Happy Birthday Bryan!

This has probably been one of the worst birthday weeks Bryan has ever had.

Seriously.

His wife gets a horrible case of the flu and is down for the count. Mostly bed-ridden for days.

She can't cook, clean, care for their kid, do laundry... nothing. She's too dizzy to walk more than a few feet and too weak to sit up for more than a few hours. She's too out of it to even remember when her next medication dose will be. It's all on you. Happy Birthday.

Instead of sipping a full glass of OJ in the recliner and staying in a separate room with a can or two of Lysol, Bryan tirelessly served me while I was sick. While I have felt guilty enough for both of us for being down for so long, Bryan didn't complain or treat me with resentment. He was loving and patient. He worked HARD.

Today, I'm not back to 100% but I am able to celebrate Christmas Eve today with our families and to celebrate Bryan's birthday with him. Because he gave me the chance to rest, I am so much better than I was a few days ago. Yay!

Bryan... When I married you 4 and a half years ago, that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I respect you so much Bryan and am so thankful that I married you! You are a great husband and the best daddy! Happy, happy birthday! I wish every pastor was like you. If they were, I think pastor's wives would be a whole lot nicer and their kids wouldn't go AWAL. You are the kind of guy I hope Abby finds one day. I'm glad you are mine. (Back off ladies *warning eye*).

Divine Interruption

Well, it turns out that the reason I was uncomfortable the night before last was because I was developing a sinus infection. Apparently, a sinus infection plus an almost healed nose fracture equals misery. Conveniently, exactly where I fractured my nose is where the infection is the worst. Thanks to my local doctor who called in antibiotics for me, I can already tell after 3 doses that I will survive (I know you were worried).

Besides the facial pain, the worst part is not having the energy I need to keep up with Abby. As always, God times everything perfectly. Since Bryan is preaching a revival here in Memphis, I have had plenty of help during the day in between his times of studying. Since we are not at home, I don't have to feel guilty about resting for most of the day when I can. We may not be sightseeing as I had originally planned, but I am thankful for a time of unexpected rest and for a great husband who practices what he preaches.

My Husband Is Impressive!

This past week we celebrated 3 amazing years of marriage.  Looking back, some of the hardest times have brought us the closest.  Though, we have had many good times too!  I'm so thankful for all that we have shared and look forward to many more good years to come.  Being married to my best friend is the most incredible 

blessing imaginable.  This year, Bryan really impressed me with an unbelievable anniversary surprise (just so you know, it is very difficult to truly surprise me).

We went to my parents' camp on the river for this past week to celebrate our anniversary and to vacation.  When we arrived, Bryan led me on an elaborate scavenger hunt through many wonderful childhood memories until I arrived at my gift.  I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did!

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#1  "Memories light the heart's fireplace,

Bloom with joy and give us grace.

But nothing can quite exceed,

The joy of planting memory's seed.

So, here's to sowing one more field,

Hearts of joy, forever sealed.

It starts with one, but maybe two,

On each card, you'll find your clue.

With each, you'll stroll down memories lane,

And wonder how many more remain.

To find the next, you'll have to gaze,

Of playing house in former days.

This ancient relic beneath us sits,

And often housed your dirty sticks.

So go now and find your clue,

Beneath an imaginary pot of stew."

(The antique stove I played on downstairs as a kid)

#2  "Very good, and well done.

Maybe now we're having fun.

Go find the lighter version now,

Upstairs it waits to show you how.

It came at Christmas, I've seen the picture,

It sits below a nice old fixture.

Cooking, still, is the game,

But its texture isn't the same."

(My Party Kitchen Stove Still Housed in the Camp's Living Room)

#3- "Back and forth the motion goes, 

Can you reach the tree, with your toes?

Again and again you used to try,

Your dad must have thought you'd die.

It sits just one, all you need,

Fewer helps increase the speed."

(My Childhood Swing Underneath the Camp)

#4- "Now, another ancient piece,

I'd replace it--- good grief

But you have liked it for some reason, 

Though it's a little out of season.

When you look, it looks back,

And can hold your coat like a rack.

Candles, trinkets, and other junk

It's right beside the place we bunk."

(An Antique Armoire My Grandmother's Uncle Built By Hand)

#5- I hope you've had some memories come,

You've followed well, here's one last crumb.

This bag mocked and tempted before,

Made you hope and long for more.

Maybe this time it won't disappoint,

This final word will make my point.

Memories are made each passing day,

This new toy will help them stay.

(A Nikon Case that Houses My Grandfather's Antique Movie Camera)

What I Found Inside the Old Nikon Case...

My Nikon D60!!!!

YAY!

Many More Photos to Come!