Lessons… January 28, 2009

When seeing your face, all chubby and cute

I didn’t know then just all you would do.

I didn’t know how you’d teach us today

I just knew to sit and to pray.

Hoping, wanting, crying for you to live,

Praying that God would see fit to give

A little more time, just one more day,

But we know that wasn’t His way.

What happened, God? We don’t understand.

“Trust me, child and take hold of My hand.”

“This is not the end as you think, this is the beginning of many great things!”

“Through this little boy’s life, I’ll proclaim my great name,

And point people to the hope that you claim.”

“I’ll teach you to trust me, and  lean on my arm.

Being assured that I’ll never bring you harm.”

“For in my great plan, you never say good bye,

Just ’see you later, in a short while.’ “

When seeing your face all chubby and cute,

I didn’t know then just all you would do.

I didn’t know how God would teach us His love through you.

_________________________________________________________

This is written in remembrance of my nephew, Daniel. Daniel’s birthday was this past Monday, he would have been two.

I love you, Daniel!

Love,

Aunt Molly

Texas Land and Cattle January 26, 2009

This past Friday, I had the day off of work, so mom and I decided to travel to Winston Salem to do what we do best: shop. We had a later start than we anticipated, which may or may not have been my fault. We arrived in the fair metropolis of Winston Salem around 12:15, I was hungry and suggested we go to our favorite lunch spot: Texas Land and Cattle.

 

This place is really great, and has the best sourdough bread. Seriously, I could eat their bread and be just fine. After we were seated, mom went to the restroom while I stayed at the table to survey the menu. our waiter came up, introduced himself, and informed me that he was training a new waiter that afternoon. When the other waiter joined us, he asked if I would mind a “tour of the menu”. Sure I don’t mind, what do you recommend?

 

Funny thing though, is that mom didn’t know that one waiter was training the other, and was taken a back a little that I had two male waiters waiting on me. I told her it was my raving beauty…and then I looked down and saw that I had a rather prominent stain on my shirt. Oh, the irony.

 

After we ordered, our waiters brought our food, and the new waiter was doing a fabulous job! I was really impressed with how much he could remember. He then told us that he had only been working three days, which really blew me away.

 

After we finished our lunch, we were both very full. That’s when I noticed, in my peripheral vision, our waiters carrying a large tray filled with desserts. Oh, well I hate to break it to the new guy, but there is no way I’m eating dessert.

 

Oh, was I wrong.

 

Not only did he display the desserts, he also gave a detailed description of each, and again he blew me away with how much information he had memorized in just three days. After he finished with his descriptions, I looked at mom and saw a little gleam in her eye. That’s when I knew. I knew that we would be having dessert. My mom looked at him and said, “we’ll have a brownie to share, please.”

 

After the waiter left, I looked at mom and said, “what! we don’t need to eat dessert.” “Well, I know, Molly, but I wanted to support the little guy and his new job. I just can’t turn him down.”

 

And so we ate a brownie, a brownie that was the size of my head with chocolate and caramel sauce, and vanilla ice cream. With each bite mom informed me that I was doing a good thing, and that I was supporting the new waiter with his job.

 

Well, I do what I can. At least the ice cream was good.

Fabulous Friday: It Felt Like “Law and Order”! January 23, 2009

Well, it’s been forever since I’ve posted a “Fabulous Friday”. I really can’t blame it on anything other than the fact that I have been slack when it comes to writing something fabulous (yeah, right) for Friday.

 

Sorry, I will try and make it up to you by writing a post that you  will more than likely forget 5 minutes after reading. Hey, it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it, and that someone happens to be me.

 

It is now my honor to recount the harrowing tale of “Molly and the Federal Court House” - now don’t get too excited, I haven’t committed any crimes in the past couple of months. I’m innocent, honest. 

 

In December, I received a official looking letter from the “Federal Court House of Charlotte,NC”. Before I opened it, I freaked out. I was wracking my brain “what have I done? I know I got a parking violation, but I paid it, I remember writing the check for twenty, stinkin’ dollars. I paid it, honest.” Thankfully, it was only a summon for Grand Jury Duty. What I didn’t realize at the time was that when you are summoned to the Grand Jury, you have been officially summoned to sell your soul to the Federal Courthouse for 12 whole months.

 

Yes, I was informed that I had to go to Charlotte once a month for 12 whole months. Needless to say, I was thrilled.

 

Yesterday was my first day, and since I am a confident, self assured kind of girl wimp, I begged my dad to go with me for my first time. He was very kind, and even drove! Thanks, dad!

 

We left my house at 6:15 am, the temp was only 12 degrees, yes, 12 degrees. I was cold, and you better believe I had my heated seat cranked up, and rarin’ to go.

 

We arrived at the courthouse around 8:45, and I was checked in by the security guards. Thankfully, I didn’t set off any alarms and I was free and clear to enter the building. Once I was thoroughly checked, a kind security guard directed me to a waiting room for all the grand jurors.

 

When I walked in the room, several people were already there. There was an air of dread and remorse. I sat down, while a sweet lady took my name, gave me a parking token and told me to make myself comfortable. Yeah, I’m about to give you my life for the next 12 months, like I’m really comfortable about that.

 

At 9:30 the sweet lady came back in the room and proceeded to give us a short overview of what would be happening that day, and what to expect.

 

That’s when she dropped the bomb.

 

” You shouldn’t be here more than three days a month.” ’scuse me? Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I thought it was only once a month. No, no, I couldn’t be more wrong. According to the lady it could be anywhere from 1 to 3 days a month. Meaning you never knew how many days to plan for.

 

The room went silent. Some people sat in shock, while others lashed out in anger. I was silent. I felt sorry for the lady taking all the frustration. She was doing her job, I tried to smile at her, but I’ll be honest, it was hard.

 

And that’s when she offered a glimmer of hope.

 

After announcing that I would be selling my life for not one, but possibly three days a month, she announced that there would be 6 alternate jurors that would not have to come unless called upon.

 

She mentioned that she needed to finish placing the grand jurors, and six alternates, and that we needed to hold tight a little longer. When she came back in the room to announce the results we all sat with bated breath.

 

She started out with the 23 grand jurors. I noticed that they were in alphabetical order. She got to the “m’s” and then the “n’s” “ok, this is it p is next.” Instead of saying my last name she moved onto the letter “s”. “Wait, what does that mean? Does that mean I’m an alternate??” She then moved onto the 6 alternates starting alphabetically. Miracles of miracles my name was mentioned first!

 

I immediately broke out into a silent prayer of praise.

 

All I had to do was to sit through orientation, be sworn in, and listen to the responsibilities of the grand jury. After all that (about 2 hours) I was free and clear. Once they told the alternates that they could leave, I was out of there like a rat on a cheeto (I’m so sorry. That last line is evidence that I grew up with brothers.).

 

I met my dad who was waiting in the lobby, and greeted him with a jubiliant smile and may or may not have formed a “VICTORY” sign.

 

Once we got out of the parking lot, we headed to BBQ King to eat lunch. It was quite delicious, and time well spent with dad.

 

And that, my friends, is my tale of “The Federal Courthouse”.  I know that I’ve written my tale from a sarcastic point of view. But I’m truly grateful to live in a country that governs fairly, and justly. It is what makes our country so great. I would have been happy to have served on the grand jury for a year, but I am also thankful that I am an alternate.

 

And I must say that I’m so proud to be an American.

Wordless Wednesday January 22, 2009

Beautiful Girls

“These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” January 20, 2009

Greetings one and all! We have been having some lovely snow this past week-end and week, and I’m over the moon happy about it! Many people think that I’m crazy for loving the cold weather and snow, but the truth is that I love every season! Winter is especially fun since  I get to go skiing! The unfortunate thing about that though, is that I have grown up. Meaning I can’t just go anytime I want to, I now have to plan weeks in advance. Oh well, such is life.

Ok, I know you didn’t come on here to read my ramblings of snow, and growing up all while singing “Sunrise, Sunset”. Onto the actual post:

I have recently come across some things that I am dubbing “My Favorite Things”. Just like Oprah, only I’m not giving anything away. Sorry, no cars or digital cameras from me. Only a link to my favorite thing.

Onward.

1.Ok, my first favorite thing is this post by my brother, Dustin. And while you’re at it, check out his blog.

2. I cannot wait to go and see this  especially since I will be seeing it with my aunt Kris, and cousin Hannah. We’ve been known to like a funny movie.

3. I’ve just recently discovered this how did I miss this before? How?

4. I am quickly becoming a huge fan of this guy his new CD is like a smorgasbord for the ears.

5. Have you met my family? Well in case you haven’t go here, here,and here and you will be acquainted with them.

6. And last but certainly not least I am a big fan of this book I just finished it last night, and it really ministered to me. I recommend reading it!

And there you have it. As I promised no cars, ipods, or digital cameras. Hey, we are living in a tough economy, I just can’t afford an ipod for each of you. Maybe next year.

Life With Evie January 19, 2009

This past weekend I had the great privilege of riding down the mountain with my oldest niece, Evie. As we were riding down 321 Evie looked out the window to my right and gasped. ” Oh, Mommy! Look at that sunset! Isn’t it beautiful?” I hadn’t really noticed the sunset, and as I looked out the window I thought “oh, well that’s nice, but I’ve seen better.”

Yes, I know, let’s all say it  together: “MOLLY! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?”

I had a similar response immediately after I had that thought. I realized that I have become so jaded at the wonderful daily gifts God gives. I was immediately taken a back at just how much, I take for granted every day.

Things like: breathing, laughter, love, sunrises, sunsets, snow, flowers, family, sight, sound, taste, feeling. And the list could go on and on and on… it is only by God and his Grace that we enjoy these “everyday things.”

Evie taught me a very important lesson. Because to her un-jaded heart, each sunset, smile, laugh, sunrise, snowflake…is a gift that is to be celebrated. What’s more, she openly celebrates these gifts! I was challenged by Evie, (did I mention she’s three) I was challenged to celebrate God’s gifts everyday, with a heart that is grateful and worships.

Recently, I came across a new band call “Tenth Avenue North”. I love their new single that is out on the radio “By Your Side”.

As I was listening to it the other day, I was reminded that so many times I don’t acknowledge that God is right by my side, and I don’t except the good gifts that He has placed right in front of me. Evie taught me that, she taught me to be thankful for the gifts that God has placed all around me.

Ahh, life with Evie, and all my nieces and nephew for that matter, is so much more than I thought it would be. And I’m so thankful for it!

Wordless Wednesday January 15, 2009

World's Greatest Parents

Love Never Fails January 13, 2009

It is freezing outside as I’m writing this. In fact I have not been able to stay warm all day. I had to pull out the “Arctic winter gear” this morning. Which mainly consists of  a jacket, parka, gloves, and personal heater. I don’t take the personal heater with me, I just have one at work. One of the perks when you work for a heating and air contractor. Tomorrow, I’ll be adding a hat! I just might take a picture for you, so you can get the full idea.

But all of that is not the reason I came on here to write. I would like to make the official declaration that I have the BEST MOM IN THE WORLD! My mom bought me Brandon Heath’s newest album, “What If We” just because today.

It is awesome! I’m really enjoying it, but I’m really loving his song “Love Never Fails”. This song is based on 1 Corinthians 13, and is quickly becoming my favorite song right now. I wish I could post a clip of it, or a video, but to be honest, I  looked on You Tube and couldn’t find anything that I liked. You can go on  You Tube and search for it, though.

This CD is awesome, and I highly recommend it!

Just Wait and See January 11, 2009

Hello, I’m spending some quality time with my nieces and nephew tonight. Currently, Ruthie and Mary Fran are twirling around the room with pom-poms in hand, while Evie is playing the piano and begging them to stop. Mary Fran is chanting “Woo Hoo”, and Evie is yelling, “girls, please stop! Please stop!”

To say that there is a lot of action going on is a complete understatement…I love every minute of it!

As Evie was playing the piano, Fran was dancing with Ward. I made the comment that one day Ward was going to be dancing with his mom at his wedding. (Not that I’m trying to rush things, just making a general observation). When Evie reminded me that Ward was not getting married.

When I asked Evie if she was going to get married; she responded with “yes, when I get a little older.” I then asked her who she was going to marry. “My husband.” To which I then asked “well, do you know who you’re husband is?” and she responded:

“We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE being an aunt!

Oh, now their screaming and running around the house…

Well Said, Dad! January 8, 2009

Molly here. I’m currently watching the BCS Championship with my dad, and I just had to share what he said. Upon looking at one of the Florida Gators defensive players (can’t remember which one), my looked at me and said: “That’s a big piece of beef right there.”

Well said, dad, well said.

GO GATORS!