The Big Reveal: Part 1

We've been in Fort Smith now for just over 3 years.  In fact, we set a new David-and-Laura record last month in our current house: longest time living at a single address (25 months).  For most of that time, David has wanted to move.  He has felt disconnected from anywhere he considered "home" and has had a hard time making friends.  While I didn't just love it here at first, I began to make friends pretty early on, and several of those friendships have continued this whole time.  I have "put down roots" here and feel quite at home.

Over the Spring, David finally began to feel at home here, too.  He started making some friends and just generally became more content here.  Although the business at his office was diminishing, he was hopeful and confident that, with God's intervention and direction, the business could thrive again.  We were making plans for how to market the office and looking forward to buying the office here in a couple of years.

At the end of May, David and I traveled to Tampa for him to take part of a certification test in orthotics.  Driving back up I-95, he said something quite unexpected: "I think I should apply for that job in Alaska."

Umm, what?

This job in Anchorage had been posted in the orthotics and prosthetics trade magazines for quite a while, and several times I had (half-joking, half-not) suggested that we consider it, but David always just looked at me incredulously and laughed.  After all, if Arkansas was "too far away," then why on earth would we move to Alaska?

It took me a few minutes to get over the initial shock, but then I was all over the idea.  You see, contrary to my rather plain exterior, I have quite a thirst for adventure (not the jumping out of airplanes type but the living in a different part of the country or different part of the world type).  So in true David-and-Laura style, we spent most of the trip back to north Alabama (to pick up the kids) talking about this next adventure, how crazy it was, and how we were sure we could make it work.

Within a couple of days of getting back home, we had sent a resume, David had a very positive phone interview, and things were moving along.  I even had a new blog name picked out for chronicling the adventure: The Frozen Magnolia!

To be continued....



This post may be linked up to one or more of the following blog parties.  Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary, Pieces of Amy Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

October 12, 1996: The Day That Changed Everything

16 years ago today, a friend of mine named David came to Atlanta, and we spent the day at Six Flags.

16 years ago tonight, he headed back to Auburn, but he didn't get very far.

16 years ago tonight, a helicopter landed on the interstate to rescue my friend.

16 years ago, my friend became my hero.  7 months later, my friend became my fiance.  14 1/2 months later, my friend became my husband.

16 years later, he's still my hero, my husband, and my friend.



This post may be linked up to one or more of the following blog parties.  Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary, Pieces of Amy Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Happy Birthday, Megan!

Dear Megan Rose,

How is it possible that you are now 4 years old?  It seems like yesterday I was seeing your face for the first time.  (Yes, I know everyone says that, but it's true!  Time really does speed up as you get older!)

I am so blessed to be your Mama.  You have changed me and taught me things about myself in ways that I never expected.  You make me laugh, cry, beam with pride, and crumble with exhaustion - all within a single day!

Although you clearly look up to your brother and watch him for guidance, you've never been one to stay in his shadow.  No, you are your own person and have made those differences known from the beginning.  You are unique!

In many ways, I feel like I am just now getting to know you.  I love seeing and hearing you laugh.  It's a privilege to also be your teacher, watching you learn and grow.  I think it's great that you're not afraid to stand up for yourself with your brother (although the screaming does get to be too much!).

Perhaps what I admire most of all is your "all in" approach to life.  Whether you are happy, sad, or mad, you experience it completely.  I will never forget watching you jump off the diving board so many times this Summer.  A friend described you as "fearless," and she was right.  Oh yes, you will sometimes observe for a while before participating, but then?  GO!  While a certain degree of cautiousness and care is necessary in life, I hope you never lose the ability to throw yourself into something with wholehearted abandon.

There are so many things I want to teach you - about being a woman, a wife, a sister, a friend, a child of God.  But if I had to choose one thing right now, it's this: you don't have to perform to be loved.  Whether you obey or disobey, whether you succeed or fail, whether you're quiet or loud, whether you are academically or musically gifted or not, whether you're a girly-girl or a tom-boy, your Daddy and I love you totally and completely.  Always.  I want you to know that deep down in your soul.  Because then you may begin to comprehend how much God loves you.  Always.  Completely.  Totally.  Not based on your performance.

And another thing I want you to know?  You're beautiful.  God picked out those blue-green eyes, and that brown hair, and that cute nose, and those lips, ears, hands, feet.  He put you together just in the right way to fill a spot in His story that only you can fill.  I pray He will allow me to continue in my front-row seat, watching your plot line develop.

I love you, Megan Rose!

Love,
Mama



This post may be linked up to one or more of the following blog parties.  Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary, Pieces of Amy Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home