Inspirational People

I wanted to take a moment and share with you some of the people that inspire me; or have made an impact on my life.

My Parents.  Where do I even start? These are two amazing people and I am so thankful that I was chosen to be their daughter. They have been through a lot with me concerning my Cerebral Palsy; but we have chugged right on through together. They show me love daily. They helped me push through the tough times when I would buck up and fight. They really taught me how to be strong and to never give up. To always go for what I wanted and not let anything stop me. I think I have done this well. Thank you for teaching me to 'Roll with It'. I love you both!

My Sister. This girl is the best friend God knew I couldn't live without. She has always accepted me and never treated me any different than anyone else. We have so many good memories I couldn't even begin to write them here. She is a very strong and beautiful woman. She stands up for what she believes in and doesn't back down. Throughout our lives, I have looked up to her a lot. It always felt like she should be the older sister, lol. She has always been willing to help in a time of need even from a young age. I'm so glad that she is in my life and that I have been blessed to call her my Sister. She also gave me the best gift anyone could ever ask for; my niece Kaylee Isabella!

Michael. I'm so thankful that we came into each others lives when we did. He is the love of my life and I'm so glad I get to share that with him. We have been through a lot in 5 years but we have stuck it out through good and bad. He accepts me and loves me, and I give the same in return. To this day he can still give me butterflies and melt my heart. I love his smile, his personality, and his caring gentle soul more so now than the day I met him. It is my prayer that our love continues to grow and conquer what ever life may toss our way. He is a true blessing in my life.

Jade. She is my bestie!!! I met her through Michael and I am so glad I did. She is so much fun to be around and has really helped me grow a lot in my personal self over the last 4 years. She has taught me; along with many others that it is okay to speak up. [I am still working on it, but getting better.] She is a very strong, bright woman who faces whatever life throws at her with immense courage and faith. She's been there for me through a lot, and I have done the same for her. That's what besties are for! My life definitely would not be the same without her! :)

George.  I met George in August of 2005. He was my physical therapist in Dayton where my Granny too me for therapy. I quickly took a liking to George for the compassion he had for his job and patients. He is a genuine person. Definitely a one of a kind. In the Spring of 2006 I moved to Cleveland and was estatic to learn that he was at the Cleveland BenchMark PT. I always looked forward to working with him. He makes therapy as fun an enjoyable as possible for his patients. George and I have developed a friendship over the last 6 years that I hope lasts the rest of our lives. Not only is he one of my favorite PT's; he is also an awesome friend and mentor. He has seen me in good times and bad; and has always been there to listen and offer his support and guidance if needed. His compassion for others carries over into his family as well. He loves his wife, and all their children greatly without question. I am so thankful to know this family and I appreciate them allowing me to be a part of their lives.

Many of my other friends and family members have also been an inspiration to me throughout this journey called life. If not for their love, and support I don't know where I would be today.

Who inspires you?

Thanksgiving

I know this post is long overdue. . .

Thanksgiving was great this year. Mom cooked dinner and we all went down to have a feast. The dressing and sweet potato casserole, and cherry cheescake are always my favorites and my Mommy always does a good job. I was thankful that we were all able to be together and be there for mom. All being myself, Michael, Emily and her family, my cousin Jodi and her family and a good friend of my sisters'. I know that it was tough for my Mom this year. It was for me as well in a sense. It was different. But I am so thankful that we have each other and share the love that we do. I know my grandparents were definitely there with us in spirit.

Since this is my Thanksgiving post. I suppose I should say what I am thankful for. Here goes:

• My family and the love that we share.
• Michael, my love and our relationship. I'm thankful he came into my life.
• Seeing my sister get married. She's all grown up now!
• My home.
• My pup Bruno, he keeps me good company.
• My many friends who are always blessings to me.
• The beauty God creates daily.

Christmas is getting closer and I know it is going to be tough for us as well. If you're reading, please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. <3

11/11/11

November 11, 2011. Not only is this Veteran's Day but also the day my sister said "I Do" to the love of her life. The wedding was lakeside on my Granny's property and was just absolutely breathtaking. I was honored to be the Maid of Honor and be at my sister's side on her big day. Everyone looked great! Kaylee (her daughter) made a beautiful flower girl, and Kevin of course was a handsome groom. 

I am so happy for my sister and hope that the 3 of them have a wonderful life together!

Encouragement For Today

I was browsing through status shuffle this morning on Facebook and came across a quote that really hit home for me.

"For God to take care of us, we have to stop trying to take care of ourselves, by worrying about every little thing we can't control." Joyce Meyer


I will be the first to admit I am definitely a worry wart. I worry about anything and everything which causes a lot of undue stress and anxiety. I have always been this way. I try not to worry but just can't help it.

I read this quote and then pondered it for a moment and realized how true this is. If every time I start to worry about something I cannot control what am I doing for me? Nothing but causing unwanted anxiety. However, if I pray and let the Lord handle whatever it may be no matter how big or small; then it is no longer my worry and everything will fall into place as it should.

I really need to keep this in mind and work on not worrying so much. I really do it way too much! Comes with being the type of person that worries about pleasing others. That's another thing I have trouble with, and have for years.

Anyone else have these same issues? Share your thoughts and how you deal with them. Maybe we can learn from one another!

Calling All Prayer Warriors

I usually do not post in my blog asking for prayer, but just like Facebook it is a great tool for that.

Today, I want to ask you, my fellow readers and followers to be in prayer for a dear friend of mine. Justin Smith, as well as his family. His precious wife, Shannon, has been battling Ewing Sarcoma, a type of cancer for four long years and her time is drawing near. Pray for peace and comfort as they prepare themselves for this. Pray for strength only our Father can give. I know it is not going to be easy for them. Shannon just lost her Mother in May also to cancer. They were each others rock! I've not had the blessing of meeting Shannon but I grew up with Justin in elementary school. We recently reconnected when I was at Bryan 6 years ago, and have remained in touch. Their faith in God is so strong and so amazing. They are an inspiration to many. They are loved by many.

If you would like more information on her story you can find it here at : Shannon's Journey

Blessings to Everyone!

Blessing Bags

I ran across this idea on my cousins Facebook page. This picture is actually from her page. She is into couponing and what she has done is taken extras of several things she has as you can see, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and little goodies and put them in a baggy. Simple enough. Now you may be wondering why they are called Blessing Bags. . .

I know many of you have been driving down the Interstate or through town and seen people holding up signs needing money, food, etc. The next time you see one of them or even someone homeless you could hand them one of these instead of money. I'm sure they could use each and every item in it and what a blessing for you to know that you've helped someone in such a sweet way that didn't cost a lost of money! I myself have not gotten into couponing yet, but I would love to for this reason. If you are an avid couponer and you have several extra items such as these consider this idea this holiday season, or anytime! :)

I Can Only Imagine . . .

When I last posted in my blog, I posted in support of the Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summit not knowing what I would be facing just a few hours after. . .

That same morning, August 26, 2011 I received a phone call from my sister telling me to throw some clothes on she was on her way to get me and we were going to the hospital. I knew at that moment something was wrong. My Granny had just been released from the hospital that Tuesday and had to go back that Wednesday night due to some pain from blood clots. Thursday she was then readmitted. My Mom and Dad stayed with her that night. On the way to the hospital our Dad called and told us that she had passed. This was about 10:00 a.m. We arrived at the hospital to be with our family and say our goodbyes to her.

Her services were beautiful. Simple and quiet just like she was. I thought losing her would be really hard for me, but it hasn't been. It has been an easy, peaceful type of grief for me. I had been preparing myself for that day for quite sometime and I knew where she was going without question. She is now once again reunited with the love of her life, John Lawson and has finally met her Savior face to face.

What joy we can have in our hearts when we know someone is going home to Heaven. The tears shed are for our own pain and sorrow we feel as humans. My heart just bursts with joy when I think about her because I know she is where she has always wanted to be. How happy she must be! :)

When we lay our loved ones to rest, we are not burying them in the ground to forget about them; we are simply releasing them to Heaven to be with them again someday just as the doves are released at a graveside ceremony. ~Me

~*S. Yvonne Lawson June 29, 1938 - August 26, 2011*~
My Angel Always

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Ps 116:15

Orange & White

Today is a special day for those of us who live in Tennessee. We were asked by our news channels to wear orange in support of Pat Summitt, the Lady Vols basketball coach. She went public recently with the news of being diagnosed with early on set dementia. She has no plans to step down from coaching. In fact, she plans to continue for as long as she can.

Now I certainly am not a big sports buff, but this story really touched me. It reminded me that even on my darkest of days there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Being born with CP and a full time wheelchair user I've had my share of difficult times but have always chosen to push through those times like she is choosing to do.


Even if your not a Vols fan I ask you to please support her today. Pray for her and her family.

The vol-nation has your back Pat!

Pinterest

Have you heard of Pinterest yet? If not now you have and you should really check it out! I was introduced to it by my awesome friend Wendy. At first I wasn't sure what to think about it, but it is actually really neat! All you do is create a board and then browse the web and when you see a picture of something you like, i.e. a party idea or favorite food you simply click on the picture and click pin it - and it will add it to your board and allow you to write a description about it! Great way to pass some time when you're bored!

The link to my site is below! Check it out! :) Let me know what you think!

My Pinterest Site

Myrtle Beach 2011

Ok so this post is a little past due... but hey at least I am finally sitting down to write it right?

Michael and I spent the last weekend of July in Myrtle Beach, SC with his dads family for their family reunion. I was very excited! It was my first time in Myrtle Beach and our first out of state trip together. The drive was very long and even got a little lonely on I-20 - but we arrived late that Thursday afternoon.

We stayed with his Aunt Connie and Uncle Jim. They have a beautiful home and I am thankful to them for opening their home up to us. My favorite part of their home was their master bath. Haha! They have an awesome shower that had all kinds of jets in the walls and a great big tub! The floors were even heated, if you wanted them to be! :)

Friday afternoon, we went to the private beach lot Connie works at...so Michael and I had a beach to ourselves. The house is absolutely breathtaking! It has an elevator in it and a pull out drawer refrigerator built into the island in the kitchen. While there, I got in a rafting tube thing and rode some waves. A great big one came in, and knocked my glasses off my face - so I had to get new ones.. what an adventure that was!

Saturday night, Connie and Jim took us and Michael's parents to the boardwalk. It was really neat. We rode the SkyWheel and went out on Pier 14. It's so relaxing out there. I cannot wait to plan another trip to go back. We had a great time.

Here I am sitting on the Beach! That's the beach house behind me!

Michael playing on the beach! I love my big kid!

This is the SkyWheel. It changes into all kinds of colors and designs at night! I loved it! The cars on it are completely enclosed and even have air conditioning! :)

This is Pier 14 which goes  out over the ocean. Its really beautiful. Next time we go visit I would like to be on the pier early in the morning to see the sunrise! <3

And just for giggles I'll end the post with a picture of my new glasses!

 Happy Reading!

My Buddy Bruno

Hey Everyone! This should be a fun cute post. I have been aiming to do it for a while. While I was sitting here on the couch doing absolutely nothing I thought I would post it since I have everything I need for it!

Last year around this time a friend of mine from high school got in touch with me about a puppy she had that needed a home. My chiweenie had been ran over just a few weeks earlier. Everyone told me not to rush and pick the first one I saw, so I told my friend I would keep Bruno for a week and see how things went, well guess what he is still here! I wouldn't trade him for anything. He is my buddy, my companion when I am home by myself and I have come to learn that even though he is small he is very protective of his mommy and daddy! When I take a shower, he stays underneath my wheelchair until I am finished. He stays right by my pretty much all day long.

Here are some pictures of my little buddy:

Weekend Fun

Hey Bloggers!

I promise I am going to get better at this blogging thing and post more than what I have been. My number of posts are not many - need to work on that!

Today I want to share some pictures from last weekend with you, so here goes!

Last Thursday, Michael and I went on an evening boat ride with a friend. He took pictures of the sunset!

The beautiful sunset from the boat on the river!

I simply have no words for this. It's just beautiful and very unique. I've never seen anything like this before. God sure can paint some pretty pictures, don't you think? :)

 On Saturday evening we went to our dear friends the Del Signore's for dinner. We were the guinea pigs for Wendy's new dish. I must say it was delicious! I always enjoy spending time with them and there little man, Caleb. He loves us and really enjoys playing with Michael. :) I love watching him get excited and just giggle! He is a joy. I also enjoy talking to Wendy and continuing to build our friendship while the guys do their thing, ha!

We were playing with Caleb's car toy! That face is too cute!

This was the first time he let me pick him up!

He is such a happy kid! My smile should have been better! Haha!

He liked my necklace ;)

Caleb had to check out my phone :)

I'm already looking forward to this weekend as well. We have a couple of fun things planned. Hopefully, I will get pictures and post them for you next week. Happy reading and blogging!

Five Years...

Hello Blogging friends!

I finally found something to write about after 2 months. I do apologize for the delay in my writing.

This Friday, June 17 I will be celebrating my 5 year anniversary with Michael. I cannot believe it has already been that long. It seems like just yesterday we met! For those of you that do not know our story we met online via a Yahoo chatroom. We chatted via IM and text for about 4 days and discovered that we lived in the same town and he was room mates with someone I knew. We met and the rest is pretty much history. We have been together ever since. If I could go back and re-do the way things happened I wouldn't. I am thankful to have him in my life. We have been through some tough times but that's what makes us stronger right? I would not trade any experiences we have shared together because we would not be where we are today if I had. I love him with all my heart and I am so glad we found one another. I believe we equal one another out for the most part. :)

I want us to be able to do something special Friday evening. Anyone have any ideas of nice and inexpensive things to do? Ideas welcome!

My Favorites :)

Me and Granny, Grad '10

Me and Mom Grad '10

Bruno

Jade, My Bestie

Me and my Sis

My Love <3

Blessings

It's been almost a month since I have posted... but I really took time to ponder this post and think it through. I hope it turns out the way I want it to. If not then I hope it still makes sense to my readers. Bare with me! :)

I have taken the past few weeks and really thought about and concentrated on how blessed I am. There are several things that have brought this too my attention:

As most of you know my Granny is fighting cancer for the 2nd time. When I first learned of this news I was not sure what to think but I gave it to God and so far everything is going great. She is in good spirits and has my Mom with her to help her. How blessed I am that she is so strong and that we have pulled together once again as a family to help her fight this fight. Her faith is so strong. Talking to her or being around her rejuvenates my soul and my faith! She is such a blessing to us all!

I'm blessed to have a wonderful man in my life. Sure we have our spats and whatnot, but they make us stronger. I cannot believe that we have been together nearly 5 years! They have been hard, but they have been worth it. I really and truly believe that we are meant for one another. I still get butterflies every now and then and he has been strong for me when I needed him most. I hope that as we get older our love gets stronger. He loves me for who I am, and I do the same for him!

I'm blessed to know Jesus as my Savior. I don't go to church, but I do believe and I do pray. As previously mentioned in one of my last blogs, I have a prayer journal. It has been a blessing to me as well and is my own personal way of being close to Him!

I'm also blessed to have wonderful friends and family! They're pretty much amazing! :))

Time with God

How do you spend time with God? Do you sing, pray aloud, read His Word.. talk to others about Him?

I spend my time with Him by writing in a prayer book not only for myself but others as well. I do this, because I personally do not like praying aloud. I like to write things out so I can see them and also refer to them later. I have been spending a lot of time writing in my prayer journal over the last few weeks. It is a comfort and a release for me. I am so glad I chose to do this. I have learned so much through it, especially this last week. I've prayed/wrote many a prayer for those I know battling sickness, for our finances and many other different things. All of these prayers have been answered, not on my time, but His. I prayed the prayer for our finances a couple months ago and had just started to lose hope that something better would come through for us, just as I started having that little bit of doubt, God came through for us once again. I have learned through writing my prayers down that He really does answer them and sometimes, its not right then. He kind of makes it suspenseful for us at times and makes us wonder, them BAM! there it is! I've had my prayer journal for a year, but just really started using it this year. It has made such a difference for me and I am glad I can read older entries and know without a doubt that those prayers have been answered in some form or fashion. It amazes me and it is such a blessing.

Thank you Lord for answering each and every prayer not in my time, but Yours. Thank you for the wonderful people I have in my life to share such wonderful things with. Amen!

I hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

Family

I have been meaning to write this blog for quite sometime. I've sat and thought about it several times, what I wanted to say and  how I wanted to say it. I've come to the conclusion that there is no certain way it needs to be said.

Family. How important are they to you? How often do you visit or talk to them? Do you keep in touch with relatives on Facebook or through e-mail that do not live nearby? That is one thing I love about social networking. It allows us to keep in touch with those we don't see often and we're able to let them know we love them often.

This year my mom asked my sister and I if we would like to have dinner once a week at her house. We both agreed and I am glad we did. It is so nice to sit around the dinner table, be a family, and enjoy good food and many laughs. This is something you don't see often anymore. People are too busy living life in the fast lane and good times like this just pass them by. It's so sad to think that the world is like that now. Family doesn't mean what it use to for most, but for me it always will!

I encourage you to make time to spend with your loved ones as often as you can. Its precious time that we cannot get back. Have dinner, go bowling, have a game night, or even a movie night! Just make an effort to spend time with them. I'm glad I have! :)

The Impact of a Letter

I do not do this often, but I took time out for just me this evening. I excused myself to my room and geared up Netflix. I then searched for a movie I have been wanting to see titled Letters to God. I thought it would be appropriate for me to watch alone and I'm glad I chose to do so.

The story behind the movie really tugged at my heart. I will not ruin it and type the story here, all I will say is God chooses certain people for different things in this big journey of life. The main character showed his faith in God through his letters. You may be thinking, letters? God won't read those. Let me tell you, He does. I have my own personal notebook just for that. I started it last year. I didn't write in it a whole lot, but so far this year I am off to a good start. I find it very relaxing to do this. I'm not one who likes to pray aloud, so I thought this would be a great way to make sure I communicate with Him. In the short time that I have been writing, prayers have been answered; even the smallest ones.

My challenge to you: Take time out and watch this movie, then write your own Letters and see what happens! It's nothing short of amazing when you see and realize that He has blessed you!

New Year; New Adventures

The holiday season has once again come and gone. Now is the beginning of a new year and new adventures await us all.

I cannot wait to see what 2011 has in store for me and those dear to me. I am excited for what may lie ahead. I know there will be struggles and hard times, but I feel like this is going to be a great year. I spent the New Year holiday with my sister and had a wonderful time. It had been several years since we had been together on New Years and I am so glad we were for 2011. We had time to bond like we had not had in a while.

Not much else to be said for now...

Here's to an awesome 2011!