, a gun, a broom what ever she can find. He knows his mama does NOT like snakes. So he is going to protect his house and his mama! I am so proud of my boy!
 As Christians don't we sometimes  let that snake scare us? Satan likes to raise his head and try to scare us or jar us, knock us off God's course. Just as that snake startled Matthew, the devil tries his best to insinuate himself into our day, our thoughts and our actions. Causing us to run from God.  Matt ran for help . We should run directly to our Heavenly Father for help when things come our way, that we don't like or can't handle. Harmful situations will happen both spiritually and physically, God is our strength.  He will be our shield and our refuge. As grandma's house was for Matt. God will guard us from the dangers that come our way and keep us on course.
 Matt will surely look around the porch for dangers like snakes for sure. We need to look around our surroundings for things or people that will do us harm, use discernment, it is a gift from God. Guard your hearts by surrounding yourself with things that honor and please God.  Shoo the dangers, negative thoughts, a criticizing spirit, bitterness away ... get into God's word...it is the best weapon!

The Dreaded...

Laundry,Laundry,Laundry (to the tune of Marsha, Marsha ,Marsha!) I am such a wiener when it comes to doing laundry. I de-test it! It is a never ending pile of mountainous mess, all the time. I dread  Mondays especially, since I do not do laundry on weekends. That means when I wake up on Monday morning it is staring me straight in the face!

 BOO. BOO I can hiss at it ,its still there.

Today was like no other, my hubby comes in early wakes me up and says. I am running late babe I have no pants. That statement rings in my half asleep ears. I roll out of bed knowing that the hunt is on. ( My husband and son wear the same size pants) So Ethan, tends to wear his dads pants not knowing, well maybe! SO here I go on a mission. Silently praying , Lord, I need to be that good wife and have my mans pants clean and ready. He works so hard for us. Lord, help me find him at least one pair, not the too short ones. He looks so silly in those. Tall man problems ya know. Being 6 foot 6 and all he has issues with length  and they are so stinking expensive! Who would think a pair of pants would be such a problem. Sigh,.. back to my task at hand. Looking high and low for these pants. I see all the lovely dirty ones but no clean ones. I pray a little harder! Please Lord, don't let me be his stumbling block this morning . I want him to have a good day. So in and out of the laundry room I go. Into my boys rooms still on the search. I go to close my son's door and what in front of  my wandering eyes does appear..... A pair of pants!! Angelic voices sing through my head! I praise God ! And run to the bedroom smiling from ear to ear I found them! I am not a failure, I am not a sloth for letting the mountain of clothes betwixt me! I have found the blessed pants! At this time I think they should be glowing! LOL My darling hubby says thanks and kisses me softly as I drift back to sleep while listening to "I LOVE LUCY" theme song. I can't help but  think I am so like her! Never a dull moment.  Now, I am off to do laundry. Wish me luck! Happy Wednesda y'all! 

Delight in your Love.

Today I want you to find some way to delight in your love. The person whom God has given you to share this life with. Forget for a few minutes about all the obstacles you face, the annoyances that eat away at you and just enjoy them for a time. I have found that when Donald and I do this the "problems" seem insignificant and small and are more easily tackled another day. I would also challenge you to ask God to give you His love to you for your spouse, He knows what each of us need and can guide us to be the spouse that He designed us to be if we give up control. Have a blessed day!

A little selfishness can ruin the whole marriage.

Yesterday at a stop sign the thought occurred to me, Who are you living for? Who is your marriage focused on? Often times the answer is ME. Not Christ and certainly not my husband. This thought convicted me. As a Christian I am to be focused on Christ and putting others first, especially my family. When I don't follow God's blueprint then I find myself in real trouble. When I am focused on ME chaos reigns in my home. This may seem radical to most but is it really? Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and I, people who were yet to be as well as people who were in existence. He gave no thought to his own comforts and "rights" He loved without boundaries. If we are Christ followers then we should be willing to do the same, especially for those we are given to love.

Hebrews 13:16 - But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well
 pleased.
Proverbs 3:27 - Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].

 In most marriage situations we can find solutions to what seems like insurmountable problems just by putting Christ and our families first. This is not an easy thing to do, especially at first. Our flesh will balk against the change and the world will tell us that we should not feel guilty putting ourselves first, afterall we have to take care of number one. The more we choose to put others first and the more we focus on Our Lord and God, the easier it becomes because we have changed our mindset and our focus, we are actively practicing our faith. So today I challenge you to put ME on a shelf and focus on Christ and the family He has blessed you with, great things are bound to happen!

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
  
John 3:30 - He must increase, but I [must] decrease.

Today's Family, Crazy Blended Edition

People ask me all the time "How do you do it?" and I always ask Do what? The answer is love children that are not biologically mine. I still do not know the answer to this question, for me it is everyday life and it is normal. Maybe we can find the answers together if I share our story.

When Donald and I met he was raising a 6 yr old Amber and a 2 yr old Alex. It seems we became a family with great ease. I was introduced to them as "the babysitter", we were dating but didn't want them to know me with the stigma of "daddy's girlfriend" hanging over them. This allowed them to form their own opinion of me with out pressure. Imagine my delight when about 3 mos into our relationship Amber comes to me and says "Ms. DeAnna, I think you and my daddy need to date." So that next weekend we broke the news that we were dating. And what did Miss Amber have to say about that "I won't call you Mama until you and Daddy are married"....lol. I reassured her that she could call me whatever she was comfortable with as long as she was respectful. I love Amber and Alex with my entire being. I love seeing their dad in their personalities and facial expressions, but something unexpected has happened over the years. I now see me in them. It may only be a word or a smile but I am there and it thrills my heart!

Now you may ask if their first mom was in the picture and she was. We had our rough patches too but always tried to respect each others role in the kids' lives. This is what was best for them, it isn't about me or her or even their dad. It is about them and providing them with a loving, Christ honoring environment. So yes there have been many days I have had to put my self on a shelf and ask God to do His will because the Lord knows I can be selfish, especially when it comes to my kids.Then add to this our 3 children that we adopted together and you get quite the mix. We were led to adoption through foster care through the process of elimination you might say. We lost a baby through private adoption and God just kept wooing us to the foster care system where we eventually adopted our last 3 blessings. I can be quite stubborn, thankfully God is even more patient.

 So the only real answer I can give on how I can love children that came from different families is to draw closer to my heavenly Father and get to know His will for my life and show His love to my children. To me this is the purest form of love and it will never lead me astray.

Matthew 18:5 - And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Some tips that may help. Realize that parenting of any kind is not something you do for you and to make you feel good it is for the good of a child. In blended families your spouse and their children come as a package. Your spouse should never feel like they have to choose between you and their children. I also feel that if you as a new stepparent are uncomfortable caring for your spouses children, talk about this and find a solution that is good for everyone, but remember to speak in love. Remember that first and foremost you all are a team, it takes some practice but you can be united and work together for a common goal.

Whats your atittude?

I would like think of myself as the glass is half full kinda girl. I try to stay positive in every situation . I try to look on the bright side. Even though sometimes I find myself searching very hard to find the cloud with the silver lining, because the good makes life worth while and there is always good to be found.

Marriage is all about attitude. If you go into it defeated you will not make it very far. One thing to remember is to not let your past negate your future. Past relationships, past hurts ,past failures. They are just that the past. Leave them there. Don't bring them up, don't hash them over ,don't rekindle thoughts of bitterness.

 In marriage you need to have a attitude of mercy. Forgiveness to one another and love unconditionally. Always start your day with a clean slate both personally and with your spouse. Being tender to each others feelings and needs. Kindness will take you far, and will smooth over a good many bumps along the way.  Happiness is an attitude we choose, not some thing that happens to us. Be happy. Try to better someone else's attitude. So many sour pusses out there. They can ruin the best of days.

Don't allow the devil to steal your joy.

Let's be silly...

Life is so serious. There are issues to be resolve, bills to pay and work to do. With all of this going on we need to take the time to be silly and playful with our families. Today is that day for our family. We are having our first ever "Retro Dinner Party". Everyone is bringing a retro dish that they have always wanted to try. You know the recipes you see and think "People really ate this?". We will visit, laugh and play games and just enjoy being together. When I threw this out as an idea I really thought it would go no where....however I am finding that my family is very excited about it and are really looking forward to this little bit of silliness. So today I am pulling out my vintage linens, making a retro dessert and casserole and enjoying my family. I am not worrying about whether my house is perfect because they love me and do not care. I am just focusing on loving on my family! So join me and make today Silly Saturday!

The words I LOVE YOU !

Andi's darling grandma.

I love my darling grandma to death.  She raised me. She taught me most everything I know. I drive just like her, because she taught me. Lord knows I am in trouble.. because she is now 76 and drives like a mad women! I promise you it takes all that is in me to let her drive me around....but all in all to be her age she is doing really good. She is plagued with many worries  these days. "If its not one thing its another" is her favorite saying. Poor thing, our family has had its share of sickness and even death.

  My grandma is a hard working woman. She always has something in the works. She and my youngest child are the two, that are full of ideas. Some of which get them into trouble. But they sure do have fun!
 My grandmas favorite past time is to sit on her back porch and watch the birds, relax and look at all her lovely flowers.

   After my grandpa died she was so lonely I remember. I always would come in at night and cover her up and take off her glasses and turn off Jay Leno or whatever infomercial  that was on. And kiss her goodnight. She would always say "I love you babe".

 I got married right after graduating high school and of course we moved away. Some how my grandma got away from saying I love you. I would say it but she would not. It bothered me.. it bothered my children. My oldest wouldn't leave her alone.. She'd say "I love you Nana" until my grandma would say back. She would write I love you in my Christmas card every year. I have kept those just so that one day when I can't hear her say it anymore I can read it and know in my heart she loved me more than anything. Whether she said it over the last few years or not. Today amongst all the struggles she calls to tell me of the days happenings and give me a report on "grandpa Marvin " her boy friend. he is in the hospital sick . (prayers are appreciated for him)  when our conversation ended she said "I love you" . I was shocked I hung up and started to cry. I love you too Ma!

 Those three words, I think are the most powerful words you can ever say. They can brighten someone's day. They can make memories.. I know that showing love is just as important , I know that but sometimes its just good to hear! Three words they mean so much... they feel so much.. Love is a verb!Love is living! Tell someone you love them. Let them know you need them. Don't let it take a tragedy to make you say it. It shouldn't hurt to say it. It should just be a releasing of whats in your heart. I love you! I love you Taylor, I love my kids Lydi, Ethan, Mattie, I love you Ma! I never want it said that I never said it or didn't say it enough. If I have gotten lazy in doing so please forgive me. I do forever love you! I love all my friends and family. I am blessed. So are you. Don't take those three words for granted. They are free they cost you nothing to say. Other then the cost of regret if  you DON'T.

Good Morning Sunshine!

Take the time this morning to connect with your spouse before heading out for the day. Let them know you love them and are thinking of them throughout the day! It will make for a very happy homecoming this evening!

Have a Seat!

Remember the good ole days when we had bench seating in the front of the car? Dating was so much fun. You could get in the car, slide over and grab his hand, kiss his cheek. Sit real close and share a french fry . Or even steal a kiss at the red light! Oh my how times have changed! Where did those seats go. I think they saved most marriages back in the day. We still had closeness. One thing I do know is when I am with my husband I always let him drive. I always have.

 One day he asked me, why I moved? I said "hunh"? He said I am still setting here. You never slide over any more. WOW, what an eye opener.

 I realized with having three children and crazy schedules. We don't connect as much as we used to. I have even found that the only time I now sit by my husband is at church in the pew! I thought about this the other day. Why we have a love seat.. We should put it to good use! Normally he is in his big man chair and I am on the computer or on the couch. We are worlds apart in the same room. This must end! Bring back the bench seats, bring back the church pew! Wrap your arm around me sweetheart!

 I want to take my seat back. I want to re-establish what we lost. I want that closeness. I am taking my rightful seat! That's where God wants me. If I am not there, my seat is empty. That is no good.

Take time to get close again. Go for a Sunday drive around the block. Go back in time,enjoy that moment and reconnect, remember to love the man God gave you! No matter how bumpy the ride.

Stay off the rabbit trails.

Let us stop and take a closer look at this business of being remade by God. Our stubbornness can get in the way. I know this all too well. In 2000 my first marriage came to an end after a little over 3 years. As a couple we were a disaster. Why? Selfishness and stubbornness, plain and simple. I wanted my way and he wanted his way and neither of us thought to get out of God's way and seek HIS will, until it was too late, at least in our fleshly eyes it was too late.

My ex filed for divorce and I was served the papers at work. I remember vividly coming home after leaving work early. I got to my apartment, opened the front door and walked in, collapsed on the floor and just sobbed. As a christian I knew what God felt about us being divorced. I had done every thing that I knew would honor God as far as waiting until I was married to be intimate, I was a faithful wife. In fact I had never even dated or kissed another man, this shouldn't be happening. Then God gently reminded me that I knew that marrying this man had been wrong. We didn't share the same belief system. There were caution signs evident all through our relationship before we married. God had simply stepped back and allowed me to do what I thought was best. How wrong I had been. I didn't want this blemish on my record for all time, I wanted my marriage back and I wanted God to heal it. Was that so hard? It wasn't too hard for God but God doesn't force himself on us. If we choose divorce then He steps back and allows it. I had chosen to enter into a marriage that I knew was not honoring to God, I was paying the consequences of my own actions.

Let me stop here and say that even as a divorced woman I do not agree that we should view our marriages as temporary. We shouldn't look for an out when things get tough, we should look to God. Our broken marriage was not what my ex-wanted nor did I want it in it's current state. The problems we faced were HUGE and seemed humanly insurmountable. However this did not take God by surprise and He had a plan in place for my life. What I rest in, is the fact that I prayed daily for God to restore what we had broken, while waiting for those divorce papers. I should have continued looking to God even when the answer was no, the marriage was over. However I decided to turn my back on God for almost 3 years. When I look back on that time I wish things were different. God did not deserve my silence and disobedience. This was not His fault and I realize that I lost valuable time that could have been spent at the feet of my Savior and Lord, growing, learning and serving. Before my divorce I looked at my marriage as the path I was on. After and in my marriage with Donald I realize the view is broader. The Path I am traveling is one of service to my King Jesus, Donald is the only person I want to travel this path with, to be successful we both have to stay focused on the goal and not get sidetracked by other things that do not matter. In Christ, we are more than enough for each other if we keep things in the proper perspective.

Proverbs 4:25 ESV  Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Deviled Eggs?

When I think about life sometimes. I think of deviled eggs. Funny, right? Bear with me here. 

  Before being put in hot water the eggs are fresh, versatile, they can be used to make just about anything.  Then we move away from God or out of a situation He put us in to strengthen us and we find ourselves in hot water so to speak. We start to toughen up, we are no longer as versatile or pliable as we started out. Then Our hearts are hardened because of the sin. Until we are cooked! It doesn't take long to callous our hearts toward the things of God or to rearrange our lives from what God intended to what we want.  Wow, that was fast! How did we get here? Why didn't we just follow His plan? All of this damage we caused cannot be reversed, cannot be undone. 

The hard shell has to be chipped away. Our yolk (heart) has changed. We could have been just about anything we ever wanted (anything He ever wanted) but no we had to get into the hot water. God has to cut us down the middle and scoop out our heart (yolk), we have to repent, turn away from our sin and our own will. This is a painful but necessary process to restore our fellowship with our Father.

 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

James 4:10 - Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

 He then has to soften us, with the oil of His word and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Then God adds salt to enhance our flavor. Then HE puts HIS handiwork into the empty hole inside us, for us to be presentable again. And now we are fuller than we ever dreamed. He has taken what we made into a mess and made us beautiful. 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ~2 Corinthians 5:17

We look good on the plate because we have allowed the Great Physician to heal us through repentance and the desire to do God's will according to His Word. No matter how tough or cracked our shell was He was able to reconcile us to Himself  because we surrendered fully to His plan. We can never go backwards and be completely fresh and pliable again but God wasn't taken by surprise and still worked all things for our good. We made it to the plate...

Psalms 50:15 -  
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Bitterness' Buddy

Ladies From The Family Of Mr William Mason Of Colchester

So God has really been working on my heart and things were going well. He has shown me that bitterness had taken a deep root in my spirit and He has been removing it. Well, what do think should happen? Bitterness' buddy shows up. Who is that you may ask? GOSSIP. Gossip is evil and comes in many forms. One form that sneaks up on me is "I just need to talk this out." Don't be fooled, many times all you are doing is gossiping. I have been guilty of this yesterday and today and have had to just walk away from conversations because I know that God is not pleased and I shouldn't be either. I ask for forgiveness and ask God to show me how to have a more Godly lifestyle....I want to be a stronger Christian and more effective for Him

 Proverbs 21:23 - Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Let me tell you when things bother us about our spouses, friends, etc, take it to the Lord and to the person that it is about. That is how to get things resolved without them getting worse. Sometimes we do need Godly counsel but be very careful who you allow to counsel you. You want someone who is strong in their walk with the Lord and who is able to be neutral and point you to God's Word and Will for your life. And that my dear friend is a tall order, take it seriously.

1 Timothy 5:13 - And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

What is gossip? I am so glad you asked, "Idle talk which foolishly or maliciously spreads rumours or facts. The effects of gossiping are divisive and destructive." I have people tell me all the time that it is not gossip if it is factual....but my dear friend it is and nothing good can come from it. Gossip I do feel is the water that is used to sow seeds of bitterness. So beware the next time you open your mouth for a little chat. I am learning that keeping my walk with Christ where it should be takes focus and diligence.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

I have a EATING DISORDER... PLEASE HELP!

I got your attention didn't I?

If you have seen my profile you realize, I am a big girl, but that's not what I am talking about! In the past I have let BITTERNESS EAT ME ALIVE ! I know of many ladies (myself included and DeAnna too) that give their joy away by letting bitterness creep in and stay. Whether it be toward your husband or your kids ,even our own church family. The devil is a deceiver. He knows where to attack us, how to CRIPPLE us. That's what bitterness does. It's UUUGGG A LLLYY. Imagine an apple if you will ,all red and pretty. I get mad at my spouse for something and I let bitterness get in my heart about it, my apple gets bite marks on it, the thing about these bite marks is they are invisible to the naked eye. A worm has crept in and is doing damage from the inside out. Every thing looks great and pretty to the world but there is a cancer invading and taking over. Every time something happens in my life and I hang onto it and don't surrender it to the Lord, I let bitterness grow and I get more and more bitter. My apple dies even more. I am not beautiful anymore. I am broken. My core is being attacked. I start to shrivel up and die. I become nothing but a shell. BUT I started out as this beautiful whole apple. Red and shiny and good. I don't want the end of my life to be just an empty shell! Beware, bitterness is like that it eats at you. it nags at you and attacks your mind. Most of the time its in our own head, there isn't much validity to it. We let some small thing build and build until it has a place of prominence when it should have just been some passing annoyance. We don't tell the person that we feel has wronged us, we just feed our root of bitterness. And so many times they have no idea how we feel. (When you go to someone with a wrong make sure you go to them in love) This makes the issue one sided and gives bitterness a fertile ground to grow in.  In cases like this we are our own worst enemy.

 Hebrews 12:15 - Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;

James 5:16 - Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 Luke 17:4 - And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.


*Sitting and sulking in your own little pool of hatred can't be good for your physical or spiritual health. We need to learn to give things over to the Lord, ask for His will and how these situations can make us stronger and move on for His glory... I won't allow bitterness to get the best of me! Who wants icecream?

Yakety yak don't talk back...

Not Andi's Trash.

 Take out the papers and the trash... today my husband forgot. It's trash day,again.  We have 6 large, trash bags that are stacked everywhere all around my kitchen floor. Well, I will fix him. I am NOT cooking dinner tonight.
My hubby after working hard all day comes home to me ,mad as a wet hen. No dinner made,and I nag him and complain. Why didn't you take out the trash? hunh? It wouldn't kill you ,you know!
 Now with that being said. I only did that once! A very long time ago. Was that the attitude I should have taken? No, Wives we  are to be a help mates to your husbands. So what if he forgets or doesn't get around to taking it out when you think he should. My hubby works hard. He provides for us as a family . I am his helper, he is mine. We are a team. When he is weak I am strong. Vice versa.  So honey, can you hold the door? While I grab the trash.

The Call

Ring ring , ring  ring. "Hello", this is your wake up call"!

 Life is a whirlwind! Do you feel like you are going 90 to nothing everyday? I sure do. Here lately everywhere I turn I have one more thing to do. It seems like the craziness will never stop. I am known to say "CALGON TAKE ME AWAY", often.

 I can't explain in words how good God is. I know it in my heart. I have to praise Him for my crazy life. I have a good business, great family ,wonderful church. I am blessed. Do I wish I could slow things down ? Yes! Seems like yesterday my sweet little girl was born, now she is looking at colleges and telling me all of her hopes and dreams for the future. Where has time gone?? Really was I so busy raising my kids and working that  I missed it? I mean I thought I took life one day at a time, but those days have flown by. I am not ready!  Next year I will have one in college, one in high school and one in middle school. I have NO MORE BABIES! It saddens me. It shocks me. It baffles my mind.

Ring ring, ring ring " Hello this is MY wake up call. 

   My kids have been my life, everything I have done revolves around them and my hubby. My kids don't need me so much anymore. What ever will we do?
 I tell you what I am going to do: I am going to get up and pray for my babies. for their future. For their mates. I am going to be here. To guide them, to advise them, to love them. To be an ENCOUGAGER . oh ,wait.... back up. I have been doing that. I do that now. I did it before they were born. I did it before I was married.  I prayed for them , as I did my husband. That part will never change!

We are the parents God gave our children. Not just for 18 years but for life. Now this role does change as they grow up and leave and cleave to the spouses God has for them, but we are still parents.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Prov.22:6 

Together my husband and I have tried to do just that.  We are knitting an intricate life, mixed with many different threads and personalities. I hope our life's tapestry will be the work of art God intended. For the sake of my children I will wake up, I will answer my call to be their mother to the best of my ability. I along with my husband will train them, guide them ,encourage them. So I will take the crazy, the hectic. I will take it all. For I know that I am shaping lives that will one day GLORIFY our LORD like no other. I will take the call! The call to mother.

The Care and Keeping of Your Marriage.

    

In my mind marriage is a place, somewhere we choose to dwell and to care for. Hopefully it is somewhere you feel content and at home. However many times we feel out of place, inadequate and frustrated. I believe this happens when we let negative world messages into our hearts and minds instead of what God teaches us about marriage. We should wear blinders to keep us focused on what is ours and what God has given us. This blinder is God's Word. Meditating on what God teaches us about marriage keeps us focused on the right things, and we are less likely to feel frustrated and inadequate when we see ourselves and our spouses in the light of God's word.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

~Psalm 119:9-16

Our Spouse is our gift from our Heavenly Father. They are our portion in this life and WE are THEIRS.
It is so easy to concentrate on ourselves and forget that we are entrusted with another person's heart and emotions. Please remember when dealing with your marriage and spouse that perfection is not an option and shouldn't be sought after. This will only lead to frustration and discontent with what we have been blessed with. I would also caution against comparing your marriage and spouse to other marriages and people. Our marriages are unique, works of art designed to bring about God's will in our lives. Don't miss out on what God has given you and what He is teaching you by comparing.

My beloved is mine, and I am his...~Song of Solomon 2:16

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ~Colossians 3:14

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ~Ephesians 5:25

One way we can stay content is by "studying" our spouse and our marriage. What unique qualities does your spouse bring into your marriage? How are they special? What have you learned from them and their perspective on life? How does my spouse bring out the best in me? How can I bring out and encourage the best in my spouse? What do you love most about your marriage? What would you like to see more of in your relationship with your spouse?

But godliness with contentment is great gain. ~I Timothy 6:6

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.~James 4:2

There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
~Proverbs 19:21

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Acknowledge that your marriage is unique. It has it's own personality and set of characteristics that make it unique and special. Marriages are not mass produced and should not be a product of our society's ideals or lack thereof. Just as you cannot compare a Rembrandt to a Monet because they are special and should be appreciated on their own uniqueness and merit. So it should be with our marriages. Each marriage is precious in God's sight for it's own unique reasons.

  

Fix or Repair Daily

Andi's In-Laws

It really is the little things in a marriage that can make it work. sometimes the big things in a marriage falter , or get broken ,like communication .Do you ever just forget to talk to each other? I know we talk about our kids ,the chores that need attention around the house. The repairs on the car, or even the unhappy job you have.  What about the talk that matters. The eye contact,  not looking up from your iPod or computer screen.( I am VERY guilty). Letting your spouse know they have your undivided attention. That heart to heart talk , that only you two can share. Do you ever compliment your spouse? Tell them they look good, or better yet smell good. Tell them maybe their hair looks good, or in my case want to be on my really good side. Tell me I have lost a pound or two.. always a good starter for a good day!
 Have you called your spouse to tell them that you missed them while they are at work? I know we text it.. Next time a hand written note would be great . We can keep those!
 Call him at work ladies, let him know he is cared for missed and is very much a part of your family even though in body he isn't there. don't talk about the kids and problems. He has enough to deal with, he is at work. That is stress enough. Attract him to you ,by your TALK, entice him to want no other because you are his bride. His lover , his friend.  Trust me ladies if you don't.. For every rat ya see theirs 50 ya don't and I'm not talking about rodents. Other ladies will try to steal your man.
  My husband doesn't text, never has had the technology to do so. the other day out of the blue I get a text saying "I love you" granted I thought someone had the wrong number, but it was so sweet of him to think of me. He hacked my daughters phone to tell me that! What a sweetie!
  Communication  is key to any relationship. If your communication is broken, fix it! You may have to fix and repair it daily. A happy home is worth  it.  Let him know he makes you happy!!! Tell him!

 * A little side note: One year on Valentines Day as a romantic gesture. I cut out hundreds of paper hearts made of construction paper. On each heart I wrote a reason why I loved him. Why I respected him, what I appreciated about him. He kept all those hearts. He has them tucked away in one of his drawers. Maybe the one with the holey underwear!  I am not sure, but it is a treasure to my husband!  Let your husband know what makes you happy, keep talking! If its broke ,fix it! Fix your line of communication. You can do it! I know you can.

Happy Labor Day!

Today as you bbq and enjoy the day off, take the time to show your spouse a little extra love. A kind word, a little flirt it makes the fun times even better!

Simply the Best!

Welcome to the crazy house! With a hubby and three kids to get out to school in the mornings, it truly is a crazy house. I laugh that most morning are like this." Mom, do I look good"? Is always asked. Or" mom, can you sign this".? That's the dreaded one! Because someone didn't do a good job on a paper. They always bring it to me when I am  half dead from sleep and to blind to see it! I  will sign my life away!!  Hubby was chatting me from the shower. The kids all hollering "bye". Me saying "love you", "have a great day" . Just a normal morning. But different!
  No one really wanted to wake up. Its Friday! We all wanted to sleep in. In fact its a three day weekend for us! PARRRTTTTY! Of course everyone finally rallied and out the door they went. Last to leave is my darling hubby. Who on Friday gets to wear jeans. So it's always a good day on Friday for him. As he stoops to kiss me, yes stoops , he's 9 inches taller then me!! He says .. that I am "simply the best"! Of course being raised in the 90's I broke out into singing Tina Turner's version Simply the Best. Head shake and all.( Sounded good too) Made my morning to think he thinks I am the best.. Tell someone today that they are the best! Make someone's day. It's Friday . It will kick start your weekend and theirs! To all our readers, you are the best!