he always knows when i need him the most

i know some people think this song is cheesy...
but i love it.

specially since i had never heard it until my amazing husband came home from work a couple days ago, singing it to me. and right then, in that moment i needed to hear these words. i swear listening to it brings back all kinds of Déjà vu.

he's going to kill me when he sees this post.
he's a big, strong man, but he's a hopeless romantic.
and a softy when it comes to lovin his girls.

Mother's Day

I love.love.love Mother's Day!

Of course, before I became a mother, I didn't realize the significance of it.

I know, what a horrible daughter.

But having my own has made me appreciate Mother's so so much more.

Especially my own Mother.

I love you Mom.

Thank You.Thank You.

Now I have to brag on my man.

Since Layla and I both have the same birthstone he bought me this...

I may as well have all our babies in December,

then it would suit me just fine for a mother's ring.

All of us kids went in on Sue's gift.

This beautiful Christus.

I'm so jealous.

Our attempt to get a mommy/daughter picture...

..but she was way more interested in this!

I love you Sugar!

Thanks for another amazing Mother's Day!

XoXo

For Now...

..the weather is absolutely beautiful in Mississippi.

The azeleas are in full bloom and the air is so clean and crisp.

Since we've arrived home, we've spent our days outside, which means I'm not getting much done.

But that's ok. This weather won't last long.

And hey, I'm getting a great start on my tan!

We also spend a lot of time on Layla's great new toy from Uncle Greg.

(I hope she knows how loved she is)

Although it puts a huge smile on her face, it puts a little sorrow in my heart.

She looks so big and grown as she putt-putts around the yard.

---

For Now and Always...

I'll be completely in love with this guy.

He's truly the better half of me,

that little itch in my heart that I can't scratch.

I missed him so much while we were away.

Although I was surrounded with so many people that I loved and that loved Layla and me back, there was just something missing.

Almost an alone feeling.

That feeling is gone.

We're together again. 

(I don't think we'll be leaving each other's side for awhile if we can help it.)

                                   ---                                          

For Now...

I know where me and my family belong.

We can move forward.

Although it's been hard to accept, I have and I'm ok.

This is my trial and I can handle it.

Overcome it.

(Just for now)

---

For now...

I'm so happy,

so in love.

So ready to face what's headed our way.

Happy Birthday To My Man!

Today my handsome husband is turning the big 2-7! He hates the sound of it, but I'm just thankful for another wonderful year that I've had to spend with such a great guy. He's such a blessing in my life.

L-oving and Kind

A-dorable and Patient

N-ever thinks about himself

C-arismatic and charming

E-asy going, a great listener, and a hard working daddy.

I often wonder how Layla and I have become so blessed. As each day passes, Lance ceases to amaze me and I fall more deeply in love with him. He is the most unselfish person that you'll ever meet and he's always wanting to become better. Because of him, I am who I am. And I have him to thank for it. I find myself worrying about the silliest things, and he always brings me back to what is really important in our lives.

We love to talk about how "US" came to be. And no matter how often it comes up, we are still in awe of how it all worked out. I was a 15 year old little girl, so intimidated my this 18 year old "man" (ha, he was so much bigger than me, but really a boy at heart). He cornered me in my Grandma's kitchen and asked if I was ever going to talk to him..

I said, "No!" and got out of there as quick as possible.

Sigh...

I can't believe we're together today. Husband and Wife. A Family.

Life is so good. We are so happy. So in Love.

I LOVE you sugar! Happy Birthday!

Armed and Dangerous

Since Lance had yesterday off, and it was a beautiful day we decided to spend some quality time together and go shooting. So, I put Layla down for a nap with Grandma and we were off! Now, I must brag on my husband. He's amazing. He'd shoot his 40 like it was nothing.. one handed, left handed, approaching the "suspect" and shooting between his steps. He'd also give me scenario's and tell me exactly where he'd be shooting, and sure enough, he did. I'm so proud! As for me, I think we were both quite surprised. I'm no John Wayne, but I hit center mass with every shot. (all except for one..tehehe) Anyway, you probably shouldn't mess with us... ;)

Him... getting it all ready for me.

Don't you love my LaCrosse boots he got me for Christmas? I wasn't to sure about them when I opened the gift, but now I love them! Protects me from mud, water, snakes, weeds.. you name it!

That's what sleeps next to me every night when Lance is gone. Gotta love her.

Not bad aye?

For Lance

New Orleans Saints

11-0

Lance is proud!

Of course, we do believe they couldn't have done it without her..

Last Weeks Doings...

*watched Daddy's Saints win! 9-0! Who Dat?!*

*our little cheerleader*

*listening to Layla's tunes on the piano*

*watching Layla sleep in all kind of crazy positions, this being one of them*

*Lance going in for surgery on his hand to have glass removed*

*enjoyed shopping for winter attire*

*visited Layla's friend, Madyleigh (sp?)*

It was so wonderful having Lance home for a whole week. We had so much fun spending as much time together as possible. It was hard for me to send him back to work tonight!

Thursday he had surgery on his hand to remove what they thought was 1 piece of glass, well, they actually removed 4 good sized pieces and now he's back to feeling normal in his hand again. He couldn't go another day without working out, so I'm glad we got it taken care of. And doesn't his face look awesome in just one weeks time? He's healing great!

On another note, I sure am enjoying this time of the year. Seems I can't get myself out of the kitchen! My wonderful friend, Jennifer, introduced me to a new website it's: http://www.ourbestbites.com/ (I strongly suggest you check it out) I have LOVED everything I've cooked off of it thus far. I just find so much joy in making a delicious treat for everyone in the house, plus, it's a great stress reliever! So with that being said... Bring On The Holidays!!

My Husband, My Hero

Sunday, November 1st, Lance was preparing to attend S.W.A.T school. As I watched him pack, I could tell he was very anxious to go but sad to leave us for a whole week! Here is how it went, in a nutshell:

In 5 1/2 days they trained extremely hard for 70+ hours, with only getting about 15 hours of sleep. They would run several different missions throughout the day and early morning hours, they were trained with lethal and less lethal weapons, such as: chemical weapons and explosive devices, they worked long hours on the shooting range, as yes, my husband recieved the medal for top shooter, and all the training was done while wearing approximately 60 pounds of gear.

As you can tell, he was so busy that I maybe talked to him 5 times throughout the week. But everytime I talked to him, his spirits were high and he was so positive.

Come Thursday night I hadn't recieved a phone call and it was getting late, so I sent him text to wish him a good night and let him know that I loved him. Friday morning he called me with the news...

Thursday night at about 10:00 they were training on how to take down suspect vehicles. Lance prepared to shoot the front windshield out of a car at point blank range with a shotgun (they were not aware that the windshield had been replaced with an after market windshield). He shot the windshield, and as the round penitrated, the windshield did not shatter. The pressure caused the windshield to flex inward and return with great force, projecting broken glass into Lance's face and arm. He was taken to the emergency room where the doctors stopped the bleeding and cleaned out as much glass as possible. He was then stitched back up and returned back to the base to finish out his training. He was scared to call and tell me what had happened because he didn't think I'd let him return back to training. (what a stud!)

The S.W.A.T Squad

Here is the certificate he earned for completing the course, his medal for top shooter, and also his medal for returning to training with serious injuries.

We are so blessed that he was wearing his safety glasses. He still can see out of his beauitful blue eyes.

His safety glasses he was wearing at the time of the accident
Layla and I was so excited to see him, we had to give him a warm welcome. My mother gave us the great idea..
When Lance drove up the drive way I was waiting outside for him. He got out of the car and I just covered my mouth and cried. I had NO idea how bad his injuries really were. (When Lance called me to tell me what had happened, he reassured me over and over again that it "wasn't that bad")

Layla and I are just so proud of this man in our lives. We are so blessed to still have him here with us. I'll never find myself taking the time we have together for granted. I love you baby!

P.S. Lance assured me that he will NEVER breach another windshield again!

Busy Busy...

Me, Lance, and Layla have started a new chapter in our lives. We've moved. It's been quite a busy week for us and now that things are starting to slow down a bit I feel the emotion coming on. Our little apartment was our first home, Layla's first home. We made it our cozy little spot in town where we felt safe, comfort, peace.. all those feelings your home should bring you. Although it's going to be tough, Lance and I feel it's the best choice for our little family and we'll be moving on to bigger and better things.

As for time being we're living with Lance's parents. Layla has had a hard time adjusting to everything. After 3 long nights of being up on and off she finally got a good nights sleep last night. And now she's trying to fight an awful cold. (At least that's what I hope it is) She's really enjoyed spending extra time with Grandma and Grandpa Spiers along with Uncle Greg. These will be precious memories for us, so we mush cherish every second of it. We're so grateful for Sue and Preston and their hospitality. We've pretty much just taken over their home, and they've both been so welcoming.

So that's what's happening in our busy busy lives. We're waiting to get our internet connection for our computer so I'll post pictures as soon as we get it. Here's to a new chapter...

Happy 2 years!

I can't believe two years have come and gone since my love and I got married. It has absolutely been the best two years of my life. I don't know why I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, but I thank the Lord for him every day. He is the rock to our home, our marriage, and our family. He is so very patient, kind, unselfish, loyal, forgiving, soft spoken, and thoughtful. He's a perfect example of what a husband should be.

I love you Lance and look forward to many many more happy years to come!

{the picture in the center is when we first met in 2002, we were so young!}