Meredith's Moments

Sweet Things!

2012-02-09T12:12:00.000-06:00

Ahh, February...the month of love, hugs, and kisses. Ya gotta love it! I just wanted to share a few things I like right now.

I can't wait til this movie, The Vow, comes out tomorrow! I am sure it will be so good! Any movie based on a Nicholas Sparks book will be good!

I am loving Vintage Valentine's lately. I thought this one was cute.

I saw these on Pottery Barn website the other day and I just fell in love with them! Soo adorable for the whole month of February!

And speaking of "sweet things".....

I can't wait to make these Weight Watchers cupcakes that are 5 points per serving! I know they would be less points without the icing and maybe you can use a dusting of powdered sugar, instead. That, my friends, is a very sweet thing! :)

I hope y'all are having a wonderful day! XOXO!

Greater love has noone than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Just an update!

2012-02-02T23:00:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share a quick Weight Watchers update with y'all. I'll say it again. It works! Thirteen pounds are gone! I am so excited and I am definitely going to keep going with this program. Again, if you are considering losing weight or to just get healthy, WW is by far, the best in my opinion. I think that drinking water, eating more fruits and veggies and staying active really are key points to losing weight. And bonus: because I am on WW, I still enjoyed a piece of that wonderful birthday cake on Friday, but I still lost 3 lbs this week! It's definitely possible and it definitely works! Hope y'all have an awesome day!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

What I Love About Russell!

2012-02-01T22:06:00.000-06:00

I am a little late posting this but I wanted to post a special blog today for my sweet husband, Russell. Today is his 28th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Russell!!

When we were dating, I actually gave him a little something "valentine-like" each day from the 1st to the 14th, which is obviously Valentine's Day. It was fun!

Here's my Valentine with his early birthday cake from this weekend!

Here are 14 things I love about him, from today til V-Day!

1. I love his love for the Lord.

2. I love the love his love for others

3. I love how we laugh together about the most silly things!

4. I love his patience (I have none. HA!)

5. I love his humbleness.

6. I love watching him watch the Razorbacks (he gets really into the game). :)

7. I love and I am grateful for the sacrifices he makes for us!

8. I love his smile.

9. I love that we are best friends.

10. I love how he shows his dedication to not only me, but everyone!

11. I love the love we share for movies!

12. I love how we do almost everything together, even grocery shop!

13. I love the way he loves me. (cue the song. :) )

14. I LOVE that we will be together forever!!!

Here we are after we had only been dating 6 months. I think this was taken in October 2005!

Russell,

Thank you so much for everything you do for me. I love you more than I can say! Happy Birthday, sweetie!

Love, Meredith

Crystal Bridges and a Surprise Party!

2012-01-29T22:40:00.000-06:00

The weekend flew by, as usual. I hope y'all had a great one! So Crystal Bridges Museum opened on November 11, 2011. It was a big event in Northwest Arkansas. Russell and I couldn't wait to take time to visit the museum. We finally got a chance to go on Saturday. It was fabulous!

Soo cool!

We were really excited about it.

So beautiful. I have no words! It's so amazing to go!

Here we are at "Eleven", the restaurant at the museum. I had a Caesar salad and Russell had beans and cornbread-a perfect Arkansas meal. Ha!

We took plenty more pictures, but I don't think I should put them on my blog because of copyright issues, so I didn't post. Y'all will just have to make a trip and see for yourself. The artwork is fabulous. We only saw maybe three galleries, but my favorite was Wonder World. It was awesome.

So February 1st is Russell's birthday. We love our friends up here and we are so happy to be back here, so I thought it would be the perfect time to throw hime a surprise birthday party! My sweet friend, Mandy, helped me with it too. He had absolutely NO clue! When we got to Mandy and Chad's house, he saw balloons in the window and he still didn't know they were for him. He said, "Somebody's having a party." Then we walked in and everyone said, "Surprise!"

It was Razorback themed, of course!

Here is the cake that Rick's Bakery made! They did a wonderful job.

Russell and the cake!

Some of our friends

We always have to get a picture taken!

I wish I had gotten more pictures, but we will always remember it!

We had a blast with everyone!!!

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Tale As Old As Time

2012-01-14T14:37:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love Beauty and the Beast? I love most all Disney princesses. I may be a little bit of a Disney fanatic. Amy, Tony, Leighann, Russell and I all went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3-D. Leighann is only about two and a half years old but she loved the movie! Here we are after the flick!

The music in this movie is awesome. It was so hard for me not to sing along. Ha!

Leighann loves Disney princesses so much! Can't you tell? We had a fun time together. She is a sweet princess herself. :)

On another note, sorry I haven't blogged in a little while. It seems like January is always a laid back month. Probably because it may be "Christmas recovery time." :) I'll hopefully blog more soon!

All glorious is the princess within; her gown is interwoven with gold. Psalm 45:13

Believe in 2012!

2012-01-03T19:53:00.001-06:00

So in November, I decided to take a plunge and begin Weight Watchers! I have lost over 6 pounds so far, so that is basically a pound lost per week. With Weight Watchers, they say it is healthier to lose weight slow, rather than fast. I am loving the program so far. I got through Thanksgiving and Christmas this past year and I told myself and I told Russell that if I can make it through those holidays, I could make it through anything when it comes to losing weight. I know in the past I have done "diets" before, and they just don't work for me. I really like this program and have faith that I can succeed. I BELIEVE I WILL succeed!

I thought I would share a few things that inspire me to keep reaching my goals (and resolution, if you will).

I just started reading this book:

I finished the first chapter today and it is awesome! Does the author look familiar? She is Candace Cameron Bure, from Full House! She is an inspirational speaker as well as an actress, to top it off! This book gives motivation to stay healthy physically and spiritually. So awesome!

Another thing I have been doing is staying hydrated and drinking at least 6 glasses of water per day. I find that if you use bottled water or a water bottle, it's easier to remember to drink your water!

Yep, you knew I would mention this, didn't you? Try to get your fruits and veggies in! I love those "Cuties" clementines. So good. I am also loving honeycrisp apples and bananas. I really like pickles and tomatoes as well.

Lastly, try to stay as active as you can! Russell and I have been working out on the Wii Fit Plus and it's so fun! Whatever it is, try to keep yourself active. This will also help you with your goal! :)

I have struggled with my weight for a long time. Even though I am fully aware that my weight does not define me in any way. But I know it does help with many other things healthwise, which is very important to me. I recently concluded in November, when I began WW, that I had no other choice. I HAD to do something. Yes, I do go out to eat some; yes, I do cook "The Pioneer Woman"recipes, BUT I count everything I eat. I track and enjoy, but don't overindulge. Here is a wonderful commercial Jennifer Hudson is in. I think it is so awesome. So if you are struggling with health or just want to try to eat better, I totally recommend this. My theme is BELIVE in 2012! I know we can do this together!!

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

2012! Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T14:18:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year, y'all! 2012 is here!

Russell and I went to see this movie yesterday that was pretty figging for the day.

We loved the movie, "New Year's Eve." It really was even better than I thought. I really liked it! After the matinee, we drove to Tulsa and enjoyed dinner at one of our favorites!

It was so good!

We really had a good time.

The food was incredible. And we did not leave hungry, needless to say!

And for dessert? We had yummy snickerdoodle chocolate fondue. Soo good!

Needless to say, Russell and I had an eventful 2011 with job changes, move to North Arkansas and even more! Maybe this year will be a little less busy? Well, maybe not! Every year gets more busy, right?

I hope 2012 is going to be an awesome year for all of you!

Happy 2012!

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:5

2011 Recap!

2011-12-30T21:33:00.001-06:00

Wow! I cannot believe 2011 has almost come to an end and 2012 will be here soon! Here's only highlights of this year. Time flies!

January

Russell and I anticipated for and watched the Razorbacks play in the Sugar Bowl. Unfortunately, we lost, but we sure were excited about the game when it started. Ha!

February

It snowed this month and we made a snowman. It's rare when you build a snowman in South Arkansas!

March

We attended Camden's annual Daffodil Festival. Beautiful flowers!

April

Watched the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on the 29th. It was fun!!

May

Went to Central Arkansas to visit my sister and celebrate her birthday with her and friends!

June

Attended Mama's wedding

July

Enjoyed going to downtown El Dorado during Summer weekends!

August

We received news that Russell got a new job in Northwest Arkansas. We then began to pack! Belle enjoyed "helping."

September

We made the move with lots of help from family and friends to Rogers, AR!

October

We loved the Fall season and also went to our first Bentonville Tigers Football game!

November

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family

December

This month was chock full of things to do! But we loved celebrating the Christmas season all month long!

So that is 2011 in a tiny nutshell! I am looking forward to 2012 and pray the new year brings you many blessings!

Happy New Year!

Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T14:50:00.000-06:00

We had a busy but fun Christmas. Filled with lots of family, cooking, and love. We stayed with Russell's parents for the holiday. We got to South Arkansas on Friday night and started cooking for family right after we got there! We decided to make The Pioneer Woman's famous Cinnamon Rolls. It was so fun making them for our sweet family. Here are all six pans. We would have had seven but I don't think we rolled out the dough long enough! :)

So worth it to make! You need counter space, by the way!

Russell and I also packaged them up and added a few Christmas touches to them. It made a great presentation. The credit for this idea is also from Ree Drummond, a.k.a. The Pioneer Woman! HA!

I couldn't wait to give these to Aunt Nancy and Uncle Johnny.

Nancy and I on Christmas Eve in front of her pretty tree.

Christmas Day at The Price's!

Here is Belle with some of the presents for the dogs, including a present for her!

Ricky reading the Christmas Story

Our breakfast. Breakfast Casserole and Cinnamon Rolls, of course!

I was so excited to get these two collector's plates from Jackie and Ricky. I loved Princess Diana ever since I was a little girl. And this year, since the royal wedding, I have raved about Prince William and Catherine as well. I can't wait to display them in my curio cabinet!

Russell and I in front of the tree

We went to Kelly and Eric's house for Christmas Day dinner and to spend time together. Here is the table setting. Kelly always decorates beautifully!

Logan and Lauren-the best nephew and niece EVER before our fabulous meal. We had beef tenderloin with prosciutto and horseradish sauce, twice baked potato casserole, brocolli and rice casserole, dressing, cranberry salad, homemade rolls, and TONS of other Christmas cookies and candies! We all pitched in for the meal and everything turned out absolutely perfectly!

We had so much fun with our "Christmas crackers". Each one had a paper hat and a cute prize in them.

Lauren and I showing off our hats.

Pretty Christmas tree

Kelly always wraps presents so pretty.

I love family!

Mama with Kelly and I

Russell and I got Logan an "iHelicopter" for Christmas. You use your ipod touch or ipad to control the helicopter. Eric loved it just as much as Logan did. It entertained the whole family!

Oh my word, my niece is growing up way too fast!

Monday we mostly rested but we still had one more Christmas to go.

We had a great time with the Lawson's side!

Ricky and Jackie always work so hard to make sure everything is perfect for Christmas!

BJ, Katie and me and Russell

Russell and I wore our "ugly Christmas attire" again, just for fun. Hey, we gotta get our money's worth out of it, right?

BJ and Aubrey at the piano.

We got home yesterday afternoon so our schedule is pretty much back to normal. We did enjoy lots of time with family and friends though. I hope y'all had a wonderful and Merry Christmas! 2012 will be here before we know it! Time flies!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14

Christmas Eve is Here!

2011-12-24T16:27:00.000-06:00

As you know, today is Christmas Eve! Wow! It seems like last Christmas was only yesterday! Time definitely flies. I love old pictures. Love, love, love them! I also love sharing themon my online scrapbook like this blog. Ha!

Mama took this picture in 1990, I am guessing. I loved baby dolls. Daddy's homemade wreath was in the background. I always loved the deer on the left as well.

Daddy and Mama at the capitol in Little Rock

Fast forward to 1999. Logan's 1st Christmas. Here we are at Mamaw's house.

I hope y'all are having a wonderful Christmas season. We have been busy with family already but it's been fun! I posted this video from A Charlie Brown Christmas and I love it. So sit back and enjoy the story that little Linus shares with you! :)

Merry Christmas to All and to ALL a good night!

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Every Knee Shall Bow

2011-12-20T20:19:00.001-06:00

Every Knee Shall Bow...

I love this picture. Look at all the awesome detail in this picture.

Merry CHRISTmas!

This TRULY shows the way it should be.

Thank God for his son- a gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Hustle and Bustle

2011-12-19T22:59:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas, from our home to yours! We decorated outside a little bit. Not much but it's better than nothing, right? We still like it though.

Here's a view of our tree from outside.

So, yes, the hustle and bustle of Christmas is upon us, especially this week. Every time I run errands or anything in town, people seem to be driving crazy, rushing to get last minute gifts, and more. I am trying to just take it slow and organized to avoid stress. Ha! Anyway, I just want to catch up on a few things.

Our church choir, Pinnacle of Praise Choir, had the annual Christmas party. We had a good time. I didn't ake many pictures.

Here's our pastor, Bro. Phillip and his sweet wife, Laurie. They mean so much to Russell and I. On a sidenote, they will be grandparents come March! So exciting!

Friday, Russell and I went to Fayetteville and got some things checked off our "Christmas list". :)

So, Rick's Bakery is the number one bakery in Northwest Arkansas and we had not tried their goodies yet.

Russell had a Razorback Santa cookie! YUM!

I had this cute Rudolph one. Funny!

Russell and a petit four! We indulged a little bit, I confess.

Look at these gorgeous lights!! Fayetteville square was beautiful and we had such a good time strolling along the square.

Baby, it's cold outside!

How do they do this every year? So pretty.

Pretty carousel

Russell and the Razorback!

There was also a reindeer there too. So cute.

Tonight, I took more pictures of our decorated apartment. Belle had to step in for a quick picture. She looks so festive in her little Christmas collar! :) She's our little sweetie!

Our Christmas tree at night with presents beneath it.

We finally hung our stockings above the fireplace. "The stockings were hung by the chimney with care..." So among the hustle and bustle, try to remember the real reason we celebrate. :)

Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Christmas Commercials from Year's Ago!

2011-12-16T10:58:00.001-06:00

I always love Christmas commercials during this time of year! I hope y'all enjoy these from the 80's and 90's! I think they are great!

Christmas Festivities

2011-12-11T21:49:00.001-06:00

Yes, this weekend was busy busy, but we had a good few days! I think I actually checked some things off my checklist!

Russell's work had a Christmas party on Friday night and it was so nice. I thought the tree was decorated beautifully.

I loved the centerpieces too.

Amy, Tony, Russell and I at the party

Saturday morning Russell and I got to help at our church's annual Christmas store for a little while.

The Christmas store is a special event that takes place every December. Families that need to can come and pick out toys for their families. I got go get to know some of the kids there and they were all soo sweet!

Mary Avery and I

Sweet Shelley, Joyce, and Gracie helped wrap the gifts!

We had a lot of fun but it was a real blessing to get to help families in need.

Saturday afternoon, we went Christmas shopping around town and ran other errands. Our tree is finally complete! We just got the bow for the top. I am so excited about it. It's red, green and natural colored burlap. We love our tree. It is our first fresh tree. My sister is right. I think we will start getting a fresh on every year!

Last night, we went to the ice rink by the downtown square. I was going to try to ice skate, but I kept seeing people fall all over the ice and then someone told me that it really hurts your ankles to ice skate. Well, I don't know, but now I'm scared to try! We will see! Good thing they had this movie playing....

Can you guess what it is??

We stayed for about twenty minutes but it was fun!

Yes, it's A Christmas Story!

This evening, our church had a special candlelight service.

It was so pretty. I enjoyed singing carols with everyone!

Beautiful!

I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend! Christmas is coming soon!!!

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name, Jesus. He will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Christmas Sweaters!

2011-12-08T23:43:00.001-06:00

We attended our first "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party tonight and had so much fun! Memories were definitely made! :)

We had an Italian themed dinner complete with fettucinne alfredo, pizza, and bruschetta! We also had awesome desserts! Look at these beautiful cute desserts?!

YUM!

I made cheesecake and I decorated it with these lil gingerbread men! Aren't they cute?

Chad and Mandy, Lee and Andy show off their sweaters! Love your earrings, Mandy!!!

Heather and Andy, Marji and Jake

We Love our friends so much and love getting to know one another better. Here we are sporting our sweaters!

Sweet Rhyanne and me...we had to show off our matching outfits with gold accents! Rhyanne takes beautiful pictures and took our Christmas card pics. We looooved them! I'll show them sometime soon.

Chase and Rhyanne

Eden, Mandy, and me

Cooper and Connor loved playing together. So fun!

Tomorrow is another party for us! Busy time of the year!

Let your light shine before others. Matthew 5:16

Christmas Randomness

2011-12-08T01:04:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness! I have so much left to do before Christmas! I do love this time of year, but it flies by! This afternoon I went to a local decor/gift store and got very inspired! We have been looking for a tree topper for a little while now and didn't really love what we saw. Then I found out that the store had lots of burlap in stock.

I really love the look of this wreath. I don't need a wreath, but I just love the combination of the ribbon and burlap. We are getting a burlap bow made for the top of our tree! It should be ready Saturday and I can't wait to see it!

I am up pretty late tonight because I am making a cheesecake for our Sunday School Christmas party! While I am waiting to put it in the fridge, I am watching this adorable flick:

It is so cute. Not my favorite, but cute! I love the book, Eloise and the book, Eloise at Christmastime. Take a look at THIS:

This year Betsey Johnson designed and decorated a special Christmas tree for the Plaza hotel in NYC! Ii think it is beautiful...it is pink! Yes, it screams pink, but again, I still think it's so gorgeous! I wish I could see it in person! WOWSERS!

So tomorrow night (well, technically tonight..ha!), the party is going to be an "ugly Christmas sweater party". We will do an ornament exchange, and eat Italian food. I thought that this sweater was sooo hilarious!

I will post pictures tomorrow if I can! I hope y'all have a wonderful day! Remember to make your list and check it twice for whatever your needs are for Christmas!

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. Luke 2:4

Hanging of the Green

2011-12-04T21:10:00.001-06:00

Wow! This morning went very well at the Hanging of the Green service. There were many carols sung, decorations hung, and blessings shared!

I loved hearing the children sing. They have the sweetest voices ever.

Sooo pretty!

Russell had a special part in the service too. He helped hang the greenery on the stage. We really enjoyed it today.

And the angel said to them, be not afraid for I bring you good news. Luke 2:10

Spirit of the Season!

2011-12-03T21:52:00.002-06:00

"It's the Spirit of the Season! You can feel it in the air!" I have been singing that to myself for a few days now! Christmas is very much the best time of the year for us. Russell and I both adore Christmas! Celebrating is the most fun! This morning, we bundled up and went to the Bentonville Christmas Parade. We saw some amazing floats, cute kids, and even some Duggar kids! HA!

This was our church, FBC Bentonville's float. Wish I had taken a better picture! They did a great job on it!

Is that Mary and Joseph? No, it's Ana and Nathan, our friends! So fun!

Replica of Sam Walton's truck

Our favorite radio station's car

This afternoon, we had Hanging of the Green rehearsal. It is tomorrow morning at 9:15 if y'all want to come! :) You will not regret it!

Russell and I had to snap a quick picture in front of the tree.

Isn't it gorgeous? So pretty.

Practice makes perfect, even with slides and videos!

I know I mentioned how much I love choir and love singing. Being a first soprano is fun, but sitting with these girls makes it even better every week! I just love my sweet friends, Ginger and Mandy!

This month is definitely going to be chock full of busyness! That means more blogging, I hope! Stay tuned!

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10

Happy December!

2011-12-01T22:23:00.001-06:00

Snowgirl, Carols, and Christmas CDs...OH MY! It's officially December! I had to share the cute little snow girl soap I got today from Bath and Body Works. I couldn't resist! Pink Sugarplum soap is in the dispenser. So fun!

I am in choir at church and we have been rehearsing so much this week for the Hanging of the Green service on Sunday. It will definitely be worth it! As the children's choir was singing, I got so teary eyed because it's the sweetest thing to see and hear precious kids sing! Sooo sweet!

Christmas music is just a necessity for us during this time of year. Michael Buble has the best cd out for Christmas. It really is sooo good!

Celine Dion's Christmas cd is older but it is still WON-DER-FUL!

December is the best month, but also the busiest month of the year for most of us. Take some time out of the busy season to think about why we celebrate Christmas--and that's Jesus' birth!

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the messiah the Lord. Luke 2:11

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2011-11-27T22:50:00.001-06:00

Our living room smells like Christmas because...we got a fresh Christmas tree! Russell and I really wanted to get a fresh tree from an actual Christmas tree farm and just get the experience of it.

After Russell and I did a lot of research of farms nearby, we decided to go to Wilkinson Christmas Farms in Oklahoma.

Fun decorations

Virginia Pine trees...so pretty! There was lots to choose from!

And here are the fraser firs that were already cut. I love the smell of the trees! So "Christmasy!"

Here we are with the tree we chose! It was so cold but we had so much fun!

They also served hot apple cider in this cute cabin!

Such pretty scenery!

We definitely enjoyed our "Christmas tree shopping" experience and plan on coming back! It really put us in the Christmas spirit! Let the decorating begin!

Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot-yes a new branch bearing fruit from the old root. Isaiah 11:1

Thanksgiving Recap

2011-11-26T23:13:00.001-06:00

Wow, I cannot believe Thanksgiving is over and now Christmas is almost here! Russell and I had a great time with our family. Look at this turkey! It tasted just as good as it looks!

We had a new addition this year for Thanksgiving dinner.....

Meet Marcie, Lauren's new puppy! Isn't she cute? We all enjoyed holding and cuddling her!

Russell carving the turkey

My sweet nephew, Logan and I before the Thanksgiving feast! Ha!

This is the brie en croute I made. It turned out well and tasted pretty good. I also made green bean bundles, which I call bundles of love! Ha!

We all loved the sign Lauren made for Thursday!

Sweet Russell and I...I just love him!

Lauren and her Marcie

Logan

Pretty Kelly and me

With our Mama

Later that night, we followed tradition and watched "Christmas Vacation" and laughed til we cried. So fun!

Russell and I just adore our nephew and niece. On Friday morning, Logan and Lauren rode bikes and I walked. They fortunately kept riding around me while I kept up with them! ha! It was fun.

Lauren and me. Lauren is wearing her adorable Christmas shirt we got her. It's supposed to be scented and I think it smells like gingerbread! :)

Later Friday we headed to Russell's parent's house.

Aubrey, Phyllis and Connie

Aubrey had been singing, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth". So cute!

Lori and me...Lori is expecting her baby in a few weeks. We are so ready to meet Peyton!

Russell and Ricky after a huge meal!

We left this morning to come back home. Tomorrow consists of cleaning house and possibly decorating for Christmas! Christmas time is officially here, everyone! Let the season begin!

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Thankful

2011-11-24T00:45:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to y'all!

I must admit, this post will probably be long and transparent. I warn those of you who are in my family, you may cry, as I will probably cry typing this.

I am fully aware that I blog about Daddy a lot. I guess it is a way that I cope. Everyone who knows me knows that I am a talker and talk quite a bit! Ha! So I guess that's why I say so much on my blog. This is the real me and I am not going to change that. Ever. It's midnight on Thanksgiving. Russell and I are at my Mom's house, and I can't sleep. I was just thinking about how much I miss Daddy SO very much. I miss him every day of course, but holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas and even Easter are hard for me. Yes, I know it has been almost three years since he left this earth. But I will just say that I just hurt the same.

The first picture above is of Daddy carving the turkey years ago. He always made holidays a special occasion. He actually made every day special. He took time to enjoy what some people would say are the "little things", but I call them simple pleasures, like the moon and the stars, walking, Christmas lights, building fires, walking in the woods, etc. There are too many things to name. I am thankful for Jerry Jordan, whom I call Daddy. I will always be thankful for him. I am so thankful that God allowed him to be my Daddy. I am thankful that he and Mama took care of Kelly and I when we were babies, up til when we moved out of the house.

I am thankful for the happiness he gave me. I am thankful for how much he spent time with me and showed me to always be open to discover new things-like a huge block of ice! HA! I am thankful that he showed me how to plant flowers and how to make a homemade wreath for Christmas. I am thankful, so thankful for not only the happiness, but the JOY he shared with me, Mama, and Kelly. There were so many laughs and smiles. I will be even more transparent to admit that sometimes when I look at some pictures of him, it still hurts. I love pictures of him of course, but I just miss him so much that it just hurts that much, if that makes any sense at all. It's a comfort, yet painful all at the same time.

I am thankful that he made me feel special. The picture above is of Daddy and I. He gave me an award for learning how to ride my bike. He had it typed it up, notarized, and signed by him and his secretary at the car dealership! HA! It was a day I won't forget. I will never forget visiting him at his office. He was the best businessman I ever will know! He encouraged me to strive hard in whatever I do in life. Oh my gosh, I have to share this. When I was three years old, I remember I asked Daddy, "Where do people go when they die?" He then said, "Meredith, if someone has asked Jesus in their heart, then they go to heaven." I remember that like it was yesterday. I absolutely adore that memory.

I am thankful for watching him be the best grandfather (JJ) to my nephew and niece. I will never forget the joy they always showed on their faces when they saw their JJ. He loved Logan and Lauren from the moment he layed eyes on them. What they may not know is that they gave him JOY almost as much as he gave them. Here goes another hard part to type, I am extremely grateful for him meeting and having Logan and Lauren, but I so wished that he would get to meet our children someday. However one of my friends told me that "he is already holding them in Heaven." I'd like to think of it that way, perhaps. But I know that Russell and I will tell our children ALL about their JJ and how wonderful he was and what precious memories we have and will always have of him.

I am so thankful for Daddy and Mama and Kelly. I am so thankful for Eric and Logan and Lauren. I am obviously thankful and so blessed to have Russell, the love of my life. I am so thankful for all my family members and friends. To family and friends that have always been there for me, especially in this trying time, THANK YOU! I am thankful for you as well! Some of you who are reading this may wonder, why is she typing this blog for everyone in cyberspace to see? Well, I will be honest. I don't really think of it that way. I actually use this blog as an online journal with lots of pictures, and also I pray this blog is used to help someone and encourage someone in some way. I just used this post as a way to vent, as I said before. I have to remember the Bible verse that says "God is our refuge and strength. Help in time of trouble"... We all should be reminded of that verse more often. Losing a loved one, especially a Daddy that you were close to, is hard. There's no way around it not being hard. It just is. However, like I mentioned and will say again, I am EXTREMELY THANKFUL for everything Daddy taught me and everything in between! I will always love Daddy. Thank you, Lord, for my Daddy.

The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

Busy November!

2011-11-22T11:03:00.001-06:00

Happy early Thanksgiving, y'all! Oh my goodness, this time of year just gets busier and busier, right? Russell and I have been extra busy this month. Here's a little recap.

A couple of weeks ago, we filled our shoebox (or plastic box) for a little boy. We really love participating in Operation Christmas Child every single year and look forward to shopping for children every year!

Here are the toys and things we picked out together. Yes, I realize we went a little overboard, but we realize that most of the children who receive these shoe boxes do not even have a toothbrush or toothpaste, or even socks to wear. We just had to get these goodies for him!

Even Belle enjoyed helping!

Russell knew just how to fit the items in the box. He was such a pro! Ha! There really was a technique to this!

Our letter we typed up for him!

Stickers to decorate the box!

Saturday, Bentonville Square held a special lighting of Christmas lights. We decided to go. Here is the community Christmas tree...so pretty!

It was so windy outside! We got a picture together anyway!

The ice rink was open Saturday too. It was too warm to stay open so we didn't get to ice skate! I have only ice skated twice in my life, but I was going to drag Russell on the rink anyway. Maybe next time! HA!

Beautiful lights on the square!

For the kiddos: go to Lawrence Plaza to drop off your letters to Santa! :) Drop it off in the Gingerbread House!

Can y'all believe it's almost Thanksgiving? WOW! I hope y'all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! XOXO!

I will praise the name of God with song, and shall magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Babes in Toyland

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It seems that Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before we know it! Of course, in NWA, Walmart sponsors Bentonville Toyland every year at the downtown square. Amy, Leighann, and I met up and walked around the square and Russell and Tony met us there later.

Leighann looking at the sign!

The Little People mascots were there! HA!

Leighann and Amy say hi to him!

Dora the Explorer came for a visit too!

And we even got to meet Barbie! HA! I got such a kick out of this because I ADORED playing with Barbies when I was little. We had to get a picture! :)

I had to get this picture for Logan. He loves Legos! They are very hard to put together!

The Talberts

Leighann loves Rapunzel!

Me and Russell

All children love the fountain! We had a lot of fun. The rest of the year will be busy from here on out! I'm so ready for it!

For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:9

Operation Christmas Child Time!

2011-11-03T17:39:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again! Yep, Operation Christmas Child is officially underway! I try to share about OCC every year because it is an organization that means a lot to me. This year, I think Russell and I will fill a shoebox for a little boy. Go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ to learn more about how to get involved. Oh, what a huge difference it can make for a little boy or little girl!

And look who is promoting it too! Scotty McCreery! Scotty won American Idol 2011.

Also, if you have any questions at all about it, feel free to email me! I would be glad to help you!

Give, and it will be given to you. Luke 6:38