FIVE Years!

It's been five glorious, hardworking, miraculous, stressful, loving years of marriage with my wonderful husband! We have done so much in these past five years, and while we're not quite where we want to be RIGHT now, we are headed in that direction! So what's happened in these past five years? Well, we moved to Tennessee... and back to NC, we had a beautiful little girl, we both went back to school (in different forms, but I'm proud of BOTH us!), and Justin went bald... BAHAHAHA! So much more than that has happened, and I'm in awe of how much we have come through. Not every year was great, we faced a lot of hardships along the way... I think that comes with being a young married couple sometimes. I look back and think... WOW, I was NINETEEN years old when I got married. I was a baby! But I'm SO glad I took that leap and married this incredible man. He is everything I've ever wanted and has become a phenomenal father to our children. Who knew that when we said our vows back then that we would have a precious, precocious almost two year old running around and expecting another bundle of joy five years later? There's so much more I could go on and on about, but instead I'm just going to share some pics from our wedding day. I love you babe, you are my bald knight in shining armor ;-)

Lead Me

I've been thinking all day about what to write in this post and how to express everything I want to say. There's a song that I heard for the first time just shortly after I gave birth to Boogie, J made a slideshow of her newborn pictures and included this song in that slideshow and ever since then every time I hear that song it brings me to tears. The song is called "Lead Me" by Sanctus Real and I think the lyrics to this song completely describe what my husband thinks and feels pressured to do on a daily basis. He is so incredibly strong and so willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that my children and myself are taken care of and that I am able to stay home with them and raise them the way we see fit. Before I continue, please read these lyrics:

Lead Me

Sanctus Real

I look around and see my wonderful life

Almost perfect from the outside

In picture frames, I see my beautiful wife

Always smiling, but on the inside

Oh, I can her her saying

Lead me with strong hands

Stand up when I can't

Don't leave me hungry for love

Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight

That I'm still the love of your life

I know we call this our home

But I still feel alone

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes

They're just children from the outside

I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine

They're independent, but on the inside

Oh I can hear them saying

Lead me with strong hands

Stand up when I can't

Don't leave me hungry for love

Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight

That I'm still the love of your life

I know we call this our home

But I still feel alone

So Father, give me the strength

To be everything I'm called to be

Oh Father, show me the way

To lead them

Won't you lead me?

To lead them with strong hands

To stand up when they can't

Don't want to leave them hungry for love

Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight

And give them the best of my life

So we can call this our home

Lead me 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me 'cause I can't do this alone

I imagine every husband and/or father feels those things at some point, if not everyday. Being the head of the household is a huge responsibility and job, I know that in the past few weeks my wonderful husband has gone above and beyond the call of duty for his job as a manager for the kitchen he works for and as a husband and father. I can't even begin to tell you how appreciative I am of this man who makes so many sacrifices for his family. I know that I am constantly asking J to do this, and do that (especially the bigger I get with this pregnancy) and he is wore out. But it doesn't matter how tired he is, he is always willing to play with Boogie, was the dishes, clean the bathroom, throw together dinner... that's just who he is. I am so incredibly lucky to be married to such a man. 

I've been praying for him more so than usual lately, I find myself constantly thinking that I don't do enough to show him how thankful I am for him or wondering if he even knows how much I appreciate and love him. As the song goes... he's leading us with strong hands and he's leading us by God's command. I'm not sure if I've even gotten across everything I wanted to say in this particular post... but I hope that when J reads this he knows how much I adore him and love him. 

We are approaching our 5th wedding anniversary this September and we have been together for over 6 years now. I never imagined that I would meet the man God intended for me at 17 or that we would be where we are today with a beautiful smart little girl and a sweet baby boy on the way. I can't believe it's been almost 5 years since I stood in front of a crowd of people and promised to love and adore this man for the rest of my life. I love him more today than I did that day and I continue to love him more and more each and every day that passes. I feel bad because today on the day that I'm writing this heartfelt post, I haven't had the energy or the motivation to get anything done while he slaves away at work. He is too good to me I'm afraid, and I'm sorry to say he's coming home to a complete disaster of a house. 

J, my love, I'm sorry that you're coming home to such a disaster. I'm praying that tomorrow I will wake up a little more energized and less sore and that our Boogie will be in higher spirits (she's been a bit of a grump today). You are such an amazing man and an even more incredible father. I thank God everyday for choosing you to be my helpmate, lover, best friend, confidant, and father of my children. Thank you for everything that you do, for everything that you've worked towards, for loving us no matter what. You are incredible. 

To end, I'd like to post the music video for the song above and a few pictures of my love over the past 6 years.

First Vacation Together 2006

Prom 2006

Engagement Photos 2007

Wedding (Reception) 2007

Honeymoon 2007

Pregnant with Boogie 2010

First days as parents 2010

Family Photo and Pregnant with Asher 2012

Love

Three years, ten thousand views, and over four hundred posts... that's my blog today! However, if you haven't been reading for long, then you may not have been formally introduced to the man of my dreams. J is the most amazing husband. He is so kind, sweet, funny, strong, and so many more amazing things. He is a man of God, a wonderful father to our beautiful little girl, a loving husband, and my best friend. I've been wanting to write all this down for months, but I felt like now was the best time to do it. It's almost Father's Day, just under 2 weeks now I believe, and I'm so excited to be able to celebrate it with my family. Granted, we will be celebrating on a Monday instead of Sunday because of his work schedule, but celebrate we WILL!

There are so many things I could tell you about my husband, he is the one person who can make me laugh when I'm really down, he can put on that goofy smile of his and it's over... I just can't help but smile at him! If you asked me about the first time I met him, I couldn't give you a definite storyline, because to be honest we've known eachother since primary school. We'd pass eachother around the school, in the cafeteria, at the pool... we were even in the same 5th grade class... but we didn't start hanging out until my Senior year in high school. He swept me off my feet, I fell head over heels for him and I never looked back. We were married in September 2007, one year and 8 months to the day of us starting dating, and 8 months after being engaged. You might say we rushed into our relationship, but from day one we felt like we were meant to be. Yea, I know... crazy right? God brought him into my life at the perfect time, he healed my heart and stole it away all in the same day.

One of the reasons I wanted to write about J was because this week he has been really down. Something my husband isn't good at is having faith in himself and being truly proud of himself. J had a hard time in school and now that he's taking this CDM (certified dietaray manager) course, it's thrown him for a loop. He struggles, but I think most of the time he struggles more because he just hasn't found the confidence to really fight through the challenge. I figured with 10,000 views (which have jumped from 3,000 to 10,000 in the matter of just a few months) I could gather enough people to be prayer warriors for my love. Would you be willing? This man I love is smarter and stronger than he thinks he is, and what better way for him to figure that out then by praying to the one person who can prove that to him? J is a man of God, he trusts in our Father and I know that He can show my husband how great he truly is!

So baby, I know you're going to read this because you are my most faithful reader... you are AMAZING, phenomenal, smart, handsome, sexy, hilarious, almost bald headed (you know I had to add that!), incredible, strong, loving, hardworking, talented, and much much much more. You are the best father our Boogie could ever ask for, and you are more than I could ever have hoped for in a husband, friend, lover, and partner. To me, you are perfect. You can do this. This may be the toughest challenge you have ever faced, but I have faith in you my love! Push through, look into our daughter's eyes and into mine... we are both so proud of you, and always will be. We are your BIGGEST fans! I love you, forever and ever babe!

April 2006

May 2011

"...this is my lover, this is my friend..."

Song of Solomon 5:16

Project 365: Day 26

Ay- yi- yi... I'm so behind on pictures. But frankly, I've done absolutely nothing but homework this week! We did carve pumpkins, but we just couldn't get a good picture.... so I'm going to share an old picture for your amusement...


That one's for you Miss Elah... that's your mommy and daddy just a week after we started dating :) I'm 17 and your daddy is 19. That was almost 5 years ago!

Project 365: Day 4

Sorry this is blurry...

Today I spent the majority of the day doing homework for my online classes... yay me! Then Justin and I went to Asheville to pick up a few things we needed (pants for Justin primarily)... and we managed to come home without spending anymore money on Elah! I couldn't believe it! My daughter is already spoiled, normally any time we go to Asheville we come home with atleast one thing for her! LOL! We finished off the day by picking me up my last "meal" of the day (I'll explain that in a minute) from My Father's Pizza and headed to Nanny's to sit infront of her cozy woodstove... YES! It's woodstove season... atleast at Nanny's house! We got home from Nanny's and I shut myself up in the bedroom and did some last minute stuff for school and then Justin came in to cuddle :) hence the blurry picture (thank you Droid camera phone).

Now to explain my random meals of the day. Pregnancy has thrown my normal eating routine out the window... I don't eat breakfast, I can't. Typically I eat crackers, dry cheerios, or something bland in the a.m. because I can't keep anything else down... whatever I'm eating gets washed down with good ole' Gingerale. Yum. NOT. The rest of the day I have no schedule. I eat when I'm hungry or nauseus... and usually the rest of the day I'm nauseus because of hunger, not because of morning sickness. For instance, today, I had a bowl of Chicken Ramen around 1pm, a Sonic Burger, Sonic Fries, and sliced apples at 4pm, and then I had a stromboli and a side salad at 8pm. So again... random food hours. ::Sigh::

An update on Elah... she is fantastic! She is moving as I type actually, kicking up a storm. I'm loving being able to finally feel her all over my tummy instead of just at the base of my tummy! My next appointment is on Thursday, and I'll give you a good update then as well! Until then... goodnight!

Happy Valentine's Day!

On this day, in 2006, Justin and I went on our first official date to a little Mexican restaraunt in town... rented movies and was the day I fell in love with this shy, handsome man :)

In 2007, he took me to Gatlinburg, TN and proposed to me on this very day...

In 2008, we celebrated our first Valentine's day as husband and wife...

In 2009, we celebrated at the same Mexican restaraunt for old time's sake...

In 2010, we are celebrating our 5th Valentine's Day together... and we decided to just stay home and start a new tradition. We pulled out every romantic/romantic comedy movie we have and we're going to have a mushy movie fest and make a nice dinner and stay in :)



Happy Valentine's! Remember that this isn't just for people who have significant others... this day is a reminder for you to show affection for EVERYONE you love EVERDAY of the year. <3

25 Things About Me...

So I did this for facebook... but I decided to do a different one for my blog. So yay :)

1. I am a fulltime student taking 2 evening classes and 3 online classes.... plus an online lab. This semester is kicking my butt reading wise, but other than that I'm getting straight A's so far :-D

2. I met my husband when I was 17, married him when I was 19... so I was young. But it was also the best thing I have ever done. I am truly blessed!

3. I am blessed to work for the Flint clan... aka my Flint Monsters... which if you know me or read my blog then you know that Joseph is 8 and he is an incredible little boy. Jesse & Joyann are 5... almost 6 (but I told them they weren't allowed to turn 6) and they are pretty amazing. Jesse is sweet and caring and a little bit of a male diva ;-) and Joyann is 90% tomboy and 10%princess... atleast for now. James & Jonathan are a little over a month old and they are just precious! They poop and toot on me all the time... but I guess I can forgive them!

4. I am a teacher to be. I plan on teaching kindergarten or first grade hopefully... and I can't WAIT! Now I just have to make a final decision on whether I will be going to Western or UNCA or even possibly Mars Hill for my last 2 years of school!

5. I am shy and outgoing, loud and quiet, patient and impatient... it just depends on where I am and who I'm with!

6. One of my greatest fears is that I will never have children. I want to be a mommy so much that it just makes that fear so much greater. However... I know that God is completely on my side, and that when my time comes He will decide what is best for me.

7. I'm not and will never be a homemaker. I just can't do it. I don't mind doing laundry occasionally... or even washing dishes... vacuuming.... but not all the time. Which is one of the reasons why I love my husband sooooo much. He LIKES to clean AND he likes to cook. Yea. God definately knew what He was doing when He created my hubby to be :-)

8. Now with number 7 said... the wierd thing is that I am a total neat freak and organization junky when it comes to my office, school work, etc. Everything has a place. My notebooks are organized. My folder of assignments is highlighted according to class. OCD is my friend when it comes to school for sure!

9. Hi, my name is Sarah and I am a Coca Cola - holic. I have a problem.

10. I'm really bad to start projects (particularly crafty ones) and not finish them. At the moment I have 6 unfinished knitted hats... 2 blankets that are sewn but have not batting or backing... and 20 bazillion squares cut out for another quilt. I also have scrapbook pages half finished, hemp necklaces halfway finished.... and new projects spinning in my head that I would love to accomplish. Eek!

11. How do some women get up early enough to shower, dress up, apply makeup, fix hair and look so incredibly beautiful? I'm sorry... but not only do I like my sleep... but I'd rather go to work in my pajamas. HA!

12. I really like my boots. I have a pair of polka dot rainboots and a pair of black copy cat uggs. My parents pick on me, my brother picks on me, my inlaws pick on me... but I don't care. They're comfortable! And my feet stay dry when it rains!

13. I would much rather color, play with playdough or play Pretty Pretty Princess then go get drunk or high. I enjoy being a kid and I like having control of my body. Thank you very much.

14. I have diarrhea of the mouth sometimes... especially with my mom and Justin. Sometimes I get going, especially if I'm upset or angry... and I just can't stop talking. That's just me...

15. Being the wierd person that I am... and a little OCD... Justin and I have already picked 4-5 names for babies (both male & female). However... we have first and middle names... just not together, lol! First names (male): Cooper, Gibson, Finley, Elias; Middle names (male): Liam, Frank, Noble, Joseph; First names (female): Olivia, Chloe, Isla, Hana, Lillian; Middle names (female): Grace, Elizabeth, Joy, Hope, Faith

16. I only have a few friends that I really trust... Justin is my rock, he is everything I could have ever wished for and he knows more about me then I know about myself. Hannah is the only friend I have left from high school and she brings out the kid in me. Janelle is my cheerleader, I know that no matter what choices I make she is always by me and I know that I can count on her for anything (she's also going to be my breastfeeding coach... she SO owes me ;-) ). Stephany lives too far away but she's always a text message or instant message away if I need a heart to heart.

17. I tend to overplan. I like to know EXACTLY what I'm doing, when I'm doing it... and where. Vacations are great... but I really do overplan.

18. I <3 my guitar. You know that bumper sticker that says, "Have you hugged your guitar today?" Why yes, yes I have!

19. I have 2 dogs. Snickers is a doodle and she is the sweetest, gentlest dog I have ever had. She's well behaved and I adore her. Mudgie... oh Mudgie. This dog will be the death of me. I adore him, really I do... but he can NOT control his bowel movements. UGH. He's also really attached to me and if he's not following me around the house all day then he's whining because he can't get to me. Someday.... someday I hope Snickers will rub off on him! LOL

20. I don't go to church every Sunday but my faith is one of the MOST important things in my life. We have yet to find a church that we feel suits both my husband's and my needs... and really the needs of our future children. It's disappointing... but I've found that some of my best times in worship is alone, with my guitar, and some praise and worship.

21. I would really love to move to Fort Walton Beach in Florida. This is where my uncle lives... and where we honeymooned and have vacationed at. It's absolutely beautiful and it's not entirely touristy like you would expect. HOWEVER. I am deathly afraid of natural disasters... tornados and hurricanes being the top two... so that will NEVER happen.

22. I have really really wide feet. Like seriously, it is such a pain buying shoes, especially dressy sandals and heels. I really like wearing heels (when I dress up that is)... and I would love to buy some dressy heeled boots... but not only are my feet wide but I have tree trunks for calves. Not just because I'm chunky and have more to love... but the muscles I have in my calves are ginormous from my years playing soccer. Ugh.

23. The hottest thing EVER is watching my husband jam on his guitar. Really. He is AMAZING.

24. I married a KISS freak... who has transformed into a JESUS freak. How awesome is that?

25. I burn a lot of incense... not for religious or any wierd purposes but because I live in an old house... that the landlords don't take care of... and it just smells wierd. And incense smells good. Yay incense!

Happy.

I came to the realization today that basically... I'm happy. Yes. Happy. Despite everything Justin and I have endured in the past year or so, all the crap this house has given us... I'm happy. Why? Well first of all... because I have an AMAZING Father who I know is cradling me in His arms. Second... I have a fabulous husband who is supportive, loving, and caring... and Third. The third reason is what really touched me today. I'm happy because as I'm studying and reading and taking all these notes I know that its leading me to my dream job. I'll be able to teach children and leave an impact on their lives just like my teachers did with me. I get to spend lots of time with the Flint Monsters... which is preparing me for my own children someday... and I know that once I graduate and find a teaching position... my husband and I can finally buy a house or build a house and settle down in ONE place for the rest of our lives. I look forward to that! But for now... I'm happy with where I am and what I'm doing... because it's leading to the rest of my life. I am BLESSED.